Jasper (Cloves County Cowboys Book 2)

by Amelia Shea

  He had screwed up when he dropped her off at her house. Not so much about not joining her inside, though he regretted his decision. Beyond that, the look in her eyes and the embarrassment he caught sight of when she rushed out of his truck was killing him. She probably thought he was turning her down and didn’t want to be with her. Of course, she thought that. He had been kicking himself in the ass since he drove away from her house. If she knew how much he desired her, it might send her running for the hills.

  “Lucas, Travis, and I think Nick is coming. Damn woman even invited Tripp.”

  Leave it to Britt and her olive branch. Tripp didn’t deserve it, but Britt extended it.

  “He’s trying, Grey, cut him a little slack.” Jasper had always had more patience with the youngest Fords. In general, it was his nature. He was the middle brother, the mediator, the voice of reason. And Tripp had been trying, but not enough for Grey, apparently.

  “Says you,” Grey sneered. It would take time for their relationship to be mended.

  “So, that’s it, just the guys and Britt?”

  Grey stopped mid-step and turned to Jasper, smirking. He folded his arms and waited, lifting a brow.

  “What?”

  “Just fucking ask, Jas.”

  Jasper masked his face and played ignorant. “Ask what?”

  Grey snorted. “You can’t pull that shit with me. As far as I know, Kellie was invited, but she wasn’t sure she could come.”

  Jasper thought about denying he was referencing Kellie, but Grey would see right through it. Hell, a blind person would have seen through it. Grey had pushed for information once he and Britt had gotten back into town. Jasper didn’t give him any. There really wasn’t anything to give. He marched past Grey to the porch where he heard the voices. Females.

  He rounded the corner and slowed his steps. He knew eventually he’d run into her, but he didn’t think it would be on his parents’ doorstep. Abby Cartwright. Her back was to him, but he took note of his mother’s demeanor. Her lips were tight, her hands grasped in front of her.

  Her eyes glanced over Abby’s shoulder, and his mother’s face paled. Grey was at his back and released a heated curse. Jasper had dodged all her calls since her return. This situation left him no choice other than facing her.

  Abby turned. He waited for it. He hadn’t quite known what to expect the first time he saw her again. A small part of him worried seeing her would flame up old feelings. She smiled at him and shyly bowed her head. He was waiting on something, anything, but he felt nothing, except maybe annoyance she thought she had a right to show up at his parents’ house.

  He clenched his fist and felt the anger boil through him. What the hell was she doing here? He had let all her recent calls go directly to voicemail. There was no need for them to speak. Everything that needed to be said was spoken six years ago.

  “Abby,” he said with an even tone that surprised him.

  She walked down a step and reached in for a hug. “Hi, Jasper. I was hoping I’d see you.” She released him and stepped back, looking next to him. “Hello, Grey. I heard congratulations are in order?” Her chuckle seemed so out of place.

  “Thanks.”

  “When is the big day?”

  “June.” Grey’s answer was clipped.

  Abby seemed immune to the tension surrounding her. She smiled up at Jasper. She was still beautiful, but there was something different. Not her clothes or her hair. Something else he couldn’t quite pinpoint.

  Jasper hadn’t even realized his mother had left until she walked through the door with the crockpot. “Here you go, watch, it’s hot.” Grey took it from her hands and stepped back to his place next to Jasper. “We gotta go.”

  “What’s in the pot?” Abby asked.

  “Chili.”

  “Oh, having a party?”

  Jasper shook his head. “No, just a few people up at Grey’s.”

  He turned around, but her hand grasped his wrist. “Mind if I tag along? It’s been ages since I’ve had your mama’s chili, and I’d love to meet Grey’s fiancée.”

  Jasper was actually dumbstruck. He was at a total loss of words. He could see his mother’s horrified gaze over Abby’s head. Grey stepped in. “It’s just a bunch of guys and Britt, not a party.”

  She seemed clueless by his intent. “I don’t mind. Is it okay, Jasper?”

  Jasper had the words hell no on the tip of his tongue, but it wasn’t how he was built. “You’ll probably be bored, Abby.” There was no way in hell she was coming to Grey’s house.

