Cowboy Dad

by Cathy McDavid

  “We don’t have a day or two.” The steel in Aaron’s voice matched the hard set of his jaw.

  “Why not? There’s no rush.”

  “There is if we want Aaron here,” Millie said. “Which we do. It’s his connections that will enable us to pull this off.”

  At the reminder of his leaving, Natalie stopped typing. Listening to him talk about the breakfast trail ride, being swept up in the tide of his excitement, it had been easy to forget he’d be gone in another three weeks.

  “He can come back.” Jake answered matter-of-factly.

  Hope surged in Natalie, only to be dashed.

  “I can’t,” Aaron countered. “Not right away.”

  “Busy?”

  “Come on, Jake,” Millie admonished. “You, too, Aaron. Let’s stay on track, please.” She put each man in his place with a stern look. “When Aaron can or can’t return to the ranch is irrelevant. We all know April’s the perfect month for the ride. The weather’s gorgeous. There are no holidays to create a conflict. People aren’t leaving on vacation.”

  “There’s a lot to do in a short time.” Aaron picked up where Millie left off. “The sooner we get started the better.”

  “We can have enough of the family here tonight for a quorum,” Millie appealed to Jake. “Present the plan and take a vote.”

  “And if they’re against the plan?”

  “I’ll bribe them.”

  He shot her a disapproving frown.

  “Come on,” she teased. “Lighten up.”

  “What about you?” He turned his attention to Aaron. “How will you feel if the family votes no?”

  “I’ll abide by whatever they decide. But be warned, I’m going to do my absolute best to convince them to vote yes.”

  Natalie stared at him in awe. Here sat a man brimming with confidence, burning with drive and consumed with passion for a cause he believed in. Aaron the cowboy was sexy. Aaron the businessman stole her heart. And, to be completely honest, incited a desire within her she hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever.

  “I’ll start placing calls to the family.” Millie was the first on her feet. “Seven-thirty okay with everyone?”

  “Yes,” Jake said. He and Aaron, apparently forgetting Millie’s warning, were locked in visual combat over his desk.

  Natalie powered down the laptop. She knew she was expected to leave and return to the front desk, not hang around. At the door to Jake’s office, she caught the tail end of his remark to Aaron. It stopped her cold.

  “This may surprise you, Reyes, but I’m going to do my absolute best to convince the family to vote yes, too.”

  She reached for the doorjamb with her free hand, needing something solid to hold on to.

  If she wasn’t mistaken, the earth had just moved.

  NATALIE STOOD at Alice’s desk, her back to the door, and scrawled a hasty note explaining about the meeting minutes she’d taken and the follow-up list. She then taped the note to the top of the laptop, which she set in the center of Alice’s desk. At the click of the office door closing, she spun around, her involuntary retreat halted by the desk pressing into the backs of her thighs.

  Aaron came toward her, tall, broad-shouldered, his stride purposeful. Natalie immediately jumped to all kinds of conclusions, every one of them having to do with the closed door and the fact they were alone together.

  She watched him advance, her insides in turmoil. He’d shown her a different side to himself today, one she’d found irresistible.

  Did he sense her changing feelings toward him and intend to do something about it?

  “I thought Alice might want this list of my contacts.” He handed Natalie a piece of paper.

  “Ah…okay.” Talk about misreading signals.

  She took the paper, turned sideways and laid it next to the laptop. When she turned back around, Aaron was standing so close, one deep breath and she’d be snuggled up against him.

  “D-didn’t we agree n-not to do this?” she stammered.

  “We agreed not to kiss. I don’t remember anything about being in the same room together.”

  “Same room together? Any nearer and we’d be—” She stopped short, distracted by the sensual currents flowing between them.

  They couldn’t risk another semipublic indiscretion. Not with Jake in the next office. Natalie ducked and slipped out from between Aaron and the desk. She retreated a safe distance, which wound up being a mere two feet. Alice didn’t have a large office.

