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

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “It’s always been a giveaway. Hurts me more than helps, Lacy.” She held her head with both hands. “Which is probably why Jase kissed me.” For having a hangover, she was awful full of blabber. Maybe she was still drunk.

  “Oh? This gets better by the minute.”

  “Yes, it does. He’s adorable. I shouldn’t say that about a rowdy looking cowboy.” Oh, but she visualized Jase all right. Which led to the dream of being in his arms. Naked. It wasn’t her intention to glance at Lacy, but it was too late.

  Lacy set the cup on the table beside her chair. “There’s something going on you aren’t telling me. Spill it.”

  “I have a rotten headache. Don’t make me talk right now.” She needed something for the pain so she could get ready. Her head throbbed. “What do you have that will take it away?”

  Lacy rose from her chair. “I’ll get you something. You’ll eat breakfast, too.”

  Brenna followed her to the kitchen and set her cup in the sink. “Not sure about eating.” She wanted to get to the airport, take a seat and sleep until the plane landed. “I’ll try food I guess. I told Chloe to get some sleep, but I hear them laughing in there. Such a pretty sound.” Brenna mentioned about the two girls coming in this morning.

  “They asked for permission to sleep out there last night. I’m surprised you didn’t hear them giggling. I hope they didn’t get into the wine.”

  “Not to worry. I got every drop.” Another pang through the temple proved it. She had doubted Chloe about sleeping on the porch. Sometimes she made the situation worse. Brenna vowed to work on the trust issue with her sister.

  “I’ll make you and the girls omelets. Get a shower if you’d like. Maybe you’ll feel better.”

  “Good idea.” On the way to the bathroom, Brenna knocked on Chloe’s door. It got quiet in her room. “Can I come in?”

  Her sister opened the door. “I’m getting ready, Bren.”

  “Thank you. Lacy’s fixing breakfast for us.” She swept her hair away from her forehead. “Do I look as bad as I feel?” She expected a sarcastic slam.

  “You look tired. Sorry if we kept you awake,” said Chloe.

  “I didn’t hear a thing. I’ll be out of the shower soon, but you girls go eat. I’d like to be out of here in two hours.” Brenna removed herself from the doorway, but turned. “I’m sorry for doubting you about the porch.” She padded to the room she slept in and took out the clothes she’d wear, packing what she could until she got out of her pajamas. It also eased her mind that her sister seemed in a pleasant mood. She had to be tense and sorrowful, as well.

  ***

  With a stop in Denver, almost six hours after boarding, their plane taxied down the runway in Phoenix. “It’ll take a while to get used to the heat, Chloe. It’ll be about a hundred plus degrees when we deplane.”

  Chloe peered out the window. “We always have summer weather. That parts cool. At least you didn’t cart us off to Alaska.”

  Brenna had to laugh. “Thank the good Lord, huh? I doubt I could take that either. Just think, though, Christmas with no snow.”

  “It’ll be different.” She frowned at Brenna. “I miss Lauren already.”

  “I’m sorry.” Brenna squeezed Chloe’s hand. “One day I hope you’ll understand I want to help, sweetie.”

  “I can’t wait to get a ride in your ‘stang.”

  “What do you know about calling a Mustang a ‘stang?” That’s what Jase called her car. “Out here you’ll be able to ride a real mustang and I don’t mean a car.” Brenna took a look out the window as they pulled up to the gate. “But we aren’t going home in my car. We have a ride.”

  Chloe turned her head in a flurry. “I didn’t know you knew anyone here.”

  She pictured Jase and his intense eyes. Nora with her ginger hair, and little Destiny with her curls and waves. “I’ve met a couple people.” In a loving display of affection, Brenna eased a lock of hair behind Chloe’s ear. “Welcome home.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes. “When will our stuff be here?”

  “It’s supposed to be delivered Sunday. We’ll have to rough it for a while. If it gets too uncomfortable, I’ll get us a room at the hotel I stayed in.”

  The plane rolled up to the Jetway and Brenna turned to her sister. “This is it. Grab your stuff and let’s get to it. We’re going right to the townhouse. I’ll drop you off and Jase will take me to get my car and my other luggage.”

  “Who’s Jase?”

