Just What the Cowboy Needed

by Teresa Southwick

  She looked so fresh and pretty. As far as he could tell, she wasn’t wearing a lick of makeup. Her shiny, sun-streaked hair was pulled into a ponytail and her feet were bare. The white shorts and yellow T-shirt were the exact opposite of yesterday’s wedding outfit with the sexy-as-sin pink pumps. Although he missed the zipper at half-mast, this was a good look, too. If he was being honest, he hadn’t seen a look on her that didn’t tie him in knots.

  “So what do you want for breakfast? Pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelet?”

  You? Logan didn’t say the word out loud, but that didn’t make it any less true. He wanted her again. He told himself that was no big deal. But he’d been with a lot of women and couldn’t remember wanting even one of them so much, so soon.

  “You pick,” he said. “Don’t go to a lot of trouble.”

  “How about bacon, eggs, toast, hash browns and juice?”

  “Good. What can I do to help?”

  She thought for a moment. “Set the table. Maybe toast and juice?”

  “I can manage that,” he said.

  “Good to know you have skills.”

  The sexy, suggestive look she leveled at him had heat pooling low in his belly. And he was about to reach for her and show her skills, but two things stopped him. His sister would be dropping Cassie off anytime, and he didn’t want to start something he couldn’t finish. It would be better if he and Grace had their clothes on when his daughter came home.

  The other reason was about keeping last night a one-time thing. He was still her employer and didn’t want to compromise her—even if she did take responsibility. But the way his gut tightened at the sight of her told him that resisting the attraction was easier said than done. Something he would worry about later.

  “I can cook. In case you were wondering.” He pulled plates and utensils from cupboards and drawers and put them on the table with place mats underneath.

  “That’s a relief. I don’t have to worry about you starving to death out here all by yourself.”

  While Grace watched over the sizzling bacon and frying potatoes, Logan put bread in the toaster, ready to go when everything else was done. A feeling of fulfillment settled over him, maybe for the first time in his life. The only thing missing here was Cassie, and she’d be there soon.

  Contentment apparently put him in a teasing mood. “Wow, you make me sound like an eccentric recluse with too many cats.”

  “Hmm. There was that recent litter.” She broke eggs into a bowl and whipped them with a whisk. “I’d be careful if I were you.”

  “They’re barn cats,” he pointed out.

  “Still—” She grinned, then tilted her head, listening. “Was that a knock on the door? I don’t think I’ve heard anyone knock on the door before.”

  “It’s probably Cassie.” Funny, he’d just been thinking about her. Missing the little munchkin.

  “Wouldn’t she just come in? It’s her house.”

  “Jamie’s with her.” And his sister might be showing caution because...why? Did she have some instinct about him and Grace? Some vibe of attraction that only a woman could see? Females were funny that way, picking up signals that men didn’t notice. He hoped he was wrong and the door was simply locked.

  Logan opened it, fully expecting Jamie’s knowing grin, and would have preferred her merciless teasing to what was waiting for him.

  “Hello, son.” Foster Hart acted as if he dropped by every day and expected a warm welcome.

  And he looked like he’d stepped out of a Viagra commercial. He was still handsome in a distinguished way with his silver-streaked dark hair, pressed jeans and navy blazer. He was trim and fit, and Logan hated the sight of him.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Nice to see you, too.” His good humor never faltered. “It so happens that my niece and nephews, not to mention my children, have all relocated to Blackwater Lake. I’m here to see what all the fuss about this town is.”

  “The fuss is about family, and we both know that cramps your style. So, do us all a favor and go back to Dallas.” Anger vibrated through him, leaving behind a hot, red haze.

  “Look, Logan, however much you wish it wasn’t so, I’m still your father. And I’d like to talk to you.” The man walked right past him into the house, heading for the kitchen. “I have some things to say.”

  “Join the club,” he muttered and shut the door.

  He followed as fury and frustration balled in his belly. Then he remembered Grace. He was seconds behind Foster, who had stopped to give her the once-over. Logan went to stand beside Grace, wanting to push her safely behind him.

  “So, who’s this?” His father looked her over from head to toe, as if she was a prize mare at a horse auction. He glanced at Logan with a gleam in his eyes as if to say, You’re just like the old man.

  Logan’s fingers curled into his palms as disgust trickled through him because that wasn’t far off the mark. But before he could tell the man to go to hell, Grace spoke up.

  “I’m Grace Flynn. I work for Logan, taking care of his daughter, Cassie, for the summer. While her mom is on her honeymoon.”

  “Yes, I heard Tracy was getting married. I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” He glanced at Logan before extending his hand to her. “I’m Foster Hart.”

  “Logan’s father,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is all mine.” He looked smug that she knew who he was. “My reputation precedes me.”

  “It does,” she said. “We were just about to have breakfast—”

  “What do you want?” Logan interrupted because she was about to ask the bastard to join them. That wasn’t going to happen.

  “Where’s Cassie?”

  “She’s not here,” Logan snapped. And he wouldn’t reveal that Jamie had her.

  “When will she be back?” The man looked at Grace for an answer, as if sensing he’d get the information out of her.

