Courage To Fall (Cowboys of Courage 3)

by Charlene Bright

  “I suppose I could tame it a little,” she agreed, a bit deflated. “I’ll keep it in check if you will. Now, I’m hungry. I say we eat and talk money.” He raised an eyebrow at her, and she chuckled. “Don’t tell me you can’t multitask.”

  He shook his head. “It’s my business. I just didn’t know you were so capable.”

  She copped an attitude, hands on her hips and all. “Sweetheart, I manage the diner. That means taking orders, running food, making schedules, keeping the staff on the ball, not letting the kitchen fall behind or get gross, taking payment, and still keeping track of the books. I am the queen of multitasking.”

  Even as she spoke, she bent to get the ledgers and other documents from one of the bags, and he could see where the weight came from. She motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen, and he grabbed his snacks and migrated with her. For the next few hours, he sipped on the coffee, munched on the best cupcakes he’d ever had, and poured over numbers with Leah. Being this close to her, he could smell her, and her scent was enticing. She smelled of sugar and cinnamon and something floral he couldn’t quite place.

  Her recordkeeping was impressive, and he couldn’t believe the profit the diner turned. Of course, it wasn’t a huge amount of money, but the percentage was phenomenal. He could see making a few changes to the place and having it blow up.

  When the last book closed, Leah leaned back in her chair and stretched. Easton turned away, the pull of her shirt over her breasts caused a little more excitement than he needed. His stomach growled, loud enough for her to hear, and she laughed. “It’s dinner time,” she said. “I’m pretty ravenous, too.”

  He scowled. “There’s a lot of food here. I’m just not a chef, and I have limited resources. I can fry eggs, make toast, and put together a decent sandwich.”

  Leah gave him a withering look. “And you think you can run a diner? Here, I’ll whip something up real quick.”

  For a woman who didn’t seem to care for him, Leah was going out of her way to be hospitable. While Easton appreciated it, he couldn’t help wondering if she had ulterior motives. “If you want to, I’m not going to argue.”

  She was already up and moving. “I’m guessing you have a cook at home. And a maid.”

  He didn’t respond. She already had enough disdain for him. He didn’t like admitting to being so pampered. She’d probably call him a pretentious ass or something like that. But she caught on just the same and snorted. “That’s what I thought. Do you do anything for yourself?” She pulled her head out of the fridge, dropping a bunch of food on the counter, and turning to face him expectantly.

  He gave her what he considered his most charming smile. “I typically shower on my own. I dress alone, and I run my business.”

  “Do you run it alone, or do you have a board of advisors?”

  “Actually, it’s all mine. I might eventually be forced to have a board, but I’m going to put that off as long as possible. I’m a bit of a control freak.”

  “You don’t say.” There was that sarcasm again, but this time, she also sounded amused, and he suspected she had the same issue in many aspects of her life. They were destined to butt heads. She turned around, moving so fast as she worked with pots and pans and knives and various ingredients he couldn’t even begin to follow her hands.

  She was talented, that was for sure. It made him think back to the cupcakes he’d savored. “Were those cupcakes your recipe?”

  She nodded. “I’ve got twelve different flavors perfected. It’s been a dream of mine for a while now.”

  That piqued his curiosity. “Is it something you’ve been working on for the diner?”

  He saw her hesitation and didn’t need to see her expression to know she was calculating exactly how to answer that. “I intended to introduce them at the diner. I’ve had them selling for a couple of days with really good reception. The idea was to have a side business, not something that took up all of my free time, what little of it there is, but something to help pay the bills and put something back in savings. I love the diner, and it’s my life, but I don’t make a lot because I’ve always been more interested in making sure everyone else gets what they deserve than taking home a pocketful of bills.”

  Easton didn’t know what to make of that statement. Coming from anyone else, he would call foul. He knew too many people who talked out both sides of their mouths, lying to make themselves look better. But he believed her. He saw her as a straight talker, and he could also tell she was the type of person to put other people’s well being ahead of her own. But was she telling him because she felt it justified her desire to do something aside from run the diner? Or was she trying to show him her sense of altruism to prove she was better than him?

  “Why are you so adamant about keeping the place open?” he asked. “I’m not trying to exasperate you, but I’m curious. If you threw the money my grandmother left you into marketing and an industrial kitchen, you could turn your business into a huge venture, go national with it and make incredible amounts of money. What keeps you so attached to Courage and the diner?”

  Rather than answering right away, Leah focused on cooking. That came naturally to her. Explaining herself in instances like this didn’t. She didn’t have a good answer, or at least, not one she could put into words, and the last thing she needed was for Easton to tear apart her explanation so he could just close the diner and be done with it.

  She could hear him shift in his seat, and she wondered whether the smell of the food or the anticipation of her response made him restless. She plated the food—scrambled eggs with peppers and mushrooms, a thick slab of ham, and toast—and set the butter and jelly on the table. Taking a seat across from him, she finally said, “Ms. Daisy started a legacy. There used to be a little hamburger grease pit here in Courage, but that was the only other place in town that served food. It finally closed about eight months ago, and the building’s been empty ever since.”

