He stepped onto the porch and took a deep breath of the evening air. Damn it all to hell! Damn Rusty for ratting him out. It never occurred to Jesse that would happen when he left earlier to go to the hospital. He was too worried about Gage. He started down the steps and saw Rusty standing in front of his truck.
“What do you want? Haven’t you done enough?”
“Did you feed her more lies?”
“Not that it’s any of your business but no, I didn’t. You’ll be happy to know she wants me off the ranch. I’m going to the cabin to get my things then I’m leaving.” He walked to his truck and opened the door then climbed in. He put the window down.
“Could you get out of the way? I don’t want to have to move you,” he growled.
Rusty stared at him. “You do love her, don’t you?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. She doesn’t believe anything I say now—thanks to you. If you just would have given me the time I asked for, I could have explained it better, but you couldn’t. So, fucking move, old man, so I can go.” He revved the engine.
Rusty moved aside and Jesse pulled out throwing gravel everywhere as he made his way to the cabin. Son of a bitch! He had lost her and just as he feared, she now hated him. He slammed his fist into the roof of the cab and swore when he hurt his knuckles.
He pulled up in front of the cabin, threw the gear into Park, shut it off, opened the door, and stepped out. Then he walked up the steps, flipped a light on, and started packing his things into his duffle bag. Damn Rusty. Interfering old man. If he would have just waited but the man wanted Jesse gone the minute he realized who he was and why he was here.
Picking up a half-filled water bottle to empty it, he instead threw it across the room and watched as it hit the wall. The cap popped off and the water spilled onto the floor. Fuck it. He didn’t care. After gathering up his jeans and shirts, he shoved them into the bag then picked up his laptop. He took one last look around then turned the light out and walked out to his truck.
He tossed the duffle bag into the bed of the truck then climbed inside and set his laptop on the seat. He stared out through the windshield as he wrapped his hands tight around the steering wheel until they hurt. Clenching his jaw, he started the truck, put it in Drive, and drove down the road. As he passed by the house, he didn’t even look over. He just wanted to get home, open a bottle of Callahan Whiskey, and drink until he passed out. Jesse had a feeling he’d never hear from Anna again.
****
Anna walked to the table, pulled out a chair, and took a seat as tears rolled down her face. He had made some valid points. Why would he work on the cabins if he was here for his father’s benefit?
“Come on, Anna. He could have done that just to make you think he was staying.”
She shook her head. That made no sense. Damn it. She was so confused about all of this. She wished Rusty had never told her. Thing was, Jesse didn’t bother to deny it and if he were still lying, wouldn’t he? He could have acted the injured party, stormed out, and left, never to return and she’d be none the wiser. Instead, he told her he loved her and would wait for her call.
She about jumped out of her skin when someone knocked on the door. Getting up, she peered through the window to see Rusty on the porch. With a heavy sigh, she opened the door, and motioned for him to come in. He entered the kitchen then turned to face her.
“Are you all right?” he asked her.
“Of course,” she said.
Rusty snorted. “Ain’t no of course about it. I saw Jesse outside and he didn’t look any happier than you do right now.” He pulled a chair out and sat. “I never should have told you. I should’ve let him do it his way. I hadn’t seen you that happy in a long time and I messed it up for you.”
“I’m glad you told me. How long would he have continued to lie to me?”
“He only lied about the job thing.”
She shook her head. “No. He also lied about his name, his brothers, and why he was really here to begin with. Looking for a job was just another lie. Who knows what else he’s lied about? And why are you taking up for him? You don’t like him at all.”
“I did like him at first, at least until I found out he was lying to you. I didn’t want to see you hurt. You’ve been through enough. Annie. You have to look at it like this, he did lie in the beginning, but he also thought the property was already in foreclosure. He had to give some reason as to why he was here and that just popped into his head. Then he saw you. I guess that was all it took, and he’s good for you, Annie. He could have high-tailed it out of here a few days after arriving. With no explanation.” Rusty lifted his arms in the air. “Just up and go.” He stared up at her. “But he stayed. Something made him stay and that something is you. The boy loves you and I can see you love him too.”
“He’s too young for me,” she muttered as she took a seat at the table.
Rusty coughed out a laugh. “Quit making excuses. Love doesn’t know age and since when can a man love a younger woman, but a woman can’t love a younger man? He may be twenty-nine but he’s a mature man. Don’t throw away another chance at happiness. I know you loved Jamie, but he’d be the first one to tell you to move on.”
“He did,” she whispered.
“I figured he would have. Then do it, girl.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Rusty sighed. “I suppose that’s all I can ask. But he does love you. I could see he was hurting when he left here. He made you happy. I knew there was something going on between you then he told me he loved you—”
“He told you? When?”
“When I confronted him about who he was. He said he loved you.” Rusty shrugged. “I told him I didn’t care. I didn’t want you hurt again. I saw what you went through when Jamie was dying and then when he was gone. I’ve watched you try to keep this ranch going and almost losing it too many times to count.”
Anna looked at him. “I’m going to put the ranch up for sale. I’m sorry. I just don’t want it anymore. It was more Jamie’s dream than it was mine. I just hate that you and Wes will be out of jobs.”
