by Ciana Stone
There were, as the old saying went, other fish in the sea, and maybe it was time she thought about taking a swim in those waters.
Chapter Nine
Jolene hadn't planned on going to the Weathered Rail Ranch, but Cody had stopped by and wouldn't take no for an answer. Bobby Daniels, a young man who worked for Riley Morgan had come to Cody when he first arrived in Cotton Creek and asked her to teach him roping.
She'd taught him all she could and had then convinced JD to take Bobby under his wing. JD was training him and Cody was going over to watch.
"It'll be great for your story." Cody yelled to be heard over the radio as they rode along, windows down and the wind blowing their hair.
"I know. Why do you think I brought a camera?"
"You know how to work that thing?"
"Yeah, I've done it a time or two. You sure it will be okay for us to be there?"
"Sure, why not? Jason told you to come any time you wanted, right?"
"Yeah, but every time I show up JD gets that look on his face."
Cody dismissed the comment with a wave of her hand. "JD just has that kind of face. When he's not smiling he looks mean. And he's not the yuk it up kinda guy anyway. It'll be fine and you need to stop worrying about stepping on his toes. He has big feet."
Jolene wasn't so confident and hoped it wouldn't anger JD. That thought gave her pause. Why was she trying to be so careful not to anger him? She had done nothing to him and certainly wasn’t responsible for the choices he'd made in his life.
Maybe what she should do is simply stop worrying and be herself, treat this like any other assignment. Yes, that's what she'd do. She wouldn't let him get to her – on any level.
That resolve pretty much flew out the window when they pulled up beside the paddock. JD was on horseback and Bobby was sitting on the fence watching. Jolene grabbed her camera, opened the door and stood up on the edge of the floorboard of the truck, balancing the camera on the roof so she could film.
As strange as it might sound to people who weren't into such things, watching JD ride and rope was downright sexy. He didn't notice her or Cody, who was leaning against the side of the truck until he unloosed the rope from the cow and turned around.
Cody threw up her hand. "Still got it, dude!"
JD smiled and shook his head. Bobby hopped down from the fence and hurried to JD. Jolene watched as they talked for a couple of minutes. Finally, JD handed Bobby the lasso and headed for the gate. Cody pushed away from the truck and met him when he stepped outside the paddock.
"So, how's he doing?"
"Not bad. Timing's not there yet, but he has promise."
"I appreciate you making time to help him."
He nodded and cut his eyes toward Jolene as she approached. She'd left the camera in the truck. "You doing more interviews with Pop today?"
"No, Cody just asked me to ride with her. Do you think your student has what it takes?"
"He might. Definitely eager and takes direction well."
"And is gonna be sore as a boil tomorrow." Cody pointed to the corral.
Jolene covered her mouth to hide the laugh. Bobby had managed to get the rope around the cow's neck, but now the cow was headed for the opposite side of the paddock. Bobby was hanging on and if he didn't let go soon, he would end up in the dirt.
Which is exactly what happened. JD shook his head, but smiled. Cody laughed out loud and Jolene struggled not to. Bobby got up, dusted himself off, and laughed. "Yeah, lesson three hundred and twelve – let go."
"And get back on the horse and try again." JD said.
"Yes sir!"
"So, you coming to the thing tonight?" Cody asked.
"Who, me?" JD looked at her.
"Yeah, you."
"Don't know."
"Why not?"
He shrugged and looked at Jolene. "You're going with Jayce?"
"I am?" She met his eyes and for once the film of hatred was not marring their depths.
"You're not?" His expression changed, and she saw the man she'd known three years ago, the one she'd fallen for fast and hard.
"No. I'm meeting Annie for dinner and riding with her and Riley."
"I thought – never mind." He looked away and the moment was over.
"So we'll see you there?" Cody asked.
"Maybe. Gotta see to Bobby."
"Okay."
