The Doctor Wears A Stetson (Contemporary Western Romance)

by Anne Marie Novark

  "And that's when you married TR Devine."

  He made it sound like she'd committed a mortal sin or something. And in a way, maybe she had. "TR was a tremendous help during Dad's illness."

  "A good reason to marry someone. He was a lot older than you. Did you love him?"

  Jessie felt like Cameron had slapped her. She'd thought he couldn't hurt her anymore. Boy, was she wrong.

  "Of course, I loved him. But this isn't any of your business, is it?" she said, lifting her chin and gathering her defenses. She'd loved TR in a quiet, respectful kind of way. "And he wasn't much older. Only ten years."

  "Ten years. That's quite an age difference."

  She shrugged. "Like I said, it really is none of your business."

  Cameron raked his fingers through his hair again. "You're right. I was out of line. I apologize."

  They drove in silence along the highway for several minutes. Jessie wondered at the tone of Cameron's voice. He sounded angry . . . almost . . . jealous. But how could that be? He'd certainly touched her young heart, the night of the prom. But she didn't think for a minute she'd touched his. He hadn't been able to leave Salt Fork fast enough after graduation.

  Turning off the pavement onto a dirt road, Jessie kept the truck steady, deftly avoiding the deep ruts in the gravel surface. The headlights showed old tumbleweeds piled high against the barbwire fences, standing at attention like sentinels guarding the way.

  The truck dipped as they crossed a gully and Cameron grabbed his bag before it fell to the floor. "Damn, this road is bad," he said.

  Jessie dodged several loose tumbleweeds, hitting one or two that she couldn't avoid. "Probably something you haven't missed, huh?"

  "No, I definitely don't miss the dirt roads."

  "So what do you miss? You never answered my questions."

  "Oh, I've missed a few things."

  "Like what?"

  "The clean fresh air, the Double Mountains, the stars at night and . . ."

  Cameron turned his head, and she felt his eyes sweep over her. The cab of the truck seemed to grow smaller, more intimate. Jessie's body hummed with expectation. "And what?" she asked softly. "What else do you miss?"

  He looked out the window again. "My family. I've definitely missed my family."

  So much for expectations. "Do you ever regret leaving?"

  "I'm not sorry I went away to college. And I'm certainly not sorry about becoming a doctor, if that's what you mean. I enjoy living in Houston, for the most part. What I do regret is not coming home more often. I missed seeing my dad, missed saying goodbye, like you said. Mom's not getting any younger either. I wish I'd made more time to see her."

  "Well, you're here now," Jessie said. "Ruth'll be ecstatic."

  Turning off the road, they passed beneath the gates of the Diamondback Ranch, sixty-four hundred acres of prime farm and ranch land. Soon, the barns and ranch house came into view.

  She'd always loved the sprawling old house Cameron's great-grandfather had built. Thick white columns graced the lighted front porch where four Shaker-style rocking chairs sat invitingly. The full moon cast its pale light over the house, completing the cozy picture.

  Jessie pulled to a stop in front of the house, cut the engine and hopped out. Walking to the front of the truck, she removed a tumbleweed that had caught on the bumper.

  Cameron retrieved his bag and came around to stand before her. "Thanks for the lift."

  "No problem," she said. A liquid core of heat started building in the region of Jessie's midsection. She quickly stepped back and away from Cameron.

  He advanced until she was almost wedged between him and the grill of the pickup. "Why don't you come inside?" he said. "Mom and Dallas will want to thank you for bringing me home. Tyler, too."

  Jessie stared at the designer emblem on his polo shirt. The knit fabric stretched taut across his broad chest. "Thanks, but no. I . . . I can't stay."

  The front door opened and a strong beam of light shot out into the yard. Dallas and his mother stood on the porch.

  "Cameron, is that you?" Ruth McCade called. "Who's that with you? And where in the world is your car?"

  "It's Jessie," he said over his shoulder. "My car broke down and she offered me a ride. I've invited her in, but she's refusing."

  Jessie tried to stand straighter and bumped Cameron's iron hard thighs. The contact jump-started her body. A quick glance at his face showed awareness gleaming under heavy-lidded eyes.

