Winning Over the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  He pulled his hand away, stuck his glove back on.

  The suspense might kill him, but at least her conversation with Kyle hadn’t sounded romantic. Yet.

  “One of his father’s business associates is interested in a corporate hog hunt for eight men next weekend. Kyle saw our ad, and he’s been talking us up. He’s texting me the man’s number.”

  “No!” Chase jerked the fencing into place and hammered a nail in with one blow. Thankfully none of his digits got in the way. “Absolutely not. I will not guide that good-for-nothing on a hunt.”

  She laughed. While his insides boiled.

  “Kyle’s not coming. Can you imagine him hunting?”

  “Of course not. What was I thinking? He might get blood on his wingtip shoes. But why not just have the associate call us?” Because Kyle wanted to talk to Landry. To reel her in again. Maybe Chase would bow out. Let Kyle have her.

  “He’s just doing a little legwork for his client to get in his good graces.”

  “I think that’s enough fencing for the day.” Chase started gathering tools.

  “But there’s still plenty of daylight left.”

  “I’m done.” His tone came out harsher than he’d intended.

  Wordlessly she dropped the pliers in his toolbox.

  They mounted their horses, headed back to the house. After they arrived, he’d slip away to his cabin, make a call and set up a meeting.

  Though he was tempted to give up. Walk away. He would not stand by and watch her get mixed up with Kyle again. One thing was certain. He could not stay here and pine over her while she pined over another man.

  * * *

  Before Landry ever looked up from the reservation counter, she knew the footfalls coming from the kitchen were Chase’s. Back from Wednesday night Bible study. Hadn’t seen him since their fencing jaunt yesterday. She gave him a bright smile when he came into view.

  One he did not reciprocate. Stiff and scowling, like the day she’d arrived.

  “I need to go out of town Saturday for a short meeting.” He wouldn’t even look at her.

  “Oh.” Was he still sore over her taking Kyle’s call? Was he jealous? No. He just didn’t like Kyle. She waited for an explanation.

  Nothing. Without another word, he turned toward the door and left her standing there.

  The phone rang and she jumped. Resa’s number.

  “Hey, Resa. Sorry I never called you to set up another lunch.” I have to stay around here and moon over Chase.

  “No worries. So, any new developments on the Chase front?”

  She leaned her elbows on the counter. “I wish I could say life has gotten back to normal. But things have been strained.” Especially since their kiss on the dock. But she hadn’t told Resa about that.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We’re uncomfortable around each other. And he’s going off on some mysterious trip Saturday.”

  “That’s what happens when friends kiss and sparks fly.” Resa’s voice went soft. “Things get awkward and mysterious.”

  “I think you should tell me about your friend.”

  “Nothing to talk about. It was a long time ago.” Resa sighed. “But speaking of times gone by, my folks’ anniversary is coming up next spring—thirty years.”

  “Oh, wow, that’s awesome.”

  “Dad told me this afternoon he wants to surprise Mom with a vow renewal ceremony where they originally got married.”

  “At the dude ranch. That’s so sweet.” Landry pulled up the calendar. “What month?”

  “May. I hope you’re not already booked up.”

  “I wish we had bookings that far out. Our advertising campaign hasn’t kicked into high gear yet.”

  “Oh, good. He’ll be so excited.” Resa’s smile echoed in the lilt of her voice. “Can you give me Devree’s number? I know I won’t have time to pull this thing together.”

  “Sure. I’ll text it to you.”

  “Mom will love it.” Resa’s tone turned animated. “I’ll have to think of a way to get her there. Maybe just that I want them to see the place with our furniture in it.”

  “That would work.”

  “I can’t wait to see her face.”

  “If you could get me some pictures of the original wedding, we could try to recreate the setting.”

  “Great idea. Oh, Landry, thanks so much. This will mean the world to Mom and Dad.”

  “I’m thrilled to help.”

  “I didn’t even ask you about the price.”

  “It’s on me.”

  “No. It absolutely is not. You’re trying to build up business, and besides, Chase bought a ton of furniture last year and I’ve gotten a couple of orders from your guests lately. I’m definitely paying you. I’ll get one of your pricing brochures from Devree.”

  “Oh. All right. Just be that way.” Resa could afford it, but Landry hated to think of charging her friend.

  “I hope Devree is available. Thanks for everything. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  As Landry hung up, the door opened and Chase stepped inside. “Another booking, I hope.”

  She relayed her conversation with Resa.

  “I never really thought about renewal ceremonies.”

  “Me, neither, but it will open whole new income avenues.” She picked up a box of lights. “I know it’s not your idea of fun, but can you help me start decorating for the wedding Friday?”

  “Sure. Let me have that.” He took the load from her, carried it into the great room.

  Tell me about your trip. Maybe if she prompted him, he’d share.

  “How long do you think you’ll be gone Saturday?” Her smile slipped.

  “I’ll be back that evening.”

  Her stomach sank. He’d be back. But he didn’t say he’d stay.

  Silence. Except for his footfalls.

  She wanted to pepper him with questions. What was his trip about? Why wouldn’t he tell her? How long before he left for good? Was he setting up the perfect opening to walk away?