Jolene watched him walk away. That in itself was a pleasure. JD looked as good going and he did coming. She was still watching when Cody elbowed her.
"Ouch, what?"
"Ogle much there cowgirl?"
Jolene rolled her eyes and bit back a smile. "I wasn't ogling."
"Yeah, right. Damn girl, you got it bad."
"That obvious?"
"Yep. So you wanna hang out and watch awhile?"
"Sure. I think I'll film some more."
"Just try to get more than JD's ass."
"Puleeze, I'm a professional." She headed back to the truck for the camera. It wouldn't be hardship at all to watch JD. The camera just covered her real reason for being there. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she'd use about any excuse to be around him.
How pathetic was that?
*****
Jolene never imagined there would be so many people crowding the parking lot of what was once Billy's Bar. She rode with Annie and Riley and they had a hard time finding a place to park. Riley took his guitar case from the truck since he was playing with his band and he and Annie headed off to find out where they were setting up. Jolene promised to catch up with them later.
Jolene had enjoyed the dinner. She and Annie hit it right off, and she wished that Cotton Creek were not simply a pit stop for her. She'd already made two new friends in Cody and Annie and it made her long to have that as more than a temporary thing.
Her phone chimed, and she pulled it out of her back pocket. She smiled as she saw who it was. Jayce.
"Hey cowboy."
"Hey beautiful. Where are you?"
"At Billy's."
"Well so am I. The band is setting up on the foundation and there's cold beer."
"On my way."
As she wandered through the crowd, she was greeted by people she knew from eating at the bakery or local restaurants. She saw Jason and waved. He tipped his hat to her with a smile then resumed a conversation with two other men. She scanned the crowd, searching for JD, but didn't spot him.
"Hey!"
She turned at the sound of Jayce's voice behind her. "Well hey there, cowboy. You sure clean up good."
He grinned at her and she was struck by just how handsome he was. "You look beautiful."
Jolene laughed. "Flatterer."
"Just call it like I see it, darlin'. Want a beer?"
"Maybe later. Just finished dinner and am stuffed."
"Whatever you want. So, how're you liking Cotton Creek?"
"I like it. A lot. The people are nice, it seems like a good place to live, and there's a sense of community here that you don't find much anymore."
"Yeah, it is nice. Not that I have much to compare, mind you. Aside from college, been here my whole life."
"No desire to leave?"
"No. Well, maybe once. But I got married and Carson came along and… well, you know."
"I met your son. He's such a handsome young man. Like his father. And really sweet."
"Yeah, I think all the boys have a crush on you."
She laughed. "Oh?"
Jayce smiled. "Yeah, no offense, but Carson said you'd make the perfect Indian princess."
"Well, I'm flattered. You must be proud of him. I hear he's very smart, does well in school, and looks to be following in his cousins' footsteps when it comes to football."
"Yeah, the boy loves to play ball. All kinds. I don't know that he'll ever settle on one sport though."
"So, let me ask if it's not too personal. Where's his mother?"
"Nathalie? She lit out when he was two. Haven't seen or heard from her since."
"Naw. I mean life always has challenges, but like Pop always said, if you want something you find time for it, and if you don't, you find excuses. I want to be a good dad and Carson makes that easy."
His words touched her. She reached out to give his arm a squeeze. "You're a good man, Jayce."
"I try."
Just then a voice boomed out from speakers spaced around the area. It was Cody Sweet. "Hey, y'all. Glad you could join us. We've got a great band, cold beer and mixed drinks, so y'all have a few, kick up your heels and enjoy the music and company."
Hollers and cheers followed, almost drowning out the first notes of the band. Jayce held out his hand to Jolene. "Let's dance."
Jolene took the hand he offered and let him pull her through the crowd to the makeshift dance floor. Jason hadn't lied. Jayce could dance. Just watching him was a treat, and from the looks he drew from other women, it wasn't just her appreciating his moves.
