The Cowboy and the Girl Next Door: (A Clean, Enemies to Lovers Romance) Wyle Away Ranch Book 1

by Janette Rallison

She planted her hands on her hips and leaned toward him. “Look me in the eyes and tell me you didn’t steal my cattle.”

  “I…” His gaze shifted around the room, checking to see if anyone else was around. “I didn’t.”

  “Liar!” She smacked him on the shoulder. “You couldn’t even look me in the eyes.”

  His gaze returned to her. He cleared his throat nervously. “Why do you think I took them?”

  “You don’t deny the charge. You just ask what the evidence is.”

  “I deny it,” he said hurriedly. “What’s your evidence?”

  She shook her head and groaned. His guilt seemed so obvious now. “You’re not even a good liar. I can’t believe you’ve gotten away with stealing so many times.”

  He swung his feet to the floor as though he was about to get up and walk away.

  But she wasn’t done yet. She parked herself in front of him. “I just talked to Earle Hooper. Do you suppose if the police asked, Earle would be able to identify Jake? I have a feeling he was one of the men with you when Earle fired you for stealing his cattle.”

  Gary woke up quicker than if he’d been slapped. He swallowed hard. “You don’t have to do that.” His hands went up like he was trying to push her anger back. “Look, I didn’t really steal nothing because your father promised me cattle. I just took them a little early. I had to.”

  “That wasn’t the deal, and you were only supposed to get twenty-five thousand dollars’ worth.”

  “I had bills to pay. The divorce is costing me thirty grand. I can’t pay my lawyer on the salary you give me. He was going to drop me, and I would’ve had to start all over again, paying a new lawyer even more.”

  In another time and place Kate would have felt sorry for Gary. She couldn’t manage it now. “Then why didn’t you ask my father for a loan—anything but this. I can’t replace those cattle.”

  “Sure you can.” Gary chuckled, a thin, humorless sound. “The insurance will cover them. Unless I get caught.”

  Just like that, her outrage kicked up again. He knew exactly what he’d done and the position he’d put her in. She wasn’t going to let him get away with it. “If you want to stay out of jail, the insurance isn’t going to replace those cattle. You are. You’re going to track down every cow you sold and get it back, or you’re going to buy me another one just like it so we can tell the police and the insurance company they’ve been recovered. If you need to beg, borrow, and sell everything you own, including your truck and your plasma, you’ll do it. If you need to get a second job, you’d better start applying for night work. I’m not going to lose this ranch because of you. Do you understand me?”

  He gulped and nodded. “I understand. No need to call the police.”

  She wasn’t sure if there was a need or not. They might already be gathering the evidence to arrest him. And if he was in jail, she wouldn’t recuperate anything. “Start working on getting my cattle back tonight. I want them here by next week. If you try to skip out on me, I will track you down.” She’d heard Gary complain enough about his divorce lawyer that she remembered his name. Gary couldn’t go completely off the grid while that was in the works.

  “I’ll get you cattle,” he assured her. “You can trust me. I’m a friend of your father’s.”

  Those were the wrong words to say. “I don’t need trust,” she said. “I have leverage.” She held up her cell phone. “I recorded your confession. If I don’t get my cattle back, I’ll send it to the police.”

  After Kate left Gary, she forwarded the recording to her father’s phone number. That way, he’d know what sort of friends he had and what position he put her in.

  Her parents called a few minutes later, and Kate explained about the employee theft exclusion in the insurance.

  Her mother drew in a sharp breath. “We can’t lose Coyote Glen because of a technicality.”

  The sentence made something inside Kate snap. “We aren’t losing it. I’m losing it. Grandpa trusted me with his ranch, and I’ve been the one out here running cattle for the last six months. And now I’m going to lose it because you insisted on hiring a felon as my foreman. I can’t believe you didn’t do a background check on him when you knew he would be alone on a ranch with your daughter. If I’d just trusted Landon, none of this would have happened.”

