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

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “I remember.” She clasped his hand, pulling him up from the chair. “Don’t we have to leave?”

  “Yep.” He turned back to Chloe. “It might take some time to break in those boots. At least you got a good brand.”

  “The salesman said Ariat was one of the best, but I figured he just wanted me to spend more money.”

  “He’s correct. That’s what I wear most of time because it’s one of my cousin’s sponsors.”

  “What does that mean?” asked Chloe as she pulled a boot up over her pant leg. “I’ll sweat to death, but I was told to wear jeans and not shorts. Maybe it’ll just rain.”

  “My cousin’s a professional bull rider, Chloe. Y’all will meet him one day.” He turned to Brenna and took her arm. “Let’s go, sweet thang.” On purpose he glanced back at Chloe to see her reaction to sweet thang. Her eye roll was what he suspected.

  “What’s your cousin’s name? Maybe I’ll look him up since we have boots in common.” Chloe snickered. “And I’m almost a freaking cowgirl!”

  “Caulder McCutchen. Let me know what place he’s in. He’s going for the championship.” Jase peered at her and wiggled his eyebrows. “That’s your homework assignment.” He turned to Brenna, and whispered, “Let’s get out of here, quick.”

  “Smartass!” said Chloe, pulling on her other boot.

  Chapter 26

  On the way to dinner, Brenna asked, “Now can you let me in on the secret for wearing comfortable shoes? I kind of liked my heels.”

  “I did, too, but we have to park and walk. It’s a farm.”

  She shifted around to face him. “What? We’re going to a farm dressed like this. Are you pulling a joke on me?”

  “Darlin’, you know me better than that. Well…maybe I’ve pulled a joke or two, but this is serious. I meant it when I said this was one of the most romantic spots. Trust me, you’ll see what I mean very soon.” He took a left. “It’s ahead a little ways.” Jase turned on his right blinker and onto another road. “Right up here.”

  “It is a farm.” She peered at him, knowing her expression asked questions because she had a few. “Huh? I’m wearing a sexy black dress. You’re dressed in very nice black pants, and looking good in that blue shirt by the way. It matches your eyes.” She shoved his arm. “But we’re visiting a farm.” Brenna had a defiant cock to her head. “Okay.”

  Jase laughed. “Trust me. Why do I gotta keep telling you that?”

  She rested her elbow on the window frame. “You use that word a lot lately. Makes me wonder who you’re trying to convince, Jase Carlson.”

  Jase removed his hat and set it on the console. “Honestly? By now you have to ask? I’m disappointed.” He glanced over with a furrowed brow. “They even have weddings here.”

  Brenna peered out the window. Why’s he telling me about weddings? Another look in his direction and he searched for a parking spot. She gulped, and her thoughts ran rampant. Goodness…

  He parked his truck and Brenna took a look around the area at many different outbuildings. “This is so surprising.”

  “Weddings are held right there,” he said, pointing to the left of the parking lot. “All kinds of things happen here, even classes of some kind, or so I’ve heard from my mom. She and Martyn come here sometimes.” He shook his head, smoothed his hair back and put his hat on. “My mom comes to an intimate restaurant.”

  “You have a problem with her dating? He seems like a nice man.”

  “No. Well, not anymore. Martyn’s okay.” He patted her hand resting on the console. “Ready for a walk? You’ll love the restaurant.” Jase got out and came around to open her door. He held his arm out and she looped hers through it.

  “Take me to your farm, cowboy.” Brenna snickered. “Somehow that makes sense.”

  “Oh, girl, what will I do with you? You’re lucky you didn’t call me a farm boy.” He pointed ahead.

  “I see a little café. Are we going there?”

  “Wait and you’ll see.” He nudged against her when she wrapped her fingers around his arm. She was one of the most inquisitive women he’d ever met. Maybe that’s what he liked about her.

  “They set the restaurant in the back, so walking through the farm is part of the experience. Enjoy it in your comfortable shoes.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I know I will.” Jase stopped and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Let me make this special for you.”

