Joe was quiet for a few minutes. "I'll admit it doesn't sound much like you. But then again, I haven't been around you a lot since you've been working overseas so much. Have you developed a drinking problem? Maybe suffering from blackouts?"
Jared muttered obscenities beneath his breath. "No, Dad. I have an occasional beer. I couldn't have had more than three beers last night stretched out over several hours."
"You appeared to have quite a headache this morning."
Jared sat up. "Exactly. So what do you think might have caused that?"
"If not a hangover, then I have no idea."
"Well, this guy—his name is Ted—happens to work as a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company. What if he put something in my drink?"
"Now I think you're grasping at straws, son. What possible reason would the man have for doing something like that?"
Jared leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "That's what I can't figure out. That, and how my truck and I ended up at Senator Russell's place. Matt said I became ill while I was shooting pool and this Ted guy offered me a ride home. If that's true, and I have no reason to doubt Matt, then my truck should have been at the Mustang. Only it wasn't. According to Matt, he didn't think I was capable of driving anywhere last night."
"Interesting." Joe stood. "I'm going to have some iced tea. Want some?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll be right back."
When Joe returned, he said, "So you think somebody got this Ted person to play a joke on you?"
"Hmph. Some joke. Even Lindsey said she thought it was a prank of some kind, but I believe I grew out of that stage about fifteen years ago. And why drive in the opposite direction from the ranch? I've picked up Lindsey from her home several times, but if I was in the shape Matt describes, I certainly wouldn't have been feeling amorous."
Joe's lips quirked. "Good point." They sat there in companionable silence for a while until Joe asked, "What do you intend to do?"
"I haven't the foggiest idea. Lindsey has no desire to get married anytime soon, which is fine with me. I don't know what else I can do to get the senator to calm down."
"I realize that nobody, not even the senator, can force you into a marriage you don't want. But I won't pretend that his anger at you won't spill over onto the rest of the family."
"And you think the family's going to be damaged by this?"
"Quite possibly."
"Because of the water rights thing?"
"Yes."
Jared shook his head in disgust. "This really stinks, you know, Dad? Somebody is working hard to put me between a rock and a hard place. There's not a chance in the world that Lindsey is going to marry me and yet I don't want to cause any harm to the family. I can't force her to marry me any more than the senator can." He scrubbed his face with his hands and sighed. "Do you think he'll calm down about this?"
"I doubt it."
"Even if I could convince her to change her mind, what do you think our chances of making the marriage work would be?"
"Oh, I don't know. Somewhere between slim and none, I reckon."
They sat without speaking and stared at the scenery for almost an hour before Jared spoke again.
"All right, Dad, I'll talk to her. Maybe we can work something out that will make her father happy."
"Does that mean you'll marry her?"
Jared sighed. "Yeah, if that's what it takes to get the senator off my back."
Three
Jared drove the five miles or so from his parents' home to his house wondering if he'd wake up from this nightmare anytime soon.
He was being railroaded and he knew it, but had no way to prove it at the moment.
The fact was that none of the many members of the Crenshaw clan could afford to make an enemy of Senator Robert William Russell. Access to water was a big concern to every landowner in the Southwest, especially those with large herds of livestock.
The question was whether or not the senator would be so petty as to hold Jared's behavior against his entire family. Jared didn't want to do anything to jeopardize the progress the family had made in bringing to Congress's attention the need for a review of outdated water regulations. Senator Russell knew full well his importance in the endeavor.
So what was Jared supposed to do? Go talk to the senator some more? He'd explained in every way he knew how that he hadn't intentionally chosen to sleep in Lindsey's bed. His explanations didn't appear to hold any weight with the good senator.
Let's face it—since he had no memory of last night, he couldn't convince anyone of his intentions. Sure, Lindsey really turned him on, although he couldn't begin to explain why, even to himself. Maybe it was her subtle sexiness—she didn't call attention to herself in the way she dressed. She was a class act. He knew that from the first time he'd seen her.
He went to bed that night feeling as though he were carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He didn't have to like the idea, but somehow he needed to convince Lindsey that marriage might be the best solution to their thorny problem.
Would marriage to Lindsey be so bad? That is, if she understood there wouldn't be a real marriage. They could agree to marry in order to pacify her father while he felt he had a duty to his family to resolve the issue.
As his dad so succinctly put it, their marriage probably wouldn't last long. But did that really matter? He was waiting for his next assignment. He'd know in a week or so where he'd be sent, most likely out of the country. They wouldn't have to live together. Well, to please the senator, they could pretend to live together. His place was large enough for both of them. It had two bedrooms with separate bathrooms.
She'd be leaving in a few weeks for New York. At least her father would have to get off her back. As a married woman, she would no longer have to answer or explain anything to her father, or anyone else.
Once he was through with his next assignment, he'd return to the States and they could get a quiet divorce, or annulment, or whatever legal procedure would sever the bonds.
