Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “You’re the lady who married my Uncle Ro?”

  “Yes and you’re Roman’s niece, Brie.”

  She nodded and her lopsided pig-tails bobbed. “That’s me. Daddy told me you moved in.”

  Pippa realized she was only wearing a bra and panties and pulled the sheet back up to her shoulders. “Does your daddy know that you’re here?”

  With a quick shake of her head, one of the tails slipped further and the hair band fell out. “No, he’s working. My sitter fell asleep again. I was bored. There’s nothin’ to do.”

  Pippa sat up straighter. “Do you get bored often?”

  “Sometimes.” She tossed something shiny up in the air and caught it with her other hand. “Do you?”

  “Not often.” Pippa smiled. “What do you have there?”

  “My good luck marble.” She held up the colorful globe proudly.

  “That’s very pretty. I used to play with marbles when I was a kid. I had a favorite that was called a cat’s eye.”

  Brie’s eyes widened. “A cat’s eye?” Her bottom lip puckered.

  “It wasn’t a real eye. It only looked similar to a cat’s eye.” Silence grew between them as they stared at one another, sizing each other up. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

  “I had eggs, but I’m hungry.” She shoved the marble into her front pocket.

  “I tell you what. How about I get up, fix you breakfast, and give your uncle a call to let him know you’re okay. We wouldn’t anyone to worry.”

  With a nod of agreement, Brie bounced off the bed and onto her sandaled feet. “Want this?” She grabbed the robe from the chair and held it out.

  “Yes, thank you.” Pippa accepted it. While the girl busied herself looking through Pippa’s make up and spritzing the perfume, she slipped from the bed, pulled on the robe and tightened the belt.

  “This is pretty.” Brie held up a tube of lipstick. “Can I put some on?”

  “Hmm, I don’t think that’s your color, but I do have something that you might like.” Pippa rummaged through her bag and found pale lip gloss. “Here you go. It’s new and a perfect shade for your pretty skin tone.” The little girl’s eyes lit up and she took the offering, uncapping the tube and applying it across her lips. Pippa’s heart tugged, remembering that Roman had told her that the little girl’s mom had left when Brie was a baby. “Yup, just what I thought. A perfect shade for your complexion. Now how about we find something to eat. I’m starving.”

  Together they stepped into the hallway and Brie slipped her tiny hand into Pippa’s. She’d taken an instant liking to the little girl and was amazed at how much she looked like Roman—the entire Jericho family. Downstairs, Pippa found frozen pancakes and popped them into the microwave while Brie sipped hot chocolate. Pippa dialed Roman’s number. He answered immediately.

  “Hi, Roman. Is anyone missing a little girl?”

  “I’m missing a woman. But if you want to call yourself a little girl…”

  “No, silly. I had an unexpected visitor show up this morning. Brie.”

  “Sitter fall asleep again?” he asked.

  “Yup.” Pippa watched the little girl play with the salt and pepper shakers that were in the shape of birds.

  “I’ll come up and grab her.”

  “You know, why don’t I keep her today. This will give us some girl time.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I should be able to manage. Anyway, we’re going to have breakfast and then I’m going to pick her brain for all of her stories on Uncle Ro.” She laughed.

  “Only believe the good things.” He laughed.

  They hung up and Pippa plated the pancakes, drizzled syrup over them and set one plate in front of a smiling little girl. “They aren’t IHOP, but they smell yummy,” Pippa said.

  “My dad makes pancakes the bachelor way all of the time.” She cut into her breakfast.

  “Bachelor way?” Pippa sipped her coffee, feeling more awake. She’d learned a day started early on a ranch and she’d have to get used to that.

  “Using the microwave.” She swiped the back of her hand across her mouth.

  “Here you go, youngin’.” Pippa handed her a napkin.

  She accepted it, but the syrup was already smeared across her hand and face. “What do you do when you’re alone?” Brie asked.

  “Well,” Pippa leaned back into the chair, tapping her finger against the rim of her cup. “I work a lot of the time.”

  “Like my dad?”

