A SWEETHEART FOR JUDE FORTUNE

by Cindy Kirk

  “Mija—”

  “That attitude is as insulting to me as it is to him.” Gabi lifted her chin.

  “You forget, I raised four boys. I know what men—”

  “You also raised one daughter. One who makes her own decisions.”

  “I know—”

  “Apparently you don’t or there wouldn’t be a reason to have this discussion.” Gabi took a deep breath and reminded herself she’d made her point. There was no need to beat it into the ground.

  Seeing the distress on her father’s face, her anger dissipated. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. “I can take care of myself. Don’t worry about me.”

  Orlando smiled. “Asking a father not to worry about his little girl is like asking the sun not to rise in the morning.”

  “Please. Try.” Gabi bent over, kissed his cheek. “I’ll stay for your therapy this morning then I’m heading back to Horseback Hollow.”

  Orlando opened his mouth. Shut it.

  “Not to see Jude,” she said, answering his unspoken question. “To speak with Jeanne Marie and find out where I can put my talents to work in the community.”

  * * *

  Jude spent the better part of the morning helping his father put out hay for the cattle and inspect the property’s perimeter. When he returned to the house for some fencing, his heart stopped at the sight of Gabi’s car in the driveway.

  Though Gabi had appeared to enjoy his company at the soup supper, when he’d tried to set up another date, she’d been evasive. Which didn’t make sense, considering their earlier discussion.

  Still, he’d been encouraged by the heat of the kiss they’d shared as well as the progress they’d made in getting better acquainted.

  Jude glanced down at his jeans. Though his mother didn’t like dusty work clothes in her parlor, this time it couldn’t be helped. Still, he stomped off most of the dirt from his shoes and swatted his pants with his hat before stepping inside.

  The second he opened the front door, Jude heard the sound of feminine laughter. He stuck his head around the corner. “You’re having a party and didn’t invite me?”

  Jeanne Marie chuckled. “You’re always welcome, honey. Is your daddy with you?”

  Jude shook his head. “He’s still out.”

  “Well, come and sit down. We’re having tea and cream puffs.”

  His mother might be having cream puffs. The one on the tiny plate in front of Gabi had barely been touched. But then Jude had noticed his future wife wasn’t much for sweets.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Miss Mendoza.” Jude flashed a smile and, despite his polite words, took a seat right next to her on the sofa.

  “My goodness, Jude, give the girl some room. There’s plenty of space on that sofa.”

  Winking at Gabi, Jude made a great show of scooting over...just a little.

  “Would you like a cream—” his mother began.

  “This will work.” Lifting the one off Gabi’s plate, he took a big bite then had to reach for a napkin as the filling exploded.

  “I declare, Gabi’s going to think you were raised by wolves.” His mother slapped at his sleeve. “That was hers.”

  “I don’t mind, Jeanne Marie.” Gabi sounded as if she was trying to swallow a laugh. “While the cream puff is delicious, one bite was perfect.”

  “If you decide you’d like another one, let me know.” Jeanne Marie shot Jude a narrowed, glinting glance. “Later, you and I will have a talk about manners.”

  Jude offered his mother a conciliatory smile. “Don’t let me interrupt your conversation.”

  “You already have,” his mother said with an exasperated sigh, then lifted her teacup and studied Gabi over the rim. “Do any of the volunteer opportunities we’ve discussed interest you?”

  Gabi’s expression turned thoughtful. Jude thought she looked especially pretty today in a bright yellow sweater the color of the sun.

  Then there were those gorgeous eyes—large, dark brown and full of secrets. Jude could stare at her all day. But not with his mother gazing at him, a bemused look on her lips.

  “I’d like to do something with Texas No-Kill,” Gabi said after a long moment. “Do what I can to solicit more foster families for the animals.”

  Jude decided his mother must have told Gabi how the no-kill animal shelter, located between Horseback Hollow and Vicker’s Corners, had been struggling. Delbert Knolls, the volunteer director, had recently left the organization because of declining health.

