“You can leave that.”
“Not on your life. These tools are my livelihood.”
She’d known men who felt that way, but usually about their horses and saddles.
They started to walk across the road. At about six-two, with a sturdy build, Jared Trager didn’t have any trouble carrying his belongings. When they reached her truck, he dropped his things in the bed then went around to the passenger side and climbed in. Dana hurried to her side and got in her seat.
“Mom, who is he?”
Dana twisted around toward her son. “This is Mr. Trager, Evan. Mr. Trager, this is my son, Evan.”
Dana couldn’t help but notice the close scrutiny the stranger was giving Evan. Then the man grinned.
“It’s nice to meet you, Evan. Just call me Jared,” he said as he reached back to shake the boy’s hand.
Her son’s eyes lit up. “Your truck got smashed up.”
“Yeah, Blackie is a little banged up.”
His eyes widened. “You call your truck…Blackie? I got to pick a name for my pony. Sammy.”
“That’s a good name.”
“But I want a real horse. Mom says I’m too little. But when I’m six, I’ll be big enough.”
Jared Trager gave Evan the once-over. “I’d say by then you’ll be about the right size for a horse. But your mom is the one who decides that.”
Dana started the engine, before her son talked the man to death. “You didn’t tell me why you’re on this road.”
He gave her a sideways glance. “I was coming to see you.”
Jared wasn’t prepared for this. He’d only arrived in San Angelo yesterday. After discovering the Shaynes and the Randells were conveniently neighbors, he’d asked around for directions to both ranches. Not sure yet if he was ready, if ever, to conquer the Randells, he’d decided to come to the Lazy S first.
More than likely this was how Marsh had first met Dana Shayne. Jared stole another look at her. Damn, she sure wasn’t what he’d expected. Tall and willowy, she had a head full of wild auburn hair, green eyes that drew you in, while hinting at secrets. He had to admit that she’d taken him by surprise. Although pretty, Ms. Shayne didn’t seem his brother’s type. Hell, he didn’t even know Marsh’s type, or why he should care. He was here to fulfill a dying request, and that was all.
Jared blew out a tired breath. All the way from town he’d been rehearsing his speech to Ms. Shayne. How to relay Marsh’s wishes for her and the boy. His strategy had been just to walk up to her door, say what he needed to say as he handed her the information about the boy’s trust, then with a quick goodbye, he’d hit the road. What did he know about playing uncle? Family had never been his thing.
Now his plans had to change. How could he predict that Dana Shayne would run into him…literally? He gripped the edge of the torn bench seat as the truck bounced over a pothole. Hell, later he’d tell her who he was.
As they drove through the ranch’s gate, Jared got a good look at the place. The Lazy S had obviously once been a showcase, but it had seen better days. The faded red barn and the once-white two-story house were both in need of paint. The corral fencing needed repair, as did the barn doors. He could spend weeks here and have plenty to keep him busy.
Wait, what was he thinking? He didn’t need a job. He had one waiting for him in Nevada.
Dana drove up to the back door and turned off the engine. She climbed out and went to assist her son.
“You want to come see my pony?” the boy asked, his dark eyes wide. Jared hadn’t missed the strong resemblance to Marsh. The same features and coloring. Surprisingly, finding this little version of his brother didn’t make him sad.
“Not now, Evan,” his mother said. “Mr. Trager’s head hurts.”
Jared noted the boy’s disappointment. “Maybe later, son.”
Dana and Evan led the way up the steps to the door. The wooden slats needed to be replaced, as did many of the boards in the porch. Inside, there was a mudroom with a washer and dryer and several pairs of boots lined against one wall. The temperature dropped when they entered a big peach-colored kitchen with floral curtains at the windows. An oval table surrounded by six chairs was the center focus, and on top, a big bowl of fruit. The place was so homey, it caused an ache in his gut for what he’d never had.
“You sure you’re okay?” she asked.
He nodded as he leaned against the counter.
