Fifteen minutes later, the roar of the ocean filled her ears and she could see the big oak tree in the distance. Sea breeze scented the air and soft cry of seagulls brought back memories of many childhood outings there at the gulf.
The girls dismounted and allowed the horses to graze. Jordan strolled to the tree to seek out her old handiwork. Goosebumps covered her skin. There, three feet up the trunk, sat the mark she’d made the morning they’d moved. Upset, and with all of the emotions of a love-sick sixteen-year-old, she’d carved out a big heart with the letters J + C in the middle.
Her fingers skimmed over the initials. They’re still here.
“That was a long time ago.”
Jordan jumped at her sister’s voice. “Y-yes. A million years,” she whispered, dropping her hand and stepping back. “Yet, I remember it as if it were yesterday.”
“I know what you mean.” Kerri walked in front of her to lean against the tree. “I remember picnicking here with the boys, and Kade, Kevin and Jen before we’d go down to the beach for a swim.”
“Those were the days. Hey? Speaking of Kade, Kevin and Jen, I wonder how the Daltons are?” She smiled at the memory of their other old neighbors. Kevin and Jen were brother and sister, and Kade was their older cousin. He was also Connor’s best friend, just as Kevin was Cole’s. Together, the seven of them had had a lot of fun.
“Me too. Maybe they’ll be at the party.”
“Maybe.”
Jordan turned to survey the U-shaped beach ten feet below. The ocean glistened and beckoned with a welcomed bellow. She exhaled and rubbed her arms. This was her favorite part of the McCall ranch. Many a time, she’d lain on this very spot, looking up at the sky, listening to the waves…daydreaming about her future with Cole.
Her heart twisted. Life had had other plans.
Breathing past her tight chest, she acknowledged the grieving process was a long and hard road—a road she still traveled. One everyone who had suffered a loss must take if they’re to function in society…including Cole. Jordan squared her shoulders. That sexy, stubborn tycoon was going to get on that path if she had any say about it.
She yanked off her shirt, then jeans. “I don’t know about you, Kerri, but I’m ready for a dip in that ocean.”
“Yeah. It sure has gotten hot out,” her sister agreed, stripping to her bikini.
After applying sunscreen, they grabbed their towels and trekked down the familiar trail to the beach. Just what the doctor ordered to relieve stress and keep thoughts of Cole at bay.
Light-hearted and refreshed a half-hour later, they dried off and climbed up the hill to spread their towels in the grass.
“All of that swimming has made me hungry.” Jordan’s stomach grumbled in confirmation.
“Not to fear, my dear sister. I anticipated that and stopped by the kitchen on my way out to make us each a sandwich. Emma threw in some of her cookies, too.” Kerri strolled to her grazing horse.
“You mean she actually had some left?” Jordan chuckled, spreading her sister’s purple towel next to her tie-dyed one.
“No, I think she made these this morning. We depleted yesterday’s stash, yesterday.”
Kerri returned with an insulated sack and quickly unpacked their lunch. Jordan couldn’t recall the last time the two of them had spent an afternoon this way. A tradition they needed to rectify.
Taking the final bite of her ham and cheese sandwich a few minutes later, she washed it down with water and sighed. This was pure bliss and exactly what she needed to regroup before confronting Cole again.
Confronting Cole.
Boy her parents were shrewd, not to mention Mr. and Mrs. McCall. Jordan was under no illusion that this had been their plan all along. The niggling in the back of her mind that they were up to something was suddenly very clear. They knew she’d suffered a similar loss and would never allow Cole to remain closed-up and shut everyone out. They were right. She smiled into the sun. His days of using pain as an excuse to act like a jerk, were numbered.
“Thanks, Kerri. That hit the spot.” She re-capped her bottle as well as her troubled thoughts and reached for a cookie. “I’ve been wondering...did I interrupt something between you and Connor earlier?”
A flush spread across her sibling’s face. Choking on her own cookie, Kerri took a swig of water before answering.
“No! My goodness. Why do you ask?”
