The Cowboy Comes Home

by Patricia Thayer

  Jess quickly reached for the boy on the sofa and began soothing his fears. “Aw, honey. Did you have a bad dream?”

  The boy buried his head against his mother and nodded. “It scared me.”

  “Well, you’re okay now.”

  Brady looked up and saw Johnny.

  “Hey, there, partner.” He was drawn to the boy, wanting to help. “Rough dream?”

  “Yeah, it was about Storm. He hurt you.”

  Johnny knelt down beside mother and son. “Hey, that’s not going to happen. I’m very careful. And I’m good at my job.” He touched the boy’s mussed hair. “That’s the reason I don’t let anybody too close when I work him. Storm gets nervous, too.” He felt Jess’s nearness. “If you’re there, then I’ll worry.”

  “Kinda like when Mom worries about me and she wants to hold my hand.”

  “Yeah, like that.”

  The boy yawned.

  Jess straightened. “It’s time for you to go to bed.”

  Brady started to argue and Johnny said, “How about if I give you a piggyback ride?”

  Those were magic words for the kid. “Wow!”

  If there was any protest from Jess, he didn’t hear it.

  He turned around so Brady could climb on his back. Once he felt the tiny arms go around his neck, something tightened in his chest. He grabbed hold of his legs, and asked, “Ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  Johnny stood, saying, “Tell me where to go.”

  Johnny knew that even though Jess and Brady lived in an apartment on the west side of the ranch land, sometimes they would stay over in the main ranch house. Brady showed Johnny the way and he carried the boy into the hall to a winding staircase with a hand-carved banister. He climbed the carpeted steps to the second floor where there were several family pictures along the wall. They slowed as Brady pointed out the one of Clay Calhoun. The big, barrel-chested rancher had a ready smile as he stood alongside his wife and his two sons and two daughters. A very young Brady was held in his arms.

  A perfect family.

  “That was before Grandma Sandy went to heaven,” Brady told him. “I was little when she died.”

  “It’s nice to have this photo to look at.”

  They continued down a long hall past several bedrooms, and Johnny wondered what it would have been like to grow up here. It was so different from his idea of a family. Just another reason to keep his distance from Clay’s daughter.

  Finally they came to a room that was painted blue and had a single bed covered with a plaid comforter.

  “End of the line, kid.” He let the boy bounce onto the bed and was rewarded by giggles. Johnny turned and noticed Brady’s mother didn’t look amused by the antics. She stripped the boy of his jeans and shirt, then made quick work of putting on his pajamas.

  Johnny stepped back as she put the boy under the blanket. “I better hit the hay, too.”

  “No!” the child cried.

  “Brady, you can’t keep taking up all of Johnny’s time. He has to get up early tomorrow.”

  The boy relented. “Sorry, but I gotta ask him something.”

  “It’s all right,” Johnny answered.

  Jess stepped back. She didn’t understand any of this. Her son didn’t usually act like this with strangers. “All right, young man, what’s going on?”

  Brady looked up at Johnny.

  “You better come clean, kid.”

  “Papa Clay talked a lot about Storm. He didn’t want anyone to hurt him ever again.”

  “Honey, Johnny isn’t going to hurt Storm. He doesn’t hurt horses. Uncle Holt wouldn’t allow it.”

  “I know. That’s why I want Johnny to help me not be afraid of horses so I can help take care of Storm forever.”

  Jess caught a smile starting on Johnny’s mouth.

  “Brady, that’s a good idea. But Storm isn’t a happy horse right now. Maybe you should hang out with a pony or a yearling first. So you’ll get used to animals.”

  The child nodded. “So you will help me learn to ride a horse?”

  “Brady Clayton Calhoun,” Jess said, having had enough of this. “This is something you and I need to talk about before any decision is made.”

  “But you’re too busy and Uncle Holt is gone. Papa said Johnny’s the best. So he needs to do it.”

  Jess pulled back the covers and tucked her son into the bed. “We’ll talk about this later.”