It was she, however, who was starting to appreciate the feel of his hard body against hers as he swung her into his arms for a slow dance. She arched back to see his face. "Your father wasn't nearly lavish enough in his praise. You do realize that half the women here are watching you, right?"
His smile was sexy enough to light a fire, and she found herself surprised to feel the warmth spreading through her. "Not much interested in them, darlin'." He danced her over to the edge of the crowd.
She chuckled. "You do that so well."
"Do what?"
"That good ol' boy slow drawl."
He laughed and swung her around. "On to me, are you?"
"I'm starting to be."
"I just like to have fun."
"Nothing wrong with that."
"Except there is. Look Jo, I like you and I think we could have some fun, but I'll be straight with you. I'm not looking for happily-ever-after. I tried that, and it didn't stick. So, if you're interested in having some fun while you're here, then I'm your man. But if you're looking for something else…"
At that moment JD walked by. He looked at Jayce and then at Jo. She heard Jayce talking, but her eyes were focused on JD. She didn't realize Jayce had stopped talking until he turned her around. Then he leaned in closer. "No worries, darlin'."
She snapped back to attention and pulled back to look at him. "What?"
"You and JD. There's something there and I'm not asking you to explain, but it's pretty clear there's something. He's been like a penned up bull ever since you got here and he can't walk by without your eyes following him."
Jolene was a little embarrassed that it was so obvious. "I'm sorry. I really like you, Jayce and there was a time when having a little fun was all I wanted too. But – but then – then I met JD and he changed that."
She was horrified at the words that came out of her mouth. Why had she told him?
"When did you meet?"
For a split second she considered telling a lie. Jayce would never know the difference. She could pretend she'd only met JD when she came to Cotton Creek. However, the idea of lying rankled her. She had no reason to run from the truth and had done nothing she was ashamed of.
"Three years ago. The weekend his wife killed herself."
Jayce's eyes widened. "Oh, okay, now things are making sense."
"Pardon?"
"He called the first day of the auction and said we weren't even in the running for that bull and he hadn't seen anything else of interest so he thought he might just head on home. But he didn't. He stayed and when Pop called and asked why he said he had his eye on something real good. That was you, wasn't it?"
"I didn't know he was married, Jayce. Hell, I didn't even know his name was Justice Weathers. All he said was that his name was Dylan and…"
"And you were with him that whole weekend."
"Yeah, until he left before I woke, without saying goodbye."
"Ouch."
"Yeah, tell me about it. Not so easy on the ego."
"Or the heart?"
"Especially not the heart. That was my last hook-up, I'm afraid."
"You got it for him bad, don't you, darlin'?"
"Am I that obvious?"
He shrugged. "Maybe or maybe I'm just that perceptive. Whatever the case, it's cool."
"So you're not upset with me?"
"For what? I've had a real good time dancing with you, and it goes without saying that having a beauty like you in my arms ups my rep as a world-class woman magnet."
Jolene laughed in relief and hugged him. "God are you ever."
When she drew back she kissed him softly. "I think I love you, Jayce Weathers."
"Just not like that."
"Yeah."
"Well, I think I love you too, girl, but it's time for you to get. If you don't go catch up, big brother's gonna head on home and have himself a lonely night drinking."
"You sure?"
"That I am."
"Okay. Thanks Jayce – for everything."
Jolene searched the crowd and after a moment spotted JD, making his way toward the edge of the parking lot. She hurried to catch up with him and was only five feet behind him when someone grabbed her arm, jerking her to a halt.
She wrenched her arm free and glared at the heavyset man barring her way. "Excuse me." She tried to sidestep him and was shocked when he slapped her and sent her stumbling backwards.
"You fucking bitch."
Anger reared its head like a stepped on snake and she squared off at him. "I'd suggest you step aside Mister. I don't know you and—"
"You fucking well do. You fucking ruined my family with your lies, bitch."
