“Trust me, I can do this.”
“If you say so.”
“Count on it.”
Chapter Four
Val slept better Sunday night than she had in more than two months. Good lovemaking had that effect on her, especially when she was lucky enough to enjoy that activity with Teague Sullivan. For the first time since their breakup in June, she was looking forward to today’s riding lesson.
Chauffeuring three of the girls out to the Buckskin twice a week had become her job after Nell moved to the ranch to be with Zeke and Claire. Val’s pickup was small, but she could fit one kid in the front and two in the back.
They spent the drive discussing the rope tricks Uncle Teague was teaching them. It was an honorary title Claire used and her friends had permission to call him that, too. Teague had won the girls’ hearts when he’d presented each of them with junior-sized ropes in their favorite colors.
Spending time with the adorable chatterboxes who would soon be her students was one of Val’s rewards for tolerating an uncomfortable situation all summer. Learning to ride had been another.
Her bond with the girls and a new skill were hers to keep, even if her fling with Teague blew up after his mom left. Maybe it wouldn’t, though.
His text this morning had been straightforward. Almost businesslike. His mom would arrive around noon on Wednesday. He’d prepped her about the custom ring and maintaining secrecy around the girls.
So far, so good. Val had answered him with equal efficiency. But his red truck sitting by the barn kicked her pulse into high gear.
Why wait until tomorrow night to move into his house? Nell wouldn’t stay late. Packing up and driving to the ranch after Nell left was doable and Teague would certainly be glad to—
Nope. Bad idea. She’d set the tone last night. Rushing over there tonight would send the wrong signal. She’d leave the plan in place.
As she switched off the motor, Nell and Claire hurried out of the barn. Nell’s dark hair was tamed into a single braid down her back. Claire sported an identical braid, only blonde. She looped a purple rope over her shoulder as she made a beeline for the truck.
Nell followed. Not smiling. She’d heard.
Riley grabbed her red rope from the floor of the front passenger seat, hopped out of the truck and flipped the seat forward to let Piper out. Piper clutched her green rope and almost lost her glasses in her eagerness to climb down.
Val moved the driver’s seat for Tatum, who jumped out holding fast to her blue rope. She dashed around the tailgate and headed for the other three.
Claire took charge, as usual. “I thought you guys would never get here. Come on.” She started back toward the barn, moving fast. “I did the coolest thing with Lucky’s mane. You’ll love it!”
“Walk, girls!” Val called out automatically. She tucked her keys and purse under the seat and turned just as Nell rounded the back of the truck. Her expression said it all.
“You think I’m insane.”
“Yep.”
“It won’t be like last time.”
“Why not? You’ll be his pretend fiancée. Before you know it, he’ll be on bended knee begging you to make it real.”
“He’s promised he won’t. He gave his word.”
“Okay, maybe he won’t actually propose, but you’ll see it in his face. That’s just as bad. It’ll be déjà vu all over again, two miserable people who can’t stand being in the same space.”
“But we don’t have to be in the same space. The riding demonstration on Saturday is the last time we need to see each other. If this turns out to be a disaster, we’ll just go our separate ways.”
“That’s not so easy in a town the size of Apple Grove.”
“Sure it is. Without the riding lessons, we might never have met.”
“But now that you have a history with the guy, one you’re about to embellish, you’ll be looking for him around every corner.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Really?” Nell crossed her arms and gave her the same look she used on misbehaving third-graders. “You stayed away from the Moose all summer because he might show up.”
Hadn’t thought of that. Damn.
“When you break up this time, and you will, it’ll be ten times worse.”
“But it doesn’t have to go that way. He says he’s not the same guy he was back in June. And maybe he’s not. He didn’t shave before he came over last night.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen an unshaven Teague.”
“He says he was caught up in the marriage mania going on at the Buckskin, and he’s over it.”
Nell studied her. “I suppose there could be some truth to that. But I—”
“Don’t worry. Even if he does go off the rails, I’m prepared to handle it.”
“Are you? You’ll have five days of close contact, and—”
“I can handle it, Nell.”
“Hm.” She didn’t look at all convinced.
“Hey, did you and Zeke make good progress on the house this weekend?”
“We did. The Buckskin gang’s pitching in, which means we might get it done before the wedding. Zeke’s determined to carry me over the threshold whether the house is done or not.”
Val smiled. “I predict it’ll be done.” She glanced toward the barn, where Teague would normally be conducting a roping lesson with the girls. The area was deserted. “Where is everybody?”
“Claire’s probably teaching the girls how to braid a horse’s mane. She did Lucky’s before you got here. That’s what she wanted to show them.”
“Ah. Makes sense. Your matching hairstyles are cute as heck, by the way.”
“Claire was the instigator. She thinks a single braid looks more cowgirl-ish. First I did hers and then I let her braid mine. Lucky was next on the list.”
“I’ll bet she wants to doll up the horses for Saturday.”
“Definitely. Want to help?”
“You know it. I’m an excellent braider. We’ll make those horses look—” Her brain shut down as Teague came through the barn door, a coiled rope over his broad shoulder and four adoring girls hanging on him like rock star groupies.