  Brenna stretched to kiss his lips. “It already is, and began when your bright lights blinded me.”

  “Damn straight, doll.” He pulled her closer. “Enjoy dinner and let’s look forward to tomorrow and the next day, and the days after. Sound good to you, Miss Page?”

  She took a step back and stuck her hand out. “Deal, horse rancher.”

  Again, he wrapped her arm around his and escorted her into what turned out to be an exquisite place—white tablecloths on the tables, the place aglow with candlelight, and soft music played. It was busy but the sound of so many people wasn’t overpowering. They were seated immediately at a square table off by itself.

  “If I’d thought of this sooner we could’ve had our own room for dining, but there’s a waiting list.”

  She touched his arm. “This is ideal.”

  When seated Jase picked up the wine list. “Do you have a preference or can I choose something perfect for my stunning date?”

  “You choose. Tonight you get to lead the way, my love. All night long…” Their gaze held and Brenna smiled. His wink said he picked up on what she meant. Created a monster? Oh, yes.

  Jase ordered red wine, a blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. When it arrived, he said, “This is made in Arizona.” He held his glass up and tapped it against hers. “I hope you like it.”

  Brenna was mesmerized by him sitting beside her, holding his wine glass out. She saw a new side to him, not the rowdy cowboy with messy hair most of the time, who had an attitude sometimes. Something about the look of candlelight and the way the flame competed with the one in his sexy eyes excited her. Low music floating through the air enhanced the whole effect of the evening…with Jase, and she loved him more than she thought possible. She’d come so far along since her first step in Canyon Junction.

  “Hey, you okay?” He set his wine glass down. “Bren?”

  She peered at him and her eyes watered. “I love you.” She tapped her glass against his again and took a drink. She savored the taste and did enjoy it. “Great choice in the wine. Full bodied, yet still smooth.” She put her hand on his thigh. “Kind of like you.” Her throat constricted when she ran her gaze over him. Yep, kind of like him.

  “I can’t wait to hear what you say…” he glanced at her hand on his thigh, “or do after another glass of this stuff, sweetheart.”

  Brenna winked and moved her hand a little higher on his thigh. “Me either.” Monster. Grrrowl.

  ***

  By time she was finished with her duck breasts salad and Jase had his Mediterranean sea bass, they were too full for dessert. Still, they shared a house made sorbet and a glass of sparkling wine from France to extend the evening a little longer.

  “This place is lovely. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  Jase turned in his seat and faced her. He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her lips. “I’d like to pull more surprises like this on you. You deserve the good life, Bren. You and Chloe do.” He brought her hand to his lips. “I don’t have a problem making that happen for you.”

  Brenna tucked her napkin in beside her wine glass. “It’s been a delightful evening. I’m a little overwhelmed by it all…and by you.”

  “That’s a good thing, right?” He kissed her knuckles and released her hand. “You didn’t think I had this in me, did you?”

  “Of course I did, and let’s call it all a great thing.”

  He finished the wine and held her gaze. “Shall we go? To my place?” Jase stuck his credit card back in his wallet. “I have nowhere for you to sit until Friday, except the di
ning room table but still better than the floor.” He took a hold of her hand when they got up and headed for the parking lot.

  “We can sit on your bed,” she whispered.

  ***

  Jase took his time driving down the road toward his ranch. He rolled the window down and let the warm breeze blow in while Brenna talked to Chloe on the phone.

  She put Chloe on mute for a minute. “She’s at your mom’s with a bunch of kids. Do you think that’s okay? Will your mom mind?”

  “She loves it. I bet Destiny’s out there.” He turned off the motor and opened his door. “Jaelle would probably be there, too. She loved hanging out with her grandma and the horses.”

  She continued talking with her sister.

  Jase got out and unlocked his front door. He waited while the girls talked, and he visualized the fun his family used to have with the kids in the evenings when his mom had the little get-togethers. He didn’t want to bring himself down now by thinking of it all.

