“Absolutely.” She walked along the beach, her toes getting soaked by the little waves rolling in and leaving foam and the occasional tiny shells behind on the shore. The water tempted her and she longed to jump in, but thought better of it.
She scooped up the biggest shell and showed it to Jericho, who nodded. They walked in companionable silence while she picked up shells now and then. At first she kept only the perfect ones, tossing back the broken or cracked ones. When she realized what she was doing, she froze, her hand hovering over a shell.
Just what did that say about her? Did she think only perfect things had value? That anything with the slightest flaw was worthless? No, of course not. She picked up several cracked and broken shells and added them to her collection. A shell didn’t need to be perfect in order to be worth collecting. It had its own unique beauty and value.
Jericho picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. It touched down five times before finally sinking. He seemed content to walk in silence, but she wasn’t. She wanted to know how he had become the man she was getting to know.
“Tell me about your childhood. What kind of kid were you?”
He grinned and for a moment she could picture him as a ten-year-old boy getting into all kinds of mischief. “I was your average kid.”
“Somehow I doubt that. There doesn’t seem to be anything average about you.” The words burst out of her mouth of their own volition. When she realized how they must have sounded, her face burned with embarrassment. She wasn’t flirting with him, but it could be construed that way. Given their history, she tried not to say things that sounded like a come-on. She hoped he wasn’t recalling the time she’d shown up in his hotel room. She regretted that bit of insanity more with each passing day.
“Perhaps I should have said I was a typical kid.”
She doubted that was true either. He was too extraordinary as a man.
“A ranch is different from the city. There’s so much space and freedom. But there’s also a lot of responsibility.” He picked up another rock, tossed it in the air a couple of times, then bounced it off the waves. Four hops this time. “The Double J has been in our family for generations. Over the years parcels were sold off. When my parents took over they only had fifteen acres.”
“Only fifteen acres? That’s a lot.”
“To a city girl, sure. For a rancher, not so much. They managed to buy back more. The land mattered to them, sure, but not for the sake of owning more. My father wanted us to grow up the way he had, on Jones land. The land is our birthright.”
“That’s nice, but it’s on the surface. What lessons did your parents want you to learn? What did they value?”
He answered without hesitation. “Life. They believed life was meant to be enjoyed. They didn’t act foolishly, but they believed in living in the moment. They told us to pursue our dreams.” He stopped walking and rubbed his chin. “I guess I’ve gotten away from that lately. Of course, there wasn’t much to enjoy once the love of my life died.”
“No,” Camille agreed.
“I guess I need to get back to that way of living.”
“It sounds like a nice way to live. I think I should give it a try.”
“I’ll help.” Without another word, he scooped her into his arms and strode into the water, the waves crashing against him.
“What are you doing?” she screeched, tightening her arms around his neck. Barking, Shadow jumped into the water and began to circle Jericho’s legs.
“I saw the way you kept looking at all the people swimming and playing in the water. The longing is written all over your face.”
“I don’t have on a suit,” she protested. The water was already swirling around his waist. Clearly he didn’t care about getting his clothes wet.
“A suit is not required, City Girl. All you have to do is enjoy the moment.”
He swung her over the water, and she squealed. He pulled her back against his muscled chest, and she inhaled deeply, getting a lungful of exhilarating male scent. “Do you know how to swim?” he asked.
She could lie and say she didn’t and he would no doubt carry her back to the shore. But she was having so much fun. She nodded.
“Okay, then.” He swung her out and back in again; the anticipation was part of the pleasure. Finally he let her go. She thrust her arms out as she sailed through the air before landing with a mighty splash in the warm water.
Laughing, she pushed to her feet, brushing her hair back from her face. Game on. She cupped her hands, filled them with water and tossed it at Jericho. Before he could respond, she started splashing him furiously. He reached for her, and she ducked under his arm, stepping around him. Giggling, she pushed against his back as hard as she could, sending him crashing into the water.
He sputtered and laughed, rising out of the water like Poseidon, only sexier. The gleam in his eyes should have made her wary, but it didn’t. If anything it emboldened her. Thrilled her.
They splashed around a few more minutes, each dunking the other twice. Shadow barked and circled them as if trying to figure out what was wrong with his humans.
“I give,” she said, soaked to the bones and starving. “You win. You’re the king of the water fight.”
“Finally. I’m glad you acknowledged my greatness.” He grabbed her by the waist, then hoisted her onto his shoulders.
“Put me down. You’ll hurt yourself. I’m way too heavy.”
“You’re fine. Of course, if you don’t stop wiggling you’ll fall.”
She smiled and decided to enjoy the moment. She didn’t want to fall off his shoulders. Too bad she was already falling for him.
Chapter Eleven
Camille grabbed the bottom of her T-shirt, wringing as much water from the fabric as she could. Still, it clung to her torso, giving him a view of her spectacular body. She had firm breasts that his hands ached to touch. But he wouldn’t. She wasn’t his to touch. He wasn’t ready for any kind of relationship, and he didn’t believe in having sex just for the sake of having sex. He believed she felt the same way. It would be wrong to lead her on if there was no future for them.
