by Tamie Dearen
Shadow snorted, ignoring the oats Jess poured into his grain trough.
“I need to feed the others.”
He answered with a heavy breath through his flared nostrils, lowering his head toward her. She obediently stroked the white patch on his forehead.
“There’s no need to be jealous, you know. I don’t like those other horses. And I’ve sworn off all guys until further notice. All guys… even Cord Dennison.” Her throat tightened. “I admit, he’s cute, and the fact that he’s taking a pay cut to help my grandparents is pretty awesome. But I made a decision, and I’m sticking to it. I’m not dating until after graduation. I don’t trust myself. What if it’s nothing but physical attraction again? You can’t build a relationship based on that. It won’t last.”
He shook his head and let out a nicker.
“What? You don’t believe me? I promise, it’s true. Absolutely no guys in my life until after college.”
Shadow’s head turned, and he eyed her sideways.
“Oh! Except for my brothers and you, of course.”
She patted his shoulder, and he reached around to nuzzle her pocket again. Backing away, she laughed.
“Okay, you can have it.” She retrieved the carrot, holding it out with flat fingers, and Shadow snatched it with his lips, crunching away with a rather triumphant expression.
“Shadow, you make me look like I don’t have any willpower. But I do. I’m strong. Unbendable. Resolute.”
Still chewing he pushed his nose against her neck, and she rubbed his muzzle.
With a few more pats on his side, she picked up her bucket, backed out of the stall and locked the gate. A deep “Howdy,” sounded behind her, and she jumped, a squeal escaping her lips. Swirling around, she swatted at the offender, who happened to be Cord.
“Good gravy! You scared me to death.”
He flinched but sported an unrepentant grin. “Sorry.”
Her hand covered her racing heart, an anomaly related more to his magnetic presence than the sudden surprise. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard her conversation with Shadow? She mustered her sternest frown, the effect most likely diminished by the stray hair that fell across her face. As she blew it out of the way, she scolded him. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that. What are you doing here, anyway?”
“I was looking for Gabe.”
“He’s probably still snoozing in his bunk. When I volunteered for the early morning shift for the summer, Gabe and Holden agreed, before I could change my mind.” She carried her empty bucket to the oat bin, trying to avoid direct contact with those deadly eyes. His heavy boot steps told her he was right behind her.
“But aren’t you leading both trail rides and the guest informational sessions? That’s a lot of work.”
“I’ve got to earn my keep.” She dared a glance at him. Big mistake. He sported a blue t-shirt that not only brought out the sapphire of his eyes, but also emphasized his broad shoulders. Her heart kicked into a higher gear.
He leaned his shoulder against the wall. “I’m surprised you’re up so early, since you’re a city girl now.”
“A man who spent the last nine years in New York shouldn’t be criticizing me about living in the city.” She shot a glance over her shoulder, in time to see him wince, and regretted her hasty retort.
“A big city has a lot to offer,” he mumbled.
She shouldn’t make him feel bad about wanting to escape their small country town. She’d felt the same way until a few months ago.
“I’ve enjoyed Dallas since I transferred to UNT from Tarleton.” She forced a positive note in her voice. “There’s always something exciting going on.” She left off the part where dating Parker Brown had made her long to be back home with plain old country folks. After all, just because Parker’s family and friends were snobby socialites didn’t mean there weren’t nice people living in cities. To be honest, she liked everyone well enough until Parker gave her the boot and skinned her pride.
“I guess you’re glad you aren’t still living in Sage Valley, like some of our friends from high school.”
His comment gave her a sense of déjà vu. Where had she heard that before? Nick! Her sneaky big brother was using Cord to get to her. To convince her she belonged in the city.
Well, it isn’t going to work. Nick needs to mind his own business.
“I’m glad I went off to college, but I don’t have anything against Sage Valley.” She stuck a defiant chin in the air, daring Cord to contradict her. “And you can tell Nick to butt out of my life.”
His guilty grimace confirmed her suspicions. “He’s just worried about you.”
“He treats me like I’m ten, instead of twenty-two. He can’t control where I live or who I date.”
“I agree. I’ll tell him so.” Cord accented his words with a sharp nod. “I’ll say, ‘Stay out of Jessica’s life. Whether you like it or not, she’s dating…’ Who did you say you were dating?”
Jess rotated her gaze up to the heavens. “Nice try. But I’m not telling.”
“You wouldn’t be interested in a guy like McCaffrey, would you? I mean, don’t you want to date someone who’s been to college, like you?”
She ought to tell him she wasn’t dating anyone until she graduated. It would put him out of his misery. But where’s the fun in that?
Her theater teacher would’ve been proud of her reaction. She lifted her shoulders high and let them fall, twisting her mouth to the side, as if she were contemplating the pros and cons of dating McCaffrey. “You don’t have to go to college to be smart. And Mason has other assets, if you know what I mean.” She gave Cord a sassy wink, designed to make smoke come out of his ears, and she was pretty sure she succeeded.
“He may be the top bull rider around here,” Cord said, with a sullen expression. “But you can never trust a guy like that. Bull riders have girls hanging all over them.”
“Is that why you signed up for the bull riding event?”
