Charmed By The Daring Cowboy (Sage Valley Ranch Book 4)

by Melanie D. Snitker

  Thinking about him and the goat had her smiling again. “Have you always done ranch work?”

  He raised an eyebrow at her. “I see where Noah gets his inquisitiveness.”

  Alyssa’s cheeks warmed in response to his words. She was asking a lot of questions and should’ve considered that Dare might not want to answer them all. Her thoughts must have been clear because a touch to her arm brought her gaze back to his.

  “I’m kidding, Alyssa.” His palm lay against her arm, and he gently brushed his thumb against her skin.

  The contact made her shiver despite the warm air around them. Hopefully Dare hadn’t detected her reaction. Reluctantly, she moved her arm from his reach.

  Dare cleared his throat. Had he felt something when they’d touched as well? The moment the thought entered her mind, she dismissed it. It was most likely a figment of Alyssa’s imagination—and one she’d best forget.

  His voice reminded her that he was standing there in front of her, waiting for her reaction. Preferably a non-visceral one.

  “Sorry, I tend to be too literal sometimes. My friend, Morgan, tells me that all the time.”

  A corner of his mouth pulled to one side, and he looked contrite. “And I tend to tease people too often, as anyone who has met me could verify.” He offered her a tentative smile. “In case you have any doubt, I find Noah to be a strong, intelligent young man. And it’s clear that he learned many of his strengths from his mother. I respect that.”

  There was something in the tone of his voice—something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She nearly didn’t say anything, but she had to ask. “You sound like you speak from personal experience.”

  He seemed to think for several moments before responding. “I am the youngest in my family. Before I was born, my father walked away from my mom and never looked back.”

  He shrugged nonchalantly, but Alyssa didn’t believe for a moment that it didn’t bother him. “What happened?”

  “He chose alcohol over his family. And my mom refused to allow him to destroy the rest of hers. She never hid her pain or sorrow, but she was the epitome of grace and strength.” He sat on the tailgate of the truck. “My father’s parents—my grandpa and grandma—stepped in and were there for us all the way through my childhood.”

  Alyssa put her hands on the tailgate behind her, and with a little hop, settled on it next to Dare. “I’m sorry that happened to you.” She let her legs dangle, and for a moment, she felt like a young child again. She could imagine what it might have been like for Dare to grow up knowing that his father was out there somewhere. “Is your family still close?”

  “Very.” He swallowed as he looked out in the direction of the stables. “Grandma passed away a few years ago, and Grandpa last fall. But I get along well with my mom and brothers.”

  “That’s great.” Truthfully, she was a little envious of that. While she loved her parents, they’d never been close like that. “I’m sorry to hear about your grandparents, though.”

  Dare smiled at her then. “They left behind a lot of wonderful memories and some advice I think we all carry with us.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded knife. “He taught me how to whittle and carve when I was about Noah’s age. He taught me how to fish, shoot, and hunt. I don’t know what happened with my father, but he was clearly nothing like his dad.” He held the pocketknife in one hand and tapped it against the palm of his other.

  He shrugged as though he suddenly realized how much he’d talked about himself and jumped down off the tailgate.

  Alyssa followed suit.

  Dare put his pocketknife away and looked at her directly. “My mom took a horrible situation, did what she had to do, and our family thrived. I can see you’re doing the same thing for yours. Don’t ever doubt that.” After a brief smile, he moved away from the truck in Noah’s direction and started talking to him.

  Alyssa stared after him. How long had her heart ached with worry over whether she was doing the right thing for Noah working as many hours as she did, or wondering if her son would resent her for not having as much free time as she’d like? But as Dare’s words settled over her heart, some of that pain and self-doubt ebbed a little. She was doing her best, of that she had no doubt. Maybe Dare was right, and that was enough.

