Learnin' The Ropes

by Shanna Hatfield

  “Sounds very important.” Gainfully employed on the ranch, Ty realized he needed to make some plans and investments for his future. Nearly thirty, he didn’t want to be one of those people who waited until they were fifty to start putting away money for retirement.

  “I like to think it is. After all, if you don’t plan for your future, what kind of mess will you be in when you’re sixty or seventy?” With practiced ease, Lexi whipped through the morning traffic. Ty was as impressed with her driving skills as he was everything else about the fascinating woman.

  In downtown Portland, Lexi stopped the car in front of a large office building. She turned to the backseat and picked up her purse and briefcase then handed Ty the car keys.

  Confused, he looked from the keys to her.

  “This is my old office building where I’m meeting my client. Why don’t you take the car, go see Beth or do whatever, and pick me up at noon? We can have lunch with your family and then hit the road.” Lexi glanced in the mirror, waiting for traffic to clear before opening her door.

  Ty continued to stare at her, unmoving.

  “What’s wrong, Ty?” Lexi gazed at him in concern. His face seemed a little pale and he hadn’t moved since she dropped the keys in his hand.

  “I just… seriously? You’re just going to hand me your car keys and turn me loose?” Unable to digest Lexi’s trust and faith in him, he didn’t know how to react. “You really trust me that much?”

  “Yes.” Lexi grinned, relieved nothing was wrong. “You do promise to come back and get me, don’t you?”

  “Of course!” Ty closed his fingers around the keys. He liked the idea of having the car to drive around for the next few hours.

  She shrugged. “Great. Then what’s the problem?” Ty should have worn his relaxed-fit jeans and hooded sweatshirt with a scruffy face. Dressed like a cowboy, he was going to draw a lot of attention, particularly from girls who liked seeing a rugged, good-looking man in snug-fitting jeans and boots. The thought of any female ogling him left her irritated and unsettled.

  “No problem. None at all.” Ty hurried out of the car then ran around and held her door open for her. Lexi was afraid he’d get hit in the traffic, but he didn’t seem concerned. He walked her to the sidewalk, tipped his hat, and ran back to the driver’s side of the car. “I’ll be waiting right here at noon.”

  “Just see that you are, buckaroo.” With a jaunty wave, she watched as he pulled into traffic.

  Inhaling a deep breath, Lexi turned and studied the office building. It was large and held a variety of businesses in addition to the financial planning firm where she worked. There were business offices, a few attorney offices, and other professional suites. Her former fiancé, James, worked in one of the posh corner offices on the top floor. If her luck held, she’d be in and out of the building without running into him.

  Ty still couldn’t believe Lexi handed him her car keys and walked off, but he wasn’t going to argue with her.

  He drove out of downtown to a mall where he picked up a few things for Jax and gifts for Beth and Nate before driving to their apartment. Eager to surprise them, he didn’t mention that he’d be in town today when he spoke with Beth the previous night.

  After parking Lexi’s car, he hurried upstairs and down the hall. He rang the doorbell and waited for Beth to answer. The door didn’t immediately swing open, so he knocked, hoping Beth was home. When all remained quiet, an overwhelming sense of disappointment settled over him. Where was Beth? Or Nate for that matter? Beth said he worked from home. From their conversation last night, she didn’t mention being gone today.

  Dejected, he sulked his way down the hallway when the elevator door opened and Beth and Nate got off. Nate carried the baby’s car seat while Beth dug in her purse for her keys.

  “Hey,” Ty said as they walked past him.

  Nate glared at him while Beth eyed him warily. “May we help you?” she asked, holding her keys in her hand like a weapon.

  “I’d like to think so, Bethie.” Ty couldn’t believe they didn’t recognize him in western clothes, with a shaved face and trimmed hair. Admittedly, he looked pretty rough when he left Portland back in February.

  Beth stared at him in surprise then a happy cry escaped her lips before she threw herself into his arms.

  “Ty, my goodness. Is it really you? Look at you! You’ve gone all cowboy on us. You look amazing, Oh, I’m so happy to see you,” Beth gushed, hanging onto his neck and sobbing against his shirt.