“It’s just that it seemed like I walked in on something at the stable. I wasn’t sure if I should’ve left the two of you alone or not.”
“Definitely not. No, no. I can’t seem to think straight when I’m around him and I don’t like it. Not one bit.” Her semi-wet hair shook vigorously.
“I know what you mean. I get that way with Cole. Although right now, I’d like nothing better than to slug him one.” Her fists curled as she studied the waves rolling onto the beach below. His behavior was similar to the turbulent water—out of control; tumbling inside until it build up force and crashed to the surface.
She drew in a breath. Next weekend would be a concern. The McCall’s were going to exchange their vows and the decorated surroundings, the smells, the cherished words would undoubtedly remind Cole of his own wedding and how happy and excited he and his wife had been that day.
Would he make an effort to be there? In all honesty, she wouldn’t blame him if he failed to show.
Jordan understood all too well. She’d been through a similar experience last year when she was maid-of-honor for Megan’s wedding. But she’d gotten through it, determined her friend would have the memory of Jordan supporting her on her special day. Although it was hard, very hard, she was glad she’d made the effort because now, she would always have the memory too.
If he didn’t go, in a few years, Cole would regret not attending the ceremony for his parents. However, not even Jordan would force him to be there...but she had absolutely no problem railroading his stubborn caboose onto the right track, the healing track.
Last of the cookies finished, she reapplied sunblock and lay on her towel, noting Kerri did the same. Eyes closed, she enjoyed several content minutes of doing absolutely nothing.
Jordan sighed , relishing the feel of the afternoon sun heating her skin. “This is a little bit of heaven.”
“Absolute rapture,” her sister agreed. “But if we stay much longer, they might send out a search party for us and you know who they’ll probably send.”
Eyes now reluctantly open, she turned her head toward Kerri, and shrugged. “So let them. I’m not going to allow Mr. Personality to spoil our wonderful picnic.”
Rising to her feet, she shook her head. This was her time. She wasn’t…
Alone.
Jordan stilled. Hair on the back of her neck stood up while goose bumps prickled her spine. Someone’s out there. Hand to her brow, she squinted against the bright sun and scanned the horizon for movement. Only trees, pastures, and a few birds met her gaze.
Kerri scrambled to her feet and looked in the same direction.
“What is it, Jordan?”
“I don’t know. It just felt like someone was watching but I don’t see anyone.”
“Well, maybe it was just that half a dozen cookies settling in your stomach.”
Kerri jabbed her and laughed.
Goosebumps diminishing along with her concern, Jordan transferred her attention to her sister. “You’re one to talk, you ate the other half.”
Carefree mood restored, she chased her giggling sister back down the trail and right into the ocean.
Stilled to the point of not breathing, Cole halted his horse next to Connor’s, under the shade of a willow oak tree. Damn. As big as the ranch was, over two thousand fucking acres, and they had to stumble across Jordan and Kerri having a picnic. Pounding increased in his head. The girls squirted on sunscreen and proceeded to rub the lotion all over their nearly naked bodies.
Cole’s groin bypassed tight and jumped straight to throb. Closing his eyes, he cursed his weakness
. He hadn’t had an erection since before his wife had died; except for the few caused by thoughts of Bess or the dreams she’d haunted.
Not that he’d lacked opportunity the past two years. He knew without conceit he’d had plenty. But he never gave the flirting a second thought. He felt nothing.
Until now.
He swallowed. Now his body betrayed his heart and all at the sight of Jordan who, by the measure of the bikini she wore, was practically naked.
Blood raced to his groin as he gazed at his curvy ex-neighbor. He’d always known she’d grow up beautiful but, taking in her ample curves and long legs, what he saw was a knock out.
And that’s exactly what she was doing; knocking out a piece of the carefully built wall he’d erected around his emotions. She attacked his libido like a heavyweight in a title match—he didn’t stand a fucking chance.
Leather groaned under the stress of his clenching fists. He didn’t want to feel. Not now. Not with her. Christ. When had he become such a pansy ass?