  * * *

  Day two of wedding prep and Chase had hung more twinkle lights than he could ever count, along with burlap bows, and unpacked candleholders made from logs. But he didn’t mind. The work kept his mind busy and off Landry and Kyle’s call. Except she was in his workspace. He’d bumped into her twice as she tied burlap bows on chairs while he set them up.

  “So I officially booked the corporate hunt for next weekend for Kyle’s client.” Landry fluffed a bow just so.

  His stomach soured. “And you’re certain he’s not on the guest list.”

  “Even if Kyle wanted to hunt—” she rolled her eyes “—I wouldn’t allow him to stay here.”

  Really? But Chase had a feeling her ex-fiancé could smooth-talk her into anything he wanted.

  “I just hope you won’t let your guard down with him. Remember how badly he hurt you. He’s not worthy of you.”

  “Thanks.” Her voice went soft.

  Reeling him in even more than he already was.

  “I’m so excited.” She clapped her hands. “Are we ready for our first hunt?”

  “I got most of the fencing up.” But it was only a matter of time before Kyle showed up. Calling her, helping her business was just the beginning. Chase had to head him off.

  “I can help you some more next week.”

  “Actually, Ron’s helping me finish the fencing.”

  Her hands halted over the bow she was fluffing. “I guess you weren’t happy with the work I did.”

  “You were fine. But having two men, we’ll get the job done faster, and your hands will heal.” He ran his thumb over a scratch along the back of her hand, then jerked away. Shouldn’t have touched her.

 
“I didn’t mind. It’s nice to get outside.”

  “No offense, but Ron is stronger.”

  “You’re right.” She finished the bow and stood. “Do you need any help with your meeting Saturday?”

  His heart hammered. If she learned what he was up to, his whole plan might backfire. “I’ve got it under control.”

  And after his meeting, maybe the future would be clear for them. Landry needed someone new in her life. Someone who could make her forget Kyle. And Chase knew just the cowboy.

  * * *

  All the work they’d done over the last several days had been worth it. The bride’s teary appreciation when she’d seen the great room was priceless. Along with the nice check Landry had handed Chase to put in the bank. Proof that Landry’s ideas were viable. Proof that the dude ranch—and Chase—needed her.

  As time for the ceremony neared and guests waited, Landry surveyed the decor. Twinkle lights lined the ceiling, burlap and red gingham ribbons flanked the chair backs, with tree stumps holding log candleholders lining the aisle as if the bride’s decor had been chosen for this very setting.

  Guests pointed, admiring the heavy beams lining the ceiling, the rockwork and fireplace. If only the rustic furnishings weren’t crammed into her private quarters with barely room to walk through. But she’d given a few of the early guests a tour. Maybe they’d book rooms here in the future or tell their friends and family about it.

  Chase ushered a few more guests inside, looking way too handsome in his customary Western jacket, jeans and boots. His blue shirt turned his normally green eyes the same shade.

  “I think everyone’s here,” he whispered. “Devree said to go ahead and sit down. It’s time to start.” Not as stiff toward her as yesterday.

  His hand settled at the small of her back. Certain her knees would buckle, she sat in the first chair she came to in the back row.

  “You okay?” He claimed the seat beside her. “I know weddings are rough on you.”

  “I’m fine.” She really wasn’t. But it had nothing to do with memories.

  The pianist began playing, and Landry was glad the Donovans had never parted with Granny’s piano. The bridesmaids came downstairs and lined up in the entryway. As the music built, the first bridesmaid walked down the aisle. They kept coming until all the attendants had trailed inside and lined up on the left side of the fireplace.

  The music changed to the wedding march, and the crowd stood and turned to face the doorway. Missy descended the stairs in a cloud of white, her smile wide enough to light the night sky outside. At the bottom of the staircase, her father offered his arm, then walked her to the altar and her waiting groom.

  The look on the groom’s face put an ache in Landry’s heart. If only Chase would look at her that way. If only this were their wedding.

  The preacher prayed over the couple. At his “Amen,” the crowd sat. And the groom continued to gaze at his bride with love. He didn’t lean close and whisper something. He didn’t leave her standing there alone. When they got to the vows, he repeated them like he meant them.

  She felt Chase’s gaze and glanced up at him. He looked away. Probably thought she was upset about Kyle. But Kyle no longer had the power to upset her.

  Chase did. And he was planning to leave her.

  A short meeting. No matter how much she’d questioned him, he’d kept his trip mysterious. But she’d figured it out. The only reason he could be keeping this secret was that it involved her and their business partnership. He must be meeting with a potential manager for his half of the dude ranch.

  * * *

  The joy in scheduling his fourth wild boar hunt wouldn’t settle inside Chase. He went through the motions of getting all the contact info, setting up the deposit and balance due. Enough to replace the funds they’d used for fencing supplies from their business account.

  “That’s everything I need. We’ll see you September eighth, Mr. Norwood.”

  His plan was working. He should be happy, but all he could think about was making sure Kyle wouldn’t move back into Landry’s life. If today’s meeting went as planned, maybe he could permanently remove the threat. Then Chase could woo Landry and patiently wait until her love for her ex cooled.