  “But, Mom…”

  She kissed him. “Brady, go to sleep.”

  He hugged his mother. “Night, Johnny.”

  “Night, partner.”

  Johnny walked out and Jess was close behind. She hit the light and closed the door. “I am so sorry my son put you on the spot. I don’t expect you to do any of this.”

  Jess could see his hesitation. “I can start the lessons,” he told her. “I’m just not sure if I’ll be around long enough to follow through with as much help as the boy needs.” Johnny’s gaze went to hers. “It’s up to you if you feel it’s not a good idea.”

  She released a long breath. She didn’t know what to do. “You know Brady’s fears. I can’t deny that my dad was hoping one day he would feel differently.”

  They were standing in the dim hall now.

  “Like I said, it’s your decision.”

  She couldn’t let this get personal with how she felt about Johnny. “I insist on paying you for helping Brady.”

  He shook his head. “You pay me very well for training Storm.” His face broke into a grin. “But we can barter with something else.”

  She felt her entire body grow warm. “I’m afraid to ask.”

  He moved close, and she fought to stand her ground. “Nothing bad, Ms. Calhoun. It’s just that since you won’t be my date, maybe you could at least save me a few dances.”

  Funny. Jess wasn’t sure if she was happy or disappointed with his demand.

  * * *

  Although Jess had always been an early riser, she had trouble getting out of bed the next morning. With coffee in hand, she headed to the one bathroom in her two-bedroom apartment.

  Reaching into the large shower stall she turned on the water and hoped that it would help revive her.

  Fifteen minutes later, she had finished blow-drying her hair, then wove the blond strands into her standard single braid. After adding a little makeup and lip gloss, she slipped on her dark trousers and a white polo shirt with the embroidered Jess’s Bakery over the pocket.

  Next year her morning ritual would be easier. Brady would start kindergarten and the school bus would pick him up practically at the bakery door. Until then, she still had to work out a schedule with Nancy. The housekeeper liked watching Brady, but Jess didn’t like to impose, even though Nancy’s time had freed up since Dad’s passing, and especially with Holt out of town.

  She left her bedroom and walked down the hall to the living/kitchen area. It wasn’t the largest space, but big enough for her and Brady.

  For now.

  But since the death of her dad, she was beginning to realize how much her son needed a man in his life. And she admitted that she did, too. Maybe someday she would that find that special guy to build a future with. To find a father for Brady. Her thoughts turned to Johnny.

  Oh, no. Sorry, no matter how good-looking, he wasn’t the guy for her. He wasn’t the stay-around kind. And she needed that kind of man.

  Jess grabbed her jacket and purse, then walked out the door. She jogged down the steps and circled around the side of the building to the bakery’s kitchen door. Stepping inside, she stopped and looked around.

  Stainless-steel appliances and countertops filled the spacious area. She was surprised to see that the day’s work had begun. Round pans were lined on the counter as the carrot cake ingredients were being poured into each one by part-time baker Maria Cruz.

  Jess greeted her as she opened the large convection oven and helped transfer the cake pans inside.

  Once completed, she set the timer and Maria went to
mix up the chocolate batter.

  She greeted Carol Dayton. “I didn’t realize I was late getting here.” She glanced at the clock; it wasn’t even five-thirty. “Why the early start?”

  “We got an order for three dozen loaves of bread for the women’s club luncheon today in San Marcos. It came in yesterday while you were at your meeting.”

  Jess groaned. “San Marcos? That’s far away.”

  Carol uncovered the fresh dough from under the towel and fed it into a kneading machine. “It’s not a problem, and they’re paying extra for delivery.”

  Nothing ever seemed to rattle Carol Dayton. Jess looked at the woman with her ready smile and pretty green eyes. She wore her once wheat-colored hair, now streaked with gray, in a bun at the back of her head. She and her husband, Ben, had lost a lot, including their ranch. They never felt sorry for themselves, just moved on, together. It was a blessing for Jess. They worked for her now, and practically ran the business. They’d been like a second set of parents. She didn’t know what she would do without either one of them.

