He swung his tool. Landed it perfectly. He’d examine his pathetic life later. Right now, he needed to conquer this ice.
For the better part of two hours, he and Taryn took turns going up and down the ice.
“That’s the most incredible, fulfilling thing I’ve done in a long time.” Despite the cold, he was ready to shed his outer jacket. His body surged with energy and something he’d never felt before. “What did you call it?”
“Call what?”
“The feeling you get from climbing.”
“Empowered.”
“That’s it.” For the first time in more than a decade, Cash felt free. And he owed it all to the spunky girl next door. Without her, he’d still be staring at his laptop at the deli. But she’d drawn him into her world, given him a taste of what he’d been missing. And that was something he’d never forget.
* * *
Taryn loved this part of her job. The look on Cash’s face was priceless. And she couldn’t be more pleased with the way he’d put himself out there. His smile was unlike any she’d seen since he arrived. Genuine. He was truly enjoying himself.
She dropped her helmet.
“Does this mean we’re done?” He watched her coil the rope.
“I’m afraid so.” She sent him an apologetic look, just as sad as he was to see their time on the ice come to an end. “My best friend is getting married tomorrow and I’m the maid of honor, so I need to go help her.”
“Seriously?” He pulled off his helmet, tucking it under his arm.
She nodded, stuffing their gear into her pack.
“Wow, thanks for bringing me out here then.” He grabbed the pack she’d loaned him. “I’m surprised you had any time at all.”
“It’s not a big wedding. And besides that, you need to get back to your grandfather.”
“That reminds me, you did get some pictures of me, right?”
She couldn’t help laughing. “Lots. I’ll give you the memory card to upload to your computer. That way you can show your grandfather right away.”
“Awesome.”
“You got everything?” She eyed him as he slung his pack over his shoulder.
“I believe so.” He stepped closer. “Why don’t you let me take this.” He lifted the rope from her and draped it across his torso. “Now we’re ready.”
The sun shone down on them as they headed to her Jeep.
“So tell me about the ice park,” he said as they hiked. “Do a lot of locals go there?”
“Quite a few. It’s kind of a social event.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, like a hangout. You want to catch up with people around town, that’s the place to do it.”
“Hmph. Interesting. Adds a whole new meaning to the term watercooler.”
She chuckled. “That it does.”
“Gramps mentioned an ice festival.” Cash sounded as if he was getting a little winded, so she slowed her pace.
“Yep. The biggest one in North America.”
“No kidding?”
“People come from all over the world to climb, test out the latest equipment and compete.”
“Compete?”
“Oh, yeah. It’s like the Olympics. There are a bunch of different events, and scores are announced in seven different languages.” She adjusted her pack. “You should come to one.”
“Maybe I will.”
She shoved her hand in her pocket. Something crinkled beneath her gloved fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Pulling out the piece of paper, she held it out to him. “This is for you.”
He glanced at her hand, then her face. “What is it?”
“The password to my parents’ Wi-Fi.” She handed it to him. “You should have a decent signal at your grandfather’s, so you can now work from home.”
“Taryn, you’re lifesaver.” He shoved the paper into the pocket of his jeans. “You have no idea how much this will help me.”
“More importantly, you won’t have to leave your grandfather.”
“Precisely.”
She sent him a sideways glance, anxiety suddenly getting the best of her. Should she even ask him for business advice? Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. “I, um, don’t suppose you know anything about business plans, do you?”
“Sure do. Had to assemble one before we built our new facility. Why?”
“I know someone who’s looking at buying one of the businesses in town, and the bank says she has to put together a business plan before they’ll consider her application.”
“And does this someone have a name?” The look he gave her told her he already knew.
She took a deep breath. “All right, it’s me. And, aside from the loan officer at the bank, you’re the only one who knows, so please don’t say anything to anyone. Not even your grandfather.”
“I won’t say a word.” He tromped through the snow beside her, his quick breaths sending white puffs into the air. “So what kind of business are we talking about?”
“It’s called All Geared Up and they sell almost any kind of gear the outdoor enthusiast might need.” Relaxing, she eyed the man beside her. “I’ve worked there for the last three years.”
His brow lifted. “So, no climbing, just the gear?”
“What do you mean?”
“Sorry, I just have a hard time imagining you stuck indoors, behind some sales counter.”
“Hey, it might mean I can’t do tours anymore, but nothing will ever stop me from climbing.” She plodded alongside him. “Oh, and there are also two apartments upstairs. That means I can finally move out of Mom and Dad’s, and I’ll have income from the second space.”
“That’s part of your business plan right there.” He dodged around a boulder.
“Really?”
“Yep.”
“But what about all the financial stuff?”
“That needs to be in there, too. I’d be happy to help you, if you like.”
“That’d be great, but—” She stopped.
He did, too. “But what?”
“You’re leaving Sunday. I’m tied up the rest of today and tomorrow.”
“Hey, you know, they have these newfangled things called telephones. And email.”
