Betting on Texas

by Amanda Renee

Miranda finished mucking stalls and fed the horses. While she still feared handling them on her own, she didn’t have any problems. She spoke Jesse’s instructions aloud as she haltered each one. It calmed her and she thought it would let the horses get used to her voice. She also noticed Mable watching her from the porch in case something went awry.

  Though she never made mention of it, Miranda suspected Mable knew her way around a horse or two.

  It was hot. So hot, she wouldn’t be surprised if the chickens started laying hard-boiled eggs. She changed into a tank top instead of a T-shirt, hoping it would offer some relief under the sweltering June sun. It didn’t. She sweated her way through Jesse’s list and finished the blasted thing by the time the sun was about to set.

  She looked around the stables. Air-conditioning. Horses should have air-conditioning. She wondered how difficult it would be to retrofit the stables with a cooling system of some sort. Then again, it’s not as if she was planning to keep any of them. They were Jesse’s pride and joy but he trained them to sell them. Although Miranda couldn’t imagine bonding with the animals only to let them go.

  Every part of her ached. After denying herself a soak in the tub this morning, she would indulge tonight. Even though the aroma of Mable’s barbeque made her salivate, her bath took precedence.

  Exhausted, she settled into the hot water. The stiffness eased from her body as she thought about Jesse’s bet. He was determined. She’d give him that much. However, it was all she would give him. How he expected to win was beyond her. Working the ranch for a month may not be the easiest thing in the world, but it wasn’t enough to make her leave the only place she’d ever truly felt was home.

  Miranda regretfully dragged herself from the tub. Once in her bedroom, she threw on a clean shirt and shorts. She sat on the edge of her bed and pulled on her socks. The last thing she wanted to do was go down and listen to Jesse make some wise remark about her day.

  * * *

  “WHERE’S MIRANDA?” JESSE scratched Max behind the ears as he watched Mable pull the pork. It was customary to have a big barbeque whenever other people helped out on the ranch. Jesse was anxious to hear how Miranda made out.

  “She came in a few minutes before you arrived. She finished your list. At least it’s what I think she mumbled. She wanted to get cleaned up before supper.”

  “I bet she had a thing or two to say after I left.” Jesse could only imagine how much she had to say behind his back.

  “Nope. Never said a word. Didn’t even come in for lunch. Had to chase her down just to get some water into her.”

  What? Jesse didn’t believe it. He thought for sure she would have given up at some point during the day. At least to bad-mouth him for a spell. He thought his list would intimidate her right back to the city. Apparently, she had no problem with it. Tomorrow he’d make it longer.

  Throughout the day, his thoughts had settled on Miranda. No matter how much he’d tried to focus on his work, she would pop in and out of his head. More in, than out. It wasn’t his style to be so heartless toward a woman, but she had something he wanted. More than one thing. He wouldn’t stop until he got it.

  She was an attractive woman. Too attractive for him to be caught up in his feelings for her. The safest thing for him to do was send her packing. The sooner the better. He already let his guard down too much yesterday.

  He enjoyed teaching her to ride. She’d looked beautiful with her hair falling loosely behind her. A sense of peace seemed to wash over her as she sat atop her mount. Gone were the lines of frustration and worry on her forehead. Her arms relaxed, the reins loose in her hands. It was a look he would forever imprint in his mind. It was the only time he’d seen her carefree.

  Ever since he first laid eyes on Miranda, it was as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. With Lone Star, she was as free as a bird. Sure, she’s in a little pain now but he was certain the more she rode, the more she would fall in love with it.

  This was good and bad. Jesse always loved to share his passion for horses with anyone who would listen. When a tenderfoot finds the trust in themselves and the animal, a beautiful relationship begins. Nothing beat the feeling of riding across a wide-open field astride a powerful animal. He could only compare it to an eagle in flight.

  The question remained. Did he really want Miranda to become addicted to the sense of freedom? He had seriously mixed emotions about all of this. He felt Miranda needed some happiness in her life. It was rare she smiled unless it followed something sarcastic that shot from her mouth. When she did smile, her eyes betrayed her. There was always a sense of sadness and longing behind them. While he wanted her to be happy, he didn’t want her to be happy on his ranch.

  The barbeque was ready and still no sign of Miranda. Curiosity got the best of him, and he took the kitchen stairs two at a time. The bedroom door was open a crack. He peeked in.

  “Miranda?”

  No answer.

  But then he heard the sound of her steady, even breathing. There she was, sound asleep on her back, half on the bed, half off. She looked so sweet and almost childlike. One sock was on and the other still clutched in her hand. Jesse enjoyed the moment. She couldn’t argue with him when she was asleep. He hated to be mean, but the only way he would win the bet was to play a little dirty. He closed the door all the way and pounded on it.

  “Miranda!” he shouted. “Supper time. You awake in there?”

  Jesse kept up the thunderous pounding until the door flew open. A splash of water hit his face and then the door slammed shut.

  Jesse stared at it. Water dripped from his face and down his shirt. I didn’t see that one coming. In the past, women had thrown an alcoholic beverage or two at him. This was the first time it was water. He opened the door and let himself in.

