A Cowboy's Charm

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  He chose the diner because sitting in a cozy booth to discuss his relationship with Kendra seemed more private than a table at the GG. Bryce might be working the Friday lunch shift and he’d rather not chance having any of Kendra’s sons accidentally overhear any of the conversation.

  Not that Quinn planned to say anything different from what was being circulated by the women at last night’s party or what he’d told Zane and Cody. But Roxanne knew him better than those folks. If she asked him honest questions he’d give honest answers that might not perfectly match the story being told about this romance.

  They settled across from each other at a booth by the window. Roxanne had requested it. “I love this particular spot,” she said. “It’s the one Michael and I ask for every time we come in here for breakfast.”

  “You come here even though you live over a bakery?” What a treat to have private time with his daughter. She’d pulled her hair into a ponytail and wore no makeup. In her worn jeans and faded t-shirt, she could pass for sixteen.

  “I tried to survive on a breakfast of baked goodies and coffee. It didn’t work out well. I need protein.”

  “You didn’t used to think so. You told me a balanced diet was a candy bar in one hand and a can of soda in the other.”

  “Because I was a little smartass.”

  “A lovable little smartass.” He paused so they could each give their order to the server. Then he leaned back in his seat and considered how to begin.

  “This is about Kendra, isn’t it?”

  He smiled. “Yes.”

  “You’ve been interested for a while.”

  “Ever since I met her.”

  “I’m not surprised. She’s great.” She fiddled with her silverware. “Is it serious?”

  “Um…” He didn’t know how to answer. “Define serious.”

  “Committed.”

  “I won’t be dating anyone else, so I guess that’s committed.”

  “But you’ve never dated more than one person at a time. At least not that I know of.”

  “You’re right. I haven’t.”

  “So what’s different about Kendra?”

  Everything. “She’s fun.”

  “Well, that’s good.”

  “And devoted to her family.”

  “Also good.”

  “And strong.”

  Roxanne smiled at that. “I assume you’re not talking about her muscles.”

  “No, but she’s strong that way, too. There’s nothing wimpy about that woman.”

  She put down the fork she’d been messing with and leaned toward him, keeping her voice down. “Dad, are you in love with her?”

  He blinked. “In love? Oh, I wouldn’t go that—”

  “Because you sound like it. And you look like it. And you’ve dated women before and never felt the need to take me to lunch and explain yourself.”

  “That’s true, but this is a different situation.” In love? That couldn’t be right. Roxanne was in love, so she probably imagined he was, too.

  “How is it different?”

  “Kendra happens to live in the same town you’ve chosen. And now that you and Michael are engaged, there’s a good chance you’re here for the duration.”

  “And your point is?”

  “I’ll be coming down to visit Kendra, but I won’t be moving here. I just wanted you to know that.”

  “Oh. I hadn’t gotten that far in my thinking. I guess you and Kendra do have a logistical problem.” She looked puzzled. “Isn’t it a little early to make that decision, though?”

  “Not really. She doesn’t want to substantially change her circumstances, which she likes just fine as they are.”

  “How about you?”

  “I have a great life. Pete and I make a good team and the ranch is doing well.”

  “So how are you and Kendra going to work this out?”

  “I’ll visit.”

  “Will she go up there?”

  “Probably not. As Cody pointed out this morning, I have two reasons to come to Eagles Nest. She’d only have one to come up to Spokane.”

  She smiled. “Then I should be seeing a lot more of you. That’s cool.”

  “Maybe not a lot more. That wouldn’t be fair to Pete.”

  “Hm. That doesn’t sound like—” She glanced up as their food arrived. “Yay. I’m starving.”

  That made him chuckle. “Got lost in a project, did you?”

  “I did. Between my work and spending time with Michael, I forget to eat.”

  “I’m honored that you took the time to meet me and I’m glad it involves food.”

