Tate searched through the crowded church for Isabelle. Seeing her with Teri-Lyn calmed his hammering heart. He didn’t want her anywhere near Joe.
Joe leaned back from where John Jacob was invading his space. “I just wanted to pay my respects to the woman I love and I’ve done that. Lila had an insurance policy. I intend to collect on it.”
“Of course you are,” Tate drawled. “Get one more thing from her.”
Joe put his hat back on and headed for the door. “Remember what I said. It’s a curse we have. Give Teri-Lyn my regards.”
Seth was coming back through the door with Jake and stopped dead in his tracks. John Jacob made a motion to Seth to let it go and keep moving.
“I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up.” Seth’s jaw ticked.
“Boys, let it go,” John Jacob said. “Joe wanted to pay his respects and he did. I’ll have someone make sure he’s gone from the church.”
“You all right?” Seth put his hand on Tate’s shoulder.
“Not by a long shot.”
Chapter Nine
Isabelle rode back to the ranch with Tate. She didn’t want to ask about what had transpired between him and his father, but it was obvious from the tight expressions on everyone’s faces that it had been an intense conversation. Teri-Lyn had squeezed Isabelle’s hand throughout the entire ordeal. It had looked like a giant powder keg waiting to explode, but Joe had finally left the church. Still, it was too quiet in the car.
“Your watch has seen better days.” Isabelle leaned over and spied the gold watch he wore. The crystal was scratched, and it was in need of repair.
“Would you believe this is a family heirloom? This belonged to Lila’s father.”
Tate pulled into Teri-Lyn and John Jacob’s driveway but stopped Isabelle before she could open her door.
“Hold on, speedy.” He smiled.
“Yes?”
“It is customary for a man to open the door for a woman. I know it sounds antiquated, but I still believe it should be done.” He gave her an expectant look.
Isabelle laughed. “You’re absolutely right. I thought my dad and Uncle Curtis were the last men on the planet who believed in chivalry, but since I’ve been down here everyone on the ranch has been mindful and polite, just like Seth. I guess I’m just used to fending for myself.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Doing those things is my way of showing you I care and that I’m looking after you.” Tate took her hand and went into the house.
As soon as Tate walked into the house, people flocked to him to offer their condolences. Isabelle went in search of Morgan to see if she could help out with anything. There was a catering staff, but she knew Morgan wouldn’t be able to resist doing something. She’d been a compulsive helper ever since they were kids.
“Need any assistance?” Isabelle put her arm around Morgan.
“No, you’re the one with the broken arm. Take it easy.” Morgan hustled her out of the kitchen.
Isabelle stepped onto the terrace and called Dana, but she got her voice mail again. When she and Morgan had packed up and left, she’d spoken with her cousin quickly about missing the wedding. Dana had said she understood, but Isabelle had seen the disappointed look in her eyes. Morgan had upgraded her honeymoon package, which she’d booked via Morgan’s friend Theresa as a present from both of them, but they knew it would only appease her cousin so much. She didn’t know how she was going to make it up to her, but she was going to try her best.
Isabelle came back into the house through a different glass door and was confused about where she was. It seemed she was in another part of the house. She turned the corner and almost slammed into a very handsome, tall man in a gray suit. He had those same piercing green eyes as Jake.
She had to crane her head back to apologize. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, I apologize, Isabelle. Did I hurt your arm?” He grinned.
“No, you didn’t. Well, you know me but I’m afraid I don’t know your name.”
“I’m John Jacob Jr., but everyone calls me J.J.” He extended his hand.
“Ah. You’re the oldest, right?” Isabelle looked up at him.
“Yes, I am. Welcome to the family.”
“Morgan talks about all of you so much. I feel like I know you.”
“She’s mentioned you as well. She has a picture of the two of you in the living room at the house.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t tell me it’s that camping picture.”
“I think so. There’s a canoe in the background. The two of you were all pigtails and braces.” He laughed.
“That’s the one.” She shook her head.
“Both of you blossomed into beautiful women.”
“Thank you.” She giggled. “Does charm run in the family?”
“I’m afraid it’s a family curse. Wait until you meet Tyler and Channing. They’re shameless about it.”
“Where are they? I haven’t met them yet.” Isabelle looked around the room.
“My guess is Tate has threatened them both with death if they come in your direction.” J.J. chuckled.
“Tate told you about me?” She widened her eyes.
“He did.” He looked her in the eye.
The way J.J. was staring at her, she knew he was trying to tell her something complicated in the simplest manner possible.
“So how long do you have to go before the cast comes off?”
“It’s going to be on for about three more weeks, then I start physical therapy.” She sighed.
“Well, take it from someone who came back from a very bad knee injury. Don’t rush the recovery no matter how much you want to get back to work. The mind and body both need time to heal.”
Isabelle saw the flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
“I’m afraid my future is in limbo until I know for sure I can hold my violin. The waiting is driving me crazy.” She bit her lip.
“I’ve been there. I drove my family nuts. Sitting still is not in my nature. My momma says I was a surly bear for about a year.” He ran a hand through his hair.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what helped you through it? Ending your career could not have been easy.”
