by Joss Wood
Claimed by the Rancher
by Jules Bennett
One
The bell on the door to Painted Pansies chimed, and nerves danced in Pepper Manning’s stomach. Opening a shop with her one-of-a-kind paintings and unique fresh floral bouquets had been on her bucket list for some time. She might be a drifter, a free spirit of sorts, but her creativity—her ability to make something from nothing—was what really drove her.
Coming back to Stone River, Texas, however, would take some master creative skills. She would certainly be making something from nothing—a business, a home to call her own. Pepper had always loved this town, so it made sense for her to make this the place where she started the next chapter in her life.
Besides, time was not on her side.
If she hadn’t had anyone else to think about, she could’ve chosen a different town to settle into, but in five short months, she’d be a mother.
A single mother with no one else to turn to for support.
Pasting a smile on her face, Pepper stepped through the doorway from the back room and her entire world came to a halt.
The man standing at the display of cheery tangerine roses had Pepper gripping the edge of the door frame. That profile, the black cowboy hat, those narrow hips she’d once known so well...
No. This was too soon. She needed more time. How could she be thrust into her past already? Though she’d been in town a month, this was her first day launching her brand-new business.
She’d assumed he most likely still lived in town because of his family’s ranch and vast holdings, but she hadn’t geared herself up to face him just yet.
Would she ever be ready to face the man who broke her heart at the most vulnerable time of her life? The man she’d been so certain she’d be spending her life with.
Before she could muster up some generic greeting, Nolan Elliott’s gaze swept around the shop and then landed on her.
The flare in his eyes calmed her somewhat, as he was plainly just as stunned to see her as she was to see him. He quickly masked his emotions as he took a step toward her. She sighed despite herself. Apparently some things never changed.
“Pepper.”
That low, sexy drawl of his hadn’t changed over the years. He still managed to make her toes curl with that piercing blue gaze and those strong, broad shoulders. And that mouth. He’d done plenty to make her squirm with that mouth, too.
“I had no idea you were back in town.”
Thankfully, the tall cash wrap separated them. Pepper stepped forward, leaning her hands against the edge. She needed a little support.
“I’ve been back about a month,” she replied. Small talk, she could do that. “I took a few weeks to make this place my own, so this is my first official day open.”
He glanced around again, and she hated how she waited to get his approval. She’d given up letting Nolan Elliott have any control of her mind or her heart years ago when she left town...or so she’d thought. Yet somewhere deep inside her lingered that young, naive girl who thought this man was her everything. She knew better now, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate how undeniably sexy he still was.
“This is a nice store. Good location, too.”
The old two-story brick building had belonged to her grandparents decades ago. They’d never sold it and her free-spirited, nomadic parents had no interest in staying. Granted, she didn’t necessarily want the building, either, but with her funds at an all-time low, she had no choice.
“I assume you’re in need of flowers? Or were you here to look at the paintings?” she asked, hoping to move this process along because having Nolan this close, where she could see him, inhale all that tantalizing masculinity...it brought back an onslaught of feelings she just couldn’t handle right now.
“Flowers,” he replied easily, as if he wasn’t torn up on the inside. Clearly the memories weren’t threatening to strangle him like they were her. He’d pushed her away and obviously moved on without a second thought. “But this artwork is exceptional. I remember how much you loved painting.”
He should remember because she’d tried to teach him...and that had ended up a disaster with paint all over them, which led to the best shower sex of her life. Well, the only shower sex, but regardless, the experience had been epic.
Nolan examined another canvas with bright flowers before bringing that heavy-lidded blue gaze back to her. He tipped up his black cowboy hat, a familiar move she’d seen him do countless times. Only he wasn’t the same cowboy he’d been when she left. Now he was a big, broody, powerfully built man, hotter than she’d ever thought possible.
Being a member of the prestigious Elliott clan didn’t hurt him, either. Gorgeous and wealthy were a lethal combination. He’d been both of those when she’d loved him before, but that had nothing to do with how fast and hard she’d fallen for him. He’d been so much more than her boyfriend, her lover. He’d been her very best friend and she’d thought her soul mate.
After she left, she’d wondered if it was all real, if her emotions were just those of a guileless young woman who hadn’t any life experience yet. Unfortunately, she’d done too much thinking since she’d been gone.
Pepper wasn’t sure what all he’d done in the past few years—she’d purposely distanced herself to keep the pain at bay. She did know that, despite his privileged upbringing, Nolan had wanted more out of life than ranching. He’d been determined to help others. And it was that damn career goal that had ultimately been the catalyst that ripped them apart.
Nolan’s lifelong dream had wedged its way between them and had him choosing his unknown future over her. Over their family.
The Elliotts were one of the wealthiest families in Texas, probably the country. Pepper had loved their home on Pebblebrook Ranch. She’d once envisioned a life there, a life with Nolan and their baby. The two of them had even designed a home together and she’d thought for sure they’d live happily ever after surrounded by puppy dogs and rainbows. That was how naive she’d been, because she’d never once considered that something could rip them apart.
