by Donna Alward
She clenched her fists. His calm, reasonable tone grated on her last nerve as panic twisted her stomach in knots. “But I don’t have much savings. And with the baby coming I need a steady paycheck.”
Cash pulled out a kitchen chair and helped her into it. He knelt down in front of her. “You tried—what? A half-dozen restaurants?” When she nodded, he continued, “There are dozens more you haven’t contacted. Keep going. Keep trying. You’ll find the right position in no time.”
He was right. Her search had only just begun. Her stomach began to settle. “I know you’re right. But with the baby on the way it’s just so scary not to have a reliable job.”
“Quit worrying. You and that little one will be just fine. My offer still stands. Any time you want some help—”
She shook her head. “I’m fine now. I can do this. But thank you.”
He got to his feet. “Stay there. I’ll get you a plate. And no protests. That little one you’re carrying is hungry.”
Cash amazed her with his ability to be so supportive. No one in her life had ever rallied behind her like he had. The others had barged in and told her what to do.
But not Cash. He was willing to step aside and let her find her own way. How would she ever repay him?
* * *
Cash chugged down his third mug of coffee and trudged off to the barn. Another yawn plagued him. After his talk with Meg the previous evening he’d been troubled by his conscience.
He’d spent a sleepless night, staring into the darkness, wrestling with what he should do: honor his word to Meg and let her find a job on her own? Or make a few phone calls on her behalf?
After witnessing the toll her unemployment was taking on her, he couldn’t imagine that the ensuing stress was any good for the baby. And the knowledge that she was considering begging for her television job back tipped his decision.
He’d made a lot of contacts while working the rodeo circuit. After all, he was a world champion twice over. He’d had influential sponsors. He’d never asked for any special favors in the past so he had a few chips to cash in.
He was hesitant, though, to reconnect with that part of his life. He had always thought that when he’d decided to walk away after that last scandal selling horses to cowboys would be the extent of his involvement with the rodeo crew.
However, there was more here to consider than his own comfort. Meg and her baby deserved a good life, and if he could do anything to make that happen he had to at least try.
He grabbed for his phone. The echo of Meg’s determined voice filled his mind. Surely she’d forgive him? After all, he was only offering her a helping hand.
He dialed the phone number scrawled on an old slip of paper. “Hey, Tex. It’s Cash. I was hoping you could help me out with something...”
* * *
Meghan sat down at Cash’s computer with her bottom lip clenched firmly between her teeth. A couple of days had elapsed since she’d received that handful of passes on her résumé, but after Cash’s pep talk she’d contacted more potential employers. Now it was time to see if anyone was willing to give her a chance.
She sent up a short, hopeful prayer and opened her email. The first few were more of the same—“thanks, but no thanks” notes. The fourth email was from someone whose name and address she didn’t recognize.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
RE: Inquiry
Ms. Finnegan, it has come to my attention that you’re looking for a position in the restaurant industry. I’m currently in the process of establishing the Golden Mesa Restaurant, a 5-star culinary delight in Albuquerque. If you were to forward me your résumé and a list of references, I’d like to consider you for our kitchen staff.
At last her luck was turning around. She couldn’t quit grinning. She squealed with delight.
Cash ran into the room. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”
“Nothing’s wrong. Nothing at all.”
She jumped to her feet. In a wave of happy adrenaline she rushed over, threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. At first he didn’t move, but then his arms snaked around her blossoming waistline to give her a squeeze. It’d only take the turn of her head for them to be lip to lip.
He was so tempting.
So desirable.
So...
No. She couldn’t set herself up to be rebuffed once again. If he wanted her, he’d have to make the first move.
She pulled back. Pretending not to be affected by their closeness, she explained to him about the email she had just received. “I don’t know how the owner got my name, though.”
Cash’s throat bobbed. “Hey, you’re a celebrity. I’m sure the word is out that your talent is available to the right restaurant.”
“You really think people in the know are talking about me?”
“Of course I do. Did you email back?”
“No. I was so excited I forgot. But with it being Friday I probably won’t hear back until Monday.”
In that moment she realized her two weeks at the Tumbling Weed were almost over. She’d been hoping that by the time she had to face her family and friends she’d once again be gainfully employed.
“Don’t worry,” Cash said, as though reading her troubled thoughts. “We’ll get through the weekend together. Maybe there will be some more murder mysteries on television for us to guess the culprit.”
She smiled. Her chest was filled with a grateful warmth over the way he’d so smoothly made it possible for her to stay on a little longer without putting her in the difficult position of having to ask.
It’d all work out. She wasn’t worried. She had a good feeling about this job—a real good feeling.
With a thump, she settled back into the desk chair. It was time to put her best foot forward. She began to type an eager response.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HE’D CHICKENED OUT.