  Jess grabbed a clean apron from the drawer and tied it around her waist, then went to wash her hands in the deep sink. She wasn’t the main baker any longer. Sometimes it bothered her that she wasn’t able to always put her special touch on every one of the items that left the store.

  All the recipes were hers and her mother’s. The carrot cake, the double Dutch chocolate cake, the Russian loaf, along with the pies. The custard cream was her special recipe. She’d only shared the recipes with the Dayton family.

  After drying her hands, Jess went to the other side of the counter to help Carol. She began transferring the bread dough from the machine and twisting it into shape on the baking sheet. She glanced around to see that they were missing someone.

  “Where’s Molly?”

  “She’s out in the warehouse with Ben. She’ll be here in time to frost the cakes.”

  Molly was the artist at the bakery. She did all the decorating of the cakes.

  “I could call her if you need her.”

  “No, that’s okay.”

  Jess had been surprised by her friend’s disappearance yesterday afternoon. It wasn’t like Molly not even to call about the meeting. And when she called her later, she got her voice mail. A few minutes later, her friend sent her a text, telling her to go for it.

  No doubt her friend had ideas that Jess was interested in Johnny Jameson, and was suggesting she act on it.

  The back door opened and Molly walked in.

  “Hi,” Jess said.

  “Hi.”

  She didn’t like the way that sounded. “Molly, could I talk with you?”

  “Sure. How did things turn out with Johnny last night?”

  Jess took her friend into the front of the store. “What are you talking about? I wanted to see you when I got back from the meeting. Nancy said you left early.”

  Molly smiled. “All Johnny talked about was you.” She shrugged. “I didn’t want to hang around to see you get cozy with him.”

  “We didn’t get cozy. We had supper and talked about his work on Dad’s horse, Storm.”

  “Look, Jess. I got the message at lunch. Anyone could see the man is interested in you. I thought if I left quietly things might happen. You didn’t need me around.”

  Jess didn’t want to think about the attraction she felt for the man. “I didn’t do anything to encourage him.”

  “It didn’t change the fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off you at lunch. Come on, Jess.” Her friend gave her an incredulous look. “You have to be blind not to see it.”

  Maybe I don’t want to see it. “What does it matter? I don’t go for cowboys.”

  Molly laughed. “Now I know you’re crazy. The man is to die for.”

  She shook her head. “He’s a wanderer, Mol. He told me himself that he practically lives out of his trailer. He won’t be here much past a few weeks, maybe a month. He travels light—his truck, trailer and a duffel bag. That’s it. And even if I was interested, which I’m not,” she stressed, hating that she was fibbing to her friend, “I have far too many strings tying me here.”

  “Maybe you’ll be the one who changes the man and he’ll stay.”

  Jess raised her arms and let them drop. “You know how good I am at getting men to stick around.”

  “One man,” Molly stressed. “Chad was bad news from the start. That doesn’t mean all men are.”

  She didn’t want to do this. “I have Brady to think about. He’s my first concern always and he could be hurt if I get involved with someone and he leaves. Brady’s still recovering from his grandfather’s death.”

  “I can understand that. It’s just you’ve buried yourself in this business. There are so many nice guys in town that would like it if you’d give them the time of day. What’s wrong with Drew Sanders? He owns the Lone Star Mercantile so I’d say he’s got a stable income. He’s not a wanderer, because his family has lived around here for a few generations.”

  “He’s nice enough,” Jess said, but she knew there were no sparks with Drew.

  “Not bad-looking, either,” Molly added. “And he’s asked you out…how many times?”

  “I’ve been a little busy with Brady and the business.”

  “Jess, you still need to take time for yourself. You need time to play with grown-ups.”

  Jess couldn’t help but think about Johnny and his invitation. “I don’t know if I want to date right now.”

  “I understand. You’re a little rusty. So how about a girls’ night out? You, me, Nancy. Oh, oh, I know just the thing. We’ll go to the Cattleman’s Hall dance this Saturday.”

