Never Say Match (No Match for Love Book 9)

by Lindzee Armstrong

  “Wow, you’ve already got them saddled,” Cassidy said from behind. Her soft Southern twang flowed over him, making his stomach jump.

  “Figured it was the least I could do.” Jase turned to face her and his breath caught. Sunlight illuminated Cassidy from behind, making her glow like some ethereal angel. She wore jeans that hugged her curves and a red tank top that managed to be both casual and sexy. Her blonde hair lay in its customary braid over one shoulder and her pants were tucked neatly into cowboy boots.

  “Thank you.” She ran a hand down Cupcake’s side, peering at the saddle.

  “Are you double checking my work?” Jase asked with a mock scowl.

  Cassidy laughed, giving Cupcake’s belly a pat. “Maybe.”

  “How did I do?”

  She set her hands in her back pockets and took a step toward him. “Couldn’t have done it any better myself.”

  Jase cleared his throat and took a step back, motioning to the bulging saddle bags on Brownie. “I packed a lunch, too. The guys recommended a deli in town and it felt like the perfect day for a picnic.”

  She sniffed the air, her lips turning up in pleasure. “Gertie’s?”

  “Yup.”

  “She makes excellent sandwiches. That was really thoughtful of you.” Her cheeks pinked, and he loved the way it lit up her face.

  “Need help mounting?”

  Her lips pursed as though she’d tasted something sour. “Watch it, cowboy. You’ve been on the ranch a week. I’ve been here a lifetime.”

  He folded his arms and grinned. “Okay, then. Let me see what you’ve got.”

  “Fine.” She sauntered over to Cupcake and placed her foot in the stirrup. In one fluid motion, she’d hoisted herself onto Cupcake’s back. Jase blinked, his heart thumping at the sight of her sitting proud and tall on the horse. “Do I meet your approval?” she called down.

  Jase blinked, then quickly mounted Brownie. “Oh yes,” he said. “Most definitely. Let’s go.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Jase followed Cassidy away from the barn and main buildings and toward the south end of the ranch, wincing as Brownie shifted beneath him with each clop of his hooves. Jase was still a little saddle sore from his time spent riding the range, but any riding discomfort was more than worth spending an afternoon with Cassidy. He watched her head toward the trail, body barely moving with Cupcake’s steps. Clearly she’d spent a lot more time on a horse than he had, because he was certain she looked a lot better riding one.

  Cassidy led him toward the trees behind the bunkhouse. Jase hadn’t ridden that trail yet, but he happily followed Cassidy, confident she knew the way. Trees hung low over the trail, like it was seldom used, and Jase ducked to avoid them. A branch scraped against his arm while another tugged at his jeans.

  Maybe Cassidy didn’t know where she was going. Or maybe befriending him was just an elaborate ruse to get him alone in the woods so she could enact her murderous revenge on all actors with a machete. He had to chuckle at that one. Clearly, he’d watched one too many movies in his lifetime. A side effect of his career, he supposed.

  “How far away is this place?” Jase called.

  “Not far,” Cassidy tossed over her shoulder. “Perhaps thirty minutes. But the trail widens in another two or three.”

  Cassidy was as good as her word, and a few minutes later the trail widened. Jase looked back, realizing they seemed to have taken some sort of shortcut to a bigger trail. Jase pulled up Brownie alongside Cupcake, eager to talk to Cassidy. He wanted to get to know her better. To find out what made her tick. “How was business this week?”

  She shot him a fleeting smile that made his legs go weak. Good thing he was sitting down. “Decent. A few people came in hoping to see you, I think. It would seem that you’re good for business, Jase Larson.”

  He loved the way his name sounded on her lips. “I’m glad I could help. I should be good for something while I’m out here, right?”

  She frowned. “I need to apologize for how hard I was on you when you first arrived. I shouldn’t have judged you by someone else’s actions.”

  The apology was unexpected but welcome. Jase swallowed, forcing himself to hold back and not act too eager. Cassidy was like a wild horse, and he definitely didn’t want to spook her. “Thank you. So the new appliances didn’t set you back too much, then? With business this week, I mean.”