“I spent my whole life dreaming about being a quarterback in the NFL, and for five years I lived my dream. Then all of a sudden, it all went away. Life changed. Relationships changed. After the physical pain and diagnosis, I had the best orthopedic surgeon in the country operate on my knee. Then came the rehab months later. It was the love of family and friends that kept me from going over the edge. Seth is a hell of a motivational speaker. He worked his schedule so he could come home and help me with my therapy. He even consulted doctors and scoured for any new techniques that would help me come back one hundred percent.”
“How did you move on with your life?”
“A lot of love from a great family.” He winked.
* * *
Morgan and Seth agreed to stay on at the ranch for a while longer, so Tate was elated when Isabelle wanted to stay too.
“I’m not staying because of Morgan and Seth. I’m staying because I want to be with you,” she told him that night when they readied for bed.
Tate felt good waking up every day with her curly hair resting on his face. Isabelle slept like a prize fighter after going ten rounds, but when they woke she was always curled up against him, or even better, on top of him. He couldn’t get enough of her smell, her soft skin, and the way she giggled until she got the hiccups. She didn’t wear pajamas, preferring to sleep in one of his T-shirts. He didn’t mind. Seeing her parade around in one of his shirts with that crazy bun on top of her head was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen in his life. It gave him the perfect view of that firm, round ass he loved. He would get hard just watching her walk into a room. There were moments when he wanted to blurt out that he loved her, but something in him held back from making that declaration. He loved her. She’d never seen him after a bad bout with Joe. He w
as free of the stigma of being poor, unloved Tate. He had loved Chrissie when they were in high school, but there was something about the sadness in her eyes when she’d looked at him that had made him disgusted with himself. But he couldn’t tell Isabelle he loved her until she saw his roots.
He’d staved off work calls but knew he’d have to talk to Cyril at some point. This extended time out was the longest he’d ever been away from his music. He’d started working on some new material in the evenings after dinner. He preferred to eat alone with her at the cabin but conceded when family wanted to join them. Isabelle and Morgan seemed to be having the best time together and Jake was in heaven. She was a natural with kids. Isabelle kept up her music lessons with her class via video chat, and she’d even had all of her ex-husband’s numbers blocked from her phone. Tate felt like his hands were tied when she reaffirmed she didn’t want anyone getting into trouble by confronting Ned about the incident.
* * *
The phone ringing woke Isabelle and Tate from their nap on the couch. They had sincerely intended to get a head start on the day after breakfast. But a quick kiss from Tate on the way out the door had ignited a firestorm of lust and they’d ended up making love on the couch instead. Tate reached out and retrieved her phone from the coffee table. Isabelle rose up so quickly trying to get to the phone, she and Tate almost toppled onto the floor, but Tate caught her. She smiled and moved her thumb to accept the call.
“Hey, Morgan. I’ll be ready in a half hour.”
Tate looked over in the corner. Rowdy was resting in his doggie bed. “How did Rowdy get in here?”
“He came scratching at the door about an hour ago. There was a note from Bo attached to his collar.” Isabelle picked up the piece of paper from the coffee table.
“I’m sure Bo has some choice words for me about being late.” Tate yawned.
“Bo said, ‘Stop smooching on your woman and get to work.’ He actually drew a heart at the bottom of it.” She giggled.
“Do we have to get up?” Tate tightened his grip around her waist.
“Yes, Morgan and I are going shopping today.” Isabelle got up and awkwardly tried to pull on his T-shirt.
“Still, this couch makes for a much better afternoon,” Tate said as he stepped into his jeans.
“Oh, quit it. Bo said you were getting a one-time reprieve and could come down to the stables in the afternoon. So you can work on your songs while I’m out with Morgan. A little help?” Isabelle motioned to her jean skirt that was on the floor.
“At your service.”
Isabelle stood still as Tate ran his hands along her hips before finally pulling up her skirt and buttoning the snap.
“You’d rather go shopping than stay here with me.” He shook his head.
“You can get some work done.” Isabelle kissed him.
“I must be losing my touch.” He folded his arms over his chest.
She swatted his arm. “Impossible. The McGill charm never wavers. I thought you told me you could charm the stinger off a bumble bee the other day.”
“That’s not what I said. And I only use my powers for good.”
“Ha! You mean to get women.”
“I would say getting women is a good thing, but I know I will end up sleeping alone tonight.”
“Sexy and smart. Who says you’re just some hunky eye candy with a guitar?”
“Well, you don’t. Thank you for that.” He smiled.
“You’re very welcome. We’re having dinner with Seth and Morgan tonight. Think you can rustle up a couple of bottles of wine?”
“Sure.” Tate folded the quilt that had covered them.
Isabelle went to the bathroom and brushed through her curly hair. Her cell phone rang. It was her dad.
“Hi, Dad.” Isabelle smiled as Colonel Reed appeared on the screen.
“How’s my little girl enjoying her time in Texas?”
“How did you know I was in Texas?”
“Ordinarily I’d like to scare the hell out of you with the prospect that I’m watching your every move via satellite, but I talked to Curtis and he told me you and Morgan went down there for a funeral.”