  “No, I won’t, we can catch up. It’s been a long time. I want to hear what you’ve been up to.” She walked past him and Grey, heading toward the hill. What the fuck just happened? Had she always been this pushy, but Jasper had been too blinded by love to see it?

  His mother made an annoyed grunt and Jasper looked up at her. She shook her head and turned into the house. Grey snorted and lowered his voice. “Looks like if Mom had her way, Abby’s ass would be kicked off the ranch in five seconds flat.”

  “What the hell does she want, you think?”

  Grey shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I think it’s pretty clear, little brother. She wants you back.”

  Jasper swore under his breath as they made their way up the hill. Abby had stopped midway, waiting on them. Whatever she thought or planned, she needed to do some serious rethinking. Jasper had been done with her years ago, and there wasn’t anything she could say or do to change his mind.

  »»•««

  “What do you think of this color? Darcy hates it so you’ll be the swing vote.” Britt Montgomery, soon-to-be Fords, held up a purple swatch of fabric. With her wedding only a few months away, it was all she talked about. Kellie didn’t mind though, there was a certain joy a new marriage brought. It was an exciting time for not only Britt as the bride, but for Kellie as her bridesmaid.

  Britt had asked her a few months ago over wine and a ‘Chick-Flick Friday’ as Britt had dubbed the third Friday of every month. Her only Friday night off and she spent it with Britt.

  Britt waved it in front of her face. “You hate it, don’t ya? You’re on Team Darcy?”

  Kellie twisted her lips. The color was hideous. It was dark but bright, almost electric, and considering the style of the dress, it wouldn’t flatter either of the two ladies in Britt’s wedding party. She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll wear whatever, Britt, it’s your day.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Wrong answer.”

  Kellie couldn’t help but laugh at her expression as she leaned over the table they were seated at in the kitchen. They had spent the last hour discussing weddings while the chili cooked on the stove.

  “What? It’s true.”

  Britt pointed her finger across the table. “You hate it, you’re just too damn nice to say it. Darcy’s already told me if she has to wear it then I should be prepared when it’s time to be her maid of honor. The girl is ruthless, I’ll probably wind up in a poufy sleeved, big old bow on the butt, chiffon, itchy, frilly sack of fabric.” Britt cocked her brow. “Circa 1982.”

  “Darcy wouldn’t do that.” Even Kellie didn’t wholeheartedly believe her own answer. She hadn’t formally met Britt’s best friend from back east, but they’d been chatting wedding details and texting. Darcy had even sidebar texted Kellie privately about certain issues, one being the horrid purple dress.

  “Yes, she would, she’s a bitch that way, and I have my own doubts about you, too. Your day will come, and I’ll be damned if I have to wear two dreadful gowns as revenge.”

  Kellie chuckled, holding her hands out in surrender. “Okay, fine, I’m Team Darcy. There, I said it.”

  Britt sat back in her chair and shouted with a victorious smile, “I knew it. Bitches, the both of you!”

  The door distracted her while she leaned over, laughing. The sound of heavy boots was a dead giveaway of who came in. Travis, Nick, and Lucas walked through the doorway, greeting them with smiles.

  “Bitch
es, huh?” Travis said, hugging Britt.

  “Yeah, but at least they’re awesome bitches. You guys ready for the first annual Montgomery chili cook-off?”

  There was no time for anyone to speak. Grey walked through the back door stating, “Fords.”

  Everyone burst out laughing, except for Kellie. Her gaze caught on the two people behind Grey. Her chest rose, and her body chilled. All the warmth she’d felt earlier was long gone. She was mildly aware of the banter between Britt and Grey about whose name should be used, but her sight was set on Jasper and the woman standing next to him. Abby.

  Jasper smiled into the room, though she didn’t think he noticed her at the table set in the corner. He looked odd, almost uncomfortable.

  Her heart dropped. She should have known. Actually she did. Of course he would be back with Abby. High school sweethearts reunited. Her stomach churned. All the hoping she had done that she’d see him and be able to apologize for her behavior was now amiss.

