“Even knowing what it’s doing to your career?” He snapped one brow up.
She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I’m human, Sal. I make mistakes, but as of this moment, I can’t say that Roman was or is a mistake. I make lousy choices when it comes to my own personal life, but it doesn’t change that I’ve saved marriages. I’ve helped people through rough times. The media is having a field day running me through the coals because they have nothing else to entertain their soiled magazines at the moment. Next week this will all be a faded memory, my book will release and it’ll be okay.”
He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “I suggest you stay here in Chicago. We’ll set up interviews with papers that don’t wish to roast you. We’ll explain that you married the cowboy on a whim, but it was a mistake because he’s a cheater. We won’t have to make much of an effort to discredit him considering his history as a rodeo star. Do any of the Jerichos not have a label of being a player?” He shook his head.
“People change, Sal. Roman has given me no reason to believe that I can’t trust him.”
He darted his gaze to the paper. “Don’t be a fool.”
“Don’t forget who signs your check,” she snapped, rubbing her temples that were starting to ache.
“We have to take this bull by the horns before we go down, Pippa. Readers will feel sorry for you if we show that he mistreated you. That he’s whoring around.”
“My God, man. You’re talking about destroying Roman to get ahead. I don’t want people’s pity. I just want a little time to figure things out for myself.”
“You’re running out of time and options. Things are spiraling downhill fast.”
“This was your idea, remember? That I go to Texas and make my marriage work. Well, I did. And did you hear anything I just said? I’m not admitting that this marriage is a mistake or that my husband is a cheating bastard.” She blew out a long breath.
“So, you’re willing to get thrown to the wolves when it’s obvious where he stands?” Sal stabbed the paper with his forefinger. “He’s involved with his ex.”
“I get that this doesn’t look good, but those bottom dwellers will sink to any level to get the juiciest story. I also know that his ex is just the type to take this for a ride and lie. I’ll find out the truth when I get back to Second Chances.”
“You’re going back to Texas?”
“I need to give Roman a chance to explain. He deserves that opportunity and I want to hear what he has to say.”
Sal’s face softened and he dropped back into his seat. “Oh no, sweetheart. You didn’t.”
“Didn’t what?”
“You’ve fallen in love with the cowboy, haven’t you?” Sal’s words felt like an accusation more than a question.
“Of course not.” She laughed, but it fizzled. Sal continued to stare at her as if she’d sold her soul to the devil. “I’ve only known him a short time.”
Sal steepled his fingers, looking at her over the tips. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
“Sal, I’m the relationship expert. I should know if I’ve fallen for a man or not.” She stood and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. A crack of lightening lit the sky followed by the low rumble of thunder that vibrated her chest.
He shrugged. “I’m your business manager. You hired me to look out for your best interest and that’s what I’m trying to do. Your career is unraveling. I’m afraid you’re looking through rose-colored glasses and not seeing the whole picture as it is. You should ask yourself some hard questions and figure out if you plan to stay or run like hell. If running is the answer, you need to do it quick. If we finagle the media the right way, we might be able to get their pity votes. Hell, the sales of your book could even increase. After all, the public likes negativity and victims.”
She squinted. “It amazes me that in all of this time we’ve worked together you don’t know me any better than to think I’d use my failing relationship with Roman to earn book sells.” Acid floated to the pit of her stomach.
“Isn’t that the reason why you went to Texas to ask for Roman’s help? Wasn’t it to assure that your book won’t bomb?”
Her chest tightened. She couldn’t argue with his allegation.
He stood and straightened his jacket. “That’s just it, sweetheart. I do know you. All you’ve cared about for the last five years is your career. And you’re the one who used the words that your marriage is ‘failing’, not me.” He pointed out.
“I didn’t say that—” Oh shit! I did.
Sal strolled to the door. “Keep me updated. You know I’ll do my best to keep the boat afloat.” The door closed with a soft click behind him.
Pippa dropped to the couch and laid her face in her palms, forcing the tears to go away. She had no use for crying, hadn’t since she could remember. She needed to get back to the Second Chances Ranch and speak to Roman.
But what if the paper was true?
No, it wasn’t possible. She just needed to get to the bottom of this and fast.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ROMAN ROLLED AND landed hard on the floor.
He opened his eyes, blinking against the bright sunlight coming in through the window and the blurred vision of one of his brothers standing above him. Swiping his fingers over his eyes, he rubbed out the sleep and Weston’s face was clearer.
“Wakey, wakey, sunshine.”
Roman growled and sat up, squinting against the ache in his side. He wasn’t sure if it was because he’d slept on the couch all night or that he’d busted his ass when he fell onto the floor. Either way, he was relieved to know Pippa was coming home today. Three nights on the stiff couch was enough for a lifetime. He pushed himself off the floor and took a seat on the couch.
“You look like shit, bro,” Weston said with a chuckle.
“Thank you.” Roman scrubbed his jaw, reminding himself that he needed a shave before Pippa arrived. “Now why the hell are you here?”