“Very funny.” She reached out and gave him a shove, accidentally toppling him into a snowbank. “Oh!” She tried to stop herself from laughing. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”
“All right, Purcell. You had your little chuckle. Now get over here and help me up.” He held out his hand.
She closed the space between them and took hold. “Come on, cowboy.” She tugged.
So did he. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground beside him.
“Oh, I can’t believe I fell for that.” Growing up with two older brothers, she should have known better.
“Me neither.” Laughing, he tossed a handful of snow her way.
“Aw, man. Right down the neck.” She squirmed as it began to melt against her skin. “Coble, you’re a dead man.”
As he hustled to stand, she fisted the back of his jacket, quickly depositing an icy chunk. “Let’s see how you like it.” She scrambled to her feet before he could retaliate.
“Ooo-wee, that feels good.” He stood, trying to keep a smile.
“Yeah, I like that cute little dance you’re doing.” She thought she might bust a gut, watching him hop around, trying to untuck his shirt, all with that length of rope still around him. “Is that the Texas two-step?”
He sighed as the ice dropped to the ground. “All right, Purcell.” He moved closer, but she took a step back. “I know when to admit defeat.” He took another step and they were practically toe-to-toe. “You’re a feisty one, you know that?”
&nbs
p; “So I’ve been told.” She dared to meet his appreciative look.
“Thank you for teaching this old dog some new tricks.” He leaned closer until the fog of their breaths mingled.
She could smell the woodsy scent of his cologne. “Old dog?”
He grinned. “You know what I mean.” He was so close. His gaze searched hers.
But she stepped away from him. “You’re welcome, then.” She nodded in the direction of her Jeep. “We’d better get going.”
Chapter Five
By Saturday morning, Taryn had no doubt that the image of Cash’s smile after scaling that ice would be forever seared into her memory. And that was not a good thing.
Yeah, she wanted to help the guy. Show him what he’d been missing in his life. But she hadn’t counted on the feelings he stirred in her. Feelings she didn’t want, because the last time she allowed herself to feel this way, her whole world shattered.
“You’re unusually quiet this morning.” Blakely shifted slightly in her spa chair, her strawberry-blond ponytail trailing over one shoulder. “What gives?”
Warm water bubbled around Taryn’s feet as she sank deeper into her own spa chair, a pleasure she and Blakely rarely had the opportunity to revel in. Blakely owned Ouray’s finest Jeep-tour company. As head grease monkey and guide extraordinaire, she, like Taryn, was a no-frills kind of girl. But that didn’t mean they weren’t in touch with their feminine side. So her friend’s wedding day was the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Manicure, pedicure, makeup and hair.
“Blakes, you’re getting married. As your maid of honor, I have a right to be reflective.”
“Not buying it.” Blakely cocked her head. “Try again. Preferably, with the truth.”
The two of them had always been brutally honest with each other. And Blakely was the only one who knew about Taryn’s baby. She was the most trusted friend Taryn had ever had.
The people working in the salon were another matter, though.
But since they’d made themselves scarce for the moment... “Another long, tall Texan is tugging on my heartstrings.”
Her friend’s blue eyes lit up like an LED headlamp. “Are you kidding me? Who?”
“Easy, Blakes. It’s nothing serious. Just a little...disconcerting.”
“Okay, fine.” Blakely whispered. “But will you at least tell me who you’re talking about?”
She scanned the area, making sure no one was close enough to hear, then leaned toward her friend. “Mr. Jenkins’s grandson, Cash.”
“What happened?”
“You know how you’re a sucker for that lost-puppy-dog look?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, once I got past the fact that he looked and sounded so much like Brian...” She picked at her nonexistent fingernails, wondering what kind of magic Miranda could possibly work to make them look pretty. “It’s like the guy has no life. Or a life not of his choosing.”
“I’m not following you.”
“He loves Ouray. Used to spend every summer here with his grandparents. But, until Thursday, he hasn’t been back in ten years.”
Blakely leaned closer. “Why?”
“He didn’t say, but I have my suspicions. See, he took over running his father’s company when he got cancer. Even though he’d planned to move to Ouray. His father’s okay now, but Cash is still there, doing everything he can to make his father proud.”
“I see. So his hopes and dreams got sidetracked by the need to win his father’s approval?”
“And it doesn’t take a genius to see that it’s robbed him of his joy.” She scanned the tranquil and blessedly empty space once again. “Cash used to be a fun-loving and adventurous guy. Now he’s always thinking about work. I’m not sure he even knows how to relax.”
“And you’re going to fix that.”
Taryn tried not to smile but failed. “Well, I tried. I took him climbing yesterday.”
“How did that go?”
“He loved it. And it was nice to see a glimpse of the old Cash.”
“But...?”
“But nothing.”
Blakely lifted a brow, soothing music filling the space between them.
“We’re friends, Blakes.”
“That could change.”
“Not likely. He lives in Dallas. I live in Ouray. Long-distance relationships never work out.”
