Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “Jase?” She shook herself free.

  “Yeah?” He tried his best to hide a grin.

  “You drive yours. I’ll drive mine.” She got in her car, locked the doors and started her engine, pressing down on the accelerator until it howled.

  Jase got in his truck. He dropped his head against the steering wheel and pounded the sides of the wheel with his palms. How’d I end up in this mess? He sat up and blew out a big breath. “It’s my mom’s fault. Coffee. Buy me a cup of coffee? Now look!”

  The next thing he knew, she pulled out, squealing tires around his vehicle and headed toward the restaurant without him. “She’ll probably get lost.” He shifted into gear and followed her, his bright lights on. “Now, who’s the boss, little Miss Brenna Page?”

  Jase slid into the chair beside her when they got inside the restaurant. Lowering his voice, he said, “Crimminy, you’re a wild woman.”

  “Listen to you, Mr. Bright Lights.”

  He broke out into a hardy laugh, having a hard time stopping. When he looked at her biting her lip, trying her darndest to hold in a smile, he laughed even louder. Damn it all to hell, but it feels good to laugh. Once he calmed down, he took hold of her hand. He had met his match. “Okay, let’s start over one more time,” he said, still snickering. “Are all the women in the Midwest like this?”

  “I think maybe me and my little sister back home, are probably the best, you know. Kind of like you and your brothers. Jase Carlson, you must be a lot of fun when not trying to be a pain in the ass.”

  “Yep, got that right. Now, about beer. Let’s have a couple. I’m starving now, too. You made me work up an appetite with all this frustration.” Is that what he called it? Frustration? It was pure fun. He ran his fingers through his tousled hair and winked at her. A wink? Something else he hadn’t done in a long time.

  Chapter 4

  By time they left—two beers and a burger each, later, Jase walked out with his arm around Brenna’s waist. She didn’t stop him. At her car, she turned to him and he brought his other hand to her waist. Ho, baby she feels good. He ran his hands up a little higher, taking in the curve of her narrow waist and lower to her hips.

  “Ah…ah, I-I’ll follow you around the building and make sure you get inside. Have a good rest tonight, ma’am.” He removed his hands and stuck them in his back pockets so he’d stop touching her…because he wanted to touch her in a bad way.

  “Once again, I’ll have to say thanks. This turned out to be enjoyable.” Brenna rubbed her hands up and down her arms, diverted her eyes for a moment, yet peered back at him. “Um, you gave me your phone number in case I needed anything. Would it be okay to use it, if I didn’t need anything…or need much?”

  He shifted his left leg out a step and folded his arms. “Ah, yeah, I…guess. I’m pretty busy with work right now. Breaking some horses…stuff like that.” Call him? She could call him any time. This woman excited him and he didn’t know a thing about her. He’d have to start shifting a body part around before long.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that…well, maybe I’d like to see more of this town, and you could point me to things of importance, like where to shop for food, etc. Know what I mean?”

  “That’s not a problem.” He tried not to get lost in her sexy, yet innocent stare.

  “Or maybe a place to have lunch or dinner?” she asked.

  Too late to worry about getting lost in those cornflower-blue eyes now. “Sure.” Jase set his teeth over his bottom lip, but then licked them. “By the way, did you hear when my mom mentioned subletting a townhouse?” He turned away from her, pulling his gaze toward something else in the parking lot, like bright neon lights. He needed a distraction.

  Clicking the button to unlock her car, she reached for the door but bumped into him as he went for it. He pulled the door open and stepped back into it. Her palms pressed against his chest, her fragrance, the heat of her body right there up against him. Damn woman.

  Brenna removed her hands as fast as she had put them on him. “Oh, oh, I’m sorry about that. I meant to ask you about the sublet your mom mentioned.” She took a step back.

  Trying like hell not to watch her chest rise and fall with each deep breath, he cleared his throat and glanced inside her car. “Mom mentioned Nora, who’s looking for someone to take over her townhouse. It’s in the better part of town, nice place. If you’re interested, maybe we can set up something for you.”

