THE COWBOY SHE COULDN'T FORGET

by Patricia Thayer

  An hour later, Vance walked Ana into the Big Sky Grill. Several heads turned in their direction. Okay, so they would be labeled a couple now. Good, he wanted everyone to know that Ana Slater was his.

  They got the circular booth in the corner. He slid in on the other side from her and they met in the middle. She glanced over the menu, then closed it.

  He stared. “So you know what you want?”

  She nodded slowly and a sexy glint appeared in her eyes. “I have for a while.”

  Suddenly his heart began to race. “So have I. Ana...” He started to reach for her hand, but the waitress appeared and set down their water. After taking their order, she left.

  Ana turned to him. “What were you about to say?”

  Now wasn’t the time to talk about their personal life. He glanced around at the crowd. “I’ll tell you later. Let’s talk business first.”

  She sighed and sat up straighter. “Yes, tell me about the contractor.”

  “Nothing is settled, but we talked a little about the building we want, and how our timeline is before winter, when the snow comes. His company is in Butte, but he’s working from here now.”

  “Who?”

  “Garrett Temple, from G. T. Construction.”

  Ana was shocked. She had no idea that Garrett was a contractor. “Garrett’s in the construction business?”

  Vance nodded. “There wouldn’t be any reason for you to know. He’s only been back the past few years, just part-time until his father got ill and Garrett had to make the move permanent.”

  Ana shook her head. “I guess I haven’t been keeping up on the town news.”

  “Is it a problem? I mean, with Josie and their past together?”

  Ana shrugged. “My sister lives in L.A. Why would she care if Garrett did the work or not? Especially if we get a good deal. Will we get a good deal?”

  “We can cut costs if we do a lot of the work ourselves, and contract out only what we need to have done.”

  “It’s still going to cost a lot of money, isn’t it?”

  “That’s why we need to go to the bank,” he said. “We have an appointment at one o’clock on Friday with the loan officer, Alan Hoffman.”

  “So we’re really going to do this?”

  “I thought you wanted to, Ana.”

  “I do. It’s just a big step, and what if we fail? We’ll jeopardize the ranch even more.”

  “The ranch is already in trouble, and if we don’t bring in more revenue it will be taken away. Tomorrow, Garrett is stopping by to go over the plans and the cost. If you feel it’s too much, then we can come up with something else.”

  Vance took her hand and squeezed it. “I would never ask you to do something that made you uncomfortable. And we’ll run it all past your sisters, too.”

  Ana nodded. How could she not love this man, when he worked so hard to make sure she was included in everything? “What about Colt?”

  “I mentioned some of this today during my visit, but of course he didn’t say anything. I would like to take the plans to show him, if you and your sisters agree to the idea.”

  It was hard to keep her focus on business when all she wanted to do was kiss the man. “So is the business portion of this date over?”

  He frowned, then a smile stretched across his handsome face as he placed her hand on his thigh. “Yes. We can finish any business tomorrow. I have other plans for the rest of the night.”

  “You do? Care to share?”

  He lowered his head and his voice. “Oh, darlin’, if I told you what I’m thinking about doing to you, you might run for the hills.”

  She looked into his dark eyes. “I doubt that. In fact, I have a few ideas of my own.”

  * * *

  Two hours later, Vance helped Ana out of the truck at the house. He was a little nervous as they walked up the steps and went inside. The house was quiet, and he knew Kathleen had already retired to her residence off the kitchen. She had left a light on in the hallway.

  “I guess Kathleen has already gone to bed,” Ana said. “I could make some coffee, or something else if you want.”

  He could tell she was as nervous as he was. He turned her toward him. “Ana, I don’t want to put any pressure on you. Last night was incredible, but that doesn’t mean I take for granted that there will be a repeat.”

  Her large eyes locked on his. “What if I want a...repeat?”

  He reached for her and pulled her against him. “I’d say I’m a pretty lucky guy.”

  She smiled. “Then that also makes me a lucky girl.”

  He couldn’t kiss her, because he would never get her upstairs. “Maybe we should finish this discussion in the bedroom.”

  Vance took Ana’s hand, loving the feeling of her beside him, making him think of the possibility of a future together. Once inside his bedroom, he stopped and kissed her, long and deep.

  “I want you, Ana.” His breathing was labored. “I also want you to know that I care about you, too. A lot. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. When we get through this with Colt and the ranch...”

  He shivered as she placed tiny kisses along his jaw. “You’re talking too much, Vance.” She started to unbutton his shirt. “Just show me,” she challenged him.

  He walked her toward the bed and paused to look down on the beautiful woman before him. “I don’t think there’s enough time, or the words to say how you make me feel.”

  “No words, Vance. Make love to me.”

  His mouth closed over hers and all worries were put aside for another time. This was all about them.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE NEXT AFTERNOON in the ranch office with Vance and Garrett, Ana studied the building plans laid out on the large desk.

  She turned to Garrett. “I’m surprised by how quickly you came up with a design, and a very impressive one.”

  He smiled. “I have a good team.”

