“Your friend’s back in town.” Louise beamed, clearly delighted that she was first with the news, while behind her Abe rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.
“I know.” Cole picked up a dusty pack of breath mints and tossed them onto the counter to be rung up. “I drove her in.”
Sadie blinked. “Didn’t she say she just got off the bus?”
Louise frowned. “That’s what I heard.”
“Ask her yourself,” Abe said, and motioned with his chin at the same time the bell over the door jingled.
Cole turned.
Bella entered, saw him, lit up like a star on top of a Christmas tree. Hurrying the rest of the way, she threw her arms around his neck. “Hello, sugar. Boy, have I missed you.”
On impact, Cole stumbled back, his arms automatically going around her to steady them.
Then he saw Jamie standing in the doorway.
17
“AREN’T YOU A SIGHT for sore eyes?” The blonde leaned back to look at Cole. Bubbling over with laughter, she hugged him again. “I swear you get better looking every time I come home. Doesn’t he just keep getting cuter, Sadie?”
The heavyset fifty-something brunette snorted in agreement, her amused gaze brimming with curiosity as it settled on Jamie. In fact, Abe, the store’s owner, and the other woman Jamie had met a few days ago were all staring at her.
So was Cole, looking as if he’d swallowed a whole pan of Hilda’s corn bread. He transferred his attention to the other woman, politely extricating himself from her enthusiastic hug. “Bella, I didn’t know you were coming home.”
“Nobody did.” She shrugged her slim shoulders. “Me included. I got tired of auditioning for stupid shampoo commercials and decided I needed me some fresh air and a few helpings of good ol’ Cole McAllister.” At his apprehensive expression, she laughed and lightly hit his chest. “Just teasing, sugar. But I do expect you to buy me supper.”
“Um, another time,” Cole said, moving back until he bumped the counter. “Jamie, come meet Bella Nicholson.”
Bella abruptly turned, her startled blue eyes finding Jamie’s. “Hi.” She smiled uneasily, glanced back at Cole, and then without hesitation met Jamie halfway.
They shook hands. “I’m Jamie Daniels.”
Bella was a couple of inches taller, with gorgeous long blond hair that Jamie thought could win her quite a few commercials.
“You’re not from around here,” Bella said.
“Jamie’s a guest at the Sundance.” Cole put some money on the counter, and Abe tore his gaze away from the action long enough to hit a key on the ancient register.
“It’s a dude ranch now,” Sadie offered. “How many women you got out there, Cole, about fifteen?”
Bella’s perfect eyebrows shot up. “A what?”
“It’s not a dude ranch.” Clearly disgusted, Cole muttered, “Jesus,” under his breath. “We’re still… Look, we have to go.” He gestured impatiently for Jamie to precede him. “I’ll call you at your folks’ place, Bella.”
“Sure.” She seemed confused, a little unhappy, and Jamie wished she could just seep through the pine floorboards.
“Nice to meet you,” Jamie and Bella said at the same time, and they both smiled.
Bella’s lips had a wistful twist to them. Her gaze went to Cole. “I knew I’d end up blowing it with you,” she said softly.
Cole noisily cleared his throat. “Good to have you back, Bella.” He leaned toward her, hesitated, then gave her a brief kiss on the cheek.
“McAllister, you forgot your change.” Abe leaned across the counter, obviously more interested in the minidrama than he was in the cash transaction.
Ignoring him, Cole hurried Jamie out the door. He didn’t say anything, and she wasn’t quite sure what to say either, as he walked her around to the passenger side of his truck.
After he opened the door for her, he settled his hat on his head and said, “We’ll drive over to Marge’s on the next block.”
Jamie accepted his help climbing into the huge truck, then turned to him. “We don’t have to stay.”
She expected him to shut the door, wait until he got behind the wheel before continuing the conversation. But he stood right where he was, in the middle of Main Street, the door open.
“That wasn’t what it looked like,” he said, his gaze even with hers.
“It’s okay,” Jamie said. “You have a life here. I didn’t think you were a monk, for goodness sakes.”