  But it could backfire on him. She might learn what he was up to. If she didn’t have any feelings for him, she might cut him out of her life instead of Kyle.

  Landry stepped into the office.

  Chase tried not to stare. Her ruffled orange skirt ended a few inches above her boots, topped off by a lacy white blouse and brown fringed jacket. Feminine and all cowgirl. If only she were his cowgirl.

  “How come you’re so dressed up? It’s Saturday.”

  “Becca has a stomach bug, so I’m on hostess duty.”

  “I just booked another hog hunt.”

  “That’s awesome.” She approached, stopped in front of him. Her forehead scrunched. “But do you think we have enough hogs for all these hunters?”

  “I scouted a sounder of twenty or so yesterday, and I don’t think they were the same ones I saw the day before.”

  “I guess a sounder is like a herd?”

  “They usually travel in groups of one or more sows and their piglets. The boars keep to themselves unless they’ve got their eye on a sow. Kind of like cowboys.” All the more reason for his trip.

  “Or men in general.” She hugged herself. “Look, I know you’re not happy here.”

  “What makes you think that?” Did his trip have her worried? But he had to do this, and he couldn’t tell her what it was about. Their future depended on it.

  “You don’t have to stay here for me.” She shrugged. “And I’m not talking about buying you out—I mean, if you wanted to be a silent partner, I’d be fine with that.”

  Was she trying to get rid of him? To make way for Kyle to come back to her?

  He had his truck tank full of gas. All Chase had to do was walk out the door. So why was it so hard to leave?

  Because of Landry.

  “You’ll be okay while I’m gone?”

  “Of course. I’ll have plenty to keep me busy getting ready for our first hog hunt next weekend. I’ll be fine.”

  But would he be okay without her?

  It was just for a day. He had to make sure Kyle stayed firmly in her past, so when he got back they could work toward the future. Ideally together.

  “All right, then,” he said. “Call if you need anything?”

  Suddenly she rushed toward him. Her arms slid around his shoulders, face in his chest. He returned her embrace. Searing her into his heart. For the rest of time, he could stay right here, holding her. But he had to go. Had to tear himself away.

  “I’ll call when I get there.” He stepped back. “Just to let you know I made it okay.”

  “Drive safe.”

  He turned away, one foot in front of the other and out the door.

  Could he really do this? Even if today’s meeting went like he hoped, could he live and work with her while he loved her and she loved Kyle? Was he strong enough to keep his feelings under wraps? And wait for her?

  * * *

  The elevator stopped on the twelfth floor. What kind of consulting service was open on Saturday? He’d expected to have to wait until Monday, been surprised when he’d called and gotten the appointment. Maybe it was a Dallas thing. But didn’t most executives get the weekend off?

  As Chase stepped into the plush lobby, the receptionist smiled.

  “May I help you?” Perfect white teeth, her brunette hair cut short, too severe.

  “I’m Chase Donovan. I have an appointment with Kyle Billings at three.”

  “Please have a seat. I’ll tell him you’re here.”

  While the receptionist made the call, Chase sank into a fancy clear chair w
ith a silver frame that didn’t look sturdy enough to hold him up.

  He’d called Landry from the parking lot to let her know he’d made the drive safely. Their conversation had been stilted.

  His heart clenched. This meeting had to go well.

  Minutes passed, the clock ticking loud.

  “Mr. Billings is ready to see you now.” The secretary stood, ushered Chase to a heavy paneled door.

  Kyle’s hair was mussed. Dark circles around his bloodshot eyes.

  “Are you drunk?”

  “I wish.” He waved Chase inside. “How much do you need?” Kyle pulled a checkbook out of the inside pocket of his jacket.

  “I’m not here for your money.”

  Kyle’s gaze met his. “I assumed you were looking for investors when you called. Then what?”

  “I’m not stupid. I know you calling about the hog hunt was only a ruse to worm your way back into Landry’s life.”

  “So you’re here about Landry?”

  “I want you to leave her alone.” He jabbed his finger in Kyle’s face. “You got that? You’ve hurt her enough.”

  “You’re right. I have.”

  “So you’ll leave her alone?”

  “She doesn’t love me.” Kyle’s eyes closed. “I’m not sure she ever did.”

  This was easier than Chase had expected. He took a step back. He’d half anticipated a fistfight. Or at least a war of words. But Kyle seemed so beaten.

  “Do you still love her?”

  “Not sure I ever did. I was on the rebound from Waverly when I met Landry.” Kyle turned toward the window. “She just got caught in the cross fire. She’s a wonderful woman, but not the woman for me.”

  “You love Waverly. Not Landry.”

  Kyle nodded. “You don’t have to worry. I’m trying to win Waverly back.” He sank to the edge of the upscale sofa, covered his face with his hands. “Besides, Landry loves you. That day in San Antonio—she never looked at me the way she looks at you.”

  But she’d only been pretending.

  “Then we’re done here.” Chase cleared his throat. “If you have any more associates who want to book our ranch, don’t call her. Have them call me.”