  “Of course I wanted to meet you. I’ve been dying to know how things were going out at the ranch with Kendra, especially after you shaved off your mustache. That was a huge tell, Dad.”

  “So it seems.” He tucked into his food. “Did you know why Ingrid recommended the ‘stache?”

  “Not until yesterday, when everything came to light. Are you upset with her?”

  “How can I be? She was trying to get Kendra and me together, which I wanted anyway.”

  “She’ll be relieved to hear that you’re okay with how things worked out.”

  “I should go talk to her.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I’m embarrassed by how easily she appealed to my ego, though. A little hint that I’d look good with a mustache and I grew one, like a damned peacock spreading his tail feathers.”

  She grinned. “If the tail feathers fit…”

  “You don’t have to agree with me, you know.” He regarded her with affection. “You really are a little smartass.”

  “That’s my job. My brothers suck at it, especially Wes and Pete. Gage is a halfway decent smartass, but he can’t hold a candle to me.” She paused, her fork in midair. “Do any of them know about this new development?”

  “Not yet.” He lifted his eyebrows. “Unless you’ve texted Wes?”

  “You know, normally I would have, but I’ve been so busy with my own stuff I haven’t.”

  “If you wouldn’t mind holding off, I’d like to explain this to him and Pete in person after I get back. Gage will just get a phone call since he’s on the road, but—”

  “Didn’t you just say your visits down here would be about the same as before?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Then why tell them anything? You’ve been making trips to deliver your art, so they won’t think anything of you driving down here every month or two.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Dad, you’re missing the obvious. There’s a reason you want to tell us about Kendra when you’ve never felt the need with anyone else you’ve dated.”

  He lowered his voice. “Look, I’m not in love with her.”

  “Then there’s no reason to say anything to my brothers. Or me, for that matter. If nothing will change, then what difference does it make to us?”

  “You have a point.” He glanced at the food rapidly disappearing from her plate. “Want dessert?”

  “You know it.”

  “Good. Me, too.” He hailed their server.

  “By the way, will the fuel tank you saw this morning work for Cassandra?”

  “Unfortunately not, but maybe the one I’m looking at this afternoon will do the trick.”

  “Hope so.”

  “Me, too.” But not really. Fixing the bike meant leaving Kendra. Now that he’d established that he wouldn’t be back for at least a month and perhaps longer, he was in no hurry to ride away from Wild Creek Ranch.

  He didn’t mention Kendra again for the rest of the meal, though. Roxanne had made an excellent argument for dropping the subject.

  Kendra had been obligated to inform her sons that life would go on as before because they’d had a front row seat for this developing romance. Logically they’d wonder if it would impact them and they deserved to know that it wouldn’t. But if Kendra would never travel to Spokane, then his boys didn’t have to know the whole story.

  * * *

&nb
sp; The second fuel tank wasn’t right, either. Or it could be that Quinn had become extremely picky because not finding it paid benefits. In any case, the trip to Billings allowed him to shop for some things he might not have found in Eagles Nest.

  A party store carried everything he needed for decorating. Next he stopped at a liquor store. Kendra might have the right booze but he’d rather bring it in than use up her stash.

  He had to double back to find a supermarket big enough to carry what he wanted. The deli counter was well-stocked on a Friday afternoon. He wasn’t the only one looking for party food.

  Mission accomplished, he pointed the truck in the direction of Eagles Nest. If he hustled, he might get to the ranch while Kendra was giving a lesson. His idea didn’t have to be a complete surprise, but he wouldn’t mind if he could set up a few things in advance.

  When he drove in, Kendra was perched on the railing while a rider circled the ring on the black mare named Licorice. He’d like to head down there and watch, but first he had work to do.

  He made a fast trip to his cabin for his sketch pad and pencils. Then he smuggled everything into her bedroom without anyone taking notice. She’d tidied up since he’d left the room early this morning. The bed was carefully made. He wouldn’t be surprised if she’d put on fresh sheets.

