Rugged Rockclimber (River's End Ranch Book 8)

by Amelia C. Adams

Her eyes were sparkling. He loved that about her eyes—their sparkleability. If that was a word. Well, it should be a word.

  “It’s like they finally respect what I’m doing. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I’ve worked hard and handled all the crummy cases and paid my dues, and now . . .” She sighed. “Now it’s like I’m getting somewhere.”

  “Literally. In your new car.” He loved seeing her so happy.

  “Exactly. Do you know, I’ve never had a new car? The one I’m driving now has four dents that I didn’t even put there—I bought it off the used lot that way. And I’ve had to replace almost every major part in it. I think I’ll donate it to the Kidney Foundation or something—it’s not worth trying to sell.” She smiled up into his eyes. “Call me crazy, but I think this has shaped up to be a pretty nice weekend.”

  “You’re crazy. But yes, it has been a really awesome weekend.”

  “Hey! That wasn’t nice.” She pretended to be miffed, but she couldn’t hold it for long and went back to smiling. “So, Prince Charming, what other plans do you have for me tonight now that you’ve carried me off?”

  “Well, I like holding you like this, but I’m getting a little dizzy from going around and around in circles. What say we head over to the general store for a minute?”

  “The general store?”

  “Yeah.” He loved the confused look on her face. Okay, he loved everything her face did.

  “All right. Let’s go.”

  It only took a moment to get there, and Wes kept her hand tightly in his the whole way, sweaty fingers notwithstanding. When they entered the store, Heidi looked up from the cash register and smiled. “Hey there. I was just about to close up, but I can give you about five minutes.”

  “Thanks, Heidi. I think I know exactly what we need.” He led Amber over to a case of jewelry. “So, you’re leaving in the morning, which has already been established, but I can’t just let you go without some kind of token to remember me by.” He crooked his finger to ask Heidi to come over, and she unlocked the case for him and brought out the tray he indicated. “I was thinking something like this.” He lifted a beautiful pendant from the tray, deep red garnet set in white gold on a delicate chain. “Now, you might not know this, but you can find garnet right here in Idaho. Maybe when you look at it, you’ll think about Idaho . . . and me.”

  She hadn’t taken her eyes from it since he held it up. “I . . . I don’t know what to say,” she stammered. “Wes, it’s beautiful.”

  He unclasped the chain, stepped behind her, and refastened it. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her hair.

  “Thank you. It’s the loveliest thing I’ve ever owned.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “But I’ll think about you anyway—you don’t have to buy me a reminder.”

  “I know I don’t have to. This was done purely out of the generosity of my heart.”

  “Oh?” She shoulder bumped him. “Well, I love it, and I’m never taking it off. Unless I have to. Like, if I’m wearing a color that would clash. Or if I’m swimming. Or if I’m at the gym. Or—”

  He silenced her with a kiss, and he felt her grin against his lips. “Okay, okay,” she said as she pulled back. “But you know what I mean.”

  “I do know. Come on—we’ll let Heidi close up.”

  Rather than pay in front of Amber, which would be really awkward, Wes caught Heidi’s attention and mouthed, “I’ll be back.” She nodded and smiled, and Wes led Amber out the door. Heidi knew where to find him if he forgot to cough up the cash—it’s not like he could get far.

  “And now where are we going?” Amber asked, a mischievous look on her face. “Matching tattoos?”

  “Um, no,” Wes said. “No tattoo parlor on the ranch. But I have an idea I think you’ll like better.” He paused. “Unless you really like tattoos. In which case, you might not like it better. But we still don’t have a parlor on the ranch.”

  She laughed. “I’ve seen some really pretty ones on other people, but I’m not crazy about repeatedly being jabbed by needles. I’m good.”

  “That’s a relief. I feel exactly the same way.”

  It was full dark, but only eight o’clock. Wes smiled when he saw the light coming from under the stable doors. Wyatt or Glen would be in there now, checking on the horses one last time before bedding them down for the night. He doubted any horses alive were as well cared for as the ones here on the ranch.

