by Ciana Stone
"I bet. I'd love to watch sometime."
"I can call and ask him if you want."
"That'd be great."
"You keep finding people that tweak your interest and you're never leaving Cotton Creek girl."
Jolene smiled. "There are a lot of interesting people here."
"Hey!" Cody hopped from the bleacher behind them to beside Jo. "You headed out with handsome here or wanna head out to the ranch with me, knock back a few and talk about men?"
Jolene looked from her to Jayce. She had no doubt that if she rode with Jayce he would make a move. His hand had landed on her leg more than once during the game, and several times he'd given her little kisses on the cheek, flirting and teasing.
She knew he wasn't interested in anything other than a fling, and while she had no doubt that she'd enjoy it, she also knew it would not be a smart move. "Didn't you say you were working in the morning?"
"Yep."
"Well, then I think I'll go with Cody. See you at the shindig tomorrow?"
"You bet."
"Okay, great." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and headed off with Cody. As they walked away she looked back and saw JD watching. She raised her hand and waved and to her surprise he did the same.
What puzzled her was why that commonplace gesture meant so much coming from him. Was she never going to get it through her head that JD Weathers was not going to be hers? She'd had a pretty good evening, but all the while she'd been aware of him. Why couldn't she just let it go and move on?
All at once she was ready for a drink. Or six. Something to wash thoughts of JD from her mind.
*****
Jolene was surprised how crowded the diner was. It was barely eight in the morning. She'd been up for several hours and could have eaten at Mrs. Nellie Mae's after Cody dropped her off but she didn't feel up to fending off questions this morning. It wasn't as if she could have an unguarded conversation with the woman. She was fearful of anything she said being twisted into gossip fuel.
Not to mention the fact that she wasn't quite recovered from the night at Cody's. They had almost polished off an entire bottle of tequila. Jolene had gotten the low down on almost everyone in Cotton Creek, including JD. Sadly, what she'd learned had not helped her break the hold he seemed to have on her.
However, that aside, she was in no mood for Nellie Mae. Let Nellie Mae try her stuff on the crew. That gave Jolene a smile. Nellie May had little luck with the men on her crew. They focused on eating and discussing the project or sports. Gossip wasn't part of their wheelhouse.
Since there was no free seating at the diner, she headed over to the bakery. The moment she opened the door her mouth watered. Whatever that was she wanted a dozen.
"Good morning." The lovely blonde woman behind the counter smiled at her. "Ms. Windwalker, right?"
"Jolene."
"Well hi, Jolene. I'm Stella Sweet. I've heard a lot of nice things about you from my daughter Cody and a lot of the folks in town. It's nice to meet you."
"It's such a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sweet. And my god, what is that smell? Whatever it is can I have a truckload?"
Stella chuckled. "My husband's favorite – apple fritters. They just came out of the oven. Want one?"
"Can we make that two? And can I get a dozen to go?"
"Absolutely. There's coffee and tea over there." She pointed to the drink counter. "Just help yourself and I'll get those fritters dished up."
"Thank you."
Jolene pour herself a big cup of coffee, doused it with cream, and took a seat at the last vacant table. She sipped her coffee and watched the people in the bakery. They smiled and chatted as they sipped coffee and enjoyed a pastry. It was a bright and cheery place that reminded her of someone's kitchen, all pretty with yellow walls and white trim. There were even tablecloths on the tables with small floral arrangements on each one.
Just as Stella started from behind the counter with the plate of fritters, JD walked in with his sons, two tall, handsome boys. "Morning, JD." Stella smiled at him and then at the boys. "And good morning to you boys. Just took a fresh batch of fritters out of the oven if you're interested."
"Yes, ma'am." They both chimed in at the same time.
"Well all righty then. Grab yourself something to drink and I'll bring 'em right out." She continued to Jolene's table "Here ya go, hon."
"Thanks." Jolene gave Stella a quick smile and immediately looked down at the plate of fritters the moment Stella walked away. She was all too aware of JD's presence.
He didn't so much as glance her way as he headed for the beverage counter. His sons got their drinks and looked around for an empty table. Aside from the one Jolene occupied, there were no empty seats available.
She waved at them and they walked over. "You can have this table."
"You haven't finished." One of them pointed out.
"That's okay, I can get it bagged up to go."
"Well how 'bout we sit with you? We kinda been wanting to meet you anyway. You're that TV lady that's doing the show on our family, right?"
"Yes. Jolene Windwalker. Nice to meet you…?"
"Briggs, and this is my brother Dawson. We've seen you on TV."
She gave them a smile then cut her eyes to JD who had turned in their direction and was now glaring. "Maybe it would be best if I just gave you the table. Your dad doesn't look too pleased."
They both looked at their dad as he approached. "He looks that way a lot, but he's okay. So can we sit?"
"Of course. Please."
They sat down just as JD reached the table. "Boys, we best get something to go."
"Why?" The twin she now knew as Briggs asked. "Ms. Windwalker said we could sit with her. And we wanted to ask her about our kin."
Jolene saw the flash of annoyance that crossed JD's face and the resignation that followed. "Fine." He took a seat across from her as the twins had the chairs on either side of her.
