Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Chapter 11

  Brenna waited on hold trying to get a flight out of Phoenix in two weeks and back a few days after. Chloe fought with her on the phone this morning, begging to remain there. She wouldn’t have ended up here if she chose that option earlier. No way.

  No matter what, that girl was returning with her to Canyon Junction in just over two weeks. All this had to be taken care of before school started. Another call came in so she hung up on the airline. Later, she’d check online instead. She took Jase’s call.

  “Did you get some rest after I left?”

  Jase’s voice sounded deep and raspy this afternoon. “Not much but a little. How about you? You’re sounding a little tired.” She heard the horses’ grunts and neighs in the background and a part of her yearned to be standing beside him. Other voices sounded in the back, too.

  “Hey, I stayed awake. Checked the horses, made some breakfast, did chores, let the horses out. Same old, same old. The hands are a big help when I let them work. I’m a lenient boss, it seems.”

  Brenna listened intently to everything he said. For some reason his work interested her, and she supposed it was because of the kind of lifestyle he led. “You mentioned auctions.”

  “When I go to a horse auction, a couple ranch hands spend more time here. My brother stops by to check on the horses in the evening after they’ve gone home.”

  It’d be fun to try a ride sometime. She’d bring it up later. “Hey, Nora called me this morning. She said if I want any of the furniture she’ll leave it for me. I like what she had so I’ll keep some of it. Are you interested in any of the pieces?” Maybe Nora had already asked him. “I need to go back to Iowa City.” She waited for a response but the line was silent. “You still there?”

  “Hey, uh, huh. I’ll get new furniture. Her stuff isn’t my style. What day are you leaving? You’re coming back, right?”

  “You know I’m coming back.” She sat at her laptop and went to the airline website, but got up and fixed a cup of coffee, telling him what day she hoped to be leaving.

  “Do you need a lift to the airport? I’ll take you.”

  She thought a minute. “That’s a good idea, but will you be around to pick me and Chloe up, too? I plan on returning Friday of the same week, if I can get the flight schedule I want.” It’d be so much easier than trying to park and get Chloe’s luggage into her car.

  “Yeah, no problem. The auctions I plan on hitting are a couple overnighters. It’ll work.”

  “I can’t wait for you to meet my sister. Could you teach her how to ride?” Her little sister was in for a big surprise. Brenna feared she’d be the one surprised since Chloe didn’t want any part of her or Arizona.

  “My mom can do a better job teaching than me. I’m more into breaking horses than kids—except my own. I won’t say it’s impossible. We’ll see.”

  Whatever he was doing made a banging sound like metal knocking together. “Well, I must warn you she’s sixteen going on thirty. Beautiful and she knows it. She’s fighting me all the way on moving here.”

  “Have dinner with me tonight and tell me all about her.” He paused and she waited. “Make up for last night’s ruined steaks.”

  “I enjoyed the charred steak.” Brenna chuckled. “My kind of cook. Where will we go?”

  Jase lowered his voice. “Laugh again. It sounds nice.”

  Brenna listened to his voice. Smooth. Sexy. Mmm. “Make me laugh. I know you can.”

  “Okay, come out with me. I’ll try to be funny. You should meet my brother though. He’s really the funny one, but you really have to watch out for that guy.”

  “Aw, I’d like to enjoy your humor.”

  Snickering, he said, “I’ll see what I can do. You choose where you’d like to go for dinner and surprise me. Come get me in your hot rod.”

  “But…I don’t know where…” She sighed, listening to herself. “Okay. Be prepared for anything because I have no idea what it’ll be.” She opened a new tab and typed in local restaurants, and the few surrounding towns in what they called The Valley. She’d make this one good.

  “Hey, make sure you come into my ranch instead of my brother’s side.”

  Hmm. “Well, now how am I supposed to know the difference?”

  “That’s up to you, darlin’. You need to find your way around Canyon Junction sooner or later.” He covered the phone and she heard mumbling. “Hey, sorry about that. Let me know how I should dress, you know, a tux or jeans and boots, which is what I prefer, of course.”

