Five-Star Cowboy

by Charlene Sands

  “But he wants you, Julia. I only had to see him with you today for a minute to notice that. Brock should have burst into flames from the looks Trent sent him.” Laney giggled.

  Julia smiled, the image fresh in her mind. “I noticed that.” She found it a small consolation. Trent competed with Brock it seemed, in every way. “How come Evan isn’t part of this huge competition between Brock and Trent?”

  “Because he’s madly in love and doesn’t play those games anymore,” Laney said in all seriousness. Then she burst out laughing. “I’m joking, Evan is highly competitive, too. But his father died when the boys were young and since Evan was the oldest, he took on a lot of the responsibility. Besides, Evan wants the hotels to thrive and isn’t above a good healthy competition between his brothers. Everyone stands to gain.”

  Julia understood that, she just wished she hadn’t been the pawn in Trent’s game.

  Laney set the baby book aside and leaned forward, taking Julia’s hand. “Hey, I’ve never seen you like this. He’s really gotten to you, hasn’t he?”

  Julia answered honestly. “From the minute I laid eyes on him. How can I allow myself to fall for a man I can’t trust? I should have learned my lesson with Jerry Baker. He was a social climber and used me to further his career. The two men are hardly different, in my eyes.”

  Laney rose from her chair and took the space beside Julia on the bed. Shoulder to shoulder, they sat quietly for a time then Laney broke the silence. “If Trent hadn’t done what he did, you wouldn’t be here right now.”

  Julia nodded. “I’d be on the career path I’d chosen for myself.”

  “Would you give up everything you’ve done here? The experiences you’ve had, if you could go back?”

  “You mean, if I’d never gotten involved with Trent?”

  Laney looked her in the eyes. “Yes. Would you trade not knowing Trent at all, for what you gave up? Think about it.”

  Julia thought about Trent. Rugged and handsome, intelligent and fun—when they were getting along she’d thought Trent was everything she wanted in a man. She’d envisioned a life with him. What woman wouldn’t want their own personal five-star cowboy? “Not a fair question, Laney.”

  “Maybe it’s not a fair question, but sometimes we have to take that leap of faith,” Laney said. “We have to go out on a limb to get what we want. Even when we’re not granted any guarantees. What Trent did to you was awful. He made a mistake—”

  “He doesn’t think so,” she interrupted.

  “Okay, so he’s not perfect, but I happen to know he’s a good man in a lot of ways. His biggest flaw is that he’s blinded by ambition. Evan was like that, too. The right woman can change that in a man.”

  Julia listened to her friend, taking it all in. Still puzzled, she asked, “Are you saying I should dive in headfirst without knowing if there’s enough water to sustain me?”

  Laney laced their hands and applied slight pressure. “Only you know how to answer that question.” Then she smiled. “You and I will always be like sisters. But wouldn’t it be great if we were both part of the same family? I’d love nothing more.”

  The pleasing thought spun around and around in her head, but still, Julia couldn’t bring herself to believe that would ever happen. “You’re still dreaming our Queen of the Island dreams, Laney. I think I might have outgrown them.”

  “Don’t you even think it!” Laney’s expression fierce, she declared, “You’re going to get everything you want in life, Jules. Even if I have to knock some sense into Trent myself.”

  Julia grinned at Laney’s keen protective nature and she loved her all the more for it. “I appreciate the thought, but you promised not to say a word. I’m holding you to that promise.”

  “Yeah, well, maybe I shouldn’t have promised.” Laney stood to stretch out her back. She arched and extended her form, her belly protruding a little farther out.

  While Laney would disagree, Julia knew those happily-ever-after dreams weren’t meant for everyone on the planet, but she wouldn’t argue the point with her pregnant best friend.

  “Oh!” Laney said, her expression one of awe and delight as she reached for Julia’s hand. She laid it atop her rounded belly and Julia felt the wave of movement and then a sharp little aggressive kick.

  “Say hello to your aunt Julia, baby,” Laney whispered.