  Panic nearly choked her. “I can’t. I don’t have a babysitter.”

  “I’ll watch Brady.”

  Molly and Jess swung around to see Carol in the doorway. “In fact, he can spend the night if you want.”

  Brady loved the Dayton family. “Oh, Carol, I can’t ask you to give up your weekend.”

  The older woman came to her. “You didn’t ask, I offered. We love Brady as if he were ours.”

  Jess was touched. “Thank you. We’ll probably make an early night of it.”

  “Not if I can help it,” Molly added. “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. I’m hoping Jess will be a good influence on you and keep you in line.”

  Jess grinned. “Now you are asking the impossible.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  SATURDAY night came too soon for Jess.

  She drew an encouraging breath as she walked into the Cattleman’s Association Hall. After changing her outfit three times, she had finally decided on a denim skirt, a Western-cut pink blouse and chain belt. Her hand-tooled boots were the pair her father had bought her for her past birthday. With Molly’s prodding, she nixed her usual braid and left her hair free in natural curls.

  She glanced at her friend. Molly wore her black jeans and fitted blouse tucked into a wide belt with a Western buckle. Oh, yeah, she was clearly looking for a man.

  Nancy was in a skirt also, and looked pretty with her hair down in soft waves. She smiled as she glanced around the crowded room, trying not to be obvious as she searched for her guy.

  Wes suddenly appeared at Nancy’s side. He greeted all of them, then took his girl off to dance.

  Molly nodded toward the couple moving to the sultry ballad. “Those two should get married.”

  Jess knew little of Nancy’s past, only that she’d gone through a rough divorce before she came to the ranch ten years ago. “Maybe they aren’t ready.”

  “But sneaking around can get old.”

  Jess recalled a couple of times in the past few months when she had arrived early and discovered Wes leaving Nancy’s room off the kitchen. “It’s called being discreet.”

  “If they get any closer, everyone’s going to know how they feel.”

  They both broke into laughter, but soon one of the local ranch hands came by and escorted Molly to the dance floor. This wa
s what Jess had always hated, standing around on her own, feeling anxious. She wanted to dance, but at the same time, she didn’t. Would Johnny come tonight? Would he dance with her?

  No, she didn’t need to think about him.

  Then one of her dad’s friends, Charlie Powers, came by. “You’re too pretty to be standing by yourself,” he began as he took her out to dance. “Are the men around here crazy?”

  “I might be putting them off,” she admitted.

  “It’s good to be picky. You should expect nothing but the best, Jess Calhoun.” The older man smiled. “You let me know if any of them give you any trouble, you hear?”

  “Thank you, Charlie.” The music stopped and she kissed his cheek. “Now, go dance with that pretty wife of yours.” She shoved him off toward Sally and went in the other direction to get off the floor as the band started to play a George Strait song. But before she reached her destination, someone took hold of her arm. She turned around and found Johnny.

  He grinned, slow and wicked. “I believe this is our dance?”

  She found herself nodding and he pulled her into an embrace and began the two-step. She was surprised that she was able to follow his lead. It’d been years since she danced with a man. A man she’d cared about. No. No, she couldn’t care about Johnny.

  Yet, she couldn’t dismiss what it felt like to have this man hold her. He set her off in a series of spins and managed to maneuver her back into his arms.

  “You’re a pretty good dancer,” she told him.

  “Had some practice.”

  Her heart was racing as she concentrated on the steps. Of course a man like Johnny Jameson would have been out with a lot of women, too. Question was, should she be one of them?

  Finally the music ended, but the band went right into the next song. This time it was a Garth Brooks ballad. Johnny drew her close, his eyes already mesmerizing her.

  His arm tightened around her waist, drawing her against him as his breath caressed her cheek. His thighs brushed hers and she felt a shiver run down her spine. Oh, boy, she was headed for trouble. Problem was, she didn’t care. She liked the feelings this man stirred in her. What would it hurt for one evening?