Jordan stood and lifted her arms above her head to stretch.
Ah hell.
Hunger ripped through him and gripped tight. Tall and lean, she made him sweat as her curvy ass, barely concealed under her blue bottoms, dried his throat. Damn near perfect. Her top, which at that angle didn’t cover her abundant, more than a handful bust, twisted his gut. I take it back. She is perfect. He would’ve salivated if he had any saliva left. She had him fully aroused without even touching him.
Her hands returned to her sides and everything fell back into place. He expelled the breath he hadn’t realized he held and heaven help him, continued to survey her body. A strong urge to place his mouth in the curve of her waist and trail kisses to the bottom of the tiny blue triangle awakened the rest of his long dormant cravings.
Did she taste as hot as she looked?
Hell. He wanted to strip off her bathing suit, experience that incredible kiss again, and feel her supple flesh quivering beneath him. Desire turned fierce so fast, need nearly doubled him over. He couldn’t help but wonder if the intense response was from being celibate for the past two years...or just his reaction to Jordan.
His grip tightened on the reins. I owe Bess. How the hell could he even think those thoughts, let alone allow himself to be driven to this state?
Self-loathing lessened the intolerable need. He swallowed and turned toward his silent brother. A pulse pounded in Connor’s neck as he gazed at Kerri in a similar manor. At least he wasn’t alone in his torture.
Another quick glance at the girls and Cole’s heart stopped altogether. Incredibly, Jordan shielded her eyes and looked straight in their direction. Fuck. Remaining still, he prayed the trees shaded them enough from her view. Now was certainly not a good time for a confrontation.
When Kerri stood and joined her sister in the search, he thought for sure they were busted. Relief swiftly flooded his body when the girls stopped and began to playfully romp with each other before disappearing down the ocean trail.
That’s what the hell he needed—a cold soaking.
Giving his head a slight shake, he cleared his dry throat. “I uh vote we high-tail it to the stable. I’ve seen more than enough.”
Connor lifted his hat, swiped an arm across his sweat soaked forehead, then placed the hat back on his head. “I’m with you little brother. Those California bikinis sure don’t leave much to the imagination, do they?”
“No, they don’t.”
“Still.” Connor lips grew into a mischievous grin. “Those two sure can fill them out, or should I say—fall out.”
Groaning at the images those words conjured, Cole turned his mount. “Let’s just go.”
Without waiting for his sadistic brother, he galloped toward the stable, putting as much distance as he could between Jordan’s sexy curves and his pent up, traitorous body.
Mrs. McCall glanced over at Jordan from across the coffee table later that evening. They’d all convened for pre-dinner drinks in the gathering room.
“I hope you girls will have time to do a little socializing while you’re here,” their host said.
“Yes.” Her mother smiled her agreement. “There’s a few old neighbors we’d like you to visit with us this week and some shopping in Houston, of course.”
Kerri shifted in her seat next to Jordan on the couch. “That would be lovely.”
Liar. Jordan held back a snort. Her sister was as reluctant as she was to waste their days reminiscing when there was a lot of work to do, but they were there to please.
“What about you, Jordan?” her mother asked.
“Of course,” she dutifully replied.
The last thing she wanted was to socialize, unless it involved provoking a reaction from a certain dour McCall. Her glance traveled across the room to the silent man standing a few feet away by the corner bar next to his brother, her father and Mr. McCall.
Pale and drawn, his face didn’t mask his exhaustion. Her heart squeezed. Cole was working himself to death. She had to find a way to deliver him from his hell.
But not tonight. No, she’d give the poor guy a break from the teasing and prodding tonight. Let him get some sleep, tomorrow was soon enough to start at him to live again.
“Well...” Her father bounced his gaze between her and her sister. “It looks like you both brought back some sun from your outing today.”
Kerri smiled. “Yes. It’s been so long since we’ve taken time off. It felt good to just sit and relax at our own leisure.”
“I agree.” She glanced up and grinned at Cole. “The feel of the warm sun on my skin was heaven.”