  He pushed open the door and released the warm smell of hay and horse. Amber clutched his arm. “Are we going riding in the moonlight? I’ve always wanted to do that. How did you know?”

  “I didn’t know. I just thought it sounded like fun.”

  “Maybe the fairies told you.”

  He laughed. “I see you met Jaclyn.”

  “Yeah, she had me come in for tea and cookies this afternoon. She’s a little odd, but some of the things she said were spot on.”

  “Oh? What did she say?”

  Amber seemed shy all of a sudden. “Just some stuff about life and choices.”

  Wes nodded. He’d had those talks with Jaclyn himself, and he knew that sometimes, they weren’t supposed to be shared with others. “So, what kind of horse would you like? Old and slow, young and quick . . .”

  “How about middle-aged and sincere?”

  He laughed again. “Right this way.”

  He led her down the center aisle and wasn’t at all surprised to find Wyatt currying one of the older horses. “Hey, Wyatt. Can we borrow a couple of horses?”

  His brother looked over at the two of them. “A little late, isn’t it?”

  “It is, but I promise we’ll bed them down right.”

  Wyatt seemed to consider it, then nodded. “All right. Which two?”

  “I was thinking Alice and Copycat.”

  “Okay. Just be sure to lock up the barn.”

  “Will do.” Wes grabbed two saddles, asked Amber to fetch the saddle blankets, and they set to work preparing the animals for their impromptu romantic moonlight ride.

  Chapter Twelve

  After Amber watched Wes saddle up Copycat, she did the same for Alice, and Wes only had to tighten a couple of things before he said it was perfect. Then they mounted and rode out onto the trail, Alice’s footing sure and strong. The moonlight was doing its job, casting silvery light on everything and making Amber believe that at any minute, they’d come across some of Jaclyn’s fairies dancing in the meadow or skimming along the surface of the water. Anything could happen here in this magical place, this place that she’d be leaving in twelve hours.

  She reached up and touched the necklace that lay on her collarbone. She couldn’t believe Wes had given her such a beautiful thing. She didn’t know how to tell him, but it meant more to her than the new car. This was a personal gift, something that came from him, not a tax-deductible business expense that would make the firm’s year-end numbers look better.

  He rode up ahead, leading the way, his knowledge of this land just as strong as the horses’. He knew who he was and lived his life with a quiet strength that was compelling, attractive, magnetic. He had faults, she was sure—everyone did, but she had yet to see them, and she believed the fairies when they said she could trust him. They were, after all, thousands of years old and very wise.

  Wes brought his horse to a stop, and Alice stopped as well without any signal from Amber. He moved to her side and helped her dismount, and they walked a little farther along the trail hand in hand.

  “Won’t the horses wander off?” Amber asked.

  “Nope. They’re trained to stay where they’re put.” Wes stopped walking and turned to look at her, putting his hands on his hips. “You know what, I feel really awkward tonight, and that’s not right because I’ve never felt awkward around you.”

  She took a step forward and reached out to touch the edge of his collar, wanting to connect with him somehow. “Why do you think you feel awkward?” she asked, although she’d felt it too and knew exactly what he m
eant.

  “I don’t want to say good-bye to you. I wish you could stay another week, another month . . .” He let his words fade out. “But I know you have a life waiting for you back in Oklahoma. A good life, with a successful job. I can’t keep you from that.”

  She smiled and traced the seam of his shirt out to his shoulder. He’d put into words everything she wanted to say, but couldn’t. She hated to leave, but she had to. “Maybe we don’t have to say good-bye,” she suggested. “What if this were my first night here? What would we be doing instead?”

  He looked down at her hand on his shoulder with surprise. “I’d be a bit affronted, ma’am. Here we’ve just met, and you’re taking all sorts of liberties with my person.”

  “Oh, I’m very sorry.” She snatched her hand away. “I shouldn’t have assumed that such familiarities would be welcomed.”

  “I accept your apology, but I must insist that we’re properly introduced before you start . . .” He wiggled his fingers in the air. “Poking and prodding me like a beef at the butcher.”