  The only thing that prevented it was seeing Brenna step down from his truck with a sexy saunter toward him. Even in the dark he saw her face light up, her white teeth in the darkness. Her pretty dress hugged curves on that petite little body of hers, and her cleavage teased him. He needed to snuggle into it. She’s hotter than hell itself.

  “Hey, doll, come in. I won’t drag you off to the horse trailer tonight.”

  “That was kind of fun.” She took his hand when he offered. “Not like I minded, huh? Didn’t I act like a wild mustang?”

  “That you did.” Jase closed the door and pinned her against it. He brought her hands above her head and held her wrists with one of his. His lips were plastered against her neck, his hand on her breast, yet he mumbled, “This dress has to come off.” He felt the back for a zipper and when found he released her hands, taking the zipper down.

  “So does your shirt,” she whispered as she unbuttoned. “The way you want me makes me go wild.” When she got to the last button, she slid his shirt over his shoulders.

  He kissed her like a man who had lost all sense. Her fingers possessively laced through his hair drove him on, but she needed reminding that he was in charge of this session. He couldn’t control himself. Her plump lips begged to be tormented. He slid the dress straps off her shoulders. “How do I get this off?” he whispered with his lips against hers.

  “You have to ask? I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Brenna went wild with the kiss, taking his lips passionately, while her fingers sought to undo the button on his pants…

  “Ahem… You guys aren’t alone…”

  Brenna shrieked, slamming her body back against the door, and she drew her arms to her chest holding her dress up. “My God!”

  Jase twisted around ready to do battle, but what faced him was solid muscle in a t-shirt with the word ARMY splayed across the front, standing there. “Dane! What the hell you doing here? Brenna this is my baby brother.” Jase pulled his shirt up and went over and grabbed his brother right up off the floor. “What the hell you doing home?” He released him. “Wait, you’re watching me with my girlfriend?”

  Dane chuckled and shoved him away. “Holy hell. No, I’m not a kinky pervert. I just came in the back door from the barn. I stepped out to have a cigarette. You were too preoccupied to hear the damn door close.”

  Brenna held her arms in front of her and hurried to the kitchen. Jase went behind her and zipped her dress.

  “Want something to drink,” he gulped out. “I don’t have any beer here. And I sure as hell had enough wine at dinner. My head’s kinda buzzed.” Probably not from the wine though.

  “Yeah, bro, I suppose that’s why you didn’t hear the back door.” Dane snickered and punched Jase in the arm. “Well, you gonna introduce me?”

  Trying to catch his breath, he said, “Yeah, sorry.” Jase went to the counter and collected Brenna. “Dane Carlson meet Brenna Page.”

  Brenna stuck her hand out. “N-nice to meet—”

  “Holy heck, get into these arms, girl. With my brother kissing on you like that, I suppose you’re close to being family.” He wrapped his arms around Brenna, lifting her off her feet and hugged her tight. “It’s great to meet you.” He released her and turned to Jase. “Y’all have more secrets than the military. I swear! First Tristan, now you. I’m so damn happy for you guys.”

  “Be careful before Mom gets a hold of you, too. She forced me to go out with Bren.” Jase smiled at her and pulled a chair out in the dining room. “Come over and sit down you guys.”

  Brenna and Dane took a seat and Jase got a bottle of wine out of the cupboard. “You want some of this, Dane?”

  “Nah.” He shrugged. “Okay, maybe. I have to go see Mom. Nobody knows I’m home yet.” He removed his phone from his pocket and began scrolling through.

  Jase took a glance around the house. “How’d you get in here? Did I leave the house open?”

  “Max let me in. He was still here feeding the horses when I got dropped off.” He pointed to the floor near the counter. “There’s my bag right there, but I can see why you missed seeing it.” Dane gave another chuckle and winked at his brother. “I figured you’d be mucking out a barn or something and we’d go over to see Mom together.”

  “You haven’t even told Mom. How long you home for?” He smacked Dane on the back. “Mom’s gonna be mad you didn’t tell her…for about a second.”

  Brenna put her hand on Jase’s arm. “Honey, I have to get home, but I’ll call Davy. He’s at my house now.”