He paled and averted his gaze.
What’s with him?
She glanced at Connor. The twinkle in his eyes and dimples in his cheeks spoke volumes. Her pulse quickened. Those buggers.
They were there. It had been the brothers McCall she’d sensed.
Why hadn’t they joined the picnic? The four of them used to eat and swim together all the time. She shrugged. Their loss—the water had been pure bliss.
Sipping her Bordeaux, her taste-buds clamored in an almost painful attack on her tongue. Momentarily distracted by the perfect tang, she closed her eyes as the succulent flavor greeted her palate. Great choice. Slowly, reluctantly, she licked her lips and reopened her eyes, and her heart slammed straight into her throat.
Cole stared at her lips with what almost looked like longing in those dark depths before he dropped his gaze to the glass in his own hands. She frowned and forced her pulse back to normal. Jeez, she must’ve gotten too much sun. She was seeing things. Cole didn’t feel…he couldn’t have...hell, he doesn’t even like her right now.
With her eyes still trained on him, she didn’t move, didn’t breath, just sat there waiting for him to look up. When his gaze finally lifted, she was doubly convinced she’d imagined the desire. His expression was full of disdain.
“It’s about time you two girls did some relaxing,” her father said.
Returning her attention to the others in the room, she silently laughed off her hallucination. Cole desiring me…hah! Poor guy only had two emotions right now; anger and fury.
Another sip of the wonderful wine crossed her tongue and restored her earlier euphoria. Today had been a good day. A great day.
The conversation turned to favorite vacation spots and they discussed the merits of beaches versus snowy mountains, while they finished their pre-dinner drinks.
Cole covered his mouth and yawned.
Jordan regarded his eyes. Red and watery, they confirmed her earlier assessment. This time, he wasn’t faking it to get out of socializing. Poor guy was truly exhausted.
Which became increasingly apparent later, when he headed for the stairs, instead of his office after dinner.
“There’s a good thriller on TV tonight,” his dad said.
“Count me out.” Cole shook his head. “I’m heading to bed. I’m tired.”
“How about you, Jordan?” her father asked. “I
t’s the one you like about the US Marshall on the train.”
“I think I’ll pass. We’ve got a full week ahead of us. I’m going to turn in too.” She swiveled to the retreating form. “Wait up, Cole. I’ll walk with you.”
Broad shoulders rose and fell in a silent show of annoyance, but he stopped at the bottom of the stairs and waited while she said her goodnights.
“Thanks,” she told him as they began their ascent. Worried about his pallor and the fatigue slumping his shoulders, she put her hand on his arm when they reached the top. “What are you trying to do? Work yourself to death?”
“Drop it, Jordan.” He yanked his arm out of her grasp. “I’m not in the mood.”
She brushed his irritation aside and searched his face. “You have to stop doing this to yourself, Cole. You need to slow down.”
“And you need to mind your own damned business.”
She ignored him. “There’s more to life than just work. What happened to that mischievous boy I knew?”
“He died.”
Her hissed breath echoed down the hall. “Cole McCall! That’s a horrible thing to say and I refuse to believe it.” She gripped his shoulders, hard and stared into his cold gaze. “He’s still in there and I’m going to find him. And when I do…I’m going to kick his ass for letting you take over.”
“There’s nothing wrong with me, Jordan,” he scoffed. “I grew up. You should try it.”
She released him and laughed. “Yeah, you sure got me pegged, McCall. I’m very immature and not responsible at all.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “Maybe you are as far as work is concerned, but you need to stop trying to change me, Jordan.” He dropped his hand and his gaze bore into hers, flashing a silent warning.
She hated warnings.
“No.”
“What do you mean no?”
“Just what I said. No. I won’t stop trying to change you because I don’t particularly like you. I want you gone and the old Cole back.”
Firm fingers suddenly dug into her bare arms. “Too damn bad. This is who I am now. The old Cole might’ve put up with your antics but I won’t.”
Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series) Page 6
