Takin' The Reins

by Stacey Coverstone

  “Oh, Cole. The colors are so pretty. They remind me of the desert, the sky and the sun. Just like I wanted.” Then she noticed the new appliances in the kitchen and screamed in delight. Both men laughed.

  “That’s not all,” Cole said, leading her into the dining room and out through new French doors to the refurbished patio. When she stepped outdoors, joyful tears spilled down her cheeks. Her gaze swung from the turquoise gate to the terracotta pavers embedded in the grass lawn, and finally to the original sandstone fountain that had been sandblasted clean. Sparkling water bubbled out the top. Completing the patio was a wrought iron bench, two comfortable outdoor chairs with cushions, a small side table, and four large pots containing bright blooming flowers and cactus, one sitting in each corner of the courtyard. The piece de resistance was the curving adobe wall tinted a terracotta color to match the house.

  “It’s so much more than I imagined. Everything is perfect.” She sniffed. “I can hardly speak, I’m so moved.”

  “That’ll be one for the record books,” Wyatt joked, slipping his hand around her waist.

  Cole looked proud, and rightfully so. “I’m glad you like it all. But there’s one last thing.”

  “More? Wait. Let me guess.” She grinned. “My ranch sign.”

  “Yes. It’ll be done tomorrow, so I’ll pick it up and come hang it. I know you’re going to be pleased with the outcome.”

  She wiped a tear from her cheek. “This really feels like my home now. I don’t know how to thank you for getting all this done so quickly.”

  “You can write me a big fat check,” he teased, as they stepped back into the house.

  During the tour, Houdini had been walking next to Wyatt, standing obediently as they admired the courtyard. What none of them had noticed was that he’d been nibbling the bottom of Wyatt’s jeans. Wyatt looked down and growled. “Hey! Get off me, dummy.”

  “Come here, Houdini,” Jordan said. She grabbed the lead rope. “This is where you’re going to sleep from now on.” She walked the goat to the rug in front of the fireplace. “I’m going to put a big, soft pillow right here for you.”

  “I’ve heard enough.” Cole shook his head and strolled to the door. “Try to talk some sense into her, won’t you, Wyatt? I didn’t remodel this house for that dang goat to drop its nanny berries all over.”

  “I’ll try,” he said.

  The men shook hands once more and Cole stepped onto the stoop. “Take care of her. She looks very happy. I guess the best man won after all.”

  “I don’t mean to be rude, sport, but there never was any contest.” Wyatt clapped him on the back and shut the door. Then he sauntered to Jordan and took the lead rope from her hand. “Let me put this goat in the field with the horses. I’m sure they’ve missed him.” When she started to protest, he said, “You get some rest this afternoon and I’ll come over this evening and bring dinner with me. Would you like that?”

  She nodded.

  “Move on,” Wyatt said, shoving Houdini out the door.

  “Wait,” Jordan called. “You forgot one thing.” She hobbled over to him.

  “What did I forget?”

  “This.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Come early. I have a surprise for you.”

  ~ * ~

  When Jordan opened the door that evening, she saw Wyatt’s eyes widen and his breath catch in his throat.

  “Damn, you look good,” he muttered. She wore nothing more than a lacy black slip and a smile. She’d left her hair down. It curled around her shoulders in soft waves and her feet were bare— except for the fractured foot, which was minus the brace but bandaged up.

  “You look fine yourself,” she whispered. She drew him to her mouth. After a deep kiss, he broke free long enough to walk to the fridge and toss in the sack of Chinese carry-out food he held. When he slammed the refrigerator door shut, she purred, “You’re not hungry?”

  “You know what I’m hungry for.”

  Without another word, she grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom. She had lit the room with a dozen candles. The light danced off the walls, casting a warm and romantic glow all around. Her bed covers were folded down neatly to offer him a view of crisp white sheets. She kissed him again while tugging his shirt out of his jeans and unbuckling his belt.

  “I hope you don’t mind dessert first,” she said.

  “You know I have a sweet tooth. But are you sure you’re ready for this?” He slid his hands up and down her arms.