  “Thanks, darlin’. I needed to clean up a bit. It was dusty out there today.”

  Miranda curled up on the bed, with her back to him. He stood near the edge and poked her with his finger.

  “Get out of here! You’re filthy!” she yelled as she rolled over. “I did what you wanted me to do. Now leave me alone.”

  “Sugar, you look like you’ve been ridden hard and put away wet.”

  Miranda grabbed a throw pillow and used it literally.

  Jesse ducked. “Now, now.” He swatted her rump as she turned her back on him once again. “Mable’s worked hard on that barbeque down there. Plus, it’s Friday night.”

  “Who cares?” Miranda said, her voice muffled by the pillow.

  “I care.” Jesse exaggerated the words. “Everyone’s going down to Slater’s Mill for some dancing.”

  “Have fun.”

  “Come on.” Jesse tried to pull the pillow away from her. “Don’t tell me you’re going to wimp out and not go. Everyone in town will be there.”

  “Tell them I said hello.”

  “All right, but you’re never going to make it in this town if you don’t come out and dance with the rest of us.”

  If anything, that would get her attention. He knew how much she wanted to fit in. Sure enough, she turned over and faced him. “You really know what buttons to push, don’t you?”

  “Come on. Let’s eat. I’ll clean up and we’ll head into town.”

  * * *

  SLATER’S MILL WAS WALL-TO-WALL people, most in jeans and cowboy boots, women included. Others wore outrageous square dancing outfits. Certainly not something, you would find on the rack at Neiman Marcus. Mira
nda watched as they twirled around the pine floor with ease and grace. As complicated as the steps were, she thought it looked like fun.

  Jesse spotted some friends across the room. The casual way he took Miranda’s hand and led her to their table seemed so natural it surprised him when he realized what he was doing.

  “Miranda, this here is my cousin Brandon Slater and his wife, Vicki. My uncle owns this place.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you,” Vicki said.

  She was a petite blonde with bright blue eyes in sharp contrast to her husband’s brawny build, dark hair and dark eyes. Brandon stood and tipped his hat toward Miranda. Miranda saw a resemblance between the two cousins.

  “I’d stand up, but as you can see—” she pointed to her very pregnant belly “—my feet are killing me today.”

  “When are you due?” Miranda asked as she took a seat.

  “Another four weeks.” She patted her front. “Brandon’s more nervous than I am. I keep telling him it’s the most natural thing in the world. Go figure. So, tell me about yourself. We’ve heard so much about you.”

  Miranda laughed. “I hope you don’t believe everything you hear.” Miranda shot a glance sideways at Jesse.

  “Only the good things, I promise,” Vicki reassured.

  “How about a spin on the dance floor?” Brandon helped his wife up from the chair and spun her around perfectly, pregnant and all.

  “Honey, my feet hurt. Later, I promise.”

  “One dance. I’ll make it a quick one.”

  Vicki nodded and joined her husband on the dance floor. Brandon held her close, as if the rest of the place didn’t exist.

  “What are you having, sugar?” Jesse wrapped his arm around Miranda’s shoulder.

  Her skin prickled at his touch. Nice wasn’t his usual method of operation around her. Miranda didn’t bother to shrug him off. She wanted to see how this played out. There was an ulterior motive somewhere. For curiosity’s sake, she allowed herself to nestle against him, enjoying his warmth.

  “A beer’s fine. Thanks. Something light.”

  Jesse playfully squeezed her shoulder before he sauntered over to the bar.

  Miranda missed his touch as soon as it broke. A flashback of their kiss in the motel room came to mind. She felt heat rise to her cheeks and glanced down before anyone noticed.

  “Well, aren’t you the prettiest thing here?” Cole said, and he came up to Miranda. “My brother sure is the lucky one tonight.”

  Miranda blushed more. “Thank you. But I can assure you, your brother and I are not together.”

  “Well, in that case, dance with me, pretty lady.” Cole took her by the hand and led her onto the dance floor. Everyone was in the midst of a line dance.

  “I don’t know how,” Miranda said as she watched Cole step to the music.

  “You’re about to learn.”

  Miranda followed his lead and after a few faulty steps almost resulting in the loss of Cole’s big toe, she had the hang of it.

  Jesse watched her from the side of the dance floor. She smiled and waved while he gave her a round of applause. She was tired and sore, but she was enjoying herself.

  When the song ended, she was out of breath. How in the world could people stay out there song after song? When she returned to the table, Jesse was nowhere in sight.

  She sat down beside Vicki and listened to her explain who was who on the dance floor. Vicki was loaded with gossip and fast became the first female friend she had in town, next to Mable.

  “Now, the one over there, popping out of her shirt.” Vicki pointed to a short brunette in yellow three-inch heels and an ultrashort mini skirt. “She’s Shannon Winters. But all the guys call her ‘Radio Station,’ because anyone can pick her up, especially at night.”

  Miranda choked on the beer Jesse had left for her.

  “I’m not kidding.” Vicki’s face went serious.