  Garrett Temple was a handsome man, with his nearly black hair and gray eyes. Just a little shorter then Vance, he was still over six feet. He and Ana had been in the same class in school, but back then he’d only had eyes for Josie. The pair broke up when they both went to different colleges.

  “So you like the design?” Garrett asked.

  She suddenly realized she hadn’t said anything. “Oh, yes. I love it. It’s more than I could ask for, but it’s the cost that worries me.”

  Garret directed her attention to the construction bid. “This cost includes the large main structure and also six one-bedroom cabins. As I explained to Vance, we’ll be able to complete the exterior of the main building, also do the rough electrical and plumbing before the bad weather sets in. I broke down the costs for that. And I’ll leave the option open for the cabins until the spring.”

  Ana studied the amount they needed to begin. She knew they were getting a great deal, but it was still a lot. “I appreciate this, Garrett, but I’m not sure we can come up with the money.”

  Vance finally made his presence known. “Ana, we’re going to see Hoffman at the bank on Friday. We could get a construction loan.”

  “Or you could get a partner,” Garrett added. “This is a sound investment. Something I’d seriously consider investing in.”

  Oh, boy, Josie would love that. Her ex-boyfriend helping them save the ranch. “Not that we don’t appreciate the offer, Garrett, but I’m not sure a partnership is something we’re looking for right now.” She wanted to be honest. “And there’s Colt. We haven’t discussed this new idea with him.”

  Garrett slowly nodded, as if he realized she was thinking about Josie. “Okay, I’ll leave the plans with you, and when you decide, let me know. Just don’t wait too long.” He picked up his hat and headed for the door, then paused and turned around. “I hope you’ll consider
letting me help, Ana. Don’t let the past cloud your decision. I’d hate to see you lose everything.”

  “I don’t want that, either, Garrett. I’m doing everything to keep that from happening.”

  Would Josie feel that way, too?

  * * *

  That afternoon, Vance left Ana in the office, talking on the phone with her sisters, while he went back to work. Hours later, when he came in from the barn, she was still in there.

  “Hey, this isn’t good,” he said as he walked into the office. “You can’t keep working like this.”

  “I just got off the phone with Josie. I had to send her a copy of the plans.”

  He crossed the room, pulled Ana to her feet and brushed a kiss across her mouth. He didn’t miss how tired she looked. “Well, now it’s time to stop for the night and eat some supper.”

  “I’m not really hungry. I think I’ll just go upstairs to my room.”

  He didn’t like that idea. “First you eat.” He escorted her to the kitchen, where Kathleen had beef stew simmering in the Crock-Pot, and fresh biscuits.

  Ana went to her place at the table and sat down. “Okay, maybe I’ll have a little.”

  The housekeeper smiled. “That’s my girl.” She set a bowl in front of her and Ana dug into her food.

  Vance concentrated on his meal, too, since she didn’t seem to be interested in anything but the stew. Had something happened since the meeting?

  They finished supper and Ana carried her bowl to the sink. “If you don’t mind, I’m going up to bed. I’m exhausted. Good night.” She walked out of the kitchen.

  Vance watched her depart, a little hurt that she didn’t even acknowledge him outside of being polite.

  Kathleen brought two mugs of coffee to the table. “She’s carrying a lot on her shoulders right now, so don’t take it personally.”

  “Can’t she let me help her?” he said, unable to keep the frustration out of his voice.

  The housekeeper frowned. “Our Ana is independent. All the girls are for that matter. Blame Colt for her being so leery about trusting. She needs a man to treat her like she matters. Be honest with her, Vance, and the trust will come.” Kathleen smiled. “She’ll know your true feelings.”

  Be honest. That was the problem; he hadn’t been completely honest with Ana. He needed to fix that and fast.

  After helping Kathleen with the dishes, he went upstairs. He walked by Ana’s room and paused, but decided to shower first and come up with a way to tell her about the land Colt had given him.

  Fifteen minutes later, he slipped on a pair of pajama bottoms and made his way to the room across the hall from the bathroom. Did she want to step back from what was growing between them? He refused to let her shut him out, not until he said what he had to say. He needed to have everything out in the open.

  He knocked on the door, then didn’t wait for an invitation, but walked in. She was already in bed, looking over more papers.

  “Vance.” She said his name in the breathy way that caused his body to tighten with need.

  He walked to the bed and took the papers from her, then set them on the night table.

  “Vance, I’m still making notes.”

  “Not tonight, Ana.” He sat down on the edge of the mattress, facing her, then leaned closer and covered her mouth in a tender kiss. “You said you needed to rest, but you’re not resting.” He kept teasing those sweet lips until she finally moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “What do you have in mind?” she whispered, taking her own nibbles.

  “I thought I could help you...relax.” He pulled her to him, craving her closeness as much as his next breath. His body tightened with need for her. “I give a great back rub, or whatever else you have in mind.” He began to demonstrate, and she soon was making purring sounds as his hands stroked slowly over her back.

  “Oh, Vance, that feels wonderful,” she moaned. “You can stop in about a hundred years.”

  He smiled. He wanted a lifetime with her, too. “Ana, we need to talk.” He stopped the movement of his hands and pulled her against him.

