Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  Lop-sided grin in place, he led her around the floor, keeping time with the beat like a pro. Another reason for a fan club, Jordan thought wryly as she glanced at the crowd of beauties all wearing an identical look of envy.

  Happy to have dropped the subject of his brother, she had just started to relax and enjoy the dance when they literally—and knowing Connor—purposefully, bumped into Cole.

  “Hey, bro,” the cowboy said to his startled sibling, both dimples making an appearance.

  Bastard.

  If her shoes didn’t happen to be her favorite pair, she’d plant her heel in the middle of his leather boot, and cheerfully provide him with a well-deserved foot ornament.

  “What’d you say we switch partners?”

  Without hesitating, Connor grabbed the smiling brunette from Cole and pushed Jordan into his brother’s arms

  Son-of-a…

  She glared at Connor’s back, her mind calling him several unladylike names. “Sorry, Cole. It’s okay if you want to sit this one out.”

  “Now, why would I want to do that?” Cole pulled her close. He smelled of woodsy aftershave and…alcohol.

  She frowned. Just how many had he had?

  His eyes were still alert. He wasn’t completely drunk, yet.

  “I like holding you best of all.”

  Warm hands caressed her bare back and she clenched her teeth against her body’s need to respond. Oh, her good parts were good and happy now. Very happy. So damn happy she vibrated. And, damn, he was just so irresistible.

  “Is that right?” She couldn’t help but smile at him.

  Stinking McCalls.

  “Yes, you’ve been driving me crazy all night.” He crushed her closer, hips to hips, as he nuzzled her neck.

  Heaven help her.

  Desire spiked in an almost painful shower of need. He felt good. It’d be so easy to give in and explore the man Cole had grown to be—she re-clenched her jaw and immediately derailed that dangerous train of thought. This was wrong. That was the beer talking. He didn’t know what he was doing. Hell, she didn’t know what she was doing.

  Note to self; strangle Conner McCall.

  Staying put for fear if she moved back Cole would try to kiss her, Jordan swallowed and closed her eyes.

  I will not give into this.

  He swayed seductively to the music, holding her tight so they moved as one, placing open-mouthed kisses over her neck and collarbone. Holy hell. Her temperature hit unsafe.

  She liked safe. Safe was good. Unsafe bad. Cole unsafe. Great. He’d reduced her to thinking in caveman.

  Damn Texan was depleting her brain cells faster than drugs. And she needed her brain because her heart was vulnerable and her body was way out of control. So were his hands. They glided over the space left uncovered by her backless dress, sending shivers down her spine.

  She swallowed her moan, but couldn’t prevent the tremor. This has to stop.

  “I want you, Jordan.”

  He whispered so low, she’d barely heard the admission. Well, her body heard it and God help her, now she was damp.

  “Come to my room tonight.” Warm breath fanned her ear and neck and stopped her heart.

  How was she supposed to be their voice of reason when she longed to be mute?

  She opened her eyes and the first thing she saw were both sets of parents watching them with identical grins on their faces. Great, more matchmakers. Didn’t they get it? He wasn’t ready. And she didn’t want to be used.

  The song stopped. Alleluia…praise be.

  Inhaling, she lifted her head and pushed out of his arms. “Thanks for the dance, Cole, but I think we should leave it at that for now.”

  Disappointment darkened his desire-laden eyes. “I’m not sure I can.” He grabbed her hand and didn’t let go until they were alone on the side of the house. “What’s wrong, Jordan? I know I’m feeling something from you. You can’t deny it.”

  “I don’t deny it, Cole. I’ve always been attracted to you, you know that. If you hadn’t stopped that kiss the other night…” her voice trailed off. She leaned against the house and sighed.

  Hand on the house near her head, he leaned in and touched her cheek, his warmth zeroing in on her heart. “Then what’s the problem?”

  She turned her face into his hand and brushed his palm with her lips before looking into his eyes. “Cole, it’s just too soon. It would only end up in disaster. Don’t you see? I don’t want to be a substitute for Bess and you don’t deserve to be one for Eric.” She reached up and gently cupped the hand he still held to her face. “That’s exactly what would happen if we took this any further tonight.”

