“My gut tells me she had to be pretty incredible to put you in this condition. What was her name?”
“Jasmine Telford, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to talk about her.”
“How much time did you actually spend with her?”
“A couple of hours. When the doctor sent her to a private room, I left. That’s the end of the story. Thanks for listening.”
He could have told him she’d come by the ranch last Saturday to give him the saddle blanket, but talking about it would only make matters worse. She wasn’t available. Somehow he had to snap out of it.
“Anytime.”
Wymon’s pulse picked up speed as he drove them through town where Jasmine lived. They stopped to pick up hamburgers and shakes before heading to the arena where the rodeo would be taking place. Roce didn’t know Jasmine was from Philipsburg, or that she might be at the rodeo with her lover who had to be recovered by now.
If Wymon hadn’t promised Toly he’d be there, he would never have come. Eli’s little girl was sick. He and Brianna hadn’t been able to make it this time around. Neither had their mother, who’d come down with the same cold.
It was up to Wymon and Roce to support their little brother. They’d all done bull riding and tie-roping in their teens and knew what it meant to see a family member in the stands cheering them on.
After parking the truck, they walked over to the area reserved for the horse trailers and found Toly’s big silver-and-black rig. Roce knocked on the door. When Toly opened it, Wymon grinned. “Dinner has arrived,” he announced.
“Man, I thought you’d never get here. We’re starving!”
They went inside and sat around with him and his partner, Mills, while they ate and talked shop about the competition for tonight’s rodeo. Toly wanted to hear about the plane rescue. Wymon gave him a superficial report, and then the four of them walked over to the pens to check out the livestock.
After a while they moved to the area where the horses were stalled. Roce gave both their horses a thorough exam. Once he declared them healthy and ready to go, it was almost time for the parade to start.
Wymon and Roce wished the guys luck, then found seats down in front to enjoy the rodeo. Neither of them had been to Philipsburg in several years. Roce commented that the grounds had been improved with new bucking chutes and more concessions. But Wymon had other things on his mind.
He wondered if the woman who’d caused him to lose sleep over the last week had come to the rodeo. Knowing he had to be here for Toly and might see her was the reason for Wymon’s agitation.
From time to time he looked around the huge crowd but didn’t see her or Rob Farnsworth. That was good. Once Toly’s event was over, he and Roce would take off for Missoula. Then Wymon could drive back to the ranch and put all this behind him.
The night proved to be a stunning success for Toly and Mills who captured another gold buckle. After hugs and congratulations behind the scenes with no sign of Ms. Telford being anywhere around, Wymon and Roce got back in the truck and headed for Missoula. Alternate sensations of relief and disappointment washed over him.
Once he’d dropped off Roce at his condo in Missoula, he took off for home. No sooner had he left the city limits than his cell rang. He checked the caller ID and clicked on.
“Toly? I didn’t expect to hear from you tonight. I thought you’d be out celebrating. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing at all. When I finally got back to the trailer, there was a visitor waiting for me. She was hoping to see you, but you and Roce were long gone. I could tell by her expression that she was disappointed.”
Wymon’s hand tightened on the phone. “She?” He knew full well who his brother meant.
“Yeah. Jasmine Telford, the woman you helped at the crash site. I thought you’d want to know she teared up when she told me what you did for them. I never saw anyone so grateful.”
He struggled for breath. “Was Representative Farnsworth with her tonight?”
“No. She was alone. Mills already has a horrible crush on her. We found out she lives here in Philipsburg. He already has plans to call her.”
“I’m afraid she’s spoken for.”
“He said he didn’t see a ring and figures all’s fair...”
A groan escaped Wymon.
“Hey, bro—are you still there?”
“Yes.”
“It’s just like my big brother never to give anything away—like the fact that this woman you saved is such a hottie! I’d go after her myself, but it might be the end of Mills and me.”
“I thought you and Olivia were together.”
“You thought wrong.” Whatever was going on with Toly, he wasn’t about to give anything away, either. They weren’t brothers for nothing.
“Even when you two win at nationals in December, you should warn Mills she’s after the limelight only a politician like Representative Farnsworth can offer.”
“Try telling that to my partner. Hey—I have friends waiting and need to go. One more thing before we hang up. She said that when her parents drove her home, she found a pair of men’s expensive sunglasses in her suitcase. They’re aviator Ray-Bans, gunmetal brown.”
He remembered taking them off in the cubicle. So that was where they’d disappeared to.
“She thinks they were somehow put in her bag when she was transferred to a private room and thought they might be yours. She brought them with her and will be happy to send them to you.”
He couldn’t believe it. “They’re definitely mine. I was looking for them this morning. Thanks for passing that along. I’ll get in touch with her. Good luck at your next rodeo. Where will it be?”
“In North Dakota, too far for you to come. It meant a lot to see you there tonight.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it. Take care. Drive safely.”
“You, too. Give Mom a hug.”
“Will do.”