"So, you've actually met Jesse Nash?" Dawson asked.
"Yes, I have."
"What's he like?"
"He's very nice. Great sense of humor, a heck of a cowboy and he's also a detective with the county sheriff's office."
"Really? A lawman?" Dawson grinned. "That's cool."
"And a world champion cowboy." Briggs added. "Now that's really cool."
"Yes, just like your father."
The eyes of both boys widened and as if possessed of one mind their heads turned toward JD. "You?" Dawson asked at the same moment Briggs blurted, "For real?"
The look JD cut Jolene did not spell pleasure. Well damn. Apparently, she'd stuck her boot in her mouth right off the get-go.
"That was a long time ago." He finally answered.
"Doesn't diminish the accomplishment." She pointed out.
"Another life."
"Holy – seriously, Dad? What event? What year? Did you win more than once? Why didn't you ever tell us? Why did you stop?" The questions poured from the twins and Jolene couldn't help but smile at their excitement.
"I'll tell you all about it sometime." He looked at Stella as she walked up to the table. "Here ya go fellas. Piping hot." She set the fritters on the table, smiled, and turned away.
As the boys dug in, JD looked across the table at Jolene. She hated the little jump of excitement that sparked inside her when their gazes met. "Maybe I could add something about your buckles to the piece? Viewers love to hear about rodeo champions."
"That was a long time ago."
"Still. The article is about your family, how you've survived when so many other family-owned farms and ranches have failed. You've diversified into construction and energy and you have sons who are being scouted by major universities for their football programs. From what I hear your sons have a good chance at winning in the team roping at the upcoming rodeo, following in their father's footsteps. Your family is interesting, and that's what we want to show the viewers."
She hoped she was getting her point across. She didn't intend to reveal
his secret, or make the family curse a big part of the article. While the first part of what she said didn't bring a positive reaction, the bit about his sons did. A smile came on his face and she marveled at how much younger he appeared, and how truly handsome he was.
"Yeah, the boys have done well. I'm proud of them."
"As you should be." She gave the twins a smile. "I saw you play last night and you were amazing. The whole town seems to be loyal fans and fully expects the two of you to be leading a university team very soon."
"I hope!" Briggs said around a bite of fritter.
"And I understand that part of your appeal for the universities is that you're both honor students?"
"Yes ma'am." Dawson looked at JD. "Dad says that football is great and he supports us every step of the way, but education is the real reason to go to college, cause a sports career can be cut short in a flash, but an education lasts a lifetime."
"That's so true. You're lucky to have such a wise and supportive father."
"He's the best." Briggs said and then added. "And you know, he's single. Pop said you're not married."
Jolene felt heat flood her face. "Well, no, I'm not."
"Then you should go with dad to the thing at Billy's – well what used to be Billy's. It's tonight. There will be music and dancing and drinking and—"
"Son, Ms. Windwalker might not be interested in the shin-dig at Billy's."
"No?" Dawson looked at Jolene.
"No. I mean, not that I'm not interested. It sounds like it will be fun but – but—"
"She's already got a date." Briggs cut in drawing everyone's attention.
"She does?" Dawson looked at Jolene and then back at his brother.
"Yeah, Uncle Jayce. He told me last night."
The look on JD's face told her it was time to get moving. "Well, I hate to eat and run, but I have a lot to do. It was a pleasure meeting you Dawson and Briggs and congratulations on your accomplishments. I hope to see you again. And you have a nice day, Mr. Weathers."
She waited long enough for the twins to say their goodbyes and then hurried to the counter, paid for her uneaten fritters, got the bag of fritters to take back to crew and left. Once on the sidewalk, she stopped and let out her breath. Just then, she heard someone call her name. She looked to her left and saw Wesley Pursell walking toward her.
"Mr. Pursell, good morning."
"Wes, please. And yes, it is. Good to see you Ms. Windwalker."
"Jolene."
"I'm honored and I was just about to head to the cafe for breakfast. Care to join?"
"I was there half an hour ago and it was packed."
"Well, perhaps something has opened up. Unless you have somewhere else to be?"
"No. I'd love to. I wanted to talk with you again."
"Oh?" He gestured toward the road and they started across the street. He placed one hand on the small of her back as they walked, in a very gentlemanly manner. "And what might you want to speak with me about?"
"Your business."
"Which one?"
"All of them. Ranching, horse racing, oil. Your family is one of note in many circles. I read up on you after we met."
"Ah, ever the journalist."
"Hey, a girl has to eat." They stepped up onto the sidewalk in front of the cafe.
"Indeed. And –" He looked in the window. "I believe we may be in luck."
More than a couple of heads turned when they entered, including one over-sprayed and over-dyed, sitting on the chubby shoulders of Netta Bloom. Damn does she live here? Jolene hated thinking ill of a person but Netta was as bad as Nellie Mae when it came to gossip.
Wesley directed her to a free table and once seated, smiled at the waitress, Jenny. "Coffee for me, please."
"Same here." Jolene gave Jenny a smile.
"Y'all need a minute or you ready to order?"