  “Kate,” her father cut in, “we’re sorry we didn’t do a background check, but the fact that Gary turned out to be untrustworthy doesn’t automatically make Landon trustworthy.” He sighed. “We’re all upset now—too upset to talk. I’ll look into the insurance terms, and then we’ll discuss our options.”

  Her parents were right. Kate was too upset to talk. “They’re my options,” she emphasized. “I’m making the decisions now, and I’ve decided that Gary is going to return my cattle or go to jail. I’ll tell you how that goes.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  That Sunday, before the sermon, several people told Kate they’d seen her flyers advertising Coyote Glen. Mrs. Bassencherry and Mrs. Reynolds sat down next to her on the pew and leaned over to talk. To Kate they were, respectively, the gossipy one who knew everyone’s business and the one who’d been mean to her in the feed store.

  Mrs. Bassencherry’s large glasses and gray permed hair made her look a little like a studious poodle. “Does your venture into weddings mean you’re planning on staying here after next fall?”

  “I haven’t decided,” Kate said. That wasn’t quite a lie. She had moments when she envisioned herself living here. If Gary produced some cattle, it might still be an option. She’d given him a week. Two days of that had passed.

  “You’ll have to stay,” Mrs. Reynolds announced as though she could make up Kate’s mind for her. “Some brides plan their weddings a year in advance. You can’t book them at your place and then cancel come September.”

  Kate smiled politely. “I guess I’ll worry about that when someone books a date after September.”

  Mrs. Reynolds didn’t look satisfied with this answer, so Kate added, “I’ve really liked working at Coyote Glen these last six months. It’s great to be outside with sunshine and fresh air. Such a nice change from the city congestion.”

  Mrs. Reynolds nodded in agreement. Mrs. Bassencherry glanced at the pew where Landon and his brothers sat, and gave Kate a knowing, meaningful look. “You’ve got nice neighbors too.”

  She was asking for confirmation that Kate liked Landon. Their weekly conversations in the foyer clearly hadn’t gone unnoticed. But Kate didn’t want to be the subject of talk. Vagueness was the best response. “The Wyles are very nice.” The phrase might have come off sufficiently uninterested if Kate hadn’t blushed while she said it. She felt her cheeks heating like she was a school girl caught in an adolescent crush.

  Mrs. Bassencherry didn’t miss this detail. The woman’s knowing look grew into smug satisfaction. “Landon is quite the catch. Salt of the earth, that’s what he is.”

  Salty earth didn’t sound like a good thing, but Mrs. Bassencherry’s tone made it clear she was giving him the highest compliment.

  Mrs. Reynolds leaned in. “Cal would approve.”

  Kate’s blush went full blast. The women’s assumptions felt doubly embarrassing since Landon had already dumped her. Now people were forming expectations.

  When the service was over, Kate considered bolting for her car just to curb the gossip, but decided she should let Landon know what people were saying.

  She waited by the bulletin board, reading the same announcements that had been there last week.

  Landon joined her a couple minutes later. “How are the Gunthers?”

  “I don’t know. They checked out a day early and were speaking in German when they left. Either they were unhappy about their stay or the German language just sounds disgruntled.”

  Landon leaned against the wall, looking casual and handsome. “Mr. Gunther should’ve been grateful to meet me. He wanted to experience the Wild West. Being threatened by an irate cowboy is as close as h
e’s going to come.”

  She smiled, despite herself. “I should’ve listed that as one of the amenities.”

  Landon nodded. “Any time you want me to come yell at your guests, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

  Kate glanced around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear their conversation. “Mrs. Bassencherry and Mrs. Reynolds sat by me today.”

  “I noticed. I’m glad people are warming up to you.”

  Landon clearly didn’t understand today’s momentary friendliness. “They aren’t warming. They wanted to find out if you and I are an item.”

  No flash of irritation dimmed his expression. He didn’t seem at all bothered to be the subject of gossip. “What did you tell them?”

  “Nothing. Although, now that I’ve thought it over, I’m going to tell them I’m madly in love with you. That way when nothing comes of it, they’ll think you’ve toyed with my affections and be angry at you, not me.”

  He chuckled. “Are you really?”