Looking unconvinced, Dana went to the phone on the wall and dialed a number. She walked into the other room and talked in muffled tones. In a few minutes she returned.
“Can I get you something cool to drink?” she asked.
“If you have some iced tea, that would be nice.”
“I do.” She went to the refrigerator where several pieces of artwork were on display. No doubt the boy’s handiwork.
Evan pointed out one of the pictures, an abstract figure. “See, that’s my pony. That’s Sammy.”
“He looks like a fine animal.”
The boy nodded. “My grandpa got him for me for my birthday. I was three years old.” He held up five chubby little fingers. “I’m almost five.”
Jared frowned, finding he was curious about Dana’s father. “Did he teach you to ride?”
Again the child nodded. “Then he got sick and went to live in heaven.” He looked so sad. “I miss him.”
Jared was happy the kid had been loved. “I bet you do.”
Dana returned to the table with a glass of tea and one of lemonade. She handed the tea to Jared and set the lemonade on the table for her son. After the boy took a long drink, she said, “Evan, go change out of your good clothes.”
“We’re not going into town?” he asked. “What about my ice cream?”
“We’ll go get some another time. We need to take care of Mr. Trager.”
“Oh.” That seemed to interest Evan more. “Is he gonna stay until he gets all better?”
“For a little while,” his mother said. “Stop asking so many questions and go change.”
“’Kay.” Evan shot off, his footsteps sounding as he scurried down the hall and up the stairs.
“Sorry, my son is very inquisitive.”
“He’s not a bother,” Jared assured her. Which was true. “Besides, I’m the one who’s intruding on you.”
“And I’m the one who ran you off the road.”
He shrugged. “No one was hurt.”
“Your truck didn’t fare too well. And I’m not convinced you’re completely all right. Your face is all red.”
“It does itch. It’s the air bag.” He tried to make light of the situation. “I should have ducked to get out of the way.”
She went to a drawer and took out a kitchen towel, wet it, then brought it to him. “Sit down.”
When he did, she pressed the cooling cloth to his face. He was taken aback by her casual manner. But it wasn’t so casual for him. Her gentle touch definitely was causing a reaction.
“You could have been seriously hurt,” she said.
“But I wasn’t. So no need to worry.” He took the cloth from her, but she didn’t pull away. She was close. So close he breathed in her scent, a freshness he couldn’t describe, but knew he could quickly become addicted to it. He raised his gaze to hers. Her eyes were a liquid green with tiny golden flecks in the center. His body began to heat up and he’d be lying if he told himself it had anything to do with the Texas weather. Finally he diverted his gaze.
She also pulled back. “I—I called Doc Turner anyway. He’s going to stop by just to check you out.”
Before Jared could argue that a doctor’s visit wasn’t necessary, he heard the door open and an older man walked into the kitchen. “Hey, you’re back from the bank already? They give you the loan?” Just then the man noticed they weren’t alone and his face reddened. “Sorry, Dana, I didn’t know you had company.”
“Bert, this is Jared Trager. Jared Trager, Bert Marley. We nearly collided on old Parker Road. I managed to get out o
f the way, but Jared’s truck hit a tree.”
Bert winced. “Well, jumpin’ jackrabbits. Ain’t that all we need. How bad?”
“His truck isn’t drivable,” Dana said. “But I’m more worried about Mr. Trager. The air bag went off.”
Bert limped over and examined Jared through his wire-rimmed glasses. “Looks like you got a nasty rash.”
“I heard that’s one of the drawbacks,” Jared said. “I was hoping I’d never find out, but I’ll survive.”
“Doc Turner’s coming out,” Dana said.
“What were you doin’ out on our road?” Bert scrutinized him. “Take a wrong turn?”
Jared didn’t miss the hostility in the man’s eyes. This was the opening he needed. But how do you just blurt out that you’re the brother of the man who left you pregnant? “No. I was headed this way.”
“Why?”
