Winning Over the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  She’d get a glimpse of them after the wedding and make sure they knew the truth about her relationship with Chase at the reception. In the meantime, she had to focus on Ally’s ceremony. And keep her feelings buried.

  If Chase figured her out, would he still be comfortable owning a business with her? Or, just when they were learning how to compromise on the dude ranch, would he tell her to find herself another partner? In more ways than one?

  Chapter Ten

  Tables and chairs lined the churchyard, with filmy fabric and red roses draped everywhere. What were they thinking, having an outdoor reception this time of year? The sun shone hot from the clear Texas sky, leaving the guests fanning. At least Chase was used to it, but his jacket was wanting to come off as he sat at their table waiting for the wedding party to join the reception.

  The bride and groom exited the church, followed by their attendants and Landry. The family picture session obviously over. He saw her scan the gathering, spot him, head his way. Her ruffled pale turquoise skirt skimmed her knees in the front, then dipped low down the sides and brushed the heels of her cowgirl boots in the back. Way too pretty for comfort.

  Of course, he thought she was beautiful even when she wore her disposable food prep cap at the dude ranch. But today, her hair hung long and loose, wild curls in disarray.

  She smiled down at him, turning his insides to pudding. “Is this seat taken?”

  Words wouldn’t come. He shook his head.

  She claimed the chair beside him as her flowery perfume caught up with him.

  “Landry, introduce me to your young man.” A silver-haired woman about midsixties set her hand on Chase’s arm.

  “He’s not my young man, Dotty. You remember me talking about my friend Eden from Bandera. This is her brother, Chase.”

  “I wish I had a friend with a brother who looked like him when I was your age.” Her puckered lips formed a small O. “He’s the one you inherited the dude ranch with?”

  “Yes. We’re business partners. That’s all.” She turned to Chase. “Dotty works at Clay’s ranch.”

  “It’s a shame to be just business partners with such a fine-looking cowboy. I’d rethink that if I were you, young lady.” Dotty shot him a wink.

  Chase’s neck heated as Dotty ambled past them.

  “Are you blushing?” Landry chuckled.

  “No.” He cleared his throat. “Of course not.”

  “I almost said you were my friend. But that can be code for boyfriend.” She scanned the crowd. “I guess it doesn’t matter what I tell them. They all assume we’re dating. I appreciate you coming, but maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Her gaze crashed into his.

  If she’d gotten her sister’s call about Kyle before they’d left this morning, he probably wouldn’t have been here.

  He shoved his hands in his pockets, striving for casual. “People think what they want. Eventually they’ll catch on, or someone who knows us will set them straight. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I wanted to tell those ladies who were talking about us the truth. But I never saw them after the ceremony. Did you?”

  “No. They must have left.”

  “I’m so happy for y’all.” A young woman clapped her hands, then bent to hug Landry. “Y’all are just the most perfect couple I’ve ever seen.”

  “But,” Landry sputtered, “we’re not—”

  “This right here is just what you needed to mend a broken heart.” The woman gave his shoulders a squeeze. “I just wish you could have found him before you ran into Mister Stuffed Shirt.”

  “Chase and I are business partners. That’s all.”

  “Sure you are.” The woman giggled. “It looks like the bride and groom are getting ready to leave. Come on, Landry. Maybe you’ll catch the bouquet and officially land Mr. Fine Cowboy here.”

  The woman linked arms with her and hauled her up, then hurried across the lawn.

  He knew that whether Landry caught the bouquet or not, he had a lot of work to do for a chance at eventually becoming her groom.

  He closed his eyes and, just for a moment, allowed himself to imagine her catching those flowers, then flashing him a knee-jolting smile.

  A hand patted his shoulder, jarred him from the fantasy. He opened his eyes.

  Tina’s gaze locked with his. A tiny smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “It’s good to see you again. Good to see y’all together. To see our Landry happy.”

  Was Landry’s mom letting him know he should pursue her daughter? Even if she was, Tina’s approval didn’t mean Landry would be receptive. Maybe he should bide his time. Give her time to heal. But with Kyle a free man, could he afford to?

  * * *

  If only she could bail. But here she was, standing with the other single women, ready to scoop up the bouquet. Only Landry didn’t want it.

  Yet this was her chance to prove to her hometown that she wasn’t still pining for Kyle. That she wasn’t too embarrassed to attend her cousin’s wedding. She wasn’t too scarred to participate in this long-held tradition. Or too terrified to give love a second chance. Even though she was.

  Ally turned her back and flung the bouquet, and Landry dove for it. In front of three women she used to work with. The blossoms grazed her fingers, and she latched on with both hands.

  “I got it.” She did her version of a quarterback victory dance after a winning touchdown. The gathering applauded. She’d shown them—she was so over it.

  “Way to go, Landry,” her cousin’s husband boomed over the microphone, pumping his fist. “And watch out, Chase. I think your gal’s got a wedding on her mind.”

  Her face went hot and Ally’s eyes widened, obviously feeling Landry’s discomfort, as the gathering continued to applaud, turning in Chase’s direction.

  “No. We’re not dating. Only friends.” But her protests didn’t get anywhere without the sound system. Maybe if she announced it over the microphone.