  She paused to take a bite and continued, “It closed because no one ever went there. The diner is where everyone comes to get out of the house and enjoy a prepared meal. It’s where they come to gossip, to get comfort from food or friends, to talk business on and off the clock, to plan events and gatherings, or just because they feel like it. And probably four out of five teenagers in Courage will pay their dues by taking a gig at the diner for their first job. It keeps them out of trouble, even if they only work six or eight hours a week, and it gives them pocket cash. And my cooks have been there almost as long as I have. They have families, mouths to feed, and if you haven’t noticed, there’s a shortage of opportunities for work around here.”

  He said nothing, eating the meal as if he hadn’t had food in a week, and she sighed. “It’s sentimental, too. Ms. Daisy worked her hands to the bone, with your grandfather and then alone after he died. I can’t stand the idea of closing down what she built. For a little place like this, it’s an empire, and when travelers pass through and see dozens of cars and a line out the door, they automatically want to stop in. They tell friends and family, and people come back. Nothing in this town has ever beaten the success or the popularity of that diner, and I think Courage might not exist anymore if it closed.”

  As she finished, he finally stopped eating, a few bites left on his plate, and stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. She waited for his response, but it didn’t come. She forced herself not to wriggle in her seat with her discomfort. At long last, Easton inhaled deeply. “I underestimated you. I considered you to be small town, small time, and small-minded. None of those labels are fair.”

  Leah blinked at him, not sure she’d heard him right. That was the last thing she expected to hear.

  “You are a selfless person who wants to work toward the greater good, even if it leaves you with nothing to call your own,” he said. “My grandmother may have owned that diner, but I get the impression you are that diner.” A crooked grin curled one side of his mouth. “It probably doesn’t hurt that you’re absolute
ly gorgeous.”

  Leah blushed intensely, the heat rising in her throat and cheeks. No one ever said things like that to her. Sure, they told her she was kind and generous, that her hair looked good on a given day, or that an outfit really accented her waistline. But selfless? Gorgeous? Those she never heard.

  And to be coming from a man who had hated her on sight, a man who could probably have his pick of women with his wealth and looks…

  “You don’t have to butter me up, city boy.” She instantly wanted to kick herself for resorting to her usual quips when someone unexpectedly complimented her. “But thanks anyway,” she added, not quite sure if she meant it.

  Easton leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and staring at her with a ghost of a grin. “You don’t take compliments very well. I know I haven’t exactly been the most likeable guy since I got here, but I’m not a bad person just because I resent being forced to come here. I can find the upside of the situation, and in this case, I’m serious about how I see you. You’re the bright spot in this whole situation.”

  Was he serious? Leah couldn’t believe her ears. It sounded like he was coming on to her, but that didn’t make any sense. If he’d been a normal customer, she might have been more ready to accept it, but Easton McLendon was practically her bitter enemy. Was he simply waving a white flag, or was he actually interested?

  She sighed out of frustration at her inability to read the situation. “I guess if I’d given you more of a chance, you might not have seemed so bad. I really thought…” She stared over his shoulder at nothing in particular. That Ms. Daisy was going to leave the café to me.

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m not shutting the diner down.”

  That was too easy, and she gaped at him. “Somehow, I have a hard time thinking you could just flip the switch like that. Five minutes ago, you were hounding me for a reason to keep it open. You aren’t going to convince me that my little plea and my reasoning turned you into a bleeding heart and now you want to help the poor citizens in the small town of Courage.”

  He shrugged. “Not exactly. You paint a picture of the reality that makes me feel obligated to think twice about it. And when you add the powerful proof of the profit it turns, I can’t help but think it’s in my best interest to keep it open, too. Are you suddenly rethinking your claim that you can handle it on your own?”

  She heard the teasing lilt in the question, and it was the only thing that kept her from getting offended. “No, I’m not. I know what I’m capable of. Your grandmother barely checked the books once a month and ordered dry goods and supplies. I’ve done everything else by myself for a very long time.”

  Easton grinned broadly. “Then I don’t see any problem here. You have my word, Leah. I know that probably doesn’t carry much weight with you after the way I’ve acted. And you don’t really know me, so you can’t bank on it. But I never give my word and go back on it. I’m not going to close the diner.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “However, I would like to have dinner with you again, maybe without you having to cook.”

  Leah was floored. Not only had she managed to convince him to keep the dream alive, apparently she’d managed to entice him enough that he seemed to be asking her out on a date. The last time she went on a date was fifteen years ago, when she’d gone with Ron Littleton to her senior prom. Ron had moved to Helena and gone to college, and he’d only come back once, for the ten year reunion. He was bald and had gained at least eighty pounds, and his wife had as many chins as he did.

  Swallowing hard, Leah thought for a second, but Easton McLendon intrigued her. He was a mystery, with a few classic gentlemanly qualities and a lot of attitude. But Shakota’s words of wisdom rang in her head, and she wondered if Easton’s cockiness really was just an act. Maybe even an act he’d convinced himself was real.

  Slowly, she hedged, “That might be nice. I can’t remember the last time I had a meal that I wasn’t involved in making.”

  He looked horrified. “No one ever takes you out or cooks for you?”

