The Lonesome Rancher

by Patricia Thayer

  He shook away the memories when he heard his name and the contractor asking about the fireplace.

  “It works,” he told Kennedy. “We got caught in last week’s gully washer and that’s how I discovered how run-down the place had gotten over the years.”

  The contractor smiled. “Did you find any leaks inside?”

  Sloan shook his head, not mentioning that had been the last thing on his mind. “Not that we could see.”

  “Okay, why don’t we go room to room and you tell me what you’d like done.”

  Sloan looked at Jade. “Most importantly, we want to keep the integrity of the house.”

  She nodded. “Yes, preserve its history.”

  “I agree,” Kennedy assured them. “Anything I have to replace will be identical to what was there.”

  The contractor walked off down the hall, and the two of them followed. Sloan answered as many questions as possible. Nearly an hour passed before Kennedy had everything he needed to write up a bid. He promised an estimate by morning, and then drove off.

  Sloan went back inside to find Jade. She didn’t look happy as she spoke. “Why did you make him think that we were making decisions together?”

  “We are,” he assured her and discovered he wanted her opinion for this place.

  “But not the way Mr. Kennedy thinks. We aren’t a couple, Sloan.” She glared at him. “And you’ve made it clear there can’t be anything between us.”

  She had him there. “I thought maybe we could get along well enough to do this project.” He rested his hands on his hips, as he thought about last night and them tumbling around together on his bed. “But if you’d rather keep this business, I could pay you for your help.”

  Sloan quickly saw that his words hurt her. “I don’t want or need your money, Sloan,” she told him.

  He raised his hand in defense. “Okay, I was wrong to suggest that. I apologize, but please, Jade, I’m out of my element here. I need you.”

  She finally looked back at him. “Well, since you asked so nicely, I guess I could help…a little.”

  No matter how crazy it was, or how much he was opening himself up for hurt, he still wanted Jade in every way that was bad for him.

  It was best if he remembered what was at stake here or he’d be in deep trouble. And there wouldn’t be anyone to blame but himself.

  Jade knew she couldn’t keep living in the Merrick home and avoid Clay forever. Even having supper in her room, she needed to do her job. And early the next morning she ran into the senator coming out of Louisa’s bedroom.

  He was dressed just like a rancher ready to work. “Well, good morning, Ms. Hamilton.” He smiled. “So we finally meet again.”

  She worked to slow her breathing. “Hello, Senator. I didn’t expect… I mean I didn’t expect to see you up so early.”

  His smile widened. “I’ve always been an early riser, but I’m sure you didn’t plan on me coming out of my wife’s bedroom.”

  She glanced over his features to see if she resembled him at all. “That’s personal, Senator. It’s none of my business.”

  He laughed and she found herself smiling. “Believe me, Jade, my life has been anything but private. Since you are my wife’s nurse, you must have experienced similar depression in stroke victims…” He sighed. “Nothing I did or said reassured her. She didn’t want me to see her…shortcomings.”

  They started walking toward the stairs.

  “I love my Louisa, so I let her have her way…for a time. It’s been darn lonely, too. So with a lot of persuading, I convinced her to let me move back in and help her through this.”

  “I’m glad. You being here will help Louisa tremendously,” Jade told him. And she wouldn’t feel so guilty about leaving.

  Clay Merrick grew serious. “I’m grateful that my wife found you. I marvel at the change in her, and her improvement in such a short time.”

  They walked into the breakfast room. “Louisa has been working hard. I know she’s glad to have you home.”

  “Not as happy as I am to be here.” When Marta arrived, he greeted her in Spanish, and then said in English, “Will you please fix a breakfast tray for Louisa and myself? I’ll take it up.”

  “Sí, Señor Clay.” After the housekeeper left the room, the senator looked back at Jade. “Please sit down. How do you like your coffee?” He went to the sidebar and poured two cups.

  She watched his every move, his strong, sure hands and easy manner. How would he handle knowing about her? Would he even believe her? “Just a little cream.”

