Cherished Moments (Cherish Cowboys Book 2)

by Charlene Bright

  Just as he was getting ready to saddle up his horse Magnus to check out the pastures, he heard the sound of that old Ford truck coming up the driveway again. He smiled despite wondering what she might be up to this time. At least he’d be better prepared for her strong-willed personality.

  “Ms. Jaspers, I’m surprised to see you again,” Colton said, smiling at her. He was just observing her, appreciating how she gracefully poked her head through the rolled-down window and gave a casual wave. Then she opened the door and got out just as gracefully—no second guessing like people who were not used to trucks, particularly trucks without running boards.

  “Olivia, please,” she said, smiling at him with a devilish charm. “And is it okay if I call you Colton? Or do you prefer Mr. Tisdale?”

  He laughed softly. “I think I’m okay with Colton, Olivia.” He emphasized her name and then watched her walk up to him, swaying and sauntering in a very appealing, knew-what-she-was-doing, kind of way.

  She had on the same cowboy boots, a pair of stone-washed jeans with a tear just above the right knee, and a t-shirt that had a single word on it: CONQUER. If that was an indication of what she intended to do, he’d better watch out. But maybe he could still enjoy the way she approached it all—her secret mission—regardless of her tactics. After all, he had a good idea of what she was up to, just as attuned to her as a horse was to impending dangers just by the scent in the air.

  “Thanks for not running me away,” Olivia said. She tilted her head and looked at him with a content look on her face. Her eyes pierced directly into his dark brown ones, which had a natural intensity about them.

  “So, what can I do for you today, Olivia? My answer is still the same as it was yesterday.”

  She swayed her hand in the air gently, as if brushing away the very notion that she was there for a specific purpose. “I just wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I’m sure I looked a bit crazy, but that’s not really who I am. I got a bit carried away. I suppose it was just more overwhelming than what I could have prepared for, being on the land my great-grandparents farmed, and all.”

  “Well, it’s no problem. No need to apologize.” Colton was amused by how thick she was laying it on and doubted she was all that sorry about her approach. However, he did believe that she was sorry he wasn’t more receptive to it.

  “Thanks, that’s very gracious of you,” she said. She put her hands into the back pockets of her jeans and stared at him, rocking back and forth slightly. She was high energy and certainly carried an air of unbridled enthusiasm.

  “So, you were close with your great-grandparents?” he asked.

  “Want the truth?” she asked, her lower lip extending ever so slightly like she was preparing to pout.

  “I’m not prone to asking for lies,” he replied, crossing his arms and watching her calculating her next words. She seemed very precise with her speech.

  “I’ve never met my great-grandparents. They passed away long before I was born, but I’m kind of a history buff, really fascinated with days long gone, I guess you could say. Their story interests me. Do you know it?” Olivia looked at him, almost demurely, but to Colton she seemed genuine.

  “No, I can’t say that I do,” he said.

  “My Great-Grandpa Chester moved here from the Netherlands a long time ago. He was looking for a new start and had heard about the West in stories. Well, on his way here he met my great-grandma Lillian, they fell in love, and together they landed here.” She looked around and pointed out toward the fields.

  Olivia’s smile was different than it had been, more like that of a romantic now, Colton thought. She was either the best actress he’d ever come across—turning her emotions on to whatever suited the moment—or she was more complicated than he would have first guessed.

  “That’s a story that’s typical of many of the ranches out here in Montana,” he said.

  “How about your family? Are they from this area?”

  “Yes, my parents were both born within fifty miles of this place. Worked hard their entire lives, and now they are enjoying their retirement in Arizona. A well-earned one, I might add.”

  “Hmm … it’s hard work, huh?” she asked softly.

  “Very hard work. I could use a few more of me around, that’s for sure, but most people interested in ranch work nowadays already do the work on their own family’s ranch.”

  “Well, I know that you’re busy, Colton, and have lots to do so I’d best not be rude and let you get back to work. Thanks for letting me say what I had to. Have a great day.”

  “You too,” he said.

  She turned around and began to walk away before she abruptly whipped her head back around and reached into her front pocket. “Here’s my number at the hotel, just in case you need anything.”

  Colton walked up to her and took the piece of paper. Then she turned around once again and made her departure in her truck. If she’d looked back at least once, she would have noticed a ridiculously huge grin on his face. He’d been completely captivated by her, and even by whatever game she might be playing. He was clueless as to what he might need from her, but he’d have to think about that at a later time. Right now needed to get back to work, and there was a lot to do before he headed over to Mal and Wade’s for dinner.

  ***

  Colton pulled up to his sister’s new log cabin on Wade’s family’s land and appreciated it for how beautiful it was. It wasn’t too large, but it was big enough for two people, plus some future additions, to live comfortably. Its rustic presence against the fields and distant mountains in the background gave it the look of a settlement from long ago. That was from the outside, because from the second he walked inside, he saw top-end everything as far as amenities went. Really, it suited his sister well, and Wade too.

