Five-Star Cowboy

by Charlene Sands

  But Trent was far from perfect. He’d turned her well-ordered world topsy-turvy.

  “You know I can’t,” she said breathlessly. “My father’s here.” The reminder of her father’s presence worked better than a cold splash of water.

  He broke off the kiss and stared at her.

  “And so is your mother,” she said, taking the opportunity to duck away the minute he released his hold on her. She kept three feet between them. “They’ll expect to spend time with us tonight.”

  Trent acknowledged her with a slow nod. “Guess I forgot about that.” His gaze traveled to her mouth, which was tender from his passionate kisses. “I invited my mother to dinner.”

  “And I invited my father,” she said, straightening up her red-and-white polka-dot summer dress.

  Trent glanced down to her sandaled feet and arched a brow. “Those shoes were gonna be part of our fireworks display.”

  Julia swallowed and peered at her cherry-red sandals.

  He brushed past her, then stopped, swung his arm around her waist again—bringing her up close—and kissed her quickly. “Next time, darlin’.”

  He took off, exiting the secluded terrace with a bone-melting swagger, removing all doubt as to why she had a weak spot for such a hardheaded cowboy.

  Julia sat beside her father at dinner, facing Trent and his mother outside on a terraced balcony with Destiny Lake in the distance. Moonlight glistened on the still glasslike waters, the silence of the night only interrupted by the quiet whispers of other diners on the terrace. Thick candle pillars flickered, setting the handsome Tylers across the table in soft shadows.

  When her father announced that he’d invited her boss and his mother to dinner, Julia hadn’t shown her displeasure and hid her mental fit of frustration. The thought kept niggling at her that Rebecca Tyler could become an important person in her father’s life.

  It spelled disaster.

  As soon as her job was finished here, she wanted nothing to do with Trent Tyler ever again. She’d have a hard time getting him out of her head, but he’d proven over and over again that he couldn’t be trusted. She wasn’t competing with another woman, but rather his drive to succeed with Tempest West at all costs.

  “I’m very proud of Trent,” Rebecca said, after the wine had been poured. “Tempest West was his vision and he wouldn’t let anyone discourage him from his dream.”

  Her father raised his glass. “Let’s toast to Tempest West and our kids, Rebecca. Seems we both have children with vision.”

  “Why, yes. That’s a wonderful thing to toast, Matthew.”

  Amusement evident in Trent’s eyes, Julia squirmed in her chair. Toasting to Trent’s vision was equal to rubbing salt in her wounds.

  She was the last to raise her glass, but with her father’s watchful gaze on her, she submitted and four glasses clinked together. Julia looked away and took a big gulp of her Merlot.

  As much as she hated to admit it, she’d enjoyed the rest of the meal. Trent made easy conversation with her father about sports while she and Rebecca had a lovely talk about fashion and art and raising her boys in a small town.

  “The Texas just washed out of my other two boys, but Trent clung on to his roots,” Rebecca said. “Evan and Brock adapted to city living easily, but not Trent.”

  Rebecca glanced lovingly at her youngest son.

  “Now, Ma,” Trent teased, swaying his head Jethro Bodine style. “Don’t you go on about me, like that.”

  Rebecca put her hand over Trent’s and squeezed. He cast his mother a sweet look and smiled.

  The moment wasn’t lost on Julia. She witnessed the love and warmth between them.

  When her father suggested they all take a walk along the lake after coffee, Julia was the first to decline. “Oh, Father, I’d love to, but I need to get to bed early tonight.”

  She’d gone up to Shadow Ridge with the willing guests this afternoon and the ride went according to plan. She’d come back extremely pleased that her trial run had worked out and everyone seemed in awe of the views up there.

  “That’s okay, honey. You’ve got yourself a big day tomorrow with the baby shower.”

  “I can’t wait to see Laney,” Julia confessed. “I’m hoping the surprise goes off as planned.”

  “It will, sweetheart,” her father said. “You’re always on top of your game. I’m sure she doesn’t suspect a thing.”

  “I hope so, Dad.”