  Decorating didn’t take very long. The concept was hokey as hell, but this was a woman who’d danced in a bear suit. She’d like it. After depositing the liquor in the kitchen and the perishables in the fridge, he hung up her truck keys.

  He’d debated moving his things into her bedroom and finally decided what the heck, might as well. He didn’t have much and he accomplished it quickly. At last he walked down to the corral.

  Faith and Jim were having a discussion over by the old barn. They both waved and Quinn waved back.

  “Any luck finding a fuel tank?” Faith called out.

  “Not today! Maybe tomorrow!”

  Kendra glanced over her shoulder. “Hey, there.”

  “Hey, yourself.” He climbed up and took a seat on the rail beside her. “How’s it going?”

  “Good. Sorry about the fuel tank.”

  He smiled. “Are you?”

  “No.”

  “Me, either.”

  “Got any more leads?”

  “One. Sounds promising. I’ll check it out tomorrow. I had lunch with Roxanne.”

  “Oh? How’d that go?”

  “Interesting. I’ll tell you about it later.”

  “Okay.” She raised her voice. “Shorten up the reins a bit, Katherine. You want to keep light contact with her mouth.”

  The girl, who looked to be in her early teens, did as Kendra directed. “She knows there’s a man here. It’s making her jumpy.”

  “Yes, and she needs to get over that.”

  “Licorice doesn’t like men?”

  “Not much. She gets skittish.”

  “Guess I haven’t spent enough time near her stall to notice. Want me to leave?”

  “Not unless she gets really unruly. Her response is more deeply ingrained than I thought. It’s been more than a year and she still reacts, especially when she’s carrying a rider.”

  The mare began to prance and toss her head.

  “Keep a steady leg on her, Katherine.”

  “I’m trying.” The mare kept fussing.

  Kendra hopped into the corral. “Bring her to a halt. I’m coming over there.”

  “Listen,” Quinn said. “I can leave. I don’t have to—”

  “No, stay. I want to try something.” She walked over to the mare. Taking hold of the bridle she looked up at Katherine. “I’m going to lead you around the corral for a couple of laps. We’re going to pass by Mr. Sawyer. I want you to keep talking to Licorice. Stroke her neck, tell her you love her.”

  “I do love her. I just wish she’d get over this. My dad can’t get close to her and I know he feels bad about it.”

  “He probably does.” Kendra led the mare toward Quinn while Katherine murmured to the horse and scratched under her mane.

  Quinn sat very still. The horse clearly didn’t care for him. Her nostrils flared and a rim of white showed around her dark eyes.

  Kendra walked past, circled the corral and walked past again. The mare seemed slightly less agitated the second time.

  “Okay, Quinn,” Kendra said as she went past. “Let’s see what happens if you climb down when we’re on the other side of the corral, and then walk beside me for a time or two.”

  “Got it.” He ended up making quite a few circuits with them before Kendra called a halt.

  “That was helpful.” She smiled at him. “She was definitely getting calmer. Thank you.”

  “Glad to do it. I’ll open the gate for you ladies.”

  Katherine called out her thanks as she rode through.

  Kendra followed, but turned back to him. “Meet you up at the house?”

  “You bet.” He couldn’t wait to show her what he’d planned for tonight.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kendra had prepared herself for the news that Quinn had found a new tank and would be installing it tomorrow. Instead he’d be on the hunt again tomorrow and would be around for sure on Saturday night. It was like the adult version of landing a very cool date for the prom.

  Chances were good he’d be here on Sunday night, too. His presence at the family gathering could be interesting, but hey, bring it on. Now that their relationship was out in the open, she welcomed the chance to see how he functioned in that setting. It wouldn’t intimidate him. When it came to socializing, the man had skills.

  She walked back to the barn with Katherine and talked with the girl while she groomed her horse and put away the mare’s tack. Katherine agreed they’d made progress today with Quinn’s help. Then her mom arrived to drive her home. Katherine’s dad didn’t come anymore and her mom didn’t stay for the lessons very often. She’d clearly lost patience with Licorice.