  “How do you propose to do that?” Jude asked.

  “I haven’t seen the place. Or spoken with the people involved with it.” Gabi lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “Until I have, it’d be presumptuous of me to offer any suggestions.”

  Beautiful and smart, Jude thought.

  “I can introduce you to Steve Watkins,” he told her. “He’s a local banker who has temporarily taken the reins of the shelter until someone agrees to manage it permanently.”

  “That’s sweet of you, Jude.” Jeanne Marie beamed at her son. “I didn’t realize you were interested in volunteer work.”

  “On the contrary.” Jude shifted his gaze and fixed it on Gabi. “I’m very interested.”

  Chapter Ten

  Gabi strolled with Jude toward the café where they would meet the acting director of the no-kill animal shelter. She tried to stay focused on the upcoming meeting, but her thoughts kept drifting to the handsome man beside her.

  Jude’s dark blond hair gleamed in the streetlight’s glow. Since the afternoon, he’d showered, shaved and splashed on cologne; a subtle enticing scent that tempted her to lean close. Tonight he wasn’t wearing his trademark Stetson or his Tony Lama boots. A darn shame because she found the cowboy look appealing.

  But he looked sexy as sin in dark pants and a black sweater. A far cry from the dusty jeans and muddy boots he’d worn into Jeanne Marie’s parlor.

  He’d certainly earned his mother’s wrath for coming into the house in his work clothes. Though Jeanne Marie hadn’t said anything with “company” present, Gabi had overheard the older woman’s sharp words to her son when she’d slipped back into the house to retrieve the purse she’d forgotten.

  Jeanne Marie’s terse comments reminded Gabi of her mother’s futile attempts to civilize her four brothers. It often seemed to her as if the boys acted up just to see Luz’s fiery temper flare. Gabi’s lips curved. Unless you’d been the one on the receiving end of her mother’s temper, the show had always been entertaining....

  “Something funny?”

  “I was thinking of my mother.” Gabi’s smile inched wider. “My brothers were always pushing her buttons. I really believe they enjoyed getting her riled up.”

  “Probably.” Something in his grin told her he and his brothers had done the same. “I suppose you were a little angel.”

  “Always.”

  “I have a thing for angels.” Jude slung an arm around her shoulder. “Especially those fluffy wings. So sexy. Perhaps you can show me yours...later?”

  A giggle bubbled out from Gabi’s throat. Though giggling wasn’t something she’d done since high school, it fit her upbeat mood. If they weren’t on a public street, she’d plant a big kiss right on Jude’s mouth just, well, because she was so happy. Being here. With him.

  But kissing Jude on Horseback Hollow’s Main Street in full view of the citizenry wouldn’t be wise. Gabi took a deep breath, forcing her eyes—and her thoughts—from his mouth. “Tell me about Mr. Watkins.”

  Thankfully, Jude didn’t seem to find the question odd.

  “His family owns several banks in the area.” His hand slid down to link fingers with her.

  Gabi wished they could keep on walking, just the two of them. Talk and laugh and get to know each other better under
the light of a full moon. But they had a meeting to attend. One she’d requested. “Has he always been interested in animal welfare?”

  “You can ask Steve yourself.” Jude gestured with one hand. “That’s him now, getting out of the BMW roadster.”

  “Looks like we’re both early.” The stocky man lifted a hand in greeting. He had stylishly cut short dark hair and direct hazel eyes. Several inches shorter than Jude, he carried himself with a quiet confidence. He extended a hand. “Steve Watkins. You must be Gabriella.”

  His handshake was firm, his gaze admiring.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Gabi pretended not to notice he held her hand several seconds longer than necessary. “Please, call me Gabi.”

  “I’m sorry about what happened to your father.” Steve cast a sideways glance at Jude. “Are they still thinking the accident may be retaliation against the Fortunes?”

