“Hey,” he greeted, looking away. “Need something?”
“Nope,” she said, inserting a ridiculous amount of cheer into her tone. “I found it.”
Knowing there was no way this wouldn’t be awkward, Mercy launched herself toward the door. She thought she was home free until Cody called out after her.
She paused, the door open, one foot outside. Damn. She was so close to freedom.
“Are you still seeing that guy?” Cody asked.
Mercy knew which guy Cody was referring to. His name was Daniel, and she wasn’t seeing him, but no one knew that. The first time Cody had jumped to that conclusion, Mercy had learned it was an easy way to get him to back off. Since Daniel was nothing more than a friend, letting Cody assume that she was dating him had seemed harmless at the time.
Rather than answer—she didn’t want to lie to him—she turned and met his gaze, giving him her best what do you think? look before practically leaping out the door and letting it close behind her.
Chapter Fifteen
“YEP. THAT’S WHAT I heard,” Jaxson said, leaning his chair back on two legs.
Jared watched his cousin carefully. “You’re worse than a goddamn girl, you know that?”
Jaxson chuckled, then dropped his chair to the floor. “Maybe, but it’s still true. No sense trying to deny it.”
“True or not…” Jared wasn’t sure how he’d gotten caught up in this conversation. When Jaxson had come into the office to tell him about the latest rumor—apparently Jared was in a hot and heavy, not to mention very serious, relationship with a woman in a neighboring town—Jared knew he should’ve thrown him out right then. “Let it go.”
“You like her, don’t you?” Jaxson used that annoying teasing voice, like one of his brothers would’ve used to piss him off when they were kids.
Jaxson was Maryanne’s oldest son. And since Maryanne happened to be Jared’s father’s youngest sister, Jared was no doubt going to have to work with the man through this reunion ordeal. Never mind the fact that Jaxson filled in at Walker Demo when needed. He refused to take on a full-time job because he preferred his jack-of-all-trades lifestyle, which he’d turned into a fairly lucrative business as a handyman in Coyote Ridge.
“I do like her,” he told Jaxson, knowing if he denied it, the man wouldn’t stop. “But that doesn’t mean you have to act like a ten-year-old. Don’t you have someone’s pool to clean or somethin’?”
Jaxson grinned. “As a matter of fact…”
“No married women, Jaxson,” Jared warned as his cousin headed for the door.
“I’ve got some morals, thank you very much.”
“Just not all that many.”
“True. But you don’t hear the ladies complainin’.”
“I don’t hear ’em singin’ your praises, either.”
“That’s because you’re not in the same room. Trust me, there’s an awful lot of ‘oh, God, Jaxson, you’re so good at that’ going on.”
Jared waved him off with a choked laugh. “Go on. Get outta here. Oh, and thanks for helpin’ out. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime!” Jaxson pushed open the screen door. “Oh, hey, Trav. What’s up?”
Jared heard the rumbling sound of voices when Jaxson stepped outside, but he didn’t hear what they were saying. He didn’t much care, either, since Jaxson was probably sharing the most recent rumor that Travis would want to confirm in five…
Four…
Three…
Two…
“Hey,” Travis greeted, his tone somber when he stepped into the office. “Got a sec?”
Jared nodded, then leaned back in his chair. He’d been waiting for Travis to get back with him before he reached out to Sable. It wasn’t that he wanted to give in to her demands, but he did need to see how serious she was about trying to take Derrick from him.
Travis perched on the edge of the desk across from him. “I don’t have much news, but I did call in a couple of favors. I’ve got people looking into what Sable’s been up to for the past two years.”
Jared sighed. He knew that was probably a waste of time. Hell, he knew what she’d been up to. Probably screwing any man who could get it up for her. That was the way she worked.
“I do know that she hasn’t married,” Travis told him.
“I knew that. The guy she said was Derrick’s dad kicked her to the curb when he found out the truth. The other was an old, rich guy who probably saw her comin’ a mile away.”
Travis nodded. “I also know that she’s been stayin’ at her parents’ place these last few weeks.”
Jared sat up. “Really?” That was interesting considering Sable didn’t get along with her folks.
“I think it’s safe to assume she’s run outta money,” Travis noted.
“Sounds like it.”
“Which means she’s comin’ after you for more. Probably trying to squeeze you for whatever she can. Since she knows what Derrick means to you—to this whole family—she’s gonna put the hurtin’ on but good.”
“I need to call my lawyer,” Jared told him.
“Probably. At least to get an idea of what Sable’s chances are of gettin’ him back.”
Slim to none, Jared hoped.
“With the rumors runnin’ through town,” Travis continued, “she’s gonna be pissed if she does show up here. I think she thinks she has you by the balls. If she finds out you’re seein’ someone…”
“I’m not.” Jared sighed. “It’s not serious, but yes, I’m seein’ Hope. That stays between you and me, Trav.”
Travis nodded.
“I’m not too worried about Sable,” he lied.
“You shouldn’t be.” Travis stood up. “The two of you have the support of this entire family, Jared. We’re not gonna let her come in and fuck this up for you. That’s the way family works.”