  “Okay.” She dropped her head on his shoulder.

  “About five years ago, I graduated college.”

  She yawned. “I know. Kathleen told me.”

  “First of all, I want you to know it wasn’t my idea. Colt bribed me, because he knew how badly I wanted my own place someday. So he said he would give me some land if I got my degree. When I did, he deeded me three sections of the ranch. I’ve planted alfalfa on two of those sections. The third is the north meadow.” He paused. “It’s your magic meadow.”

  Tense, he waited for Ana’s reaction, but there was none. Then he heard the soft sound of her breathing, which told him she had fallen asleep.

  He closed his eyes as his head fell against the bedframe. What should he do now? Wake her up, make her listen to his confession again?

  He’d tell her tomorrow. He reached over the shut off the light, then slid down in the bed and pulled Ana against him. He had to make this right, because he didn’t want to think about how hurt she would be when she found out.

  Ana shifted in his arms. “Vance,” she breathed. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  He pressed a kiss on her lips and knew that he’d never have to give her up. “So am I, bright eyes, so am I.”

  * * *

  Friday afternoon, at five minutes to one, Vance pulled the truck into the bank parking lot. He turned off the engine and looked at Ana. He saw the worry on her face as she continued to glance over the loan application. Nothing he’d said or done over the past few days could ease her fears.

  He reached across the bench seat, unfastened her safety belt and pulled her to him. “Ana, stop worrying. It’s going to be fine.”

  “I can’t help it, Vance. This income is crucial.”

  “Then let me help. You don’t need to do everything yourself.”

  She laid her head against his shoulder. “Sorry, I haven’t been the best company.”

  He took her hand, raised it to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “You can be as grumpy as you like. Just don’t turn away from me. I want to share the good and the bad with you.”

  She nodded.

  “No matter what happens today, we’ll figure out another way to go,” he said, trying to reassure her. “Do you believe me?”

  She raised her sapphire gaze to meet his and smiled.

  “That’s my girl.” He pulled her into a tight embrace, loving the feeling of her closeness. He kissed the side of her face along her jaw, moving slowly toward her tempting mouth, but resisted. “I think we better get out of the truck before we draw a crowd.”

  Vance opened the cab door and blew out a breath to calm his thundering heart. He walked around to the passenger side, trying to tamp down his fears about getting this loan. It wasn’t only for the ranch, but for a future with Ana. Something they could build on together.

  He wanted more than just to be the kid who’d always been looking in from the outside. He wanted to be her partner, and not only at running the Lazy S.

  Ana got out of the truck and began to walk toward the bank, feeling Vance’s reassuring hand at the small of her back. She was glad he was with her. Funny, how much her life had changed. A few months ago she’d been content in her career at the high school. Her life had been predicable and a little boring.

  Now she couldn’t imagine living away from the ranch, away from Vance. Life without him, not seeing him every day. That could happen if they didn’t pull this off. She felt his strength next to her, and it helped boost her courage.

  She released a long breath as they walked into Royerton First National Bank. The building was over a hundred years old, and not much had changed on the inside. She hoped their view on loaning money to women had.
<
br />   Vance directed her to the reception desk, where a young woman, a onetime student of hers, Cari Petersen, was waiting for them. “Hello, Ms. Slater.”

  “Hi, Cari.” They exchanged some pleasantries, but her nervousness didn’t subside. “Is Mr. Hoffman in?”

  The girl nodded. “He’s expecting you.” She raised the phone to her ear and announced them. Then she stood and escorted them down the hall, where they were surprised to find Alan Hoffman Jr. waiting for them. He’d gone to school with Ana, too. Wasn’t he too young to hold this position, make these decisions? She’d thought they would see his father.

  “Hello, Ana, Mr. Rivers.”

  They shook hands, and then he escorted them into the large paneled office and directed them to the chairs in front of the desk. Alan took his seat behind it.

  “First of all,” he began, “how is your father doing?”

  “He’s recovering nicely, thank you,” Ana said. “He should be home soon, in fact.”

  Alan grinned. “My dad will be happy to hear that. Colt is one of our favorite customers.”

  “One of the reasons we’re here,” Ana began, “is because we want to keep the Lazy S solvent.” She rushed on to say, “There have been some rough years with the economy, so we’d like to expand the family business. I believe you have our proposal in front of you.”

  They sat and waited as the banker skimmed over everything and asked several questions about the project. Vance gave a pitch about their profits with just the limited business so far.

  Alan took off his glasses and leaned back in his chair. “This all looks good on paper, but money has been tight the last few years. New businesses have come and gone with this economy.” He glanced at Ana. “Are you planning on using the ranch as collateral?”

  Ana froze. She’d been afraid of this; she couldn’t risk the ranch, especially since they could possibly lose their leased grazing land. “That’s a consideration. Of course, I will have to discuss that with my father before I do anything.”

  Alan nodded. “I understand. Let me present this to the loan board and get back to you.”

  All three stood. Alan turned to Vance. “Mr. Rivers, have you ever thought about selling any part of your land?”