Jared felt the beads of sweat on his forehead. “I wanted to talk with Ms. Shayne.”
A grin spread across the old man’s weathered face. “So you come about the job.”
Jared was caught off guard by the question. He meant to say no, and tell the truth, but his answer didn’t come out that way. “I guess I could use the work.”
Later after supper, Dana went to her father’s office. What a day it had been. She hadn’t gotten to the bank to talk to Mr. Wilson about the mortgage. Instead, she ended up causing bodily injury to a stranger.
She was so grateful when Doc examined Jared and declared the man fit, then gave him cream for the rash. And by mealtime his headache was gone, too. All she had to do was send the drifter on his way. But something stopped her. Being a woman alone, she didn’t like hiring somebody she didn’t know. But thanks to her, the man was stranded. His truck would take nearly two weeks to repair so Trager couldn’t leave for the time being. She knew that he might get work somewhere else, but she owed him.
It felt like she owed everyone, including the bank. Dana shook the worrisome thought from her head. Not tonight. Nighttime was for Evan. She walked into the living room and found Jared sitting in her father’s chair with her son next to him as he read a story.
Dana’s chest tightened. The picture of the two seemed so perfect. Father and son. But in an imperfect world, Dana knew she couldn’t give Evan what he wanted the most. A father.
Jared raised his head and smiled at her.
Her son looked happy, too. “Jared was reading me a story, Mom. He’s good, and he don’t even have kids.”
Jared shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable.
“I guess it’s just a talent,” Dana said. The man probably had many other talents. “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, Evan.”
Evan started to argue but looked at Jared, who nodded. To her surprise her son said, “’Kay, Mom.” Then he climbed out of the big chair and came to her, giving her a hug and kiss.
Dana called to her son as he climbed the stairs. “I’ll be up in a few minutes to say good-night.” She then turned her attention back to Jared.
“I appreciate you spending time with Evan. He really misses his grandfather and…his father isn’t in the picture.” Why did she tell him all that? “About the job, if you’re serious about working for me, you need to know I can’t afford to pay you much.” She quoted him the wages. “But I’ll cook all your meals and you can stay in the bunkhouse.”
“Are you saying you want to hire me? I’m not an experienced ranch hand. I’m a carpenter by trade, but I can ride pretty well and I’ve spent time on a ranch.”
Dana hesitated, not needing any complications in her life…or her heart. But she had no choice. She did need a man. “That’s what I’m saying.”
He stood. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. Around here our day starts at five-thirty. Breakfast is at six-thirty and you’ll be in the saddle by seven. And the day doesn’t end until everything gets done. Think you can handle that, Mr. Trager?”
He reached out his hand and took hers. “The name is Jared. And yes, I can handle it.”
Dana placed her hand into his callused one. Immediately she felt heat shoot up her arm, warming her entire body. Maybe he could handle the work but suddenly she had doubts about her ability to handle Jared Trager.
Chapter Two
He had to be crazy.
Jared tossed his duffel bag on the first bed in the bunkhouse. He’d had the perfect opening to tell her who he was, and he blew it. He puffed out a tired breath. Now what? He’d hang around a few days, help her out a little, make a few repairs. Maybe spend some time with the boy, then hand over the trust fund information and leave for Las Vegas.
“Damn.” Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, he punched in Stan Burke’s number. With the time difference, it was still early enough to catch him at the office.
The familiar voice came over the line. “Burke Construction.”
“Stan, it’s Jared.”
“Hey, Jared. Where the hell are you?”
“I’m afraid I’m not in Nevada. And I won’t be there for a while.”
“What’s the problem?”
“A couple of things,” Jared began. “I need to do some things for my brother and it’s going to take a little longer than I expected. Especially since my new truck met up with a tree.”
“Are you okay?” The sound of concern in Stan’s voice touched Jared.
“Just a headache and a little air-bag rash. I’ll be fine.”
There was a long pause. “How long will you be there? We have a tight deadline on the Black Knight Casino.”