  “Possibly.” Although Jude’s back stiffened, his tone remained even. “According to Sawyer, we won’t know if there was tampering with the landing gear until the NTSB finishes their investigation.”

  Steve shifted his attention back to Gabi. “How’s your father?”

  “He’s making solid progress,” she told him. “He got a walking boot today,”

  “That’s good news.” Steve opened the door to the café then stepped back to let Gabi pass. “My brother had to wear one of those boots after he fractured his ankle last year. It took him a while to adjust, but it made a big difference in his mobility.”

  The waitress led them to a corner table. As soon as they ordered, Steve began to pump Gabi for personal information. When he discovered she was in the banking industry, he positively beamed.

  “You can have your cattle and horses, Jude.” Steve shot Gabi a conspiratorial smile. “This woman and I know the thrill that comes from seeing a spike in closed-end agreements.”

  A muscle in Jude’s jaw jumped. “There’s a lot more to running a successful ranch than tending livestock.”

  “Of course,” Steve said dismissively then refocused on Gabi. “So you’re interested in volunteering at the animal shelter.”

  “I am. But I’m only here until my father is back on his feet.” Gabi wanted to be completely up-front. “The way he’s progressing, that might not be very much longer.”

  Talk of the shelter filled the conversation while she ate her salad and the men chowed down on burgers. Steve explained the challenges faced by the no-kill shelter. Jude not only provided history on the shelter’s early days from information gleaned from his parents, but indicated he had an interest in volunteering.

  “I hate to cut this short but I have a board meeting tonight.” Steve leaned forward, closing the distance across the table between him and Gabi. “I’m free tomorrow. We could grab something to eat, discuss the various volunteer jobs in more depth once you’ve had a chance to think about them overnight.”

  “Gabi and I have dinner plans tomorrow,” Jude answered before she could respond. “But we would be available later in the evening.”

  Steve inclined his head slightly at Jude’s emphasis on we.

  “Gabi and I are dating,” Jude confirmed, dipping a French fry into a mound of ketchup. “We’re practically going steady.”

  Gabi dropped her fork to her plate with a clatter.

  Steve only laughed. “Message received loud and clear.”

  “Eight o’clock work for you?” Jude asked Gabi.

  Gabi merely smiled and gave a jerky nod.

  “It’s a plan.” Steve’s phone gave a little beep. He glanced at the readout and grimaced. “Sorry. I need to head out.”

  When they reached the sidewalk, Steve paused, focused those hazel eyes on Gabi. “We’re always looking for qualified people for management positions in our banks. If you decide to stay in this area, I’d be interested in discussing various opportunities we might have for you.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “That went well.” Jude reached around her to open the truck door.

  “Which part? The part where you told Steve we had plans for tomorrow night when we didn’t? Or when you took a time machine back fifty years and said we were going steady?” She paused for a breath, not certain if she should be irritated or flattered. “Or perhaps you’re referring to when you decided to volunteer so I won’t be alone with him?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.” Jude’s innocent expression didn’t fool her in the least. “Hearing you and Steve talk, I was seized with the volunteer spirit.”

  “Let me make one thing clear.” Her gaze met his. “If I wanted to meet with Steve alone, if I wanted to go out with him, I would.”

  His smile turned sheepish. “I guess I overstepped.”

  “By about a mile.”

  He took a deep breath, let it out slowly. “I’m sorry, Gabi.”

  “Apology accepted.” Impulsively, she looped her arm through his. “Yet, I have to say I’m glad you volunteered.”

  Startled surprise crossed his face. “You are?”

  “Certainly.” Gabi gazed up at him through lowered lashes. “Volunteers are always needed to clean cages.”

  * * *

  “Remind me again why you’re cooking tonight,” Gabi asked, munching on a piece of celery. “And why it had to be at my dad’s place instead of your own?”