  “I should. Then you’d know what it feels like to get the cold shoulder for a while.”

  “I meant madly in love.”

  “Oh.” Definitely, but it was a fine time for him to ask about her feelings. She was trying and failing to get over him. “You broke up with me, so I don’t have to answer that question.”

  “I think you should anyway.”

  Nope. She looked upward, contemplating. “When I tell everyone you broke up with me, you won’t even be able to deny it. We’ll see what everyone thinks of Mr. Salt of the Earth then.” It was an idle threat. Everyone would still take his side. They would think he’d been too good for her.

  Landon leaned closer to Kate, keeping their conversation private. “I said we should take a break until the will was settled. That’s different than a breakup.”

  Did he mean that? “It seems like the same thing to me.” She was alone every night. He had Angelina at his beck and call.

  “We should have set parameters. Guess it’s not too late.” His voice was a slow smooth drawl and his blue eyes turned mischievous. “I’d like to make a motion for occasional kissing.”

  “And I used to think Jaxon was the shameless flirt in your family.”

  “Is that a yes, or are you still taking it under consideration?”

  Before Kate could think of a reply, Audrey skipped over to them. She glanced at Kate, pressed her lips together, and tugged on Landon’s hand.

  Landon ignored his niece. “At least you’re not saying no?”

  Kate folded her arms. “Now you’re making me wonder about your parameters with everyone else.” Was Angelina the recipient of occasional kissing?

  Audrey yanked harder on Landon’s hand and made a mumbling noise with her lips clamped together.

  He finally turned his attention to her. “What’s wrong with your mouth, hon?”

  In a loud whisper, Audrey said, “You told me I couldn’t speak when Miss Benton was around.”

  Landon laughed uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean you couldn’t talk at all.”

  “Okay.” Audrey’s voice returned to normal. “Daddy said it’s time to go home.”

  “In a minute.” Landon dropped her hand. “Miss Benton and I are having an important conversation about parameters.”

  Audrey took hold of his hand again, leaning in an attempt to pull him from his spot. “Uncle Preston said if you’re going to stand around making eyes at Miss Benton, everyone else should drive to church in Daddy’s truck. He said that you’re—”

  “You know,” Landon cut her off, “we’re going to return to the policy of you not speaking when Miss Benton is around. That’s actually a good policy.”

  The little girl sighed dramatically and hummed something incoherent.

  Well, that was one way to put a quick, awkward end to this conversation. Kate stepped away from the wall. “I’ll let you get back to your family.” She drifted a couple of steps away and couldn’t help but add, “See you next week.”

  Monday morning while Kate fed the horses, Gary breezed into the barn to start shoeing the horses. He seemed surprisingly sober, which was an encouraging sign. He marched by her with a nod. “I contacted a few people, and we’ll have some replacement cattle any time now.”

  She would believe that when the cattle showed up. “Good.”

  He kept nodding and walking. “Your head count will be where you need it. Don’t you worry none. I’m taking care of it.”

  Reassurance so she wouldn’t be tempted to call the police. Kate left him to his task. She needed to make sure the ranch looked perfect for the Colemans’ arrival. More than ever, she had to book some weddings. Every deposit would help her bottom line. She might even be able to convince some brides to prepay completely if she offered upgrades.

  Kate assembled garlands on the arches and adorned the table inside the gazebo with a lace tablecloth, fresh roses, and some candles. Then she drove out to the ranch’s entrance, cleaned off the wrought iron gate, and set it to open automatically. With only a half hour left, she showered and changed into one of her I’m an interior designer, not a rancher outfits.

  When Cassie Coleman and her mother stepped out of their black BMW, Kate greeted them, ever so professionally, with a folder of wedding packages information in hand. Cassie was a thin bleached blonde with oversized sunglasses, impractical heels, and a designer purse that screamed: I overpay for status symbols. Her mother, although no longer as thin, mirrored the rest of her daughter’s traits. She had long pink manicured nails and immaculately applied matching lipstick.

  Kate had seen these sorts of women every day in Seattle. Occasionally, she’d even been one of them. Now that life seemed so long ago, and she was surprised to find she didn’t really miss it.

