The Cowboy's Fate (The Govain Cowboys Book 1)

by Janalyn Knight

  It's not that there weren't pretty women in this part of West Texas. Maybe he was too picky. Or maybe there was something wrong with him. But he'd always felt he would know when he met the one—the woman who was perfect for him.

  Boot heels sounded on the wood floor, and Eve entered the dining room. "Good morning, Caleb." Dressed in Wranglers belted over her slim hips and a silk short-sleeved blouse the color of the first green of spring, she was gorgeous. Moving to the coffee tureen, she poured herself a cup, leaving it black. Settling at the table she said, "We're the early birds today, huh?"

  Nodding, he wondered how she made her hair look so carefree and fabulous at the same time.

  She said, "I woke up earlier than normal so decided to come on down. How about you?"

  She took a sip of coffee, and his gaze followed the curve of her lips and the tiny movement of her mouth as she swallowed. God, she was sexy. Realizing he hadn’t answered, he said, “Me, too.”

  Eve set her cup down. "I'm excited to get started today. I want to spend most of my time on the books. I'll need to ask you questions, but I don't think you need to be here, if it's okay to call you."

  "Whatever you say. And call me anytime. I'll check in when I can, too."

  After breakfast, when he said goodbye to her, there was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had it bad, and he'd just met her.

  Along with Joe, an old ranch hand, he headed out to one of the far pastures that touched the northern corner of Brewster county. There were calves to castrate and vaccinate and cows to pregnancy check. It was August and, if a cow hadn't bred back by now, she'd be culled. The vet was coming out after lunch for the preg checks and the whole herd would be dewormed.

  In a huge pasture it wasn't feasible to drive the herd miles to the corrals. Other employees were bringing cattle panels to make a pen and a portable squeeze chute on wheels pulled behind a truck.

  The pen was set up quickly, and with the help of horses and four-wheel vehicles, the cattle were soon funneled inside. The cowboys handled the calves first while they waited for the vet to arrive. When he did, the cows were run through the head gate, rectally checked for pregnancy and sprayed with dewormer. He expected very few open cows, those that weren't pregnant. Finally, the bull was run through the chute and wormed.

  Caleb stretched and walked back to his truck. It had been a long, hot day. Thankfully, only one of the cows had been open. High quality bulls, though expensive, easily paid for themselves with an open rate like that.

  As he drove back to the house, his pulse quickened in anticipation. He'd talked to Eve several times during the day—her sexy voice thrilling him each time. Dinner should be ready by the time he arrived. Eve was tall—probably five-feet-seven or eight. At six-feet-seven he needed a tall woman. Hunching down for hugs and kisses was a pain in the ass.

  When he walked in the house, he saw the light was off in the office. She must be getting ready for dinner. Tingles spread through his chest as he visualized her coming down the stairs. What would she be wearing? Damn, he wished it would be a dress. Grinning, he headed back to his room to shower.

  EVE STEPPED INTO THE dining room and immediately noticed that she had been seated beside Caleb. Her pulse picked up, and she held back a smile. Who determined the seating? Had it been his idea? She was a bit early and poured herself a glass of iced tea, moving to stand before the wide picture window overlooking a beautiful xeriscape garden. She loved how the Govains stayed true to their desert surroundings. It would be easy to use their water to make lush, green lawns, pretty flowers, and other citified notions. This arid region had its own beauty, and it was wonderfully displayed all around their home.

  The sound of boots approached, and she turned as Caleb strode in. She noted his freshly-showered appearance just as his amazing man-smell wafted over to her. What was his cologne? Earthy, a bit of spice, a little sweet. It was luscious. Smiling, she said, "You don’t look like you spent all day in the heat. How did it go today?"

  He laughed. "Oh, it was hot, for sure. Only had one open cow, so it was a good day."

  Caleb gave her the once over, and she was glad she wore her scoop-neck, bright-yellow silk tank. It did wonderful things with her hair and skin.

  Filling a glass of tea for himself, Caleb wandered over to the window. "Have you spent much time in desert areas like this?"

