Five-Star Cowboy

by Charlene Sands

  That’s if Julia got any sleep at all this evening. She couldn’t help but grin at the notion.

  Trent left word that the Jeep would be at her disposal tonight and apologized for not picking her up. Her rule, not his, he reminded her.

  Julia drove the distance to Trent’s house on the grounds, commending herself on her memory. When the house came into view, she parked the car and exited, staring at the rustic porch and smoke pumping out of the chimney. The cozy, intimate setting invited warmth and she couldn’t wait for their night to begin. A thrill coursed through her system as she approached the front door.

  She knocked and waited.

  Then knocked again. “Trent?” she called out.

  Trent finally answered the door, his cell phone to his ear. “Yes, that’s right. I need to fly out tonight. As soon as you can get the plane ready.”

  He gestured for Julia to come in. Her heart in her throat, she entered, seeing candles lit on the mantel of the fireplace, on the dining table and in every feasible corner. A beautiful yellow-gold hue filled the room. Three arrangements of red roses with delicate baby’s breath filled cut crystal vases, the sweet scent lingering in the air.

  As Trent spoke on the phone, he took up a poker and broke up the fire in the hearth the best he could. Next, he went around the room blowing out all the candles until only the setting sun brought light into the room.

  Once his conversation was over, he flipped off the phone and walked over to her. “Sorry, Julia.” He took hold of her hand. “Evan called just a few minutes ago. Laney went into premature labor.”

  Julia gasped. “Oh, no. It’s too soon. She’s not due for months.”

  “Laney’s blood pressure skyrocketed and it’s touch and go.”

  Julia’s breath caught. Horribly shocked, she asked, “Touch and go? You mean Laney’s in danger?”

  “Very much so. Both of them are. I’ve never heard Evan so frantic.” Trent rubbed the back of his neck and spoke with deep concern. “I put the manager in charge of the hotel. My pilot is fueling up the jet. I’ve got to get there. Evan needs me.”

  “I’m going, too,” she said adamantly, not waiting for an invitation. Panic knotted up her stomach. “I have to see Laney.” Tears stung her eyes and she barely got the words out. “She wants this baby so much, Trent.”

  “I know. They both do.”

  “Do I have time to pack a bag?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “No, I’ll grab you a jacket and we’ll get you whatever you need once we arrive in L.A. We have to get to the airfield.”

  Trent walked briskly into his room and came out with a tan suede jacket and a small duffel bag for himself. He placed the jacket around her shoulders. It was huge on her, yet wearing it brought her a measure of comfort. He tugged it close and kissed her forehead. “Ready?”

  She gave a slow nod, filled with fear for her best friend.

  “Let’s go.”

  Shortly after, they arrived in Los Angeles. A driver met them and drove them straight to the hospital. They rushed inside and Trent immediately spoke with the unit nurse who had given them very little information.

  No change.

  Evan Tyler was with his wife.

  After half an hour of waiting silently, Trent pacing and Julia near tears, Evan finally walked into the room. Trent greeted him immediately and they embraced, hugging tight, but Julia stayed back. Seeing Evan’s haggard face, his eyes bloodshot and his body sagging frightened her more than getting the news so unexpectedly earlier.

  Dear God, Julia pleaded, let everything be okay.

  “There’s no change,” he said.

  Julia rose to give Evan a big hug. “I’m so sorry. Laney looked so healthy when she was in Arizona with all of us. Do they know what caused it?”

  Weary, Evan ran his hands down his face, shaking his head. “No one knows. Sometimes, this sort of thing happens. She’d been feeling great yesterday. We’d just finished setting up the nursery and she was so happy. When she woke up after a nap this afternoon, she felt weak and then started cramping up. That’s all I know. I rushed her here and…and…”

  Julia took Evan’s hand. “She’s going to come through this. I know it, Evan. My best friend is strong.”

  Evan nodded in agreement, yet the fear in his eyes belied his optimism. He turned to Trent. “Did you call Mom?”

  “Yes, I told her to sit tight and I’ll keep her posted.”

  “You think she’ll do that?” Evan asked.