  At any rate, the Colemans were perfect clients. They obviously could pay a lot for a wedding, and if they chose Coyote Glen, they’d probably want the most expensive package.

  Kate took them around to the backyard. “The lawn has room for a couple dozen tables with chairs, and space left over for a serving area and a dance floor. We’ll use the field to the right of the house for parking.”

  The women strolled around, discussing the view. They weren’t nearly as impressed with it as Kate thought they should be. Cassie loved the cottonwood trees in the yard but wished the hills in the background were greener—which, yeah, didn’t everyone? Welcome to the desert. Mrs. Coleman adored the rosebushes but wished the gazebo was bigger. Cassie liked the garlands enough to take pictures of them but complained about the way her heels sunk into the lawn.

  Kate smiled through it all. “I’ll have a carpet for your walk to the altar.” Mental note: buy a carpet.

  Mrs. Coleman glanced over the pricing sheets. “What’s this ten percent discount offer?”

  “Since I’m always looking for publicity, if you tag Coyote Glen on your social media posts and someone books from that, you and your friend will both receive a ten percent discount.”

  Mrs. Coleman shut the information packet and turned to her daughter. “Well, I guess you need to decide whether you want an outdoor wedding or a church wedding. Churches are more traditional.”

  Mrs. Coleman sounded like she was leaning toward the latter. Time for self-promotion.

  “Church weddings can be lovely,” Kate agreed. “But if you go that route, make sure you have an experienced photographer who can work with indoor lighting. You know how flash photography washes people out.” She gestured to the sky. “Outdoor lighting an hour before sunset is the best. And if you got married then, your guests will experience a romantic sunset as you celebrate your union.”

  “With a church,” Mrs. Coleman pointed out, “you don’t have to worry about rain.”

  Kate waved away the woman’s words. “I wish we had to worry about rain more. It sure would be easier to feed the cattle, but in Arizona, there’s not much chance of that.” The packet already stated if rain was in the forecast, she would provide tents. She didn’t bring that up, though. No one wa
nted to get married in a tent.

  “And you should see the stars out here,” she added. “They’re magical. Seriously, I think magical is the best way to describe the ranch. From here on out, sunsets and starry nights will always symbolize your love.”

  A noise came from the front of the house: the hum of a vehicle coming down the drive. Kate wasn’t expecting anyone, and Gary never had visitors. If Landon had decided to drop by, he would have texted her.

  And then she remembered that Gary had said cattle were coming soon. This must be a trailer. It didn’t sound loud enough to be a big trailer, but even a few head were great news. Gary was pulling through. She refrained from running off to check on the animals. The Colemans might not understand that sort of behavior.

  Her next thought was that this was a bad time to unload cows. She’d promised the Colemans a romantic and magical place, one guaranteed to make good memories. Their last impression of Coyote Glen shouldn’t be a bunch frightened cattle emerging from a dusty, manure-laden trailer. Especially when Kate had just compared Coyote Glen to a symbol of the bride and groom’s love.

  Definite point in a church’s favor. It could cost her the sale.

  Mrs. Coleman gave the yard a last look. “Thanks for showing us around. We’ll let you know our decision.”

  The two women headed toward the side of the house. Gary had been in the barn when the Colemans arrived and it was in plain sight from the front of the house. Kate needed to buy him some time to unload the cattle so the trailer could leave. She followed after the women. “Would you like to see the inside of my home?”

  Mrs. Coleman stopped, unsure. “Why would we need to see that?”

  “In case you have to use the kitchen or the guests need to use the bathroom. I always take clients inside.” Since the Colemans were her first clients, it wasn’t untrue.

  The two women exchanged a glance. “Okay,” Cassie said.

  Kate took them in through the kitchen door, thankful that she always kept the place clean. Or at least she’d thought she’d cleaned. Once she stepped into the kitchen, she remembered she’d left eucalyptus cuttings all over the table. The scissors and ribbon were out too, along with a can of Dr. Pepper. “Those won’t be here on your big day,” she said.