  “That’s none of your business,” Logan said.

  “I’m only in town for the day. Business meeting in the morning,” he shared with Grace. “I’d really like to see her.”

  “When hell freezes over.” He couldn’t stand the thought of this man anywhere near his child, damaging her the way he had his own kids. His protective instinct had been sharpened by experience and came from a painful place deep inside. There was no shutting it down now. “In case I haven’t made it obvious, you’re not welcome here.”

  The man’s blue eyes narrowed. “She’s my granddaughter.”

  “You really want to play the family card now? She’s five and suddenly you show up?” Logan thought for a moment. “Oh, I get it. You found out her mom is away and figured to take advantage of the situation. Do an end run around her.”

  “It’s a coincidence, but you’ve already made up your mind, so I won’t waste my breath trying to change it.”

  “That might just be the only thing you’ve ever said that I agree with.”

  Foster looked at Grace. “Is he always so pigheaded?”

  “He’s a good father.” She met his gaze.

  Logan appreciated her vote of confidence and would take it even though the words were far from the truth. And he was done with this man.

  “Please leave.”

  “She’s my only grandchild. I have a right to see her.”

  “You gave up any rights you might have had when you treated my mother and your own children as if we were nothing. I won’t let you do that to my child.”

  Foster stared him down for several moments as if weighing his options. Then he nodded, and there was something in his face Logan had never seen before. It looked like regret. Or remorse. Or both. But this was the man who had turned his back on family, so Logan figured lack of sleep had him seeing things that weren’t there.

  “It was a pleasure to me
et you, Miss Flynn. Goodbye, son.” The jovial facade was gone, replaced by an air of sadness, before he turned and left the room. Moments later the front door opened and closed.

  Logan waited for a feeling of relief that his father was gone, but it didn’t come.

  “So...” Grace blew out a long breath and met his gaze. “That just happened.”

  “Yeah.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “The only good thing about it is that Cassie wasn’t here.”

  “You know, Logan, he looked like he was sincerely disappointed about not seeing her.”

  “My father doesn’t know the meaning of the word sincere. And we all need to learn to live with disappointment. I learned from him. The four of us learned that lesson really well.” They grew up without a good father, and the scars of that affected all of them.

  “People can change. Isn’t it possible that he wants to make amends?”

  “It’s too late for that. He only thinks about himself. And I don’t want that bastard to have anything to do with my daughter.”

  “It’s been a lot of years.” Her look was sympathetic. “You’re not a kid anymore, and he’s gotten older. Maybe he can see that he made mistakes. You’re a good man—”

  “Just stop, Grace. There’s no question that he made mistakes. I’m a perfect example of his scorched-earth policy. Don’t you get it? Did you see the way he looked at you? I’m that jackass’s son. You just saw for yourself why it’s a really bad idea to fall for me. Don’t do it.”

  Logan had a bad feeling that warning was more for him than for her. He knew last night couldn’t happen again, and his father dropping by was a reminder of why. Now he just had to figure out a way to forget how good sleeping with Grace had been.

  The problem was, that would take a miracle. Even if he believed in them, he didn’t deserve one.

  Chapter Nine

  Having a father—even a bad one—was better than no father at all. Take it from someone who never had one, Grace thought. It had been a couple of days since the ugly scene in Logan’s kitchen, but she couldn’t get it out of her mind. Probably because he had gone back to being distant and mostly absent.

  Maybe that was for the best. The man she’d slept with and made breakfast for the next morning was a man who could get in the way of her goal to own a home and put down roots. That would not happen to her again.

  “Grace?”

  Cassie’s voice pulled her back into the present. “What is it, sweetie?”

  “Me and Paige and Emily are really thirsty.”

  Grace had set up a playdate because keeping Cassie happy was her primary responsibility. The three girls were playing on the grassy rise not far from the house. She was sitting on the porch steps supervising, ready to intervene diplomatically if necessary or just remain on emergency standby if not. Since the girls were interacting beautifully together, she had very little to do but contemplate the handsome rancher and his fondness for ignoring her after really hot sex.

  “Does everyone like lemonade?” she asked them.

  “Yes!” three little voices answered simultaneously and put an exclamation point on the response.

  “And maybe some cheese and apple slices, too? You ladies need to keep your energy up.” Grace stood to go inside.

  The three girls looked at each other and nodded. Then Cassie spoke for the group. “Yes, please.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Grace walked into the kitchen to gather up food and drinks. There was a window overlooking the play area, and she glanced outside frequently to make sure the girls were okay. It was closing in on the time for Paige and Emily to be picked up, but she didn’t know when the girls were scheduled to eat dinner. A healthy snack would get them through.

  When she had everything together and three plastic glasses of lemonade poured, she set the items on a tray and carried it outside. The girls saw her and ran over to the porch, where Cassie’s play table was set up for them.

  “It’s so hot.” Dark-haired Paige was very dramatic.

  Emily was a little redhead with the most adorable freckled face. “I’m so thirsty.”

  “This should help.” Grace put a red plastic glass in front of her. Paige’s was green, and Cassie got her favorite pink. “But if anyone is still thirsty when this is gone, I’ll bring out some ice water.”

