A few minutes later, he was under the hot spray of the shower letting the stresses of the day wash away with the water. His mind drifted to Lou Anne’s plan to publish the book on the town’s secrets. At least she’d agreed to change the names. It wasn’t that he disagreed with her, exactly, only that he feared Frank Murphy would do anything to keep the book from being made public. That could mean danger for Lou Anne.
Stetson shut off the shower and grabbed a towel. Would the man cause physical harm to her? He wasn’t sure. Could he turn the town’s people against her? Yes. Stop the house from being made historical? Definitely.
He dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. He opened the bathroom door and froze. Staring at him with wide eyes was Lou Anne. Her gaze traveled from his feet, stopped at the waist of the towel, then his eyes. Her mouth opened. She turned and ran down the stairs.
Great. Another awkward supper awaited.
Chapter Six
Lou Anne typed in the last chapter of the journal, changing the town founder’s name, who also happened to be a relative of Mrs. Scholtz. They’d never become a historical building if the head of the committee was against them. Lou Anne giggled. She seriously doubted the woman would be proud of having an infamous madame who had been hanged for her crimes as a great-great-grandmother.
It had taken her a month to get the stories into the computer, but she was finished. She typed The End and rolled her chair back. It might be a good idea to sprinkle news about what she was doing around town. Most small-town people didn’t like surprises.
“You look pleased with yourself.” Merry leaned against the doorjamb of Lou Anne’s bedroom. “Mind sharing why?”
“I’ve finished the book. Now to let folks know I’m submitting it to publishers.” She stretched. “I thought you’d be heading back to your job by now.” She picked up her coffee mug from the desk and took a sip.
“I’m changing careers.” Merry smiled. “I’ve decided to open a wedding planner shop here in Serenity. I want you and Stetson to be my first clients.”
Coffee spewed from Lou Anne’s mouth and all over her friend’s sandals. “Why would you think that could happen?” She grabbed a tissue from the box on her nightstand and wiped her mouth, handing another one to Merry. “Stetson has no intentions of getting married. He’s always been very clear on that.”
“I think he’s changed. Stetson might very well be one cowboy that just got tamed.” Merry cleaned her shoe, then sat on the edge of Lou Anne’s bed. “I know my parents were definitely not poster children for marriage, but I’ve seen the way my brother looks at you. He’s a man in love. I guarantee it.”
“Ridiculous.” Lou Anne grabbed her purse. “Are you coming with me to spread the word about the journal?”
“My brother thinks your infatuation with this could be dangerous.”
Stetson. Her brother. If she brought up his opinion one more time, Lou Anne was going to scream. In love with her? That had to be the craziest thing she’d ever heard. But, there was that look a few weeks ago—the one that turned her insides to butter and made her pulse race. Could Merry be right? No.
Lou Anne raced down the stairs and to her car as if she could outrun the words Merry had spoken. Marriage to Stetson. What a concept.
“I have the best theme,” Merry said, sliding into the passenger seat. “Country chic. We can put up a big tent next to the house. Your wedding guests can be the first to see the inside once it’s repaired.”
“Stop it. There isn’t going to be a wedding between Stetson and me. My life is in Little Rock. His is here.” She backed away from the house and turned around, headed for the highway.
“I’m leaving behind the life of a realtor to be a wedding planner.” She turned in her seat to face Lou Anne. “Just keep your heart open, girlfriend. You might be surprised what’s right in front of you.”
Lou Anne shot her glare, then focused on the road in front of her. She parked in front of City Hall. “Let’s go talk to Mrs. Scholtz. If we tell her, the news will be around town within the hour.”
Mrs. Scholtz actually laughed when Lou Anne told her. It had to be the first time she’d seen the woman smile, much less laugh. “Oh, honey, that’s old news. My family has been bragging about Naughty Nellie for generations. You don’t even have to change her name. We’re proud of having someone with spunk in the family.” She leaned across her desk. “Why, the real reason she was hung was because she took a fire poker to one of the men frequenting her house of ill repute for beating on one of her girls. The man happened to be a Murphy. You did not hear that from me.”
