Cody shook his head in disgust. "Rubek wore a mighty fancy suit for a country preacher. And he didn't seem the least bit broken up when he talked about the tragedy as he called it. He acted more like he wanted me out of his office. He did say he'd ask about the girl at their prayer service and get back to me if anyone knew anything. I'm not holding out much hope, though."
Cody kicked the truck tire absently. "As we were leaving a woman walked into the sanctuary, and I asked about the girl. Then Hale yelled down, and she shook her head and ducked out the door. That was a mite strange, too."
Lee nodded. "Doesn't sound like he was much help. I sure would have expected him to be more cooperative. Listen, Chowser and I backtracked that girl to within a few feet of the back fence of that place. She had to have come from there."
"Dammit. That guy's hiding something. I'll check him out further. In the meantime, I’ll go back out there and talk to those church people myself.” He stepped away. “Well, I'm heading on home. Thanks for your help."
After putting Texas in the pen and feeding him, Jesse walked over to the truck and leaned on the window.
She grimaced, remembering his bossiness.
He reached up and pulled a tendril of hair away from her eye.
Blinking, she frowned.
In the silence, he smiled and said, "Well, this isn't exactly how I planned it, but here goes. Miss Grouchy, would you do me the honor of going out to dinner with me tomorrow evening?"
She cracked up. He'd imitated her perfectly when he said 'Miss Grouchy'. She was fond of name-calling, that was for sure. How could she say no after an invitation like that? "Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants, you're on. What time is my carriage picking me up?"
"Well, it depends. I can bring my clothes and shower in one of the cabins. Or, if you don't mind eating later, I'll drive home and pick you up around seven thirty."
"Oh, clean up here. Just be sure to turn the A/C on before you head to the pond so the room's cool when you come in. Remind me, and I'll give you a key."
Jesse patted her shoulder. "Good night, Grouch. See you in the morning," and he walked over to his truck.
Lee grinned and started the engine, turning up the gravel drive toward the house. Chowser ran behind her.
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, Jesse took a long swig of cool water and listened to the whir of the power drill coming from inside the rounded dome of the deer blind. He and Lee had spent the morning clearing an area to unload it on. They'd cut the oak into firewood and put it in the truck. The cedar they pared down into manageable size and dragged to hide the structure. The brown molded-foam exterior looked like a natural rock formation and blended well into the countryside. It overlooked a small valley where Lee had set up a deer feeder.
Jesse grabbed a bottle of water out of the cooler and entered the close confines of the blind.
Lee squatted, her muscular legs kneeling on the wooden floor. Her gracefully-rounded butt rested on her heels. She was screwing in the supports for the narrow shelves that ran below all the ten-inch windows. These slid open and shut so the hunters could fire through them.
Lee glanced up at him and smiled. "One more to go. Never did like tight spaces like this. Don't know how two guys can stand it in here."
His chest tightened. She was so good at everything she did. Sure movements placed each screw and drove it home, with no wasted motion. The curve of her cheek called to him, even in this cramped, unromantic place. He wanted to take the band out of her hair and run his fingers through it.
Lee drove the last screw in, tested the shelf to make sure it held firmly in place, and pushed herself to her feet. "Done." Swiveling her hips, she checked each window in turn, peering into the distance. "I don't see any more limbs to cut. Hunters should have a clear shot to the feeder from every direction."
Jesse held her arm as she stepped down.
She grinned at him like he was being ridiculous.
After sliding the latch home and locking the building, he said. "Well, boss lady, you ready for some dinner?" He watched her eyes as they slid away from him. Regret, maybe? She returned her gaze to him, and he saw rosiness in her cheeks. Hell, she was embarrassed. Sweet! He stomped down the smile he felt coming. "No backing out. You'll break my heart."
She shot him a half-way dirty look through narrowed eyes. "Who said anything about backing out? I'm game."
As she strode over to the truck, he grinned at the switch she gave to her luscious butt. He climbed in and hung his arm out the window, ready to open the gate. "Oh, I know you're game, all right. Everything about you is game. But why don't you show me something other than game tonight when I pick you up? You got something besides Wranglers in that closet of yours?"