  “I wanted our first time to be perfect. And it is. This is the right time.” She passionately kissed him again, hoping he’d realize how ready she was.

  “I don’t have to be asked twice,” he grinned.

  They took turns; Wyatt devoting himself to her body, and she to his, until they were bursting and could wait no longer to consummate their love.

  Later, they lay entwined in each other’s arms and legs, their skin warm, damp and tingling with electricity. He sifted his hand through her tousled hair. In the quiet afterglow of their lovemaking, Jordan focused on nothing but the beating of their one unified heart. As the candles dimmed and melted to stubs, she snuggled into his welcoming chest. It felt like she’d found her home in his arms. Just as she began to drift off, he stroked her face lovingly and whispered, “Darlin’, where you’ve been all my life?”

  Chapter Twenty One

  Jordan felt hot breath on her neck. Wyatt was awake. She opened her sleepy eyes and glanced at the bedside clock. It was early, too early. His arm was draped across her chest, squeezing her gently. Smiling, she realized they were spooning. She heard him inhale and felt a nibble at her neck. Rolling over, she caught the mischief twinkling in his eyes and understood. His desire was hers, too.

  Later, after lying together in tangled sheets, he kissed her and said, “I have to go. The chores won’t do themselves.”

  The sun filtered through the new curtains, which had finally been hung. Jordan leaned on her elbow and watched him dress. Dark stubble erupted from his chin and cheeks. His hair was disheveled, and he didn’t bother to run his hands through it. She loved that about him. He was sexy without even trying. She also loved how passionate he was; and easygoing and confident— in bed and out. He was everything she’d ever longed for in a man, and she’d never felt so happy. He buckled up and then bent down and kissed her deeply.

  “Stay in bed. It’s early. You can sleep in.”

  She stretched and yawned. “Okay. Will you call me later?”

  He slid a sly grin at her. “You can count on it, baby. You’ve reined me in, and the lasso is tight.”

  She smiled. Baby. No one had called her the pet name before. She loved it.

  His boot heels thudded across the wooden floors and the front door closed. When his pickup shuddered, she hopped out of bed and spread the curtains so she could peek out the window. He looked through his windshield and stared directly at her and waved. She waved back with her heart skipping.

  There was no going back to sleep now. She made her bed and suddenly felt famished. They’d never finished the Chinese food the night before, so she slipped on a tee shirt and padded into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As she waited for it to perk, she scrambled an egg, fried up bacon, and fixed some toast, humming as she cooked. Wyatt brought out the domestic goddess in her. She carried her plate to the courtyard and ate while watching the sun rise over the mountains.

  The Sacramento Mountains were bathed in a dazzling pink and orange light, and the morning haze danced across the desert floor. With the fountain gurgling and the sun warming her skin, she basked in the rightness of her world. After cleaning her plate and enjoying the view a while longer, she took a long bath and then dressed and strolled to the barn. When Houdini refused to look her in the eye, she felt guilty. She had left him in the barn after promising him a sleeping spot in front of the fireplace.

  “I swear. The way you act, I think you’re a reincarnated human, Houdini.” He trotted ahead of her with his nose in the a
ir. “I’m sorry, boy. Last night I got preoccupied. Tonight, I promise you’ll come inside.” She caught him by the scruff of his neck and scratched under his chin. When she slipped him a peppermint, he cooed, “Maaaaa.”

  Fortunately, her Jeep was automatic so she wouldn’t be stuck at home on her bum foot unable to go anywhere. When her chores were done, she headed to Tularosa. There was someone she’d been thinking about; someone she wanted to visit.

  Passing by the Circle B, she saw Tag lying on the porch, as usual. Wyatt’s truck was parked near the barn. Hoping to catch a glimpse of him, she craned her neck while driving by, but he was nowhere in sight. Once in town, she drove straight to the cemetery. Upon arriving, she was glad to find herself alone. The tall trees near Lydia’s grave shaded her while she sat cross-legged on the ground and talked to her grandmother. She ended by sending up a fervent prayer to Heaven.