  She dropped her purse into the front seat. “Sounds almost too good to be true. A white knight rescues me and now has a possible place for me to live?” She cocked her head and slid her hands into her front pockets. “By the way, I’d need a two bedroom.”

  “You’re in luck. This one is.” He sighed. Two bedrooms. “Hey, I never asked. Are you married? Got any kids.” Again she almost grinned, a tiny little quirk to her lip, but there was a seriousness on her face that he liked. Jase removed his hat and sat it on the roof of her car. “I’m no white knight, believe me.”

  “Oh, earlier I thought you tried to convince me you were.” She did chuckle that time. “No husband or kids. Just a sister whom…well, it’s a long story, but I’m her guardian. Either way, you’re my hero of the night.”

  “You’re mistaken, ma’am. Nothing more than doing the right thing. No knight or hero of any kind.” He took a step closer and motioned to her seat. “Get on in there and I’ll follow you around.” He waited until she buckled her seatbelt, noticing how it lifted and separated her breasts in a nice, perky way. Taking his hat, he turned and headed toward his truck. “Hey,” he called over his shoulder before she closed the door. “Feel free to use the phone number anytime. Have a good night.”

  He didn’t have time to get hooked up with someone now. Glancing back, he wanted to kick himself in the ass because he sure wouldn’t mind seeing her again. Even if he was busy…but he wanted to. That’s why he should’ve kept driving past the parking lot.

  He got in his truck and switched to his parking lights. Frustrated, he dropped his forehead to the steering wheel again. It’d been way too long without touching a supple womanly body, nearly forgetting how soft a woman’s skin was, or the smell of…her hair. A part of him wanted to go back there, yank her out of that car, and wrap her up in his arms. When she pulled out, the distinct sound of her car got his attention and he dropped it into gear and followed behind her.

  On the other side of the parking lot he backed in the spot across the aisle from her, facing her car. No sense to park alongside her and go through another goodbye, because he might kiss her this time. He flashed his parking lights and watched her walk toward the hotel door…every single step. Almost at the door, she turned, stood there looking like a beauty queen full of confidence, but she took her cute little body inside. He waited a few minutes before shifting into gear and headed out of there, trying like hell to shake the subtle scent of her perfume out of his memory. It probably wouldn’t happen tonight.

  ***

  Driving down the long road toward his mother’s house, Jase pulled up at the barn. The light was on in his brother’s office over on the other side of the house, so he wouldn’t bother him. He came to return the refilled gas can and have a talk with his mother. So as not to freak her out, he used his personal styled knock before entering the back door. She came from the dining room.

  “You just getting back from coffee with that pretty young lady?” She opened the refrigerator and pulled out cold-cuts.

  “Hey, don’t get anything out for me. I’m not hungry. Coffee turned into two beers and cheeseburgers.” He pulled off his boots. “No thanks to you, Mom. What the heck was up with that? Sending me off with some stranger? Didn’t you teach me not to go with strangers?” Jase hid a snicker. “You didn’t even know if she had a husband.” He grabbed a beer from the fridge.

  “Neither one of you acted like ya minded once you got rid of the attitude.” Judy put water on for tea. “Want anything, son?”

  “Yeah, don’t try to fix me u
p again. Even if she is a hot chick.”

  Tristan came into the kitchen. “Who’s a hot chick?” He pulled a beer out of the refrigerator and held one up.

  Jase stood and took it from his brother and popped the top on that one too. “Mom’s trying to set me up with strangers.”

  “Mom?” asked Tristan with a lifted brow. He took a seat at the table in the country styled kitchen.

  “Oh, stop both of you boys. You didn’t let her pay for your help, and I could see the woman’s disappointment.” Judy stared at Jase and the two cans of beer in front of him. “And she is very cute. You can’t deny that.”

  “So what? Maybe we’ll never see her again. You could’ve asked me first before dumping her off on me.” Jase decided to play it a little longer. Let his mom think he was pissed. Well, in a way he was. He was just fine before running into her. Minding his own business. Getting by the best he could. Alone. Lonely.

  “Is she married?” Judy asked. “So, are you seeing her again?”