Jolene looked at Wesley. "I'm ready." He handed Jenny the unopened menu. "Two eggs over easy, hash browns, steak rare and biscuits."
"Got it. And you, Jo?"
"I think I'll have the same."
"So, are you back in Texas to stay or just visiting family?" Jolene asked as the waitress walked away.
"I haven't decided yet."
"I did a little reading about you and your family. You've made quite a name for yourself in the oil business. In fact, you've been likened to a diviner – the man who can find oil where no one else can. A sorcerer of sorts."
Wesley smiled. "There's no magic to it. It's all in knowing what to look for."
"And what would that be?"
"In short, the right convergence necessary to form an oil pool."
She chuckled. "You do realize that to the uninitiated that sounds a bit like Greek."
Wesley smiled. "Yes."
"Okay, so that was intentional which leads me to ask – are you unwilling to talk or afraid you'll let slip your secret to success?"
"Neither. I love talking about it. Just not in a public place. In case you haven't noticed, there are a lot of people watching us."
Jolene had noticed, but was choosing to ignore it. "And why do you suppose that is?"
"Because you're hot and new to town and I'm a Pursell."
"Which translates as…?"
He shrugged and waited until the waitress Jenny had poured their coffee before responding. "They probably figure I see you as a temporary diversion that might be bought and they see you as a fortune hunter."
"None of which is flattering to me. Why do you assume they think I can be bought or would be a fortune hunter?"
His expression sobered and if she wasn't mistaken, she read a tint of resentment in his voice. "Because they think people with money buy everything they have and they think everyone is out to try to get whatever they can from the rich, by any means necessary."
"They? So you're saying the people in this town are so superficial and dishonorable that they would whore themselves to get part of what you have?"
"No. Not at all. But they will think it of an outsider."
"It must be difficult and lonely going through life with that attitude."
"Yeah, sometimes."
"So why hang onto it? If people here are honorable and accept you for who you are, then why carry around unwarranted resentment?"
"It's not unwarranted." He took a sip from his cup. "Let me ask you. When you meet someone who is poor, or just an average working man, what do you think?"
"I don't know. I judge people by who they are – not what they have."
"Do you? Okay, so what about when you meet someone rich? Is your demeanor different? Do you address them differently or behave in a manner that is designed not to offend?"
"Are you asking if I kiss ass because someone's rich?"
"Yes, I suppose."
"Have I behaved that way with you, Wesley?"
"Wes, please. And no."
"Well there's your answer."
"I guess it is. However, not everyone is that way, Jo. Some people can only see you for what you have, not for who you are. Look at your friend Cody Sweet."
Jolene's ears perked right up. Not because he mentioned Cody but because when he spoke her name, his voice changed in timbre and his gaze slid away from Jo's. Wesley Pursell was attracted to Cody. Interesting.
"What about her?"
"She dislikes me simply by virtue of my name."
"I think it's more than that, Wes. She remembers overhearing things as a child, people talking about your family. It's a matter of public record that your family bought out a lot of farms and ranches when you were a small child. Your father earned a reputation as a savvy but ruthless business man."
"I'm not my father."
"No, but unfortunately the sins of the father are all too often visited on the child. You know that."
"I do."
"Then what are you doing to change that perception?"
He blinked, as if in surprise and she smiled at him. "Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get into this. But I do want to i
nterview you."
"Why?"
"Because you're interesting. You could have ridden on your father's coattails, lived the life of a spoiled son, spent your time on your thoroughbreds and—"
"You know about the horses?"
"Like I told you, I read up. And I have two researchers who are superb at what they do. I know you're a major player in the horseracing world. You've had two Triple Crown winners and just before you returned to Cotton Creek there was a – let's call it a buzz—in the racing world about the private sale of a certain stallion. I'd be willing to bet you bought Kings Landing."
He shook his head and smiled. "You don't miss much, do you, Jo?"
"Not if something catches my interest."
"And I've done that?"
"Professionally, yes."
"Not personally? I'm wounded. And here I thought I was the millionaire playboy catch of the day."
She laughed at that. "I imagine you are, but I'm not looking for a hook-up. And neither are you."
"What makes you say that?"
"Let's just call it an old Indian trick."
"So you are Native American. I thought so. From where?"
"Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation. My father was full blood."
Their breakfast arrived and for a few minutes they focused more on eating than talking. Topics they discussed were the renovations in town, the football team and the shindig Cody and her sister were throwing that evening.
Jolene enjoyed breakfast, both the food and the company and by the time they parted ways outside the diner, she'd gotten Wes's agreement for an interview. She knew she could sell the idea to the network. Even if they didn't want it, she could think of three others who would.
Feeling satisfied, she started the walk back to Nellie Mae's house. A yell from the street had her turning to look. Briggs and Dawson were waving and yelling as they rode past in their father's truck. JD was doing neither. He never looked her way.
Her good mood threatened to evaporate, and she realized she was allowing JD Weathers way more power than he deserved in her life. They'd had a fling and it was amazing. He'd snuck from her bed while she slept, a coward's act as far as she was concerned. So why was she even giving him the time of day? He didn't give a rat's ass about her and it was time for her to forget about him.