  “Surprisingly no. This is the busiest I’ve been since opening week. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Kari’s help.”

  Jase let his body roll with the motion of Brownie, feeling the aches and pains disappear as he talked to Cassidy. “Kari?”

  “Oh, right, you haven’t met her. She’s my part-time employee. She’s only in high school, but she has a real eye for decorating. I don’t know what I’ll do when she goes away to college next year.”

  “Maybe you’ll be able to hire a full-time employee to replace her.”

  Cassidy sent him a fleeting smile. “Yeah, maybe. Wouldn’t that be something?”

  “Well, you deserve all the success you’ve had and more.”

  She smoothed her braid over one shoulder, not meeting his eyes. “Thank you. A lot of people thought I was crazy to open Cupcakes and Cowboys. Sunset Plains isn’t exactly a big town, and a bakery isn’t exactly something people need.”

  “Who doesn’t need delicious cakes and cookies?”

  Cassidy shrugged, her shoulders stiff and hands gripping the reins tightly.

  A sick pit lodged itself in Jase’s stomach. He knew who had told her opening the bakery was a stupid idea. “Seth,” he said. It wasn’t a question.

  “Yeah.”

  “He was wrong,” Jase said forcefully. He urged Brownie closer to Cupcake and stared at Cassidy. “Not just about Cupcakes and Cowboys, but about a lot of things.”

  “Maybe. I hope so.” She took a deep breath, then looked back over at him. “See those trees up ahead?”

  Jase squinted. “The ones about a mile away?”

  She nodded.

  “Yeah, I see them.”

  “Good. Race you!” She kicked her heels into Cupcake’s side and took off at a gallop.

  Jase laughed. This playful side of Cassidy was attractive in an entirely new way. He kicked Brownie into a gallop and followed after Cassidy. Hot wind blew his cowboy hat backward, but the string kept it from falling to the ground. The hat bounced against Jase’s back as he clung tightly to the reins, leaning forward and keeping his heels down just as Cassidy had taught him. She was at least three lengths ahead of him, her body crouched low over the horse as her braid flew behind her. Jase urged Brownie on, wanting to catch Cassidy more than anything.

  Wanting her.

  Jase knew she was slowing down when he started to gain ground. He caught up to her just as she pulled to a stop near the cluster of trees she’d pointed out earlier.

  “Slow poke,” she said with a teasing smile. “So much for beginner’s luck. I creamed you.”

  “I’m pretty sure beginner’s luck doesn’t apply to riding a thousand pound animal. You must have no fear.”

  Cassidy laughed and dismounted in one fluid movement. Jase cleared his throat and looked away from her lithe body. His own dismount was much slower and more awkward as his sore legs screamed in protest.

  “A little saddle sore?” she asked.

  “I think I’ll survive.”

  “Good. I’d hate to have to train another cowboy for that movie you’ve got coming up.”

  She took Cupcake by the reins and led her through the trees. Jase followed, pushing aside branches to make sure they didn’t hit Brownie in the face. The trees were dense, but not especially deep, and less than a minute later Jase broke through the grove.

  “Here it is,” Cassidy said breathlessly, holding out her hands.

  “Whoa.” Jase glanced around, awe making him speechless. A stream cut through the tall grasses of the meadow, its happy babble joining the chirping of birds. Perhaps fifty feet away a
fence stood, marking the property boundaries. Trees dotted the banks of the water, most small and new. But one tree grew tall and strong, towering above the others. Tall grasses swayed in the breeze, the impossibly blue sky just meeting the tops of trees in the distance.

  “It’s not much, but I love it.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “I think so. Here.” Cassidy took his reins and looped them over the saddle horn. He raised an eyebrow, and she smiled. “They’ll stay close.”

  Jase nodded, watching as the two horses wandered away to graze. “It’s so beautiful here. I feel like we’re the only two people in the world.”

  She smiled, clearly pleased. “Exactly. The stream cuts close enough to the property line that the cows don’t bother wandering this far.”