  Stiffening, he jerked from her grasp and turned away. Her throat tightened and burned. She stepped toward him then halted. What could she say? Nothing came to mind that would ease the stiffness from the man who stood staring at the shadows of the night, hands shoved deep in his pockets as if the world’s weight rested on his shoulders.

  Words of wisdom wouldn’t help. What he needed was a friend. A truthful friend.

  Unable to bear the silence anymore, she walked to him and touched his back. “I’m sorry, Cole. I didn’t mean to lead you on in any way. As great as you make me feel, I know I’m not ready for what you’re offering. I don’t think you really are either.” When he sighed, Jordan felt she was actually getting through to him. “You need to go slowly, Cole. Date a few times, you know, sort of wet your feet a little?”

  He turned to her, a crooked grin on his lips. “Wet my feet, huh?”

  “Yeah. You know what I mean.”

  He caressed her cheek again. “You’re something else, Jordan Masters.”

  She returned his grin. “I’ve been telling you that for years now, Cole McCall.”

  He dropped his hand to hers and entwined their fingers. The unexpected gesture increased her pulse. He’s just being friendly. All you want is friendly. Body ordered to play neutral, she was proud of her control, until he lifted her captured fingers to his mouth.

  “And so you have. Thanks, Jordan.”

  She cleared her throat and fought the warmth of his gaze. “F-for what?”

  “Your friendship. Your strength.” He lowered their hands and squeezed. “Now, what do you say we go back and sing that song for my parents?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Are you sure, Cole?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. Thanks to you, I know I can do this. I want to do this.” His tone held no strain or forced gaiety. He genuinely wanted to do this for his parents.

  Admiration swelled her heart. “Okay.” She grinned. “Let’s go sing.”

  Hand in hand, they strolled back to the party, discussing his parents’ chosen song and agreed on which key would suit their voices. When the band consented, they took the stage.

  “Good evening everyone. My parents have asked the two of us to sing a special song for them,” Cole told the euphoric crowd. “Jordan and I would like to do that now.”

  He started the song and the rich timber of his voice—much deeper than when they were younger—sent chills over her entire body. Carefree memories of their childhood came flooding back and at that moment, Jordan was happy to be alive… really happy to be alive for the first time in years.

  Later that night, after she returned to her room and got ready for bed, Jordan slipped under the cool covers and willed her frayed nerves and tired bones to give into the slumber that beckoned. No such luck.

  One minute her body ached with need for Cole and the sensations his touch induced, the next guilt seized her heart and stomach, squeezing until she could barely breath. Her pounding head was her punishment. She knew she wasn’t really betraying Eric by having thoughts and feelings for another man, but couldn’t stop the guilt, just the same. It’d been over two years. He’d want her to be happy. She just wasn’t ready to be. Not with Cole, anyway. That man made her feel way too deep, too strong, too dangerous.

  Trying not to think about that part, she rubbed her temples and closed her eyes
. Thank goodness she was leaving tomorrow. With all her mixed up emotions and confused heart, it was time to get out of vulnerable city. Maybe somewhere down the line she’d come back for a visit or he’d take a trip out to the coast. But for now, they definitely needed to part ways.

  Even though they were both single again and fate had thrown them together again, the timing for her and Cole, as always, stunk.

  Jordan was starting to think maybe Fate had never really been on her side.

  The next morning, Nate, his wife and the McCalls gathered in the dining room to make more plans. Round one had gone well. Now, they needed to discus, round two.

  “Are they coming yet?” Leeann asked from behind.

  Nate peeked out the dining room to find the hall empty. “No.” He shut the door, sealing the four of them in before he turned around. “They must still be packing.”

  Alex shook his head and walked toward him from across the room. “Well, my friend, since my two thickheaded sons are actually letting your daughters head back to the coast, I think we need to go to plan B.”

  “I agree.” Nate slapped Alex’s upper arm. “I’ll put the bid in this morning.”

