Wrangling Wes

by Thomas, Jacquelin

  The hair on the back of her neck stood up.

  She glanced around until her eyes landed on Jameson. Lydia boldly met his gaze and smiled.

  He smiled back, and then turned away from her.

  She received a warmer reception from Gwendolyn. “Lydia, how lovely you look.”

  The two women embraced.

  “How are you, Mrs. Broward?”

  “I’m fine,” she responded graciously.

  “Have I told you just how beautiful you look?” Wesley whispered when his mother walked away.

  Lydia looked up at him. “No, I don’t think you did. I’m pretty sure I would’ve remembered.”

  Wesley loved that Lydia always wore a genuine smile. Just being around her brightened up even the sunniest day, as far as he was concerned. It was one of the qualities that attracted him to her in the first place. His eyes traveled to her shapely legs, the sight of them stirring something in him as always.

  A woman pressed her body against him as she passed him.

  “Sorry, ma’am,” he uttered.

  It wasn’t always easy to avoid distractions. Wesley constantly had to deal with overly aggressive women who practically threw themselves at him. His gaze traveled back to where Lydia was sitting. He watched her as she tilted her head back in laughter.

  “You must really like her,” Laney observed aloud. “I’ve never seen you pay so much attention to one woman.”

  “She’s special to me.”

  “I think it’s real nice...the way you look at her.”

  For a moment, Wesley thought he glimpsed a shadow of sadness pass over his sister’s face.

  Before he could ask the question on his mind, Laney said, “I’ve got to ask Maggie about something.”

  She was gone before he could utter a response. Something was definitely going on with Laney.

  He was about to go after her, but Lydia stopped him. “Where are you running off to?”

  Wesley broke into a grin. “Nowhere, darlin’.”

  After the barbecue, they ended up back at his place.

  “This is such a wonderful house,” Lydia told him. “There’s so much history here within these walls.”

  Wesley reached over, pulling her closer to him. “What I cherish most about this place is that it was built on love. There was a lot of it in this house. I want my children and their children to know how much love exists in here.”

  Lydia stood on tiptoe and pulled his head down to hers, kissing him.

  Wesley responded, matching her kiss for kiss.

  Desire ignited in her belly, causing her to pull away reluctantly. “I’m sorry, Wes. It’s too easy for us to get carried away.”

  Their gazes locked and both of them could see the attraction mirrored in the other’s eyes.

  “I won’t let anything happen if you’re not ready, sweetheart.” Wesley pulled her back into his arms.

  He kissed her again, lingering, savoring every moment.

  Her emotions whirled.

  Blood pounded in her brain, leaped from her heart and made her knees tremble.

  Lydia kissed him with a hunger that belied her outward calm, and she was unashamed by her own eager response.

  Chapter 9

  Lydia had fallen asleep in Wesley’s arms on the sofa the night before. It was not her intention to spend the night, but when she woke up, it was sunrise and she was alone.

  Wesley strolled out of his bedroom a few minutes later. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me up?” she asked.

  “You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  He was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and T-shirt, which stunned Lydia. “I didn’t think you owned anything but denim,” she said.

  Wesley chuckled. “It’s good I can still surprise you.” He pointed toward the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”

  “A little.”

  “I can whip up some scrambled eggs, bacon and toast,” Wesley stated. “If you’re craving something more, then I’ll have to have Rusty whip it up for you.”

  “No, that’s fine,” Lydia murmured. She searched for her purse and said, “I need to freshen up.”

  “There’s a brand-new toothbrush in the bathroom,” he told her.

  “Thanks, but I keep one in my purse,” she responded.

  Lydia returned to the kitchen a few minutes later, refreshed. “Can I help with anything?”

  Wesley gave her a sidelong glance. “Can you cook?”

  “No, you didn’t,” she uttered with a short laugh. “I know you did not just ask me that. The man with the cook on call twenty-four/seven.”

  He handed her a pack of bacon. “Hey, you are staying in a hotel. I don’t know what your culinary talents are—haven’t had the chance to experience them. As for Rusty, he works for my parents.”

  “How many times a week do you eat at the main house?”

  “A lot.”

  She laughed. “Enough said. Now step aside so that I can fry up this bacon.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lydia could feel the heat of Wesley’s gaze on her as she cooked up the bacon. That task completed, she made toast while he scrambled the eggs.

  Is this what it would be like to be married to this man?

  She shook the thought away. It was dangerous to let ideas like this rush to her mind, her heart warned.

  While she ate, Lydia surveyed the house. The upper loft included an additional sleeping area and library for guests. She loved the way the spaciousness, peacefulness and warmth echoed throughout. Lydia understood what Wesley meant when he said the house was built on love.

  “What’s it really like to be a modern-day cowboy?” she inquired as she reached for her orange juice.

  “Ranching has become more efficient in this age of technology,” Wesley stated. He wiped his mouth on his napkin. “There are still a lot of things done the traditional way, but with a cell phone, truck or a trailer, a lot can be done faster.”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “In what way?”