Weston dropped into the chair and tossed something onto the table. “Oh, I was just in town at the feed store and happened to hear the latest gossip about the Jericho brothers. Then I swung by and bought one of those fancy newspapers, and wouldn’t you know, rumors are true. Nice picture.”
“Can’t business wait until after coffee?”
“Aww, someone need caffeine? Just tell me what the fuck is going on?” Weston growled, pointing at the paper.
Roman groaned and looked at the object of interest. “What the hell?” Someone had taken a picture of him and Uma looking very cozy in the barn.
“Yeah my sentiments exactly.” Weston shook his head and sighed in frustration. “You’re going to need more than coffee after you read the shit they printed.”
Roman read the headlines and skimmed the article, his gut clenching tighter and tighter with each word. He had a feeling he was up shit creek without a paddle. “None of this is true. Over my dead body am I getting back together with Uma.”
Weston scrubbed his jaw and some of the hardness faded. “Probably not me you need to convince.”
“I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” Roman looked at his brother.
Weston stretched his long legs and hooked them at the ankles. “Hell, I know you and I believe you, but does your new wife know you enough to believe you?”
Roman dropped back into the cushion, his brain searching for an explanation and answers in the ceiling fan that whirled. “Uma came here wanting to get back together. I told her no.”
“Yet look at that photo. How did you get sucked into her web, bro?”
Roman shrugged. “She caught me unexpected, but nothing happened. Would never happen.”
“Have you spoken with Pippa this morning?”
Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was eight thirty. “I’ll call her.” He picked up the phone, punched in a number he knew by heart and listened after it rang, again and again, until he realized she wasn’t answering. He laid his phone down and thrummed his fingers on the t
able. “Maybe she’s still sleeping.”
“What time is she due to arrive back?”
“One.”
“Possibly. Unless she’s seen this already and chooses to believe it all.”
“She’s smarter than that. Why would I marry her if I still have the hots for my ex? Makes no sense and Pippa is logical. She’s a relationship expert after all.”
“But yet this looks pretty bad, bro.” Weston looked down at the paper.
Roman slammed his fist onto the table, sending a vase of dead flowers onto its side. “Uma did this on purpose. She said I’d regret not taking her back. This was her plan.”
“Not surprising.”
“I’d never hurt Pippa.”
His cell buzzed. He picked it up, reading the screen. Pippa had left him a message. “Looks like she’s coming in on an earlier flight.”
“Well, good,” Weston stood and patted Roman’s shoulder. “You two can have a heart to heart. If you find yourself crying in your beer this evening, give me a call.”
After his brother left, Roman wondered, “What the hell am I going to do?”
Uma had been a toxic influence since day one. He’d never climb back into the saddle with her—today, tomorrow, never.
Gradually, his blood pressure dipped back to a reasonable number and he could logically put his thoughts in order.
Going upstairs, he stripped his clothes that he’d slept in and climbed into the shower. He gave his hair and body a good scrub, feeling more alive when he climbed out, not even bother drying off as he strolled down the hallway into the bedroom. He dressed in his favorite jeans and a crisp, button down., Glancing at his reflection in the mirror, he sighed. His hair was getting too long.
Making his way downstairs, he made himself coffee and stood looking out the window. He couldn’t just stay holed up in the house waiting, and he certainly wouldn’t get any work done at the office. Pouring out the remaining half cup of coffee, he rinsed his cup and put it in the dishwasher.
He hadn’t worked in the vegetable garden in a month and that was where he headed. Working with his hands always relaxed him, and he enjoyed seeing the fruit of his labor. Once upon a time he would have never seen himself working in a garden, but there were many things he’d done that were unexpected.
The garden had actually been Uma’s idea. She’d been gung-ho at the beginning, wanting to be one with the land, but she’d lost interest the first time she’d gotten dirt under her fake nails. So, Roman had two choices. Cut down the plants or take over the task. The later had won out.
He reached down and grabbed a handful of weeds as his mind pondered the article in the paper. He should have known Uma would go to such an evil length. She wouldn’t have just shown up, out of the blue, tossing her scent around like a dog in heat.
Sweat beaded on his brow and he pulled off his hat and shirt, hanging both over a nearby chair. He couldn’t believe he’d gotten himself in a mess. He bent beside a row of cucumbers and pulled more weeds. More sweat trickled down his temples and he swiped the back of his hand across his forehead, leaving a trail of dirt he was certain, but he didn’t care. He’d definitely have to take another shower soon.
After most of the garden was weeded and watered, he stood, dusted off the dirt from his jeans and started to grab the water hose to take it back when he stopped in his tracks. Standing on the patio was Pippa, the best damned thing he’d seen in a long time. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun with several strands sticking out. She wasn’t wearing much make up so her thoughtful expression was clear for his view. He realized then he had a lot of work to do…
*****
Pippa walked into the quiet house, instantly seeing the paper sitting on the table in the living room. So, Roman had seen it. That would make this a little easier, she guessed.
The kitchen was empty too, but through the window she saw him, bent over a row of green peppers in the vegetable garden. He was shirtless and she scanned her gaze over his broad shoulders, wide tanned back glistening with sweat. He stood and she held her breath, expecting him to look through the window and see her standing there. He didn’t. He was busy sprinkling water on the plants.