  Pippa frowned. “Maybe so. I should ask you what you like to do. We can do anything you prefer.”

  Brie gave her a long, thoughtful stare. “You have pretty hair. Wish mine was that long. Daddy says it’s too hard to take care of when it’s passed my shoulders.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, you have beautiful hair. I can fix it for you if you’d like. I used to be good with all of the styles when I was younger.”

  With a shaky nod, Brie popped the last bite of pancake into her mouth and followed it with a drink of hot chocolate. “Can I do yours too? And your make up?”

  Pippa nibbled her bottom lip. “I think that’s a fair request.”

  After the dishwasher was loaded, they went upstairs for a spa day at home.

  *****

  Roman stood next to the couch, looking at the scene before him as his heart slammed against his ribs. Pippa and Brie were on opposite ends, stretched out and sleeping peacefully. Bojangles was snuggled up next to her. Pippa’s arm was thrown over her forehead and all he could see was her bright red mouth.

  He smiled and bent next to the couch, waking her with a brush of his knuckles along her cheek that was heavily doused with blush. Her arm slipped and he noticed that her eyes were also rimmed with black liner and sparkly eye shadow.

  “Hi,” he said, biting his lip to keep from laughing.

  “Hi,” she said in a sleepy-thick voice that reminded him that he hadn’t held her in his arms since last night when they’d made love.

  “Sweetheart, it looks like a makeup bag vomited on your face.”

  “Sorry. Are you being funny?” She lifted on her elbow, nailing him with a sharp stare.

  “Apparently not.” He chuckled.

  “Just so you know, your niece did this lovely make over. And she was very proud so don’t burst her bubble,” she whispered.

  “And then have two females angry with me? I wouldn’t dare.” He winked.

  “I’m not angry with you. I know I must look a sight, but I couldn’t refuse. I bet her father never tells her no. Who could?”

  “Beware of the cornflower blue eyes and the innocent smile. She’ll have you wrapped around her finger in no time.”

  “She has already managed that. It appears the charm runs in the family.” Pippa smiled and his world lit up. He was really starting to look forward to seeing her in the afternoons. This could be dangerous.

  “I have to run to my buddy’s house and speak to him. Wanna come?” He had decided that he wanted to take Pippa with him, introduce her to Ted and Betty. He wondered if Pippa had any clue just how smitten he was on her these days.

  “What about Brie?” Pippa slid off the couch and he stood.

  “Weston is waiting for her at home. I can take her if you’d like to get cleaned up a bit.”

  “Hey, are you saying you don’t want to be seen with me looking all glam?” She shifted into a Marylyn Monroe pose.

  “Sweetheart, I’d be seen with you wearing a potato sack.” He pulled her in and kissed her fully on the lips, which was interrupted by a giggle. He looked down and found Brie watching them. “Well, there you are, sleepy-head.”

  “Hi, Uncle Ro. Do you like Pippa’s make up?”

  “Well…” He felt a light pinch on his arm and caught Pippa’s side-glance of warning. “I absolutely love it. She looks like a princess, just like you.” He bent and tickled Brie on the chin that had her erupting into laughter. Once the guffaws faded some, Roman pointed his finger at her, trying very hard not to fold
in his firmness. “Listen, young lady. What have you been told about wandering off from the sitter?”

  Brie nibbled at the corner of her mouth as if she searched for the right answer. “Sorry, but I was bored.”

  Roman blew out a long breath. “Your father is waiting for you. Explain it to him.” He grabbed her up in his arms. “By the way, your hair is amazing.”

  Brie touched the braid gently as if she was afraid she’d mess it up. “Pippa did it. Will you do it again for me some day?”

  “Of course, but promise you won’t walk here without letting someone know first, okay?” Pippa patted Brie on the arm.

  “Okay. I won’t.” She wrapped one arm around Roman’s shoulders.

  “And maybe I can get you to do my make up again before I leave for Chicago.”

  Roman’s mouth thinned. “Chicago?” His heart sunk.

  “Looks like I have a conference coming up. I’ll explain more later,” Pippa said.