  Jase glanced at his brother. “I don’t know if I’m seeing her again. She’s not married.”

  “You don’t know? That sounds better than a definite no. Besides, she might be Destiny’s teacher.”

  “You have to stay out of my business. I’m not looking for anybody.” Hmm, did he mean that now, after meeting the blonde? He took a long swig from the can. “Too many things on my mind and I’m trying to find my kids. I…don’t need a woman to interfere.” But maybe I do. That one works.

  Tristan perked up, asking, “What do ya mean, Destiny’s teacher? One of ya wanna let me in on what’s going on? Hot chick, my daughter’s teacher? I have to get back to work, so start talking you two.”

  Judy explained to Tristan about the gasoline and meeting Brenna Page. Destiny came running from the great room where she was watching TV.

  “Hi, Uncle Jase!” She crawled on his lap. “Grandma, can I have some ice cream?”

  “No,” said Tristan. “You won’t sleep.”

  “Please, Daddy,” she begged in an innocent little girl voice.

  “No, not tonight. I have to work late in the office and I can’t stay up with you, darlin’. Nora isn’t feeling good tonight and she’s resting.”

  Jase hugged his niece. “Come visit and I’ll let you eat ice cream any time you want.” He scrubbed his hand over her head. “Hey, I met someone who might be your teacher.”

  “My teacher? You mean when I go to school?”

  “Yep, she’s new and starting when you do.” He shoved his beer cans out of the way.

  “What’s her name?” She wiggled around and looked into his face.

  “Miss Page.”

  “Miss Page?” repeated Destiny. “That’s funny.” She glanced at her dad and giggled.

  Tristan stood, beer can in hand. “What’s so funny about a teacher? You know you want to go this year.”

  “A teacher named page, Daddy, like page of paper or book.” She covered her mouth and laughed out loud. Jumping off her uncle’s lap, she wrapped her arms around her dad’s legs.

  Tristan peered at his mother first. “I’m going back to work, little girl. Behave. Since you’re staying with grandma tonight, tell me when you’re going to bed and I’ll come tuck ya in.” He knelt and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  When his brother left the room, Jase burst out laughing and Judy snickered. “Told ya. This is a smart one.” Jase gave Destiny a big hug. “If she’s your teacher, you can’t say things like page of paper.” He tried his best not to laugh again, knowing if he had a teacher named page, he’d never let her live it down. He guzzled the second can of beer, and grabbed a third from the fridge. “I gotta get home.”

  Destiny climbed on a chair and leaned on one elbow propped on the table, staring at her grandma. “Can I have one bite of ice cream? Nora would let me.”

  Judy lowered her voice. “Yes, honey, but if your dad gets mad at me it’s your fault.”

  “No, it’s your fault, Grammy, cuz you’re giving it to me.”

  “I don’t have to give it to you, sweetheart.” She tapped her on the tip of the nose. “You’re absolutely right though.” She took the ice cream from the freezer and turned to her son as she dished out one scoop for her granddaughter, nodding to the beer in his hand. “You stay off the highway going home. By the way…when are you coming back to church with us?”

  What the hell? “As long as you’re praying for me, I’m good.”

  Sticking the half gallon of ice cream into the freezer, she turned her attention back to Jase. “You never answered me. Are you seeing Brenna again?” She handed the bowl to Destiny and told her she’d be right along to the great room with her. Destiny took the bowl and left. “Night, Uncle Jase.”

  “Night, sweetie.” He peered at his mom. “I said I don’t know. Leave it at that.” Jase set his hat atop his head. “And please don’t ever do that to me again.” He got his boots from the doorway and pulled them on.

  Judy fanned her hand at him. “Oh, hush, I was trying to help.”

  Jase tossed his hat to the table and wrapped his mom in a big hug. “I know you were. I’m not sure if I’m ready…” He dropped his hands and his mom shoved a lock of hair off his forehead.

  “Well, Mom. I…I just don’t know. One woman ruined my life, and I’m not sure I should chance it again.”