  She had to get away. She had to say something. "Cameron, I really need to go--"

  "Jessie?" Ruth called from the porch. "Come on in, darlin'. You know you're always welcome at the Diamondback."

  Jessie frowned at Cameron, who was trying to hide a smile. "You think this is funny, don't you?"

  He shrugged and laughed.

  Jessie leaned around him to answer his mother, hoping her voice wouldn't betray what her body was feeling. None of this was the least bit funny. "Thanks, Ruth. But it's getting late. I need to get on home."

  Sidestepping away from Cameron, Jessie said, "I'm leaving now."

  He reached for her hand and dropped his car keys into her open palm, slowly closing her fingers, not letting go. "Why don't you take a look at my car and see what's wrong? Think you can handle it?"

  The heat of his touch made Jessie gasp. She wanted to jerk her hand away. She wanted him to hold onto it forever. One thing sure hadn't changed since Cameron had left Salt Fork. Her body still responded to him like fire to gasoline. But she wasn't a kid anymore. She lifted her chin. "Sure I can handle it. There's nothing I'd like better."

  He arched one eyebrow and smiled again. Jessie watched in fascination as two dimples played hide-and-seek on either side of his mouth. Those clear blue eyes glittered wickedly, and he tightened his hold on her hand.

  "Nothing?" he asked softly.

  The powerful yearning deep down inside shell-shocked Jessie. Pure desire pumped through her bloodstream. That one word was teasing, taunting. Did Cameron actually remember the kisses they'd shared? Surely not. A man like Cameron McCade wouldn't remember something like that.

  "You two going to stand here all night?"

  Jessie didn't know whether to be glad or disappointed when Dallas McCade walked up and took his brother's bag. The big rancher always intimidated her. Maybe it was the habitual frown on the man's face.

  Cameron released her hand and grinned at his brother, slapping his shoulder in greeting. "Hey, don't rush me. I was saying goodbye to Jess."

  "Well, hurry it up. Mom's waiting." Dallas turned and carried the bag to the house.

  Cameron stared at his brother's back. "What's wrong with him? He didn't even say hello to you."

  Jessie shrugged and shook her head. She wasn't going to explain Dallas's rudeness. Not here. Not tonight.

  Cameron opened the truck door and waited for her to climb in. He closed the door and motioned for her to roll down the window. "I'll see you tomorrow . . . to check on my car."

  Jessie nodded and managed a weak smile, gunned the engine and threw the truck into reverse. She needed to put as much distance as possible between her and Cameron McCade. Shifting gears, she stomped on the gas pedal and left a trail of dust behind her as she sped down the dirt road toward home.

  Chapter Two

  Cameron watched the pickup plow down the road until it was out of sight. Who would've thought he'd still feel a sizzle of awareness for Jessie Kincaid? Not Kincaid; her name is Devine. She's Jessie Devine now. Not the pretty girl he'd taken to the prom, but a grown woman. A sexy and desirable woman.

  The ride to the ranch had given him ample opportunity to study her as she sat behind the steering wheel. The cab of the truck had been dark; the greenish glow from the instrument panel the only light. But it had been enough.

  Time had enhanced Jessie's beauty. The coveralls couldn't hide her slender waist, the outline of her breasts or the curve of her hips. Her wrists and hands were delicate, strong enough to work on engines, but delic
ate just the same. She had a pixie look about her with that small dimple in her chin. And her full lips were made for kissing.

  Cameron remembered the dark night a long time ago, sitting in his truck with Jessie up on Lover's Point--kissing her until her lips were swollen, his body rock-hard. He hadn't thought about that night in years. But he thought about it now.

  Damn! The kisses they'd shared had been incredibly hot, almost x-rated. He hadn't asked her out again because he'd instinctively known the attraction he felt for her could be detrimental to his plans.

  Cameron turned and walked toward the front porch. He found that he wanted to kiss Jessie again, hold her in his arms. He wanted to see her out of those damned coveralls. He wanted to see her out of her clothes, period. Would she go out with him if he asked? Could they continue where they'd left off all those years ago up on Lover's Point?