  “Lydia, I hope you, Grandpa, and Mom are finally together— a family at last.” She placed a bouquet of flowers against the stone and blew a kiss before leaving.

  Back at the ranch, she stopped under the arched entrance. Ahead, in the driveway she spied Cole’s truck and a small blue car. More interested, at the moment, in the new sign hanging overhead, she put the Jeep in park and got out. An ornate wooden sign swung elegantly from metal hooks. Cast in metal in graceful cursive were the words: Lucky Seven Ranch. This was the final touch. Her ranch was complete. How proud she felt!

  When she drove up to the house, Jordan was pleased to see Cole and Rachel standing in the yard chatting. He jogged over to meet her.

  “The sign is perfect!” she exclaimed. “I love it. Hi, Rachel,” she said, leaning toward her for a hug.

  “Hi, Jordan. Your place is great. I came for a visit and look who I found here.” The two women exchanged subtle grins.

  “I’m glad you made it. Has Cole showed you around?”

  “Just the outside. He thought you might be back soon so I waited, and we’ve been catching up.”

  “Good. Come inside to see the house, and I’ll get you both something cold to drink.”

  After giving Rachel the grand tour of the remodeled adobe, the three of them stepped back outside.

  “Cole introduced me to your horses,” Rachel said. “He mentioned you might want to sell some of them. I think my dad will be interested in buying several.”

  Jordan’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding!”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “That would be terrific. When can he come out to look at them?”

  “While we were waiting for you, I called him on my cell and he has some free time tomorrow, if you’re going to be around.”

  “Of course. I’ll make time, because I really need to thin out the herd. This is great news. Brannigan told me he might know someone who would be interested in one or two of them, so maybe all five will find good homes.”

  “Have you come up with any ideas about how to find Buttercup and get her back?” Cole asked.

  She shook her head. “We can’t do anything until we have proof that Stillwell ordered Campbell and Cruz to horse-nap her. You don’t think they’ll hurt her, do you, Cole?”

  “No, but they’re bound to make another move soon.”

  “Do you suppose Stillwell will demand a ransom for her?”

  “That’s my guess.”

  “This is just like a TV show,” Rachel said.

  “I just want to be done with all of it,” Jordan sighed.

  Cole sympathized. “I understand, but it’s not right. Let me know if you want help getting her back. We know they’re holding her somewhere. The question is where. She’s not at Stillwell’s. I did a little undercover work on my own.”

  Jordan’s eyes grew large. She thought of how Wyatt had gotten his split lip. “You’d better not get caught trespassing on his property. Don’t do anything else stupid on my account.”

  “I didn’t, and I won’t.”

  “Okay.” Her gaze moved between Rachel and Cole. They looked very comfortable together. “Would you two like to stay for lunch?”

  “Thanks for the invite,” Rachel said, “but Cole has invited me to lunch in town.” She gave Jordan a wink when Cole turned his head. “In fact,” she said, looking at her watch, “I guess we should get going before time slips away.”

  “Don’t let me keep you,” Jordan said. “Enjoy the rest of the day.”

  “You’re coming to the rodeo Friday night, aren’t you?” Rachel asked as Jordan walked them to their vehicles.

  “You bet. I’m hobbling around fine on this foot. I can’t wait to see you barrel race. Tell your dad I look forward to seeing him tomorrow, too. I’ll be around all day. He can come whenever he wants.”

  “I’ll be coming with him,” Rachel said, allowing Cole to open her car door.

  “Cole, are you going to the rodeo?” Jordan asked. His big smile directed at Rachel answered her question.

  ~ * ~

  Wyatt called early that afternoon. Hearing his deep voice caused Jordan’s stomach to flip-flop.

  “I’ve spent the morning irrigating, cleaning stalls, working on a lawn tractor, doing laundry…and thinking about you,” he said in his slow, smooth way. “I’m wondering if you’d join me for dinner tonight.”

  “Does that include dessert?” Her flirty tone made it clear she wasn’t talking about food.

  He chuckled. “I do like the way you think, woman.”

