The Wrangler

by Lindsay McKenna

  Slade chuckled and hooked a boot on the lowest rung of the fence. “I’d like to have had a front-row seat to see Downing cut down to size.” He looked over at Val, a lazy smile on his face. “Your grandmother totes two guns. You wouldn’t imagine it just looking at how tiny and thin she is, but you take her on, and you’re taking on a pissed-off wolverine.”

  Everyone laughed. The sun was high overhead, the day cloudless. In the distance the Teton blue slopes had little snow left on them except for near their jagged summits.

  Griff enjoyed being with Slade. Since his apology, Slade had softened toward him. “Is Jordana at the hospital?”

  “Yeah, but she’ll be home at five.” Slade lifted his head and pinned Griff with a look. “We’re going to the Fourth of July dance. Are you?”

  “I didn’t know about a dance.”

  “It’s one of the big events in the valley. It’s a time when everyone gets together and catches up with one another. We get snowed in eight months out of the year, so any excuse for a party in the summer is a good one.”

  “I can see that.”

  Val moved between the two brothers. “We need to get this poor old stock trailer back to the ranch, Griff.”

  Rousing himself, Griff straightened and unhooked his boot from the corral. “Yep, we’ve rested enough.”

  Slade studied the rusted trailer. “I’m surprised it held together. It looks pretty old.”

  Val gave Griff a look of admiration. “He spent a lot of time inspecting it before we loaded up the heifers, Slade. I know it looks beat-up, but that’s pretty much what all of Bar H looks like right now.”

  Slade studied Val’s determine face. She wore a tan Stetson, her hair drawn back in a red ponytail. “I understand,” Slade said. “We’re just coming out from under a dark cloud, too.”

  Griff walked between Val and Slade. “I’m going to wire brush the trailer in a couple of days and then paint it. By the time we pick up our heifers in two weeks, it will look pretty decent.”

  “Always work, isn’t there?” Slade asked in a teasing tone.

  “Yes,” Griff agreed, “it’s nonstop.”

  Arriving at the truck, Val climbed into the driver’s seat.

  Slade held out his hand to his brother. “Take care of yourself, Griff. Jordana was saying that she’d like to invite you over for dinner real soon. Are you still interested?”

  Griff tried to be nonchalant about the request. His heart beat a little harder because all he wanted was a good relationship with his twin. “Yes, I’d like that. Thanks.”

  “Good enough. I’ll be in touch.” Slade walked back to the corral to take care of the heifers.

  Griff lifted the ramp on the trailer. He locked it into place and visually inspected the rest of it before climbing into the truck with Val. He closed the door and brought the seat belt across his chest. “We’re ready to go.”

  Val slowly pulled out of the circular driveway between the huge red barn and Slade’s ranch home. “Hey, this is a good day,” she said, driving out to the dirt road that would lead to the main highway.

  “It is.” Griff enjoyed every moment he was able to spend with Val. This morning they’d loaded the heifers and made three trips to get the herd to Slade’s ranch. All morning there had been an unspoken happiness between them. It felt damned good. His heart started to pound. And then fear rose in Griff. Giving Val a glance, he asked, “Would you like to go with me to that Fourth of July dance?” Trying to shield himself from being turned down, he waited, unsure of what her answer would be.

  Val’s hands tightened on the steering wheel for a moment as she considered his request. Her heart screamed yes. Her head wasn’t so sure. Yet, she’d gained such respect for Griff in the past weeks that she gave in to her desires. “It sounds like fun.”

  Having expected her to say no, Griff was thrilled. He released his held breath. A smile lurked at the corners of his mouth as joy coursed through his heart. “We need a break from all the work. Do you think Miss Gus would like to go with us?”

  The fact that he would include her grandmother made Val glad she’d accepted his invitation. She was touched. “We can ask her. She won’t dance, though.”

  Looking out the window, his elbow resting on the frame, Griff said, “That’s okay. She needs to have a day off, too. We work like dogs.”

  Val stopped at the T intersection and looked both ways before driving the rig out onto the highway that would lead into Jackson Hole. “I think Gus needs people. She’s always grousing she hates crowds and prefers the quiet of nature to chatty people, but I’ll bet she’s ready to party a little, too.” Her smile faded and she added softly, “We’ve all been through a lot since I came home.”