Jared had to look away. The fact that Travis and the rest of the family had his back made a world of difference.
“Should I call her?”
Travis shook his head. “Nah. Email her back. That way you can say you contacted her within her time frame. She’ll respond, but again, just drag it out. Once she realizes she ain’t gonna get money here, she’ll move on to the next guy.”
“I don’t want her anywhere near Derrick,” Jared told him, maintaining eye contact so his cousin could see the seriousness in his eyes. They’d had this conversation the other day, and Jared had told him he didn’t know what he wanted. Now he knew.
“Understood. She won’t get near him, I guarantee that.” With that, Travis nodded, then headed for the door. “You hear from her, let me know. I’ll do what I can from this side.”
“I appreciate it,” Jared called out.
“That’s what family’s for,” Travis answered, the screen door slamming behind him.
When the office was empty, Jared turned to his computer. It seemed that he’d spent more time this week fighting off his family and their accusations that he’d found some woman in a neighboring town than doing anything else. Sure, he’d spent the night with Hope last Friday, but heaven almighty, how the hell had it spread through town so quickly?
Well, technically, the rumor didn’t include Hope’s name. Apparently, whoever started it didn’t know who Jared was spending his time with, but they’d been pretty adamant he’d been spending it with someone.
Small towns.
That was one thing he definitely missed about El Paso. It wasn’t small enough for everyone to know everyone. He’d been a mere number for the Census Bureau. But here in Coyote Ridge, he was a Walker, therefore he was on the top of the gossip list.
Jared glanced at the clock. It was already two thirty. Seemed every day this week he had been counting the minutes, wondering if Hope was going to break down and call him. Up to now, she hadn’t so much as sent an email or a
text message. Then again, he hadn’t sent her anything, either. He’d been hoping she would make the next move.
Fact was, he was going batshit crazy waiting for her. He wanted to see her again, wanted to get his hands on her again. Hell, he sometimes feared that he’d dreamed what had happened between them. They’d damn near burned up that tiny little cabin of hers that night.
“You’re a fool,” he muttered to himself. He wasn’t supposed to be worried about a woman. Any woman. He needed to focus all his energy on taking care of Derrick and avoiding Sable at all costs. The little boy was all he needed in his life. Him and his family, that was. Jared damn sure didn’t need some woman in his life, insisting that he spend time with her, take her out, romance her, and all that shit.
So why the fuck couldn’t he get Hope Lambert out of his head?
He had a feeling he knew that answer already.
One, the sex was off the fucking charts.
And two, the woman didn’t seem to give a fuck if he was wining and dining her. Hell, if he had to guess, she hadn’t thought about him once since he left her house on Saturday morning.
He should’ve been happy about that.
Key word being should’ve.
GRACIE LEANED BACK, propping her feet up on the desk in the small office they all shared. Hope had been trying to knock out a couple of things before she got back to her chores, but her sister didn’t seem to care that she was busy.
“When’re you gonna see him again?” Gracie asked.
“I’m not,” Hope said simply. Truth was, she didn’t know if or when she would see Jared again. She had a feeling she would for the simple fact that he was planning a family reunion at the ranch, but as far as casually, Hope wasn’t sure that was going to happen.
She’d bitten off more than she could chew when it came to Jared, and she knew that after only one night with the man. As much as she wanted to be the casual-sex kind of girl, she couldn’t do it. Her heart was already getting invested, and that wouldn’t do anyone any good. She hadn’t been lying when she told Jared she wasn’t looking for a relationship. Certainly not with a single dad.
Apparently, her brain and her heart weren’t on the same page. Her heart wanted to put up a wall, protect her from future heartache, but her brain wouldn’t shut off. She thought about Jared constantly. Probably would’ve been a hell of a lot easier not to think about him if her sisters would mind their own damn business.
“Why the hell not?” Gracie didn’t move, didn’t seem fazed that Hope wasn’t interested in talking.
“Because.” That was all she had.
Gracie chuckled. “Oh, you’re so full of shit.”
Hope lifted her gaze to her sister. “It’s not like that. He’s hiring us for his family reunion.”
“Oh, and now you get down and dirty with all the folks lookin’ to schedule an event here? That’s quite a sign-on bonus, don’t you think?”
“Shut up.” Hope turned her attention back to the computer. “I’ve got stuff to do, then I’ve gotta go check on the calf.”
“I’ll be more than happy to do that for you.”
“Yeah, thanks.” That would definitely make Hope’s afternoon easier. She had too much shit to do as it was.
“Under one condition.”
Hope shook her head. “Forget about it. I’ll get it taken care of.”
“What’s wrong with this guy that you don’t wanna see him again?”
“I never said there was anything wrong with him.” Or that she didn’t want to see him again. More like she shouldn’t see him again.
“So, what? You just ignore him so he’ll go away?”
Hope turned her chair to face Grace, then dropped her arms onto the desk. “What do you want from me, Gracie? Don’t you have a wedding to plan?”
“All taken care of.” Gracie grinned. “See, I’ve got these amazing sisters who love me enough to make my special day perfect.”
Hope rolled her eyes.
“Don’t you ever wanna get married?” Gracie’s tone was less teasing.
