Jared smiled, grabbing her for an impromptu bear hug.
“Hey, what was that for?”
“Two women in my life are plenty. Thanks, Jo. I'm gonna check on Jamie—see yourself out?”
“Sure thing.”
Jared tiptoed with amazing grace into his daughter's bedroom, careful not to step on the pile of Barbie dolls in the middle of the floor.
His daughter was definitely “all girl,” though she seemed equally as drawn to the outdoors, spending hours with the animals and collecting her “treasures.” The windowsill in her bedroom was lined with rocks and feathers and bits of odd-shaped twigs. Her “magic wands,” she called them. He’d even taken one particularly nice bit of manzanita branch and hand-sanded most of it to reveal a beautiful, rich red grain of the wood, then oiled it to a high sheen.
As he knelt by her bed, Jamie stirred in her sleep and he watched as her eyelids fluttered open.
“Where were you, Daddy?”
“Hey, you're s'posed to be asleep and dreaming already.” He brought her tiny hand to his lips for a soft kiss.
“Tell me what I should dream about,” she said as her eyes closed halfway.
Jared spoke slowly, his voice low and smooth. “Dream about being a princess in a castle on the top of a beautiful green mountain. You climb to the top of the castle tower and look at your lovely kingdom, filled with every animal—”
“Ponies?”
“Gray ponies and white ponies and even spotted ones.”
“With wings?”
“Sure. And all the kittens and puppies you can imagine—”
“A hundred and one?”
“At least. And—”
“Alpacas, like here, Daddy?”
“Sure, Sugar Plum.”
“And are you there too?”
“Well, I would be the King, of course.”
Jamie frowned a drowsy frown. “We would need a Queen there too.”
An unbidden picture of Lacey popped into his mind—she was standing at the foot of a castle wearing Jamie's pink “princess hat,” wearing a filmy, white flowing gown, her hands clasped together demurely.
A soft snore distracted him from the vision. Jared looked at his daughter's expression of peaceful slumber. “But she's not the right Queen, Sugar Plum,” he whispered.
Carefully making his way back out the door, Jared sighed. He still felt unsettled, and, if he was being honest, even more so than before he'd seen Lacey at the salon. What was it about her that was so hard to read? Why couldn’t he just talk to her, explain what was on his mind, and leave it at that? He picked up the phone and pressed one of the speed dial buttons.
“Jo,” he said, “I didn't chicken out—she and I just don't communicate well.”
“Tell me exactly what happened.”
Jared cradled the receiver on his shoulder as he grabbed a bottle of beer out of the refrigerator and twisted off the top. He took a long swallow before he answered, then gave her a blow by blow of the conversation he and Lacy had had at the salon.
“What else?”
How did she always know when he left something out?
“C’mon,” she urged.
“The guy she asked to be in the bachelor auction is in jail. The one I should have warned her about. Luke, the band’s lead singer, is the other cowboy.”
“Hmm. So, she’s short a cowboy. Interesting.”
“Jo—”
“What? You’re going to tell me not to go there? Tell me you haven’t already thought about it, little brother.”
He didn’t answer immediately, because he knew Jo was right. He had thought about it. All the way home. But he wouldn’t say so.
“Jared. It’s pretty clear to me. You need to show up and be her cowboy.”
He groaned.
“All you have to do is call Luke and get some details. Was there a rehearsal?”
“Yeah, yesterday.” Luke had actually already shared all the details of the rehearsal and the upcoming event when the band had met with the Wednesday night band that morning to go over some details about switching nights.
“Jared. Why not?”
Jared rolled his eyes and took a quick swig of beer. “When we first met, I’m pretty sure she thought I was married.” He listened to the silence on the other end of the phone.
“And you didn't tell her otherwise?”
“I did…later. And I told her about Jamie.”
“And her reaction?”
He paused, remembering. “Aloof. Her interest in the other guy increased.”