  Griff wanted to reach out but didn’t dare to. “Then this dance is a good reason to celebrate a little. You two women have worked your tails off to turn the Bar H around.”

  “We have. With a lot of great help from you.” Val gave him a quick look of admiration. “I was so impressed yesterday with how you took on Downing and that banker.”

  “Oh…that.” Griff snorted. “They’re nothing compared to the business titans of Wall Street. You think those two are tough, they’re marshmallows in comparison.”

  Shaking her head, Val said, “Gus tore them apart but you were equally effective. Can you imagine the banker didn’t even bother to see who owned the Bar H? What kind of people does he have working for him? They sure aren’t into the details, aren’t they?”

  “Happens all the time. The devil’s in the details and when you get into land, property and real estate, those titles from the county are your heart and blood. That banker was being dragged around by Downing to do his dirty work. And Latimer wasn’t very good at it, either.”

  “He was sweating the whole time.”

  “Did you think Miss Gus would sell that lake property?”

  “No, not for a second.” Val sighed and smiled fondly. “The lake was one of the places of my best childhood memories, Griff. I would escape from the house and sit for hours on the bank. I was alone and I felt safe out there. Gus knows that and she’s not about to sell what few happy memories I have out from under me.”

  “Did she talk to you about it after they left?”

  “Yes, she did. She’s bent on getting the Bar H in tip-top shape and then transferring the property into my name. Downing will never know that, however.”

  Shaking his head, Griff said, “Your grandmother is an exceptional human being. She’s a good role model for all of us.”

  “Gus wants me happy.” Val’s voice became raspy. Tears threatened and she fought them back. “My grandmother has been the backbone of our family for two generations. She saw her daughter broken by Buck. I think she feels guilty she wasn’t around to stop him from abusing us. I think she’s trying to make up for it.”

  “She’s doing the right thing,” Griff agreed. They were coasting down the long, sloping hill that would bring them into Jackson Hole. Traffic was a tourist snarl as vacationers came by the millions every summer to visit the Teton and Yellowstone. At the base of the hill they began their slow crawl through the town clogged with unrelenting traffic.

  “Gus wasn’t sure I’d stay. We’ve had several talks about it.”

  Frowning, Griff hadn’t even considered that Val wouldn’t stay and grow her ranch. “And?”

  “I’ll stay. When I told Gus my decision, she said within the year, she’d legally turn the ranch over to me. But first, she wants to settle the cattle on the land and get those six cabins built. She’s a long-range planner. Gus says ranchers have to care for their money and grow it in order to survive. She sees those cabins as insurance.”

  “I’m impressed with her financial sense,” Griff said. “She’s right. Beef prices go up and down like a yo-yo and a rancher can’t count on just one source of
income. That’s why so many ranches in this area offer dude-ranch vacations. It’s another important stream of income.”

  “I’m so glad you have business sense. I don’t have a whole lot, but I’m learning fast from you and Gus.”

  That made Griff feel good. They cleared the town and were now speeding down the highway that would lead to the ranch ten miles south of town. The traffic had lightened considerably. The wind coming in the cab felt good against his hot, sweaty flesh. His heart pounded with possibilities as he thought about the dance two nights from now. Val had agreed to go with him! Of her own free will. And if he was reading Val’s face right now, she seemed happier than he’d ever seen her before.

  * * *

  NERVOUSLY, VAL SMOOTHED DOWN THE COLORFUL southwest-designed skirt she wore. In the mirror, she looked calm, but inwardly, as she critically stared at her image in it, she was scared. Griff had asked her to the dance! Val had forgotten how important the summer events around Jackson Hole were for those who lived in the valley and surrounding area. By the time spring came after the long, hard winter, everyone had cabin fever. And any excuse for a dance or get-together by the locals, was enthusiastically embraced.