  “Pippa’s a writer. Did you know that, Uncle Ro?” Brie’s eyes lit up.

  “Yes, I knew that, youngin’. Now, let’s get you home before your dad comes searching for you.”

  By the time he made it back, Pippa had changed into a yellow sundress that showed a good amount of her toned legs, her face was washed and her hair was brushed into her usual straight style…and she looked amazing. Her long hair flowed around her bare shoulders—shoulders that he wanted to kiss, along with her slender neck and the dip between her collarbones. Since she’d been at the ranch, she’d gotten a darker shade to her skin and the color brought out the green of her eyes. She strolled across the porch to him, meeting him at the steps, the hem of the dress swinging along her luscious thighs. He roamed his gaze along her calves to the bright pink of her toenails exposed in the flip flops. “You look beautiful.”

  He stood on the bottom step and she stayed at the middle. They were the perfect eye level. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. “I love your niece. And just so you know, she didn’t tell me any stories that should embarrass you.”

  “Thank God. I was worried.” He swiped the back of his hand across his forehead.

  She pulled back slightly. “So, there are stories to be told, huh?”

  “None that you’ll hear from me, sweetheart.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “I’m afraid if we don’t leave now, I’m going to forget that Ted is waiting for us and scoop you up, take you back into the house and find out what you’re wearing underneath that dress.”

  “We can’t keep your friends waiting, but just to put your mind at ease, I’ll give you a hint at what’s underneath.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear. His cock jerked alive, threatening to bust a seam in his jeans, then she swept passed him, strolling down the walkway with a new pep to her step and a mesmerizing swing to her soft hips. The only thing he was going to be thinking about until he saw them for himself was pink polka-dotted panties. He was always eager to see her selection of undergarments that seemed to match her feisty spirit—and sometimes seeing that she was wearing nothing.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  PIPPA FELT A little awkward walking into a stranger’s house alone, but after meeting Ted he told her his wife, Betty, could be found in the kitchen. Pippa wasn’t interested in listening to tractor talk anyway. From the hallway, Pippa was met with sniffling and weeping sounds. Oh no. Taking a deep step back, she meant to take her exit before being noticed, but it was too late.

  “Hello?”

  Inhaling her lungs with bravery, Pippa stepped across the threshold, seeing a tall woman with long flowing red hair and red-rimmed eyes sitting at the table. “I’m sorry. I’m Pippa, Roman’s wife, and your husband told me I could come in. I can leave you alone.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m Betty.” She stood, strolled across the tiled floor and took Pippa into her arms, giving her a tight hug. “If you’re family to the Jerichos, then your family to us. It’s great to finally meet the woman who snatched that hunky cowboy up. Now all of the other brothers will follow suit, I’m sure. It’s not like they don’t have the ladies in their following.” She brought out a rumpled tissue from her jean pocket, dabbed at the corners of her eyes and pieces of the tissue fell away. “I should be apologizing for being the blubbering idiot. I don’t know what’s come over me, all emotional and sad.”

  Pippa found a box of tissues on the table and grabbed one, handing it over to the woman. For now, the tears had dried up, but Pippa had a feeling they would come again. “Is there anything I can do to help? Shall I get your husband?”

  Betty gave her head a quick shake and waved a slender hand through the air. “No reason for the both of us to be stressed. Lord knows we’ve been through the wringer over the last month.”

  “I’m sorry,” Pippa said softly.

  “How about a cup of coffee? Iced tea? It’s like breathing in a furnace outside. I know you must be wanting something.”

  Pippa was thirsty. She was slowly getting used to the humidity of Texas and the scent of straw in the air. “I’ll take an iced tea. Roman said he won’t be too long. He is speaking to your husband about a tractor, I think.”

  “Don’t let Ro fool you, honey. If those two are talking, it’ll be longer than a few, trust me.” She took a pitcher of tea from the fridge and poured a full glass. “Have a seat. Get comfortable. I haven’t had company in a few days. I’m starting to feel like a recluse.”

