“Sounds like my stubborn, redheaded daughter.”
“What I want to know, sir, is can she handle it?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll talk to her about it and get back with you.”
“I’m willing to break the contract if needed, sir.” He turned his chair toward the window where he could barely see the clearing. The future site of his dream cabin. With the woman he loved. Rayna.
“I appreciate that. One thing I do know, Rayna is strong. She’ll be fine.”
“That’s good to know, sir. Good to know.”
❧
The phone on Rayna’s desk rang. An outside call. Clay?
“Bradley & Associates. Rayna Landers speaking. How may I help you?”
“Rayna, please don’t hang up,” Daddy’s voice pleaded.
“I’d never hang up on you.” Okay, so maybe he’d held out on the truth, but he was her only constant. Him and Adam.
“I wanted to call sooner.”
“I’m sorry I got so angry the other night.” She stood at her office window. The city below crawled with tiny cars and people while the Dallas horizon reflected the sun’s rays in endless skyscraper windows. “You should have told me.”
“I know.”
“Is she still in town?”
“Yes.” A slight pause. “Clay stopped by the other day. He’s worried about this project being too hard on you. That boy really cares about you, sweetie.”
The lump in her throat prevented any response.
“He’s willing to cancel the contract if you need him to.”
Movement in the hall. Gabby hesitated a moment then moved on.
“That won’t be necessary. I’m fine.”
“I’d like you to come to the house.”
Rayna closed her eyes. “Will she be there?”
“I was hoping we could all have a nice Thanksgiving meal together next week.”
“I need to go.” She hung up, closed her eyes, and took several deep breaths, then went looking for Gabby.
❧
After the long Thanksgiving weekend, Rayna stood at the fence of Clay’s arena again. Calm, cool, and collected. She didn’t even hide behind the stands but faced the challenge head-on. As the sun began its slow descent, the floodlights hummed to life with a steady buzz, growing brighter as they gained strength.
Grit coated her skin, hair, and clothing as a chilly wind swirled dust tornadoes up into the darkening sky and hovered around the lights like a foreboding cloud. Please let the still shots and footage be enough to finish the project.
“Thanks, everybody. Good work.” She sat on the bottom bleacher. It was over.
“The photo crew is going back to the office, but they don’t have room for you,” Gabby called. “Adam and I will take you back before we go to dinner.”
“I’ll give Rayna a ride,” Clay called.
“Thanks.” Adam shook Clay’s hand.
Traitor.
Vehicles cleared out and minutes later they were alone. Mental note: If there’s a next time, bring my car.
“You were a real trooper today.” Clay dusted himself off. “Today didn’t seem to faze you.”
“Daddy had my doctor up my dosage.”
He grabbed her arm. “You had to get drugged up to handle this shoot? Okay, that’s it. I’m getting a different art director.”
“I’m not drugged up!” She jerked away.
“Typical doctor. They think drugs fix everything.”
She jabbed a finger at him. “Leave Daddy out of this.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t like drugs. Got a lot of good friends who ended up hooked on tranquilizers.”
“It’s asthma medication. FYI, asthmatics can’t take tranquilizers.” She stalked toward his truck. “Just take me to the office.”
Without protest, he hurried toward the passenger’s side.
“And I can get my own door.” She yanked it open and climbed inside, as far away from him as she could get.
“You know, I’m a good listener. And I certainly didn’t mean to disrespect your father. I honestly want to help you handle whatever the problem is. I care enough about you to want you to be happy, whether I’m included in the equation or not.”
She swallowed hard.
“Can I just hold you? Comfort. That’s all I’m offering.”
She laid her head on his much-needed shoulder. “I’m sorry I overreacted.” It’s just that I’m half mad at Daddy right now.
“It’s okay. One of these days, I’ll learn to pick my words better.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Ah, now this is nice.”
“I didn’t go to my father’s house for Thanksgiving, and when he called, I didn’t answer.”
“I wish I’d have known—you could’ve come to my folks’.”
“Adam didn’t go either, so I cooked us a meal.” Why was she telling him all this? “I shouldn’t be here.”
“I agree. We’ll get a different art director.”
“No, I mean, with you.” She burrowed deeper into his shoulder. “I’m very sure I could fall head over heels for you.”
“No pressure. We can take things slow. ’Cuz that ‘head over heels’ thing—right back at you, darlin’.”
“But I can’t do the rodeo thing.”
“You don’t have to go ever again.”
“That wouldn’t be right. It’s part of you. You need to find someone who can support you in doing what you love.”
“I’d rather have someone to love than someone to support me in the rodeo. And I’m definitely falling for you.”
“I can’t deal with worrying about something happening to you. I don’t want to end up like Lacie—pregnant and terrified her husband will die.”
“You don’t want kids, so how could you end up like her?” He stroked her hair.
“I figured out why I’ve never wanted kids.”
“Why?”
“I can’t talk about it. Yet. But if I could get all of this worked out, it might change how I feel about children.”
“Can you even have kids with your asthma?”
“Some women’s symptoms improve during pregnancy. It’s not considered high risk.”