  Maybe a walk down memory lane with Jessie would help him with the decisions plaguing him. Career decisions. Life decisions. He was tired of the perpetual restlessness he'd never been able to shake. He needed to figure out what the hell he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

  He stepped onto the porch. "Hey, Mom. How're you doing?"

  "Oh, Cameron!" Ruth McCade welcomed her son with outstretched arms. "I'm so glad you're home."

  "It's good to be home." He gave her a big bear hug and kept his arm around her shoulders as they entered the house.

  "So, tell me," she said, patting his chest. "Did you get the promotion?"

  Oh man, the promotion. Something he should be thrilled about, but wasn't. "It's mine, if I want it. I just can't seem to make up my mind."

  She patted his chest again. "Don't rush it, baby. Think it through. You're good at that."

  Dallas met them in the hall on the way to the kitchen. "I put your things in your old room."

  "Thanks." Cameron glanced around. "Where's Tyler?"

  "There's an air show in San Antonio." Dallas rolled his eyes. "Need I say more?"

  "Crop-dusting season's over, I take it?" Cameron asked.

  "Yes, but you know Tyler," Ruth said. "Can't get him away from his airplanes."

  "He won't be here on Saturday?" He might have to clobber his youngest brother if he missed their mom's party.

  Ruth shook her head. Oh yeah, Tyler was cruising for a bruising. "No, but he sent me a box of my favorite chocolates and will be home next week. Come on, let me fix you something to eat. How about a piece of pecan pie?"

  "Sounds good." He followed his mother and brother into the kitchen.

  Dallas poured a brandy and sat at the old oak table. Cameron snagged a chair across from him and stretched his legs, easing the cramps in his knees. "So, what's been happening around here? Anything I should know about? And what the hell's going on with you and Jess?" He took a bite of the pie his mother placed before him.

  "Something's definitely going on," Dallas said.

  "Between you and Jess?" He looked up from his plate, not liking the sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach.

  "Hell no," Dallas said.

  Relief rushed through Cameron. He didn't want to examine the feeling too closely. "Then what's up? What's the matter?"

  "Copper River Oil Company is nosing around the Devine Place, that's what's the matter. Jessie has leased her mineral rights to them."

  "So what?" Cameron asked. "That's no skin off our butts."

  "Yes, it is. She's running short on cash."

  Cameron took another bite of pie. "How do you know that?"

  Ruth sat down at the table next to him. "Jessie told me. She's still swamped with medical bills from her father's illness and TR's accident and it's not easy running a garage in Salt Fork. Business isn't exactly booming here."

  Dallas went to refill his glass of brandy. "Want one of these?" he said to Cameron over his shoulder.

  "Yeah, pour me a double." He finished his pie and pushed the plate away. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms. "So Copper River Oil is snooping over on the Devine Place. What's that got to do with us?"

  "It's too close for comfort," Dallas said. "If Jessie's leased the rights on her place, what's to keep her from leasing them on ours?"

  "She promised she wouldn't," Ruth reminded him.

  Dallas handed Cameron his drink and sat back down. "I don't trust her."

  Cameron looked at his brother. "Are you telling me, Jessie owns the mineral rights on the Diamondback Ranch? How did that happen?"

  Dallas sipped his drink. "She owns one hundred percent of the mineral rights--"

  "On the whole ranch?" Cameron asked.

  "No, of course not," Ruth said. "Only on the sections of land near the Devine place. She inherited them from TR."

  "How did the Devines end up with mineral rights on the Diamondback anyway?" Cameron wanted to know. "Did I miss something there?"

  "You never did take much interest in the ranch," Ruth said.

  "Aw, Mom, don't start that--"

  "All right, I won't. Anyway, Grandpa McCade sold the rights to TR's grandfather forty years ago. The money helped buy the Gordon place and increase the size of the Diamondback."

  Dallas got up and paced back and forth across the kitchen. "I probably don't need to worry," he said. "Copper River Oil won't want to drill there anyway. There's no oil. Grandpa leased the rights way back when, and they didn't find anything then. But if Jessie decides to lease, there's no way we can keep Copper River off our property. And with all the new technology, they may want to try again." He stopped in front of the table. "I don't want strangers on the ranch, tearing up the land. I'd have no control whatsoever."