  “I’m happy to see all of you.” A big smile lit his face as he hugged his sister and patted her back. “If I ask real nice, may we go inside the apartment so I can meet this nephew of mine?”

  “Oh, absolutely,” Beth said, beaming at Nate, and swiping at her tears. “It’s Ty, Nate. It’s Ty!”

  “Yes, honey, I’m aware of that,” Nate said, indulgently, nudging Ty with his elbow as Beth hurried to unlock the apartment door. “Sorry we didn’t recognize you at first. Didn’t expect to see you in the hall and definitely not dressed as the Marlboro Man. What are you doing in town?”

  “The boss had to come to Portland for a business meeting today and asked if I wanted to come along. She thought I’d waited long enough to meet Jax.” Ty followed Beth and Nate into the apartment. After setting his gifts on the floor by the table and taking off his hat, he impatiently waited while Nate set down the baby carrier. Beth unhooked the fasteners, lifting out the sleeping baby.

  “Here he is.” Beth handed the baby to Ty as he sat down on the couch.

  Never having held a baby before, Beth gave him instruction on how to hold an infant. Love for Jax instantly sprang to life, filling Ty’s heart with a wonderful, exciting, scary sensation.

  He bent his head closer to the baby and breathed in the heavenly scent of the baby’s head. “He’s wonderful.” Ty knew even less about babies than he did about ranching, but he knew this baby was special. From the top of his head, covered in dark hair, to his round little face and long fingers, he was amazing.

  “Thanks, Ty.” Beth swiped at her tears, while holding Nate’s hand in hers. She was thrilled to see Ty look so healthy and happy. She was over the moon to have him in the apartment, holding her beloved son. “We think he’s pretty terrific.”

  “I can see why. Just look at those fingers,” Ty said, touching the baby’s tiny hand with his forefinger. “Perfect for catching a football, don’t you think, Nate?”

  “That’s what I keep telling her.” Nate chuckled. “I’ve already got his career all planned out.”

  “Right on.” Ty stared at the baby, absorbing the wonder of the miracle in his arms. Remembering Lexi’s request, he looked at Nate. “Do you guys have plans for lunch?”

  “Nope, we’re free as birds the rest of the day. Nate glanced at Beth for agreement. She nodded her head. “Why?”

  “The boss wants to meet you both and she said she would really like to see the baby. Would you mind having lunch together?” Ty spoke without looking up from his nephew’s face. The baby yawned and squished his eyes, making him grin.

  “I’d love to meet Ms. Ryan,” Beth said. “What time and where?”

  “I’m supposed to pick her up downtown at noon. What about the restaurant you guys used to go to all the time when you were dating. It’s nice with good affordable food, isn’t it?” Ty asked, as the baby opened his eyes and started to fuss.

  “Yes. That sounds like a great plan. We can meet you there.” Anxiously, Beth waited for Ty to hand the baby back to her. Instead, he watched Jax squirm and fuss. When the baby let out a full-fledged red-faced cry, Ty looked to her and shrugged.

  “Guess he told me what he thinks of me.” Ty grinned as Beth took the baby and turned her back to the guys.

  “He’s just hungry.” She covered herself and Jax with a light blanket and nursed the baby while sitting on the edge of the bed across the room.

  While Jax ate, Ty got out the gifts he purchased. He bought Jax a stuffed pony and a couple of storybo
oks that were farm themed. He gave Beth a large basket of bath products he knew she loved, and for Nate he purchased a box of his favorite chocolates.

  “It isn’t Christmas. What’s with all the gifts?” Nate asked as he opened the box and took out a piece of chocolate before offering one to Ty.

  Ty shook his head, knowing Nate would enjoy every single piece of candy in the box. “I just wanted to say thank you,” Ty said.

  “For what?” Beth asked, shifting the baby beneath the blanket.

  “For always being here for me. For being my family, no matter what,” Ty said somberly with a humbleness Beth and Nate hadn’t seen before. Life on the ranch had definitely changed Ty, even in the short time he’d been there.