  “Someone I met here. He’s picking us up. He has a big truck and our luggage will fit in the back. We’d never get this much into my car.” Brenna and Chloe got up and stepped out into the aisle, getting their carry-on bags from the overhead. When they got into the airport, Chloe pointed out the sign for baggage claim.

  “We’ll grab a cart.” Brenna texted Jase. He replied immediately. Forty minutes later Brenna and Chloe made their way to the door. She spotted Jase’s red truck right out front. His timing had been perfect. Her stomach flip-flopped, and she was excited to see him. Her pulse raced and cheeks heated.

  Jase stood leaning against his truck. He looked so handsome wearing sunglasses, his black cowboy hat, blue jeans and a brown shirt, his muscles unable to hide under the cotton.

  “There’s our ride, Chloe.” She nodded to the truck.

  Chloe dropped her backpack from her shoulder, let it fall to the ground, and stopped. She spread her arms out in front of her, fingers splayed. “Are you for real? Really? I mean…Brenna…a cowboy?”

  Her face must’ve been glowing because she was so tickled inside at seeing him. “Yes, ma’am. You better get used to this look.” She’d keep it to herself about asking Jase if he was a real cowboy when they met. Brenna could no longer hide the smile because it burst forth and she walked faster. She looked over her shoulder. “Pick up your backpack. Come on.”

  Jase pulled the door open. She’d forgotten just how good-looking he was. Adorable and sexy all rolled into one, and maybe tanner than when she’d left. She let go of the cart and went into his arms when he brought her against him. He nuzzled his face into the curve of her shoulder, his warm lips against her neck. He smelled so good, she wanted to crawl inside of him and be a part of it.

  She had to pull herself apart from him. Chloe waited outside the door, closer to his truck. Brenna’s cheeks were still warm. “Hi, Jase. Thank you for picking us up.” She blinked once and remembered to breathe. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “You’re not alone, sweetheart. Wow, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Welcome home. Really home. Your place is ready for you.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pushed the luggage cart. “We have to hurry. Security will be after me again. So this is your little sister, huh?”

  Brenna took Chloe’s shirt sleeve and pulled her close. “Jase Carlson, I’d like you to meet my little sister, Chloe Page.”

  “Hey, dude, nice truck,” said Chloe.

  “Nice to meet you, too.” Jase knocked on the side of the truck and the front door opened. A young cowboy came out and took hold of the luggage cart. Jase pulled him over. “Hey, Davy, I want you to meet someone.” He introduced Brenna and Chloe. “Davy works for me and my brother every now and again. He took care of a job in the barn before we left. If you smell anything, it’s him,” Jase teased.

  Brenna shuddered. She already knew Jase smelled freaking fine and couldn’t wait to get back into his arms, against that broad chest for another whiff.

  Davy removed his hat and ran his fingers through a headful of damp, longish blond hair hanging in his face. The cut looked like it was supposed to be that way. He had chocolate brown eyes with dark brown eyelashes, and he was tall. They sure grow these guys tall around here.

  “Nice to meet you, ladies.” Davy reached for Chloe’s hand first and then shook Brenna’s. Brenna didn’t miss the way his eyes raked over her little sister. She’d have to get used to it, she supposed. But he was a little old for her.

  With her pale blonde hair and big
blue eyes, petite little body, she attracted attention from older guys. She had no idea who Chloe got the pouty lips and perfectly shaped nose with a scattering of freckles from. Brenna had been gifted with more pale blue eyes, and with the same color of hair, but it turned a little darker as she got older. For now, she’d be keeping an eye on her baby sis, and the way this Davy guy looked at her.

  “Come on, let’s get this loaded before they tow my truck away.”

  When finished, Davy held the back door for Chloe. “After you, ma’am.”

  Chloe glared at Brenna before getting in.

  Jase wrapped his arm around Brenna’s waist and opened the front door. “Have a seat, darlin’.” He moved toward her before she got in. “I can’t wait to get you alone,” he whispered. His hand remained on her waist. “Can’t wait.”

  “Mmm, calm down, boy. I missed you, too.” Brenna winked, but before she had a chance to turn and step up, he wrapped his fingers around her arm, drawing her close.