  Brenna pictured that man in a tux. She had to fan herself and take a drink of water. “I can’t stay out late because I have a meeting with my principal. No way can I be late. He called and moved up the appointment.”

  “Let me know what time or surprise me. I’m up for anything.”

  “Really? Ooh, I see a challenge coming on…cowboy.” Brenna wanted to jump up and click her heels together. She loved calling him a cowboy. It excited her. A big yeehaa might slip out at any time. Wouldn’t that surprise Chloe?

  “You still there, Brenna?”

  “I’m here. I’m very right here as a matter of fact. Looking forward to seeing you later. I’ll be there about dinnertime, sometime…later, when it’s close to dinner, you know.”

  “Ah, well, that almost tells me I need to be ready…now.”

  Brenna snickered. “I’ll need more time than that. Talk to you later.” She hung up with a tickle inside and strutted to the window to look outside. It was a hot day and she’d love to go out there in shorts, get some sun on her pale legs. But she wouldn’t. Her scars were too embarrassing. Maybe a spray tan would help.

  Removing a container of yogurt from the fridge, she sat at the computer and attempted to schedule a flight. It was then she realized Jase hadn’t told her what day he’d be gone. She knew how busy he was, and she didn’t want to bother him again, but she dialed anyway.

  When he answered, she asked, “You didn’t say what day you had the auction.”

  “I don’t have an auction.”

  Okay, game time now? Next he’d be calling her blonde. “You just said you did but only a couple overnight stays.” Come on, get with the program.

  “Nope, that wasn’t me, ma’am. Ya must be mistaken.”

  “Wait…is this Jase?” His voice sounded different, come to think of it.

  “Nope, he’s standing here with his hand out waitin’ for his phone. Who’s this?” He laughed, saying, “Get away, bro.”

  “Ah, the funny one. You must be the brother. He warned me about you.”

  “Warned you about me? I’ll have to have a talk with that guy. No need to be warned about me, ma’am, I’m the nice one.”

  The sound became muffled. Brenna gave a quiet laugh when she heard Jase’s voice clear again. “We ain’t teenagers anymore. Go muck out a stall or something.” A lot of laughter sounded in the background. “Hey, Brenna it’s me this time. Smartass little brother grabbed the phone.”

  She almost forgot why she called but recollected, asking him about his time away and if her schedule worked around his auction.

  “If not, I’ll have my mom or Nora pick you up. Not a problem.”

  What a man. “Thanks, but that isn’t necessary. I’ll drive myself if I have to.”

  “It doesn’t matter either way. I’ll be gone while you are and back before you.”

  “I see no problem with you dropping me off then, but I wouldn’t want you to ask your family.”

  “There is something you don’t know about my family. My mom opens her house to just about anyone. As you know, she came to my rescue the other day.”

  “Um, my rescue and I don’t know how to thank her. After all, she made you go out with me.” Forced him to go out with her was more like it, but she decided not to reiterate.

  “I know how you can thank her. Come to dinner with me one day. She’d love to have you. I’ll try to keep you away from my little brother though.”

  She liked his teasing. “S
ounds nice. What a great family you have.”

  “Yes, ma’am, everybody thinks so. Now you make your flight arrangements and I’ll plan on what to wear for dinner tonight.”

  The screeches and howls in the background were loud and crazy, and she pictured all those guys teasing him. “Catch you later, Jase. Enjoy the rest of the day…with all the razzing going on. Oh, jeans and those cute boots will be fine.” Brenna hung up happy. She didn’t have to look in the mirror to see it. It was written all over her on the inside, too.

  She checked flights online and got the schedule she had wanted. The idea of Jase offering for his mother or Nora to drive to Phoenix and pick her up warmed her heart. However, she’d never allow that. No, she’d drive and park at the airport instead of inconveniencing people she barely knew.

  Asking herself why Jase didn’t fall into that category gave her no answer. Because she’d kissed his lips…and shared an ice cube with him? His little stunt was enough to bring a shudder, and she had to agree with him that the act itself was, as he said “sexy as hell.” Which caused her to reflect on the fact she told him she was virgin. He hadn’t looked too shocked and handled it well.