  “Well, it’s Montgomery for now. I could still back out, ya know.” Britt teased her fiancé, though he was the only one seemingly unamused by it. He hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest.

  “Remember what happened last time you ran from me. I’ll come for you, Britt.” His lips descended on hers as if they were the only two in the room. Britt threw her arms over his shoulders and kissed him back.

  There were a few playfully rude comments directed at the PDA but all in fun and completely ignored by the couple. Britt and Grey hadn’t had an easy run to get where they were now, but even an outsider could see it had all been worth it. Kellie had never seen two people more in love than Britt and Greyson. It was a slight lash at her heart. I’ll never have that.

  “Okay, boys, pot’s on the stove. Let’s get this started,” Britt said, moving past Grey and the guys to walk over to Jasper and greet him with a kiss to his cheek. As Jasper moved to the side, Abby came through the door and reached out to Britt.

  “I hope you don’t mind me crashing your party.” Abby seemed completely at ease. She’d always been like that. Beautiful, and liked by most people. In fact, it seemed the only people who had a bad word to say about her in high school were the jealous girls. Kellie hadn’t had many interactions with Abby back then, but the few she did have, the girl had always kind and sweet.

  Britt’s back straightened and tensed. She had done her best to get Kellie to give up details on what had gone down between her and Jasper, but Kellie stuck to her story. Nothing happened. Kellie knew, Britt secretly or not so secretly wanted her to end up with Jasper. Me too, girl. But as proof in front of them now, it wasn’t happening. Britt shook her head, seemingly regaining composure, and took her hand. “Of course not, the more the merrier. I’m Britt.”

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Abby.”

  The room seemed to hover in silence when she spoke. Nick and Travis exchanged a small look and then continued at the stove. Kellie was expecting more of a welcome, but then again, for as likable as Abby was back then, she had burned their friend Jasper. Even if Jasper was willing to forgive and forget, it didn’t mean the guys would.

  Britt didn’t miss a beat and smiled at Abby. “Come on in, beers are in the fridge, and the chili should be ready soon.” She glanced worriedly at Kellie. She smiled and winked. She and Jasper didn’t have anything together. There was no need for Britt to be uncomfortable.

  Abby walked past the men, followed by Jasper. She watched as he greeted the guys with his back to her. He opened the refrigerator door, leaning in with Abby close to him. She did her best to mask her face and hoped like hell she was pulling it off. Inside she was dying. It was ridiculous, she had no right to feel this way. Her heart raced as her stomach plummeted. Why did it hurt so much?

  “Who made the cornbread?” Travis mumbled with a mouthful. Small crumbs fell on his shirt.

  “Damn it, Trav, it’s for the chili.” Britt tried to swipe the small piece from his hand, but he was too quick. He shoved it in his mouth and dodged her hand.

  “Animals!” Britt narrowed her eyes. “Thank Kellie, she made it.”

  She sucked in a harsh breath. While the others seemed to know she was there, a shift upward from Jasper had the two bottles in his hands clanking together, almost dropping them on the floor. He jerked his head and met her stare. The shock was evident, and then his cheeks flamed. The heat on her own face was impossible to hide, so she quickly shifted her attention somewhere other than on Jasper.

  “I can give you the recipe, Travis.” She winked at him, and his smile grew wide. He dusted off his hands on his jeans and took the seat across from her.

  “Or you can just make me my own special batch then I don’t have to share.”

  Kellie giggled, and the men chuckled. “Or…” she leaned across the table, “I can teach you how to make it.”

  Travis grinned and paused. She had always liked Travis. They had a flirtatious banter, but it never went any further. She had her ideas that Travis would have taken an offer into her bed, but she wasn’t interested. He’d been very close with Jasper, and it never felt right. It didn’t stop others from speculating on the relationship between her and Travis, though. People talked, whispered, and gossiped, but Kellie let it roll past her shoulders. She didn’t need to explain or defend herself to anyone.

  “Or? We can just go back to my original suggestion of you making it for me.”