“Cast your cares upon Jesus.”
His words sliced through her heart.
“Easier said than done.” She pulled away from him. “I think we should go now.”
“If that’s what you want.” He bit his lip. “Listen, I know it’s bad timing, but CWW has set me up to do lots of promoting, and I’ve got commercials to film for them and for GAC. ’Fraid I’ll be tied up for a couple of weeks.”
I’ll miss you.
“When things settle down, I want you to meet my pastor, Brother Timothy.”
“I have my own pastor.”
“Yes, but my pastor is a counselor. Maybe he could help.”
She laughed. “My father is a psychologist.”
“Look, don’t take this the wrong way, but maybe your dad is too close to the situation.” He held up his hand as if to ward off a blow.
She pushed his hand down. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t mean anything against your dad. He’s doing the best he can, but maybe he’s too close to you to help. Maybe someone who’s not emotionally invested could help you work through things.”
“Someone detached.”
“Think about it while I’m gone.”
She nodded as a knot clogged her throat.
❧
The two weeks without Clay dragged by. And his absence made her heart grow fonder. On the Net, she followed his triumphs. He was still in the lead for the Stockyards Finals with Mel leading the bronc standings. She was even tempted to watch for his commercials and rodeos on GAC.
By the time he’d finally called to see if she planned to attend church with him, she couldn’t agree fast enough.
Sunday morning, her doorbell rang. She ran to the door, flung it open, and hurled herself into Clay’s arms.
“Wow, now that’s s
ome kind of welcome,” he drawled.
No. That’s some kind of I missed you.
Clay escorted her to the truck and carefully kept the small talk ranch-focused. Almost an hour later, he pulled in at an old-style church.
Though cozy and filled with friendly people, Rayna sat in the young adult class, trying to keep her mind on the Bible instead of the attractive teacher, Clay. A few of the other women seemed to have the same problem.
After class, he took her hand in his and steered her back toward the sanctuary.
Her pulse launched into overdrive. “Good lesson.”
“Hope so. For some reason, I had a hard time concentrating this morning. This is where I always sit. I’m an usher, so I’ll be busy for a while. Save me a seat.” He hurried to the back of the church.
“Rayna, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” Ty gave her a quick hug followed by the same greeting from his wife.
“So you’re the girl who’s been keeping our boy so busy.” Durlene grinned.
Rayna’s face warmed. The pianist began playing a hymn. Everyone quieted and found seats. Obviously, Clay’s boldness came from both sides. The song service began, and she didn’t see him again until he helped take up the offering. Then, finally, he returned and claimed the seat between her and his mother.
The pastor delivered a fiery sermon promising insurance through the free gift of Jesus Christ. Several went to the altar afterward. More than Rayna had ever seen in her own church.
After the closing prayer, the crowd dispersed toward the exit, and Clay introduced her to several people.
“Are you two going to lunch with us?” Durlene linked arms with Rayna.
“Nonsense. We’d cramp their style.” Ty winked and escorted his wife toward their car.
“They’re rather overwhelming. I hope they didn’t scare you off.” Clay slipped her hand in the crook of his arm and headed to his truck.
“They’re nice. A bit bold, but I’m getting used to that.”
“Brother Timothy wants to meet you at six thirty tomorrow night.”
“I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” Her stomach fluttered.
“He wants to help. Just think about it. In the meantime, how about lunch?”
“I promised to meet Adam.”
“Still afraid of me?”
“He’s worried about me, and I’m not sure about spending all this time together. I—”
He pressed his finger to her lips. “Lunch tomorrow? Two friends having lunch.”
“That sounds nice.”
“How about the Cheesecake Factory? What time should I pick you up from work?”
Kendra would have a field day since she didn’t get anywhere with Clay. “That would be out of your way. Let me meet you.”
“I thought you trusted me.”
“I do. I’m trying to save you some time and trouble.”
“I’d walk over fiery coals for you.”
Her cheeks heated. “You don’t really know me.”
“I like what I do know. Okay, we’ll meet for lunch. And I’ll drive you to the church tomorrow night.”
“That’s not necessary. It could be awhile, and I don’t want you having to wait for me.”
“It was Brother Timothy’s idea. He doesn’t like anyone to drive home from a counseling session alone. What about Saturday night?”
“Pretty confident, are you? What if Monday’s lunch doesn’t go well?”
“I don’t see that happening.”
She smiled for the first time since the rodeo. “Okay. Oh. No, wait. Saturday night is my company Christmas party.”
“It’s only mid-December.”
“They always have it early so it won’t interfere with anyone’s Christmas plans.”
“Do you have a date?”
“Actually, no.” Kendra, shmendra. “Would you like to come?”
“That’s the best offer I’ve had in eons.”
“Don’t you have a rodeo?”
“I’m so far ahead in the Stockyards standing, I don’t want to trounce the other guys, so I can afford a break.”
❧
Somehow, Rayna and Clay had slipped out of the office underneath Kendra’s radar. The waitress took their lunch orders and returned a few minutes later with their drinks. Soft music played in the background, and numerous diners surrounded them.