  “At least Jordan got Cole to open up. Did you see him last night?” Leeann smiled.

  Face brighter than it had been since he and his wife had arrived a few weeks ago, his friend’s wife walked with a lighter step as well. He understood her euphoria. Amazing how your children’s moods affected your own. Nate’s heart warmed. Tricking his oldest daughter into this visit had been the best idea he’d ever had.

  His wife touched Leeann’s hand. “And don’t forget that last dance they shared.”

  About to comment on how great the couple had looked together, he swallowed his words when the door opened up and their children walked in, bringing their conversation to an end.

  Chapter Nine

  Seven days had gone by since she and Kerri had returned to California…alone. Now, gathered at her sister’s house for a welcome home dinner for their parents, the four of them, plus Shawn and Megan, were seated at the cherry table set elegantly with white linens, heirloom china, and crystal.

  “We’re moving back to Texas.”

  Jordan’s heart hit the floor and Kerri’s fork clatter onto her plate as they stared at their smiling parents.

  “What?”

  “You’re moving to Texas?”

  More than once this past week, a nagging prickle had nudged Jordan’s mind. Why hadn’t her parents returned with them? She hadn’t bought off on their ‘we want to visit longer’ excuse.

  She sat back in her seat, gaze bouncing from her silent friends, shocked sister, to her bomb-dropping parents. “I knew you stayed in Texas for another reason.”

  A flash of worry crossed her father’s face as he busied himself with moving his fork to the other side of his knife. Jordan’s nagging prickle returned.

  His fidgeting stopped and he lifted his gaze. “We never could pull one over on you, sweetheart.”

  She regarded him closely. Genuine warmth shone from his eyes. All traces of worry, gone. Maybe I imagined it.

  Spine easing away from the chair, she relaxed. “True. And don’t you forget it.”

  “Wait a minute.” Kerri lifted her hand and waved. “Hello? Freaking out daughter here. Why are you moving? When? You just got back today.”

  “I know.” Dad nodded. “We stayed that extra week to put a bid on our old homestead. The place just went back on the market.” He smiled and squeezed their mother’s hand. “Our bid was accepted and the closing is in a few weeks.”

  “You’re leaving in a few weeks?” Kerri’s tone shot up two octaves.

  “What about your job, Dad?” Jordan frowned.

  Quite the unusual behavior for her ‘plotter’ father, she suspected his motives. He had a flowchart for everything. Heck, he had flowcharts for creating flowcharts. No way could this be an impulsive buy. This was related to a plan. Question was…plan for what?

  Warm fingers gently touched her arm. She turned to her left and met her mother’s smiling gaze. “He’s semi-retiring.”

  Oh…that plan. Never heard of it.

  “What?” Her sister voice rose along with her brow. “First you’re moving back to Texas—in our old house no less—and now you’re retiring?” Kerri reached past her coffee to grab her wine. “Do you have any more surprises in store for us or will you leave that to fate?”

  Their parents exchanged a look and chuckled. “No, no more surprises or news. That’s it.”

  “Thank goodness.” Kerri sighed.

  Jordan agreed. Wholeheartedly. The Texas trip had been quite trying, even for her. Although, she had to admit, she felt better, stronger, more at peace than she had in a very long time. She smiled. Helping Cole had somehow helped her, too.

  A few other things stood out about the trip. Like Kerri was even more quiet than usual. Instinct told her it had to have something to do with Connor but Jordan had no idea what and her sister wasn’t talking. Then there were her parents. Seeing them in that environment, surrounded by old friends and distant relatives, Jordan knew Texas was where they belonged.

  She held up her wine. “Well, as long as you’re happy, I guess congratulations are in order.”

  A round of cheers and clinking cemented the toast.

  “Nate, does your house need a lot of work?” Shawn asked while they dug into their dessert.

  “Well, it needs updating. The previous owners didn’t do anything since we sold it to them.”

  Kerri gasped. “You mean my bedroom still has purple walls with the bright yellow flowers I painted when I was ten?” Hand paused in midair, a strawberry pitched precariously on her sister’s fork.