He'd talk to her tomorrow—preferably without her father being present—and explain his idea in a logical and rational manner. Hopefully, she would see the benefits for both of them and would agree to go through with some quick ceremony.
He closed his eyes and, because he felt he'd found an acceptable solution to their dilemma, went to sleep.
* * *
Jared woke up early the next morning, before the sun had appeared on the horizon, and made a pot of coffee. When it was ready, he sat in one of the wooden rocking chairs on the back porch and watched the sunrise, his boot resting against the railing where he could keep a gentle motion going.
He checked his watch. He'd give her another hour before he called and, meanwhile, was content to sip coffee and watch the day begin.
When he decided it was late enough to call her, he took his cordless phone out to the porch and propped his feet on the railing with his ankles crossed.
The phone rang a couple of times before he heard the receiver being picked up. He was relieved to hear Lindsey's voice. "Hello?"
He really liked her voice—low and soothing, always gave him a peaceful feeling.
"Hi, Lindsey." He waited for her to respond and when she didn't, he added, "This is Jared Crenshaw."
"Yes?"
So she wasn't happy to hear from him. Not that he blamed her but her attitude toward him wasn't going to help him make his case. He cleared his throat.
"I'd like to see you today, if you have time."
"Why?" she asked baldly.
"I want to talk to you about some things."
"Frankly, Jared, I can't think of anything that we need to discuss. Since I was forced to listen to my father rant and rave most of yesterday because of you, I can't imagine anything you could possibly say that I would want to hear."
She was really ticked, that was for sure. "C'mon, Lindsey, give me a break. I'm not your enemy. How about cutting me a little slack and agreeing to meet me in New Eden for breakfas
t?"
She didn't respond.
He sighed. "Please?"
"Are you sure you're not kin to my father? Neither one of you can take no for an answer."
He laughed. "If I were, then we'd really be in big trouble, wouldn't we?"
"I'm glad you find this amusing."
"Lighten up, will you? I really need to talk to you and I'd rather do it in person."
"Oh, all right," she said ungraciously.
He released the breath he'd been holding. "Thank you," he said. "Have you ever eaten at Sally's Café on the north side of the courthouse square in New Eden?"
"No."
"It's easy to find. Why don't we meet there around nine o'clock and have breakfast together. That should give both of us enough time to drive into town."
He heard her long-suffering sigh. "I'll see you at nine."
Once he hung up, Jared smiled. He reminded himself that they knew each other. Not well, but they had built up a little history in their relationship. He doubted that she was as angry with him as she was frustrated with her father's haranguing. Since he was the subject, he could see why Lindsey wouldn't be too thrilled to see him again. But once he explained…well, at least he had a chance now to convince her that his idea would work out well for both of them.
He spotted Jake near one of the horse barns as he drove past the area, and stopped. "How's it going, bro?" he asked.
Jake walked over to the truck and leaned his elbow on the open window. He took his time noting Jared's careful grooming and grinned. "Why, hello there, stranger. Good to see you again."
Jared made a face. "Very funny. I take one day off and I catch hell from you. Considering I'm unpaid help, you could gimme a break."
"Good point," Jake said, obviously amused about something. Jared didn't have to wait long to find out why. "From what I can see, I'd say you're not dressed for work today, either."
Jared sighed. "I don't remember your being such a pain when we were kids."
"Oh, I was, believe me." They broke into laughter as they recalled some of their childhood memories.
"I need to go into town this morning," Jared finally said. "I thought I'd see if there's anything you need while I'm there."
"I ordered some things at the feed store that are probably ready to be picked up."
Jared nodded. "Will do. I should be back in an hour or so. I can put in a few hours for you today, if you need me."
Jake adjusted his hat and pulled the brim low over his eyes. "Well, if you're back in time, you might want to take a ride with me. One of the men reported seeing tire tracks in one of the canyons. Ever since the sheriff found those car thieves a few weeks ago, I've been keeping a closer eye on things around here. I don't want anybody to think they can use this land for illegal activities."
"I'd like to do that. I haven't been out on the ranch in a long time."
Jake looked stern. "I'm not taking the truck, bro. I'm riding."
"You think I can't manage to stay on a horse or something?"
Jake laughed and punched him on the shoulder. "Let's just say that it's been a while since you've spent much time on horseback and the place isn't that easy to get to from here. You'll be rubbing liniment on your butt before bedtime."
"I still have plenty of calluses from growing up around horses. I think I can handle it."
Jake nodded. "I'll see you when you get back, then."
* * *
This is awful. Lindsey stood inside her walk-in closet and surveyed its contents nervously. She wanted to appear calm and comfortable when she met Jared. All right. At least pretend to feel comfortable. She couldn't decide whether to wear slacks or a dress. If she chose a dress, which one? Or maybe a skirt would be better, something casual.
What difference does it make?
She didn't want to answer that question.
She couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if they'd been alone when they woke up yesterday morning. Of course that was nonsense. He would have been just as hungover and she would have been just as shocked. At least they wouldn't have had to deal with her father and his over-the-top reaction.