“Hmm. Sounds like a scared woman to me. Hey, what are you gonna do with your wedding ring? I noticed you aren't wearing it anymore…finally. Now it makes sense.” He could almost hear her smiling through the phone.
“You want it?”
Laughter filled his ear until he finally had to hold the receiver away from his head.
“Sure,” she said, “I'll have it melted down and make something out of it for Jamaica.” She paused a moment. “What else?” she prompted.
“She might get the wrong idea if I do this. Jo, she's just not right for me.”
“And how, exactly, do you know this?”
“She's a…career woman.” He almost choked on the word. “Been there, done that. Remember?”
“Unfair, Jared. I'm a career woman and I find plenty of time for the important things in life. Some women can handle it all.”
“She's…too young.”
“She's not that young. I’ve met her and she’s probably the oldest one at that salon. Do you think she's attractive?”
“What's that got to do with anything?”
“Hmm, so you do. Interesting. Are you attracted to her?”
“Jo—”
“—you're not dead, you know. Attraction is a healthy thing. Seriously, how long has it been since you’ve—”
“Jo—”
“Okay, okay…”
Jared closed his eyes, picturing Lacey in his mind as she had appeared the night he’d interrupted her solo dance on the back deck at the Rockin' Ranch. How she’d felt in his arms, her silky hair draped over his arm, her hand snug in his, her red boots, how she kept staring at their feet. His groin quickly began to ache. This is ridiculous.
“Jared?”
“I…we don't need an independent, opinionated, busy woman in our lives right now.”
“I see, and when might you need one?”
Jared groaned again. “You're not helping.”
“Grow-up, little brother, and quit being so rigid and so defensive. That charity auction is for a good cause. I read in the UT the money is being raised for a Pediatric AIDS fund. But I guess you can afford to be selfish…your little girl is healthy.”
His sister knew all the buttons to push. He was a goner.
“And you could try being a friend to Lacey. What makes you think she's even remotely interested in you anyway?” Jo asked.
“Don't you ever get tired of being right?” His sister's laughter again filled his ear.
“Jared—my advice? Show up at the auction. Help her out. Be a nice guy. Make her day. See you in the morning. I’ll help you pick out what to wear.”
Before he could answer, he heard the soft click of the phone.
Women.
Chapter Seven
At the salon Kandy had put the finishing touches on Luke's hair and even persuaded him to let her dab a little face powder on his nose.
“Doesn't he look yummy?” Kandy fanned herself with her hand as she waited backstage. Her gaze followed Luke as he joined the line of men in a waiting area.
Lacey agreed. “You did a great job, Kandy. Nice hair.”
“Thanks. I didn’t believe he could be more gorgeous, but he is, isn’t he?”
Lacey drew her lips into a straight line, then blew out a frustrated sigh.
“What?”
“I just feel bad that Luke has to be the only cowboy.”
“Lacey, darling, look what I found!”
“Your cowboy is here after all—just look at this handsome hunk of man.”
Lacey stared at Jared, then at the beaming marketing director, and back again to Jared who returned what could only be described as a shit-eating grin.
“He does belong to you, doesn't he, honey?”
“No…yes…what are you doing here?” She directed the question at Jared, but he shrugged.
“You look great,” Kandy added, elbowing her Lacey in the ribs as though she should be the one saying it. And, well, she should be…if she actually still retained the ability to speak. No, looking at him had literally taken her breath away.
He was devastatingly handsome, dressed in a black leather blazer, crisp white shirt, and black string tie. His brown hair looked like polished mahogany in the bright backstage lighting; the silver strands at his temples were more noticeable, adding dazzling highlights. Her gaze dropped to his waist, which sported a stunning silver and turquoise belt buckle above snug black jeans. His familiar black boots had been recently polished. He looked taller, imposing. Different.
“What do you think, Lacey, with the hat or without it?” Jared asked.
She looked up, her pulse throbbing at her temples, embarrassed to have him catch her downward gaze. “Let me see it on.”
