It seemed to take him forever to deal with the condom, but when he entered her, she felt happy, almost giddy. This strong, artistic, kind cowboy had asked her to marry him.
But was it too late for them? She’d made a life-changing decision to spread her wings, not settle down. But this was Dustin. Dustin!
She gave herself to him completely, yet she held back a little piece of her heart.
The next day, Jenna was called into the principal, Doug Patterson’s, office.
“Hi, Doug,” she said, slipping into the straight-backed chair in front of his desk. “What’s up?”
“I got a call from the superintendent’s office. Your application to teach English in China has been accepted. If you’re still interested, you’ll leave in a month.” He shuffled through some papers. “It’s a year’s position. That’s a long time.” He looked at her seriously over gold-rimmed half-glasses. “Is this what you still want?”
Jenna’s heart started pounding an excited rhythm in her chest. She’d applied for the position months ago.
“This is so exciting, Doug! I’m thrilled to have been chosen.” She took a deep breath and thought of all the things she’d have to do to leave. “But I have to leave in a month? It’s so soon. And what about my classes?”
“I’ll have to get a replacement for you, of course.”
A substitute teacher would be with her kids? Jenna’s excitement dissipated. Of course they’d need another fourth-grade teacher.
And Dustin! What was she going to tell Dustin?
Her stomach churned. This was her dream job, and she had applied for it before she and Dustin became so close. Before…everything.
She took a couple of deep breaths. What had happened to the excitement she’d first felt? Now she felt sick.
“Jenna?” Doug asked, standing. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, Doug. I have to think…”
“Think about it, and let me know by the end of the week.” He smiled. “If you change your mind, that’s no problem. The super can give the job to someone else.”
“If I accept, will you hold my job here?” she asked.
“I’d take you back in a minute, but it might be out of my hands.” He nodded. “I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise anything.”
Jenna stood. “Fair enough.” She held out her hand and they shook. “I’ll let you know when I make up my mind.”
Jenna’s friends took her to the Cowboy Up for her thirtieth birthday. She two-stepped the night away with them and got asked to dance several times by various men.
But none of them were Dustin.
Due to his touring with the PBR, she hadn’t seen him much of him since they’d made love, but the phone calls, texts, emails and gifts kept coming. She couldn’t wait to watch him on TV, cheering for him until she was hoarse.
Her cheers for Tom were a little more reserved. She was still mad at him for interfering in her life. She’d called him and they talked for over an hour. It would take a while before Jenna would be able to forgive her brother, but it bothered her more that Tom didn’t think enough of Dustin to trust him.
When Dustin called to wish her a happy birthday, she’d told him about their gathering. He said he’d be there, but she doubted that he could spare the time to make a pit stop in Phoenix since he had to drive to Laughlin, Nevada, for the next event.
She shook off her problem with her brother and eyed the door like she’d been doing all night, hoping to see Dustin soon. With all the traveling he’d been doing, she’d definitely missed him. Her birthday would be complete if he could join her.
True to his word, he walked in a few hours later. He paused to sign a few autographs, scanned the bar, and spotted her waving to him. His grin lit up his face, then he made his way to where she was sitting with her friends.
After introductions were made, he tweaked his hat at her. “Happy birthday, Jenna.”
She smiled, then got up and kissed him. Her heart fluttered when he whispered in her ear, “I love you.”
Her stomach did a little flip. “Isn’t that a little soon after our first date?” she joked.
He flashed his trademark smile and chuckled. “I guess you’re right.”
How could she leave Dustin? She just loved being in his company.
“Dance with me?” he asked.
She took his hand and they walked to the dance floor. It was a Texas two-step, and they fell into line. Dustin was a terrific dancer, and Jenna couldn’t stop laughing as she bungled some of the steps.
They danced to a slow song, and her heart melted. Yet she knew she’d have to tell him about her possible job in China soon. Maybe later…
Jenna reminded herself that China would be the adventure that she’d always wanted. It would be an incredible experience.
But as they swayed to the music, she wondered if she could leave Dustin, the man she’d always longed for. Now he’d asked her to marry him. Why wasn’t she the happiest woman on earth?
Dustin pulled her even closer to him, as if he never wanted to let her go. His hand tangled in her hair, then he rubbed her neck. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensations coursing through her, capturing the memory. She might not see him again for a year.
The song ended and another began. She wanted to dance with him again and postpone what she had to tell him about China. An old Elvis Presley ballad came on the jukebox. The song spoke to her, bringing tears to her eyes.
Jenna moved back and met his gaze. “Let’s go find a table. I have something to tell you.”
Without waiting for his reply, she began walking toward a free table as Dustin waved off more autograph seekers.
“I’m sorry, everyone,” he said. “I’m with a lady, and it’s her birthday. I’d be happy to sign later.”
They nodded good-naturedly and the crowd dispersed.
“Why did you do that? You enjoy your fans.”
“I’ll catch them later. Right now, I want to be with you before I have to leave for Laughlin tonight.”