  Dane peered at Jase. “Does she mean little Davy?”

  “Yeah, but he ain’t little anymore,” said Jase. “The kid is almost as big as you. He’s seeing Brenna’s little sister.” He’d catch him up on all the news later.

  “Well, I’m not buzzed, I’ll drive you home, Brenna.” He nodded to Jase. “We’ll stop by Mom’s on the way back.”

  “You better call her so you don’t give her a heart attack.” Jase went to the kitchen for a glass of water. When he returned, he sat back at the table. “I assume you know about Martyn?”

  “Yep, I heard about the old guy and my mother. Weird, huh? I wonder if she still remembers my knock.”

  The old guy. He’d have to remember that. “Hell yeah, she does,” said Jase. “You’re all she talks about anyway. You being her baby and all.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Dane said proudly, and he shoved Jase’s arm.

  Brenna stood, and said, “You two please excuse me for a minute. I’ll be right back,” and she headed to the bathroom.

  As soon as she was out of sight, Dane asked, “What’s up with the gorgeous blonde? I’m really glad to see you with someone. Sorry about the intrusion, too. I didn’t mean to catch y’all off guard. I probably should have called.”

  “Yeah, she’s a lot more than any old someone that’s for sure.” He realized how much she did mean to him when someone else mentioned it. She was definitely more than any someone. “She’s perfect for me, that one.”

  “I’m happy to hear, Jase. Any news on the kids? I haven’t heard anything much since you were looking for them in Yuma. No luck on that trip?”

  “Not a word.” It was another reminder he had come home without them that night, and he sure as hell didn’t want to dwell on it right now. Tristan had followed through with checking on his friend, Gary Strong, but didn’t get anywhere either.

  Dane poured wine into his glass. “Well, if you ever find that bitch, let me know. I got a lot of friends, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh, come on, don’t be saying that kind of stuff. I lived with a thought like that for months. I just want Jaelle and Joey back. It doesn’t matter what she’s doing…as long as no harm has come to my kids. That’s a whole other subject.”

  When Brenna came out of the bathroom, she asked Jase if they were ready.

  Dane turned toward her. “Sorry to barge in like this, honey.” He stood and pushed his chair in. “I’ll run on over to Mom’s and pick you up later, if you want, Brenna.�
��

  “That’s nice of you, but I need to get home. You both go visit with your family.” Brenna picked up her purse. “I’ve heard a lot about Jase and Tristan’s little brother, and I’m pleased to finally meet you.”

  Jase stood beside Brenna and slipped his arm around her waist. “We can go if everybody’s ready.” On the way to the truck, he said to Brenna, “How about coming to my mom’s with us?” He opened his truck door for her. “Call and see if Chloe’s still over there. We’ll have a party.”

  “Hey, dude, we’re having a party tomorrow. They don’t know it yet, but we are.” Dane laughed and tossed his bag into the truck bed.

  Jase turned back to her. “What do you say, honey? At least for a little while.”

  “Chloe is home now.” She got in his truck and slid to the middle. “Remember I’ll be with my sister tomorrow at the martial arts class? I need to be with her after Davy leaves tonight so we can talk.” Brenna turned to Dane. “It’d be great if you took me on home. I hope to see you tomorrow though.”

  “Don’t worry, sweetie, you will. You’re invited to the party that no one knows about yet. Betcha anything Mom will be cooking up a storm.” He glanced around Brenna. “Eh, Jase?”

  “You can put money on that.” Jase was still getting over the shock of hearing his little brother’s voice. Not to mention almost getting caught with his pants down. He laughed to himself. Good thing she has long fingernails and struggled with the button.

  “Well, Dane, I won’t miss your party.” She hooked her seatbelt and winked at Jase when he wrapped his arm around her. “I’m so happy for you all to be together.”

  Jase gave directions and Dane rolled down the ranch road, turning left when he got to the 60. “How long you home for this time.”

  Dane hesitated and Jase peeked over at him. A quiet enveloped the truck cab. He knew not to push his brother about his military life, even with a simple question such as he just asked.