  “Hello, baby Tyler,” Julia said softly, thrilled for her best friend and anxious to meet the new life coming into the world soon.

  She refused to allow thoughts of her own problems mar this one precious sweet moment. Tomorrow, Laney and Evan and all the guests would go home. Things at Tempest West would go back to normal.

  Julia would focus on work and try to keep from falling in love with Trent Tyler.

  “You like her,” Brock said, nudging Trent’s shoulder as the three Tyler men unwound at the bar.

  Trent turned from the bar and leaned against it to look straight out, staring into the darkened landscape illuminated by thousands of sparkling stars. October breezes with just the right bite of cool ruffled him more than Brock ever could. He sipped his whiskey, the dark hard liquor sliding down his throat easily. “Guess again.”

  “You’re definitely hot for her,” Brock said.

  Trent didn’t have to look at Brock to know his mouth curled into a cocky grin.

  He shrugged. He’d had years of practice not allowing Brock to best him. “None of your business.”

  Ten tall tables edged with inset stone and tan rawhide stools surrounded the small area designed as a quiet respite for the Tempest guests. Manned by one expert bartender, Trent had always enjoyed this outdoor bar made with indigenous stone to look as though it had been carved right out of Crimson Canyon.

  “She’s gorgeous,” Brock said. “I’d guess she’s got brains, too, since you hired her to pull this place out of the Dumpster. I got to know her a little today.”

  “You flirted and she didn’t flirt back,” Evan said, with a grin. “Now that’s a smart woman.”

  Nonplussed, Brock went on, “Is that a challenge, big brother? You know I love a good competition.”

  Evan put his palms up in a stopping gesture. “That’s between you and Trent. I’m just stating the obvious. Your charm took a nosedive today.”

  Trent let out a chuckle.

  Brock took exception to his laughter. “If you’re not interested, I want her numb—”

  “Back off.” Trent set his highball glass down and looked Brock square in the eye.

  His brother turned away with a quirk of his lips, nodding. “I guess I got my answer.” He took the last shot of his drink then gestured to the bartender for another Jägermeister. “There’s a rumor going around about how quickly our Bridges Restaurant deal went through. Seems it has something to do with you hiring Julia.”

  “She tell you that?” Curious, Trent wondered how much Brock knew about Julia’s involvement at Tempest West.

  “Let’s just say, I’ve got good instincts,” Brock said, with a split-second smile. “And I can put two and two together. We’d been stalling on that for months, and suddenly, you’re pushing for Bridges Restaurants, making it happen.”

  Trent shook his head. “You’re sure doing a lot of contemplating for a guy who thinks he’s going to win. Maybe you’re running scared after seeing this place?”

  “Running scared? Hell, no. I’m going to beat you hands down. This place,” he began, darting a glance around, “isn’t half-bad. It’s got atmosphere and style. But it’s remote and doesn’t offer enough to keep the patrons coming back.”

  Trent took exception to that. He believed in Julia’s ideas for Tempest West. “If you’re so sure, want to up the ante?”

  “You mean aside from putting our egos and pride on the line? What did you have in mind?”

  While Trent thought about a suitable prize, Evan interjected, “How about the bird?”

  “Right, that’s yours, Ev,” Brock said, his voice edged with envy. That classic Thund
erbird had been sitting in his mother’s garage for years and recently she announced that she was ready to part with it. In fact, she insisted. “By rights, that car goes to you.”

  “Since you’re the oldest son,” Trent enjoyed pointing out.

  Evan twitched his lips. “Ah, but I’ve got everything I want now. And I’m not a car buff. I never wanted it half as much as you and Trent did. Both of you would look at that car with drool dripping from your mouths when you were kids. I’d planned on giving it to one of you anyway, just couldn’t figure out which one. This is better than drawing straws, isn’t it?” he asked. “Since both of you are sure you’re going to win the bet.”

  Trent and Brock looked at each other and nodded. It sounded like a good plan. Evan was right, Trent loved the car and dangling that carrot would only add to his determination to make Tempest West a success. “I’m game.”

  “Me, too,” Brock said.