  “I’m most contrite.” She held out her hand. “Amber Russell.”

  He looked at her suspiciously. “Wesley Weston. But you may call me Wes.”

  The tension grew thick between them as they stood there in the moonlight. Amber felt like her chest was being ripped in half. She wanted more than anything to throw herself in his arms, but she knew that would only make it harder to leave. His breathing grew a bit labored, and when she looked into his eyes, she saw the same emotions she was battling within herself.

  He reached out, took her hand, and kissed each knuckle. Then he brought her hand to his chest and held it there. She could feel the pounding of his heart against his palm. “That’s where you live now, Amber Russell,” he said softly. Then all too soon, he led her back to the horses, gave her a boost, and they returned to the ranch.

  ***

  Amber managed to hold it together until the horses were bedded down, the barn was locked, she’d said a cheery goodnight to Wes, and she was back in her room. But once she’d turned the shower on, she cried and cried, letting the water wash the tears away as soon as they fell. How had she allowed herself to become so caught up with this man? She didn’t come here for romance—she came as an assignment for work, a stupid assignment that had just gotten stupider as the weekend went on. She would definitely not recommend Peter for his vacation-planning skills. But there was Wes anyway, whether she’d come looking for him or not, and she’d never be the same.

  After she dried off and pulled on some soft, fleecy pajamas, she chose her traveling outfit for the next day and packed everything else. Then she moved around the room, making sure that the only things left out were the things she’d be using in the morning—her makeup, her toothbrush, her hairspray. Her hand lingered next to the pendant she’d left on the dresser when she took her shower. The garnet, dark and mysterious, reminded her of a heart—the kind, generous heart of a man with ice-blue eyes, a quick smile, and a kiss that could melt her just thinking about it.

  She shook her head. She had to stop this. It was time for bed, and then it would be time to leave. There would be other handsome men, other amazing weekends, other kisses in autumn forests. But even as she told herself that, she knew she was lying. There would never be another Wes Weston.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Wes leaned against the railing of the porch that circumnavigated the bunkhouse, waiting for Amber and the other lawyers to come downstairs. Wes wished they’d flown into Lewiston. He would have been more than happy to give them a ride that far. As it was, Frank had the Jeep ready for the quick trip to the private airstrip, and if they didn’t leave soon, they’d miss their connecting flight.

  The door opened, and Harold came out, followed by Giles, and then Peter. Amber was last, and Wes stepped forward to take her guitar case from her hand. She looked startled to see him. “Wes.”

  “Good morning.” He placed her guitar carefully in the back of the Jeep, then turned back around to face her. “I wanted to see you off.”

  “I . . . I thought we said our good-byes last night.” Her hand went to her throat, and he saw the necklace resting against her royal blue blouse. It made him smile. But why wasn’t she glad to see him?

  “We did, but it’s not really over until you’re actually gone.” He reached out and touched the lock of hair on her shoulder. He’d never get over how soft it was. He’d never forget how it felt in his fingers.

  She pasted on a smile. “I’m sorry, but we really do need to get going.”

  “Yeah, Frank was just saying he was a little worried about the time.” Wes looked over at the Jeep. All the lawyers were already inside—they were waiting on Amber. “Have a safe flight.”

  “Okay. Thanks. And take care of yourself.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, then walked toward the waiting vehicle. Wes leaned against the railing again, watching her go. He hated this so much.

  But she paused before getting in, and then she turned and took a few running steps. Wes met her halfway and scooped her up in his arms, almost crushing her in his hug.

  “Thank you,” she said into his shoulder. “Thank you for everything.”

  “You’re welcome.” He set her down, all too aware of the evil eye Frank was giving him, and then he didn’t care about the connecting flight anymore. He had to kiss her one more time, and so he did. She tasted like toothpaste and springtime and faith and hope and everything he loved in the world—except that maybe toothpaste wasn’t usually on that list. And then she really did have to go, and he watched her climb into the Jeep and drive away.