After witnessing Meg’s excitement over the job inquiry Cash hadn’t been able to bring himself to snuff out her glow by confessing that he might have opened the door for her with Tex. Besides, all he’d done was make a few phone calls and throw out her name. It would be Meg’s talent that landed her that job. And he had no doubt she’d get it.
In all honesty, it hadn’t been easy to convince Tex to consider Meg. News of her canceled television show and the ensuing bad press hadn’t died down yet. In an effort to counter the negativity Cash had mentioned in confidence Meg’s upcoming cookbook deal, assuring Tex that the public would love it. In addition, Cash had thrown out the idea of having a large press presence and a sizeable crowd for the ribbon cutting. Tex had liked the thought of creating some media buzz about the grand opening. Now Cash was in over his head. But he couldn’t back out.
Tex had held up his end of the deal by taking Meg into consideration for executive chef. Now Cash had to come through with his part of the deal. And he wasn’t looking forward to it.
But the thought of Meg and the baby with a secure future would make it tolerable. He’d do almost anything for them.
He’d done some research on the internet and now he had a plan of action. Only it’d take more manpower than he could muster single-handedly in such a short space of time. Remembering Meg’s sister’s phone number was still on his cell phone, he strode outside for privacy and placed a call. He could only hope her sister was as trusting of strangers as Meg.
A warm voice answered.
“Is this Ella? Meg’s sister?” he asked, hoping he wasn’t about to make a fool of himself.
“Possibly. And who would this be?”
She was cautious. Good for her.
“This is Cash Sullivan. I think your sister might have mentioned me.”
“Is Meghan all right?” Ella asked in a rushe
d, anxious voice.
“Yes, she is. I didn’t mean to alarm you. There’s a problem, but it has nothing to do with her health.”
“Did one of those reporters track her down? I told her eventually they’d find her. They’re worse than bloodhounds.”
His gaze moved to the empty country lane. “So far she’s avoided them. The reason I’m calling is because I need your help if we’re going to get your sister a new—a better job as the celebrity chef of a new five-star restaurant.”
“I still can’t believe they canceled her show.” A note of anger rumbled through the phone. “You know, I saw Harold talking to some TV executives at the church. I’m certain he’s somehow mixed up in this. I never did understand what Meghan saw in him.”
That made two of them. But Cash didn’t want to get started listing all Harold’s faults or they might be there all evening. They had more pressing matters to discuss.
“Your sister is returning home soon, but it’s going to be tough for her to face her friends and family with no husband and no job.” He didn’t elaborate on her need for this job because he wasn’t going to spill the beans about the baby. Meg had a right to her privacy, as his grandmother had pointed out. “I have a plan, but we’ll need to act fast.”
“We? As in you and me?” Her tone sounded doubtful.
“Yes.” His neck and shoulders tightened as he thought of the way this must sound to her.
“But I don’t even know you.”
“True. But what devious motive could I have by helping Meg get a job?”
A slight pause ensued. “Are you in love with her?”
What? Talk about a crazy idea—this ranked at the top of the list. It was a physical attraction between them—pure and simple.
“Of course not. Your sister has been a big help to me and my grandmother. All I want is a chance to pay her back.”
“I’m listening.”
“There’s one condition, though. Would you be willing to keep this from Meg until we work out all the details?” He almost mentioned how the stress wouldn’t be good for the baby. Instead he settled for, “After the wedding she was so upset she ended up physically sick. I don’t want to get her worked up again, especially since she doesn’t quite have the job yet.”
“Aren’t you rushing things, then?”
“I have faith in your sister’s abilities.”
“Are you sure there isn’t something else going on between you two?”
Her suspicion made him uneasy. Memories of the steamy kiss they’d shared stirred his body. Did that constitute something going on? No. He’d certainly made it to a lot more bases in the past without any strings attached. This was no different.
“I’m certain. She’s a friend. Nothing more,” he lied.
“If you say so.”
She didn’t sound as though she’d bought his line. Her warm voice was a lot like Meg’s and, just like her sister, she wasn’t easily swayed.
He brushed off Ella’s suspicions. They had more important matters to address, and soon Meg would come looking for him for dinner. “The thing is, this will take more coordination and planning than I have time to do on my own. Will you help?”
“Depends on what you have in mind. Start talking.”
Her interest in hearing him out eased his tension. With some help, his plan had a real chance. He prayed it would all work out the way he envisioned. Then Meg and the little one would have a stable, happy life—something he could never offer them.
* * *
Talk about a joyous homecoming.
Meg pulled up to the ranch house at Tumbling Weed after returning from her job interview on Tuesday morning with Tex Northridge. She smiled as she recalled how well the meeting had gone. She’d left him with a sample menu and he’d assured her that he’d be in contact “real soon.”
She climbed out of the truck to find Cash standing on the porch as though he’d been there for a while, waiting for her. The thought filled her with warmth and her smile broadened.
“I’d ask how the interview went, but by the look on your face I’d say you have the job.”
“Not quite. But I have a good feeling about it.”