  “Hey, why don’t you grab us a couple beers,” Mal called out from the stove. She didn’t turn around to look at Colton because she was busy stirring something on the stove top. “Wade will be in shortly. Had to run out and meet the electrician at the building. Something about a glitch with one of the circuit breakers.”

  “Will do,” Colton said. “It smells fantastic. What are we having?”

  “Pot roast, homemade sourdough bread, and then some cherry cobbler for dessert.” She finally turned around and smiled at him.

  “And you made it all?” he asked, shock and skepticism in his voice.

  “Don’t you sound so surprised, Colton Alan Tisdale. Haven’t I demonstrated that I can do anything I put my mind to?”

  “You have; I just didn’t know that you’d set it to cooking. If I’d known you could have cooked like that, I might have encouraged you and Wade to move to the ranch.” He started laughing.

  “Well, it would be good to keep a closer eye on you, but somehow I don’t think you’d like that,” she replied with a laugh. Then she turned around and walked over to the table where Colton had set her beer and took a sip of it.

  “How’s it going with the stables for the academy?” he asked.

  “Finally, we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. There were a few times when things came in over budget, but I brought out that retired lawyer in me and took care of business.” Although Mal had decided that life in the city as a lawyer wasn’t meant for her, she enjoyed the spirit of the battle a lot and often brought it with her, if necessary. “And, Colton, before you ask—yes, we’ll be able to take the horses before you go to auction.”

  He shook his head. His sister’s intuition and perception had startled him plenty when they were growing up. There was nothing quite as unsettling as having a younger sister who could always sense those things. So while it may be a gift for some things, as a big brother it was more of a nuisance—even now.

  They heard Wade talking to someone from the back breezeway and both grew quiet until they heard, “Good enough … okay, I’ve got to go … yah … bye then.”

  Then he appeared in the door, his tall, slender body resting against the frame. �
�If you two will excuse me for a few more minutes, I think I’d better take a shower and clean up.”

  “Good call. We don’t want to smell you over the food,” Mal said playfully. Then she blew him a kiss, which made Colton roll his eyes.

  “Can’t you two save that for when I’m not in eyesight?” he asked.

  “You just need to find somebody who’ll do those things to you,” she said.

  “I’ll leave you two to this conversation,” Wade said. He left the room and Mal walked over to the table again to join her brother who was already seated, leaning back, one leg crossed over the other.

  “Hey, guess what I forgot to tell you,” she began.

  “That you won the lottery,” he said jokingly.

  “The lottery wouldn’t make my life any better,” she replied quite seriously.

  Sometimes Mal had a hard time keeping up with off-the-cuff humor, despite delivering plenty of it to others on a daily basis.

  “So, what did you forget to tell me?” Colton asked.

  “Last night Wade and I went down to Kitty’s for dinner, and we happened to run in to that girl that had been out at the ranch. What was her name again?” Mal began, tapping her fingers in thought. “Olivia, Olivia Jaspers. That’s right.”

  “You did, huh?” Colton said. In a second his casual, relaxed demeanor shifted to one of high alert. “That’s quite the coincidence.”

  “It sure was. She heard us mention your name when we were talking about the horses. Then she introduced herself.”

  “Fascinating,” he said as he suddenly suspected that his sister, Mrs. Fix-Him-Up, had something to do with Olivia’s presence. Whether it was just that day or both days was yet to be determined.

  “She’s quite beautiful. You didn’t mention how gorgeous she was when you said you had that visit,” she said.

  “Is she?” he asked. He was going to make her work for it. If she wanted details, she’d have to earn them.

  “Colton, give it up. There is no way you looked at her and didn’t notice that. It’s just funny that you didn’t mention it, that’s all,” she said.

  “Well, I was a bit more focused on her request to tear up the ranch looking for whatever mystery item she’s hell bent on getting. What can I say?”

  “Are you going to help her out?” she asked. “Might be fun to have a little adventure on the land, kind of like when we were kids.”

  “Why do you care if I help her out?” Colton asked, raising one eyebrow. Then he took a sip of his beer and set it down, running his fingers through his sandy blond hair.

  “I don’t care, but it seems like it would be the gentlemanly thing to do, Colton.”

  “She’s playing games, and suddenly I feel like you might be, too,” he began. “Please tell me that you didn’t arrange that entire thing, Mal.” If she had, Olivia, as beautiful and interesting as she was, would go down a few notches in his opinion. He didn’t have time to play games or calculate if others were playing them with him.

  “Honestly, I just met her last night,” Mal said, feigning offense.

  “Met who?” Wade asked, walking back into the room.

  “Olivia Jaspers,” she replied. “Colton here thinks that I’ve gone through an elaborate process to set him up on another blind date.”

  “I know your sister’s done that plenty, Colton, but this time she’s on the up and up. We did just meet her last night.”

  “What did you think of her?” Colton asked. He’d normally not ask, or care what another guy thought of a woman, but Wade was his best friend—one of the few people out there whose opinion really did matter to him.

  “She’s spirited and clearly determined, no hiding that, but she seemed pretty friendly, too,” Wade said.