  And Jase was pretty sure this stream was the same one that cut through the property he was considering buying, unless he couldn’t read a map. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the fresh air. “I love it.”

  Her cheeks pinked and she ducked her head, playing with the end of her braid. “Me too. I think it’s my favorite place in the entire world. I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

  The significance of that phrase wasn’t lost on Jase, and his heart seemed to expand in his chest. But he didn’t push the matter, not wanting to make Cassidy uncomfortable, and instead walked over to Brownie and began pulling food from the saddle bags. “Well, I don’t know about you, but all that riding has worked up an appetite. Are you hungry?”

  “Starving,” Cassidy said. “I swear I’ve been smelling Gertie’s sandwiches the entire ride.”

  She retrieved the picnic blanket and laid it underneath the shade tree near the water, and they both sat down. Jase opened up the bags and handed her a wrapped sandwich. “I wasn’t sure what to get you, but Gertie assured me you love the ham and swiss delight.”

  “She isn’t wrong.” Cassidy opened the wrapper and took a big bite. She closed her eyes in pleasure, letting out a groan. “I haven’t had a sandwich from Gertie’s in ages. This is divine. Thank you, Jase.”

  “My pleasure.” He unwrapped his own sandwich, which was the same as Cassidy’s, and took his own bite. His eyes widened in surprise at the soft bread and juicy ham. “Whoa.”

  “I know.” She opened her bag of chips and took a bite. “Gertie’s is the best.”

  “And you haven’t had them in a while?”

  She shook her head no.

  “But she’s only like a block away from your shop.”

  Cassidy raised her eyebrow. “Yeah, but we’re not all movie stars with bottomless bank accounts. Eating out costs money. That’s not something I have much of right now.”

  Jase blinked. He’d handed over cash without thinking when picking up the food. Money wasn’t something he’d ever had to think about. “Well, I feel like a total tool.”

  Cassidy laughed, taking another bite of her sandwich and shaking her head. “Definitely not a tool. Thank you again for bringing lunch for us. I didn’t think about it when I invited you out here.”

  “My pleasure.” He hoped she knew he meant it.

  The next few minutes passed in silence as they enjoyed their food. Jase could totally understand why Cassidy loved this spot. The leafy branches of the tree provided perfect shade from the sun, and a light breeze passed over the stream and cooled the air to a pleasant temperature. The soft gurgling of water combined with the hum of insects made him forget all his worries and just enjoy the moment. He wasn’t used to taking time to appreciate nature, but found he enjoyed it more than he could’ve imagined.

  “Are you getting what you hoped to out of visiting the ranch?” Cassidy asked, breaking the silence. “For the role, I mean.”

  Jase had spent less time researching his upcoming role than he’d anticipated when first arriving, and way too much fantasizing about the rancher’s daughter. But he found he was completely comfortable with his choice. “I think so. You answered a lot of the basics when we drove to Tulsa. Thank you for that, by the way.”

  She inclined her head, crunching on a chip.

  “Mason’s great about answering questions that come up as we’re working, and the other guys have all been very helpful, too. Shawn told me Star Ranch was the perfect place to prepare for my role, and he wasn’t wrong.”

  “Shawn is almost never wrong. It’s one of the most obnoxious things about having him for a big brother.”

  Jase laughed, leaning back on an elbow. “He’s a good guy.”

  “Yeah, he is. And really, I’m glad you feel like your time here has been worthwhile.”

  “Just meeting you would’ve made my time here worthwhile, Cassidy.” Jase stared into her beautiful face, loving the way her cheeks blushed scarlet and her eyes sparkled. When she turned those lips up in an embarrassed smile, it took a lot of effort not to kiss her.

  She crumpled her sandwich wrapper and placed it in one of the paper bags. “I can see why you were nominated for an Oscar. You’re very good at what you do.”

  Jase sat up. “Do you think I’m acting with you?”

  She played with the end of her braid, not quite meeting his gaze. “You’re famous. You make more money on one film than I’ll make in a lifetime. I think you’re getting into your role, and falling for the country girl is part of it.”