  “Ty, you’re going to make what’s left of my mascara run,” Beth said through her tears, making both Nate and Ty chuckle.

  “I don’t think there’s any left, honey,” Nate teased as Ty got to his feet.

  “If I’m going to pick up the boss on time, I better get a move on,” Ty said, kissing Beth on the cheek and shaking Nate’s hand. “I’ll see you at the restaurant at twelve-thirty.”

  “We’re looking forward to it,” Nate said, walking him to the door.

  Ty made it back to Lexi’s office building with five minutes to spare. He snagged a parking space out front and waited for her to step outside. At five minutes past twelve she still hadn’t appeared and he began to worry. Ty decided to wait inside the door of the building for her. Nearly across the expansive forecourt area, he watched Lexi rush out the door followed by a handsome man in an expensive suit who appeared to be arguing with her.

  Anger oozed from her, evident in the grim set of her mouth and flash of fire in her eyes. She was close enough Ty could hear the conversation.

  “Lex, you are a foolish, stubborn girl. Why can’t you listen to reason?” the man said, stepping in front of her so she had to stop walking. She glared at him with a look of loathing before stepping around him and continuing her march toward the street.

  “I could listen to reason if something reasonable was being said. Since the words are coming out of your mouth, there’s not a thing worth listening to.” Her tone belied her barely contained hostility. “I’ve asked you twice and I’m not asking again. Leave me alone, James. Let it go and leave me alone.”

  “This is ridiculous. For once in your life, make a smart decision.” James grabbed Lexi’s arm with enough force it made her stumble. “You know you want to be with me.”

  Lexi caught herself but before she could jerk her arm free, Ty pushed James aside and stepped between the two of them.

  “I believe the lady asked you to leave her alone,” Ty said. No one manhandled a woman in his presence. No one. The fact that some jerk was treating this particular woman so disrespectfully lit the fuse of his temper.

  “And who might you be, Bubba?” James asked, sneering at Ty like he was something stuck to his shoe.

  “No one you want to mess with,” Ty responded in a tone that would have been a warning to most men to back off.

  James laughed and quickly stepped around Ty, grabbing Lexi by the other arm. “I’m not finished with you, Lex. I insist you come with me right now,” he said, tightening his clamp on her arm and trying to pull her back toward the building. “We can work this out if you’ll stop acting so stupidly.”

  James yelped in pain when his arm twisted behind his back. “Let go of me, you cavedweller,” he gasped, trying not to cry as the enraged giant continued to apply pressure to his arm.

  “Leave the lady alone,” Ty warned, letting go of James’ arm. When he did, James turned around and swung at Ty, missing him entirely. Ty swept out his leg, catching James behind the knees while pushing him over onto the pavement. “If I ever see or hear of you bothering Miss Ryan again, I might not be so inclined to behave like a gentleman.”

  Ty half expected the jerk to get up and swing at him again, but he sat on the ground looking at him with fear in his eyes.

  Lexi gave James a curt nod as Ty took her elbow and escorted her to the car. She shook like a leaf in a windstorm as they walked down the steps and across the sidewalk to the street.

  “Are you going to be okay?” he whispered as he held the passenger door for her.

  “Yes.” She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying.

  Ty climbed behind the wheel, started the car, and pulled into traffic. When they were out of sight of the building, Lexi buried her face in her hands and gave in to her emotions.

  “Lexi, don’t cry,” Ty pleaded, his heart aching at her tears. Once they drove out of the downtown area, he pulled into the parking lot of an office supply store and stopped the car. He reached across the seat and settled a warm hand on her back. “Lexi?”

  “I’m so glad you showed up when you did.” She turned to him with tear-streaked cheeks. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.”

  Despite the bucket seats, Ty pulled Lexi closer and gave her a comforting hug.

  “Who was that guy?” he asked, gently rubbing his hand across her back and shoulders.

  “James. I… um…” Lexi took a deep breath. “I was engaged to him for a while.”