“Whew, there’s nothing like a swig of sweet iced tea.” Clay almost drained his glass and set it down. “Are you anxious about tonight?”
Rayna’s stomach churned. “I shouldn’t have ordered any-thing. I won’t be able to eat it. I never can when I’m nervous.”
He covered her hand with his. “Brother Timothy’s really good.”
“Have you ever had to see him?”
“No, but he helped my dad through a rough time. I was just a kid when one of my dad’s friends from the rodeo died in a one-car accident. Fella by the name of Lefty Shelton.”
Rayna gasped.
“Hey, you okay?”
“I remembered something I have to do at work.”
“Surely it can wait till after lunch.”
“It really can’t. I’m sorry. I’ll get a cab.”
“I’ll take you.”
“That’s not necessary. I don’t want to ruin your lunch. Let me pay for mine.”
“Ma’am.” Clay stopped the waitress. “I need to pay now and come back for our food. Can you put our meals in to-go boxes?”
“Of course. I’ll get your ticket.” She scurried away.
“I’m sorry.”
“Guess lunch didn’t go well after all.”
“It’s not you.”
He grinned. “Then we’re still on for Saturday night?”
She tried to muster up a smile, but the muscles around her mouth wouldn’t work. “Yes.”
❧
Rayna stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She’d had a hard time ditching Clay and had probably hurt his feelings. Chivalrous as usual, he’d insisted on escorting her to her office. She’d claimed a needed trip to the ladies’ room to get rid of him.
She peeked out the door. With no sign of him, she hurried to her office.
“Marge, can you hold my calls, please?”
“Sure.”
She dug in the bottom of her briefcase. The Ultimate Cowboy: Lefty Shelton, the headline read above a picture of a man astride a massive bull. The next shot was a close-up. Dark brown hair, chocolate eyes that crinkled at the corners, a wide grin. Much like his cousin—her father whom he’d betrayed.
Rayna ran her fingers over the article and forced herself to read. He’d died over twenty years ago. Her phone rang.
She jumped. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, Ms. Landers, but a familiar cowboy brought you lunch.”
She closed her eyes. “Is he still here?”
“No, ma’am, he left.”
❧
Clay slipped Rayna’s fingers in his as they entered the church. A gust of mid-December wind followed them inside. Her haunted eyes tugged at his heart.
“Hey, you okay?”
She shrugged. “Thanks for bringing lunch.”
“No problem. Did you eat?”
“Actually, I did.”
“Good. Tough business demands a full stomach.” He put his arm around her shoulders, nestling her against his side.
She didn’t pull away.
“You’ll like Brother Timothy. He’s easy to talk to. When you get to where you wanna talk, that is.”
“I’ve never needed a counselor in my entire life.”
“Sometimes life has a way of throwing things at you. I’ll wait for you here.”
She flashed him a weak grin and walked into the office alone.
Joan, the pastor’s wife, waved at him and shut the door. While Rayna worked out her demons, he paced. Outside lights filtered through the frosted windows, giving the sanctuary an ethereal glow. He knelt at the altar.
“Dear Lord,” he p
rayed aloud, “help Rayna through the counseling session. Give her strength to face whatever it is she needs to face, and help me to be there for her. Say the right things, do the right things. Help me to keep my mind off those gorgeous eyes and on her emotional well-being. I don’t want my falling in love with her to complicate things for her. Ease the gap between us, Lord. Smooth the differences. Work things out for us if we’re meant to be.”
Words escaped him and after a while, he found himself simply kneeling in God’s presence, knowing that his Lord knew his heart, fondest desires, and longings.
He heard something, whispered a hasty amen, and stood.
Brother Timothy waited at the back of the sanctuary.
“Where is she?” Clay checked his watch. An hour and a half had passed.
“Still in my office with Joan. Go be with her. Stay as long as you like.”
“Is she all right?”
“She’s emotional, but she’ll be fine.” Brother Timothy patted his shoulder then continued to the altar.
Rayna sat on the couch with her knees drawn to her chest and arms tucked around her legs. Had he done the right thing in bringing her here?
The pastor’s wife knelt, holding Rayna’s hand. Eager to provide comfort, he felt his heart hammering in his chest.
Joan finished praying and left them alone.
He eased in beside Rayna, and she curled into his arms.
“I’m here, darlin’.” He ran his fingers through silken hair. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
“No, it was. I feel better. I may not look like it, but I do.” She laughed. Actually laughed.
Clay’s taut nerve endings unfrazzled. “Good. You don’t know how good it is to hear you laugh.”
“You were right, Brother Timothy is very easy to talk to.”
“That’s good.”
Her eyes sparkled with life. Something he hadn’t seen since the rodeo. The pinched, haunted look was still there, but it had eased.
“Thank You, Lord.”
“For what?”
“While you were in with Brother Timothy, I was praying you’d be all right.”
Her smile widened. “Thanks. I feel better than I have in a while. You’ve been great through this whole thing, and I haven’t always appreciated you.”
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