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

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “I best get back. Sleep didn’t come easy last night and my appointment is at nine o’clock. I’m excited to see my classroom.”

  “Well, then, Miss Page, I suppose I have to let you go.” Instead of letting go, he drew her close. He didn’t expect her fingers to press against his pecs like she was on the verge of clawing if he didn’t have the material in the way. He’d love to open his shirt and let her at him, but he’d save it for another day.

  Instead, he lifted her chin and lowered his face to hers. “Thanks again for dinner…and the evening.” When she laid her hand against his face, he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he couldn’t help but enjoy the feel of her warm fingers. Gentle caresses in the hair at his temple reminded him he could take her down right now and love her like crazy, but their first wouldn’t be like crazy. If…he was lucky enough to be the one… Focusing on something else, he did his best to get his breathing under control.

  She brought his face down to hers and kissed him. Not able to control his own mouth, he opened and eased his tongue through her surrendering lips and brushed ever so gingerly against hers. Enough to know it happened. Her soft and tender kisses didn’t ask for rough and aggressive right now…or she didn’t know she wanted it that way. Either way, he pulled away and collected his ragged breaths.

  At the car, he held her and gave a soft kiss one last time for the night. “Let me know when you’re home safe.” He took the bag when she handed it to him. She lowered herself into the driver’s seat, sliding the seat forward. “It was fun driving this thing. Thanks, Bren. Perfect for a horse rancher.” He knelt and leaned his arms on the door. “Get it?”

  “Well, you know,” she said, beaming enough to light the dark night. “Uh huh. It’s like a horse lover thing. You like your horses, I like mine. G’night. I’ll text when I get home. I couldn’t have enjoyed a night more.”

  Chapter 13

  Brenna watched in her rear view mirror as lights came on in Jase’s house. She took her time leaving, not wanting to go. She enjoyed cuddling against his strong body, holding his hand, and listening to his voice with that little bit of scratchiness he might not have been aware of. She not only detected the subtleness, but liked the sound with certain words. When she thought about him, warmth flooded over her. A peacefulness. In her mind, it was no longer…if she made love to him—but more like—when.

  Hardly knowing much about him and the way her body tensed and responded, made no sense. She thought her sexuality had hibernated…for good. But being around him was like the missing piece to the puzzle she had searched for, had been put into place and was now complete. How? If only she knew the answer. Glancing at her GPS, she smiled, knowing he set it to direct her home. A simple act such as that touched her in a way she couldn’t explain.

  Following the directions, she pulled into her parking lot and went to her room. She sent a text to him, saying she had arrived. He sent a smiley face back. “The big, strong cowboy sent a smiley face.” Brenna chuckled, wondering if after he hit send, he was embarrassed. She sent him back a heart.

  She went to the closet and checked the outfit she planned on wearing for her meeting tomorrow. She had already met the principal in Phoenix at the career fair when she came here in May for the initial interview. This meeting was more informal at the school building. Being interviewed by a whole team in Phoenix had been nerve-wracking. It worked though. They liked her credentials enough to hire her.

  She’d need a whole new wardrobe to deal with this heat. Not only that, it’d be a good excuse for Chloe to strip down, living in a state where it was always warm. Something that would have to change now that she was growing up with her not-so-youthful looking body. Brenna sighed thinking of her. Sure, she could let her do as she wanted, but she loved her too much to let her ruin her life.

  Changing into her pajamas she settled in front of the TV and it wasn’t long before she fell asleep. In the night after waking from a heated dream of Jase, she trudged to bed, sweating and excited, yet making sure to set her alarm. Sleep didn’t come now that she went to bed. The dream—sprawled out on the bed, naked with Jase sleeping in her arms, weighed heavy on her mind. No man had blown her away like this one.

  For sure, no man she ever cared about saw her scars, or all of them. Cory, her long term boyfriend, faded away after the accident. No one’s fault, but her own, for she had been too devastated to contribute to their relationship. At the time she didn’t care, didn’t need anyone. When in fact it was the time she did need someone.