  “I wish we could have cookies.” Cassie gave her the pitiful puppy-dog stare.

  Grace held in a smile. At first this particular expression had made her want to ignore common sense and give this lovable child anything in the universe. Now she was emotionally invested and wanted what was best. Cookies this close to dinnertime wasn’t it.

  She squatted down between Paige and Cassie. “Moms will be here soon to pick up the girls and I don’t think they would be happy if you spoiled your appetites.”

  “No,” Emily agreed. “When I stay at my dad’s on the weekend, he always takes me for ice cream before he brings me back to my mom. I can’t eat my dinner, and Mommy gets so mad.”

  Sounded like the little girl’s father was deliberately provoking his ex. But she stood by her theory that a dad in the picture was better than none at all. A grandfather, too. Grace happened to think Logan’s dad regretted the past and wanted to do better with his granddaughter.

  “Well, I think your mom will be okay with this snack,” Grace assured her.

  Emily nodded enthusiastically. “She likes me to have apples, and this cheese tastes really good.”

  “And so does the lemonade,” Paige chimed in.

  “Grace makes the best,” Cassie said.

  “Aw, you are too sweet, kiddo.” She couldn’t help it. She dropped a kiss on top of the little girl’s head.

  The sound of a car coming slowly up the drive made Grace look in that direction. It parked in the space near the porch, and Emily’s mother exited the vehicle. The little girl definitely took after her redheaded mom. Wendy Anderson must have come from a yoga class, judging by her black, pink-trimmed spandex capri leggings and matching racerback top.

  She waved and smiled, then joined them on the porch. And the very attractive woman was a walking exercise advertisement. She looked fabulous; there wasn’t an ounce of fat on her or a hint of flab anywhere on that toned body.

  She kissed her daughter, then met Grace’s gaze. “Hi.”

  “Hi, Wendy.”

  The woman glanced at the blanket, dolls and other toys scattered on the grass. “They were busy. How was Emily?”

  Grace smiled. “Perfect.”

  “No, really. I’m not one of those moms who believes her child can do no wrong.”

  “Your attitude is very refreshing. Take it from a kindergarten teacher,” Grace said. “And, while I know she’s probably not always perfect, she was today.”

  “Good. I’ve always said that if she’s going to push the limits of perfection, I’d rather it be with me.”

  “Very sensible.”

  “I talked to Paige’s mom. Her husband surprised her with dinner out, so I’m picking up both girls.” Wendy was looking past her daughter, in the direction of the ranch buildings. Logan had just left the barn and was walking toward them.

  “Do I hafta go right now, Mommy? I haven’t finished my snack yet.”

  “That’s up to Grace,” Wendy said, looking at her.

  “It’s completely fine with me. There’s no hurry.”

  “Okay.” The other woman glanced at the rancher still walking this way. There was a hint of feminine interest in her eyes and a sassy swing in her toned hips when she headed in his direction. “I want to talk to Logan for a minute.”

  Grace experienced a stab of jealousy before she managed to tamp it down. He was a single father with a daughter. Wendy was a divorced woman with a daughter. They had something in common. Let the flirting begin. It was no skin off her nose. She just worke
d here for the summer.

  Wendy intercepted him by her car. “Hi, Logan.”

  “How’ve you been?”

  “Great. Tracy’s wedding was beautiful, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah. She seemed really happy.”

  The woman leaned her flawless butt against the fender of her SUV and slid her big, Jackie-O sunglasses to the top of her head. “I’m very envious that she managed to find such a supernice guy right here in Blackwater Lake.”

  Grace couldn’t tell from this angle, but it wouldn’t surprise her if some eyelash fluttering was going on. But she could see Logan’s shoulders tense and the expression in his eyes when he glanced over at her. This unexpected meeting was making him acutely uncomfortable.

  She wasn’t proud of herself, but Grace was kind of enjoying his suffering. Served him right for disappearing emotionally after they’d gotten close. All it took to send him running back into his cave was one face-to-face with his father. Obviously, he preferred to be a lone wolf, so he could just do that now. And she got a great deal of satisfaction in watching him deal with weddings-on-her-mind Wendy.

  “This town is growing fast,” he said to the woman.

  “I’m still thirsty,” Emily interrupted, holding up her empty red plastic cup.

  “Okay.” Grace’s first responsibility was to these kids, but how she hated missing even a part of what was going on in flirtation central.

  On the upside, refilling glasses meant that Logan’s suffering would go on just a little bit longer. She was pretty sure Wendy wouldn’t object to her daughter getting a refill.

  Grace hurried inside and grabbed a pitcher from the cupboard, then put ice and water in it. She walked back to the porch, and all three girls held up their empty glasses.

  “Here you go.” She poured water for all of them, then stood back to pick up the thread of Logan’s conversation.

  “There’s a new yoga studio near the resort at Black Mountain.”

  “I know. My cousin Cal’s wife owns it,” he said.

  “That’s right. Justine Walker married Cal Hart on Christmas Eve last year. Then she opened her fitness business. I just came from there.”