Frowning, she shook her head and turned back to the computer screen. “Not in my life plan.”
“So what is? Running this place until you’re old and wrinkled?”
“Yep. That’s my goal.”
“You’re nuts.”
“And I’m also busy,” she told Gracie seriously.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Always busy.” Grace dropped her feet to the floor. “Hope, you really need to get a life.”
“I have a life, thank you very much. And it involves taking care of this place. It ain’t gonna run itself.”
“Nope, it’s not. That’s why the rest of us are here. We bust our asses day in and day out to help run it. Doesn’t mean that’s the only thing we do.”
Hope cocked an eyebrow. “Really?” She snorted. “I seem to recall you turnin’ tail and runnin’ when a coupla cowboys came chasin’ after you. I don’t think you’re the one I should be takin’ romantic advice from, quite frankly.”
“Well, you should take it from somebody. Or, seriously, you’re gonna wake up old and gray and wrinkled. No babies, no husband to share your bed with. You’ll be all alone and … old.”
Hope had heard this spiel from too many people over the years. Her sisters were always giving her a hard time. A couple of times her dad would weigh in on the subject as well. It was tiring. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my life.” It was probably the biggest lie she’d ever told.
“All right. You win,” Gracie huffed. “I’ll quit.”
“Thank you. Now go check on the calf,” Hope ordered.
“Sure. But then I’m headin’ home early today. I’ve got a coupla cowboys who’ll be wantin’ dinner, and I fully intend to feed ’em when they get home.”
“You don’t cook,” Hope reminded her sister.
“Who said anything about food?”
Hope was still laughing when the screen door slammed behind Grace. Her sister was something else. And no, Hope didn’t much care for all the lectures she’d received over the years, but she knew her family meant well. They loved her and this was their way of showing it.
Leaning back in her chair, Hope stared at the computer screen. She hated that she had the sudden overwhelming urge to call Jared, to invite him over, to spend a couple of hours with him. Naked, of course. But sure, they could do some talking during that time. There wasn’t anything wrong with that.
Except Jared had a life. He had a son. He had better things to do than come out to the ranch for a booty call. And no way was Hope going to him. Hell, she hadn’t taken time off in… God, maybe she had never taken any time off. She didn’t know, honestly.
What she did know was that if she ignored this ranch for even a minute, she’d spend the next week trying to play catch-up. She’d hired a few extra hands last year just to keep up with the work they did have. Granted, turnover on the ranch was great. Those who thought room and board meant easy work had another thing coming. Sunup to sundown, that was the way things ran around here. Considering this was the first weekend when they hadn’t been flooded with guests, she really couldn’t afford to get sidetracked.
Not even by a sexy, Wrangler-wearing, orgasm-inducing cowboy who knew how to play her body like a violin.
Nope. Especially not by him.
Hope shook her head in disbelief.
Because yes, she got the sneaky feeling she was going to call him.
Her body wanted a replay. That was the only reason. Really.
Chapter Sixteen
“HEY,” JARED SAID as he held the phone to his ear, a smile plastered automatically on his face.
“Hey,” Hope said, her voice soft, sweet.
She was the last person he’d expected to call him, although he wasn’t disappointed in the least.
“What’
s up?” he asked, glancing in his rearview mirror to where Derrick was sitting in his car seat, watching the iPad he had in his hands, headphones on his ears.
“I was wondering if maybe you could stop by the ranch for a bit.”
“Stop by?” Jared chuckled. “For any particular reason?”
“Yes.”
She didn’t elaborate, which intrigued him.
“Do I have to guess?” he teased.
“No. I … want to see you.”
“Do you now?”
Hope huffed. “If you don’t want to stop by, just say so.”
“Something you want to talk about?” he asked, changing his tactic.
“Yes.”
“If it involves naked talking, I’m there,” he told her, once again glancing back at Derrick, making sure his son couldn’t hear him.
“That’s exactly the kind of talking I’m hoping for.”
“Well, hell, woman. Why didn’t you just say so? I’ve got somethin’ to take care of, but I can be there in … probably three hours.” That would put it just after dark. “That work for you?”
“Yep,” she said sweetly. “I’ll be down by the lake.”
The lake?
This sounded promising.
“See you then,” he told her, then waited until she disconnected the call.
Jared glanced in the rearview mirror again and found Derrick looking up at him as though he’d sensed him watching. A grin split the little boy’s face as he held up his iPad, pointing to something on the screen.
Looked like Jared was going to have to find a babysitter.
* * *
It was a little more than three hours when Jared finally made it out to the ranch. He stopped one of the wranglers he saw wandering by and asked how to get down to the lake. By truck, it only took five minutes to get there, and when he did, he found Hope’s truck parked on a section of land that dammed off the water.
He pulled in behind her, put it in park, and then hopped out. He took a look around before wandering down toward the water.
Sure enough, there was Hope, sitting on the small fishing pier, her feet dangling in the water. It was nice out tonight. Not too hot, not too cold. The weatherman kept threatening that a cold front would be blowing in any day now, hopefully dropping the temperatures a good ten degrees, but until it actually happened, Jared would remain skeptical.
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