Lou Anne glanced at Merry. Another black sheep in the Murphy family.
“Why,” Mrs. Scholtz continued, “no one lifted a hand or said a word against the Murphys. So, he said she attacked and robbed him. Next thing you know, she’s a piñata.”
“That’s not something you hear every day.” Lou Anne stood. “Thank you, Mrs. Scholtz. We won’t change her name.” Actually, that was a very good idea. Only change the names of those who cared about the crimes committed a hundred years ago.
Turns out nobody did. Everyone thought their ancestors’ escapades to be fun. Lou Anne took a deep breath, smiled at Merry, and pushed open the door to Frank Murphy’s office. “Here’s the tough one.”
“Good thing you have me for backup.” Merry patted her on the shoulder.
That didn’t stop the herd of horses galloping through Lou Anne’s stomach. She approached the reception desk, informing the woman seated there that Mr. Murphy would definitely want to see them, appointment or not.
The woman pursed her lips and pressed a button on her phone. A few seconds later, she ushered them into his office.
Murphy pierced Lou Anne with a sharp gaze and nodded his head toward the chairs across from him. “I hear you’re going around town causing a ruckus.”
“Not at all.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Everyone seems quite pleased to have their family story in a possible book. I’m willing to change Bootleg’s name if it concerns you.”
“You will not have that book published. I refuse to have my campaign tarnished in any way.”
“This won’t hurt you, Mr. Murphy, and it will preserve a part of this town’s history.” Not to mention bring in money to hopefully keep Auntie secure during her golden years. “All I need is your signature on this piece of paper. If you don’t provide your signature, I’ll have to change the name. Of course, I’ll leave Bootleg, just not the given name.”
He slammed his hands flat on the table. “Mark my words little girl. This book will not see the light of day.” He reached for his phone. “I cannot believe that the sister of an upstanding citizen such as Stetson Maxwell would be involved in something like this.”
~
Stetson groaned and covered his face with his hands. Why wouldn’t Lou Anne let it go? Murphy could damage Stetson Construction enough to shut the business down. He’d threatened that very thing. All over a stupid history book. He grabbed the keys to his truck and headed for the ranch. Keeping up with the ranch, with his business, and the headstrong Lou Anne was going to kill him.
He parked behind her car, relieved to see he wouldn’t have to track her down. The trick now would be to get her alone long enough to talk some sense into her. She walked along the fence line laughing at something Merry said. He’d like to wring his sister’s neck for going along with Lou Anne’s crazy scheme.
Rolling his head to relieve a stress kink in his neck, he shoved open his truck door and got out. His boots crunched across gravel as he approached the laughing women.
“Hey, Stetson.” Merry grinned. “I was just telling Lou Anne more about my new venture.”
“Which is?” He crossed his arms.
“Opening a wedding planning shop.”
He was not expecting those words to come out of her mouth. “What? Excuse us, Lou Anne.” He gripped his sister’s elbow and pulled her to the side. “What are you talking about?”
&nbs
p; “That’s what I was looking at the other day. I found the perfect shop on Main Street. I don’t want to be a realtor anymore.” She pulled her arm free. “Besides, once you convince Lou Anne that you love her, the two of you—”
“Hold up. Who said I love her?”
“It’s very plain to see, dear brother.” She flashed a grin and returned to Lou Anne. “Let’s go make the changes in the book so you can send it off.”
“Wait. Lou Anne, I need to talk to you about something. Over dinner tonight?”
Her eyes widened and she glanced at Merry.
He need to set the matter straight, and fast. “Not a date, no, it’s uh, a business meeting. Yeah, more like that.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Okay. I’ll meet you downstairs at six.” She glanced at Merry and shrugged.
What a dunderhead he was. He turned and marched to the barn to begin his chores. Spending a few hours every morning in his office took time away from helping the Burgess women. He seriously needed to hire them some help before there was nothing left of him to give.