He was tied to his ranch and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Camille was a city girl through and through. Although she seemed to be enjoying her time here, all things considered, he didn’t delude himself into believing she would consider making her life here once her troubles were over. Hadn’t she just said that her life was going on without her? If that didn’t mean she was tied to New York, nothing did. She was making the best of the situation even as she was counting the seconds until she could kick the North Carolina dirt from her shoes.
He didn’t blame her. In New York, entertainment was within walking distance. The Double J was nearly an hour’s drive from everything. Restaurants, movies. Hospitals. Especially hospitals. If he had lived closer to Willow Creek and Jeanette’s obstetricians, Jeanette might not have died. The doctors had all said differently, but what did they know?
He shook his head. Why was he even thinking about this? Once the people after Camille were caught, she would go back to New York, where she belonged. And he’d be alone again.
Camille caught his eyes and smiled at him. She was more carefree than he’d ever seen, and every thought vanished from his mind. Except for one. She was truly beautiful. When she stopped being so serious and focused on getting ahead, she was absolutely stunning.
She stepped closer, her hips swaying seductively. “That was so much fun. Thanks.”
“No need for thanks. I enjoyed it, too.” He pulled his wet T-shirt over his head and twisted it, keeping his hands busy so they wouldn’t encircle her tiny waist.
“Now I’m starving.”
So was he. But not for turkey and Swiss on rye. “Me, too.”
She grabbed his hand. Her touch warmed his heart and heated his blood.
Shadow raced ahead of them
to the blanket, turning in circles before he dropped onto the sand. He raised his head and whined when they opened the basket, sniffing the air. “Oh, no you don’t,” Jericho said when the dog eyed their lunch. “You have food of your own.”
He dug out a few treats and tossed them to Shadow. After wiping his hands on his shorts, Jericho took the paper plate Camille handed him.
“He’s such a sweet dog, if a little...” Her voice trailed off.
“Slow? Dim-witted?”
“I was going to say challenged. I just don’t understand why he doesn’t know how to fetch.”
Jericho shrugged. “You got me there.”
“How old is he?”
“Almost two years. He was a birthday gift from Jeanette. A week later we found out she was pregnant. She loved the idea of our baby having a dog. We both did.”
Camille nodded, a faraway expression on her face. She almost seemed sad. He’d give anything to know just what was going on inside her head. A woman’s mind was a mystery to him. It was as if women deliberately confused men to keep them off balance. A man’s mind was direct. Straight. A woman’s mind was like a Rube Goldberg gadget with all kinds of random twists and turns.
“Jericho? I thought that was you.”
He turned and stood at the sound of Joni Danielson’s voice. Sister to one of his best friends, and a friend in her own right, Joni was crossing the sand in an unhurried way. When she reached him, she kissed his cheek.
“I’m so glad I saw you. You’ve saved me a trip out to the ranch. I have dinner for you at the house.”
He shook his head. “I thought Brandon would be too busy to make me food.”
“Not a chance. It will take more than owning a restaurant and a new fiancée to get my brother to forget his friends.” Joni stepped around him and approached Camille, who was now standing. “And speaking of friends, I’m Joni.”
“I’m Camille.” There was an unreadable expression on her face.
“It’s nice to meet you. I heard that Jericho had been seen shopping and at the diner with a woman, but I couldn’t believe it. Because there’s absolutely no way Jericho would come to town and not stop by and say hello to me.” She flashed him a fake frown.
“It was just a short trip,” he explained. “We really weren’t in town very long.”
“You’re forgiven.” Joni’s smile included Camille. “How long will you be visiting?”
Camille shifted from one foot to the other. She was keeping her presence here a secret. Not that anyone in Sweet Briar would be connected to the criminals in New York, especially Joni. “It’s open-ended.”
“Good. Well, if you get tired of only horses and Jericho for company, give me a call. Jericho knows my number. I can get a few friends together and we can have a girls’ night out.”
Camille’s eyes widened in obvious surprise. Clearly she wasn’t used to people being so friendly. But then no one was as friendly as Joni, the Sweet Briar sweetheart.
“The other reason I planned to stop by is to see if I can bring a few kids to ride this Saturday. They’re having a hard time right now, and I think a visit to the ranch is just what the doctor ordered.”
Jericho was shaking his head before Joni finished speaking. No way. In the past he’d opened his ranch to kids Joni felt would benefit from a carefree day in the country. They were a hoot and he’d enjoyed the visits as much as they had. But that was then. He hadn’t hosted anyone from the youth center since Jeanette’s death. “No. Now isn’t a good time.”
“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t really important.” Joni looked from him to Camille as if she’d have a better chance pleading her case to another woman.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Camille said.
“I run the youth center in town. For the most part the kids have great home lives and just come for fun activities and to hang out with friends.”
“But there’s something different with the ones you want to bring to the ranch,” Camille guessed. He gave her credit for being astute.