By the time he reached his house, Wymon’s heart had slowed down to a rate that wasn’t quite off the charts. Out of all the questions he wanted answered, one stood out above the others. After the event, why had Jasmine sought out his brother when she could have phoned the Clayton ranch instead and left a message?
If Wymon were in her lover’s shoes, he wouldn’t have liked learning that she’d gone out of her way to make contact with another man.
When he realized how unreasonable, even over the top, that sounded, he levered himself from the cab and strode swiftly toward the house.
You’re a fool, Clayton, because, despite everything, you were thrilled when she came to the ranch to give you that blanket. You know you’re dying to see her again.
* * *
AT 8:30 A.M., Jasmine’s phone rang. She got a sick feeling that it was Rob again. Sure enough, when she checked, it was his caller ID. The only way out of this was to end it for good. She clicked on. “Hi, Rob.”
“Jasmine—I’m glad you’re awake and picked up. I’ve asked Buzz to clear my calendar so we can spend the day together. This will be our first chance to talk face-to-face since the hospital.”
He’d phoned her every day, insisting she needed to give their relationship more time because he wasn’t taking no for an answer. She hadn’t wanted to be unkind to him while he was recovering, but this situation couldn’t go on any longer.
“I’m sure you’re still not well enough to drive here from Helena.”
“What are you talking about? My own doctor checked me out two days ago and said I was good as new. I was in meetings all day yesterday. Now I’m free to be with you. We’ll grab lunch at the Regency House. Buzz made reservations for us at twelve.”
Her hand tightened on the phone while she girded up her courage to be firm in a way he couldn’t misunderstand. “I don’t want you to come, Rob. We’ve talked about
this every day. I can’t marry you because I don’t love you the way you need to be loved.” She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. Let’s not hurt each other anymore by doing this. Both of us survived the crash and are alive and well. Can’t we at least part as friends?”
She heard his sharp intake of breath. “I don’t believe you can just shut us down like this. You don’t know the dreams I’ve had about us and the life we’re going to have. I’m in love with you. I want to spend my life with you and refuse to believe you’re not giving us a chance.”
Jasmine didn’t doubt his feelings for her. But more and more she understood that he always needed to win. He wouldn’t accept that this was one race he’d already lost, great as he was. “I never meant to hurt you, Rob, and now I have to go.”
“Jasmine? Don’t you dare hang up on me!”
His flare of temper appeared now and again when he was interviewed by the local press, but this was the first time she’d known it to be directed at her. She realized it was his pain talking and forgave him for it, but this had to be the end. “Then what should I do? There’s nothing more to say.”
“What’s happened to you?”
After taking a deep breath she said, “It’s a case of what hasn’t happened to me. I didn’t fall in love with you. I know that’s painful to hear, and I’m so sorry. Please, know how much I’ve enjoyed all our times together. We share some wonderful memories, and I wish you nothing but the very best. Goodbye, Rob.”
Closing her eyes tightly she clicked off, relieved this moment was over. Relieved her relationship with him was truly over.
No sooner had she’d gotten off the phone with Rob than it rang again. Fearing he still refused to give up, she glanced at the caller ID. When she saw the name, her breath caught before she picked up. She’d been hoping to hear from Wymon before the day was out.
“Mr. Clayton?”
“Good morning, Ms. Telford. I hope it isn’t too early to call.”
“Not at all.”
“My brother phoned me while I was on my way home last night and told me you have my sunglasses.”
“Yes! I was so surprised when I saw them while I was unpacking. The orderly who transferred me to my room must have put them in there. They looked expensive.”
“I’ll admit I’m glad they’ve been found.”
“I decided they must be yours and thought I’d see you at the rodeo. We must have just missed each other.”
“My brother and I had to leave immediately after Toly’s event. He had to get back to the animal hospital in Missoula because he was on call.”
“I take it he’s a vet.”
“One of the best. Tell me—would you be home later today? If so, I’ll come by for them.”
Her hand went to her throat. “Aren’t you in Stevensville?”
“It’s only a two-hour drive and will be worth it. Is there a time that’s convenient for you?”
She looked at her watch, so thrilled she could hardly stand it. It was five after nine. “Anytime. I’m not going anywhere today.”
“You don’t work on weekends?”
“No. My job is a Monday through Friday position.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m an administrator for the Montana 4-H Foundation through Montana State University.”
“I thought you were an attorney. Here I was imagining you working day and night on some case.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Perish the thought.”
“I heard otherwise. My mistake for eavesdropping on the paramedics’ private conversation. One of them got his facts wrong.” She laughed and he said, “Give me some specifics about what you do.”
She liked it that he sounded interested. “Oh, lots of things. I help raise private funds and manage financial resources. I partner with the extension division to fund educational opportunities for youth.”
“What made you go into that?”
“My mom. She got into 4-H years ago and volunteered. As soon as I could sit on a pony, she had me involved, and I never outgrew it.”
“I like that image of you. After I reach Philipsburg, I hope you’ll agree to go to lunch with me. I need to pick your brains.”