  Touching her hair, the crimson strands gleaming beneath the light in her bedroom, Val felt pretty. Again, she smoothed the colorful skirt, her palms damp. Every time she thought of Griff holding her, his hands on her body, she felt excitement, followed by a keening ache within her. Val adjusted the small peach-colored pearl earrings for a fifth time. The pearls on the single-strand choker were each separated by an inch of gold chain. The solid-colored tee of dark purple was perfect for her complexion and red hair. She knew gossip around town had let the citizens know she was home. Now, this was a place to meet them. Val was sure they’d have questions and she wasn’t looking forward to some of them. But looking at herself one last time in the mirror, she felt satisfied that she looked good enough to face the townspeople again for the first time in so long.

  “Ready?” Gus called from the opened bedroom door.

  Turning, Val smiled. “I am. Don’t you look nice all gussied up!” Indeed, Gus had her hair primped, curled around her head and she looked elegant in the tasteful and conservative beige dress with a Peter Pan collar, long sleeves, and a thin silk ribbon around her waist. It was her favorite dance dress, she’d confided to Val earlier. Never mind it was at least twenty years old. Gus never parted with anything. Val liked the two-strand white pearl necklace she wore along with a pair of small pearl earrings of the same color. It struck her that her grandmother’s genes were strong in her. Val loved pearls as much as Gus did.

  Gus patted her hair and cackled, “Honey, at my age, if I look good, that’s a miracle!”

  Laughing with her, Val walked over and gave her grandmother a warm embrace. “You look divine, Gus!” She had put on some makeup, which she never wore, and it made her look like another person to Val.

  “It’s nice to have someplace to go and dress up,” Gus said. She appraised Val and smiled. “And you look beautiful. Those bright colors work well with your red hair.”

  Val was suddenly seized with fear. “Will I stand out like a sore thumb, Gus?”

  “Naw, don’t fret. The other women are gonna be absolutely jealous of you!” She got a sly look on her wrinkled face. “And I’ll betcha Griff will think he’s the luckiest wrangler at the shindig there with you on his arm.”

  Heat swept into Val’s cheeks until she felt like her skin was on fire. Tentatively, she touched her cheek and whispered, “Oh…”

  Gus wagged her finger toward her. “You need to lighten up, Val. Just be yourself. Enjoy the evening. It’s time you got some play into your life.”

  “I’m…just nervous, Gus. It’s been so long since I’ve danced, or gone out with a man….” Gus knew about Dan Bradley, her former fiancé, and she knew how long ago their relationship had taken place.

  “I know, but things change.” She smiled a little. “The only thing we can count on is change. Even I’m going to try and kick up my heels tonight. Normally, I don’t dance due to my hip, but I think it’s time I tried a little shuffle. Come on, Griff is waiting downstairs to drive us into town.”

  Val picked up her purse, hurried out of the room and followed Gus down the stairs. Her grandmother’s arthritis usually prevented her from climbing stairs. Tonight, Gus hadn’t let the challenge stop her. Val was grateful to her for coming up to tell her she looked fine. Love flooding her, she cupped her grandmother’s elbow and steadied her as they made their way down the wooden steps together.

  “You should see Griff,” Gus whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “You won’t recognize him!”

  “Really?” Val craned her neck to look out the front door, but it was impossible.

  “That gent is a handsome devil when he wants to be,” Gus added with a wily smile. “You better keep hold of him tonight, Val. Some young filly who thinks he’s unattached might try movin’ in on you.”

  Her laugh was strained as she realized Gus was serious. “He is unattached. He’s not mine.”

  “Hmm.” Gus halted at the bottom of the stairs to catch her breath. “You can’t be blind, Val. He likes you. Can’t you see that?”

  Val suddenly felt panic through her happiness. “I guess…”

  “You should see the way he looks at you when you’re not aware. He’s got eyes only for you, honey.”

  Dragging in a ragged breath, Val confided, “I know, Gus. I’ve been focused on the ranch.”

  A pleased look came to Gus’s face. “I understand. But tonight, just be yourself and enjoy Griff. I know you like him, too. I see it in your face. And you could do a lot worse.”

  Feeling trapped by her all-seeing grandmother, Val managed a nervous laugh. “Okay, okay, I surrender. I’ll do my best to enjoy myself. Now let’s go outside to where he’s waiting for us.” Her heart raced for a moment. What would he say when he saw her? Anxiety sped through Val because she wanted Griff to find her beautiful.