  Trent’s lips quirked up briefly. “Hell, no. She’ll be on the first plane out. I’m surprised she didn’t beat us here.”

  “Me, too,” Evan said with love in his eyes.

  “You look tired as hell. Sit down. I’ll get you something to eat,” Trent said.

  “No, I can’t take the time. I need to get back in there.”

  “Come on, Ev. Won’t do Laney any good if you faint dead away.”

  “Just coffee,” Evan said firmly, pointing to a two-pot coffee warmer in the corner of the waiting room.

  “Right, just coffee. That’ll keep your strength up,” Trent said wryly, but he strode briskly over to the table and poured two cups of coffee into foam cups. He handed Evan one, and Julia the other.

  “Let’s all sit for a minute,” Trent said calmly. “Julia’s exhausted.”

  Julia opened her mouth to protest, but when Trent gave her a warning look, she realized his intent. Evan would sit down on her behalf if he believed she needed the rest.

  Julia plopped down in a chair and Evan and Trent flanked her on both sides. She sipped the strong bitter coffee that had probably been sitting in the pot most of the day. Evan took a few large gulps quietly, resting for only a minute, and then he got up abruptly. “I’ve got to check on my wife.”

  Trent rose, too. “I’m here, if you need anything.”

  “I know. I can always count on you, Trent,” Evan said, in a fatherly way.

  Julia stood and hugged Evan again, wordlessly giving him her support.

  Once he left the room, Trent took one look at her and frowned. “You’re trembling.”

  “I’m scared.” Her eyes misted up again and she struggled to hold back tears.

  Trent lifted the suede jacket she’d discarded earlier from her chair and draped it onto her shoulders. Tugging her close, he wrapped his arms around her, tucking her head under his chin, and held her tight for a long time. They just stood there in the middle of the waiting room like that.

  Cocooned in his strength, Julia closed her eyes and prayed for the innocent baby and for her best friend’s safety. After a time, Trent helped her to a seat and she snuggled in his warmth and dozed lightly, drifting in and out, faintly hearing hospital sounds, soft conversations and an occasional dinging of the elevator. All the while, Trent held her to him and it was well past midnight when Evan emerged from Laney’s room.

  Trent nudged her gently and she lifted from her position on his chest.

  “Laney’s blood pressure is better, but not completely under control,” Evan said. “They gave her a sedative for sleep. The baby is hanging on,” Evan said, his voice slightly hopeful. “I won’t leave her. I’m set up in her room. You two need to get some rest. I’ll call you in the morning and let you know how she’s doing.”

  “You’re sure? We can stay?” Trent spoke for both of them.

  “I’m sure.” Evan looked her way. “You need to take Julia home.”

  “Promise you’ll call if there’s any change?” Julia asked, hating to leave the hospital.

  “I promise. There’s nothing you can do tonight. Come back in the morning.” He reached into his pocket and tossed Trent his keys. “Take my car.”

  Trent tightened his grip on Julia’s shoulder, nodding. “We’ll be back early.”

  Ten

  A s Trent drove Julia to her apartment, she stared straight ahead, overwhelmed by emotion and fear. It didn’t seem fair after all Evan and Laney had gone through to finally be a family to have this happe
n to them. Their beginning had been tumultuous at best and Laney thought she’d never come to trust Evan. Now, she trusted him with her life. And their precious innocent baby was struggling to survive, as well.

  Julia drew in a big breath and sighed, her exhaustion weakening her resolve to be strong. She fought off tears every moment while in the hospital, but she couldn’t seem to hold them back any longer. They trickled down her cheeks.

  Trent reached over to cover his hand over hers on the seat. The simple tender gesture touched something deep inside and she glanced his way, her heart warming.

  Concern evident on his face, he turned to flash her a quick smile then squeezed her hand a little tighter.

  They drove the rest of the way in silence. He pulled up in front of her apartment building, turned off the engine and leaned toward her. Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped the moisture off her cheeks gently. Before she could thank him, he bounded out of the car and came around her side to open the door.

  When she stepped onto the sidewalk, he took her hand and walked her to her apartment door. “Are you going to be all right tonight?”