  "Some. I helped a couple of ranchers in South Texas. The land is very similar. I find I like it. I'm not much of a winter gal. I enjoy the sun, and dry conditions don't bother me. Despite what people think, there is such a diversity of wildlife in country like this."

  He stared at her for a moment. "You're right, on all counts. I love the desert, too. But then, I was raised here."

  Caleb’s parents walked in, and Millie said, "Hi, Eve. You had a busy day. You're as bad as my son. Caleb, she asked me to send her food to the office. Does that sound familiar?"

  He grinned. "Guilty." He looked over at Eve. "So, are you finished going over the accounts?"

  She nodded. "I think I have what I need to make some recommendations. You really run things well, Caleb. You should be proud." It was obvious he was driven to make this ranch successful. Just as she was driven. She'd been born that way. That's what her mother had always said when Eve won her spelling bees, gotten straight As, and had earned scholarships to college.

  Caleb nodded to his dad. "My old man taught me most of what I know. School is important, and details change, but good ranching practices stay the same."

  Roy smiled. "My daddy taught me, and you'll teach your son. If you ever find a woman, that is." He pointed a fork at Caleb. "You're not getting any younger. You'd better get busy."

  Caleb blushed, glanced at Eve, then ducked his head.

  Damn, he was so darn cute. She sucked in her bottom lip to keep from smiling and caught Millie looking at her.

  Millie grinned.

  Eve raised an eyebrow and took a drink of tea. What a sweet family they were.

  Dinner was served by the cook, and Millie kept up a lively conversation. Eve found it hard to take her eyes off Caleb. He seemed to be having the same problem, which set her tingling, her bra suddenly too tight.

  After dinner, while the dishes were being cleared, Caleb asked, "Would you like to sit on the porch a while, Eve? It's a beautiful evening."

  Her heart thumped. Sit on the porch with him? This was interesting. "That sounds nice."

  He smiled. "What would you like to drink? We have beer, several types of wine, or I can mix you a drink."

  "What are you drinking?"

  "I think I'll have a whiskey."

  "Well, make it two. On the rocks."

  He laughed. "I knew I liked you."

  At the bar, his large hands drew her attention. Many ranchers had thick, big-knuckled fingers, but Caleb's were long and slightly tapered. Though strong and capable looking, his hands also had a certain elegance, as if fine detailed work wasn't beyond their capabilities. What would it feel like to have them stroke her arms, her face, her lips? She shivered. Her imagination certainly held sway around this man.

  Handing her a tumbler, he said, "Please, follow me."

  They exited the house to an extensive veranda with wispy ferns hanging every few feet, giving it a lush, cool feeling. Huge brass pots of flowering begonias added patches of red, pink and white across the long expanse.

  He led her to a wooden swing suspended from the ceiling. "Will you sit with me? This is my favorite spot after a hard day's work."

  He sat, extending his arm across the back, and she settled on the seat. Setting the swing in motion, he said, "I've always loved swings. Of course, there are few trees on the desert, but we had a tall swing-set welded out of sucker pipe from an old well when I was growing up. You couldn’t get me off it."

  Smiling, she said, "We had a big tire swing in an old oak tree in our front yard. I spent hours in it during the summers." She sighed. "This is wonderful. I understand why you come out here in the evenings." T
he motion of the swing lulled her. Caleb's sexy scent filled her nose. His arm lay so near her shoulders it was almost a hug. She imagined them as a couple, wondering what kind of a lover he was.

  He said, "What's on your agenda for tomorrow?"

  She started, shocked out of her daydream and embarrassed about the direction of her thoughts. "Um, I'd like to visit with you in the morning, if you have time."

  Caleb glanced down at her. "Sure, as long as you need." Taking a swallow of whiskey, he held her gaze. "I've enjoyed having you here. We don't often have visitors, and you're good company, Eve." Smiling, he continued to stare into her eyes, looking handsome as hell.