Blakely crossed her arms over her chest. “Sometimes they do.”
“Only if one party is willing to join the other. He’s not going anywhere. And there’s no way I’m ever setting foot in Texas again.”
A smile played at the corners of her friend’s mouth. “Never say never, Taryn. That’s just enough to make the good Lord show you who’s boss.”
“Okay, ladies. Have your tootsies thawed out?” Miranda, the salon’s owner, emerged from the back room.
Blakely straightened, adjusting the pillow in her lap. “Mine have.”
“I’m good,” said Taryn.
“Sally.” Miranda motioned for her assistant before addressing Blakely and Taryn. “Thought we’d get your toes done first so they’ll be good and dry by the time you’re ready to put your boots back on. It’s really coming down out there.”
Taryn and Blakely looked out the front window, stunned to discover the snow had really picked up.
“Wow. It was barely flurrying when we got here.” Taryn couldn’t help thinking about Cash. Looked like he got his wish for snow. Hopefully, he was enjoying it and not staring at his computer. Maybe she should call Mr. Jenkins and ask him. But what would Cash think about her checking up on him?
The guy is leaving tomorrow.
May as well go for the gusto.
She tugged her cell phone from the back pocket of her jeans and dialed her neighbor. Luckily, Miranda, Sally and Blakely were engrossed in nail color selections and not paying attention to her.
“Mr. Jenkins.” She kept her voice as low as possible. “Is Cash around?”
“Sure is. Taryn wants to talk to you.” His voice faded as he handed off the phone.
“Hello.”
“Are you looking out the window?”
“I’ll do you one better. I just came in the house to get warm. I’ve been outside enjoying every flake.”
“No kidding?” Perhaps she’d made some progress, after all.
“Wish you were here. We could build a snowman.”
“Snowman? There can’t be more than two inches on the ground.”
Blakely held a bottle of nail polish in front of her and pointed to her toes. It was the same wine color as her dress. She smiled and shot her friend a thumbs-up.
“In Texas we make snowmen with a lot less snow than that.”
“They must be awful small.”
“Hey, it’s about the experience.”
She turned away from the other women. “Who are you and what have you done with Cash?”
“Very funny.”
“Afraid you’re on your own for this one, cowboy. I’m enjoying a day of pampering at the spa.”
“Will I see you later?”
Suddenly a swarm of butterflies came to life in her stomach. “Are you coming to the wedding with your grandfather?”
“I am.”
That meant he’d see her all dressed up. In high heels and a dress. Makeup, nails, hair...
The butterflies multiplied.
Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
* * *
After only two days in Ouray, Cash was happier than he’d been in ages. Now, as he and Gramps stepped through the doors of Restoration Fellowship, he couldn’t ignore his eagerness to see Taryn. The woman fascinated him.
Beyond the small foyer, candlelight flickered
throughout the small sanctuary while music drifted from an acoustic guitar. White tulips adorned both sides of the altar, continuing in front of the piano and organ. Simple decorations, but stunning nonetheless.
The snow had stopped over an hour ago, but Cash still insisted they drive the few blocks to the church. Virtually everything in Ouray was within walking distance, but dressed in nice clothes, he wasn’t about to invite disaster.
He and Gramps were seated on the groom’s side, though Gramps was quick to let him know he was friends with both the bride and the groom. Apparently everyone in town was eager to celebrate the union of these two people. The pews were filling faster than a creek in a gully washer.
According to Taryn, the bride and groom fell in love one long-ago summer. Then he’d gone on to marry someone else. Ten years later, he came back, widowed, and surprised not only to find Blakely, but a son he never knew existed. God had brought the three of them back together and they were finally going to be a family.
A wistfulness had filled Taryn’s eyes when she told the story. A look that seemed to go beyond being happy for her friend.
Cash noticed an older woman being escorted to the front pew on the bride’s side.
Gramps leaned closer. “That’s Blakely’s grandmother, Rose Daniels,” he whispered. “Owns the Alps Motel.”
The minister, groom and a young boy Cash guessed was the couple’s son appeared at the front. A moment later, the notes of a classical tune floated through the air.
Rustling behind him captured his attention. He turned and, at the back of the church, saw Taryn waiting. She wore a strapless dress the color of red wine that accented her small waist. On cue, she started down the aisle in high-heeled silver sandals with a grace that belied the tomboy image he’d seen yesterday. Talk about the total package. This girl was it.
He swallowed hard as she walked past him. Her short golden-brown hair was tucked behind one ear, while the other side framed her beautiful face.
When Taryn reached the altar, the wedding march started, the doors at the back of the room swung open and the congregation stood.
Blakely was a cute strawberry-blonde with a smile as big as Texas. Seemed she didn’t have eyes for anyone but her intended as she strode down the aisle solo.
Shifting his attention to the groom, Cash saw the same love and adoration on his face as he watched his bride move toward him.
Rescuing the Texan's Heart Page 5