At a word from him, they let go and spread out, their excited voices tumbling over each other as he uncoiled his rope and began twirling it in a tight circle. The girls followed his lead, their colorful loops dancing in the same pattern as his.
“Want to head on over?”
“Sure.” Heart thumping, she followed Nell around the back of the truck.
While continuing to twirl his rope, Teague glanced at her and smiled. “Hey, there, Miss Jenson.”
“H—” She had to clear her throat before she could respond. “Hey there, Teague.”
Nell gave her a look.
“Got a frog in my throat,” Val muttered. On the way into the barn, she couldn’t resist one more peek.
He met her gaze, winked and turned away.
She stumbled going into the barn. “Don’t you dare say a word, Nell O’Connor. Once I get my sea legs, I’ll be fine.”
“I sure hope so, girlfriend.”
Chapter Five
Teague breathed deep in an attempt to settle down. Good thing he’d added a wink to that glance he’d given Val. He’d been fixated on her from the moment he’d walked out of the barn. He’d come so close to blowing his cover and it was only Day Two of the new program.
He continued the lesson, guiding the girls through the tricks they’d demonstrate on Saturday. Val and Nell led Butch and Sundance to the hitching post. As they groomed the horses, Zeke came out to chat with them. As if nothing had changed.
But everything had changed. Tomorrow night Val would move in with him. She’d share his bed, at least for the length of his mom’s visit — Wednesday through Sunday. He’d tried to talk his mother into staying longer. She’d gently declined.
When the girls executed the routine with only a couple of minor mistakes, he coiled his rope. “Let’s stop there. Yo
u’re doing a terrific job.” He collected the ropes from Piper and Tatum to store in the tack room until they left.
The girls followed him into the barn and Piper and Tatum split off to fetch Lucky and Prince from their stalls. The summer’s lessons had turned those greenhorn girls into competent wranglers who could be trusted to handle the horses on their own. Gratifying.
Riley and Claire followed him into the tack room and Riley put her rope on the same shelf with Piper’s and Tatum’s. “Miss Jenson sure seemed happy while we were driving out here.” She gave him a sly glance. “She was singing along with the radio.”
That news cheered him up considerably. “I’m glad she’s happy.”
“I think she’s getting interested in you again.”
“Just because she was singing?”
“Also the way she looked at you a little while ago.”
“I saw that, too.” Claire hung her purple rope on a peg. “Do you still like her?”
“Yes.”
“Then be careful. You don’t want to mess up again.”
“What do you mean?” God, he hoped these girls didn’t know about his ill-fated proposal.
“You know, like trying to butter her up. Don’t act like the teacher’s pet.”
Out of the mouths of babes.
“Claire’s right.” Riley shoved her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. “Miss Jenson’s a little bit like my cat Bernice. If you try to pick her up, she runs away. But act like you don’t care if she sits in your lap and she comes right over. My dog Jasper’s the opposite. He’s a lot like you, super friendly.”
Claire nodded. “She’s right. You and Jasper could be twins.”
He ducked his head to hide a smile.
“Jasper’s always trying to lick Bernice,” Riley said. “If he’d just back off, she’d cuddle with him.” She sighed dramatically. “Poor Jasper doesn’t get it.”
Teague turned his laughter into a cough. Riley was adorably serious. And incredibly wise. “You’re saying I need to be less like Jasper?”
“Yes.”
“But don’t go too far.” Claire faced him, her blue gaze earnest. “Jasper’s a great dog. When he runs up to me all excited and happy, that makes me feel special.”
“I appreciate the advice, ladies.” They’d confirmed that he’d chosen the right path.
“You’re welcome.” Claire gave him a quick hug.
“And good luck.” Riley held up her hand for a high five.
He smiled and tapped his palm against hers. “Thanks. I’ll need it.”
For the next hour, he monitored himself for any Jasper leanings when he interacted with Val. Achieving a balance between enthusiasm and reserve was tricky. His Jasper tendencies ran deep.
At the end of the lesson, Val asked the girls to wait in the truck while she had a word with him. First time she’d done that since the breakup. Could be good news or bad.
The girls answered yes, Miss Jenson in unison and all four hurried off, giggling. Nell and Zeke ducked into the barn.
Val walked toward him, her expression tough to read. Cold sweat trickled down his spine. She could still back out.
She met his gaze. “Nell thinks I’m making a serious mistake.”
“She told me the same thing.” He kept his tone casual. “What do you think?”
“After today’s lesson, I’m ready to give it a shot if you are.”
He let out a slow breath. “Okay, then.”
“Were you hoping I’d change my mind?”
Hell, no. “Why do you ask?”
“You didn’t smile as often today as you usually do. I wondered if you regretted asking me.”
“No, ma’am.” Evidently she was paying attention. Promising. “Just have a lot on my mind.”
“That makes sense.” She hesitated. “We didn’t talk about what time I should drive over tomorrow evening.”
“Whenever you want.”
“No preference?”
He shrugged. “Not really.”
“Then I’ll be there by five so I can help you feed the horses.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I liked doing it when I was there before.”