He placed his hand over hers. “We’ll be fine. We’ve talked about buying a couple of RVs and taking the wives on road trips together. Annie? I think it’s best you do sell it. Your heart isn’t in this place. Why you tried to keep it going for two years is beyond me.”
“Because it was Jamie’s dream.”
“Yes, and Jamie is gone. Let go of all of it. Sell.”
She blew out a breath. “All right. I’ll call the Realtor tomorrow. Maybe once I sell it I can get on with my life. With Jamie’s pension and working at the B and B, maybe I’ll have enough to get an apartment.”
“You could always live with your parents until you get a teaching job again.”
“If it comes down to it, maybe I will. Do you think I should sell what cattle I have left or leave them for the new owners?”
Rusty removed his hat and scratched his head making her smile. She would miss him and Wes so much.
“I’d get them to auction. Best way to get a good price for them.”
“Oh. All right. I’ll have to look into that. I have no idea how to go about that.”
“Ask Jake. He’ll know what to tell you. He goes to sales all the time.”
“I will.” She stood and Rusty did too, then she hugged him. “Thank you, Rusty. I was so worried about what would happen to you and Wes if I sold the ranch.”
“We’ll be fine. Maureen will love it and I’m sure Norma will too. Goodnight, girl. Try to get some sleep, but do think about Jesse. That man does love you.” He nodded then walked out.
Think about Jesse? How could she not? She’d think about him all right. All the lies he’d told her, and Ash and Grayson better hope she doesn’t see them for a while. God! She was going to miss him so much. His kisses, his touch, the way he loved her. Placing her hands over her face, she cried. Anna had a feeling she’d never get over Jesse Dalton Beckett.
****<
br />
Jesse sat in his living room staring up at the TV but didn’t pay much attention to what was going on. What a fucking mess his life had become. If he hadn’t retired in June, he’d go back to riding. Hell, he still could but it didn’t appeal to him at all. He tapped the bottle of beer in his hand against the arm of the chair. Just his luck, he was out of whiskey. He looked over to the grandfather clock sitting in the corner and saw it was only eleven. Seemed a hell of a lot later. Picking up his cell phone, he called Gage’s hospital room.
“Hello?”
“Did I wake you?”
“Nope. Wide awake, JD. This arm is killing me.”
“Get the nurse to give you something.”
“I might. I have one hot little number for a nurse.”
Jesse chuckled. “You’re not hurting too much if you can think about that.”
“What are you calling this late for?”
“Wanted to check on you and I…just needed something to do.” Jesse cleared his throat.
“What’s going on, Jess?”
“Anna found out about me lying to her and she threw me out.”
“I’m not going to say I told you so. Sounds like you’re down enough.”
“Shit, Gage. Why does love have to be so damn hard?”
“You’re asking the wrong man,” Gage muttered in his ear.
“Why didn’t you want us to call Maggie?”
Gage cleared his throat. “Since we’re talking about lies, I’ll tell you the truth. It wasn’t because of the winters here that she left. Two years ago when I had to go home from Butte because of a badly sprained ankle, I found her in the barn, fucking the hired hand.”
“Holy hell, Gage. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I should have told all of you, but I was embarrassed. I loved Maggie…but damn, that pushed me over the line between love and hate. I’ll tell everyone when I get out of here. In the meantime, what are you going to do about Anna?”
Jesse blew out a breath. “I have no clue right now. I’ll give her some time then try calling her. I just hope she’ll talk to me.”
“I hope so too. I can tell you love her,” Gage said then yawned.
“I’m sorry, it’s late and you need to get some rest. Call that hot nurse to bring you something.”
Gage chuckled. “I will. Hold on, let me press the button.”
Jesse shook his head as he listened to Gage telling the nurse’s station he needed something for pain.
“How long will you be out of competing?” Jesse asked.
“Eight to ten weeks. There goes the buckle this year. Shit,” he whispered.
“What?” Jesse asked.
“Who are you?”
Jesse frowned then realized Gage was talking to whoever had entered his room. He almost burst out laughing when a male voice told him he was Gage’s nurse.
“Hey, is that the hot nurse you were telling me about?”
“Fuck you, little brother. Ouch,” Gage said. “Did you have to stick it in my arm? The other nurses have put it in the IV.”
Jesse sat there listening while his brother argued with the nurse and he burst out laughing at the nurse’s reply.
“I’m not like other nurses. Can’t you tell the difference?”
“You sure as shit aren’t. Go away.”
Jesse heard the nurse laugh as he left Gage’s room.
“Not the right kind of nurse, huh?”
Gage laughed. “Nope. I’m going to go. This stuff could kick in quick. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. JD? Give her some time.”
“I’ll try. Goodnight, Gage. I’m glad you’re all right. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Jesse hit End on his phone and tossed it on the cushion beside him. He had one hell of a long night in front of him. He envied Gage being able to take something that would knock him out. He’d love something to knock him out for the night because he knew he was going to have a hard time getting any sleep.