By the time he hit the shower, his shoulders ached from pitching hay, one cantankerous pony took a nip out of his arm, and he was in a rare foul mood. Definitely not the norm for him. Being this close, living day-to-day with Lou Anne, had him off kilter in a way he wasn’t sure he liked.
He was downstairs pacing at five forty-five, wearing a new pair of jeans and an ironed shirt. Just like a date. Only it wasn’t a date. Then why was he so nervous?
“I’m here.” Lou Anne bounded down the stairs wearing a blue flowered sundress and cowboy boots. Her dark hair floated around her shoulders.
He’d never seen anyone sexier in boots in his life. “You look nice.”
“Thank you.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Where are we going?”
“The Steakhouse? The booths are more private there.”
“Wow. This must be a serious conversation if we need privacy. Would you rather stay here? I can put on a casserole.”
He shook his head. “No, the reservation is already made.” He opened the door for her and let her walk ahead of him to the truck. If they stayed at the house they’d be interrupted by Merry or Betty and it was important that Lou Anne really listen to him about the dangers of publishing that book.
He waited until after they’d eaten, keeping the conversation on ranch work, before bringing up the real reason he’d invited her to dinner. He tossed his napkin on his plate and locked gazes with her.
“It’s about time,” she said. “I was starting to think it was a date after all.”
“I need you to listen before saying anything, okay? Hear me out.”
She nodded, settling back against the booth. “Go for it.”
“Frank Murphy is not someone to anger. He has a lot of power in this town and isn’t afraid to use it. His ancestors had nothing on him in the retaliation department.”
“Why are you so concerned about this? It doesn’t affect you. None of your relatives are mentioned.” She folded her arms on the tabletop. “Everyone else thinks the book a hoot. Murphy is the only one whose name will be changed, which is sad considering the person is also a relative of mine.” She grimaced. “Yep, Frank is a distant cousin of mine.”
“You aren’t taking this seriously.” He reached across and took her hand. “He’s already threatened my business if I don’t get you to back down. If he’ll try that with me, what do you think he’ll do to you? Or Betty?”
She paled and pulled back. “He can’t hurt me. Besides, I’ve already sent the manuscript.”
“That man can do anything he pleases and people will turn a blind eye. Please, Lou Anne, don’t—”
“Stetson, darling.” The woman he’d been engaged to in college planted a heavy kiss on his lips.
Chapter Seven
“Ashlee Ryan,” Lou Anne whispered. Her high school nemesis had just kissed Stetson full on the mouth in front of God and everybody.
The curvaceous blond turned her ice blue eyes on Lou Anne. “Well, if it isn’t Lou Anne Burgess. My, you haven’t changed a bit.” She pushed against Stetson. “Move over, sweetie. There’s room for one more.”
Stetson’s wide-eyed gaze clashed with Lou Anne’s. He shrugged, looking so much like a deer in the headlights she almost forgot to be angry that their not-a-date was invaded by a virus.
“We’re having a business conversation,” Lou Anne said, straightening the salt and pepper shaker.
“You’re in business together?” She arched one finely tweezed eyebrow. “That’s quaint. I’m here to hire Stetson. I need my parents’ house remodeled.”
“He’s busy.”
She cocked her head and gave a simpering smile. “Has he forgot how to speak for himself?”
The man in question cleared his throat. “I can work on your house an hour or two a day until I finish Betty Burgess’s. Then, I can devote my full attention to your home.”
She slid from the booth, trailing one sculpted nail along his cheek. “I look forward to having your full attention. Oh, and Lou Anne, my sister Michelle says hello, and has a job for you.” With a wave of her fingers, she sashayed out of the restaurant.
They were both back. The evil twin and the sweet one. Although they were identical, a person who knew them could tell immediately who they were talking to by the way they dressed and carried themselves. Ashlee was always on the prowl, her sister content to hang on the sideline.
Lou Anne crossed her arms. “She hasn’t changed much. Why is she calling you darling?”