Jolene was taken aback by his words and apparently so where the people around them because everyone was moving away to give them berth. Obviously, the man was drunk and had mistaken her for someone else. "I don't have a clue what you're talking about. I've never met—"
"Liar! You did that goddamn thing about my brother and ruined my whole fucking family with your lies. I swore I'd get even if I ever laid eyes on you bitch and that day is now."
"I don't think so."
Jolene had been so focused on the threat she hadn't seen JD walk up behind the man. Now she felt a swell of relief. He towered a good four inches over the man, with eyes narrowed in a way that promised trouble.
The man whirled around to face JD. "This ain't none of your fucking bidness."
"I'm making it my business and advise you to apologize to the lady and move on."
"Or what?"
"Or you and I are going to have a problem and trust me, you don't want that."
The man eyed JD for a moment then backed away, pointing at Jolene. "Don't think this is over bitch. I'll get you." When JD took a step toward him, he turned tail and ran.
Everyone around them was watching when JD took Jolene's arm and steered her through the crowd. Neither of them spoke until he stopped in front of a white pickup truck. He didn't release her but turned her to face him. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, thank you."
"What started that? Do you know that guy?"
"I don't know and no, but he said something about me doing something about his brother."
"You have any idea who the brother is?"
"Not a clue. Is he not a local?"
"Never seen him before, but with all the renovations going on in town and the Pursell’s gearing up for the rodeo there are a lot of new faces around."
"Well, with luck I'll never see him again."
"You sure you're okay?" Using his free hand, he reached up to stroke the side of her face where she'd been slapped. "You might be sporting a bruise tomorrow."
She might be. Her face hurt, but the pain was nothing compared to the feelings his touch inspired. Longing filled her. For this moment he was the man she knew he could be. Caring and kind, the hero who would step in to save someone in danger.
"I'll be okay. It could have been a lot worse if you hadn't stepped in."
"C
ouldn't just stand there and let him hurt you, Jo."
"No?"
"You know I couldn't." His hand stayed on her face a moment longer and then fell away as did the softness in his tone. "You need a ride?"
Jolene considered it for a moment. She could stay but the chance to spend a few more minutes with JD was more appealing. "I'd appreciate it. I rode over with Riley and Annie."
"Then hop in."
She climbed in the passenger side as he got in behind the wheel and started the truck. Thanks to the crowd, it took a few minutes to get out of the parking lot, during which time neither of them spoke. Once they were on the road, she screwed up her courage and opened her mouth.
"Thank you for coming to my rescue. I really thought he might hurt me."
"I wouldn't allow that." He looked over at her and again the longing seized her, so much that it pulled the words from her she'd wanted to ask since she first saw him in the diner.
"Why do you hate me, JD?"
"I don't hate you."
"Then why do you act like you do?"
His tone and his look were sharp. "You know why."
"No, I don't." Despite the hurt his words caused, anger took control. "What did I ever do to you?"
"What did you do? You can't be that dumb."
"No, I'm not dumb at all, which is why I'm asking. And don't say another word until I've finished. Yes, I was with you the night your wife died, but her dying wasn't my fault. I didn't even know you were married. It's not like you were wearing a ring and you sure as shit said nothing about it. Hell, you didn't even tell me your name – well at least not the one you go by. So, how is her dying my fault?"
He slammed on brakes and turned toward her. "If I hadn't met you I would have been there, could have stopped her."
She so wanted to hold onto the anger, but the look on his face melted it quicker than butter on a hot griddle. All that was left was the need to ease his pain. "JD, I'm sorry it happened. If I'd known you were married, I'd never have let you in my bed. Just like if I'd known that Justice Weathers was Dylan, I would have given you warning before I showed up here. I have never and would never do anything to hurt you or your family. I hope you know that."
"Intentional or not, you did." With that, he put his foot back on the gas pedal and they finished the short drive to Nellie Mae's in silence. He pulled up in front of the house and stopped.