“I want to explain. Bella and I—”
“You don’t have to.”
“Tough.” He lifted her chin, leaned toward her, peering deep into her eyes. “Bella and I’ve known each other since junior high. We were off-and-on through high school. I’m two years older, and I left to give college a try. Then she graduated and didn’t want to be tied to Blackfoot Falls. She comes back twice, maybe three times a year and we…” He shrugged. “We get together.”
“Friends with benefits. I get it.”
“I hate that damn term.”
“Bella’s right.” Grinning, Jamie touched his cheek. “You are so cute.”
A faint twitch at the left corner of his mouth was the closest thing to a smile she got. “I didn’t want you to think I was one of those hound dogs sniffing at every skirt.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I’m not that guy.”
“I knew that without an explanation.” Her breath caught when he slanted his mouth over hers and kissed her hard, for any and all of the good folks of Blackfoot Falls to see.
* * *
CLOTHES WERE GOING TO BE an issue, Jamie thought the next day as she rooted around in her duffel bag. She’d have to do a load of laundry, and she still had to talk to Rachel about staying an extra week. Although Jamie intended to spend every night with Cole, and despite the fact that everyone in the house probably knew it, she’d decided she wanted to have her own room.
Barbara McAllister seemed to like her, and Jamie wanted to keep it that way, not rub it in the woman’s face that Jamie was having sex with her son. Cole had only mentioned an extra week, Jamie had to remind herself. There had been no talk of her coming back later, for the holidays or anything else. In fact, by the time they’d returned from town and Cole had done his evening chores, conversation had been minimal.
But when they had talked, really talked, it had been wonderful. She knew that he’d loved math and science in school, and he’d learned that she’d detested both subjects but had loved history and literature. They knew the names of the first boy and girl they’d kissed. He’d even told her about that day at the well and how he’d felt like a failure while everyone had labeled him a hero. In return, Jamie had confided feelings toward her parents she hadn’t even shared with her friends, resentment she hadn’t been aware of until he’d talked about his own family. He loved them completely and loved the Sundance. It made her a bit sad wondering if any woman could compete.
Cole had told her more about Bella, how everyone had expected that they’d get married until she left Blackfoot Falls for a more exciting life. He hadn’t mentioned his own expectations, and Jamie hadn’t asked. She had a feeling that his relationship with the blonde suited him perfectly. No-strings sex. And that bothered Jamie more than she cared to admit. Was she destined to become another Bella? Blowing into town a couple of times a year for some hot sex, and then arrivederci?
God, what was she doing getting ahead of herself? One extra week. That was it. She had her own life. A good life that she’d designed. How many women her age made the kind of money she did, answered to no one, traveled to their heart’s content?
No more thinking. She had too much to do before Cole came to get her for their picnic dinner. Her friends expected her back tomorrow evening. She had to call them so they wouldn’t send the National Guard after her. Then she had the car rental company to call, the airlines. Good God, she still had to write her blog. First though, she’d go find Rachel.
* * *
ON HIS WAY FROM the barn to
the house, Cole saw the sheriff’s truck coming up the drive. He’d seen Noah in town yesterday and Cole hoped this visit meant news of the stolen horse trailer.
He waited near the porch steps until Noah parked and walked toward him. As if reading his mind, Noah shook his head, his expression grim. “You got a few minutes?”
“Yeah, let’s go in my office where it’s cool.”
Noah took off his hat and wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. “Wouldn’t mind a glass of Hilda’s lemonade.”
“Looks as if you could use something stronger.”
“I could, but I’ll be on duty for a while yet.”
“Well, damn, that doesn’t sound good.” It was close to dinnertime. Usually one of the deputies worked the second shift.
“Nope.” Noah lowered his voice. “Another theft.”
Cole stopped, his hand on the front door knob. “Who?”
“Avery this time. They took two of his saddles.”
“What the hell is going on?”
“Wish I knew.”
They entered the house, which was unusually quiet and empty, stopped briefly in the kitchen to grab some lemonade and then went into Cole’s office off the den.