Even with the speckled sunlight mottling his face, she saw red race up his neck to the tips of his ears.
“No,” he muttered.
Grinning, she turned to refill her bucket. When she reached onto the shelf for the grain scoop, a yowl rent the air, gray fur flashing past her face. She stumbled backwards as Titus, the ever-grumpy barn cat, sailed by, smacking her with his tail. The bucket slipped from her fingers and landed with a clang, as she staggered against Cord’s rock-hard chest, his strong grasp steadying her, his chuckle rumbling against her back.
Her hot face was probably redder than Cord’s.
“Kind of jumpy today, aren’t you?” His voice was tinged with humor.
She shook herself free from his tempting arms. “Anyone with common sense gets out of the way when Titus is coming through. That cat is a menace.”
“Yes, I met him my first day.” Cord tipped the brim of his hat back, squinting at her head. “Hold still. Titus knocked something into your hair.”
She held her breath as his hand stretched toward her forehead. Gentle fingers touched her hair, and chill bumps rifled down her neck and spine. His hand withdrew, grasping an inch-long piece of string.
“Thanks.” She struggled to swallow.
His eyes, brilliant pieces of sky, trapped hers in a paralyzing gaze.
“I feel sorry for Titus,” he said, still holding her captive with his soul-piercing blue orbs as his fingers held the tattered string that looked about as strong as her willpower.
“You do?” she breathed.
His lids closed halfway. “He’s just cranky because he’s lonely. He’s been isolated way too long.”
She jerked her gaze away from his hypnotic trance. “It’s his own fault he’s alone. Have you ever tried to pet Titus?”
“I made that mistake the first time we crossed paths. I admit, he drew blood. But I’m determined to make friends with him. By the end of the summer, he’ll be eating out of my hand.”
“More like he’ll be eating you
r hand.”
“We’ll see.”
A delectable dimple winked into view, which made him look even more attractive, a fact that irritated her like a burr under a saddle. She couldn’t let herself fall for Cord, especially when his only interest was in spying on her brother’s behalf.
Though she was closest in age to Nick and confided in him more than her other two brothers, he tended to be as meddling as Nanna. In his younger years, Nick had often teased that the family found her in a basket on the side of the road, his explanation for her appearance, markedly different from her brothers. All three of them were over six feet tall, with the same sandy brown hair, while she was shorter, at five four, her hair dark brown.
This was one of those times she wished she had a sister to confide in. Cord was so tempting, but her failed relationship with Parker had shaken her more than she admitted to her grandmother. It was as if he’d stripped her self-confidence away. She was determined not to let that happen again. No dating until graduation. On the other hand, she would make it her goal to keep Cord and Nick fretting about her love life all summer.
That’s what they get for interfering.
4
Cord stole another glance at the stairwell as he swallowed the last of his coffee. His third cup. If Jess didn’t hurry down, he was going to float away. Over the past two weeks, the morning stops at the Buchanans’ kitchen had become his favorite part of the day. Not simply because Sharon was an excellent cook, but because it was almost his only chance to see Jessica. Her daily schedule was as hectic as his, especially now, since one of their most competent volunteer staffers had sprained his ankle. That left Cord filling in on the canoe and kayak trips.
The morning encounters in the company of her grandmother, and sometimes her grandfather, as well, were as close as he came to a private encounter with Jess, and he loved every minute. From her easy laugh to her quick temper and feisty comebacks, she proved even more intriguing than his initial impressions. Extremely careful to hide his feelings, he was sure no one suspected his increasing interest.
Since he took his noon meal in the restaurant with the guests, his only other chance to spend time with Jess was during dinner, surrounded by all the other employees. After the evening meal, he left for his family’s ranch, leaving Jessica alone with the flirtatious ranch hands and male guest staffers. Not that he would’ve tried to intervene. He had no doubt she’d rake him over the coals if he did. After a careful analysis, he determined his only chance with Jessica was to somehow make himself more appealing than his competition.
He eyed his empty coffee cup. Should he ask for a fourth?
“If you’re looking for Jess, she’s already gone out for the morning,” said Sharon, with a knowing smile. “Something about needing to adjust one of the bridles before the trail ride.”
“Oh, I wasn’t waiting for her or anything.” He cleared his throat, buying time while coming up with an excuse. “You know… I have those latest forecast figures. They’re based on auction rates from the last six months. Bucky might want to see them.”
“Yeah, right.” Sharon’s raised eyebrows told him his interest in Jess wasn’t as secret as he’d thought. She pushed up from the table, elbowing Bucky, whose face was hidden behind the newspaper.
“What?” He lowered the paper, lifting his chin to peer at his wife through his bifocals.
“Let Cord show you those numbers so he can get out of here.” She rinsed her dishes in the sink.
“He said he wasn’t in a hurry.”
“He is now.”
“I am?” Cord frowned. Trying to keep up with Sharon’s train of thought was always a challenge. Today was no exception.
Patting her hands dry with a dish towel, she tossed it on the counter. “You are if you want to catch Jessica before she leaves on the morning trail ride.”
“Why would I need to do that?”