She felt elated that he wanted to spend what little time he had with her. She knew how important his fans were to him, and it made her happy that he felt she was more important.
They sat for a while at the table, listening to the rest of “Love Me Tender.” Tears threatened to fall as the song spoke to her and her situation. She didn’t know how to begin, how to tell him that she’d be gone for a year.
Would he wait for her?
Dustin took her hand. “You got very quiet. What’s going on?”
“I have something to tell you. It’s important.”
His smile faded. “Everything okay?”
“I was asked to teach in China for a year.”
Somehow she managed to sound more enthusiastic than she actually felt.
He froze. “When…when did all this come about?”
“Actually, I applied for the job a few months ago, before summer.”
“What about your job here? I thought you loved it.”
“They said that they’d try to save it for me. If not, I’ll just have to find another school somewhere.”
Dustin shook his head slowly. “I thought we had something going, Jenna. I asked you to marry me.”
“We do, Dustin, but we want different things,” she said softly, hoping not to hurt him. “I still have a lot of living to do. I want fun. I want adventure. That’s what I promised myself.”
“So you’re turning me down?” he said slowly, as if he didn’t want an answer.
Jenna looked into his turquoise blue eyes. “No. Not exactly.” She sighed. “I need more time.”
He nodded, but she could tell by the expression on his face that she’d hurt him.
She was hurting, too.
“I see.” Dustin looked past her to the dance floor. “When are you leaving?”
“Mid-November.”
She could see the disappointment in the slump of his shoulders, the thinning of his lips—those perfect lips—and she
wished she could turn back the clock to that perfect day in Wickenburg.
“I’m going to miss the finals. I’m sorry. I won’t be there to see you or Tom ride. But I really hope you win.”
“I’ll win it. I’ll win it all. And then I’ll retire, find a ranch to buy and…”
She knew what he was about to say. He wanted a stay-at-home wife and a passel of kids. She hoped that he’d get his dream.
At one time, long ago, she’d dreamed the same dream as Dustin—a ranch full of kids and filled to the brim with love.
Now she was going to China—alone.
She couldn’t ask him to wait for her. He should be free to pursue his future with someone who would make him happy.
She was going to China, to teach and travel and explore new places…just what she’d longed to do.
Then why did she feel so empty?
Chapter Eleven
Jenna was going to turn him down.
Dustin tipped his hat to her, gave her a quick kiss, mumbled goodbye and walked away.
As he walked to his truck, his mind was racing. Jenna was going to China? China was a million miles away from everything that he’d hoped for, dreamed of.
This was the worst kind of pain—the kind where his heart splintered into a million different pieces and no doctor could put it back together.
Dustin turned his car and headed north, to pick up Tom at a parking lot by I-10. Then they’d head for Laughlin, driving nonstop.
She wanted to travel, and he was tired of it. All he did was rush from event to event every weekend. He’d been doing that most of his life. After he won the finals in Vegas, he was quitting. He was going to settle down, either with or without Jenna…and it looked like it was going to be without her.
No. He’d wait for her. No matter how long it had to be.
In the glare of his headlights, he saw Tom leaning against his car sipping something out of a foam cup. Knowing his friend, it was coffee, strong and thick.
Tom had barely entered Dustin’s truck before Dustin blurted, “What’s with your sister going to China?”
“China? That’s the first I’ve heard of that. What’s she going to do there?”
“Teach English…for a year.”
“Oh.” Tom took a sip of his coffee, as Dustin turned his truck toward the interstate. “Where did you see my sister?”
“At a honky-tonk. It’s her thirtieth birthday today.”
“Oops. I forgot. And I forgot to give her Andy’s present—it’s a perfect paper in math and one in reading.”
“She’ll like that.”
“Did you get her anything?” Tom asked.
Dustin felt the small box in his jacket pocket that contained a diamond engagement ring. “I bought her something, but then I changed my mind.”
Tom dozed while Dustin rolled things around in his mind.
He’d known that she wanted to travel, that she was scheduled to take a trip to Europe and she gave it up to babysit and tutor Andy and take care of him. If she wanted to take that trip, he could understand that. He’d even go with her.
But to live in China for a year?
That just wasn’t him.
He wanted to turn his truck around and go back and talk to her. He’d bring Tom. Maybe he could talk some sense into her.
Damn. What was he thinking? Tom had interfered enough in their lives.
Dustin had to be the one to talk to Jenna.
Could they work something out?
He was so shocked when she turned him down, he couldn’t even think. There must be a solution.
He mulled things around his brain. Then it came to him. They could look for a ranch together—one that was already established—or look at land and build their own. With Jenna actively involved in picking out a ranch with him, she’d be invested in their future together. Then again, maybe she wouldn’t want to do this.
“Where are we?” Tom said, half-asleep.
“About seventy-five miles away from Laughlin.”
“You want me to drive?” Tom asked.
“I’m fine. Go back to sleep. I’ll let you know when I want you to take over.”
He doubted that Tom heard him. He was already snoring.