  He got tired of waiting for her to mentally return, and had grown weary of waiting for her to give in to him sexually. Never understanding why she wasn’t like many other women her age, sexually charged and wanting sex. How could she tell him after seven years, he did nothing for her that way?

  Placing her hands behind her head, she stared at the ceiling. Up there was Jase’s handsome face. The sparks flying between them on the evening they met drew her to him instead of away. If she’d driven off that night after he put gas in her car, she’d still be dreaming of him. They had to pursue this. Brenna turned on music, hoping to stop thinking about him, or anything else besides falling asleep.

  ***

  Her meeting with the principal was successful. She loved the layout of her classroom with whiteboards instead of chalk. Her favorite. Each table had four chairs so her students could socialize. First graders needed to feel a part of something, and sometimes they still cried. Sitting beside a friend could make it all better from her experience. She couldn’t wait to get it set up. In her mind, she already thought of how to decorate the one large bulletin board for the beginning of school.

  At noon she met Nora at the townhouse and she rode with Brenna to the office. Destiny was with her grandmother. Once inside, Mrs. Reese, the agent, laughed with Nora about how it seemed she had just moved in. As Brenna went over the paperwork, she followed Nora’s gaze to the parking lot. A cowboy wearing a black hat stepped down from a black truck, and a smile lit Nora’s face as if a ray of sunlight burst over her.

  “I take it that’s Jase’s brother?” asked Brenna. Nora stood and met him when he came in the door. He was about as tall as his brother. His arm went around Nora’s waist and he kissed her on the cheek. No doubt handsome. Hair was dark like Jase’s and the family traits were obvious, definitely connecting them as brothers. He came to Brenna and stuck out his hand. “Hello, ma’am, ya must be Brenna.”

  She reached for his hand. When she looked closer, she noticed he had those cute dimples, too, but there was something different…his eyes for sure. “Nice to meet you. You’re the brother Jase warned me about.”

  Nora laughed. “He told me the same thing about Jase. I think they’re working together on this.” Nora winked at Tristan. Jase was right when he said they were probably the best looking cowboys in town, but at this point she couldn’t be called an expert.

  Nora and Tristan went outside and Brenna finished up the paperwork. “I brought a letter from the board of education stating my start date and pay rate. I’m still getting paid from my other job since I collect it throughout the summer.”

  “I think you’re all set, Ms. Page. All you have to do is wait for Nora to move the rest of her stuff out, and the place is yours. Welcome aboard.” She stacked the paperwork and slid it into a folder. “So you know Jase Carlson.” She lowered her eyes and shook her head. “Too bad about what happened with him and his wife.”

  Brenna stood. Although curious, yes, none of this was any of her business. She peered out the window and Tristan was on his phone while Nora stood in the shade under the canopy. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Reese. I’ll be out of town for a few days, but if there’s anything you need, please call.”

  Brenna clasped her hands together beneath her chin. “It’s all falling into place, and I’m so thrilled I’ll be settled in before school starts.” She picked up her purse and shook the agent’s hand. “I’ll be going now, but I’ll see you soon.” Mrs. Reese walked to the door wit
h her, waving when she walked out.

  Nora came up to Brenna. “Well, we have a dilemma. Tristan wants to get back to the ranch and I have no way to get home if I go to lunch with you.”

  Nora was so pretty. In the sunlight her hair shone and her blue eyes sparkled. Sunlight glittered on the pool in the distance. “I can take you back to the ranch after lunch. Unless, of course, you’d like to skip it for another time.” Brenna chuckled. “You know where I’ll live.”

  “I’m starved right now. Are you sure it wouldn’t be an inconvenience?”

  “Not at all,” said Brenna.

  Nora gave Tristan a hug good-bye and watched him drive off. She turned to Brenna. “His big, old truck is hard to get into these days, so you taking me home works in more ways than one.”

  Brenna nodded. “Good, you can direct me to where we’re going.” She unlocked the car and they both got in. “Which way?”