  Julia blinked and realized that Trent didn’t intend to stay. “I…” she began, then because she wasn’t into playing games, she gave him the truth. “I don’t want to be alone, Trent.” She wanted to be with him. Nestled in his strength. Cuddled in his heat. Sheltered, comforted and safe. “I want you to stay with me.”

  Trent nodded. “Okay, darlin’. Didn’t want to interfere with your sleep, is all. You’ve had a long night.”

  “I’ll sleep better knowing you’re here.”

  “You saying I’m better than a warm glass of milk?”

  “And counting sheep,” she bantered, enjoying a moment of levity as she pushed the key into the lock and opened her apartment door. “Here we are,” she said.

  Julia loved her apartment and how sunlight cast soft hues into the rooms during the day and moonlight added a warm romantic glow at night. Her apartment held a certain feminine appeal, yet the textures and solid furniture made it a place a man could feel comfortable in as well.

  Trent followed her inside, his gaze quickly touring the living room. “I remember. Nice place. Didn’t get out of the bedroom much, though. Did we?”

  Smitten with the striking Texas cowboy from the get-go, Julia had gone into that short affair after Laney’s wedding one hundred percent. Steady, efficient, cautious Julia usually didn’t get blindsided that way. But at the time, Trent had simply been her best friend’s new brother-in-law. They’d clicked like two magnets, drawn together by an irresistible force.

  “No,” she answered, recalling how wantonly she’d behaved, making love with an unquenchable thirst to a near total stranger. Heat crawled up her neck and she changed the subject. “Are you hungry?”

  “No.” He walked over to her and immediately lifted her into his arms. He carried her to the bedroom. “You’re hitting the sack, darlin’. We both need sleep.”

  He set her down carefully and kissed her quickly, then placed both hands on her shoulders and pivoted her around. He spoke very close to her ear, his hot breath a whisper on her throat. He began to unzip her dress. “When I pictured doing this, it wasn’t to get you into bed to sleep.”

  She turned her head to look at him. “You pictured doing this?”

  Trent laughed softly. “Even before I saw you in this knockout dress, I pictured undressing you. Yeah.” He nipped at her bare shoulder and stroked her tenderly. Then with a resigned sigh, he ordered, “Now hop into bed.” He turned around and headed toward the door.

  “Where are you going?” she asked.

  “I need a drink. Your liquor in the same place, darlin’?”

  She nodded, holding her dress to her chest. “Beer’s in the fridge. Whiskey’s on the bar.” Then before exiting the room, Julia called to him. “Trent?”

  “Hmm?”

  “They’re going to be okay, right?”

  “My gut’s saying yes.” He winked. “Get into bed. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  He clicked off the light, leaving Julia alone. She tossed and turned for fifteen minutes. Only when Trent stripped down to his boxers and joined her in bed did she finally settle down a little.

  “I thought you’d be asleep by now,” he said quietly, sliding close beside her.

  “I can’t sleep. I’m so worried.”

  Trent wrapped his arms around her. “I am, too, but we won’t be good to anyone without some shut-eye.”

  Julia giggled softly.

  “What?”

  “You’re such a cowboy, Trent Tyler.”

  “You like cowboys,” he stated unequivocally.

  A deep sigh escaped. “Lucky for you.”

  “I am lucky. Now…shh. Go to sleep, darlin’.” He snuggled her closer and stroked her hair, caressing her into sweet oblivion.

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you here,” she said, resting her head against his shoulder.

  “Glad to oblige,” he said, in a contrived, heavy Texas accent.

  Julia smiled and laid her head on his chest, setting her hand on his torso. She didn’t just like cowboys.

  She loved them.

  This one in particular.

  There was no use denying it any longer.

  Trent woke as dawn broke through the plantation-style shutters, filtering an early haze of light into the bedroom. Julia still slept, her head on his chest.

  This was a record first in Trent’s life. He’d never slept with a woman without making love to her. He’d never allowed himself to get deeply involved with anyone. It seemed that he’d always had something to prove. When he was younger, he was constantly competing with Brock. As the youngest of the boys, he’d needed to keep up, to show his parents that he was just as strong, just as capable, just as worthy of their love.