His friend had been on the road for a long time. Even though he’d gotten the money to make some improvements on the ranch, purchase more breeding stock and make the payroll, it had cost him dearly in time away from Andy.
Dustin had gone to Tom’s ranch to ride some practice bulls, and he’d noticed how Andy was understandably clinging to his father. It was a tough life for a young boy—a mother who didn’t care and was several states away and a father who was always on the road.
That’s why he was retiring.
But if the woman of his dreams wanted to travel and he didn’t, how could they ever compromise?
Jenna had fussed with her hair and spent an exorbitant amount of time on her makeup for her next date with Dustin. He was going to drive up from Tubac and she was going to drive down from Phoenix, meeting in the middle at Tom’s ranch.
Dustin and Tom were shooting hoops with Andy when she arrived. They all stopped when she parked.
When she got out of the car, she heard Dustin whistle long and low. Butterflies settled in her stomach. He thought she was beautiful, made up or not.
“Aunt Jenna!” Andy yelled.
“How are you, sweetie?” she asked.
“I got an A in math and an A in reading.”
“Good for you!”
She nodded at Tom. She’d talk to him sometime when Andy wasn’t around. Surprisingly, he stepped toward her, pulling her into a hug.
Tom took Andy inside to make him lunch, and Jenna and Dustin were alone.
She moved in front of him and leaned forward to give him a kiss. He enveloped her in his arms.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” She felt warm in his embrace.
“So, where are we going? You wouldn’t tell me on the phone.”
“I thought you could help me check out a ranch that’s for sale near the Catalina foothills off River Road.”
“You want me to look at a ranch, Dustin?” She furrowed her brow, realizing the significance.
“Yeah.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m a cowboy, Jenna. I’ve been looking at ranches. A pal told me about this one, and I want your opinion. Then we’ll go out to eat.”
She knew the area they were going to visit. It was beautiful country, and several ranches remained in spite of the condos, apartments and single-family houses springing up around them.
Dustin said that he wanted her opinion, but Jenna knew it was more than that. He wanted her to help him pick out their future home.
“Dustin, I don’t— I can’t—” She took a deep breath and let it out, trying to relax.
“I understand. Your message was loud and clear. But I still want you go to with me.”
“But why don’t you take Tom with you? He’s the rancher, not me.”
“I know, but he’s not you.”
She sighed. “Okay. I’ll go.”
He smiled. “Thanks.”
She closed her eyes, remembering their last conversation about marriage she’d turned him down and said that she needed more time. But the clock was ticking. She needed to let Principal Patterson know if she’d be taking the job in China—or not.
“You’re in a good position to win the finals, Dustin. Is that why you’re looking at ranches?”
He nodded. “Keep your fingers crossed. Our…er…my future depends on that win.”
He’d really meant our future.
Jenna swallowed the lump in her throat. She hadn’t wanted to fall in love with Dustin, but she had.
Hadn’t she just want to seduce him? Well, she’d certainly done a great job.
They turned left onto River Road, and Jenna noticed several llamas on one ranch, their heads on long necks observing the vehicles that passed.
They passed by m
ore ranches. Finally, Dustin slowed and made a left turn.
A burgundy-colored ranch house came into view—a sprawling Santa Fe structure with large windows overlooking a corral of horses. Sprawling prickly pear cactus and stately saguaros with their arms reaching to the sky were part of the natural landscaping around the house.
A porch ran the length of the front, and inviting white rocking chairs were positioned at even intervals.
“I love it already,” Jenna said. “It’s gorgeous and so homey. I can’t wait to see inside.”
“I hope you like it.”
She could just picture herself rocking on the porch next to Dustin and looking at the beautiful scenery. She could get a teaching job in Tucson if she lived here.
Jenna didn’t know what to do. She’d wanted Dustin as far back as she could remember. Now, when her dream was about to come true, she was hesitating.
She loved Dustin with her whole heart, but marriage would be the ultimate in settling down.
She owed him a decision.
What on earth was she going to do?
Dustin parked in the driveway next to the ranch house, and a man in jeans and a red Arizona Wildcats sweatshirt waved to them.
Jenna hesitated to get out of the car. She didn’t want to like the place.
Aww…she didn’t know what she wanted.
Dustin opened the car door for her, and she reluctantly got out.
“You must be Mr. Nichols,” Dustin said, holding out his hand. “I’m Dustin Morgan, and this is my… uh…friend…Jenna Reed.” He nodded at Jenna. “We’re interested in looking at your property.”
“Call me Nick. And welcome to our ranch,” he said, pumping Dustin’s hand and then Jenna’s.
“Those horses are beautiful. What else do you run here?” Dustin asked.
“Some three dozen horses—Arabians and quarter horses. Prime stock. And thirty bulls.” He looked at Dustin. “I think you know a little about bucking bulls.” Nick pushed his hat back. “If you’re interested in the stock, we can work out a price.”
“I’ll take a look,” Dustin said.
Nick tweaked his hat brim. “I’m rooting for you to win the finals. It’d sure be nice to have an Arizona cowboy win it.”
How to Lasso a Cowboy Page 12