  Matthew faced the Tylers at the table. “Trent? Rebecca? Are either of you up for a walk by the lake?”

  Rebecca nodded readily. “That sounds lovely.”

  Trent sent a look Julia’s way, contemplating. “No, thanks. I’ve got to catch up on some work. I want everything set, so I can spend time with Evan and Brock tomorrow.”

  “My three boys rarely see each other now that they’re living in different parts of the country,” Rebecca explained.

  When they finished the meal, Trent rose and helped his mother from her chair, his manners during dinner impeccable. Julia rose when the others did and she bid them a good-night, thanking Rebecca for her suggestions and advice about Native American and western art.

  Julia watched her father walk off with Trent’s mother, her heart in her throat. If it had been any other sweet-natured woman, she would be thrilled. Her father deserved some happiness in his life again.

  “They’re a good match,” Trent said, watching the two head toward the lake. Then he turned to Julia. “You must hate that.”

  Appalled at his blunt assessment, though it was partly true, Julia snapped, “Your mother is very sweet. Nothing like you.”

  The jibe bounced right off him. “Admit it, darlin’. You can’t stand the implications—my mother and your father together.”

  “Together? My mind won’t go there.”

  “It might have to. Your father is actively pursuing my mother. And my mom’s not complaining one bit.”

  “For heaven’s sake. They only just met!”

  “The way we’d only just met…at my brother’s wedding?” Trent raised one brow provocatively.

  Julia squeezed her eyes shut briefly. “Now that’s an image I don’t want in my head.”

  “It may be that Tylers are attracted to Lowells. Could be genetic. But I’m thinking it’s more a matter of excellent taste.”

  Julia’s heart dipped. She stared into Trent’s gorgeous dark eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted up in a heartwarming smile.

  “You’ve got an open invite to my home, Julia. I want you there…with me. Anytime, day or night.” Trent left her and walked toward the back entrance to the lobby.

  Knees weak, Julia lowered herself down in the chair, holding on to the side arms for dear life. If only Trent meant it for real. But in her heart she knew that he would discard her the minute her contract was up. Once she helped Tempest West thrive, once Trent won that bet with his brother, he’d move on.

  She’d been victim to his charm once before and she’d been deeply injured. All he truly cared about was his hotel.

  “Julia, are you okay?” Kimberly appeared in front of her.

  “Kim? You’re still here? I thought you’d be exhausted after the ride up Shadow Ridge today.”

  “I am tired.” She plunked down in the seat next to her at the table as busboys cleared the dishes. “But I stayed late to finish up some office work.”

  Julia smiled. “You’re dedicated.”

  “And a bit frustrated.”

  Julia forgot about her problems with Trent to focus on Kimberly. “What’s wrong?”

  Kim shrugged. “It’s Pete. I finally got up the nerve to speak to him. We’ve seen each other on the grounds three times and we’ve talked. I’ve been as obvious as I know how to be without jumping his bones and I think he’s interested, but then…nothing. He tips his hat, smiles and walks away.”

  Julia stared down at the tablecloth. She was the last person anybody should ask for dating advice. What was she thinking trying to hook Kim up with
Pete? It was a classic no-brainer. Don’t get involved with someone you work with. “Sometimes, its for the best,” she mumbled.

  “What? Is this the same woman who orchestrated leaving me alone with Pete the other day?”

  “That wasn’t planned,” Julia explained, having a change of heart. If what Trent said about Pete was true, Kimberly could get hurt. “I had good intentions, but some things aren’t meant to be.”

  Kim narrowed her eyes. “You’re not talking about Pete anymore, are you? I’ve seen the looks you and the boss give each other. You two have Fourth of July sparks.”

  “Sometimes sparks blow up in your face, Kim. I’ve had an office romance before. It didn’t work out and it was awkward for a long time afterward.”

  Kim stared at Julia. She lowered her voice. “I’m sorry.”

  Julia shrugged. “Ancient history.”

  Then Kimberly confided, “I think I’m in love with Pete.”