“Yes, that’s right. This ranch is incredible. Morgan and Seth have an amazing home,” Isabelle rambled as she sank down on the bed.
“How long will you be down there?”
“A few weeks, maybe.” How long would she stay? She and Tate never talked about it.
“Curtis said you stayed at Morgan’s house with her brother-in-law Tate?”
“Yes, I helped Tate with babysitting duties.” Isabelle ran a hand through her hair.
“How’s the arm?”
“A work in progress.”
“Rock climbing accident, eh?”
Isabelle closed her eyes for a moment. “Yes. Your daughter did a stupid thing.”
“My daughter doesn’t do anything stupid. Except for that time you thought you were Wonder Woman and tried to jump out of your bedroom window when you were eight.” He laughed.
“Wow. I thought we agreed to never talk about that.”
“Sounds like spending time down there is just what you needed. I haven’t heard you in such a good mood in ages.”
“I think it’s the Texas heat. You know I’ve always enjoyed hot weather.”
“Well, have a good time. Tell Morgan and Seth I said hello. Love you, baby.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
Isabelle’s mind went into a tailspin as soon as she disconnected the call. What exactly did Uncle Curtis tell her dad? He hadn’t asked any probing questions, which meant she was supposed to have volunteered the information. It was his modus operandi since she was a child. Since she’d been silent, the countdown was on for her full disclosure about what she was really doing in Texas. Too bad she didn’t know herself.
* * *
Isabelle took a deep breath, letting the fresh country air fill her lungs as she descended Tate’s porch steps and got into the truck where Morgan sat waiting.
“Where’s Jake?” Isabelle looked in the backseat.
“Hanging out with his grandparents. They jumped at the chance to babysit since we’re having our double date tonight.” Morgan laughed.
She drove around the ranch like a pro, occasionally stopping to introduce Isabelle to one of the workers. Everyone on the ranch was friendly with the exception of Eden, who said a curt hello when they passed her and J.J.’s house. Eden was packing some things into her Mercedes.
“What is her deal?” Isabelle asked.
“I think she’s allergic to happiness.” Morgan frowned.
Morgan kept up the tour of the ranch as they made their way to the main gate, but Isabelle’s mind was on Tate. What were they doing? The longer she stayed on the ranch the more she felt at home. There was something about the ranch that made her feel…loved.
Today she was on a mission to restore a piece of Tate’s past. Isabelle thought it would be nice to get that gold watch of his grandfather’s repaired. She had inquired with Teri-Lyn about a reputable jeweler that would repair Tate’s family heirloom with loving care. Also, after scouring Lila’s boxes with him night after night, they’d discovered some good memories he could keep with him always. A visit to the craft shop was needed to start the project.
“I hope they can fix it.” Isabelle took Tate’s gold watch out of her bag.
“Teri-Lyn says the owner of the jewelry store is a family friend and has an outstanding reputation,” Morgan said.
“Good.” She looked over at Morgan. “You know you haven’t given me the frank talking to I thought I’d get after we came to Texas.”
“Was I supposed to?” Morgan glanced at her.
“Well, yes. You’re my voice of reason.” Isabelle gave her an expectant look.
Morgan reached over and squeezed her hand. “I think you should do whatever makes you happy.”
“That’s all I get?” Isabelle pouted.
“I want you to be happy. You weren’t with Ned.�
�
“No, I wasn’t.”
“Tate’s a good man, I totally understand the attraction. He has a good heart beneath all that charm and flirtatiousness.”
“He’s nothing like I thought he’d be. I mean the songs he writes, not to mention the internet search hits on his dalliances. I’d have to be brain damaged to want to be anywhere near that man.” Isabelle bit the inside of her cheek.
“He’s a man with many layers.” Morgan pulled into a parking spot.
Isabelle fingered the watch in her hands. “He told me about the abuse.”
Morgan shook her head. “That breaks my heart every time I think about it. Tate deserved better than that life. I’m glad he found love with the Blakes. Maybe he can find love with you.” Morgan looked at her.
“That’s a loaded word.” She sighed.
“Then why are you spending time with him?”
She shrugged. “Sex that could melt the polar ice caps.”
Morgan whipped her head around. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. When we”—Isabelle waggled her eyebrows—“I feel like I’m having a near-death experience, but in a very good way.”
Morgan let out a low whistle. “We have got to have some good old-fashioned dirty talk one of these days.”
“I agree. Right now I just want to enjoy being with Tate. We’ll figure it out.”
“Sounds reasonable.” Morgan opened the car door.
“One more thing. I’d like to tell you something, and I don’t want you to get upset.”
Morgan closed the door again. “OK.”
“I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you, and I have Tate to thank for giving me the courage to do it… I had a fight with Ned. He lunged at me and I fell, trying to get out of the way.” Isabelle sniffed, blinking away the sudden burn of tears. “That’s how I broke my arm.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Morgan gripped the steering wheel with both hands.
“Because I was ashamed of what happened.”
“Was this the first time?”
Texas Heat Page 11