  “I’m glad to hear you missed me, too, but let’s get something straight—don’t make a habit of calling me a boy.” He whispered into her ear, sending chill bumps over her heated skin. “I’m all man.” He moistened his lips with his tongue in a very slow manner. She got into his truck.

  Brenna faced forward with her cheeks on fire, not knowing why because she didn’t blush like that, and yes, she was unable to continue watching his seductive act. What a handful he was going to be. “How’s the new horse doing?” she asked when he got in.

  Chloe leaned forward and put her hand on Brenna’s shoulder. “Horse? How long do we have to be in this truck, Bren?”

  Davy butted in. “The dude’s a horse rancher. He has horses.”

  “Oh,” said, Chloe, abruptly facing Davy. “That must be what I smell.”

  “Probably is, ma’am. We love it,” Davy said, snickering. “We have around fifty minutes. I come to Phoenix a lot. If traffic ain’t bad, we’ll make good time. Are you in a hurry?”

  Brenna turned back. Those two sounded like she and Jase not that long ago, bickering back and forth. She caught the look on her sister’s face, kind of nondescript, as if weighing her predicament. Chloe looked out her side window. Brenna half smiled at Davy. “At least Jase won’t get lost.”

  Jase sniggered. “Yeah, why don’t you pay attention? Should I set the GPS, darlin’?”

  Chloe cleared her throat and coughed. Brenna figured by now, Chloe was already rolling her eyes over the fact Jase hugged her. Him calling her ‘darlin’’ might send her into a real spin. She wondered what was up with Davy. He sure was a cutie.

  Maybe he was enough to make her little sister change her mind about cowboys. But, she’d need to find out how old he was. At the moment Chloe seemed to be politely ignoring him.

  “You ladies want to stop for food?” asked Jase when they got out of Phoenix. “You know me, I can eat anytime. Hard to believe you had anything decent on the plane.”

  Brenna turned back to Chloe. “Are you hungry, hon?”

  “Yeah, I could eat. Do they have regular food around here?”

  Brenna watched Jase as he peered into his rear-view mirror. He wanted to laugh, she could tell by the grin on his face.

  “What do you call regular? McDonald’s? Yeah, we have that around here. We’re still in the United States, you know.” Jase pulled into a parking lot off the highway to a pizza place. “I assume everybody likes pizza?” He purposefully turned back toward Chloe’s side of the truck.

  “We all do. We had a lot last night,” said Brenna.

  “Oh.” He backed up and headed back onto the highway. “We’ll find something else.”

  “I didn’t mean we couldn’t eat it again. Making a statement that we liked pizza is all.”

  Pizza last night brought up the wine, which in turn brought her headache to the forefront. Searching through her purse, she found the small bottle of pain relievers. “Do you have any water left, Chloe? I finished mine before we got off the plane.”

  Jase handed her his opened bottle of water. “No problem. We have other options for places to eat. Right, Davy?” He checked the rear-view mirror again.

  “Thanks for the water.” She popped the pills into her mouth and took a big drink. Not knowing what they’d be sleeping on, she wished for her body to be supine about now. Brenna turned back. “Maybe I’ll get a room for tonight. Neither of us hardly slept so a good night’s rest will help. Sound good?”

  “I don’t care,” said Chloe. “I’m tired and want to sleep somewhere. It doesn’t matter.”

  Jase tapped Brenna’s hand. “Nora left the sofa for you. If you don’t want it, she’ll dispose of it later, but she figured you’d have more than a chair until your furniture gets delivered.”

  “If I remember right, the chair is a recliner.” She rubbed her temples. “You can have the couch, Chloe, and I’ll take the chair.” At least they’d have something soft and off the floor. “Her generosity is appreciated, Jase. Please thank her for us.”

  Jase pulled into another parking lot at a restaurant and brewery. “This has something for everybody.” He shifted out of gear and sat sideways. “But, Bren, I have an idea. I have a horse trailer with a queen bed you’re welcome to borrow until your stuff comes. What do you say?”

  “For freaking crying out loud!” said Chloe. “A horse trailer? What do you think we are?”

  Davy laughed. “You haven’t seen his trailer, lady. It ain’t what you’re thinkin’.” He opened his door and got out at the same time Jase did.