Roman was the sexiest man she’d ever known, and he was hers…at least for a period of time he would be. She’d missed him, missed sleeping in his arms, missed his passionate touch. Her breathing turned shallow and her lungs ached. She needed to keep her emotions on track because she could easily lose control. There were answers she needed.
Being here, full of uncertainty, made it harder. Sal had pointed out that she loved Roman, and on the plane ride back to Texas, she’d realized he’d seen straight through her. In fact, being here now, seeing Roman, she knew it to be the complete and utter truth. She wanted more than anything for him to rush to her, wrap his arms around her and pull her in for a kiss that would easily melt away doubt and ambiguity. But first things first.
He had some explaining to do.
He laid the hose down and every muscle in his arm coiled. She wanted to touch even more.
What if he truly wanted his ex-wife back? Then Pippa would walk away, salvage what was left of her heart. It would take time to get over him, but life had a way of moving forward, even when a person didn’t want it to.
Drawing air into her lungs, she stepped through the back door and that’s when he saw her. He stopped and she watched several expressions flitter across his face before a lazy grin lifted the corner of his lips. Oh, if he thought for a second that his easy grin and deep dimples would assuage her, he was mistaken. She couldn’t let this slide, not an inch.
She felt a nuzzling sensation on her calf and looked down, finding Bojangles looking up at her with wide, dark eyes. He had thorns in his thick coat. “Bo, you’ve been in the briars again, haven’t you?” She scratched him behind the ear and he rewarded her with a slapping of his tongue against her knee.
“I could have come and picked you up at the airport.”
“It was just as easy for me to grab a rental.” She gave all of her attention to the sexy man standing before her. He was watching her closely, as if he waited for her to make the first move and mention the paper. When she remained quiet, he finally broke the silence.
“How was the flight?”
She shrugged. “Longer than I needed.”
He strolled toward her, meeting her on the patio and the temperature increased at least by ten degrees. Soon her skin would be slick too. Her world spun.
“Pippa?” When she didn’t respond, he growled and stepped forward, dragging her into his arms and she didn’t resist—couldn’t.
She’d had every intention of staying aloof, keeping her distance, but in that very second, even though he was slick with sweat, she wanted to buckle under his affection. She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anything. If he rejected her, she wasn’t sure what she’d do, but this wasn’t rejection. And a part of her throbbed in utter delight.
His familiar touch against hers, his muscular body, made her feel like she was a feast for a starving man.
Yet, logic threaded through her heated emotions.
She took a step back and he dropped his arms. “Why, Roman?”
His Adams apple bobbed and he shifted in his boots. Was he nervous? “Let’s go inside and talk. Okay?”
Without a word, she turned on her heel and retraced her steps. The house was cooler and a splattering of goosebumps washed over her skin. She wasn’t sure if it had more to do with the AC or his touch that she desperately wanted, but she needed to hold her ground. She deserved an explanation. Hell, she was his wife. That gave her the right to demand answers.
Once they were inside, the black and white picture of Roman and his ex seemed to be the steel wall Pippa needed to not allow his warmth, his welcoming arms to sway her to his side. She’d prepared herself for answers, no matter what he told her.
“Have a seat?” he asked.
“No, I don’t want to,” she snapped, folding her arms over her w
aist, wishing her breakfast didn’t threaten to come back up.
“Okay. Uma and I aren’t getting back together, Pippa.”
She turned her gaze away from the paper, not allowing it to draw her in like a snake seducing her with its venom. “So, this was just a test, to see if you still cared for her? Or a chance to revisit old times just for the fun of it?” Her gaze connected with his and she saw the crinkles appear around his eyes. She’d never seen him so worried.
“No. I didn’t invite her here, nor did I want her here. Her coming was on her own accord.”
She squinted. “That makes me feel better…how?”
He towed a hand through his hair, sending a lock of black hair over his forehead. “Damn, Pippa! You know how the media is. You know I’d never do anything to hurt you, and especially with my ex. I know what it’s like to be betrayed and I’d never do that to anyone.”
Seeing his frustration, it was as if he’d reached in and salved her soul with his words. She felt some relief, but there was still the issue with the picture…
“What about the picture? Are you suggesting they made up the photo too?” She wished she could keep the shaking from her voice.
He gave his head a quick shake. “No, that happened.”
His words socked her in the stomach. She wasn’t sure she if should have been relieved or saddened by his honesty. “Then just a kiss for old times.”
“No…hell the fuck no! Never! She kissed me and I pushed her away.”
She steadied herself, willing her knees not to crumble. “Then what? Why?”
He shrugged. “Sweetheart, I don’t know why. She showed up here, blurting stupidity about us getting back together. I knew something wasn’t right, but once I connected all of the dots, it was too late.”
“Is she that conniving and greedy?”
“Oh darlin’, if only you knew.”
She sat down, needing to sit before her knees gave out. She hadn’t realized that not sleeping for two days had really affected her. “I wanted to believe that this was a mistake.”
Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1) Page 12