  “I just think you should see if you can help her find what she’s looking for,” Mal said. “Plus, no reason to be scared it’s a man, because she’s expressed quite clearly that there’s something on the ranch that she wants. I’m curious about what it is, and if I know you, you are too. You’re just being a stubborn mule in not admitting it. The sooner you do, Colton, the better.”

  And that was that. Mal had spoken and then she got up from the table and turned her back to the guys, indicating that she was going to finish the meal preparations.

  That night, by the time Colton left their home, he was feeling rather content. The meal was great and Mal had finally confessed that she’d purchased the cobbler from Mrs. Danners, a wonderful baker who sold her fares to raise money for the local 4H Club whenever she could. Yes, she was crafty.

  Maybe, just maybe, it would be smart for him to embrace the challenge that Olivia presented for a bit. Since he knew she was up to something, there wouldn’t be any real surprises. And, although he would never admit this to anyone—especially his sister—Colton was ready to have a little fun and some adventures. He’d been working so hard that he was beginning to think that time would start passing him by too quickly. Before he’d know it, he might be an old bachelor, destined to work the land until he couldn’t. Then what?

  ***

  That night, Colton was a bit restless and decided to go out into the barn and brush Magnus. Whenever he did that, he could relax and allow his thoughts to sort themselves out. It had always been that way and it was true what Winston Churchill had once said: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

  “So Magnus, what do you think I should do about this Olivia character?” Colton asked as he took the rubber curry comb and brushed it along the muscular lines of his horse, one of his most favorite living things in the world. He’d say possessions, but only a fool thought he could possess a horse. They were free spirits, not slaves to any human.

  Magnus gave a gently whinny and his soft muzzle brushed against the side of Colton’s face.

  “You think so, huh?” Colton added.

  Somehow, in those moments of relaxing with Magnus, he had talked himself into giving Olivia a telephone call and trying to learn more about what she was about. As he walked back into the house that evening he shook his head, thinking he may have gone mad. It seemed like he was inviting in trouble, but he was certainly eager to welcome it, or so it seemed. Time would tell.

  He grabbed the piece of paper with Olivia’s information from the kitchen counter and then sat down at the kitchen table. He stared it for just a second before releasing his cellphone from its clip.

  Here we go, he thought.

  A minute later, it was mission accomplished. Time to get some sleep so he could get up extra early and take care of business before meeting Olivia in town.

  Chapter Three

  The call from Colton was definitely a surprise for Olivia, and she was grateful for it. She had been struggling with finding a way to see him again, knowing that one apology had been enough and that he seemingly wasn’t going to just hand over access to the entire ranch for her own personal use.

  It had been a sleepless night, one filled with anticipation for the morning and actually a bit of nervousness, as well. Olivia was seldom nervous and not a jumpy person by nature, but something about Colton Tisdale made her feel on edge. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or a response to the energy he emitted. Those beautiful eyes and sandy blond hair—not too long and not too short—drew her in like flies to a bug zapper. Then there was the scar she’d noticed just above his right eye. It added a tough quality to him, making it so he wasn’t flawlessly handsome, which was a good thing. She had a weakness for that sort of man and they seldom came with the right internal wiring to be a good fit for her. At least that had been the case up until that point.

  Realizing that her daydreams and “over-thinking” had taken her into thoughts of dating Colton, she quickly shook her head. She had to clear those fantasies away, because this was a purpose-driven mission. She needed to find what she was looking for, and if she couldn’t find it, that would not be accepted until after she’d tossed and turned every single stone and boulder on that ranch h
erself.

  Olivia assessed her appearance one last time in the mirror before leaving the hotel room and making her way to Kitty’s. Her body felt tense and she found that she was walking faster and faster, showing inexplicable eagerness for her breakfast. It’s because I might get to start my exploration, she thought. Then the cynical voice in her added, Sure, just keep telling yourself that.

  When Olivia walked into the café, she saw Colton already seated at a booth in the corner. He immediately got up and walked over to her, giving her a moment to take him in. He definitely was fine, but didn’t carry himself in a way where he was presumptuous about it.

  “Good morning, I’m glad you could meet me,” he said.

  “Thanks for the invitation,” she replied, smiling casually and looking at her breakfast companion analytically. She didn’t know how to read him. Could she be a bit more aggressive or should she be slow and mellow? Maybe she’d let him take the lead; it was something she wasn’t used to, but it was worthwhile approach in this case, she believed.

  They sat down, and Jane, the same waitress she’d met the other day, walked right over. “Hey, nice to see you again,” she began. She refilled Colton’s coffee cup as she asked Olivia, “Coffee or something else?”

  “Coffee would be great,” Olivia said.

  “You got it.”

  After Jane took their orders and left, Colton leaned his back against the green vinyl of the booth and asked, “Have you been sleeping good at the hotel?”

  “Not bad; it’s always hard to sleep as well as you might at home,” she said.

  “Agreed,” he replied. “So, how long are you going to be in town for, Olivia?”

  This was it. A moment for her to decide between direct and bold or subtle. She chose direct and bold, which wasn’t really a surprise. “For as long as it takes, Colton. Why do you ask?”