She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head, studying him like she could read his mind, but it was in a foreign language. “Didn’t you send out an email last night, announcing that you moved the annual dance up to the Friday night of the rodeo weekend?”
“Yes. And today, I should get confirmation on the cover band.”
“Do you know who Jess eats lunch with almost every single day after the morning trail ride?”
He didn’t know, but he could guess. “Mason McCaffrey?”
His stomach twisted even before she nodded affirmation.
“Her big brother wouldn’t want her to go to the dance with Mason, would he? Didn’t you tell me you were guarding her for Nick?”
With great difficulty, he stopped his jaw from dropping open. How did she know this stuff? “I’m pretty sure I didn’t tell you that.”
“You didn’t?” Sharon frowned, tapping a finger on her cheek. Then her eyebrows shot up, and she pointed the finger toward him. “That’s right. Jess told me. Mad as a hornet about it, too.” She flapped a loose hand at Cord. “Doesn’t matter how I found out. The point is, Mason’s probably going to invite her to that dance if you don’t beat him to it.”
He picked up his coffee cup in trembling fingers and held it to his mouth, hoping Sharon wouldn’t notice it was empty. “Nick doesn’t want any guy from Sage River dating his sister. That includes me.”
Bucky waved for attention. “I don’t understand. What does all this have to do with the auction figures?”
“Nothing, dear.” Sharon leaned down with her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on his bald spot. “Go back to your paper.”
Cord saw Bucky’s eyes roll before the newspaper covered them again.
With her hand on Cord’s elbow, Sharon guided him up from the table toward the door. She spoke in a lowered voice. “It doesn’t matter what Nick thinks. Jess has a mind of her own.”
“Don’t you think Jessica would be mad if she knew you were interfering? She sure got upset when I tried it.”
Sharon heaved a heavy sigh. “I know I shouldn’t meddle. My children have fussed at me for years, but it’s such a hard habit to break.” Her hand gripped Cord’s arm. “I want you to ignore everything I said. Pretend you didn’t hear a word.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll try,” he said, doubtfully.
“And don’t tell Jessica I said anything.”
“I won’t.”
“And forget that stuff I told you about Mason’s arrest record.”
“Arrest record?”
“I didn’t tell you? Good. It’ll be easier to forget. He’s a good kid, or Bucky wouldn’t have hired him.” Her hand covered her eyes, thumb and fingers rubbing her temples. “Doesn’t mean I want him married to my granddaughter, though.”
“Married? Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little bit? They aren’t even dating.” The blood pounded in Cord’s ears. “At least, I don’t think they are.”
Sharon’s hand applied pressure to his back, shuffling him through the door. “I’m sure you’re right, Cord. I’m just a doddering old lady. I know you’ll do the right thing.”
The door clicked shut, and he was standing outside, the sweat trickling down his back from something other than the oppressive Texas heat.
Cord was at his best when working with a plan, so he’d plotted a detailed course of action to win Jessica. He’d envisioned using their morning breakfasts to gradually get to know each other, culminating with the bull-riding competition to impress her with his bravery. But if Mason was actively pursuing Jess, Cord needed to step up his game. He couldn’t afford to wait four more weeks until the rodeo.
Asking Jessica to the dance wasn’t a bad idea, but she was bound to be suspicious of his motives. Every time he thought he was making progress with her, she accused him of spying for Nick. Eventually, Cord intended to tell her the truth… that his desire to spend time with her had nothing whatsoever to do with following her brother’s orders, and everything to do with the fact that he liked her.
Maybe now’s the time.
His stomach rolled in
a series of somersaults.
Or not.
“I’m busy right now, Mason.” Focused on Shadow as she led him out of the stall, Jessica didn’t hear what Mason was saying. He’d been hanging around more often, all too encouraged by the attention she’d thrown his direction. What a mistake! Her efforts to worry her buttinsky brother had backfired in a big way. And all for nothing. Cord hadn’t even been around to see her flirting with Mason. “Can we talk after the trail ride?”
Mason fell in step beside her, his ever-present cowboy hat shading his eyes as they stepped outside. From the piece of straw clinging to his tank top, she assumed he’d been putting out hay this morning. She noted two female guests, the only coeds in today’s trail ride group, gawking at his exposed muscles. Ordinarily, he would’ve preened under their attention. Today, however, he was focused on Jess. “Sure, I’ll save you a seat at lunch.”
She turned her mind to the task at hand, tucking the brim down on the open-weave straw cowboy hat she wore to protect against the sun. The cloudless sky promised sweltering heat by the time the ride was over, at noon. Thankfully, the majority of the trail wandered under the trees, along the river.
“See ya later.” She tried to dismiss Mason, but he caught her elbow.
“Wait. You didn’t answer my question.”
Ughh! He’d probably asked her on another date. So far, she’d managed to find excuses to avoid going out with him. The guy was as tenacious as a coonhound on a scent trail. Confessing she didn’t intend to date anyone until after graduation would only increase his efforts to wear her down. The one sure dissuasion would be swearing she wasn’t interested in him, a conversation which was bound to hurt his feelings.
“Can’t we do this at lunch?” she suggested, still moving toward the line of trail horses and waiting guests.