She chuckled. “What do you mean?”
“Finding funds for the bill I’m anxious to get picked up is my main objective for the foreseeable future. Hope you don’t mind if I avail myself of your expertise. I’ll try to be there by twelve thirty so we’ll have plenty of time to talk. Does that sound good to you?”
If he only knew... “More than good, but only if I pay.”
“No. After that blanket you gave me and my horse, it’s my turn. Titus is crazy about the design and says thank you.”
That meant Wymon liked it, too. “Tell him he’s very welcome.”
“Give me your address.”
After they’d exchanged information, he said, “See you then.”
The minute she hung up, she slid out of bed and ran to the bathroom to shower and wash her hair. After drying it, she put on her favorite short-sleeved denim shirt dress with a narrow tan braided belt, a casual look and perfect for eating out. Her leather sandal wedges matched the belt.
She hadn’t fooled the rancher. He knew she’d approached his brother after the rodeo on purpose, hoping for today’s outcome. Jasmine surprised herself that she’d been daring enough to do something her unmarried friends did all the time.
They saw no sin in letting a man know you were interested in him. But this was the second time for her to take the initiative—the first time by stopping at his ranch to give him a present. He brought out feelings in her that had made her do something unprecedented where a man was concerned.
After finding her and Rob together and knowing they were flying to Seattle, Mr. Clayton had to assume the two of them were a couple who might even be unofficially engaged. He hadn’t asked personal questions. Under the unique circumstances of their meeting, he wasn’t the type to make the first move even if he were interested in her. It had been up to Jasmine.
Now, to her joy, she had butterflies because he was driving all the way to see her in order to get his glasses. He hadn’t asked her to mail them. This was her first clue that he wanted to see her again.
She was thankful her parents wouldn’t be getting home from Helena before evening. They would question why the rancher had come to Philipsburg on such a flimsy pretext. More questions would follow when they learned that she’d agreed to go out to lunch with him.
Her dad, particularly, would wonder how his daughter could have decided to go away with Rob for the weekend, and within a week of breaking up with him had started seeing another man.
Poor Rob. After the crash she hadn’t wanted to say or do anything to hinder his recovery. No one was more thankful than Jasmine that his concussion hadn’t been more serious, and now he was well. But trying to soft-pedal her rejection before today hadn’t convinced him she meant it. After their conversation this morning, he had to know in his heart that it was over. They both needed to move on.
Now here she was getting ready to go out to lunch with the awesome rancher. Looking at it from what she expected was her father’s perspective, Jasmine had to question her own sanity. But she’d never loved Rob, and she hadn’t felt the same since the moment the tall, dark stranger had appeared seemingly out of nowhere to help her pull him from the cockpit.
Chapter Four
The doorbell rang as Jasmine was putting on lipstick. Somehow she had to find a way to calm down before she answered it. She reached for her purse containing the sunglasses and walked through the house. How embarrassing to sound out of breath as she opened the door to the head of the Clayton ranch.
Beneath his black Stetson, those silvery gray eyes narrowed on her features, making her tremble. He was wearing a charcoal Western
shirt and tan Wrangler dress pants. The man looked amazing whatever he had on.
She hung on to the door handle. “You got here fast.”
A beguiling half smile appeared. “I’m afraid I’ve racked up a few speeding tickets in my time.”
“So have I,” she confessed. “Would you like to come in?”
“Maybe when I bring you home. Since it’s a Sunday, I took the liberty of making a reservation at the Silver Mill in case it’s crowded.”
“Ooh—then we shouldn’t be late. It’s a wonderful restaurant.”
“I ate there some time ago and was determined to go back. Are you ready to leave?”
“I am.” She shut and locked the door before he helped her get in his truck. The interior held the faint scent of the same soap she’d smelled on him a week ago. It brought back a memory so fresh, the accident could have just happened.
When he walked around and got behind the wheel, she opened her purse and handed him the sunglasses. He put them on and turned to her. No man anywhere would ever look as good to her as he did. “You’ve made my day in more ways than one, Ms. Telford.”
Tell me about it. “Please, call me Jasmine.”
“Before I do that, I need an answer to one question.” She suspected what it was. “If you don’t plan to tell Mr. Farnsworth you’ve been with me, then I’ll walk you back to your house, and we won’t be seeing each other again.”
She’d sensed he was an honorable man. Now she knew it beyond all doubt. “Wymon—I hope you don’t mind that I no longer think of you as Mr. Clayton. You of all people deserve an explanation. Rob and I are over and won’t be seeing each other again.”
She heard him suck in his breath. “Does he know that?”
“Yes. We’ve been talking since he got out of the hospital. I’ve dated him exclusively for three months and cared for him a great deal, but all along I’ve had my reservations. Just little things, but they added up. We have no future together. I—I hope that answers your question,” she stammered.
“I appreciate your honesty, but he’s not the kind of man to take no for an answer.”
Made for the Rancher Page 5