  He returned to the table and set the cup in front of her. “So I hear you’re from Dallas.”

  “Yes. That’s where I grew up, but I was born not far from here. Austin.”

  “Nice town.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Louisa told me how you spent the past year taking care of your ill mother.”

  She nodded. And I discovered that you are my father, she added silently.

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you.”

  He sat back and studied her a moment. “Somehow, you look familiar to me. Have we ever met before?”

  Jade froze. Here was her chance to tell him about Kathryn Lowery, but she shook her head. “You probably meet a lot of people in public life.”

  He nodded. “I do, but your eyes are so different. There can’t be two people—”

  “I’ve been told that,” she jumped in, fighting to stay calm.

  “Unique. Beautiful. I can see why my son is taken with you.”

  Embarrassed, she straightened. Had Sloan spoken to him about her? “There is nothing going on between—”

  He held up a hand. “My son denies it also. And if there is anything going on, that’s your business.”

  Before Jade could come up with something to say, Marta walked in with the food tray. He stood. “Well, I better get back to Louisa. It was nice talking with you, Jade. One favor, please. Could you give Louisa an hour reprieve this morning?”

  Smiling, she nodded. “Tell her I’ll meet her in the exercise room at ten.”

  “Thank you.” He walked out and Jade released a long breath, trying to steady her heart rate.

  Marta returned with a plate for her. “It’s so right for the senator to come home. And with you here to help Louisa, everything will be good.”

  It was good that Sloan had stopped kissing her, making her want what she couldn’t have. That Louisa would get better and the family would be all together again. Soon everything would be perfect. When Jade left.

  CHAPTER NINE

  IT WAS THE first day of the roundup, but not much had gone right so far. Sloan was short five of his crew and already two calves had gotten tangled in some fencing. Then one of the ranch hands had gotten injured when he took a spill off his horse.

  The sound of cows and calves bawling as they made their way across the pasture and toward the pens was music to Sloan’s ears.

  He loved it all even as he rode drag behind the herd. The hard work usually kept his mind from wandering. This had always been a place where he found solitude. Peace. Yet right now, all he could think about was seeing Jade Hamilton at the end of the trail.

  The next hour was spent separating mamas from the babies. When it was finally finished, everyone, crew and neighbors, headed toward the patio to be fed their noon meal before they started the branding.

  Evan and Matt Rafferty walked up to him. It hadn’t been that long ago that the brothers had worked here. Now they owned a spread along with a vineyard.

  “Hey, Sloan,” Matt called. “Is your mother’s nurse still here?”

  “What business is it of yours?”

  He raised his hands in defense. “Just making conversation. She’s a pretty woman, but if she’s taken just give me the word and I’ll back off.”

  “Then back off,” he snarled, telling himself he was doing Jade a favor to get Rafferty away from her.

  With a nod, Matt walked off to catch his brother in the food line.


  Bud showed up. “Funny, I didn’t know Jade was spoken for.”

  “Whether she is or isn’t, I’m not going to push her toward a man who is an operator. It’s well-known Matt has had a string of women from here to San Antonio.”

  Bud shrugged. “Jade could probably handle him. But it’s nice that you’re acting as her protector.”

  He didn’t want to be Jade’s anything. He wanted her out of his head, out of his thoughts. As soon as she left here he could erase her from his memory. He’d be too busy to even think of her.

  Yeah, too busy. Sloan made his way to the patio and saw the tables lined with food. This was an annual tradition at the ranch. Friends and neighbors showed up to help no matter how big the operation.

  That was how things were done in Texas.

  Besides, Marta was one of the best cooks around. That fact, along with food dishes the other women brought in, was a big draw.

  He grabbed a plate and got in line. He was talking to one of the neighbors and heard laughter. He glanced over to see Jade dishing out food and talking to some of the men.