  “That’s a really terrific idea you had for the breakfast trail ride,” Natalie said. Safe distance, safe subject.

  “I’d like to take all the credit, but the fact is, I stole it from a friend in Colorado.”

  “It’s still terrific. There’s nothing like it in these parts.”

  He leaned against the desk where seconds ago she’d been standing, giving her that same slow, I’m-just-a-simple-cowboy smile he had that first day he arrived. Except now she knew better. Aaron was no simple cowboy.

  “The family will vote to have the ride,” she said confidently. “You have nothing to worry about. Especially with Jake behind you.”

  Aaron pushed his hat back on his head, his expression changing to one of bafflement. “Never thought I’d live to see the day he’d side with me on anything.”

  “Jake’s a smart businessman. He knows a winning proposition when he hears it. The last couple years have been lean. He not only kept the ranch afloat, he turned a profit. Small, but better than losing money.”

  “I know. I get the quarterly reports.”

  “And he did it in the wake of losing his sister.”

  “You don’t have to cheer him on. My problems with him have nothing to do with the ranch or his management of it.”

  “I may not always agree with him. And, yes, his temperament since his divorce leaves a lot to be desired. But he’s a good manager, a good boss and you won’t find a better friend.”

  “Or a more dangerous enemy?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “You’re hedging.”

  “A little.”

  “I’m not afraid of him, Natalie.”

  “No, I don’t think you are.”

  Aaron inched closer, narrowing the safety zone she’d created to a thin ribbon. “Say the word, and I’ll battle Jake to the bitter end for you and Shiloh.”

  Her and Shiloh. Oh, sweet heaven. He didn’t just want her, he wanted her baby, too.

  “Please,” she whispered. “I need more time.” Why did she have to be so sensible? Why couldn’t she throw herself at him and to hell with the consequences?

  Because she had a daughter to think about. A job. A family. A home. And not being sensible, not looking before she leaped, was what landed her in trouble before.

  “There’s no one at the front desk. I have to get back.” A cop-out, yes, but a necessary one. Natalie was in no shape emotionally to resist Aaron.

  “Okay.” He didn’t move from Alice’s desk, making it clear to both of them she was the one retreating and he was the one willing to take a stand. “I’ll see you at the meeting tonight.”

  “Meeting tonight?”

  “Won’t you be there to take notes again?”

  She’d forgotten about Alice being sick. “Um, I guess.” She’d have to check with her mother to see if she could babysit.

  “Would you like me to pick you up and drive you to Founders Cabin?” he asked.

  “That’s not necessary. I have the golf cart.”

  “Then will you pick me up and drive me there?”

  “If you’d like.” She worked for him and couldn’t refuse. At least, that was the excuse she gave herself.

  “I’d like. See you at seven-fifteen.”

  How could something so innocuous sound so seductive? She really had to get out of Alice’s office fast.

  “Olivia was right about something she said to me yesterday.”

  “Oh?” Natalie paused with the door half opened.

  “She told me not
to play around with you unless I was playing for keeps.”

  “Sounds like her,” Natalie answered weakly.

  “I told her not to worry.” His voice drifted over her like an intimate caress. “When I play, querida, it’s always for keeps.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Thanks for coming. Nice to see you. Glad you made it.”

  Aaron tipped his cowboy hat, shook hands, smiled and clapped shoulders on his way out of the dining hall. He had exactly three minutes to meet up with Quick Draw for their scheduled broadcast.

  The last two weeks had been one big blur, with everyone on the ranch working their collective butts off. The end result, however, was well worth it. Nearly two hundred participants had shown up for the breakfast trail ride, well exceeding everyone’s expectations.

  As Aaron promised Millie, the five canceled cabins were rented, along with three more. He had high hopes they’d be booked solid before the end of the day. And why not? Mother Nature had cooperated by giving them a beautiful day, rental rates were discounted, the trails lush with foliage and the fishing excellent. Who could resist staying another night?