“I never doubted you could pull it off.”
She climbed the steps and stopped next to him. “That’s one thing I love about you.” When surprise was reflected in Cash’s gray eyes she realized her poor word choice hadn’t gone unnoticed. Not wanting to make an even bigger deal of it, she continued, “You’re always so encouraging and optimistic...about my life. I just wish you’d take some of your own advice. Forget your past and make a future for yourself.”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “You still think that’s possible after everything I’ve told you?”
“I honestly do. The trick is you have to believe it too.”
Cash shuffled his feet. “We best get moving or we’ll be late for lunch. And you know how Gram likes to eat on time.”
“She’s home?” Meghan grinned.
Cash nodded and led her back to the pickup.
She couldn’t wait to see her dear friend. It felt like she’d been gone for a month or more. What was she going to do when she returned to Albuquerque? The thought of never seeing Martha—or Cash—deflated her good mood.
Lunch was filled with nonstop talk about Meghan’s interview and Amy Santiago’s babies. Cash remained unusually quiet and ducked back out the door before he even swallowed his last bite of sandwich.
After the dishes were washed and the kitchen put to rights Martha shooed her out. “Go and work on some new recipes for that cookbook.”
“Are you sure? I could stay and help you unpack, or do laundry.”
“Nonsense. You have more important things to do. And it’s great you’re putting my grandson’s new kitchen to use.”
“I can work on the recipes another time,” Meghan insisted, preferring to stay here and talk.
“Go,” Martha said, chasing her through the door. “I’ll be over for dinner at six. Yell if you need any help.”
My, how things were changing. Dinner at Cash’s house and she was in charge of the meal. As Meghan strolled up the lane she realized those meals were numbered. She’d already stayed beyond what they’d originally agreed to. Once she heard back from Mr. Northridge, which was supposed to be by the end of this week, she’d be gone.
Sure, she could keep finding excuses to stay longer, and Cash was too much of a gentleman to boot her out. But it wasn’t fair to him, and it was high time she stood firmly on her own two feet. If this job didn’t pan out she’d find another.
She might have lost her television career, but her life wasn’t over. In fact it was just beginning.
But somewhere along the way she’d started picturing Cash as part of that new beginning. Not a good thing to do with a man who’d shut himself off from love. If only she could get through to him...
Once she stepped into the kitchen she concentrated on creating fabulous new recipes. She whipped up sauces and marinades. She discarded the ones she’d classify as merely “good.” She was looking for something with a “wow” factor. She knew Cash liked her cooking, but tonight she planned to knock his boots off.
All too soon the back door banged shut. Her gaze shifted to the wall clock above the sink. Half past five. When had it gotten so late? Martha would arrive soon and she wasn’t ready.
Meghan dropped a hot mitt to the counter and ran a hand over her hair. After slaving over the stove all afternoon she must look a sight, but it was too late to go spruce herself up.
Cash strode into the kitchen. “Something sure smells good.”
“Thanks. Umm...I didn’t have a chance to clean up. I was working on recipes for the cookbook.”
“Does this mean we’re going to dine on another of your soon-to-be fam
ous recipes?”
“Are you offering to be my guinea pig again?”
His dimple showed when he smiled. “If it’s as good as your other creations, count me in.”
“You know I won’t be around much longer to tempt your palate?”
The light in his eyes dimmed. She’d thought he’d be relieved to know he’d soon have the place back to himself. Was it possible he wasn’t anxious for her to go?
Before she could figure out how to ask him such a delicate question he excused himself to go wash up for dinner.
He was so sweet and kind. It was a shame he had no intention of letting some lucky woman into his life. Next to her father, he was the most dependable man she’d ever known.
Meghan had finished setting the dining room table when Cash strolled back into the kitchen, looking fresh and dangerously sexy with his damp hair. His Western shirt was unbuttoned, giving her a glimpse of the light smattering of dark hair on his chest. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she glanced away, trying to focus on cleaning up the kitchen island.
He approached her and she inhaled a whiff of his spicy cologne. It was darn near intoxicating, and she nearly dropped the mixing bowl she’d intended to place in the sink. He reached out to take the bowl from her and their fingers connected.
The heat of his touch zinged up her arm and settled in her chest. She turned her head to him. His very kissable lips hovered only a few inches from hers. Would it be so wrong to take one more sizzling memory with her when she left?
She tried to tell herself this wasn’t right—for either of them—but the pounding of her heart and the yearning in her core drove her beyond the bounds of caution.
The breath caught in her throat and the blood pounded in her veins. She was totally caught up in an overwhelming need to have him kiss her—here—now. For just this moment she wanted to forget their circumstances and lose herself in his arms.
His hungry gaze met and held hers. He wanted her too. She’d never experienced such desire. Her stomach quivered with excitement. But she held herself back. She’d promised herself the next time he’d be the one to make the first move. She couldn’t risk being shunned again—no matter how much she wanted him.