  “Yes, and Jordan’s still has the bright orange stripes she experimented with before we left.” Her mother bit her twitching lower lip.

  Jordan grimaced at the memory. “Oh mom, that has to be one of the first rooms you do over.”

  Her dad sat back with a here’s-the-plan gleam in his eyes.

  “Actually, when your mother and I walked through the house, we decided every room needed updating, starting with the kitchen.”

  Jordan stared at her parents. “All of them? Are you going to move in before or after you tackle the remolding?”

  “After it’s finished,” her mother replied. “Alex and Leeann said we could stay with them while the renovations are going on. We already have a storage facility lined up for our things.”

  Megan raised her coffee mug and they toasted again. “Then here’s to the new, old Masters house.”

  An hour later, her mother hugged Kerri. “Thanks for the lovely dinner, sweetheart.”

  “You’re welcome, Mom. I’m glad you enjoyed it”

  “Now, I hope you realize this means you two have to come to Texas this September for our fortieth anniversary party.” Their dad dropped that bombshell as he rose to his feet.

  Kerri frowned. “What? You said no more surprises.”

  “Sorry, hun, I forgot about this one.” He shrugged. “The McCall’s insisted on throwing it for us and I’m hoping you’ll both work your magic like you did for them.”

  Forgot my ass.

  “The fall is busy. We won’t be able to spare two weeks. It’ll have to be one,” Kerri quickly replied, hugging them one at a time.

  “That’s fine, dear. We know you’re busy.” Her mom patted her hand, then turned to Jordan for a hug. “How about you, hun? Will you be able to get more leave?”

  She drew back and shrugged. “Not sure. But, being that September is in a new fiscal year, I can probably swing another week.”

  Her mom smiled. “I’m so glad.”

  “Yeah,” her dad said, giving her hug. “See what you can do, sweetheart.”

  “Will do.”

  Her dad pulled back and faced Megan and Shawn. “That goes for the two of you as well.”

  “Yes,” her mom chimed in. “I hope your doctor will allow you to come. It wouldn’t be the
same without you.”

  “I hope so too. I’ll ask him on my next visit.” Megan patted her bulging tummy and grinned.

  “Well.” Her father looked at his watch. “We’d better get going. It’s been a long day of travelling.”

  “I’ll walk out with you two. I go on duty in a half hour so I have to leave now as well.” Shawn kissed Megan then carefully touched her swollen belly. “You take care of your mom while I’m gone.”

  “We’ll be fine.” Her friend cupped his face. “You just worry about yourself.”

  Jordan’s chest tightened. She remembered having similar conversations with Eric. It never got easier.

  “Always.” He kissed his wife’s hand then turned to Kerri. “Dinner was delicious as usual.”

  “Thanks,” Kerri replied, her face turning pink.

  “And you.” Shawn winked. Strong arms enveloped her, tightening for a hug. “Make sure you give my wife the Cole scoop. She thinks you haven’t told her everything yet.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m tired of hearing about the McCall brothers and would love to get a decent night sleep.”

  “Not sure I can help you there, pal.” She returned his squeeze and stepped back. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Bless you,” he said before rushing from the house with her parents.

  “Come on, Kerri. I’ll help you clean up.” Jordan slung her arm around her sister’s shoulders and walked them back into her dining room.

  Megan followed. “Me too.”

  A half hour later, table cleared, dishes washed, the three of them sat in the kitchen and talked over coffee.

  “Okay, ladies. Like my husband said. I need the scoop. You two never did tell me much about Cole and Connor.” Megan picked up her mug and smiled. “So?”

  “So, what? There’s nothing more to tell.” Jordan rolled her eyes. “They’re gorgeous, stubborn and still single.”

  “Don’t forget conceited.”

  Kerri’s tone oozed sarcasm. Jordan frowned. Where’d that come from? Her sister never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Ever.

  “I don’t think Cole acted conceited, maybe arrogant, but not conceited…at least, not yet.” She sipped her coffee, the hot liquid warming her throat as she thought about their visit.