Jared tipped his head forward and placed a black felt hat on his head.
She stepped forward, instinctively smoothing his hair behind his ears and pulling out a few strands that were tucked inside his collar. Lemons. Why did he have to smell so damn good?
“Surprised?” Jared whispered in her ear as he leaned forward so she could reach better.
“What made you—”
“My big sister,” he answered.
Lacey laughed. “Thanks to your sister, then. I'd like to meet her.” Lacey continued to straighten and smooth Jared's tie and collar.
“You've already met.”
“You're kidding. Where?”
“Do you remember a little girl named Jamie—actually, Jo calls her Jamaica. My sister brought her in and you fixed her hair.”
“She was your Jamie?”
Jared nodded. “And I can hardly get her to take off that damn princess hat you gave her, by the way. I think there's glitter in every room of the house.”
Lacey took a step back.
The marketing director sighed, both hands clasped in front of her. “Oh, my. You should fetch a good price,” she said. “What’s your name so I can get the info to the announcer.”
“Jared Dillon,” he told her.
Lacey watched as Jared's face seemed to pale as if he suddenly remembered the real reason he was there.
“I can't believe I'm doing this,” he said.
“Nonsense,” the marketing director said. “Lacey, out of here. I've got to go. Jared, you can join Luke in line. You two are up last.”
Jared tipped his head in acknowledgment to Luke, who was giving him a thumbs up.
“Don't worry, the ladies will love you.” Lacey felt a sudden heat in her cheeks. They would love him, she realized, and he probably would fetch a good price. God, I sound barbaric.
Kandy walked over and whispered, “Lacey, the girls from the shop have a spot saved up front. You coming?”
“You go on, Kandy. I'm going to run back to the salon and work a little bit, and I'll meet you after it's over.”
Kandy's mouth drew into a pout. “You're no fun. Aren't you even going to bid on anyone?”
Lacey groaned. “Do you have enough money to buy Luke—you need to borrow any?”
“I'm fine, thanks. I've been saving tips all week. See ya.” Her face brightened as she twirled to join the crowd.
The sound of someone tapping on a microphone drew Lacey's attention as she started walking away from the stage and toward the salon.
“Is this on? Can everyone hear me out there?” The master of ceremonies was a local radio personality whose voice was unmistakable. She listened to his familiar mellow baritone.
“Good evening everyone. My name is Gabe Freeman, from KGLD, San Diego's Number One Golden Oldies radio. Calm down ladies, the bidding is about to begin. Welcome to our “Bachelor For Sale” charity auction.” His voice was quickly drowned out by the noisy crowd.
Lacey focused on the stage as the curtain was drawn to reveal the line-up of good-looking men, which brought an enthusiastic simultaneous scream from the crowd.
Gabe raised his hands in attempts to control the crowd, continuing, “Remember that your kind donations this evening will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Next Saturday each couple will enjoy a day of fun at several local attractions that have donated tickets, and then a night out on the town with dinner and dancing, and a champagne toast at Bertrand at Mister A’s...but don't forget that tonight's highest bidder will join her bachelor on a Dream Date weekend donated by Adventure Tours, located right here at the Wentworth Mall. So think big and bid big!”
“Good luck, Kandy,” Lacey whispered as she left the shrieking crowd behind her.
***
Stifling a yawn, Lacey checked her watch. She hated crunching numbers but at least now she wouldn't have to come in early tomorrow to prepare her quarterly report, which highlighted her best quarter ever. In fact, the best in the salon’s history. Her regional manager had hinted she’d already peeked at some of the figures and had been extremely complimentary during this week’s visit.
It felt so good to be at this point, she admitted. The salon was humming along nicely, their retail sales were through the roof and each stylist would be getting a handsome bonus. She was proud of them…and herself. For once, she felt she was exactly where she was supposed to be, doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing.
If she looked at the big picture, she should thank Dirk. His behavior had set her free in more ways than one. She was free to pursue her dreams, and not stuck in a marriage with someone who didn’t respect her or her goals.