  The dining hall wasn’t large enough to accommodate the large crowd. Dozens of people spilled outside in search of a chair, bench, log or anyplace they could sit while eating. Representatives from the local merchants who’d contributed were also present and mingling with the participants. A reporter from the Payson Gallop was on the grounds, snapping pictures and conducting interviews.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Aaron said to Quick Draw, distracted again by another old friend waving at him.

  The KRDS DJ sat at a table in the corner of the parking lot nearest the main lodge. Two techies hovered around him, running equipment and keeping spectators from tripping over the many wires running to the colorfully painted van behind him.

  “No problem. Hey, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Quick Draw indicated a woman standing near the table. “Aaron Reyes, this is Kate Drummond from Air Waves Communications, the parent company of KRDS.”

  “How do you do?” She offered her hand to Aaron.

  “Fine. And yourself?”

  With so much on his mind, Aaron found it hard to listen while the woman explained about Air Waves and the ten radio stations they owned in four western states, all but KRDS located in major markets. Before Aaron had a chance to ask her what brought her to the ranch, Quick Draw recruited him for his spot in the live broadcast.

  “We’re here today for the first annual breakfast trail ride,” the DJ said into the microphone, “the proceeds of which go to the Hailey Reyes Foundation. With me is my good buddy Aaron Reyes, former national rodeo champion, head of the foundation and one of the owners of Bear Creek Ranch.”

  “Thanks for having me again, Quick Draw.”

  “You chatted with us about the foundation and its equestrian-safety program earlier this week,” Quick Draw said, referring to Aaron’s phone interview the previous Wednesday. “But why don’t you tell us again for those listeners just tuning in.”

  Aaron recapped the mandate of the foundation and the safety program, trying to be energetic and entertaining. Not easy with only four or five hours’ sleep most nights this week.

  He caught sight of Natalie strolling up the walkway to the main lodge, engaged in an animated conversation with a guest. He promptly tripped up, forgetting what he was about to say. Quick Draw adeptly covered for him so that no one listening would notice.

  Aaron nodded his thanks.

  Quick Draw’s broad wink implied he didn’t blame Aaron for messing up.

  Natalie was lovely to watch. She obviously enjoyed her job. It showed in her sunny smile, the comfortable and relaxed manner in which she moved and her skill at making each guest feel special. If she were to leave Bear Creek Ranch, where else could she go and find a job that suited her like this one did? A place where she not only worked but belonged?

  Aaron had traveled much of the western United States. Rodeoing had also taken him to parts of Mexico and Canada. In all the cities he visited, he’d discovered only two women who made him think of settling down. Both had grown up on Bear Creek Ranch.

  “I understand you have some interesting facts about the number of head injuries every year due to falls from horses,” Quick Draw asked, moving the interview along.

  “Most people don’t put a whole lot of thought into horse-related accidents.” Aaron cited the information given to him by the foundation’s statistician, then explained how the figures could be dramatically reduced by wearing helmets.

  He and Quick Draw exchanged several more questions and answers, with the DJ occasionally interjecting a joke to keep things lively. Not long after, he wrapped up the interview.

  “How can our listeners learn more about the foundation?”

  “Visit our Web site.” Aaron gave the address. “There’s all kinds of good information on how an organization or equine youth program can apply for assistance in purchasing helmets.”

  “And to make a donation?”

  “You bet. The address and phone number are both there.”

  “Thanks again, Aaron. It’s always a pleasure talking with you.”

  “Always a pleasure being on your show.”

  “Tell me, what’s in store for you next? I understand you’re leaving Bear Creek Ranch soon.”

  “I, ah, have some business back in Phoenix.” Aaron’s glance went straight to Natalie. She’d finished her conversation with the guest and was standing on a small rise, watching him. They were separated by a good thirty feet. The distance did nothing to diminish the connection he felt with her. “After that, I’m not sure. I’ve really enjoyed working here.”

  He meant every word. Since coming to Bear Creek Ranch, parts of him he thought shriveled and dead had come back to life.

  “Will you be returning next year?”