  She shrugged, suddenly embarrassed. “Come on, Easton. I run the only place to go out in town. If I’m working, I’m obviously not out with anyone else. I eat at the diner when there’s a break in the crowd, or I eat at home. I don’t really date.” She snorted. “The school of fish here is pretty limited, if you catch my drift.”

  He laughed, and the tone was rich, inviting. “I’ll give you that. They must also be blind to not take notice of you.” He smacked his hands on the table, making her jump. “That’s it. I’m taking you into the city tomorrow, and we’re going to eat at a nice restaurant. You deserve that much.”

  But she shook her head. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. There’s a lot to do to get ready for Christmas, and your grandmother’s funeral is the day after. There won’t be any time to get to Billings and back and still get all my presents wrapped, much less go to the functions or make the cupcakes.” She gestured around her, indicating the house. “And if we don’t get this done by tomorrow night, you’ll be stuck here through Christmas.”

  “This morning, I would have thought it would be a nightmare to stay that long,” he scowled, “especially over Christmas. But I don’t have a wife, kids, brothers, sisters. I have a few friends who are having black tie affairs for the holidays, and that’s about it.” Leaning in closer to her, he added, “Suddenly, staying in Courage for the holidays doesn’t seem so terrible.”

  Leah gulped. If he’d been an inch closer and she breathed hard, their lips would have touched. What did he taste like? Was he a good kisser? She didn’t really have a lot to compare it to, anyway.

  If he was just trying to get on her good side, it was working. Instead of wanting to kick him all the way out of town and leave him bruised and battered enough to never return, Leah wanted to get to know him better. And if he was going to stick around until she conceded and went out to dinner with him in the city, she was definitely going to drag her feet and postpone it as long as she could.

  Chapter 7

  By the time they called it a night, Easton was exhausted, and he couldn’t believe Leah was still functional. She had a limitless resource of energy that he would love to tap into for his own use. It was nearly midnight, and tomorrow was Christmas. “Are you sure you can drive home? It’s dark, and you’ve got to be tired,” he asked with genuine concern.

  Hands on her hips and a disgusted sneer upon her lips, she replied, “You are a real piece of work. There is no way I’m spending the night here. Just because I said I’d have dinner with you doesn’t mean I’m easy or loose.”

  He winced internally. “That’s not what I meant.” And for the first time, it was true. He hadn’t been trying to get into her pants. “I just find it hard to believe you won’t fall asleep on the way home.”

  She waved him off. “I’ve driven home later than this. It’s less than fifteen minutes, and my adrenaline is flowing. I’ll be fine.”

  He hesitated to ask his next question, but figured he couldn’t do any more damage than he had already. “Tomorrow’s Christmas. Do you have someone to spend it with?”

  He watched her expression change as she obviously tried to hide her emotions. Easton was almost certain the answer was no.

  She took a deep breath. “The café opens at two by invitation only, and I’ll be celebrating with my closest friends.”

  He shook his head. “And what are you doing all morning?”

  Her surly attitude returned. “What does it matter to you? Are you going to gloat at my pitiful life? My lack of family? Because it’s my understanding you don’t have any family, either.”

  He clenched his jaw. It was no secret he was very much alone after his parents’ passing. He could have come to his grandmother, gotten to know her, and build a normal relationship with her. But he had already been living life in the fast lane, and couldn’t justify taking the time out of his busy schedule to travel to Hillbilly Central to meet an old woman with whom he was certain he would have nothing in co
mmon.

  “I don’t have any family,” he spoke through clenched teeth. “And maybe I am pathetic. I’ve spent the last three years at black tie parties just before Christmas and having a gaming marathon with my friend, Tripp, who’s also alone. We order pizza delivery and drink pop and energy drinks. The difference is, I’ve been perfectly content waking up alone on Christmas morning. I doubt you have.”

  He didn’t mention how much he thought about his parents on every holiday, how it was easier to be alone because he didn’t want to get emotional around anyone. He was usually a model for control, but he’d been close to both his parents. Losing them suddenly had hit him harder than he wanted to admit.

  “I’ve made my peace with it,” she said shortly. But he could hear the loneliness in her voice.

  He tilted his head, curious. “Where’s your family?”

  From the look on her face, Easton might have overstepped his boundaries. She sat down and picked at her nails, speaking quietly. “I didn’t really know my Daddy. He was a truck driver, wasn’t around much. My Mama got pneumonia and died right after I graduated high school. It didn’t really change my plans for the future. I never had aspirations to leave Courage, so I took the life insurance policy she had, buried her, paid off her debt, and bought my trailer.”

  “So you’re an only child?” he asked, though he knew the answer.

  She nodded. “As far as I know. Like I said, Daddy drove trucks, so there’s no telling if I have any half brothers or sisters out there.”

  Easton didn’t know what to say. He had resources, if she wanted to find any family she might have out there, but he didn’t want to offer it up like some trash television talk show. If she wanted to find them, she would say so. Still, she held a certain sadness in her that didn’t come out in her daily activity because she was so full of energy, optimism, and sheer joy. He had to give her props for the strength of will it took to maintain such a positive attitude all the time.