  Damn, she wanted him, and that wasn't normal for her. She leaned her head back, resting it on his arm. "I like it here, and you're sweet to say that. You have a wonderful family, Caleb. I'm glad I came."

  His muscles tensed, and he slid his arm around her shoulders. "I'm glad, too."

  The sun had set, and soft colors washed the sky. She kept her gaze on the horizon. Goosebumps traveled down her arm from where his hand touched her. Her pulse raced—anticipation filled her. Would he kiss her? No, it was too soon. Lord, she bet he was a great kisser. She tilted her head toward him. "West Texas has beautiful sunsets."

  "We do. It's something to do with the dust in the air." He squeezed her gently and took the last swallow of his whiskey. "Would you like another drink?"

  "No, I'm fine." She stood, a little sad to be away from his embrace but relieved in a way. She wasn't used to the complications of a relationship, and this might be shaping into one.

  Caleb placed his hand at the small of her back, sending shivers up her spine, as they walked inside. Her body responded to everything this man was and did.

  He said, "Goodnight, then. I'll see you at breakfast." His smile held something secret and very sexy.

  Sucking in her bottom lip, she nodded. "'Night." She felt his gaze on her backside as she headed up the stairs, sending little fingers of desire tripping up her belly. Oh, her body knew what it wanted, all right. But, a relationship with a rancher on an isolated ranch in West Texas wasn't in her plans. She'd worked hard for her independence, and her career was finally where she wanted it to be—her business flourishing, her office in Dallas perfect. No, Caleb Govain was a dead-end street for her.

  Chapter Three

  CALEB POURED HIMSELF another whiskey, shaken by his intense desire for the woman who had just ascended the stairs. She robbed him of his good sense—she monopolized his thoughts. She lit his body on fire. And she'd be gone in a few days. He couldn't bear the thought of her leaving. How long had he waited to feel like this? Too many lonely years.

  He gulped the strong liquor, and it burned its way down his throat just as his body burned for Eve. Drinking the whiskey to the last drop, he slammed the tumbler down on the bar. Damn this ranch, and damn his life! Why must it be one or the other for him—the ranch or this woman? It wasn't fair. He strode to his bedroom, angry and knowing it was wrong. Despite being fated to run the ranch, he'd chosen this life of his own free will. But still, the cost he paid. If only he were different. If only a woman close by had been the one.

  CALEB ROSE THE NEXT morning with a new determination. Yes, Eve would only be here for a few more days, but he would use that short time form a bond with her. It was his best chance at seeing her again. She hadn't minded his arm around her last night. In fact, she seemed to enjoy it. That gave him hope. Eve wouldn't be a pushover, though. It would take all the weapons in his male arsenal to make her care for him. He'd give it everything he had for as long as he had. Failure was not an option.

  Eve was at the breakfast table before him, sipping coffee. She smiled. "Good morning, cowboy."

  He got his own cup of coffee as he answered, "You look beautiful this morning. Gold is your color. I love that blouse."

  Glancing down, she said, "Thank you." Setting her cup on the table, she got straight to business. "I'd like to borrow you for a couple of hours first thing today. If you have time, I'll make suggestions for areas you can focus harder on to build your ROI, return on investment, and things that you may want to turn loose of as they're not making enough to pay for the time you invest in them. I think after implementing a number of my suggestions, you'll end up spending much less on winter feed, need fewer grazing acres per unit, and make a higher profit over all for less work."

  He grinned. "Wow, you came up with all that in just a day and a half? I wish I'd found you years ago."

  She smiled. "I have some other ideas, too. But I'd like to look around some more before we talk about that."

  Millie and Roy walked in and seated themselves. Roy said, "How are you this morning, Eve?"

  "Wonderful. I think this West Texas air agrees with me. I slept like a log."

  He nodded. "I'll bet it's sure quieter than living in the big city. No traffic or sirens."

  Rolling her eyes, she said, "If you only knew how badly I hate those sounds. I sleep with a fan on every night to buffer the noise coming through the windows, and it helps a little. I miss sleeping in the peace and quiet of the country."