  She was dressed in jeans and a bright pink Western shirt. A white straw cowboy hat was perched on her head, her dark hair was pulled behind her ears. Next to her was Alisa, doing her own share of flirting, too. He had a feeling his baby sister had something to do with Jade’s new look.

  When Jade smiled at one of the crew, he felt his anger building. Damn. He hated the feelings she stirred up.

  Lately, he’d stayed away from the house. Not only to give his parents some time alone, but also so he wouldn’t run into Jade. But here she was.

  In his world.

  He took his plate and scooped up some chicken enchiladas, rice and beans and went over to a far side of the patio in the shade to eat in peace. But he could hear Jade’s laughter and he saw the line in front of her was longer than the rest.

  He finally gave in and looked at her just in time to catch her smile. It nearly took his breath away and a sudden ache settled in his gut.

  “Hey, Sloan,” his dad said as he walked up to the table. “What are you doing over here?”

  He shrugged. “Taking a break.”

  The tall man’s easy smile faded. “What wrong, son? Is your back bothering you?”

  “My back is fine.” He took a bite of rice and tried to swallow, finally washing it down with a long drink of iced tea. “I just don’t feel like watching the men trip over themselves to get to Jade.”

  The flicker of a smile appeared on the older man’s face. “So again I’m asking, what are you doing over here?”

  He glanced away. “I’m not exactly her favorite person. So believe me it’s better if I stay away.”

  Clay pulled out the chair across from him, turned it around and straddled it. “I can understand why you’re a little gun-shy.” He raised an eyebrow, not mentioning Crystal by name, but Sloan knew that was who he’d meant.

  Clay went on. “I don’t know Jade well, but from what I’ve seen and what your mother has told me, she seems like a nice woman.”

  Sloan knew Jade was nice. “I’m the one who doesn’t want to pursue anything.” He recalled the things he’d said to her. “I’m not the commitment type.”

  His father leaned forward. “Funny, I said something similar when I met your mother.”

  Sloan was doubtful.

  “If you don’t believe me ask her. We don’t pick and choose when love hits us, son.” He pursed his lips. “If it’s any consolation, your mother said the day you were bucked off Black Knight, Jade was almost in a panic before you opened your eyes.”

  Although still reluctant, hope shot through him. Was he ready to take that chance again with someone like Jade?

  On the afternoon of the next day the roundup had officially ended. Once the sun went down, the celebration went into full swing and the barbecues smoked with tender Texas beef. Strings of colorful lights circled the patio as friends and neighbors laughed and shared stories of years past. A live band was playing the latest country music and couples crowded the dance floor.

  Jade wanted to fit in, even for this one night. Alisa had loaned her a denim skirt and a rose-colored Western blouse, along with a pair of buckskin boots. She even managed to dance the two-step with a few willing men she’d met earlier.

  Everyone had accepted her because of the Merricks. Clay and Louisa had been gracious to let her join in with their family. Yet, that didn’t make her a Merrick. She doubted anything would. Nothing could change the circumstances of her birth.

  She thought about the thirty-year-old picture of Kathryn and Clay. It was tucked away in her bedroom upstairs, but she knew there would be problems if it was ever found. There was so much at stake. Not only to the senator’s career, but to rest of the family.

  And what about Sloan?

  She automatically looked around. There was no doubt in her mind how he’d feel about the news. And she cared too much to hurt him this way. No, she had to leave, as soon as her job ended.

  Someone touched her arm and she jumped. She turned to find Sloan. The constant ache inside only intensified at seeing the handsome rancher. He was dressed in a wine-colored shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and black jeans that fit to perfection. His dark eyes bore into hers, leaving her unable to speak.

  “Dance with me.”

  She didn’t have the strength to deny him and allowed him to lead her to the floor. A soft ballad began to play as he pulled her into his arms. His hand was pressed against her back, causing her to forget everything except this man as they danced to an old song, “Breathless.” That was exactly how she felt with this man.

  She shut her eyes, wishing she could close out the rest of the world. If only she were allowed to pursue her feelings for Sloan.