  “A change of scene is always good.” He took a sip of the sparkling grape juice he’d brought with him and continued to stir the contents of the bowl in front of him. “Besides, if I made dinner at my place, the stove might convulse at being used twice in one week.”

  Gabi laughed. “We could have gone out.”

  “I’m more than capable of preparing a meal,” he said, then winked. “For my steady girl.”

  “Until I’m wearing your class ring on a chain around my neck—” she leaned over and kissed him “—we’re not going steady.”

  The look of pleasure on his face made her smile.

  “What are you making?” She moved to the counter by the stove, where he was blending a baking mix with some milk. On the stove ground beef, onion and four cans of vegetables had just come to a boil.

  “Dumplings.” He swatted her hand away when she reached for the mixing spoon. “Every bit as good as Martha Stewart’s.”

  While she watched, he spooned the mixture over the stew, then reduced the heat and covered the pot.

  “Should be done in twenty.”

  Jude looked so proud of himself that Gabi took a step forward and slid her arms around his waist. “You’re quite a guy, Jude.”

  “Took you a while to notice.”

  “Oh, I noticed right away.” She gazed up at him. “What I didn’t expect was that you’d continue to impress me.”

  “Oh, darlin’, I’m just getting started.” His head jerked up. “Perfect. They’re playing our song.”

  Gabi cocked her head and listened intently. Jude had brought his iPad with him. Before he’d started dinner, they’d enjoyed a glass of sparkling grape juice while music from his playlist created a warm, intimate atmosphere in the living room.

  But from where she stood in the kitchen, she couldn’t hear the tune now playing. “What song is it?”

  “Hold on.” Jude dashed from the room and a second later the melodious tones of Adele could be clearly heard.

  “It’s our song,” he said with satisfaction when he strolled back into the kitchen.

  Gabi recognized the artist but not the tune. “Does ‘our song’ have a title?”

  “‘Crazy for You.’” Jude held out his hands. “May I have this dance?”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “I’m crazy...for you.” His arms were strong and sure as he maneuvered her into the living room, where the coffee tabl
e had been mysteriously moved to the side, creating a small dance space in the center of the room.

  Resting her head against his broad chest, cosseted in his arms, Gabi felt as if she could face anything...as long as Jude was with her.

  As they swayed to the bluesy melody, she let the world and any worries slip away. When “their” song ended, an equally romantic one took its place.

  “Do your brothers know you have Neil Sedaka on your playlist?” Gabi tilted her head back to meet his gaze.

  Jude winced.

  “It’ll be our secret,” she whispered loudly, and he grinned.

  His arms tightened around her. “I’m glad you let me come over tonight.”

  She lifted a brow. “Did I have a choice?”

  “You always have a choice.” Jude’s lips brushed her hair. “To leave. To stay.”

  Gabi’s heart wrenched. If only that were true. The transplant had given her life, but had taken some choices out of her hands. Her relationship with Jude would have to stay casual. It wouldn’t be fair for her to pursue a future with him while having such an uncertain future. But for tonight she was going to pretend she was a twenty-five-year-old woman with her life stretched out before her and not a care in the world.

  “We dance as if we’ve been doing it our whole lives,” he murmured.

  “For a guy who breaks horses and herds cattle, you’re surprisingly light on your feet.”

  “My grandmother loved ballroom dancing.” The deep voice against her ear sent a shiver of desire coursing up her spine. “She passed that love on to my mother. My dad isn’t the dancing type. So when we got old enough—”

  “Jeanne Marie taught you to dance.”

  He chuckled and looked faintly embarrassed. “Let’s just say she tried her best.”

  “You know how I told you my father taught me the ins and outs of poker?” With a laugh she shook her head. “What I didn’t tell you was Mama didn’t like that one bit.”

  Gabi’s mother had been a definite force to be reckoned with in their household. Luz Mendoza had been a fiery, determined woman with a big heart.

  “You miss her.” Jude’s soft voice encouraged confidences.