  Trent shook his brother’s hand. “Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  “Since you both stood up for us at our wedding and since we love you dearly,” Laney began, looking first at Julia and then to Trent, “Evan and I would like to ask both of you a question.”

  Seated beside her husband, Laney grasped his hand as the four sat at the granite-and-oak patio table on their suite’s balcony. Morning light cast a glossy smooth shine on Destiny Lake as the sun rose above Crimson Canyon. The table was set with elegant white china and baby yellow roses adorned the center. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the pregnant couple’s eagerness only added to the mystery of Evan’s invitation to breakfast this morning.

  You both have to come for breakfast together.

  Laney looked to Evan and when he nodded for her to continue, she smiled and they shared a secret loving look.

  A shot of warmth dipped inside Julia’s stomach. Oh, to have a man look at her that way. With love and sincerity clearly written on his face. Julia wouldn’t hold her breath, but a powerful force inside her said that she deserved to be loved that way. She wouldn’t settle for anything less.

  Sadly, she didn’t think Trent capable of such love, at least not with her. He’d made his priorities clear, so she wouldn’t dare to even hope.

  Laney’s sincere voice broke that line of thought. “Evan and I would be honored if you both agreed to be godparents to our son, when he arrives.”

  The request took Julia by surprise. She’d always hoped to have the honor, but hearing Laney say the words made it all so real. Moved to tears, she couldn’t get the words out. Overwhelmed by emotion, she could only bob her head up and down.

  Under the table, Trent laid the flat of his hand on her thigh. They locked gazes for an instant, the hint of a smile emerging on his face. “I think that means yes. From both of us.” Trent gave a little squeeze of assurance then removed his hand from her leg.

  Everyone stood and began speaking at once. Evan shook Trent’s hand and they embraced, ending with a manly back slap, while Laney and Julia hugged tight as tears flowed freely. The men switched places, Evan thanking her with a kiss while Trent hugged Laney.

  Evan poured champagne and toasted to the first Tyler baby’s new godparents. “To my brother, Trent,” he said.

  Laney lifted her flute and added, “And to my best friend, Julia.”

  Trent and Julia lifted their flutes as well and they touched glass and then sipped champagne. Laney took a tiny sip and lowered her glass first.

  “Thank you both. We know you’ll make wonderful godparents. I only wish we could stay longer, but I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”

  “And I have to get back to work. Gonna have to pay for college tuition for my son,” Evan said with a wink.

  Laney shook her head and smiled at Evan’s teasing. “Let’s get him into Toddler Time Preschool first, before we pack him off to college.”

  When breakfast ended, they said their farewells with Evan promising to call the minute Laney went into labor. Julia planned on being there for the birth, no matter what. They saw them off, an ivory limo picking her friends up to take them to the airport. Later that day, Julia also bid farewell to the other guests who’d come for the baby shower.

  Saying goodbye to her father wasn’t easy, especially since he looked a bit forlorn. She’d overheard him telling Rebecca Tyler that he would call her and Julia didn’t think he meant that in a platonic way. He’d planned on continuing the relationship and Trent’s mother had appeared extremely pleased.

  “Knock ’em dead,” her father had said to Julia before leaving.

  “Of course,” she’d answered. “Is there any other way?” And they’d kissed and promised to call each other every day.

  Late in the afternoon, Julia leaned back in her office chair, completely lost in thought. There was still so much to do. The invitations were slated to go out this week along with innovative brochures. Tempest West’s fresh new image would emerge shortly, hopefully to great fanfare.

  She didn’t notice Trent enter until she looked up and saw him looming over her desk wearing worn jeans that hugged his lean hips. His black felt hat sat lowered on his forehead, and he wore a dark blue checkered shirt unbuttoned at the throat…and a daring look in his eyes. Her heart tripped over itself.

  As a defense mechanism, she went straight into business mode, lifting the mock-up of the invitation. “We’re calling it our six-month anniversary party—by special invitation only. A grand reopening gives the impression that something was wrong with the initial grand opening.”