  Kellie laughed when he winked.

  “Okay, everyone out of my kitchen, it’s too small for this much testosterone. Get your beers and go.” Everyone followed her instructions as she shooed them into the living room. Jasper turned to follow Abby and Lucas. At the last second before he breached the doorway, he turned his head.

  “Hi, Kellie.”

  She swallowed hard and forced a smile. “Hey, Jasper.” There was nothing more to say because Britt pushed him gently out the door.

  Kellie pushed out her chair to go with the group when Britt’s head whipped in her direction and she mouthed, “Stay.” Britt turned to Grey and whispered, “What’s going on?”

  Grey sighed and started to speak, but apparently it was too loud for Britt’s liking. She swatted him in the chest and held her finger up to her mouth. Kellie smirked as Grey rolled his eyes and leaned into Britt.

  “She stopped by to say hello to my mother, I guess.”

  Britt winced. “How’d that go?”

  Grey cocked an eyebrow. “How do you think? My mother was cordial, but I don’t know what Abby expected. The girl is living in a fantasy world if she thinks we’re all gonna just let go of what she put Jas through.”

  “Why is she here then, did Jasper invite her?”

  “Hell no!” Grey barked.

  Britt swatted his chest again.

  Grey sighed and lowered his voice. “Look, we stopped by the house for the pot. Abby was there on the porch. When I stupidly mentioned the chili, she asked if she could come, some bullshit about catching up with Jasper.” He shook his head, resting his hands on his hips. He was no happier than Kellie with Abby’s presence. “She invited herself. It was awkward as hell.”

  Britt glanced over at Kellie. “You good, girl?”

  Kellie took a breath and mustered up a smile to tell the biggest lie in history. “Of course.” She got up from the table and went to the fridge for a beer before walking into the living room where everyone had taken seats. She carefully surveyed the room. She didn’t want to sit by Jasper and Abby, but she also didn’t want to sit facing them either. Leaving wasn’t an option since Britt had picked her up. Lucas glanced up and smiled, lifting his chin to the seat next to him.

  Thank you, Lucas, my savior. She weaved through the furniture and sat in the love seat with Lucas and across from Nick. The banter between the guys took any focus off her, which she was thankful for. Abby stayed mostly quiet, next to Jasper, and it seemed not one man engaged with her, including Jasper. They were all harboring resentment.

  “Is Garr gonna set up a tourname
nt this year, Kell?” Nick asked.

  “He’s talking about it.”

  “What kind of tournament?” Abby asked.

  Kellie glanced over. Her question was directed at Nick, who was ignoring her. Abby squinted and then turned to Kellie. She could have easily ignored it, too, but she didn’t.

  “Darts down at Steers.”

  Abby smiled. “Do you work there?”

  Kellie nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Maybe I’ll have to stop in soon. Haven’t been there in ages.”

  Great.

  The next two hours were easier than she thought. Lucas barely left her side and seemed to lean forward on the couch, blocking her view of Jasper and Abby. He may not have been aware of what he was doing, but she appreciated it.

  Every once in a while, she could feel Jasper staring at her. She didn’t bother looking. The face to face time of their greeting was enough for her. He didn’t owe her anything. And he certainly wasn’t feeling anything she had put out when he drove her home. It was awkward all around, and the best she could do was focus on the others and wait it out until they left. She glanced down at her phone. It was almost five, and she needed to be at work by eight. Another hour would seem appropriate to ask Britt for a ride.

  Kellie got up from the couch in the middle of Travis’ bull riding story. She was just past his chair when he reached out, hooking his hand on her ankle.

  “Gonna miss the best part, Kell.” He playfully yanked on her leg.

  “I’m sure you won, got the best time, am I right?”

  He released her leg and dramatically raised his arms over his head. “You ruined it.” The room erupted in laughter. Kellie chuckled as she made her way down the hall to the bathroom.

  She had finished up and was washing her hands when she heard the footsteps close in on the other side. She hurried to dry her hands and adjust her hair. She gripped the handle, opened the door, and sucked in a deep breath, staring at the man in front of her.