“A few weeks. I’ll call a friend of mine—Nate Peterson. We’ve worked together before. He’s a good guy and a top-notch carpenter. He can be there late tomorrow and help out until I get out of there.”
“Sounds good.”
“Thanks, Stan. I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”
“All I want is my best carpenter back.”
Jared laughed. He’d been working for Burke Construction for the past three years. He liked Stan a lot. His friend was getting older and wanted to retire soon. Stan had offered to sell him the business. And Jared wanted to buy the profitable company. He’d have the money, but not until he’d receive his inheritance from his mother when he turned thirty-five or married. He doubted he’d ever marry, so that meant two more years of waiting.
“It’s nice to know I’m missed.”
“Always,” Stan said. “Besides, you’re going to help me reach those golden years of retirement.” There was laughter, then a long pause. “Is everything okay with you, Jared?”
No, everything wasn’t okay, but Jared had never been one to share his problems. “Yeah, just some family business. I need to be in Texas for a while.”
“Well, take the all time you need. Family is important.”
Too bad Jared didn’t know who his family was. He gave Stan the phone number of the ranch. Next, Jared dialed Nate. Luckily the carpenter was in between jobs, and was excited about spending time in Vegas.
After a quick goodbye, Jared hung up and turned to find Dana standing in the doorway. She had on the same print skirt and white top as earlier. Her hair was down, curls brushed against her shoulders. She looked wholesome and sexy at the same time.
“Sorry to disturb you. I just came out to make up your bed.” She walked inside, set sheets and blankets on the chair next to the single bunk, then began to make up the bed.
“You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I’m capable of making my bed.”
When she didn’t stop the task, Jared joined in. Accidentally their hands collided and Dana jerked back. Jared, too, felt the jolt, but continued to fit the pristine-white sheets and blanket over the lumpy mattress.
When finished, Dana glanced around the long room with five other empty bunks. “I think that’s everything. I put towels in the bathroom down the hall.” Her gaze shifted to his. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you just turn down a job? I thought you came here for a job.�
�
Jared froze. He could end this now if he told her the truth. Tell her the truth, then you can leave. “I couldn’t make it to Nevada in time. Had a family emergency.” He shrugged. “So I decided to stay in Texas for a few weeks. It’s okay. I can catch another job when I get there. There’s plenty of work in Las Vegas, especially in the construction business.”
Dana seemed relieved. “It’s not like that here. The small ranchers have been struggling for a while. I’m not going to lie to you. Most ranch hands want to work for the larger operations. They pay better.”
“You trying to get rid of me?”
“No. I need an extra hand now. I just wanted you to know that I can’t pay the kind of money you’re used to.”
“Let’s not worry about that. I don’t need much right now.” He raised an eyebrow, wondering how she could manage with only Bert. “How large is the Lazy S?”
“Ten sections now. Landwise I can handle more cattle, but we’re in a drought and it costs a lot for feed. And I had to sell off quite a few head last year….”
“Sounds like it’s been rough on you and Evan.”
“That’s what it’s like for most ranchers. Feast or famine.”
“Why stay in?”
Dana smiled and his heart tripped in his chest. “Ranching is all I know, and the Lazy S is the only home I’ve ever known. I don’t know if I could handle city life.” Those green eyes rose to meet his. “What about you?”
He hesitated. He hadn’t been ready for her question. “I’ve lived a lot a places over the last dozen years. Mostly large cities. Working in construction, I haven’t spent much time in the country.”
“We move at a pretty slow pace here,” she said. “After Las Vegas, think you can handle it?”
At the moment Jared couldn’t think of anywhere else he wanted to be. “Yeah, I can handle it,” he assured her. “And I’m used to getting an early start. Like in Nevada. It’s wise to start work before the sun gets too hot.”
Dana checked her watch. “We both should be getting to bed….” Color flamed in her cheeks. “Well…I should leave and let you get some sleep.”
Jared's Texas Homecoming Page 2