But something had and all of those dreams had been stripped away, leaving her with nothing but a shattered heart.
Nolan moved back to the display of roses, giving her a full visual of those tight jeans over slim hips. Pepper closed her eyes, took several deep, calming breaths and willed the memories to go away. She was trying to rebuild her life, not get swept up in the darkest moments of her past.
She’d known she’d come face-to-face with him eventually. Heck, she’d even played out the scene in her mind. But nothing had prepared her for the crushing reality of the actual moment.
“Roses are too typical for a first date.”
Pepper swallowed. Of course he’d be shopping for a lady... Why else would a man come into her shop? And she wasn’t stupid. Nolan was a very attractive man, a rich rancher to boot—what woman wouldn’t want to go out with him?
Still, why did she have to be privy to his wooing tactics? That was just more salt in the wound that had never healed.
But she’d opened this business for a much-needed fresh start, and she needed it to be a success. Which meant she had to cater to all clientele so she could start making money. No matter who walked through her door.
Pepper pulled on her professional panties and squared her shoulders. “What type of lady is she? Does she have hobbies? That can tell me quite a bit about a person, if I know her interests.”
And if this faceless woman had an interest in Nolan, Pepper already knew enough...and she hated her with a fiery passion.
Nolan turned toward her once again. “She works at the hospital with me. I’m not sure what she does outside of that.”
Her heart hitched in her throat. So he had fulfilled that dream of becoming a doctor after all. He’d followed
through and now had everything he’d ever wanted. Nolan was the type of man to never let any obstacle get in his way...no matter who he hurt in the process.
“I assumed you’d still be ranching at Pebblebrook.” She hadn’t meant to let that thought slip out.
“I help out when I can. That’s definitely Colt’s area of expertise.” Nolan crossed his arms over that powerfully broad chest, and Pepper had to force her eyes to remain on his. “I’m a surgeon at Mercy Hospital, so my schedule can be crazy at times.”
A cowboy and a doctor? Did he have to up that sex appeal by telling her this? No doubt this woman was a cute little perky nurse. She probably also had a perfect waistline and could fasten a pair of size-two jeans.
Drawing in a deep breath, Pepper smoothed her tank over her round abdomen. The most comfortable things for her these days were her long flowy skirts and her tanks. Anything that stretched along with her belly.
“Okay, then. Let’s not do roses,” she suggested. “What about a variety of colors in a bouquet? I have a few options over here with some tulips or some with daisies. Tulips are classy. Daisies are more fun.”
She moved from behind the counter and started for the front of her shop. But she’d taken only a few steps when she heard Nolan’s swift intake of breath.
That past she’d hoped to never face again had officially hit her square in the face.
* * *
Nolan prided himself on control and the ability to think on his feet and hide his emotions. For a rancher and skilled surgeon, there was no other way to live.
But seeing Pepper Manning with a baby bump had knocked the air right out of him...as if seeing her after ten years wasn’t enough. She was still just as breathtaking as he remembered. Then again, their sizzling physical attraction and sexual compatibility had never been the issue.
No...those aspects of their relationship were beyond compare. He exhaled roughly, rubbing a hand across his stubbled jaw, as the memories assailed him. His fear of commitment at such a young age and the pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage were what had ultimately torn them apart. It had all been too much, too soon, and to say he hadn’t handled things well would be a vast understatement.
But he’d been afraid. That fear had spawned his actions and he’d been too prideful to admit it. Ultimately, he’d let everything go in an attempt to save himself. He’d never forgiven himself, but he sure as hell didn’t want to dredge up all of that now. He’d moved on, and it was obvious Pepper had, too.
Even so, having her so close yet being unable to reach out and touch her was difficult. She personified beauty, and she’d captured his heart once, so long ago...but he wasn’t sure that man existed anymore. The miscarriage had broken something inside him that had never fully healed.
Pepper was clearly stronger than she’d been years ago. Her beauty was just one of the things he’d loved about her. Her inner strength was definitely another. But seeing her now, ready to move forward with a child, only proved she’d handled the situation better than he had.
She had always wanted a family; he’d always wanted to be a surgeon. Dreams they hadn’t discussed because they’d been too caught up in the euphoric throes of young love. The type of love that naive couples felt could carry them through anything. Obviously that had turned out to be a bold-faced lie.
His eyes raked over her again from head to toe. How could she be just as stunning, just as vibrant, as ever? Her curves were still as alluring, her breasts fuller than before due to the pregnancy, and her long mahogany hair still hung like silk over her shoulders. His hands itched to feel those exquisitely soft strands gliding through his fingers.
Nolan cursed himself for allowing the past to rush up and assault him, but Pepper had always managed to wield control over him like no other woman before or since.
Now he couldn’t help but wonder if there was a husband or significant other in the picture. Not that it was any of his concern, but...was there? Despite everything, he found himself wanting to know everything that had transpired since she’d left. He had zero rights to her life, but that didn’t stop the intrigue from creeping in.