  5

  For Dare, the first three days of the week sped by like a blur. He worked quickly in the mornings to get all his duties completed before Alyssa and Noah arrived, and then spent the rest of the day working on the ranch. Originally, he’d thought the landscaping would come together quickly. He discovered, however, that it took more than simply tilling to prepare for the new plants. They mixed potting soil and fertilizer into the ground for the flower beds and garden.

  Alyssa stood back and observed the area they were working on. She dusted her hands off. “I think we can start bringing plants in on Tuesday. Once we have that finished, we’ll put in the short fence, then work on the flower beds by the cabins the following week.”

  Dare watched as Noah carefully mixed the potting soil and fertilizer into the ground with a rake. This flower bed was done and ready, but Noah was content to continue with his work. It took a moment for Alyssa’s words to sink in. His brows furrowed. “Why Tuesday?”

  “I have another job I’m working on as well, so I have to split my time,” she replied, giving no other details. She motioned to Noah. “Would you keep an eye on him for a moment, please? I’m going to get these tools back into the truck.”

  “Sure.” He watched her walk away and disappear on the other side of the truck. He turned his attention to Noah. “You’re doing a great job there, sprout.” He paused. “Do you go with your mom to the other job site, too?”

  Noah nodded. “We work on weekends to meet deadons.”

  Dare was confused for a split second until he grasped what the boy was saying. “Deadlines.”

  Noah looked at Dare as though that was exactly what he’d said.

  “Where is the other job site? Where are you going to work tomorrow?”

  “The hospital.” Noah handed him the rake. “I don’t like it there. There aren’t any animals or cowboys.”

  Dare chuckled. “I can see where that would be much less fun.”

  Noah must have thought of something because his face brightened. “Maybe I could stay and work with you instead.”

  Alyssa chose that moment to return. She looked at her son with a raised eyebrow while resting a hand on her hip. “Noah. We’ve had this discussion about how it’s not polite to invite yourself. Besides, I’m going to need your help, and I’m sure Mr. Dare has lots of things he has to work on as well.”

  Dare ruffled the boy’s red hair. “She’s right, sprout. But I’ll see you later next week, okay?”

  “Okay.” Noah sounded anything but enthused.

  Alyssa pointed to the rake. “We need to get cleaned up. Why don’t you pack up the toys so we can get ready to go?”

  The adults watched in silence until Dare spoke again.

  “Noah said you’ve got deadlines and are having to work on the weekends.” He didn’t want to ask direct questions hoping she would open up and fill in the blanks a little. He didn’t think she was going to, either, until she finally spoke.

  “I only work Saturdays. I’ve got two big jobs going right now, plus I’m filling in for someone else. It’s a lot to take on at once.” She paused. “I think things are a little tight for the garden center. My boss isn’t revealing much, but we’re all trying to meet the deadlines this month.”

  If the garden center was having a rough time financially, did that mean Alyssa’s job was in jeopardy? That would certainly be a good reason for her to work more hours than normal. “How long do you have for the ranch?”

  “A little over two weeks now.” She glanced toward the main house where Mrs. Buchanan was sweeping off the front porch. “It should be plenty of time. But the other job has turned into much more than we originally anticipated.” There was a shadow of d
oubt in her voice, but she didn’t let her worries stall her. Instead, she turned to address Noah. “We need to get going, kiddo, so we can get home and eat some dinner.”

  Noah looked like he was going to argue with her until the word “dinner” was uttered. That had him running to put the toys away and clambering into the truck at full speed.

  Alyssa chuckled. She made sure he was buckled in, closed his door, then paused as she looked up at Dare. “I guess I’ll see you Tuesday.”

  “It’s going to be a long four days.” The words were out of Dare’s mouth before he’d really thought through them. He meant it, though. He was going to miss seeing her.

  She seemed surprised at first, but her features softened, and a small smile graced her face. “Yeah, it will.” She hesitated. “I guess I’ve gotten used to working with you.”