  Kendra understood. Maybe her brainstorm of having Quinn walk the corral with them would desensitize the mare over time. She’d ask Jim or one of her boys to help with the next lesson, although they’d also lost patience after months of effort. Katherine and Kendra were the only two members of Team Licorice.

  Too bad Quinn wouldn’t be available to help. His energy had been exactly right, possibly because he hadn’t built up any frustration or resentment toward the mare. Licorice might have sensed that.

  But Quinn would be in Spokane for the next lesson. No point in dwelling on that, though. He was here, now, and they had a little time before the horses had to be fed. She wanted to find out about his lunch with Roxanne and the promising fuel tank lead. Mostly she wanted to kiss him.

  He wasn’t in the living room when she walked in the front door. She took off her Raptor’s Rise logo cap and left it on the coat tree. “Quinn, where are you?”

  “Back here.”

  Tropical music featuring marimbas, steel guitars and bongos filled the air. She laughed as she started down the hall. “You’d better not be lying in there naked.”

  “Would that be so terrible?”

  “Only because I can’t make love to your gorgeous self now. We have horses to feed.” The beat inspired her and she danced the last few feet down the hall and into the bedroom. “I like the music, though. What are you—” She stopped and stared at the scene he’d created.

  Two inflatable, seven-foot palm trees stood at the foot of the bed. He’d draped several leis over the headboard and laid out two beach towels side-by-side on the quilt. In between sat a bamboo bed tray containing two empty stemmed cocktail glasses with little paper umbrellas propped inside.

  Behind the tray he’d placed his sketchpad with a Welcome to Tahiti message lettered above a beach scene of sand, surf and palms. The music poured from his phone lying on the nightstand.

  He stood to one side, grinning. Then he swept an arm toward the bed. “Welcome to my Tahitian getaway.”

  “I love it.” She smil
ed back, and it was a little wobbly. Going straight into his arms, she gazed up into those warm gray eyes. “I love, love, love it.”

  “Knew you would. We can make the drinks after we feed the horses. I have stuff in the kitchen for pina coladas and I got a pineapple and some munchies that—”

  She pressed her mouth to his, halting the flow of information. She got the message. He cared enough to do something sweet and funny, an inside joke the two of them could share, a fantasy they could create together.

  His arms tightened as he deepened the kiss. As the rhythmic tune played in the background, he began to move subtly to the beat. She moved with him, winding her arms around his neck and molding her body to his.

  Splaying his hands over her bottom, he held her close as he rotated his hips in time to the exotic music. Desire danced through her veins as her heart sang along…yes, yes, yes, yes. You, you, you, you.

  The music ended and he slowly lifted his mouth from hers. His voice rumbled softly in the silence. “Later.” He let her go and stepped back. “We have horses to feed.”

  She gazed into eyes filled with the same yearnings she was struggling to put aside. “I don’t wanna.”

  He gave her a crooked smile. “Me, either, but the next generation is counting on us to behave like responsible adults.”

  “I was afraid you’d say something like that.”

  “Come on.” He took her hand. “We can fake it for a little while. Then we’ll come back here, drink pina coladas, and go back to acting like hormonal kids who just discovered sex.” He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and led her out of the bedroom.

  He continued to hold her hand on the way to the barn. Nice. He told her a little more about his lunch with Roxanne, who’d suggested he didn’t have to broadcast their relationship to his sons. Roxanne’s reasoning made sense, especially since Kendra wouldn’t be going up to Spokane. Or meeting Gage and Pete.

  Maybe she never would. That seemed a little strange since Quinn was getting to know her family. Oh, well. The situation wasn’t perfect.

  When she and Quinn walked into the barn, no one else had arrived to feed. She glanced at him. “What do you know? We beat the kids.”