  Julia laid a hand on her arm softly in full understanding. Matters of the heart should be treated delicately. “I think maybe you might be. Let things develop naturally. Be patient and see where it goes. Forcing it would be a mistake.”

  “I’m trying to be patient. It’s hard.”

  Julia nodded. She hadn’t been too smart with Trent, yet she’d tried to rectify that lately. “Sorry. I haven’t been very encouraging tonight.”

  “I get it, Julia. You’re in love, too.”

  Julia’s eyes widened and she lifted her brows in surprise. “No. I’m not.”

  The words fell easily from her lips, but somehow she doubted Kimberly bought her denial.

  “Okay.”

  “Let’s forget about men for tonight and focus on the baby shower,” Julia said. “I’m so grateful that you’re helping me tomorrow.”

  As the women rose and laced arms, walking off together, Julia’s mind filled with cherub-faced sweet-smelling babies and powder-blue frosted cake.

  Much happier thoughts.

  It was an old-fashioned baby shower the way Julia and Laney had always planned while sitting together in their Queen of the Island chairs at the beachfront café back in Los Angeles when they were young girls dreaming their grown-up dreams.

  Julia had a massive white tent set up by the lake, only a stone’s throw from the dock. Tables for eight covered with blue-and-white tablecloths were decorated with flower arrangements, little glass baby bottles filled with candy and teeny hand-knitted baby bootie favors.

  She had games set on the tables, ready to go, and if the men in the group groaned, Julia wouldn’t care. They’d play the toilet paper wraparound to guess Laney’s belly size and do baby crossword puzzles.

  An ice sculpture shaped like a baby holding a bottle in a bassinet sweated a bit in the Arizona morning heat, but Julia had been assured that it had three full hours of ice-life, before dripping into a puddle.

  The invited guests were in their seats, and with the flaps to three sides of the great tent down they were hidden from view to anyone walking out of the hotel’s back entrance. All was ready and Julia waited impatiently now, anxious to pull off the surprise and see her friends.

  Brock Tyler, Trent’s brother, sidled up next to her. “Trent said they’ve arrived and settled into their room. He’s bringing them outside now for a tour of the grounds.”

  “Thank you,” she said, staring into the same deep, dark Tyler eyes. Brock was handsome, but not in a rugged, no-nonsense way like Trent. With his hands thrust in the pockets of his pleated black slacks, wearing custom-tailored Armani, Brock had a devil-may-care look about him.

  A heartbreaker of a different kind, she presumed.

  “Sure glad Evan’s having the first Tyler grandchild,” he said with a grin. “Takes the pressure off.”

  “Your mother is thrilled.”

  “Enough to lay off me and Trent for a while?”

  Julia shrugged. “I don’t know her that well, but I suppose she’ll want more grandchildren…eventually.”

  “That’d be Trent’s job next.”

  Julia snapped her head up, envisioning Trent as a father.

  Brock stared at her, caught her contemplating, and winked with a knowing nod. “I thought so.”

  “What?” she asked, his cocksure expression claiming that he already knew too much about her relationship with his brother.

  He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “If my brother’s not dating you, I’d worry about him.”

  “Oh, we’re not dat—”

  “Here they come,” Kim called out, waving her cell phone. “I’ve got spies who said they just exited the hotel.”

  Brock ushered her inside the tent and she checked the flaps again, making sure they were secure. “Please, everyone, stay as quiet as you can. Trent will bring them around to the open end of the tent.”

  Just minutes later, Trent led Evan and Laney to the front side of the tent facing Destiny Lake.

  “Surprise!” everyone called out.

  Laney took a step back, her eyes widening and her expression filled with astonishment. She scanned over the tables, at all of her closest friends and family standing now with smiles, clapping and applauding. Her gaze connected with Julia’s and tears filled her eyes. “Oh, Jules, this is just how we…”

  She couldn’t get the words out and Julia rushed over to her. They embraced, Julia hugging as tightly as she could with Laney’s growing belly separating them. Then Julia grasped her hands and stood back to survey her friend. “You look beautiful, honey.”

  Evan kissed Laney’s cheek. “That’s what I keep telling her.”