  Chapter 14

  Lunch turned into two hours and Brenna dropped Nora off at the ranch. She had invited her in, but Brenna said she had to get back. On the way to the hotel, Jase called. He was on his way home from a horse auction and would have to stop overnight.

  “Now, I’m tired and need to sleep a half hour before continuing,” he said in a yawn.

  “Well, drive safe. Don’t fall asleep with those horses.” Brenna pictured his truck pulling some old horse trailer. A man had to love his animals to load them up and travel. Maybe he liked to pay the bills better. What a life.

  “I only have one on the trailer. Sold one, bought one. I got the better deal.”

  “I suppose that’s a good thing, huh?” Hearing his voice was like someone turned on a light within her soul. She’d never figure it out. Falling for someone this fast was so unlike her.

  “I’m pulling into a rest area now. I have to crash. My eyes are tired. I left early this morning.”

  “Jase?”

  “Yeah, darlin’?”

  “The smiley face last night was cute. Thanks.” The line went silent. She had embarrassed him. Oops. “You there?”

  He yawned again. “I’m here. Sleepy.”

  “Have a good rest.” She heard him breathing into the phone, wondering if he had already fallen asleep.

  “All right. Sorry I’m not more talkative. Can’t stay awake, but I wanted to let you know I was on the road.”

  “Pleasant day dreams.” She hung up, glad he was off the road. Pulling into her parking lot, she got out of her car and leaned against the door, peering at the sky. Brenna received a text saying he’d be sure to have pleasant day dreams of her, followed by none other than a big happy, smiley face. Again, she sent back her heart. “Really, I’m sending my heart,” she mumbled.

  Maybe he was looking at the same clouds, and she wanted to kick herself for being so sappy. She headed inside. As she rode the elevator she pictured him stretched across his truck seat, which didn’t seem very comfortable. The poor horse was probably hot in the trailer.

  ***

  Brenna hadn’t seen or heard from Jase for three days, other than a text last night saying what time he’d arrive this morning. She stood at the window, watching when he pulled into the parking lot, got out, and sauntered toward the door. Folding her arms across her chest, she wanted to run out to meet him. His hair had grown since they met and from what she gathered, he liked it long. She did too.

  Checking around the room, she had everything packed and ready. Her overnight bag and laptop were all she would carry on the plane. Her door shook from his knock. Opening it, he held his arms out. Not knowing where the urge came from, she took hold of the front of his shirt and pulled him inside, falling into his arms. His warmth, fragrance, and closeness all sent her mind whirling. “It seems like forever since I’ve seen you.”

  “Oh, I know what you mean. It’s damn nice having you in my arms. Too bad you’re leavin’.”

  “For three days and I’ll be back.”

  Jase slid his hand to the back of her neck and brought her close. His body was hot, kind of sweaty, and his swift heartbeat told her he had the same reaction to her as she had to him.

  “This three days was long, and now another. Work gets in the way sometimes. I’ve been busy working with the horses at home today, too.” He took a step back and clenched her upper arms, leaned in and gave her a kiss, followed by a once over. “You look pretty.”

  Brenna placed her hand against one side of his face, freshly shaven, smooth and warm. “Mmmm, you are one lovely man.” She peered into those compelling eyes…aglow with longing.

  Taking a deep breath and moving away to the window, his back to her, he asked, “Are you ready, all packed up?”

  Brenna peered at the couch, visualizing them lying there together, tangled up in each other. “Everything’s together. I might miss this place a teeny-tiny bit.”

  He turned from the window and went back to her. “Why? It’s a hotel room.”

  Brenna took a glance to the sofa and back to him. He lifted her chin, and his gaze went to the sofa, too. His sexy smile didn’t lie. She might have blushed if she was the blushing kind. “A good memory I’ll take with me to my new place.”

  “Got that right,” said Jase. “We can make more over there. Let’s get your stuff loaded. I’ll run down and get a cart.”