Cole sat behind his massive oak desk, and Noah took the old leather club chair. “Jesus, don’t tell me you’re here because Avery is pointing the finger at our guests again.”
“You know him. Naturally he’s shooting his mouth off.” Noah shook his head. “Shit, had to be two of the orneriest old buzzards in the county…between him and Mrs. Clements, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing for a week. All I need is for Gunderson to start in.”
Cole sighed. After Mrs. Clements’s four-wheeler had turned up, Cole had gone back to thinking Gunderson had taken the trailer. This new theft changed things—the McAllisters were no longer the only victims. “You got a culprit in mind?”
“We’ve had a couple of migrant workers come through town, but the timing’s off. I’m not ruling anyone out.”
“Yeah, we’re not the only ranch circling the drain.”
“You paid your boys yet?”
“About an hour ago.” Cole knew where he was headed with this. “I heard some of them talking about going to Sadie’s. I asked Josh and Kyle to keep their ears open.”
“The Circle K guys have been paid. Two of them are already sitting at the bar. What about Rachel and Jamie? They going—”
“No.” Cole saw the question in Noah’s narrowed eyes. “I convinced Jamie to stay out of it. I’m counting on Rachel to have the good sense to do likewise.”
Noah’s concern changed to curiosity. “You serious about this Jamie woman?”
“What do you mean?”
Noah chuckled. “Buddy, I’m not sure how else to ask.”
Cole smiled. “I like her.”
“I knew that the first day she got here.”
Cole rubbed the grit from the back of his neck, intent on a shower before his picnic with Jamie. “She’s from L.A., so it’s nothing long-term,” he said, shrugging. He and Noah shared a lot, but this thing with Jamie… Talking about it didn’t feel right. “She’s a travel blogger. Rachel told me to give her some extra attention, make sure she has a good time so she’ll give us a favorable review.”
“That’s all?”
“Yep.”
“Bullshit.”
“What?” Cole laughed. “You moonlighting for the Gazette?”
Noah flexed his shoulders, his grin fading. “Weeks like this, I’d rather have a job doing inventory for Abe.” He checked his watch, then drained his lemonade and stood. “I hope something shakes loose tonight at Sadie’s. Otherwise I’m afraid your trailer could be clear across the Canadian border by now.”
* * *
JAMIE SAGGED AGAINST the wall outside of Cole’s office, feeling so sick she feared she wouldn’t make it upstairs. He was still talking to Noah, but she hadn’t listened past the part about her. How could she have been such a fool?
She heard the back door open and close, and then Rachel’s voice. Oh, God, Jamie had been looking for her…to see about keeping her room for another week. Biting down on her lip, she walked quickly and quietly to the stairs. She wanted to run all the way to her room, but why? There was no safety there. What she had to do was get out of this house, get away from the ranch. Get the hell out of Montana.
Once she’d reached the second floor, she heard Cole’s and the sheriff’s voices as they left the office. She made it to her room and started stuffing clothes into her duffel bag, her mind racing in a dozen different directions. If he knocked she wouldn’t answer. He’d think she’d gone for a walk or was in the stable with Ginger or in the kitchen with Hilda or Rachel. With any luck he’d leave with Noah.
How in hell had she let this thing with Cole get so out of control? She’d never been into magical thinking or been a lovelorn sap. And yet she’d taken a week’s worth of a vacation crush and turned it into the romance of the century.
It wasn’t as if she didn’t believe that Cole liked her. She’d be an idiot to think all that had been between them was faked for a good review, but all it added up to was great sex, a fun visit and a bittersweet goodbye.
It hit her as she stared at her stuffed duffel that it wasn’t just Cole she’d gotten stupid about. It was the ranch, the family, the closeness and the safety. She’d been drawn in from the moment she’d set foot on their land. And Cole, well, Cole had been far more than just the icing on the cake.
Dammit, she should’ve known better. This kind of life was only a fantasy for her. She had no idea what it meant to belong to something permanent like the Sundance, to have a big family all around who would fight for each other and go to any lengths to keep the family and their land whole.