  “Absolutely.”

  For the past two weeks he’d managed not to be alone with Natalie only because they both had been so busy getting ready for the breakfast trail ride. During the day, he’d had little time to think about her and the many possibilities his mind conjured. Nights, however, were a different story. She was as much responsible for his lack of sleep as was his overloaded schedule.

  He’d left the decision in her hands. She’d apparently chosen the ranch and her job over a relationship with him. He didn’t blame her. She not only had a great job but a wonderful environment in which to raise her daughter, one close to her parents. He didn’t even have a real home anymore. Supposing Natalie did consent to leave with him. He couldn’t take her and Shiloh to the small handyman quarters on his friend’s dairy farm outside Laveen where he stayed when he wasn’t traveling.

  Not that he’d consider asking Natalie to leave with him at this point. He’d lived at Bear Creek Ranch for seven weeks, kissed her twice, yet they were still relative strangers. They needed to know each other better before making any serious decisions.

  He had nine days left. Longer if he postponed the quarterly board meeting.

  The more he thought about it, the more the idea of staying on appealed to him. He’d call his banker, accountant and attorney tomorrow and move up the board meeting to the last week of April. After the meeting and a long-overdue visit to his mother, he’d return to Bear Creek Ranch.

  “Well, good luck to you, Aaron,” Quick Draw said, bringing the interview to a close.

  “Thanks.” He shook the DJ’s hand. “I’ll see you around.”

  “Maybe sooner than you think.”

  Funny, that was supposed to be Aaron’s line.

  NATALIE HAD DISAPPEARED inside the main lodge sometime near the end of Aaron’s interview. He made his way there now. Breakfast was still going, and the ride wasn’t scheduled to start for another half hour. If she wasn’t too busy, he’d take her aside and speak to her. He didn’t quite know what he’d say but he had a whole ninety seconds before he hit the lobby door to think of something.

  He wiped his damp brow. N
ot since he’d asked Ann Marie Chavez to the homecoming dance in eleventh grade was he this nervous about approaching a woman.

  Long tables had been set up on the porch and inside the lobby, displaying the silent-auction items. People bunched in front of the tables, inspecting the auction items and writing down their bids. Aaron was forced to wait at the top of the steps for the crowd to thin enough that he could squeeze through. He glanced at some of the bid sheets on his way to the door. The amounts were encouraging. Late last night, he’d run some preliminary numbers based on the monies received to date. That amount would go up considerably after the silent-auction proceeds were added in.

  Not bad for two weeks. Imagine what they could do next spring with a whole year to plan and prepare.

  Aaron came to a sudden halt.

  When had he started including himself with the rest of the Tuckers?

  Strange, but it felt right.

  “Mr. Reyes? Do you have a moment?” The woman he’d met earlier from Air Waves Communications brushed up beside him.

  “Just one. I’m meeting someone inside.” He was usually good at names. Hers escaped him.

  She saved him the trouble by handing him her business card. “Would it be possible to make an appointment with you tomorrow or the day after?”

  “Regarding what—” he glanced at her card “—Ms. Drummond?”

  “A job.”

  “You looking?”

  She smiled. “I’m offering.”

  “Me?”

  “I think you could be just what Air Waves is in the market for.”

  “And what’s that?”

  Guests jostled them from all sides, bumping and shoving.

  “Why don’t we go over there.” She motioned to the far end of the porch where there were less people.

  He’d told her he could only spare a minute yet he found himself giving her more.

  “I didn’t come to Bear Creek Ranch just to watch the KRDS live broadcast, Mr. Reyes.”

  “Call me Aaron. And why are you here?”

  “To observe you in person. See if my hunch is correct.” Jeans and an embroidered cowboy shirt didn’t diminish her very polished appearance. Ms. Drummond could conduct business wearing a potato sack and still come off like a female version of Donald Trump, only nicer. “You caught our interest during the Payson Rodeo. Since then, I’ve watched a lot of old Rodeo Week in Review episodes.”