  Pippa sat down at the table and sipped at the refreshing cold liquid, feeling much cooler. “These Texas days are hot.”

  Betty slid into the seat across from Pippa. “So, you’re not from around these parts?”

  “I’m from Chicago. Born and raised.”

  “Oh, wow, you’re far from home.”

  “Yes, I am.” Pippa looked down at the melting ice cubes in her tea.

  “Since you saw me all red-faced and bubbly eyed, I guess you have the right to know what’s made me this way.”

  “I don’t want to pressure you into opening up.”

  She shrugged. “You’ll be hearing soon enough. Our youngest, Darla, has found herself in a situation.” Betty’s eyes fell to her clasped hands.

  “Oh, I hope it’s a situation easily fixed.” From the time she could remember, Pippa had been one to help others. People tended to gravitate to her for answers, and most of the time she was able to make a difference, but on occasion Pippa was lost on how to ease their pain or heartache and that’s when she listened. She hoped this was a situation where there was a way to help, yet when the woman’s eyes misted with tears again, Pippa’s confidence dashed.

  “She’s found herself pregnant. Now I know it’s not the end of the world and I don’t have no issues with being a grandma, in fact I might quite like it, but my baby is only eighteen. I might not have a right to complain seeing that Teddy and I married right out of high school. Had our first one before I could cook a decent meal.” She dabbed her eyes with the fresh tissue.

  “I think that gives you all the more right to complain, or add your thoughts. You have had the experience.”

  Betty looked at Pippa through soggy lashes. “I guess you’re right. I knew when she met that boy two years ago things moved too fast. Is it so wrong of me to not mind the baby as much as I hate that she’s getting married?”

  Pippa drew a line through the condensation on her glass. “No, I don’t think so. It’s not easy, I’m sure, watching your child develop into her own relationship, her own family. I think many parents feel the same way.”

  “It’s not that I don’t like the Thompson boy. I do. We’ve accepted him into our family and they love each other, but marriage ain’t always rainbows and sprinkle farting unicorns. I love my daughter, but I just don’t think she’s mature enough to be a wife. Not yet. She’s always dreamt of running away to California and acting. When she was little she used to dress up and tell me she was a Hollywood star. Where does time fly?” Tears fell to her cheeks. “Why is she in such a rush to live life?”<
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  “Maybe she has seen you as a strong role model and feels that she takes after you and can do this. A lot of people find themselves in situations they didn’t plan, but they turn out okay.” Just like my own situation.

  Betty dragged in a shaky breath. “Do you believe that kids have to learn their lessons on their own? That’s what Teddy says. Leave her alone and let her learn her lesson, whatever that may be.”

  “What I know is that pressuring others to do what we want them to do can sometimes have an adverse effect. You, above everyone else, know your daughter. Will she marry this Thompson boy no matter what?”

  Wiping her nose, Betty sighed. “Yes, she’s told us as much. But I don’t think she knows her own mind right now.”

  “Then be her support system because she’s going to need your backing, especially once the baby is born. And I think once you hold him or her in your arms, everything is going to fall into place. You’ll see.”

  Betty leaned her elbows on the table. “Roman has found him a gem. You won’t believe how much you’ve helped me.”

  Pippa didn’t feel like she’d done much, but suddenly she felt like she’d weaved a friendship with this woman, and considering she didn’t have many friends because she was always working, she was grateful. She squeezed her new friend’s hand. “If you need anything, I’ll try to help.”

  “Thank you, honey. Now, tell me how you and that sexy husband of yours met.” It was as if a faucet turned off.

  “Well, it’s a long story.”

  “Don’t worry, we have time.”

  Pippa realized there wasn’t any way to bow out of an explanation, and the best policy was honesty, at least as close to the truth as she could get without revealing her entire situation. “In Las Vegas. I was there speaking at a conference and he was on business.”

  “Was it love at first sight? Must have been considering how fast you two got hitched.” She wagged her brows.

  “It certainly was a sudden emotion that took me by surprise.” She sipped at her tea, hoping Betty didn’t ask too many questions.