She turned to him, steely eyed, giving away nothing, then stared down the track to the highway.
Lee was downright gorgeous. Since she ignored him, he used the opportunity to look all he wanted. She never wore tight t-shirts—didn't try to show herself off. However, any man's eyes could see that beautiful body through her clothes. Her t-shirt hung over her jeans, hiding her waist. But, during their normal work together, it blew high in a gust of wind, or drew up when she reached for something. Then he got a taste of her small waist and sweet ribs. And there was no hiding those full breasts. Lee wore men's pocket tees and such manly things weren't meant to hold what God had given her.
He shifted his hips and exhaled. A lot of good this line of thinking was doing him. Lee stopped at the gate. Time to get his mind on business.
SIPPING A HALF-GLASS of wine, Lee sat staring out the living room window. After a few minutes, she walked into the bedroom and opened her closet door. Moving hangers from right to left, she peered into the far corner and spied something black. She dragged it out. Yep, there it was, her little black dress, dusty shoulders and all.
Next, she searched the bathroom closet and dug out her make-up. That crap was all dusty, too. Man, had it been that long since she'd worn it? She needed to start caring more about her appearance.
Staring at the array on the bathroom cabinet, her heart sank. What in the hell had gotten into her? Why did she accept this invitation? She sat down on the toilet and put her face in her hands.
After a moment, she scrubbed her cheeks hard and brought her dress in the bathroom so the steam would take out the creases. Wess had always said she was sexy in it. She missed him so. They'd had such fun on the rare evenings they set aside time to go out. He was a great dancer and loved to get crazy to the rowdy Red Dirt Country music they both enjoyed.
Her legs rarely saw the sun so she'd have glaringly white, but newly-shaved legs to go with her dress. Another attractive aspect of her evening attire would be her farmer-tanned arms. Well, Jesse would have to take her as-is. She wasn't glamourous. She was a rancher.
When she was ready, she poured another half-glass of wine. It felt strange to have curled hair and make-up on. Sitting on the couch, next to the snoring Chowser, she stared out the window as little shots of anxiety zinged through her chest.
Jesse drove up a few minutes later. When she answered the door, he grinned. "My, my, boss lady. You do clean up nice!"
"You don't look so bad yourself, cowboy. Come on in." As she grabbed her evening clutch from the kitchen table, she could feel Jesse's eyes on her and wondered what he was thinking. Turning, she said, "All ready?"
He grinned with a cheeky gleam in his eyes. "Sure, I'm starving."
She sized him up as she walked toward him. His beautifully-pressed black shirt emphasized his flat stomach and broad shoulders. His Wranglers were so starched, the creases were barely broken and fit his slender hips like gloves. He cut quite a figure in her living room.
As she drew next to him, his intoxicating aroma hit her. She blinked, swallowing hard. His gorgeous, clean, perfumed-man scent surrounded her. Eyes blurring, she stared at the floor. How she'd missed that smell. The loss it brought back was suddenly more than she could bear. In a strangled voice she said, "Well, let's go, shall we?"
J
esse stood for a second, then gently took her hand, tucking it under his elbow. "Sure, Lee, come on," and he escorted her outside.
He helped her into the truck and handed her the seatbelt. Before he drove away, he smiled at her. "Okay?"
She nodded.
WHEN JESSE TURNED INTO the Bell and Kettle, Lee's stomach twisted. Wine burned like fire in her belly. Why, oh why, was he taking her here? This was a special place for her. Wess had taken her here for their first date. He'd proposed to her at the secluded table in the back corner of the dining room. She snapped her head to the side window and bit her lip. What was she doing here with another man? This was all a big mistake! Tears pooled on her bottom lashes, and she reached to wipe them away. Why hadn't she asked Jesse where they were going?
He came around and opened her door, holding her arm and helping her step down out of the truck. She kept her gaze averted. "Thanks, Jesse."