  Did that mean she had enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed hers? Or did she simply mean exactly what she said—that she’d gotten used to him? Dare wished he knew. “You know, it might not be a bad idea to exchange phone numbers. You know, just in case I need to let you know if I can’t help one day. That way you’re not wondering what happened to me.” His reason was valid, but it wasn’t the only one for why he wanted her phone number. At least he’d have the option of contacting her between now and Tuesday. Whether he should or not was a whole different thing.

  He expected Alyssa to argue with him and insist that she could contact Mr. or Mrs. Buchanan if she had any questions. Instead, she took her cell phone from a back pocket. “What’s your number? I’ll send you a text that way you’ll have mine, too.”

  Dare recited it for her. Moments later, a text came through that simply said, “This is Alyssa.”

  He quickly texted her back, a smile on his face. “Hi, Alyssa. This is Dare,” and added a smile emoji to the end.

  Her phone pinged, and she smiled when she received the message. “Looks like we’re good to go.”

  “Looks like it.” Dare slid his phone into his back pocket. He noticed a piece of grass on Alyssa’s right sleeve by her shoulder. He gently removed it and let it flutter to the ground, his hand grazing her arm. He paused, the pad of his thumb resting against her skin.

  There was something about the way she was looking at him, open and yet nervous all at the same time. When she gently pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth, his gaze zeroed in on her mouth. The need to lean in and capture those lips in a kiss hit him so powerfully, he had to remind himself where they were to keep from doing exactly that. He dropped his hand from her arm and cleared his throat. “If I were to send a text about something other than work, would you block my number?”

  Her eyes widened as pink crept into her cheeks. “Most likely not.”

  Dare chuckled. She’d left herself some room in her answer, and he liked that. “I’ll see you guys on Tuesday.” He ducked down and waved to Noah in the back seat.

  Alyssa got into her truck and they disappeared moments later leaving a light dust trail in their wake. By that time, he’d already decided he’d reach out over the weekend because the thought of not seeing either of them for four days seemed like an eternity.

  * * *

  Alyssa had every intention of working today and getting a lot done. But like all best-laid plans, these didn’t work out the way she’d wanted them to. By the end of Friday, Noah was sniffling and sneezing. As she tucked Noah into bed early that night and kissed his warm forehead, she knew they’d be home all weekend. Morgan offered to stay with him so Alyssa could get out, but taking care of Noah when he was sick was more important.

  Even though Alyssa was content with her decision, it didn’t make the stress of meeting deadlines miraculously evaporate.

  Noah was his cheerful self, albeit extra tired and less energetic. At least the fever he’d had the night before hadn’t returned. Now they were spending their Saturday evening sitting together on the couch, a movie playing on the television.

  Her phone pinged. She’d added Dare’s information to her contacts, so when she saw his name pop up, a smile immediately followed. She swiped the screen and read the text.

  “Hey! It’s Dare. How’s your weekend going?”

  Alyssa chuckled when Noah laughed at one of his favorite parts of the movie. She typed out her response. “Sitting at home with a sick kiddo. Noah has a cold.”

  She didn’t have to wait long for another text. “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you guys need anything?”

  His offer warmed her heart. She shook her head even though there was no way he’d see the movement. “We’re good. Just watching movies and resting.”

  Being forced to sit and do nothing had been good for Alyssa, even if she was a mess of nerves emotionally and mentally. She tried not to think of all the work she should’ve gotten done and enjoyed the rare moment when Noah was content to cuddle up next to her. Tomorrow would come and she’d deal with it all then.

  “If you change your mind, please let me know.”

  Alyssa knew plenty of people who might offer help, but she would worry that she was putting them out by accepting. Dare was different, though. She had a feeling that, had she told him yes, he’d have shown up at her place with any number of things to help make the day a little better. Noah would’ve been thrilled, too.

  In fact, the speed with which her son had taken to Dare was a little scary and not all that unlike her own continuous thoughts of the cowboy.

  She typed another response. “I appreciate that. Thank you.”

  Alyssa thought that would be the end of the conversation until her phone pinged again. She chuckled the moment she read Dare’s text.