  Gwen came out of the bunkhouse and touched his arm. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m all right.” He turned and gave her a grin. “I think my heart just moved to Oklahoma, though. Do they have root beer there? Because my heart’s really going to want some root beer.”

  “I’m pretty sure they do,” she told him, and he wandered off toward his cabin. It was time for some breakfast, and the diner was closed on Sundays. Time to fend for himself.

  ***

  “Listen, just be grateful I didn’t bring pizza again,” Will was saying as Wes entered the diner that night, ready for their weekly family dinner. No one else was allowed within those hallowed walls on Sunday—just those with the Weston name or were soon to bear the Weston name.

  “I almost think it would have been better,” Dani protested. She saw Wes and motioned to him. “Wes, don’t you think macaroni and cheese is a total cheat? His turn to cook, and this is what he comes up with?”

  “Cut the man some slack. He’s been busy getting ready for his wedding.” Wes clapped Will on the back. “I mean, those hours he’s spent watching Ellie do all the work—he must be exhausted.”

  “Hey!” Will protested. “I’ve been involved!”

  Ellie laughed from where she sat at the counter. “It’s more like Dink and Jace doing the work.”

  Kelsi shook her head. “I for one enjoy macaroni and cheese. At least I do today. Let’s eat.”

  Everyone took their seats. After the dishes had been passed around, Wyatt looked across the table at Wes and said, “How was your ride last night?”

  “Good,” Wes replied. “And I’m pretty sure we locked up right. Did you find anything out of place?”

  “No, you did a good job.”

  “A ride? We?” Kelsi asked, lifting her eyebrows. “Did Wes take someone on a ride last night?”

  Wyatt didn’t say anything—but then, he wouldn’t anyway. He never felt it was his place to spill family secrets, unlike Kelsi, who felt the family shouldn’t have any secrets from each other.

  “I spent some time with one of the lawyers who was out here for the weekend,” Wes said. “Her name is Amber Russell, and . . . we got along pretty well.” He didn’t know what else to say. The whole story seemed a little melodramatic to share over a pot of macaroni and cheese, and it was over now, so there really wasn’t much point.

  “Seems
like there’s a whole lot you’re not saying, little brother.” Wade gave him a solemn look. “Is there something we should know?”

  “No. I mean, I don’t know.” Wes poked at a green bean with his fork. “We didn’t have enough time to get to know each other very well, but I sure wish we had.”

  “Sounds like Wes is a little twitterpated.” Will reached out and ruffled Wes’s hair. Wes retaliated by flicking the green bean at him. No one at the table seemed surprised or bothered, but just kept eating.

  “So, what are you going to do about it?” Kelsi asked, pushing her plate aside and folding her arms on the table. “And don’t give me any of that nonsense about letting go or that some things aren’t meant to be. That’s lazy talk. You want something, you go get it.” She leaned over and rested her head on Shane’s shoulder. “That’s what I did with this one here.”

  “Excuse me?” he chuckled. “I seem to recall doing the chasing, not the other way around.”

  “Maybe I just let you think you did the chasing,” she countered. “It could have been my master plan the whole time.”

  Wes shook his head and laughed. He imagined everyone had their own ideas about how that particular love story went down. As far as his went . . . could he even call it a love story? Wasn’t it more of a weekend fling story? And wouldn’t it just fade into one of those happy memories that he’d look back on someday and smile?

  “Do you ever wonder what happened after Dirty Dancing?” Kelsi suddenly asked.

  “What?” Wes often failed to make Kelsi’s leaps of logic with her, and this time was no exception.

  “So, Baby comes to the resort and they fall in love and then Johnny leaves, right? Well, he comes back and they dance and it’s awesome, and the movie ends. What happens after that? Does he find a new job and take her with him, do they say good-bye again . . . I mean, she’s pretty young. Maybe she’s not ready to get married yet. But what does happen?” Kelsi looked into her root beer glass thoughtfully. “When the vacation’s over and everyone has to go back to real life, where does the magic go?”