“Yes. Their mother is very ill and possibly dying. Their father’s not in the picture. Their uncle came to town a week or so ago and he’s trying to help, but as you can imagine he has his hands full trying to take care of his sister-in-law. The children need a break. It’s got to be tough seeing your only parent so sick. Not to mention frightening. A visit to the ranch would be a break from the situation at home.”
Camille turned to Jericho, her eyes full of compassion. He felt himself weakening. “Are you opposed to them coming to the ranch? Do you think it’s dangerous or that they’ll cause trouble?”
“No.” But having children around reminded him of the child he lost. Not that he would tell her that. She’d turn that sympathy she felt for the kids in his direction. He didn’t need her crying over him.
Camille turned and smiled at Joni. “In that case bring them by at eleven. I’ll take them riding.”
“You?” Jericho asked, disbelieving. She’d barely overcome her fear of horses. “And who is going to teach you?”
“I’ll teach myself if I have to. And don’t worry, we’ll stay out of your hair. You won’t have to do a thing.”
Right. Famous last words.
He could put a stop to this plan if he wanted. The Double J belonged to him, after all. Instead he said nothing.
Joni smiled and gave Camille a hug. “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver. We’ll be there with bells on. I’ll leave you to your lunch. I need to get back to chaperoning the kids.” She turned back to Jericho. “Don’t forget to stop by and pick up your food.”
He nodded and waited until Joni was out of hearing before spinning around to Camille. “Do you mind telling me why you did that?”
“I want to help.” She rubbed her bottom lip with her thumb, and her voice faded. “I shouldn’t have interfered.”
She looked so crestfallen he wouldn’t have been surprised if she started to cry. He hugged her. “No worries. It’s only a couple of hours.” How could he be annoyed with a woman who was letting her heart lead her? Her generosity might have been a surprise before, but he was coming to realize there was more to Camille Parker than he’d once believed. And he wanted to discover every facet of her.
* * *
Camille pulled open the oven door as the timer pinged. She didn’t want the cookies to burn. She slid them from the cookie sheet and placed them on a plate to cool. She’d been so incredibly busy these past few days learning how to ride and planning for the arrival of Joni’s kids, as she’d begun thinking of them. Jericho probably thought she’d lost her mind, but she knew helping these scared children was the right thing to do.
Hearing their story reminded her of Jeanette and how sad and afraid she’d been when her parents died. Although Camille’s parents had taken her in, they weren’t any more affectionate to her than they were to Camille and Rodney. They didn’t know how to be. Camille and Rodney had provided Jeanette with the kindness and support she needed to heal. Their love had helped her learn to smile and open her heart again. Camille had no doubt Jeanette would approve of what she was doing.
“That looks great,” Jericho said, grabbing a chocolate chip cookie and popping it into his mouth.
“Those are for the guests,” Camille said, swatting his hand as he reached for a second.
Undaunted, he snagged another one and waved at the plates covering the counter. “You’ve made three kinds of cookies and two cakes. Plus, there are hot dogs and burgers ready to grill. You don’t really expect three children to eat all that, do you?”
“I want them to have choices.”
Jericho smiled. “Trust me. I’ve had young people here before. They come for the horses. Everything else is secondary.”
Her disappointment must have shown on her face because he stepped closer and brushed a hand across her cheek, sending chills down her
spine. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll love everything you’ve prepared for them. I’m impressed that you’re trying so hard to make sure they have a great time.”
She fought off the twinge of sorrow that came with his words. She knew he meant to compliment her. But still, it hurt to know he didn’t believe she was a kind person. He’d figure it out sooner or later. “I can’t take all the credit. You spent hours every day teaching me to ride. I just hope I don’t mess up.”
“The kids will take their cue from you. If you’re stressed, they’ll be stressed. Just relax and enjoy yourself and they’ll do the same.”
She didn’t get a chance to reply because Shadow began to bark, signaling the arrival of their guests. With one last glance at the treats, she left the kitchen and stood beside Jericho, watching as Joni pulled into the driveway. Joni no sooner turned off the car than the front passenger door opened and a boy of about eleven hopped out, a broad smile illuminating his face. His jeans and gym shoes looked brand-new.
The back door opened more slowly and two little girls slid out and stood shoulder to shoulder. They looked to be about six and seven years old. Like their brother, they wore new jeans, shoes and T-shirts. Unlike him, their faces were filled with trepidation.
Camille smiled at the boy and then approached the girls, stooping so that they were face-to-face. “I’m Camille. What are your names?”
The bigger of the two girls looked up. “I’m Megan. This is my sister, Suzanne.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. We’re going to have a lot of fun today. Is that your brother?”
“Yes. That’s Nathaniel. He’s eleven.”
The boy in question was chattering a mile a minute to Jericho and petting Shadow. Clearly there wasn’t a shy bone in his body. Jericho laughed at something the kid said. Camille’s breath caught in her chest. His face was alight with rarely seen joy and his eyes sparkled with mischief. This was the real Jericho Jones. It was good to see him appear again even if she wasn’t the one to draw him out.
“Hi,” Joni said, walking around the car. Her eyes were trained on Camille.
The Rancher and the City Girl Page 11