  “Hopscotch got out again. It wasn’t pretty.”

  “I’m sorry we weren’t there to offer our limited help.”

  They chatted by text for several more minutes before her phone went silent. She set it on the couch next to her and glanced at it several more times throughout the movie, fully aware of how much better she felt after “talking” to Dare.

  Once the movie was over, she told Noah about Hopscotch. She loved the way his eyes lit up at the mention of Dare. Seeing her son connect with the cowboy brought a myriad of emotions. Joy at seeing the two of them interacting, but sadness knowing that Noah didn’t have memories of similar things with his own dad.

  And through all of that, there were her own feelings towards Dare. It seemed like, no matter what she did, he was constantly in her thoughts. She’d been content with the idea of raising Noah on her own and not being in another relationship. In fact, there were years when she couldn’t even fathom caring about anyone else after her husband.

  Until now. And that scared her.

  Risking her own heart was one thing but risking her son’s trust and his emotional attachment to Dare was an entirely separate matter.

  As much as she enjoyed talking to Dare and being around him, it would be best if they kept things strictly work-related. It would be way too easy to let this get complicated, and that was the last thing she needed.

  Alyssa managed to keep herself convinced of that fact for a whole hour before the doorbell rang. Surprised and curious, she looked through the peephole to see a man standing on the other side wearing a hat with one of the pizza shop logos on it. The poor guy probably had the wrong address.

  She opened the door and he immediately lifted two pizza boxes. “I’ve got a delivery for two large pizzas, one pepperoni, and one sausage.”

  “I’m sorry, but I think you have the wrong address.”

  His eyebrows rose, and he pulled the receipt out. “Delivery for Alyssa Reid.” And he rattled off her address. “It was called in by Dare Jackson.”

  The moment Alyssa heard his name, she didn’t know whether to shake her head in amazement, laugh, or wonder if he was moving into stalker mode. Whatever the case may be, she couldn’t have the poor guy stand there holding pizza boxes. She reached to accept them. “Give me a minute, and I’ll go get the tip.”

  “No need, ma’am, it was paid over the
phone. You have a good night.” With a nod of his head, he turned around and went back to his car.

  Alyssa nudged the door shut with her foot before setting the pizzas on the kitchen table. As though Noah had some kind of pizza radar, he showed up, his eyes brightening when he saw the boxes. “Oh, boy!”

  She chuckled, got him set up with two slices of pepperoni, and then got herself one of each kind before settling into one of the dining room chairs. She texted a picture of Noah eating a slice to Dare. “This was very kind. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” There was a smiley emoji. “I hope you don’t mind that I asked Mrs. Buchanan for your address.”

  Well, that answered one of her questions. “I’ll let it go,” she typed out her reply.

  “I’m relieved. Enjoy. There should be plenty so you don’t have to cook tomorrow, either. Have a good evening, Alyssa.”

  “Thanks, Dare. You, too.”

  She set the phone down, bit into a slice, and had to agree it hit the spot. Thinking about Dare and his kindness had her grinning like a silly school girl.

  Hadn’t she just decided she didn’t need to complicate her life? Apparently, a certain thoughtful cowboy was determined to change her mind.

  6

  Morgan rubbed her hands together as though she were in the midst of plotting something. In Alyssa’s opinion, her best friend was way more energetic than anyone should be early on a Tuesday morning. “Of course I don’t mind keeping Noah today. We’ll hang out, have fun. You can focus on your work and see if you can get caught up a little.” She glanced toward the small fish tank she had set up in her store where Noah was happily watching the fish darting back and forth before lowering her voice. “Besides, it’ll be nice for you and your cowboy to work together on your own for a change.”

  Alyssa was about to repeat how Dare wasn’t her cowboy but knew it wouldn’t do any good. Morgan was a romantic. It was as simple with that. And she didn’t let the fact she hadn’t had a relationship of her own in a while stop her.