  Too late, she’d already fallen for him.

  Sloan swayed with the music, holding Jade as close as he dared. He didn’t want to do anything to scare her off. Unable to resist, he brushed a kiss next to her ear and whispered, “I’ve tried, Jade, but I can’t stay away.”

  Sloan heard the catch in her breath, encouraged when she didn’t pull away. He danced them to a deserted corner of the patio. Cupping her chin, he kissed her, softly, then deeply. “I never tasted anyone as sweet as you.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t know if I can stop.”

  He could feel her trembling and pulled back to see the desire in her beautiful eyes.

  The music ended and a lively song caused the floor to fill up again. He took her by the hand and led her through the crowd, then stopped beside a large tree that shielded them from onlookers. He pulled her back into his arms and bent his head and captured her mouth. The kiss was intense, and feeling her body pressed against his was driving him close to the edge of sanity.

  He finally tore his mouth away and said, “Jade, come home with me.”

  So tempted.

  Jade looked at Sloan’s outstretched hand. She wanted nothing more than to go with him. But if she spent more time with this man, she’d never be able to leave.

  And she had to leave.

  “Sloan…”

  He released a ragged breath. “Don’t, Jade. Don’t try to tell me you don’t want this, too.”

  Oh, I do, she wanted to scream. He had no idea how badly. She took a step back, trying to break the spell. “Sloan…we’ve talked about this.” She couldn’t start anything.

  “And it’s only gotten us into trouble. We can’t seem to stop what’s been happening between us anyway. I can’t stay away from you. I can’t stop wanting you.” He lowered his head and kissed her. If he was trying to prove his point, it worked. “Come with me, Jade,” he said as he nibbled along her neck.

  She hesitated. How could she? He would hate her when he learned the truth.

  When he released her for a moment, he looked down at her. “Let’s go to my house. I want to make love to you.”

  She opened her mouth and he placed his finger against her lips.

  “Look me
in the eye and tell me you don’t want me.”

  She wanted him so much. This one time. This one night.

  When she didn’t speak, he took her hand and started up the gravel road when someone called his name. Sloan cursed when he spotted Alisa hurrying toward them. “I’ll get rid of her.”

  His sister was breathing hard by the time she reached them. She nodded to Jade, then turned to her brother. “I hate to wreck your evening, but Dad wants us. He’s going to make an announcement.”

  “Why? This isn’t a political rally.”

  “Sloan,” Alisa chided. “It’s important, or he wouldn’t ask.”

  He finally nodded. “Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Alisa smiled at Jade. “I’m sorry.” She turned and walked off.

  Sloan took Jade in his arms, pressing his forehead against hers again. “My dad’s timing is rotten.”

  “It must be important.” She felt the tightening in her chest. “He wants his family all around him for whatever he’s going to say.”

  “And all I want is to be with you.” He gripped both of her hands. “Wait for me?”

  “It’s late, Sloan,” she hedged. “Besides, you don’t know for sure how long this will take.”

  “Then let’s find out.”

  She couldn’t resist when he tugged on her hand and led her back to the patio. Clay, Louisa and Alisa were already standing on a small stage. The senator was holding the microphone.

  Sloan squeezed Jade’s hand. “I’ll be right back. Promise.”

  Jade watched as he moved through the crowd and stood beside his sister and mother. Even though Sloan had organized and carried out every detail of the roundup, he let Clay have the spotlight.

  “Hey, Jade.” Jenny Rafferty came up beside her. “I was looking for you earlier.”

  “I must have been inside.”

  The pretty blonde smiled. “Or busy with a certain cowboy.” She arched an eyebrow toward the stage. “They’re pretty hard to resist. I understand how that is, but I solved the problem by marrying one.” Just then a good-looking man came up beside her. “Jade, this is my husband, Evan Rafferty. Evan, this is Jade Hamilton. I’m trying to get her interested in quilting.”