  Ty leaned back so he could look in her face. He gave her a disbelieving stare along with a raised eyebrow in question of her former taste in men. “You’re kidding me.”

  “Unfortunately, I’m not.” She leaned back in her seat. “He called things off when he found out about my mom’s heritage. I won’t even repeat what he said. Needless to say, I haven’t spoken to him since. He happened to catch me in the elevator on my way out and suggested that we ‘reconsider out relationship strategy,’ as he put it. He had the nerve to suggest that even though I’m not suitable wife material, I could be his mistress. That’s when I slapped his face and tried to leave.”

  “I should have punched him,” Ty said. Livid that anyone would treat Lexi the way James treated her, he considered driving back to the office and planting a fist in the moron’s face.

  “No, you shouldn’t have. I was very proud of you for only pushing him down when you could have easily cleaned his clock.” Now that the threat of James hurting her had past, Lexi was mad. “He’s such a stupid jerk.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me.” Ty used his thumbs to wipe away the last of Lexi’s tears. “Did he always treat you so disrespectfully?”

  “I guess he did, I just didn’t notice.” Embarrassed by what an idiot she’d been, gratitude filled her that James was no longer part of her life.

  “Did he hurt you?” Ty asked, looking at her with heat in his eyes.

  “I’ll be fine,” Lexi said, ignoring the spots on her arms where she was sure bruises would soon show. At least with the three-quarter length sleeves on her jacket, no one would know anything happened today.

  Quickly picking up her purse, she flipped down the visor mirror and touched up her makeup while Ty pulled back into traffic and drove to the restaurant.

  “Are you sure you feel up to having lunch with Beth and Nate?” Ty asked as he parked the car. “They’d understand if you want to go home.”

  “No. I want to meet them and I can’t wait to see the baby. Is he as adorable in person as he looks in his pictures?” Lexi asked as Ty held open the car door and escorted her into the restaurant.

  “He’s even cuter.” Ty grinned as he waved at Beth and Nate, already seated at a table with Jax.

  Several hours later, Lexi and Ty left behind the traffic of Portland, heading back to the ranch. Most of the conversation centered on Jax being a wonderful, sweet baby.

  When they stopped in Bend for dinner, Lexi asked Ty to drive the rest of the way home. She was exhausted and the run-in with James had left her drained.

  The next thing she knew, she was in Ty’s arms as he carried her out of the garage, across the yard, and up the steps to the back door. She hadn’t been picked up and carried since she was a little girl.

  The feeling of being held close t
o Ty’s chest, gently cradled in his arms, was amazing. She didn’t want it to end too soon, so she pretended to sleep.

  Carefully, Ty bent down and opened the door, carrying her inside the house. He glanced at the stairs then at the light on in the kitchen. Although he decided it was best to leave her at the door, he held her for another moment before saying good night.

  “Lexi, this is the end of the ride.” Ty spoke in a husky tone, his breath warm by her ear. “Wake up, babe.”

  Slowly opening her eyes, Lexi wrapped his endearment around her heart. Looking into his face, she offered him a smile that made his insides hot and his knees weak.

  “Hi,” she whispered as Ty slowly set her on her feet.

  “Hi,” he whispered, placing a hand on her cheek. “Thanks for taking me along today. It meant more than you can know to see Jax.”

  “I’m glad we both got to see him and I appreciated meeting Beth and Nate. They’re great, Ty. I can see why you care so much about them.” Lexi squeezed his hand. “Thank you for rescuing me today. You really are my hero.”

  Shyly, Ty grinned, but looked pleased. It wasn’t every day he got to rescue a fair maiden. It made him feel needed and strong. “I’m glad I was there. You let me know if he bothers you and I’ll take care of it.”

  His voice held a steely edge Lexi hadn’t heard before. His concern made her feel cherished and safe.

  “Thanks, Ty, for everything. I hope you didn’t strain your back carrying me in from the car. You could have just given me a shake to wake me when you pulled into the garage.” Despite her protests, she was unbelievably glad he had carried her inside.