  Out on the front porch, Griff waited for the two ladies. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, feeling a bit nervous. Val was going to a dance with him. It was a dream come true. Footsteps sounded and both women appeared in the doorway. Swallowing convulsively, Griff’s heart thundered momentarily in his chest. Val looked exquisite, like a beautiful wildflower, bright and pretty.

  “Ladies, you’re both looking beautiful,” Griff said, meaning it. He saw Miss Gus grin. Val colored, her eyes downcast and not meeting his.

  “Why thank you, Griff. I think me and my granddaughter clean up pretty well. Don’t you?”

  His heart wouldn’t stop pounding. He’d never seen Val looking like this. “I agree,” he said with a smile. He held out his hand as Miss Gus reached out. Keeping a firm hold on the elder’s hand, he looked over at Val. Seeing a tender flame in her eyes, Griff knew the look was for him alone. It made him feel strong and good.

  “I’ll get your purse,” Val said before stepping back inside momentarily. She tried to stop from feeling giddy and happy. Griff was incredibly handsome in his suit and Stetson. There was nothing to dislike about this wrangler. And she felt her heart yearning to be closer to him. Much closer…

  * * *

  GRIFF HEARD THE COUNTRY BAND STRIKE up a slow song, the first for the evening. Gus and Val had been sipping wine near the crowded bar when the music began. The huge armory was decorated with red, white and blue decorations hanging from the ceiling and draped across the width of it. The place was crowded with locals. The women were tastefully dressed, the ranchers in their best suits, their good boots and cowboy hats.

  Griff’s heart skittered between fear and desire as he walked up to Val. “Would you like to dance?” He held out his hand toward her.

  Val felt panic mingle with yearning. Griff was wearing a clean white shirt, a gray cowboy suit coat, a black ribbon tie a
t his throat and gray trousers. “Sure,” she murmured, taking his hand.

  Gus patted Griff’s arm. “You two go out there and have some fun!”

  Grinning, Griff nodded and gently led Val to the center of the crowded dance floor. There were at least fifty other couples for the first dance of the evening. He saw the panic in Val’s eyes as he gathered her into his arms. Being respectful, he kept distance between them. Griff tried to monitor Val’s expression so she would relax in his arms. Just getting to hold her this close thrilled him. Her hand felt damp within his.

  “It’s all right,” he teased, giving her a tender smile. “You aren’t going to an execution.”

  Rolling her eyes, Val swayed in time with the music. Griff was an excellent lead. “Am I that obvious?”

  Griff said, “Just to me.” He lifted his head as the dancers moved slowly around them. “I think everyone else just sees a young and beautiful woman on the dance floor. Most of the men probably wish they were standing where I am.”

  The sparkle in Griff’s green eyes sent warmth through Val. He was being sincere. She was realizing more than ever that although he was a man of few words, when he spoke, he meant what he said. “Thanks,” she said in a soft tone. His hand felt firm and dry against hers. “I’m just nervous.”

  “I know. There are a lot of people here who remember you. You’ve been surrounded by well-wishers and greeters from the moment we walked into the armory.”

  She inhaled his special masculine scent that made him the man he was. Griff had taken a shower with the lime soap he used. “They’ve all been so kind. They’re glad to see me.”

  “Why so surprised?” Griff gazed into her mystified-looking eyes. Val had put on some pale blue eye shadow, a bit of mascara and pink lipstick. It simply enhanced her natural beauty. He was glad she didn’t try to hide her freckles.

  “I’ve just been gone so long, is all. I thought they’d forget. I wanted to.” Her mouth quirked. Sighing, she felt Griff’s hand monitor the pressure against the small of her back. Her skin prickled with delight where his lean fingers rested tentatively against her body. Val found herself wondering what it would feel like if his fingers trailed a path up and down her spine. As she drowned in his intense gaze, every cell in her body wanted to respond to him as the man he was. And when her gaze dropped to his mouth, her entire lower body exploded with raw need. What would it be like to really kiss Griff? What kind of kiss would he give her in return?