  “Now, Jase, please don’t give up on love.” Judy rested her hand on his shoulder. “You’re too good of a man and never deserved what happened. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t want to hold those babies in my arms. I worry about them, too. When Destiny asks about Jaelle and Joey, it about breaks my heart.”

  Reaching for his hat again, he said, “Well, I’m heading home. Tomorrow I have to start breaking that last horse I bought.” Jase did a loud woeful sigh. “Ya know, I’m not sure what to do with the kids’ horses. If I get rid of them, it’s like I’m giving up on ever finding them again. But keeping them…is one more reminder they’re…gone.” He knew the beer was getting to him, making him emotional and weakening his senses. Not what he wanted to show his mother.

  “One day, somehow, we’ll find those kids.”

  He was beginning to choke up. “I promised the last night they were home, I’d never get rid of our family horses.”

  Judy hugged him and ran her hand over his back. “Then you just answered your own question.”

  His mom’s comfort was needed, but maybe when he didn’t have so much to drink. “It’s expensive keeping the horses.” He dropped his gaze to the floor but glanced back at his mom. “But…when they come back home, they’ll be wanting them.” His throat constricted and he forced down a swallow.

  “Absolutely.” Judy picked up her cup and made tea. “Well, I best get in there with Des now, unless you want to talk some more, honey.” When he shook his head, she kissed him on the cheek. “Ah, Jase, honey… Brenna seems like a very nice woman. Maybe you should think it over about starting over, or at least getting out and having fun with someone. That doesn’t mean you can’t still look for Jaelle and Joey. It wouldn’t be giving up by letting another person inside. You deserve more than you’re allowing yourself.”

  He pictured Brenna’s face, and remembered the way she felt when he touched her. How he felt touching her. “Mom, I—maybe you’re right.” Jase gave a short nod. “We’ll see.”

  Judy gave his arm a pat. “Good night, son. You best take the short way home.”

  ***

  Jase drove home the back way out past Tristan’s boarder barn and through the desert a short ways. Coming up to his dark house brought the usual slug to his gut. He’d have to remember to set the light timer. Turning the headlights off, he sat in the pitch black, not wanting to go inside. This house was like a haunted prison now instead of what used to be his castle.

  If he tried real hard, he could remember the kids’ laughter, his wife’s perfume. The smell of her was something he no longer wanted in his memory. He was over her, but if she called and wanted to come home,
he’d have to give it a thought. To be able to kiss his son and daughter good night every night, he’d do anything.

  Finishing his beer, he tossed the can out the window. He kept the window down and laid his head against the edge, letting the hot breeze dry his damp forehead of sweat. Coyotes howled in the distance and the smell of dirt filled his nostrils. At times, he still questioned why he remained in Arizona, living in the heat and dealing with dust devils and monsoon thunderstorms. This was his life.

  Jase popped open a can of beer he had behind the seat, got out and sat atop the hood. He peered upward at the multitude of stars. To see them, reminded him too much of pointing out the different constellations to his babies, which meant nothing now other than, a bunch of tiny flickers up there. His heart broke all over again. He lifted his arm and slammed his fist into space. He downed the warm beer like it was the last drink he’d ever have and threw the can as far as he could.

  Sliding off the hood, he had difficulty getting up the steps, did his best to get the key in the right place when he made it to the door. “Dammit, the keyhole moved.” He even laughed. Opening the door, he flipped on the light, walked through the kitchen and down the hallway to his bedroom. He dropped to the floor and counted off fifty sit-ups. It was probably five, but he liked to think he’d done fifty.

  He had too much to drink to start counting anyway. Jase grabbed his weights and worked his arms until he wavered and muscles burned—until he was unable to focus. Fumbling with his boots while trying to stand on one foot, he pulled them off, and he, fully clothed, lay across his bed.

  Waking later in the night, he unbuttoned his shirt and removed his jeans. He crawled under a blanket, and through a fuzzy mind, he thought of the cute blonde he met tonight. Remembering the touch of her warm hand against his arm. Closing his eyes only brought dizziness and he lost focus, falling asleep again with the vision of his kids sitting on the couch, laughing.