  “Look at those guys out there,” he said, pointing toward the window. “This week, they moved a set of cows and calves ten miles to pasture. They left at the crack of dawn and drove them on horseback. Fifty years ago, they would have driven the cattle and then made the ride back home. They would’ve packed lunches and tried to make it back by dinner.”

  Wesley paused a moment before continuing. “Nowadays, we meet them with a truck and trailer at the end point, bringing them back here for lunch, and the horses are spared the return trip on foot. These days, we are able to complete two or three trips before dark.”

  “Wow... That’s certainly progress.”

  He nodded in agreement. “I have to admit that I enjoy the work a lot more now than when I was growing up.”

  “How does your grandfather feel about today’s technology in ranching?”

  “He was a bit resistant at first, but he has adapted well,” Wesley admitted. “Grandpa used to tell me and my brother that we had to learn to ranch the old way before we could fully appreciate the land and all that we have.”

  “Was he right?”

  Wesley smiled. “Yes, ma’am, I think he was.”

  “I have to say that you’re very different from your brother,” Lydia stated. “One look at him and I can tell immediately that he’s a cowboy. If I’d met you in Los Angeles...cowboy would never come to mind unless you were dressed like one.”

  Wes downed the last of his coffee and then poured himself another cup. “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to respond to that.”

  She chuckled. “It’s a compliment, Wes.”

  Lydia got up and walked over to the window in the kitchen. “I saw your
mother’s horses at the main stables. I didn’t know that you have one, as well.”

  “Actually, my brother and I share this one,” Wesley responded. “This one was the original stable. It caught fire when my dad was a young boy. I had it rebuilt maybe five years ago.”

  “How many horses do you own?” Lydia asked as they neared the stables. “I think I counted at least a dozen when your mother gave me a tour.”

  “I have four,” he responded. “Laney and my mother have ten horses. They sold two of them last week at the auction.”

  Wesley took her by the hand and led her into the stable. “C’mon, I’ll introduce you to them.”

  She relished the feel of his skin touching hers.

  “This is Queenie Blue. She’s a twelve-year-old blue roan mare.”

  “She’s gorgeous,” Lydia murmured.

  “And this is Shadow.”

  “Nice to meet you, Shadow,” she said. “You are a pretty horse. I bet you’re a sweetie.”

  “Right here, we have Spartan. Shadow is his foal.” He pointed to his right. “Over there is Sweet Mac.”

  Lydia chuckled at the name.

  “Have you ever ridden a horse?” Wesley wanted to know.

  “I rode a pony when I was about five or six.”

  He laughed.

  “I’m pretty sure that there’s not much difference between the two,” Lydia stated.

  “Would you like to take a ride? I want to show you the rest of the ranch.”

  “Sure,” she responded with a smile.

  “Shadow is a really calm horse,” Wesley told her. “She’s perfect for you.”

  He helped her up.

  “Okay, I don’t remember it being like this,” Lydia said. “This saddle is not very comfortable.” She held the reins together in the palm of her left hand.

  “When you want her to turn, move your hand to either side,” Wesley instructed. “When you do that, you’re controlling Shadow’s head. Control her head and her body will follow.”

  Lydia wasn’t afraid, but she felt twinges of anxiety at the thought of riding a horse for the first time in her life. She recounted Wesley’s instructions to apply a downward pressure with her feet in the stirrups—this was supposed to keep her from all of the bouncing up and down in the saddle.

  “How are you doing, lil’ lady?” he asked after they had ridden for about ten minutes.

  “Okay, I think,” Lydia responded with a grimace. “This saddle isn’t at all comfortable, Wes.”

  He looked back at her. “Try standing up from time to time—this should help relieve some of the pain.”

  She shook her head no. “I’d rather focus on riding right now. I’m not ready to try anything like standing.”

  “Why don’t we head back?” Wesley suggested, turning his horse around. “You’re going to be sore after your ride, and it’s going to be even worse tomorrow.”

  “Let’s keep going. I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

  Cool, moist air washed in as they rode past the main house. It had rained sometime in the night, but the air still smelled sweet, fresh and alive. Lydia loved mornings like this. She would miss this when she returned to Los Angeles.

  “Are you okay?” he inquired.

  “Yes.” She gave him a tight smile.

  Wesley broke into a grin. “I told you that you were going to be sore.”

  Her bottom was aching, but Lydia refused to give in to the pain. She wanted to prove to Wesley that she could survive life on a ranch.

  But for what purpose?

  * * *

  The next morning, Lydia’s body screamed in protest as she eased out of bed and padded barefoot to the shower.

  She showered and dressed in a pair of sweats. It was the only clothing that felt comfortable. Her hair was damp from her shower, so Lydia allowed it to hang freely in soft curls.

  She walked gingerly over to the sofa and eased herself down. Lydia had just reached for her laptop when a sudden knock on her door caught her by surprise.