Tucking her hand under his elbow, as any Texas gentleman would, he walked her inside.
Sniffing quietly, she wiped her eyes one more time.
The waitress sat them at a table. With Bentwood being a dry county, the first order of business was to sign up for the club and pay their club dues. When the waitress asked them what they'd like to drink, Jesse turned to Lee. "After you."
Looking at the menu, she didn't see the wine list. "I'd like a white moscato, but if you don't have that, a white zinfandel will do. House is fine."
"I'd like a Bud Light."
The waitress nodded and headed toward the bar.
They both picked up their menus. Jesse had understood what happened before they left the house. He got inside her head, and he was doing it right now. She could feel it. He was so earnest, so focused on her.
Lee studied the menu, her stomach tied up in knots.
The silence continued for a few beats more, then Jesse said, "I like those hunting blinds. Everything a hunter needs is in there, and they blend right in."
She hoped her eyes weren't red. "They last a long time and don't take a lot of care. About the only thing that breaks down is the door. Have to keep up with that."
He continued. "I noticed a heifer that looks like she's getting close—the bald-faced one. I'll check her when we get home."
"Okay. Give me a call if she's in labor, and I'll come down." Jesse was good. The talk of everyday work calmed her. They visited about regular stuff until the waitress came back with their drinks. At her nod, they ordered their meals.
Lee caught Jesse's gaze. "So, how did you come by that beautiful buckle you're wearing tonight?"
He talked about the event he'd won and regaled her with funny stories about a few of his cowboy friends. By the time their dinners arrived, they were both ready for a second drink.
Jesse smiled. "I'll bet you have some funny stories about folks in this county."
Lee frowned. "Yeah, but some of them not so funny. Sheriff deputies see a lot of hard things. Marrying Wess was the best thing that ever happened to me." Looking down at her plate, she scooped up a bite of vegetables.
Jesse reached across the table, picking up her hand and squeezing it. "Well, I envy you your marriage. Mine wasn't so great. My wife hated ranch life. She ended up finding one of my friends much more appealing than me. In fact, I found her sleeping with him, and she married him right after our divorce. He lived in town, and that's the life she wanted."
Lee bit her lip. "Oh, Jesse, I'm so sorry. There's nothing better than a happy marriage, and nothing worse than a painful one."
He shrugged. "It was a long time ago."
After dinner, Jesse suggested they go to the bar for one more drink.
"Are you trying to get me drunk, cowboy?"
"I'd never do that to a lady, but are you telling me you're a lightweight, boss?"
She laughed. "Well, in that case, I have to accept. I'd like to make a stop at the ladies' room first, though."
Jesse escorted her to the restroom, and she slipped into a stall and then washed her hands. Looking in the mirror, the make-up around her eyes was a little rough, and she needed more lip color. She was enjoying herself. How long had it been? "Way too long, cowgirl," she could almost hear Cheri saying. Well, maybe Cheri was right. This was good for her. She applied her lipstick and opened the door.
IN THE BAR, JESSE KEPT his gaze on the doorway, on edge and worried. Something was wrong with Lee tonight. She hid it well and was trying to have a good time, but something wasn't right. Whatever it was, he would help. No way was she facing one more thing alone.
Lee strode into the smoky bar and stopped, peering through the dim light. Male heads swung around to stare at her. Anger burst in Jesse’s chest as they eyed her up and down. He stood and waved, heading her way. She walked toward him, and his heart kicked into overdrive. Her long, sexy stride moved her hips and breasts in a way that caught the attention of every muscle in his body. And that smile of hers lit him up as he led her to the table and pulled a chair out for her.
Sliding her glass of wine in front of her, he scooted a chair beside her and sat down. The country music was so loud, he could hardly hear himself think. He leaned into her. "You're gorgeous. Every man in this room is looking at you."
She ducked her head. "Thanks, Jesse."