  The accusation sliced through Jase, and he gritted his teeth. He’d tried so hard to take it slow, to not scare her away. To be genuine. “I’m not Seth.”

  “I know. But you still live in the same world as him.” She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “All the things that were points of contention with him still exist with you—constant traveling, never knowing if you’re being genuine or playing a part, women fawning all over you.”

  Everything she said was negative, but all Jase heard was that she’d thought about having a relationship with him. The sting of her words dulled, and he reached out, caressing her cheek lightly with his finger. She flinched, but then leaned into his touch.

  “I don’t enjoy the Hollywood lifestyle,” Jase said, keeping his voice low and soft.

  She pulled at her bottom lip with her teeth, driving him mad. “I don’t enjoy accounting, but it’s still part of my job.”

  He leaned forward until they were close enough he could smell the strawberry scent of her shampoo. “I like you, Cassidy.”

  She exhaled, her minty breath surrounding him. “I won’t put aside my dreams for someone else again.”

  “I’m not asking you to.” He cupped the back of her neck, curling his fingers into the soft strands of her hair at the base of her skull. She leaned toward him. “All I’m asking is for you to trust me. Give me a chance to prove that I’m a decent guy. Can you do that much?”

  Her eyes held his, and her tongue flicked out, licking her lips and making his entire body heat. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper. “It’s not that easy.”

  “I know. But will you try?”

  Her gray eyes were wide and vulnerable. Electricity sparked between them as he slowly massaged her neck. He ached to pull her into his arms, but needed an answer.

  Slowly, she nodded. “I trust you.”

  The weight of her acceptance surrounded him like a warm blanket. Jase brought his other hand to her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. She inhaled, her lips trembling. But she didn’t pull away. Didn’t tell him to get lost.

  Slowly, he lowered his head toward hers. He paused, their lips almost touching but not quite, giving her a chance to pull away.

  She leaned forward, bridging the distance between them. Their lips met, and Jase knew he was lost.

  His fingers found their way into her hair, pulling the braid loose with one hand as he held her chin in place with the other. He tilted her face and when she didn’t protest, he deepened the kiss. Cassidy leaned into him, her hands wrapping around his neck and pulling him closer.

  Everything disappeared as the fireworks crackled between them. Why had Jase spent the last few years making movies
in California, when the life he wanted had been sitting right here in Oklahoma, just waiting for him to find it?

  Cassidy pulled away, her ragged breathing matching his own. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, biting her lip. The motion made him want to kiss her all over again, but he wouldn’t push her further than she—or he—could handle. She was worth taking things slow for.

  “What’s it like in California?” Cassidy asked.

  Jase struggled to focus on the conversation and not their kiss. He leaned back against the tree trunk, needing to put some distance between them. “Compared to here? Absolutely awful.”

  Cassidy giggled. “That’s not what Shawn says.”

  “Yeah, well, as much as I respect your brother, he’s totally wrong about this.”

  They spent the next few hours laughing and talking. Cassidy was as smart as she was beautiful, and Jase loved the glimpses she gave him into her mind. They talked about her plans for the bakery and his doubts about his career. He’d never been able to open up so entirely to another person, or felt so heard. Cassidy seemed as interested in him as he was in her. And his money, fame, and social connections had nothing to do with it.

  He was falling for Cassidy Erickson, no doubt about it.

  As the sun dipped low on the horizon, they packed up their lunch and headed back. Cassidy kept the pace slow, not seeming in any hurry to return home. Back in the barn, Jase helped her unsaddle the horses and brush them down. But eventually they ran out of ways to put off the inevitable. They stood in the middle of the quiet barn, the last rays of sunlight lighting the space as the horses ate quietly in their stalls.

  Jase took Cassidy’s hands in his, keeping his voice soft and low. “I had a great time today. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “You’re welcome. Thank you for coming with me. This is the best Sunday I’ve had in a while.”

  He stared into her gray eyes, wanting to kiss her so badly it was a physical ache. But he didn’t want to take advantage of her vulnerability or push her too far.

  She seemed to sense his hesitation. Her hands tightened on his, then she rose on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.