“We, uh, dated for a bit after high school.” He suddenly found something very interesting out the window.
Jealousy, no, it couldn’t be jealousy, flooded through Lou Anne like a flash flood. It hit so hard she gasped, putting a hand over her heart. This was just great. She was in love with a man who had no intentions of ever settling down. Not to mention Lou Anne planned on returning to her job in Little Rock at the first opportunity. This was not good.
“I’m ready to go.” She scooted from the booth and raced for the door, leaving Stetson to take care of the check.
Outside, she leaned against his truck. She. Did. Not. Love. Stetson. Not romantically, at least. Right. If she told herself so enough times, she might believe it.
“Are you all right?” Stetson hurried toward her. “I’m serious about the possible danger to you. Please don’t go out at night alone.” He pressed the unlock button on his truck fob.
Lou Anne was in more danger from a broken heart than a man with skeletons in his closet. “I’m fine. Something didn’t sit right with me.” She prayed this wouldn’t be the first of many lies in order to protect her feelings. “No more talk about Frank Murphy, please.”
Back home, she thanked him for the meal, then rushed to her room. She glanced back before opening her door to see Stetson staring after her with a puzzled look. She stepped in and slammed the door, plastering her back against the raised wood. Yep, she was in big trouble.
Several minutes later, Auntie knocked on the door. “Open up, please.”
Lou Anne sighed and opened her door. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m here to ask you the same thing.” She stepped inside and motioned for Lou Anne to sit on the bed, then joined her. “Stetson said you weren’t feeling well and ran to your room as if the hounds of Hades were chasing you.”
“It’s nothing more than confusion.” Lou Anne folded her hands in her lap. “I saw Ashlee Ryan today at the restaurant and got horribly jealous when she touched Stetson.”
Auntie laughed. “It’s about time.”
“For what?”
“For you to realize how you feel about that man. Really, sweetie, you two have loved each other since you were sixteen. You’re just too blind to see what everyone else sees.”
“He doesn’t want to get married. Ever. He told me so many times.”
“People change.” Auntie patted Lou Anne’s knee.
“That’s what Merry said.”
“Oh,
Michelle Ryan wants to hire you to clean and organize her house.”
“The same one Stetson is renovating? That won’t be finished for months.” If Lou Anne agreed to take on the job, she might never leave Serenity.
“All I know is what she said on the phone.”
“How did you and Uncle Lee stay happily married for so long? How did you know you loved him? This is too hard.” Lou Anne fell back on the bed.
“We put God first, each other second, and then children, if we would have been blessed with any. All God saw fit to give us was a niece.” She smiled. “Things weren’t always easy, but we forged ahead. Communication is the key. As for knowing when I loved him…I knew that the moment I saw him on the back of a horse that was resisting being tamed. I tamed that cowboy, and you can tame this one. Oh, and this came in the mail today.” She pulled an envelope from inside her blouse.
“I never will get used to you pulling things from your bra.” Lou Anne took the envelope. Her heart stuttered to see it was from the historical society. She ripped open the envelope and pulled out the one sheet inside. “They turned us down.” Tears pricked her eyelids. “This old house doesn’t have the history needed for it to be approved.”
Auntie smoothed Lou Anne’s hair from her face. “It has all the history it needs for us. I didn’t cotton to strangers traipsing through my house anyway. Get up and focus on that man outside and on that silly book of yours.”
Lou Anne nodded and got up. She put the letter in the top drawer of her nightstand and headed down the stairs and onto the back porch.
In the paddock, by the glow of several outdoor lights, Stetson led a young horse through its steps. The animal was beautiful, it’s coat glossy under the lights, but it was the shirtless man that drew Lou Anne’s attention. Since she wasn’t standing right in front of him, both of them dressed only in towels, she was able to look to her heart’s content.
It was the most beautiful, painful experience. There jogged a kind, handsome man who had claimed her heart a long time ago. She should never have left town without telling him how she’d felt.
Love Draws Near Page 22