  He kissed Julia on the cheek next. “You pulled it off. Laney didn’t have a clue.”

  “I didn’t,” she said to Julia in awe. “Thank you, Jules. This is…perfect.”

  Laney turned to her husband. “You knew all the time and kept this from me? You’re good, Evan. Really good.”

  Evan agreed with a nod. “I keep telling you that.”

  Then the guest of honor focused her attention on the guests. Surrounded by friends, close work associates and relatives, she wagged her finger at all of them. “You guys didn’t let on.” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “I don’t know if I’m going to trust any of you ever again.”

  They all laughed.

  Evan took Laney’s hand and they entered the crowd, hugging and greeting everyone. Julia’s father and Rebecca Tyler approached the pregnant couple together. Another notch of dread seeped into Julia’s system for a second, but her joy at seeing Laney so happy pushed her momentary hesitation away.

  Trent issued an order to pull the flaps of the tent aside, and three men worked to secure them so that all views of the lake and grounds were visible now. Warm, fresh morning breezes lifted away the heat and Julia couldn’t have asked for a more glorious day.

  “You did it,” Trent said with a hint of admiration.

  Julia relaxed for a moment and sighed with pleasure. “I wanted everything just right. I’m pretty happy with the results.”

  “Miracle worker in action,” Trent teased.

  Julia smiled and with a tilt of her head, she bantered back, “Say that now, but we’ll see how much you like me when I have you diaper an infant doll.”

  Trent’s expression paled and Julia laughed. “All the men at the shower will have to compete, I’m afraid. And you, Uncle Trent, will go first.”

  Julia turned away from Trent, showing Evan and Laney to their seats at the main table, and announced that brunch would be served.

  The waiters appeared with the first course and Julia made sure everyone was tended to, making the rounds and speaking with the guests until she felt a strong hand gently grab her arm from behind, guiding her to the main table.

  “Sit,” Brock ordered with a charming smile as he ushered her into a seat next to Laney. Brock took the seat on the other side of Julia. She faced Trent across the table, but he wasn’t looking at her.

  Eyes narrowed to slits, Trent glared at his brother and the arm he’d placed
possessively along the back of Julia’s chair.

  Laney chuckled low enough for only Julia to hear. She leaned over and whispered, “Tylers are very competitive when they want something, honey.”

  So she’d gathered, and Laney, her dear perceptive friend, hadn’t missed a thing. Apparently pregnancy didn’t dull a woman’s intuition, but rather fine-tuned it to maximum accuracy.

  Julia wasn’t any man’s prize. She picked up her fork and dived into her cucumber salad, ignoring the handsome man beside her and the gorgeous cowboy who’d destroyed her trust in men sitting across from her.

  Seven

  “I can’t forgive him, Laney. I don’t trust him one bit,” Julia said that night. Within minutes of being alone with Laney, Julia had spilled the beans about her relationship with Trent, leaving out nothing. Laney wouldn’t have it any other way and they had the perfect opportunity to talk since the Tyler men were having drinks outside at the Sunset Bar.

  She lay across Laney’s bed in her suite after helping her make a thank-you list for the gifts she’d received today. Julia tied and untied the ribbon on a particularly pretty two-inch-wide blue bow she’d taken off a package sitting on the floor.

  Laney closed the baby book she’d been looking over while sitting in a comfortable leather wing chair and met her gaze. “Trent’s very ambitious. And competitive. But he’s worth fighting for, Julia.”

  “So you think I should forget what he’s done to me?”

  “Evan set out to destroy my father’s company and I forgave him.”

  “No offense, honey. But you didn’t have much choice.”

  Laney patted her stomach lovingly. “You mean because I got pregnant?”

  Julia nodded, hoping she hadn’t been too blunt.

  “It was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. If not for the baby, Evan and I might never have gotten together. I really did hate him,” she said. Then her face split into a wide grin. “For about a second.”

  “My situation with Trent is very different.” Julia yanked at the bow and untied it for the last time, letting the ribbon flow in folds onto the floor. She sat up on the bed and crossed her legs. “My pride took a beating. Trent hurt me.”