Pepper clasped her hands together just below her abdomen, the bangle bracelets jingling on her arms. She’d always had a thing for jewelry, he remembered fondly. Then her dark eyes suddenly held his as if she dared him to make a comment. Nolan hardened his jaw. He’d never backed down from a challenge before and he sure as hell wasn’t going to let the unbidden memories overpower him now. He’d come too far, had everything he ever wanted. Every bit of angst that settled between them was from a different time, a different life.
He’d literally given up everything to be where he was today. There was no looking back, no time to dwell on the regrets that always seemed to be just below the surface.
“Congratulations,” he said, offering her a tense smile.
For a fraction of a second, her eyes narrowed. But then she nodded. “Thank you.”
Those memories might be from another chapter in their lives, but they’d left so much unresolved. He’d gotten angry, broken things off, she’d left town...and that was pretty much the end of it.
Stubborn male pride had kept him from searching for her, and with his money he could’ve hired anyone and found her in record time. But he hadn’t. She’d left to get as far away from him as possible, and like a fool, he’d let her go.
They’d said some hurtful things after the miscarriage, things he continued to cringe over when he thought about them. But the damage had been done; they’d strayed too far from the blissfully in-love couple they’d once been.
Nolan didn’t see a ring on her finger, but that didn’t mean anything. Regardless of the fact he shouldn’t care, he wanted to know more. He was just getting reacquainted with an old friend...that was all, he reassured himself.
Though at one time they’d been so much more.
“Where are you living now?” he asked casually.
“Upstairs, actually. It’s a small apartment, but perfect for me, and it saves money.”
Perfect for me. That told him all he needed to know about a man in her life. There wasn’t one. Instant relief swept through him, which was hypocritical considering he was here to buy a gift for another woman.
Still, Pepper had a story and he wanted to know every detail.
No! No, he didn’t. He was here to get flowers for his date and that was all. Then he would head home and catch some sleep. After a traumatic night in the OR, he needed to regroup. Maybe he’d take his favorite stallion out later for a ride so he could unwind and think.
His dinner date would certainly revive him. Nolan had asked this particular nurse out months ago, but their schedules had just now lined up.
“How far along are—”
“This bouquet would be perfect.” She cut him off. Clearly, he was not welcome in her personal space. “There’s a few peonies, roses and lisianthuses.”
“I’ll take it. Go ahead and pick out another bouquet.”
Her dark brow quirked as she shot him a side glance. “For tomorrow’s date?”
He bit back an oath. This unexpected reunion needed to come to an end. No good could possibly come of it, no matter how irresistibly drawn he still was to this woman. Need he remind himself that he was the one who’d let her go? He’d thought at first that might have been a mistake, but over time, as he grew up, he’d realized it had been the right thing to do.
They had been ripped apart by grief and they wanted different things. He had no right to be carrying a torch for her after so long. Even if, in all honesty, seeing her pregnant hit him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
“Actually, Colt’s fiancée’s birthday is in two days.”
Pepper’s features softened at the mention of his baby brother. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“It’s fine.” He re
ached forward, taking a premade pink vase with blooms of all sizes and colors. “She’d love this one.”
Silence settled between them and Nolan couldn’t pull his gaze away from hers. They were practically strangers now, but he knew those eyes. They’d always been so expressive and now was no different. He’d never met anyone else with eyes such a mesmerizing shade of dark gray. Pepper was definitely one of a kind.
Weariness reflected back at him now, though, and he couldn’t help wondering what she was facing right now. She was alone, and that tidbit of information didn’t sit well with him.
There were too many parallels to the last time he’d seen her, so it was impossible not to be swept up in nostalgia and bittersweet memories.
Pepper was all woman now, however. There was a level of maturity, almost an underlying stubbornness, that hadn’t been there before. The defiant tilt of her chin, the rigid shoulders, as if she dared him to bring up the past. Fine by him. He was all for living in the here and now... He just hadn’t expected to do it with her back in Stone River.
“I honestly didn’t expect to see you this soon,” she muttered. “It’s harder than I thought.”
Nolan swallowed...that guilt he’d been so good at tamping down suddenly threatening to overcome him.
“If this is too difficult—”
“No.” She shook her head. “We’ve moved on. It’s fine, just...different.”
She pushed her dark, satiny hair back with her hand, those bangles jingling again as she pasted on a smile. “Is this all you need? Two bouquets?”
“Give me your favorite painting,” he added impulsively. “It will be the perfect gift for Annabelle.”
“Colt’s fiancée?”
Nolan nodded. “She’s quite the cook and she has twin daughters, Emily and Lucy.”
Just as he’d hoped, Pepper’s smile widened. He hadn’t anticipated the punch of lust to his gut, though. What the hell?
This smoldering attraction was not welcome. Not. At. All. Memories were one thing, but layering in this fierce, unwanted need was simply not smart. Damn his libido.