Lindsey glanced at her watch. If she didn't make up her mind soon, she was going to be late meeting Jared. With a huff of exasperation, she closed her eyes and pulled something out of the closet.
* * *
Lindsey spotted Jared sitting in his truck as soon as she had parked near the café. He got out and opened her door before she'd finished unfastening her seat belt.
The skirt of her dress had inched up her thighs and she hastily tugged it back down.
"Good morning, ma'am," he said, drawling the words.
"Yes, it is, isn't it?" she replied politely. They turned and walked toward the café.
Once there, he opened the door for her. The aroma of coffee, cinnamon rolls and hot food engulfed them, along with the sound of many voices. The café was almost full.
"Mornin', Jared," several of the men said, although for some reason they were looking at her. She'd never been to the café before. She recognized a few of the faces she'd seen at the Crenshaw party, but wasn't surprised they didn't remember her. She generally blended into any crowd she was in.
Jared leaned toward her and said, "See those people getting up from the last booth? Let's get it before someone else decides to move over there from the counter."
He placed his hand on her waist, startling her, and followed her to the back of the café. She couldn't believe how friendly everyone was, greeting Jared as though they hadn't seen him in years.
She was glad to reach the table and to slip onto the bench seat. When she glanced at him, she was puzzled by his expression.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked.
He smiled ruefully. "Aw, it's just this town. People don't have anything better to do with their time than to mind other people's business."
The waitress showed up to clean off the table and pour them some coffee. Once she left, Lindsay said, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean."
"You may have wondered why I generally took you into some of the larger towns every time we went out. That's because I didn't want to subject you to all this speculation. A few probably recognize you from the party, but every man here wants me to know he's aware I'm with a good-looking lady, just in case I missed the fact that all eyes were on you as soon as we walked through the door."
She flushed. "I just thought they were being friendly."
"Oh, they're that, all right. You just watch. Most of them will find some reason to come back here to say something to me so I can introduce you." He didn't look particularly pleased about it. He drank some coffee and then added, "Of course you're probably used to that kind of attention everywhere you go."
Lindsey had her cup halfway to her mouth when he spoke. She stared at him in surprise and carefully replaced her cup on the Formica tabletop. "You must be joking."
He crossed his arms on the table and leaned forward. "I'm dead serious. You probably cause a near riot wherever you are."
"Not so you'd notice," she replied wryly and finally tasted her coffee. "I didn't see anyone staring at me when we went to Austin that day or when we were in Fredericksburg or Kerrville."
"Then you just weren't paying attention."
Fortunately the waitress showed up at that time to take their orders, which eased Lindsey's tension somewhat until she realized she hadn't given the menu a glance. She quickly scanned it, ordered and listened in amazement at the amount of food Jared ordered.
When they were alone once again, she said, "You said you wanted to talk to me about something."
"Um, yeah. That's right."
She raised her brows and waited.
"I think I've come up with a plan that will take care of things."
"I can't imagine what that could be."
"I think we should consider getting married."
She froze and stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. "Absolutely not. I thought we agre
ed on that yesterday."
"I don't mean a real marriage."
"You want us to pretend to be married?"
"No! I mean, it will be legal and everything, but we won't tell anyone why we decided to get married. I mean, the real reason."
"Oh, you're talking about the shotgun aimed at your back?"
She was impressed that he didn't look behind him, although his shoulders twitched. He pulled at his earlobe. "I've given the matter a lot of thought and looking at it from everybody's standpoint, it seems to me that we could work something out. I mean, it wouldn't be like we'd be living together for long. You'll be going to New York, anyway, and I'll be leaving on a new assignment about the same time.
"You could stay at my house. There's an extra bedroom you can have. We get married, we work in different places. After a few months we get a divorce. Or whatever."
"Knowing how you feel about marriage," she said, "I really commend you for coming through like that. You're taking responsibility for what you did and you want to make amends."
"Then it's a go?"
"Actually, it's a no-go."
He looked at her, completely bewildered. Men. How could they be so obtuse? She leaned closer to him. "I refuse to be coerced into a marriage that neither of us wants in order to appease my father. I'm surprised you are."
"Lindsey, since we've been dating we've both ignored the fact that your father is a very powerful man. He has a lot of clout. The Crenshaws don't want to make an enemy of him."
"He's not angry at the Crenshaws, Jared. He's furious with you."
"Okay, I'll grant you that. However, I don't want him taking out his anger on my family."
He paused when the waitress appeared with their plates. For the next several minutes they made very little conversation. Lindsey watched Jared methodically put away three eggs, three pancakes, four slices of bacon and four links of sausage.
Finally, she could no longer contain herself. "Do you always eat so much for breakfast?"
He looked at her, puzzled by the question. "Well, sure. If I'd had an egg and a couple pieces of toast, like you did, I'd be hungry in an hour."
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