The next morning, Jesse walked to the barn to let his ranch hands know he was back for good. They were a good bunch and he never had a problem with them running the ranch in his absence. He didn’t need to raise horses or cattle, he just liked doing it. The boot factory he owned with Gage brought in more than enough money. He rarely went into the factory but maybe now since he’d retired, he could stop in more often. He didn’t want to be one of those bosses who the workers were afraid to see. Gage was the same way. Anytime they would visit the factory, they’d stop and talk to everyone. It could be time for both of them to be more involved. Too bad Anna was so pissed at him or he’d offer her a job there. He doubted that she’d take it even if she wasn’t mad. She’d consider it charity.
After letting his eyes adjust, he walked down the center aisle of the barn and saw his horse, Booker stick his head over the gate and whinny at him. Smiling, he rubbed the horse’s nose then decided to take a ride. It would clear his head. He hoped. Something had to work to get his mind off Anna before he went completely insane thinking he’d never see her again. Because that would surely kill him. What if she didn’t call?
After saddling the horse, he vaulted into the saddle and tore out of the barn. He nudged Booker into a run. Tears stung his eyes as they ran at full speed and he told himself it was just the wind in his face making them form.
“Fuck,” Jesse shouted as they tore through the north pasture.
Chapter Eight
By the end of October, snow was falling. Anna sat in the apartment at the B and B where she now lived staring out the window. When she’d told Becca she was putting her ranch up for sale and would have to find an apartment, Becca immediately told her about the other apartment there. Monica lived in one but there were two there and Anna was more than welcome to take it and so she did. She had also finally gotten a teaching job again.
As she looked out at the falling snow, she thought of Jesse. How she missed him. She couldn’t get him out of her mind and it hurt her heart that she might never see him again. Was it time to call him? What would she say? She was still hurt that he’d lied to her. But she was a forgiving person so why couldn’t she get past this? It was because she loved him so much and to know that he’d lied to her hurt her deeply. She had never lied to him about anything and it tore her apart that she fell so head over heels in love with him only to find out how dishonest he was being. Did he really love her? She just didn’t know what to think. All she knew was that she missed him terribly.
A knock on her door brought her back from her thoughts. She stood then walked to the door and opened it to see Becca standing there.
“Hi, Becca. Is something wrong?” She held the door open for Becca to enter.
“Nope. I just wanted to see how you were doing since the ranch sold?”
“I’m okay. Really much better than I thought I’d be. It’s like a big weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. It had to be rough on you trying to keep it going.”
“Yes, it was. I only held on to it because I thought I’d be failing Jamie if I lost it or sold it.”
She pushed the door closed and waved for Becca to take a seat.
“I want you to know that you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like. Even though you did get a teaching job and I’ll have to find someone else to man the desk. Of course, you might want live somewhere else.”
Anna blinked tears back. “I appreciate that so much, Becca. I do like working here but teaching is what I love. I’d like to live here for a while though. I like it.”
Becca smiled at her. “I know. Don’t worry about making me angry about you leaving to teach again. Jake and I want you to know that if you ever need anything, just call on us.”
“You both are too kind. Everyone has been wonderful to me,” her voice caught.
“Anna, it’s none of my business but you seem so sad at times. Is it because of what Jamie would think of you selling the ranch or is there something else wrong?”
“No. Yes. It�
��s a long story but I fell in love and he lied to me.”
“Can you tell me what he lied about? If not, tell me to butt out and I will.” Becca reached over and touched her hand.
Anna took a deep shuddering breath and told Becca everything that had happened with Jesse. She wasn’t sure why she told her but Becca seemed genuinely concerned. She knew she could trust Becca and it would go no further than this room. As she told Becca about him, tears rolled down her face. Becca never said a word the entire time. She just listened. When she finished, Becca handed her a tissue and tilted her head.
“You know, when I first met Jake, I swore he was behind the vandalism of my home here, and my horses being stolen. In my heart, I knew it wasn’t him but I really didn’t know him even though I was falling in love with him. I know it’s not the same but what I’m trying to get you to see is that we all have obstacles we have to get past when we fall in love. Poor Jake, he had no clue how my mind was working at the time. Turns out it was a guy I used to date in Maryland before I moved here. He was a little obsessed with me. Now, I know Jesse. I know his entire family and I can’t see any of them being malicious to anyone or lying just to gain something. I know Chester, Jesse’s dad, does buy property but he only buys it after it goes to foreclosure. He has too much integrity to send Jesse to your ranch just to see how close you were to the bank foreclosing on you. That’s not Chester’s way. I think Jesse is telling you the truth. He probably just told Rusty the first thing that popped into his head and in all likelihood, was shocked when you hired him. He told you his dad told him to leave when he could, and he could have but he stuck around. To help you, Anna. Does that sound like a man who was out to help his dad get the ranch? He knew if you were able to rent the cabins it would bring income in for you and you’d be able to keep the ranch. Remember, he could have disappeared at any time. Hell, he lives in Hartland. He could have just gone home never to see you again, but he stayed. Because he fell in love with you. I’m sure he’s hurting just as much as you are.”
Jesse: A Beckett Brothers Novel Book 3 (The Beckett Brothers) Page 15