"I mean it, Lee. I'm the luckiest man alive, sitting here with you.” He clicked his chilled bottle of Bud Light with the wine she held, and smiled. “Cheers." He leaned in again. "Tell me why you worked your ranch alone. I'm amazed at how well you've handled things. But why? Why didn't you hire someone before you hired me?"
Staring at the couples sitting at the bar, Lee reached a shaking hand for her wine glass and drank long and deep.
Alarmed, he slipped his arm around her shoulders. "It's okay. You don't have to answer. It was a stupid question." Reaching for her still-shaking hand, he took it into his large, warm one and held it.
She licked her lips and turned to him. "It's a long story."
He studied her. "You ready to go? Seems I've spoiled everything. I'm so sorry."
She nodded and slid her chair back.
He went to pay the tab and then helped her to her feet. Wrapping his arm about her, he felt her fragility, her vulnerability, and it broke his heart.
They were quiet on the way home. She leaned her head against the back window and closed her eyes. When the truck turned on the long dirt drive, she sat up and looked out the windshield.
At the house, Jesse sighed and spoke up, "Do you have any coffee in that kitchen of yours? I might like a cup before I head home tonight."
She turned to him, and he could tell she was reluctant, but he needed to help her. She said, "Sure. I'll put on a pot."
He came around and opened her door, easing her down to the ground. With his hand supporting her arm, he walked her to the mud room door.
Chowser was there waiting, and she let him outside to do his business.
In the kitchen, she ran clean water from the dispenser into the coffee pot. He leaned against the counter next to her and watched her put grounds in the filter.
She glanced at him. "How many cups you figure on drinking?"
"I'll drink one. You joining me?"
"Okay." She made four cups. That was enough for two Texas-sized mugs. "Let's start later tomorrow. How about nine?"
"Sounds like a plan, boss." Arms crossed, he studied her. She seemed uncomfortable, like she hoped he wouldn't pursue their earlier conversation further. He reached out and took her hand, pulling her a little closer to him, then let her go and smiled. "I enjoyed tonight. It was good getting to know you better."
She sighed.
He picked up her hand and eased her nearer. Her knee touched his leg now. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but he let her go.
She raised her hand to her eyes and stood still again.
That did it. He slid his hands up her arms, thrilling at the touch of her soft skin. Drawing her into his chest, he tucked her head under his chin.
She breathed deeply, holdi
ng very still.
He smoothed her hair away from her face and behind her ear, his other hand stroking her back. His chest tightened, his heart speeding like a race horse.
Tracing lazy circles on her back, he felt her body begin to relax. She closed her eyes as he touched her arms and her face.
She breathed in and sighed out, leaning her weight into him and turning her head to the side. The coffee burbled and popped, a sure sign that it was almost done.
His body responded to her. He wanted to protect her, make her happy, take away the obvious pain she was in. He needed to know what was wrong, so he could make it better somehow.
Jesse shifter her away from him and looked into her eyes, searching. He wanted her aware of him and aware of her feelings for him.
Her eyes widened, and her lips parted.
Kissing her forehead gently, he kissed her temple, and her cheek. He lifted her chin up and—light as a feather—kissed her lips. He eased back again and she closed her eyes. He kissed the tip of her nose.
She opened them again and looked at him for a few seconds before giving him a ghost of a smile.
He grinned and kissed her, then hugged her to his chest. Releasing her, he said, "Well, how about that coffee, Miss Lee?"
She touched his sleeve and turned to the cabinet. "I'll get the cups."
At the table, they talked about the next day, and she shared a couple of priceless Chowser stories.
Finally, she took a deep breath and clasped her hands in front of her. The sadness in her eyes nearly did him in.
He reached for her hands. "You don't have to do this."
"No, I do. I need to tell you ... my husband, Wess, died of cancer. I nursed him through it to the end. We didn't have insurance so the medical bills ate us up. That's why I worked here alone after he died. It had always been just the two of us and some seasonal hands, anyway. Wess was the love of my life. All I had left." Tears slid out of her eyes. "I had a daughter." She swallowed hard.
True-Blue Texas Cowboy Page 5