  She’d never been so bold with a man before, but with Wyatt, she felt she could say anything to him and not be embarrassed. She was able to be herself, and it felt so good to be with a man who connected with her on all levels.

  “If you can drive yourself over here, I’ll show you the rest of my place. You didn’t see much the last time you were here. Do you think you can manage with your foot, or should I come pick you up?”

  “My Jeep’s an automatic. I drove into town and back today and did fine.”

  “Great. Put on a pretty dress. I’m taking you out tonight.”

  She could practically see him grinning through the phone. “All right. Are we celebrating something special?”

  “Every time I’m with you it’s special. See you around five.”

  When she arrived at the Circle B at five on the dot, she noticed the Mustang was in the drive looking freshly washed and waxed. Both Wyatt and Tag greeted her when she rapped on the door.

  “Hello, Tag!” she cried, rubbing the top of the dog’s head.

  “What about me?” Wyatt stuck out his lip in a fake pout.

  “Hello, handsome.” She sifted her fingers through his sandy hair. When he tipped her chin up, her knees went weak as he pulled her into his chest and greedily kissed her. When he set her back, she eyeballed him. He was wearing jeans and a turquoise shirt that brought out the dazzle in his hypnotic eyes.

  “You look beautiful, as always,” he complimented, taking her hand. She’d worn a clingy dress that accentuated all her curves. “Come in. Let me show you around properly. Our visit was cut short last time.”

  “I remember.”

  He led her through each of the rooms, apologizing for their lack of pizzazz. “I’ve been a bachelor a long time.” When they stepped into the living room, they both glanced at the leather sofa where they’d been fooling around when interrupted by the delivery of the horse semen. Their simultaneous laughs filled up the room. Next on the tour came the master bedroom. Jordan fixed her gaze upon the king-sized brass bed.

  “Mmmm. Looks comfy.” She climbed onto the mattress and bounced up and down.

  “Want to find out just how comfy?” he teased, gently pushing her onto her back. They kissed and he gazed into her eyes.

  “I want to sleep here tonight,” she announced.

  “You’re going to, baby. But first things first.” He pulled her up by the fingertips and helped her off the bed. “We’re going on a proper date.” With his arm snaked around her waist, they entered the kitchen and Wyatt shook a cup of dog food into Tag’s bowl and pett
ed him on the head. “If you’re a good boy while we’re gone, I’ll bring you a juicy bone.” Tag seemed to smile at his master before digging into the kibble.

  Outside, Wyatt opened the passenger door of the Mustang for her, like a true gentleman.

  “Where are we going?” she wanted to know.

  “To dinner.”

  “Yes, but where?”

  “Have patience, my dear. You’ll see.” He flipped on the radio and headed out of town. Her hair blew wild in the balmy air. She assumed they were going to Alamogordo and shot him a puzzled look when he turned onto Highway 82. The sign pointed to the village of Cloudcroft, which she had heard about but hadn’t had time to visit.

  The drive took them meandering through the mountains, climbing a sixteen-mile road that wound toward the blue sky. She continually gasped at the spectacular scenery that met them around every curve. Right before entering a tunnel, Wyatt pulled the Mustang over so they could get out and enjoy a view overlooking miles of desert landscape. The nearly three hundred sixty degree panorama of unspoiled vistas was so breathtaking, Jordan found it difficult to speak. Farther along the route, Wyatt pointed out an old wooden trestle nestled in a canyon. It stood amongst a forest of tall, cool pines. He gave her a short history lesson.

  “That trestle is a remnant of the old logging and excursion railroad, completed one hundred years ago between Alamogordo and El Paso.”

  “I can picture a train chugging through this forest,” she said, awestruck. “It must have been quite a journey back then.”

  The rest of the drive took them through high mountain meadows where the air became cooler—a welcome relief from the hot desert below. As they reached the sleepy village in the sky, Wyatt told her Cloudcroft got its name because it stood nine thousand feet above sea level, literally in the clouds.

  “It’s so lovely up here. Almost like another world,” Jordan said, as he drove down a tree-lined dirt road. At the end of the road a magnificent old inn came into view.