  “Good thinking,” Trent said. He came to the edge of her desk and leaned against it, stretching out in front of her and crossing his legs at the ankles until leather squeaked when his boots touched. He folded his arms across his chest and faced her.

  Either the air-conditioning faltered or Julia was having a hot flash because her body temperature ignited like dry brush catching fire. Every time she thought she had a manageable handle on her attraction for Trent, she’d backslide. “Quit looking at me,” she snapped, turning her attention to the new brochure layout, but not before she caught Trent’s grin—that hot-damn-I’ve-gotten-to-her cocky smile that made her want to smile along with him.

  “I want to do more than look at you, darlin’.”

  Julia shook her head. “That’s not going to happen.”

  “Wanna place a wager on that?”

  Julia tossed aside the papers, giving in. Trent didn’t want to talk business. A deep sigh escaped when she responded, “There’s enough wagering going on around here. I understand your father’s classic restored car is up for grabs now.”

  Laney had filled her in. Trent’s father died young, but he’d had a penchant for old cars. He could only afford to restore one, and that was a turquoise-blue 1959 Thunderbird. Laney said it had been his father’s pride and joy and all the boys had wanted ownership at one point in their lives.

  “I’ll be grabbing that prize, sure enough.”

  His confidence knew no bounds and the trait wasn’t something she usually admired. But with Trent, it fit him like a rawhide glove. “I hope you do. It’ll mean I’ve done my job. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d better get back to work.”

  “I do mind,” Trent said matter-of-factly. Then he leaned over, cupped her head with one hand and brought her up close. He searched her eyes an instant before kissing her senseless. The kiss lasted for a full minute and when Julia came up for air, she realized that he’d caught her in a weakened moment. Her emotions rocked all over the place from the joys of the baby shower and being asked to be godparent to Laney’s son, to apprehension and worry as she watched her father become involved with Trent’s mother. She found it exhausting trying to keep her distance from her employer and she had the added pressure of working a miracle at Tempest West. Simply put, Trent knew when she was most vulnerable. He knew what buttons turned her to On. He also knew how to charm the pants off her.

  He lifted her to a standing position and she went into his arms freely, the palms of
his hands flat on her derriere, pressing her close enough to feel his solid erection. He said into her ear with fierce quiet, “I want to lay you across this desk and drive my body so deep and long into you that we both forget what planet we’re on.”

  What planet was she on?

  Julia glanced at the desk with a deep ache of desire in the pit of her stomach. Trent cocked his head and cast her a quick smile.

  “Julia, I had a question…” Kim barged into her office balancing a stack of files in her arms. She came to an immediate halt halfway into the room, a pin-striped frozen statue with wide surprised blue eyes. “Oh, sorry, Julia…really sorry,” she gushed and backed out of the office as Julia stepped away from Trent. “I’ll come back later,” Kim muttered, averting her gaze.

  “Do that, Kim,” Trent said lightly.

  Scalding heat raced up Julia’s throat. Once Kim vanished, she shook her head and pointed her finger at Trent. “How do you expect me to get my work done if you come in here and, and…”

  He shrugged and straightened his frame. “It wasn’t planned, Julia.”

  She balled her hands and set them on her hips. “Wasn’t it?”

  “There’s a reason I came in here.” Trent held his cool, but she read beyond his demeanor to see mounting frustration. “And it wasn’t to seduce you, darlin’…not that it’s a bad idea. If Kim’s timing hadn’t been so lousy, you’d be naked and spread across that desk right now and we’d be…”

  “Enough!” Julia waved away the hot, sexy image but couldn’t do much about the tingling between her thighs.

  Cocky, confident Trent was back. He grinned. “You like the idea.”

  Julia’s steady rhythm faltered. Trent threw her off balance with his declarations and innuendos. Her well-planned discipline lagged when he smiled her way. Her body betrayed her when he touched her. She peered at the layouts on her desk, hiding the longing he’d uncovered in her. “I have work to do.” She blew out another sigh. “Tell me what it is you claim you came in here to say.”