  "Jessie knows how we feel," Ruth said. "She promised not to lease and I believe her."

  "I don't believe her. I want those mineral rights, damn it." Dallas sat back down.

  Cameron swirled the brandy in his glass. "Have you offered to buy them from her?"

  "Hell yes, I've offered. She refuses to even talk about it."

  Ruth picked up Cameron's plate and walked over to the sink. "Jessie told me she couldn't sell them. She made a promise to TR on his deathbed." She dropped the plate in the sink with a clatter and snapped her fingers. "Wait a minute! I just thought of the perfect solution. Cameron can persuade Jessie to sell them to us."

  "Me?" He jumped up, almost knocking over his chair, and stared at his mother, not liking the odd gleam in her eyes.

  "Sure," Ruth said. "Jessie always asks about you when I stop by the garage. I think she's still sweet on you. And she's been alone for a long time. She hasn't dated much since TR died."

  Cameron turned toward Dallas. "Help me out here."

  His brother shook his head. "Don't look at me. You know how Mom is once she's on a roll."

  Ruth frowned at her oldest son, then gazed at Cameron again. "It's very simple," she continued. "All you have to do is ask her out and use your irresistible charm on her."

  "What irresistible charm?" Dallas said with a snort.

  Ruth wiped the table with a damp cloth. "The irresistible McCade charm, of course. All of you boys have it. Tori has it, too," she said proudly. "All Cam needs to do is turn it Jessie's way, and I'm sure she would agree to sell the mineral rights to us."

  Cameron sat down again. "Damn, Mom. Why don't I just ask her to marry me? That would bring the mineral rights back into the family and save Dallas time and money."

  Ruth clapped her hands in delight. "What a wonderful idea! I'd love to have Jessie for a daughter-in-law. I already think of her as a daughter. And if you married her, that would make it even better. But do you think she'd accept? She likes you and all, but marriage? I don't know . . ."

  "Mom, I was joking," Cameron said. "Look, I've already decided I want to ask Jessie out while I'm home. If she accepts, I promise I'll talk to her about the mineral rights. That's all I'm willing to do, though."

  "But Cam, I'm sure Jessie would marry you," Ruth said. "She likes you a lot."

  "Lord, help us from matchmaking mothers," Dallas muttered into
his glass.

  Ruth swatted him with the washcloth. "Hush, or you'll be next."

  "Okay, okay. Geez, don't hit me again," he said, scrunching his shoulders away.

  "Then don't be a smarty mouth," Ruth said, folding the washcloth. "I just want my children to be happy, that's all. I want to see y'all settled down, married and happy. Is that too much to ask?"

  Cameron smiled. He'd heard this spiel countless times before. "What about all the grandkids you want us to produce?"

  Dallas groaned. "For God's sakes, don't encourage her."

  Ruth sat back in her chair with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Grandkids will be the icing on the cake."

  ****

  The next morning, Cameron parked Dallas' pickup across the street from Kincaid's Garage. He crossed the two-lane highway and came to a dead stop near the gas pumps. The large double doors stood wide open and he could see two people leaning headfirst under the hood of his car. Two pairs of legs and two bottoms faced the street. One of the bottoms drew Cameron's attention. Very nice.

  Tight blue denim outlined the lush feminine shape. The worn fabric hugged the delicate curves. For some reason, Jessie hadn't worn her coveralls today. Cameron glimpsed a line of bare flesh above the waist of the jeans, where she had tied the tails of her plaid shirt. He admired the long legs, the shapely bottom and the smooth skin. From the moment he'd seen her last night, he couldn't get her out of his mind.

  Cameron walked purposefully toward the garage. He cursed under his breath when he realized most of the engine was out of the car and lying scattered on the greasy floor. What was Jessie doing? It had only been a broken fan belt, for Christ's sake. He leaned on the side of the car and cleared his throat.

  Jessie's head popped up. "You're early," she said, her green eyes narrowed. She had a smudge of grease on her nose and looked pretty damned cute in that ball cap she was wearing.