  Brenna opened the door partway, saying to Chloe, “Come on, sis. We’re here. Let’s go get something to eat and figure out what we’ll do. My head’s killing me and I want to lie down as bad as you.” Brenna and Chloe got out and the four of them went inside.

  “Come on, Bren, a horse trailer. You drug me out here to sleep in a damn horse trailer?”

  “I don’t know. Come with me to his ranch and let’s take a look, okay? He’s kind enough to offer.” Now she began to question her own sanity. Chloe was right. And, no, she didn’t come all the way out here to sleep in a horse trailer.

  Once seated, they all looked over the menu. Chloe did her best to keep distance between she and Davy while Brenna held Jase’s hand beneath the table. Davy and Jase ordered double cheeseburgers, Chloe had an apple-pecan salad, and Brenna had a club sandwich.

  “I’ll have a beer, too,” Davy said. The waitress laughed and walked away. He half shrugged. “Hey, you can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  Jase said, “Get on over here and let me punch you upside your head. You’re not old enough to drink and you’re especially not doing it with me.”

  “Your brother lets me when I work for him.” Davy gave a smirk.

  “Like hell he does. He hardly lets me drink.”

  This opened it up for Brenna. “How old are you, Davy?”

  “Nineteen…barely. I almost went away to college but decided to hang around. Trying to get a full-time job with one of these Carlson’s and go to a local college.” Davy faced Chloe. “How old are you?”

  Brenna decided to stop this right now. “She’s only sixteen.”

  “I’ll be seventeen in a week.” She narrowed her eyes at her sister. “So, you might as well say I’m seventeen.”

  “Oh, you’re a senior?” Davy asked.

  “Junior.”

  “So, Jase,” interrupted Brenna. “Would it be a problem if Chloe and I both came out to your place…check out the horse trailer?” She began to figure Davy’s agenda. He probably had no idea her sister was only sixteen.

  “Well, of course. I’ll be glad to have you, but the place is a mess.” Jase took a drink of his soda, placed it back on the table, and brushed his hand through his hair. “Hey, I have another idea—”

  “You’re full of ideas, aren’t you,” Chloe blurted out.

  Brenna shot her the evil eye. “What’s on your mind, Jase?”

  “You two can have my room, I’ll sleep in the trailer.
Just let me pick up my dirty laundry in my room first.”

  “Yes, please do,” said Chloe, rolling her eyes. “Bren, I say we do the couch and chair at our house.”

  Brenna didn’t take any time to think it over. “I agree. It’s our first night so we should stay at home.” She smiled. “But, I’m very grateful that you offered, Jase.”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “If it doesn’t work out, you know how to get a hold of me.”

  “Yes, and you know I will.” Their order came and Brenna waited until everyone was served. Her head pounded and she needed something more than a glass of water. “Could I have a cup of coffee when you come back this way, please?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” said the waitress. “I’ll bring it right over.”

  “Hey,” Jase said, “if you’d like, I’ll take y’all home and we’ll get your ‘stang back to you tomorrow. You look a little peaked.”

  “I’m tired. I’ll need my car to get coffee, something for breakfast and lunch, so we don’t have to rush out tomorrow morning. Sheets for our couch and chair would be nice.”

  “Nora left you all that stuff, hon,” said Jase.

  Chloe picked out the pecans in her salad and popped them into her mouth. “Well, you can take me there. I don’t need to go to no horse ranch.”

  Brenna took a bite of her sandwich and glared at her sister. That was it. “You’ll be spending time on a horse ranch. I’m signing you up for lessons.” This wasn’t the way she wanted to tell her, but maybe she’d quit with the sneers. Give her something to think about.

  “You don’t know how to ride? I’ll be happy to teach ya. I been riding since I was born.” Davy didn’t make it any better.

  “I’ve been seventeen years without getting on a horse. I’m not about to start,” said Chloe.

  “You’ll love it. I dare ya to get on one,” Davy said.

  Brenna gulped. Uh oh. Daring my sister?

  Chloe faced him, finished chewing the pecans, and said, “Excuse me? You dare me? You’ve been riding since you were born, which looks like it might’ve been yesterday…but you dare me?” Chloe took a drink of her soda, blew out a big breath. “You’re on, cowkid.”