“No kidding? I thought you were just being nice.”
“Nope.”
A flicker of heat in her eyes jump-started his pulse. Was she remembering their hot make-session in the barn? “Then I’ll meet you at my place at five.”
“No need. I know where to find you. I’ll park by the house and walk over.”
I know where to find you. The slight huskiness in her voice gave her away. She was turned on. “All right.”
“See you then.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He touched the brim of his hat and took a step back. The words can’t wait almost slipped out.
“’Bye, Teague.” A hint of a smile.
“’Bye, Val.” He allowed himself a brief glance into her eyes. The air crackled and his jeans pinched. He turned and headed for the barn.
Nell lay in wait just inside the door. “Did she back out?”
“Sorry to disappoint you. She’s still in.”
“Doggone it, Teague. Can’t you just tell your mother you don’t want her to live with you?”
Zeke came out of the tack room. “That’s a hard thing to say to your mom. In his shoes, I’m not sure I could have done it. Besides, Val’s agreed to this.”
“I know.” Nell sighed.
Zeke put his arm around her shoulders. “She must think it’s worth the risk. The rest of us do, too.”
“But you guys didn’t sit on the gazebo steps in the middle of the town square with Val while she sobbed her heart out.”
“When was this?” Teague’s gut twisted.
“The day after you two broke up. We met for lunch. And she’d kill me for telling you she was that upset, so please don’t rat me out.”
“I won’t, but damn.” He took off his hat and scrubbed his fingers through his hair. “I thought she was just ticked off. I didn’t know—”
“Maybe they were mad tears,” Zeke said.
Teague looked at him. “You didn’t know about this incident, either?”
“Not until now. Could they have been mad tears, Nell?”
“A little bit, I guess, but she was devastated, too.”
“I’ll call it off.” He crammed his hat on his head. “I’ll give her time to get home and then I’ll—”
“Don’t be too hasty.” Zeke gave Nell a squeeze and let go. “There’s another way to look at this.”
“No, there isn’t. I thought I was just in danger of making her angry if I screwed up again, but if my actions could make her cry, then—”
“Then she’s into you, buddy.”
He stared at Zeke. “You think?”
“Ask Nell. She’s the Valerie Jenson expert around here.”
“Nell?”
She looked stricken.
“Nell, please.”
“Maybe I was reading too much into it. Besides, that was then and this is now. She’s had a whole summer to… I’m sure she’s in a different place. It probably was mad tears. Yeah, now that I think about it, I’m—”
“Hey, everybody!” Claire charged through the door. “I couldn’t figure out what happened to you guys. What are you all doing in here?”
“Loafing,” Zeke said. “Sometimes wranglers need to relax, you know.”
“Not me. I’m taking a rake and shovel out to the corral. Those horses left a few deposits.” She grabbed her tools from the tack room. “Loaf on, dudes.”
Chapter Six
After Val dropped off the girls, she went home and phoned in the pizza order. Then she stripped down and took a quick shower to cool off. Once again, Teague’s change of attitude had left her hot and bothered.
Clearly he’d dialed in a new program. No more adoring glances. Just brief eye contact that hinted at simmering lust. His slow-burn approach was driving her crazy.
She used to be able to
read him, but now she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Mostly. That sizzling look he’d given her before he’d turned away had been clear enough.
Pulling on shorts and a T-shirt, she put her hair in a ponytail and shoved her feet into flip-flops. Soon the weather would be too cold for any of those things. Too cold for outdoor sex, too. Not yet, though. A flush of excitement warmed her all over.
Hey, girl, don’t forget his mother will be on the premises. She kept leaving that factoid out of the equation. Not good.
How did a fiancée behave with a future mother-in-law, anyway? Nell had one. She should know. Maybe she’d have some tips on how to play the role. Or not, since she wasn’t on board with Teague’s scheme.
By the time the pizza arrived, Val had set the table, opened the wine and tucked it back in the fridge. Nell showed up five minutes later.
She came through the door holding a bakery box. “I picked up a pie from the Apple Barrel. It comes with my apologies.”
“For what?”
“For second-guessing your decision. For acting like I know what’s best.”
“Aw, Nell. You’re just worried about me. I get it.”
She handed over the pie. “But who am I to say you’re making a big mistake? I’m the only one in the Buckskin gang who thinks that, by the way.”
Val led the way into the kitchen. “They don’t know me like you do.” She set the pie on the counter and opened the fridge to get the sauvignon blanc. “They’re Team Teague, while you’re the sole member of Team Val.” She turned back to her with a smile. “Thank you for being my friend.”
“Then as your friend, I need to ask you something.”
“Okay.” She crossed to the table and began pouring the wine. “What?”
“I’ll wait until you’ve finished pouring.”
“Must be a heavy-duty question.” Placing the stopper in the bottle, she turned around.
“Kind of.” She hesitated. “Is it possible you’re in love with him?”
The question hung in the air, the question she’d asked herself a million times. “I am.” She took a breath. “But not enough.”
“You mean not enough to marry him?”
Marriage-Minded Cowboy Page 3