She let out a sigh as she reached for a small picture frame from the corner of her desk, a photo of her and Dirk’s son, Devyn. He was her only regret and she feared that hurt would never go away. In reality, he’d soon forget her, she assumed. At the tender age of four, he would soon be attending preschool, making friends, would probably grow to love his step-mother and new baby sister or brother. Life would go on for him. And she hoped it would.
With a press of a few keys, she saved and emailed her quarterly financial report to the corporate office, tidied up, then locked the salon door behind her. The event should be winding down, she figured.
As she walked toward the mall's courtyard she saw that the stage was still full, though the crowd had tamed down considerably. On the stage, all the men except for Luke and Jared had a woman draped on his left arm.
As Luke was being introduced, Lacey made her way to the side of the crowd, hoping to squeeze into a space toward the front to join Kandy and the others.
Kandy's familiar squeal caught her attention and she waved at her and her friends up front. The bidding was intense, but brisk, and Kandy was victorious.
“Mr. Luke Anderson has been purchased for the highest price of the night by the lady in red. Please join us on stage, Madame. Congratulations ! And you two will win the “Dream Date of the Evening” unless this last bachelor can fetch a higher price.”
Lacey's gaze returned to the stage as Jared walked to the auction platform. She felt a twinge of…regret? Jealousy? She wasn't sure.
One thing was certain, though, the man looked hot.
Very hot.
Then she shook her head. Not my type. Remember the list. He's got a daughter. He’s divorced. He’d older.
She ticked off the details on her list with every beat of her heart as she stared at Jared who was now standing next to the emcee. She folded her arms against her chest.
“You're not for me,” she whispered.
The marketing direct
or slid up next to her, grabbing her elbow. “Lacey, darling, aren't you bidding on your cowboy?”
“Did the charity do well tonight?” she asked, hoping to divert the marketing director’s attention. Her gaze didn't budge from the stage.
“Oh, this has been the event of the year,” she said. “We've raised almost ten thousand dollars already and the television cameras have even shown up. We're getting great publicity.”
A loud cheer from the crowd interrupted their conversation. Lacey stepped up on tiptoe to try to see who was bidding on Jared.
“Oh, my!” the marketing director squealed. “That woman over there just doubled the last bid!”
Lacey looked at a woman partially hidden in the middle of the crowd. Her gaze shifted to Jared's face. He looked relieved. Did he know her?
As if reading her thoughts, the marketing director asked, “Do you think they know each other?”
“Maybe.”
Gabe shouted to the crowd, “Will anyone increase the bid? Going once, twice, sold to the lady right there,” he said, pointing at the woman.
Lacey examined the expression on Jared's face. He looked genuinely happy. His grin looked…mischievous.
“Well, our final bachelor has fetched the highest price of the evening and will be escorting his date on an all expenses paid weekend at a secluded, romantic mountain getaway. Help the lady up to the stage, please.”
The mystery woman stopped on the top step of the stairway that led to the stage, her back to the crowd, and gestured to the emcee. Gabe covered his microphone with one hand and leaned down in order to hear her.
Straightening up, he nodded and then announced to the crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed that the winning bidder has purchased this last bachelor as a gift for someone. Would Lacey Murdock please join us on stage to claim her man and to accept the “Dream Date of the Evening?” Where are you, Lacey? Your cowboy is waiting!”
Lacey felt her eyes grow big and her lips part, then felt a hand in the small of her back as the marketing director gave her a substantial shove.
“Here she is! Here she is!” she shouted to the emcee.
Jared's gaze locked for a moment on hers, then Lacey forced a smile and made her way toward the steps leading to the stage. Her feet felt heavy but somehow she managed to climb the stairs. Gabe met her at the last step, then took her hand and guided her to a spot on the stage next to Jared.
COWBOY FOR SALE--A Second-Chances Spicy Romance Page 8