  Someone had to be pretty special to break through her wall. So far, what she’s seen about the rancher, he was capable of fitting the bill. Now it was time to either slap herself, or let herself enjoy this.

  She glanced over the lists of restaurants and had no clue what to choose for dinner. She’d be as surprised as him. Maybe she’d close her eyes and point to the screen. Her phone rang again. This time it was Nora. She invited Brenna to the leasing office and lunch. Brenna agreed to meet tomorrow after her meeting with the principal. It’d be nice to know the details of the rental. She almost cheated and asked Nora for restaurant suggestions, but she had to do this on her own—again scanning the local webpages.

  Before taking a shower and getting ready, she checked an online map for a way to the Double Dutch, hoping to see the layout so she ended up on the correct end. Now she was curious to meet his brother. His little girl, Destiny, sure was adorable. She couldn’t wait to see her class list, hoping Destiny would be her student.

  ***

  Tristan followed Jase in the back door and took a seat in the kitchen. “Hey, have any soda in there?” He nodded toward the fridge. “Or Mom’s special iced tea? I know she brings it over here.”

  Jase went over and pulled out a bottle for both of them, collected a paper bag, and removed all the beer from the refrigerator. He sat the bag on the table in front of his brother. “Take this home and enjoy it. I’m cutting back.”

  “You are?” asked Tristan. He pulled the bag closer.

  “Yep.” Jase looked across the table. “I’ll have to find something different to distract me. Maybe I’ll have to deal with sleepless nights.” Now that he emptied his fridge of beer, he stared off to the side. He had to prove he was bigger than the blasted can.

  It didn’t get out of control until Rebecca took his kids. Something he hadn’t thought about—drinking that amount when the kids returned. Best he stopped now. Brenna’s statement the last night hit him in the gut, embarrassed him. He should have been embarrassed. “Y’all have been right all along. I forgot my limitations.”

  “Well, I’ll take the beer if ya insist. I’m glad to hear it, Jase. Personally, I worried about ya. When I came over and thought those horses were being neglected, I was ready to do something about it. I thought I might have to jack your jaw outta shape.”

  “My horses were never neglected. Maybe other things were around here, but not them.”

  Tristan held up his bottle of soda. “To you, my big bro. I’ve always looked up to ya, and I’m glad I can continue doing so.” He tapped his bottle against Jase’s. “Your kids will be back one day. Go to sleep with that on your mind. Not the fact they aren’t here now, but the fact that we’ll find them. None of us are givin’ up.”

  Jase hung his head, so hoping and praying his brother was right about the kids. It’d been so long now since he’d held them, he almost forgot what their little hands felt like in his. “We’ll get them back. I have to keep fighting, but I don’t know what else to do.”

  “It’s hard to believe someone in this town didn’t know something about that movin’ day. They’re all keeping their mouths shut, which tells me it had to be someone who had the means to make them keep their mouths shut. Maybe someone with money, more clout than the Carlson family. I didn’t know we had enemies here.” Tristan peered at his brother. “Anyone with money missing from town?”

  “Hell, I’ve looked at every angle, Tristan. They covered their tracks because they knew I’d come after their ass with a magazine full of .357 hollow points. I don’t care anymore who she left with. It’s not about him or her. Jaelle and Joey matter.” Jase figured the house he found in Tucson belonged to an average guy, not someone with money, or they’d have lived somewhere else.

  “That’s right,” said Tristan. “Hey, tell me about the hot chick.”

  “Come on, don’t get in the habit of saying that.” Jase half shrugged. “You have your own hot chick.”

  “Yeah, I do. No denying that. She’s even hotter with that glow in her cheeks.” Tristan gave a smirk when he lifted his chin toward his brother. “You aren’t getting out of this by bribing me about Nora, so what’s with the blonde?”

  “I don’t know. That’s the truth.” He cocked his head toward the paper bag. “See that? She has something to do with it, and it hit me upside the head like a dust cloud.” He shrugged again. Damn straight. That woman appeared in his life so fast he never had time to think about it. “She…blows me away. Never thought it’d happen again. I’m still waiting to wake up.”