  Chase strolled toward her. Maybe everyone would be able to hear him.

  But he pulled her close. Before she could blink, his lips were on hers. A sweet, tender kiss and her brain fogged. All resistance melted and she kissed him back.

  He pulled away, a message in his gaze she couldn’t quite read. “Um, we have an audience.”

  Oh, that. Skin steaming with embarrassment—she looked around. Stunned silence seemed to have attacked the other guests. Until applause broke out.

  Landry’s gaze dropped to his chest. Why had he kissed her? Why had she kissed him back?

  “Oh, my.” A familiar voice. Mama. “Looks like we missed something.”

  Landry’s eyes widened, met Chase’s again. It took everything she had to pull away from him. She took a step back, blinked, tugged her gaze from his.

  She looked over to her father and saw his face vibrant red. He’d drilled it into his daughters’ heads, no public displays of affection. She gave a weak smile. Did her legs even still work? She slid her hand into the crook of Chase’s elbow just so she wouldn’t tip over. Tried to blend in since she’d practically taken over Ally’s reception.

  The buzz of conversation started up again. Probably most of it about that kiss.

  Devree—coming in fast. “I knew it.”

  “Not now,” Landry whispered.

  “Then when?”

  “I’ll call you. Tomorrow.” Maybe by then, she could think straight again.

  “You better. If you don’t, I’ll call you, and I’ll make you spill even if Chase is sitting right there listening.”

  Cody cleared his throat over the PA. “My lovely bride and I appreciate y’all sharing the happiest day of our lives. But if it’s all the same to y’all, I’m ready to blow this joint.” He grabbed Ally’s hand, and together they dashed off the podium as the crowd su
rged toward them, pelting their backs with birdseed.

  A few older couples who hadn’t gone chasing after the newlyweds ambled past.

  “Come on, Landry.” Chase led her toward the parking lot.

  Just resting her hand on his arm lit a spark. How could he affect her so? He was Chase. Her business partner.

  His kiss lit her up like a Texas Lone Star.

  If only she could trust her heart. To know if she really loved him. Or not.

  * * *

  Chase let loose a joyous guffaw as he started the engine. His breath stalled. What had he just done? How could he cover?

  “Why exactly did you do that?”

  Play it cool. “Sometimes a laugh just won’t do.”

  “Not that. Why did you kiss me?”

  Because he couldn’t hold back a second longer. “Did you see their faces?”

  “How could I not?” She groaned. “We were the center of attention. What got into you?”

  You. You got into me. “I was standing there listening to a group of women giggle about your wedding fail.” Discussing whether Landry would go chasing after Kyle since he was single again. “I’d had enough and I figured you had, too.” But the main reason he’d kissed her was that he’d really wanted to.

  He couldn’t just roll over, play dead and wait for Kyle to come win her back. He’d seen an opening and taken it. Hoped his kiss might sway her in his direction.

  “What women?”

  “How am I supposed to know? About your age. Jealous and catty.”

  “Probably Cyndi Hempstead. Sounds like her crew.”

  “Resident mean girl?”

  “Every town has one.”

  “Well, we gave ole Cyndi plenty to contemplate on.” He shot her a wink. “I could tell exactly when you decided to go along with me.” For one ecstatic moment, he’d thought his tactics had worked. But apparently not. His stomach clenched as he made light of it. If only it had been real.

  Her face went crimson. “You should have seen my father’s face. He doesn’t approve of public displays.”

  Disappointment settled heavy in his gut. Her embarrassed look revealed her true feelings. She was ashamed, and apparently it hadn’t meant anything to her. While she turned him inside out, she felt nothing.

  “You broke the rules.” She slipped one boot off. And stirred up a cloud of floral perfume in the process. “I told you I didn’t want to pretend at the wedding.”

  “Some rules are meant to be broken.” Chase merged onto the interstate. “Put your seat belt on.”

  “Just give me a minute,” she snapped. Then she slipped off the other boot and chucked them in the backseat. She adjusted her skirt to sit on one foot.

  “I’m sorry.” He sighed, gave up trying to make her laugh. “I was just trying to help.”

  “Why does you helping involve a kiss in front of the entire town?” She buckled up, adjusted the strap on her shoulder. “Maybe if we each tackle half the Aubrey phone book, we could call each household and tell them we’re just friends.”

  “It’s not a big deal.”

  “I can’t believe Cody said that. He’s always been a big jokester, but he took it too far.”

  “He probably really thought we’re dating.” He could barely concentrate with her beside him. “And nobody would listen when you tried to correct them anyway. It’ll die down eventually.”

  If only the ache in his chest would do the same. But her determination to get the truth out about their relationship was like a dagger to his heart.

  The least he could do was explain himself to her dad. “I guess there is one call I need to make. Can you dial your dad’s number for me?”

  Her laugh was sarcastic. “Not unless you tell me what you plan to say to him.”

  “I need to clear up the kiss thing. Apologize to him.”

  She looked out the passenger window a few seconds, then dug out her phone, swiped the screen, held it toward him. “It’s on speaker.”

  “Thanks.” It rang three times.