  Vicki didn’t mince words and Miranda found it very refreshing. She listened as Vicki continued to fill her in on everyone in town. Her heart stopped when she looked up to see Jesse on the dance floor. His arms enveloped a stunning, auburn-haired centerfold. All laughter subsided as she watched Jesse hold the woman close and whisper in her ear.

  “Now, there’s Lexi Lawson.” Vicki shifted in her seat. “She’s Ramblewood’s equine vet. If you haven’t seen her out at your place yet, you will soon.”

  Miranda hadn’t considered Jesse might be seeing someone. She assumed since he was leaving town, he wasn’t involved. By the way he held her and whispered in her ear, they were about as intimate as two people could get with their clothes on.

  “Are they—” The words stuck in Miranda’s throat.

  “Together?” Vicki asked as Miranda nodded. “If Lexi had her way they sure would be. Jesse’s kept his distance all these years. His brother Shane, on the other hand, has chased after her for as long as I can remember. She likes a challenge. Shane’s too easy for her.”

  “He doesn’t seem to be keeping his distance right now,” Miranda said before she could stop herself. “Not that I care.”

  Vicki laughed. “Sure, you don’t, honey. You always get this worked up when you see two people dancing close.”

  Miranda couldn’t take her eyes off them. They made a handsome couple. There was no doubt about it. Something in the pit of her stomach felt as if it was about to turn over. Maybe the barbeque was getting to her.

  “Relax. Lexi’s a great vet. The ultimate professional. She happens to be very reckless when it comes to her personal life. Not Jesse’s style.”

  That didn’t help the situation any. What if she sweet-talked Jesse into a reckless roll in the hay?

  Aaron stood before her, blocking her view of the dance floor.

  “How about a dance?” Aaron held out his hand.

  “She’d love to,” Vicki offered then whispered in Miranda’s ear, “And make Jesse jealous while you’re at it.”

  Aaron led Miranda to the center of the dance floor. A slow Garth Brooks song played while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “There’s nothing going on between them, you know.”

  “So I’ve heard.” Miranda watched Jesse and Lexi out of the corner of her eye. Aaron spun her around so her back was to them. Then he pulled her in closer.

  They swayed to the music as she closed her eyes to keep from looking their way. She rested her head on the shoulder of the one man who made her feel at ease. Maybe he was the one she should be falling for. At least he cared about her. Only he felt more brotherly to her than romantic.

  Aaron kissed the top of Miranda’s head. A platonic gesture she found most comforting. She sighed as he stroked her back.

  “I know he’s a little rough around the edges, but all in all, he is a pretty good guy.”

  “Funny you should say that.” Miranda looked up at Aaron. “Considering his hatred toward you.”

  “Yeah and whenever he gets into trouble, I’m the first person he calls. Every time. Even before Cole. So pay no mind to what he says.”

  Miranda glanced around the dance floor. Still entwined in each other’s arms, Jesse and Lexi continued to dance. It shouldn’t bother her. She had no claim to him, but for some reason, her heart ached right now. She closed her eyes again, in an attempt to block him out of her mind.

  * * *

  JESSE WATCHED MIRANDA close her eyes and settle closer to Aaron. He was transported back ten years, to the night he lost Rebecca Thompson. When Aaron kisse
d Miranda’s head, his heart missed a few beats.

  “When do you want to breed Montana?” Lexi asked.

  Jesse kept his gaze focused on Miranda and Aaron. Lexi pulled back to look at him.

  “Earth to Jesse.” She followed his eyes to see what he found so fascinating.

  “I’m sorry, Lexi. What did you say?”

  “Listen, if you want to dance with her, then go on over there and cut in.”

  “I don’t want to dance with her.” Lexi didn’t look convinced. “I’m looking out for her.”

  “Sure you are,” Lexi said. “Well, I don’t think you need to worry. She’s in very capable hands.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Jesse shook his head to erase the images that came to mind. “What did you ask me before?”

  “Montana. When do you want to breed her? She’ll be in heat soon and you know how much a young filly wants to mate when she’s in heat.”

  Jesse stopped dancing. He knew Lexi well enough to know she was fueling the fire on purpose. He also knew her feelings toward him. It would be easy to give in. Even though Shane took their father’s side about his working on the ranch, he wasn’t about to betray his brother and steal the only woman he ever loved.

  Jesse stomped to the table with Lexi right on his heels.

  “Admit it. You have it bad for her,” Lexi said as she slid into the chair beside him.

  Cole returned with another round of beers. “Who’s he got it bad for? Miranda?”

  “I don’t have it bad for anyone!”

  “The heck you don’t,” Lexi said.

  Lexi filled Cole in on the details. Jesse snorted in disgust as Miranda and Aaron danced to another slow song. They were closer than any two people had a right to be. Jesse started to stand, his body rigid.

  “Take it easy there,” Cole said as he grabbed his brother’s arm.

  Why is this woman getting under my skin? He knew no matter how many times he questioned himself, the one simple fact remained. She was under his skin and there was no getting around it. He had to win this bet and get her out of his life for his own sanity.