  Caleb’s ears perked up. So, she hated the city noise? That was promising. "It's always quiet here, unless you hear the cattle in the pens at the barn."

  She caught and held his gaze with those gorgeous eyes of hers. "That's a wonderful sound, though. I wouldn't call cows lowing noise at all."

  He smiled and let his appreciation for her show in his eyes. "I couldn't agree more."

  Annie, the cook, set a huge platter of pancakes on the table, and hunger pains attacked his belly. Everything about his body was on alert, stronger, more alive with Eve around. He forked several on his plate and slathered butter on them. "Mom, what do you have going on today?"

  Millie, a secret smile on her face, said, "I need to make a deposit into my personal account. I had planned to make a run into Ft. Stockton, but it turns out your dad needs me here."

  Roy turned his head toward her, his brows raised.

  Staring her husband down, she continued speaking to Caleb, "Maybe you and Eve can go into town this evening and put it in the drop box. Dinner out tonight would be a nice break for her."

  Caleb grinned. His mom was a matchmaker now. Was the way he felt about Eve so obvious? "Sure, I'd be glad to take it for you, Mother. Eve, would you mind accompanying me, if there's a free dinner on offer?"

  Eve laughed. "You don't have to bribe me. I'd be happy to ride along. I've never been to Ft. Stockton. It has quite a history, I hear."

  "Yes, there are a few of the buildings left of the old Ft. Stockton which people can tour as well as a pioneer museum that's interesting."

  "I'd like to see those one day. I love touring old west sites."

  He looked intently at her. "You must have a busy schedule ahead of you right now, but I want you to come back for a visit. When you do, we'll take your tour."

  Unblinking, she nodded. "I'll try to do that."

  Roy broke the spell with, "Has Caleb shown you his quarter horses yet?"

  Turning to Roy, she smiled. "No, but I've read about them in the past couple of days. They come from some fabulous bloodlines."

  Caleb said, "I don't own many, but I admit to being addicted to showing my young stallion in reining competitions, though I only have time to compete in the surrounding regions. It's been a hobby of mine since high school."

  She dipped her head in approval. "Reining takes a lot of skill—yours and the horse's. I had a mare in high school that could cut cattle."

  "Do you like to ride?" He wanted to take her horseback riding while she was here. It would mean precious time alone with her.

  "I do, though I'm seldom able to now that I live in Dallas."

  "Please, promise you'll ride with me before you leave. I want you to tell me what you think of one of my mares."

  She smiled. "If I finish up here in time, I'd love to."

  He clenched his teeth. Somehow, he would get that ride.

  After bre
akfast, he followed Eve into the study and sat down in front of the desk.

  She picked up two small stacks of papers and came around to sit beside him. Her perfume today was light—clean and fresh with a hint of citrus. Just perfect. After handing him a stack, she took up the first sheet and pointed to a column of numbers.

  An hour later, his head was spinning. Her suggestions made so much sense. It would take a little while to implement a couple, but he could see benefit—and profit—to each one of them. He laid down the papers. "You're absolutely amazing, Eve."

  "Not really. This is what I do. It's all in the details, and it wasn't that hard. You already have a good handle on the place."

  He smiled. "Still, I can't thank you enough. This will make such a difference. I can't wait to find out what else you have up your sleeve. Tell me what you need."

  "Can you take me to see your hunting cabins and then those guest cottages you mentioned that are down past the house?"

  Raising his brows, he said, "Sure, do you want to go now?"

  "Unless you need to leave, now would be perfect."

  He placed his hand at her back as she preceded him out the front door, and that touch set his nerve endings buzzing. The slight swing of her hips as she strode to the truck had his body on high alert. Shit, she was hot.

  At each cabin, she typed notes on her tablet, asking questions about how full the cabins stayed during the different hunting seasons, ensuring she understood how the various meal options were done, and how cancellations were handled. Then they toured the three guest houses set off from the main house by about an acre. These, of course, were decorated in the vintage style of the house. She asked, "How often are they used?"