  She muttered a curse at the thought of having to get up.

  The knock persisted.

  Grunting in pain, Lydia made her way to the door and yanked it open.

  “Good morning,” Wes greeted with a smile on his face. “I thought I’d come check on you. I wanted to make sure you survived your first horse ride.”

  “I didn’t think I’d be this sore. I came home and soaked in the tub yesterday.” Lydia made a face. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get back on another horse.”

  “The second day is always the worst. That’s why I made an appointment for you with Calamity Jane’s Spa and Salon. My mother and sister rave about their services.”

  Lydia was both surprised and touched by his gesture. “Really? Wes, this is very thoughtful of you.”

  “Hopefully, after a day of pampering, you’ll feel like having dinner with me tonight.”

  “Spa or no spa, I would love to have dinner with you,” she responded with a smile.

  “So all is forgiven then?”

  “Yes, all is forgiven,” Lydia told him.

  He planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll take you to the spa. I’m not sure you should be driving in your condition.”

  She pushed him toward the door. “I’m not that fragile, Wes. I’ll see you tonight.”

  When he left, she groaned softly. “I am never getting on another horse as long as I live.”

  Within the hour, Lydia was on a table with her eyes closed, enjoying a hot-stone massage. She had passed by the spa a few times but never once thought to treat herself to the myriad of spa services offered.

  Now I see why Samara’s so addicted to what she calls her rejuvenation treatments. This is heavenly.

  Her mother’s birthday was coming up in a few months, and she knew exactly what she wanted to do for her. She was going to take her to a spa. Everyone needed to experience this journey of health and beauty, Lydia decided.

  It amazed her that somehow Wesley always seemed to know what she needed. Lydia wondered if this was what it was like for soul mates.

  After her hot-stone massage, she opted for a mud treatment for her hands and feet while one of the attendants gave her a warm scalp massage.

  Lydia strolled out of the spa feeling like a new woman, renewed and filled with anticipation.

  * * *

  “You look stunning,” Wesley said.

  He then reached across the table and kissed her on the lips.

  Lydia broke into a smile. “I suppose you are partly responsible for my transformation. I will be frequenting Calamity Jane’s while I’m here in Granger. It was truly an amazing experience.”

  Lydia did not add that this was the first time she had ever been to a spa. Although Samara frequented them every other day, she had never once invited Lydia to join her.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” he responded.

  “I did. I feel so much better, too.”

  “I don’t think we can ignore the obvious,” Wesley announced. “What we feel for one another is not something fleeting.”

  Lydia wiped her mouth on the edge of a napkin. “I agree.”

  He met her gaze. “I told you before that I was not going to just let you walk out of my life. I meant it.”

  “Wes, I want you to know that I’ve learned a lot about ranching—and even about myself—from you. If someone had told me six months ago that I would be here in Granger, Montana...I would’ve burst out laughing.”

  “How do you feel about Granger now?”

  “It’s a really beautiful place to live. I have to admit that I had no idea that Montana was so picturesque.” She chuckled. “I sound like a tourist, don’t I?”

  Wesley laughed and nodded. “But
it’s fine. Since Laney won that gold medal, people from all over have been visiting the town and inquiring about purchasing property. It’s a good thing on one hand, but on the other...”

  “You don’t sound happy about this,” she commented. “Isn’t this a good thing?”

  He gave a slight shrug. “I have mixed feelings about it, but I don’t want to talk about that right now. I want to talk about us.”

  He had her full attention.

  “I am ready to commit to you, Lydia,” Wesley stated. “There is not another woman for me.”

  “Are you sure about this?” she asked. “Things are fine between us just the way that they are.”

  Wesley shook his head no. “I want more.”

  “In truth, so do I,” Lydia told him. “I haven’t wanted to say it out loud because... Wes, do you really believe that we can build a relationship long distance?”

  “If we’re completely committed to one another, I believe anything is possible. Before I met you, my answer would’ve been no, it won’t work, but now...you’ve changed my perspective on life.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his.

  “I never imagined in a million years that I could be this happy,” she murmured. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m a happy person, but it’s never been like this.” Lydia gave a slight shrug. “I guess I sound silly.”

  “Believe it or not, I know exactly what you mean,” he responded.

  “Wes, I want you to know that I don’t expect you to walk away from the ranch,” Lydia stated. “I will support whatever you decide to do.”

  “I appreciate that,” he told her. “With all of the tourists coming to town and outsiders trying to buy up land—things are gonna change around here. I’m just not sure it’s gonna be for the best.”

  “You mentioned earlier how you have mixed feelings about this.” Lydia took a sip of her water. “Maggie isn’t really thrilled, either.”

  “I actually have a piece of property up for sale, but I’ve been reluctant to seriously pursue any offers. I bought this ranch in Hastings about four years ago but haven’t done anything with it. It’s beautiful land with a lake. Ten acres with another four acres of trees.”