  After his father died tragically, he’d felt lost and abandoned for a time. But Evan had been there to take up the slack and he found that he didn’t want to be coddled by his mother anymore. He’d wanted the same respect his mother had for Evan.

  And most recently, he’d had this amazing vision of Tempest West, something both of his brothers failed to believe in. He’d spent the majority of his time and energy pouring himself into the project.

  Its success was an integral part of him.

  Then Julia entered his life, the woman who could turn his failing enterprise around. He’d needed her savvy and marketing skills and wasn’t one bit remorseful at the way that had come about. He’d do it again in a New York second.

  In bed, Julia compared to no other woman he’d been with. They connected on the highest level and turned each other inside out.

  So when Julia told him he was lucky, he could only agree. And he’d do everything in his power to keep luck on his side.

  She shifted on his chest, her breath warm and inviting. Trent groaned and thought about a cold shower and the woman in his arms.

  Julia had been so vulnerable last night. She’d been scared, worried and restless, and he found he wanted to simply hold her, comfort her and help her fall asleep. An odd sensation swept through him and luckily—again—for him, Julia took that moment to rouse from her sleep, keeping him from having to define his wandering emotions.

  “Mmm…” she muttered, waking and lifting her head from his chest. “This is nice.”

  Trent caught sight of the shimmering nightie dipping low on her chest, allowing him a sneak peek at her full breasts. “What is?”

  She smiled, her eyes dewy and heavy-lidded. “Waking up with you.”

  Trent liked the thought of that too much. Right now, he liked everything about Julia. He leaned in for a quick kiss. “We’d better get a move on, darlin’, or in another second, I won’t let you outta this bed.”

  Julia glanced where his gaze had roamed and straightened out her skimpy nightgown. “Oh.” Then she refocused her attention. “You’re right. I’ll put coffee on while you shower. We can get to the hospital before seven, if we hu
rry.”

  Less than an hour later, Trent put his hand to Julia’s back and guided her to the hospital waiting room only to find his mother there, sitting next to Matthew Lowell.

  “Dad?” Julia said, darting glances from her father to Trent’s mother.

  “Rebecca called me last night in a panic. I picked her up this morning at the airport.”

  “Hi, Mom,” Trent said, kissing his mother on the cheek and holding back a grin as he watched Matthew explain himself to his daughter.

  “Hello, Mrs. Tyler,” Julia said graciously and he mentally commended her on making a quick recovery from seeing her father with his mother again. “How is Laney? The baby?”

  “Still no change, I’m afraid,” his mother replied, her eyes swollen from fatigue and maybe a few tears. “Evan said she rested a little, but if they can’t get her blood pressure under control, they might have to take the baby by cesarean section.”

  Trent noted fright and apprehension on his mother’s face. She’d lost her husband at a young age and raised three boys on her own. It hadn’t always been easy, but she’d been there, through thick and thin. Now, she feared for Laney, for her firstborn son and for the new grandchild she’d wanted for years. “The baby is a Tyler. He’ll come through this, Mom. He’s strong. Probably as stubborn as Evan. And as tough.”

  Rebecca took his hand. “You’re right, Trent. My sons were strong and healthy. You’re all fighters.” The notion sat well with his mother and she relaxed a little.

  “I bet none of you have eaten a thing. I’ll call in for breakfast.” Trent flipped his phone on and called Tempest Los Angeles. He spoke directly to the hotel chef and ordered enough food to sustain them through most of the day, making sure it would be delivered hot and fresh.

  “There’s some tables out on the patio. We’ll sit down and eat when the food comes. I’ll leave word with the nurse where we’ll be. I’m going to see if I can get someone to drag Evan out for a bite.”

  A short while later, Trent sat at a patio table with Julia, both of their parents and, remarkably, he was able to get Evan to agree to have some breakfast. Evan’s Tempest staff had worked extra hard, delivering a wide array of food in a quick span of time for their employer. Trent thanked them all and handed them a big tip.