Her chest tightened and she had to blink hard to keep the tears at bay. She couldn’t blame anyone for this mess but herself. Cole hadn’t lied. He hadn’t schemed. He’d felt the same attraction she had—she was certain of that. But he understood what the situation was. Temporary. Wanting to add another week was nice…it was great…but it wasn’t a promise. Or a precursor or a test run. It was also impossible.
She’d give the Sundance five stars, talk it up on the blog, because they deserved it. The family was a joy; the ranch was an experience and a half for any city girl looking for something different. But she couldn’t stay. Not when she’d let herself get so attached to a false hope. Her small carry-on was already in the bathroom. She opened it, and with a sweep of her hand she cleared the counter of her toiletries.
When she thought she heard footsteps she froze, holding her breath, listening until she was sure it was all right to move. She unplugged her laptop and cursed softly when she had to dump the contents of her purse onto the bed in order to find a piece of paper. She had to at least leave Rachel a note, explain there was an emergency back home and she had to hurry to the airport.
She gathered her things, then waited quietly by the door, her pulse speeding erratically as she turned for a final look at the bed where she and Cole had made love for the first time. No, what they’d had was sex, a brief encounter. She knew that now. And it hurt, the knifing pain in her heart and soul a mystery since she felt numb at the same time.
Damn her foolishness. She’d actually lain awake this morning thinking about how wonderful it would be to spend Christmas here with Cole, with the rest of the McAllisters. Barbara and Rachel weren’t callous people who used others, they were just being nice. It made a horrible kind of sense that she’d attached herself to them like a leech, what with her friends all getting married. But finagling her way into a Montana ranch was not the solution. Even if her heart begged to differ. Cole… He was the rub. The way she felt about him was no fantasy. Under different circumstances, say he wasn’t a rancher and she wasn’t a travel blogger and they didn’t live thousands of miles and a lifestyle away from each other…
Jamie briefly closed her eyes. No more magical thinking. What did she really know about these people? She
had to leave. Get far away. Get back to her life. It was a good one, good enough, anyway.
She had a narrow window of time. Drinks would be served on the porch soon. Right now Rachel and Hilda would be busy in the kitchen. And Cole? God, she had no idea what she’d do if she ran into him. Not cry. No way. She’d never…
Inhaling deeply, she made sure she had a good grip on her things and headed for the stairs. Being loaded down with her bags and laptop made her descent tricky, but she managed to get to the porch unseen. A pair of wranglers working in the corral spotted her, but she kept her head down and walked straight to her rental car. Halfway there, Trace left the barn and saw her. But when he called out she quickened her pace, waved him off and shouted that she had an emergency.
It wasn’t until she hit the main road that she let the tears flow.
* * *
SHOCKED AND NUMB, Cole stared at the note Rachel had handed him. Jamie was gone. Claimed she had an emergency. Scribbled on a piece of notebook paper she’d callously thrown on her dresser. He’d missed her by less than an hour.
“Did you talk to her at all?” he asked when he finally found his voice.
Rachel shook her head, her eyes full of concern and confusion. “I was in the kitchen when she left. I know that for a fact because Trace saw her get in her car.”
“Did he talk to her?”
“No. She waved him off. He said she looked upset, which, if she had an emergency, makes sense. What I don’t get is why she couldn’t stop for thirty seconds to say something to me.” Rachel worried her lower lip. “Did you guys have a fight?”
“’Course not. I came looking for our picnic supper, didn’t I?” He sighed at the wounded look on his sister’s face. “Sorry, I’m puzzled, is all.” And he was starting to get angry.
Wasn’t he worth a few minutes of her time? A phone call after she was on the road? How could she have left without so much as a goddamn goodbye? He’d thought…
What he’d thought was obviously wrong. The closeness he’d felt was wishful thinking. She’d been here for a vacation fling, and here he’d gone and convinced himself what they’d shared had been the beginning of something meaningful between them.
Barefoot Blue Jean Night Page 19