  “Interesting. Don’t try to wake up. Go with it. I said the same thing not that long ago.” He finished the soda and shoved the bottle to the center of the table. “But now, I best get back to that woman before she’s blowing up the phone.” Tristan stood and took the paper bag.

  Jase walked outside with him. “I intended to work with that new horse today. Do you think I should donate her to the therapeutic riding center when I’m finished? She’s gentle but needs a bit of breakin’.”

  “Yeah, go for it,” said Tristan. “They do good work down there. Ya sure about donating? Not only that, keep an eye out for the owner, Kathy. I can tell ya, she’s got an eye for single guys and she ain’t shy.”

  “Hey, I can handle her. And yep, almost sure about donating. This one didn’t cost me much. They plan to expand down there and another horse will help a little.”

  Tristan slapped his brother’s back. “You’re a good man, J.C. I’m glad to see you’re back.” Tristan got in his truck and left.

  “I’m back!” Jase watched after him, pleased with himself. He headed to the barn to at least get the horse on a lunge line before cleaning up for dinner. Having a horse on a rope and the thought of a hot blonde in his mind, he walked to the outside ring on a cloud.

  ***

  Wearing his best dark blue, boot cut Levi’s, light blue shirt, and brown boots, he checked himself out and knew he looked good. To top it off, he wore his most expensive cologne, too. Jase was ready by time that hot rod idled in his driveway.

  He came out of the barn with the gentlest of all his horses, tied her to a hitching post, and sauntered over to the car. Leaning into the window, he said, “I’m proud of you, Brenna.”

  Her innocent fragrance hypnotized him, the smell of passion and purity, just like her. I’m lost and she hasn’t been here two seconds. Wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, he leaned forward to kiss her, not a quick kiss. He meant to absorb the warmth and fullness of her plump lips against his, to taste—bring her into his psyche. This could be dangerous now that he was back.

  Not wanting it to end, he found a way to pull away before she called him an animal. He licked his lips, feeling the thickness of her lipstick. When her soft fingers touched the side of his clean-shaven face, he closed his eyes. “Mmmm, so ni
ce to see you,” he said opening his eyes again. This woman was like magic to his soul. Weak fool.

  “Hey there. You brought a horse out of the barn.” She peered around him to get a better look. “Pretty.” Pressing on the accelerator, she asked if he was trying to compete in horsepower.

  He sensed her uneasy breathing, swallowing, jittery voice…and his heart did a flip-flop. Opening her door, he said, “Ah ha, a good one! You’re a joker.” He took her hand when she got out. “She’s a gentle beauty. Kind of like you.”

  He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Come meet her. Keep in mind, if you’re walking around the back of a horse, put your hand on its back so it knows you’re there. Better yet, don’t walk too close behind.”

  Brenna eased her hand over the horse’s neck when she came up to her, and ran her fingers through her mane. “What’s her name?”

  Jase raised his arm to block the sun. He became lost in the sparkle when the sun blasted into her eyes, causing a shimmer of light green shards that appeared deep within her blue, something he hadn’t noticed before. Her beauty made his breath catch in his chest.

  When she poked him in the arm, he came out of his muse. “Oh, yeah, her name is…ah, Poppy.” He needed to put a bridle on himself. “Do you want to get on her back? I saddled her for you.”

  He took delight in her widened stare. “Come on, you can do it. Either I can give you a boost or you can use the stand over there.” He pointed toward the barn.

  Brenna nodded excitedly. “You can give me a boost. Will she stand here when I get on? What do I do if she takes off?”

  “She won’t go anywhere.” Jase leaned over, threading his fingers together. “Glad you don’t have heels on. Hold my shoulder, and the horse with the other hand. Step in and I’ll lift you.”

  Doing as he asked, he lifted her higher. When she got on the horse she peered down at his arms. “Your muscles are so big. You’re strong. Do you lift colts or something?”

  “Nothing but weights. A lot of weights. Maybe a hay bale or two.” He winked and untied the horse, took a hold of the harness, and walked it to the outdoor ring. “How does it feel?”