  She had to shake that chill off from his words. “I brought one up earlier and stuck it in the canteen room down the hall. Hopefully it’s still there.” She needed a fan after being so close to him. Two reasons. He was hot, literally, and…macho hot.

  “I’ll go take a look.” He left the room without another word.

  His arms were comforting but something about his demeanor seemed distant. After three days, did he change his mind about them? His open arms didn’t deny it though. Would three more days change anything? With them so new, she didn’t want to waste a minute. She held the door when he tapped. “Still there, huh?”

  “Listen, Brenna, what about your car?” He lifted her heaviest bag onto the cart. “You could’ve left it at my ranch.”

  “Mrs. Reese said it’ll be fine at the townhouse.” She went to her purse and removed keys. “I’ll give you a key in case it has to be moved.” She struggled with getting it off the ring. “Long nails look nice, but they aren’t useful all the time. Would you get this off for me?”

  He took the ring and removed it for her. “Might it be better if Nora had this?”

  “You’re right here and I didn’t think of giving it to her. Is it a problem?”

  Shrugging, he said, “Nope. Just askin’.”

  Something was up with him today. “I’ll call Mrs. Reese and tell her you have a key, if it’s okay with you.” Brenna cocked her head and observed his manner. “Is something wrong?”

  “Nah, well, nothing to do with you.” He wrapped his hand around the key and handed her key ring back. “I’m fine with the key, and we can run your car back to my ranch. It’ll be safer there.”

  Brenna peeked at her watch. “I don’t want to cut it so close getting to the airport. I hate when I have to rush.”

  “Want me to move it later?” He lifted his hands as if agitated. “Listen, and I’ll say it again, it’s safer with me than leaving it unattended in a parking lot.”

  She stomped. “Well, I’ll live in that place. It better be safe.” Now all kinds of freaky thoughts went through her mind, and she didn’t want to think about any scary stuff. A small town not being safe went against everything she’d ever heard.

  “You’ll be safe. A Mustang sitting in any parking lot unattended for days isn’t safe.”

  “If you’d like to move it later, be my guest. Go ahead and do what you think is best for my car.” That came out much more sarcastically than she had intended. “It’s fine. You can move it. When we return from the airport I’ll get my stuff in the townhouse before you take me to get my car at your ranch. I’ll need a break from Chloe by then anyway.” She chuckled, making a joke but in reality it’d be true. She placed her palm agains
t his chest. “I appreciate your concern.”

  “Call it done. Are you ready to blow this place?” He took hold of her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Hate to see you go.”

  He’s a confusing man at times. “I’ll be back in a few days.” She hesitated, but had to ask, “Are you all right?”

  He peered at his watch then dropped to the sofa. “Yeah, Bren.” He shook his head. “No. I thought I had a lead on the kids. I threw a bag together and hit the road. I go crazy every time that happens. It takes a while to pick myself back up.” He leaned forward, staring at the floor in front of him. “I’m sorry. An old friend thought he saw Rebecca over in Fortuna Foothills. Nothing I could see there.” He sighed and looked up at her. “No luck.” Jase removed his hat and shoved his fingers through his hair. “I had to hang out there a couple days. That’s where I’ve been. To ease my mind more than anything. It’s that…seven months has been too long without them.”

  “Have you contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?”

  Jase got up and stood in front of her. “I did, Brenna. The night she left, I reported it to the Sheriff’s Department, and then I made the call to that center for missing children. She was still their mother. It wasn’t until after I won custody that it mattered. Yeah, they’re on it.” He shrugged. “Nothing’s happened though. I still don’t know where they are.”

  “Oh, my goodness, Jase…” Brenna sighed. “Maybe if you check with the school board in these places she’s spotted, you’d know if they were registered.” She wrapped her other hand around his. The sadness in his eyes was disheartening. In the past months since his kids had been gone, he must’ve lived on a roller coaster, and still did.

  “Let’s get going.” He lifted her other bags onto the cart and turned to her. “I’m still taking your luggage to my house?”