  “Landry? Is everything okay?” Her dad’s worried voice.

  “Everything’s fine, Mr. Malone. This is Chase Donovan. I’m just using her phone to set something straight, to apologize.” He gripped the steering wheel—white-knuckled with both hands. “I’m really sorry about my actions today. I shouldn’t have kissed your daughter in public.”

  “I hope it won’t happen again.”

  “It won’t, sir.” But he wished it could. “You see, Landry and I are only friends.”

  “It didn’t look that way from where I stood.”

  “I’d just heard people talk all day about how Kyle dumped her.” He chanced a glance at her, but she stared out the passenger window. “I thought they needed new subject fodder. But I didn’t think about how it might embarrass you. Or Landry. She blasted me as soon as we got in the truck.”

  “I’m sure she did. But your heart was in the right place.” Her dad’s tone softened.

  “I knew you’d understand the situation, Mr. Malone. I apologize for any embarrassment.”

  “I appreciate that. You definitely gave them something to talk about.” Owen chuckled. “You and Landry were pretty convincing. Maybe this will stop the Kyle chatter around here. He’s a jerk.” Her dad’s tone echoed his dislike.

  “I’d better let you get back to your day. It was nice talking to you.”

  “You, too.”

  The line went dead. That had been the biggest pack of lies Chase had ever told. He would never regret kissing her.

  “Thank you for that.” She turned to face him. “I guess all of Aubrey is convinced I’m over Kyle at least.”

  If only she really was. “Even without me in the equation, that little chicken dance of yours cinched it.”

  She covered her face. “I can’t believe I did that.”

  “Me, neither. You got some moves I knew nothing about.”

  “I was just so pumped. At first I was like—if I never see another bridal bouquet again, it’ll be too soon. But then it hit me. If I killed myself trying to catch it, everyone would figure I was over Kyle.” She closed her eyes. “I just never thought about you getting dragged into it.”

  And he’d never realized how much it would hurt for him to get dragged into it. For a moment he’d held Landry in his arms. But it would never happen again.

  “Can we go fishing this week?” she asked. “Any day when you don’t have guide trips scheduled. The river isn’t far from the ranch house. If someone needs us, we could be there quickly. Some day when it’s slow, maybe Becca could cover the office.”

  Huh? “We just caught a boatload and got them processed. Our freezer’s full.”

  “We could catch and release. Eden and I used to do that. Just for fun.”

  Sitting side by side on the dock with her would be torture. With her feeling nothing and him feeling everything.

  “I just thought it would be fun.” She shrugged. “After all the stress we’ve had lately, a nice, relaxing day of fishing.”

  “Sure.” But anything involving her wouldn’t be relaxing for him. How could he act normal with her again when everything inside him had changed?

  If he was patient, extremely patient, and Landry’s feelings for Kyle eventually subsided, could Chase have a chance with her? Maybe someday in the distant future. For now, he’d just have to hold on to that hope. And pray Kyle stayed out of her picture in the meantime.

  * * *

  Landry pulled into the furniture store parking lot and noticed movement at the front door as Resa unlocked it to let her in.

  She drew in a big breath, got out of the car. It was the second day of August, and waves of heat rose from the asphalt.

  The bell dinged as Resa held the door open for her. />
  “There you are.” Resa gave her a hug and clicked the lock in place. “I’m so glad we’re finally getting to do lunch.” Her thousand-watt smile proved she meant it.

  The massive log footboard in the center of the store drew Landry. She ran her hand over the smooth wood. It always amazed her how something that still looked like a tree could be transformed into splinter-free furniture.

  “Please tell me the dude ranch is hopping, you’re building cabins and you want to place a gargantuan order over lunch.” She was all porcelain skin and contrasting raven hair, yet Resa had no idea how beautiful she was. Inside and out.

  “I wish.” Landry scanned the store filled with one-of-a-kind log furniture and rustic designer bedding. “Business has picked up, but we’re not there yet. I’d love to add cabins. Eventually.”

  “You okay?” Resa linked arms with her.

  “Got a minute before we head out?”

  “Sure.” Resa led her to the back of the store and they settled across from each other at her massive cedar desk. “I’m guessing from the worry lines on your face Chase is giving you a hard time.”

  Resa had proved herself a caring and confidential sounding board in the past. And she couldn’t talk about this with Devree. If her family got wind of her feelings for Chase, they’d torment her with questions she didn’t have answers for.

  Landry started at the beginning with Kyle dumping her, then learning about his engagement, seeing him in San Antonio and Chase pretending they were a couple. “After that, Chase and I were building a tentative friendship.”

  “Until?” Resa raised an eyebrow.

  “Chase went to my cousin’s wedding with me yesterday.” She filled in the details, then blew out a big sigh, squeezed her eyes closed. “He kissed me.”

  Resa’s jaw dropped. “He did what?”

  “It was a pretend kiss.” But it sure felt real.

  “What did you do?”

  “I was confused at first.”

  “And then what?” Resa leaned toward her.

  “I kissed him back.” Her face warmed.

  Resa’s eyes widened. “Because you realized he was trying to show everyone you’d moved on?”