by Kate Pearce
* * *
Julia glanced over at Kaiden as he opened the door into the bar for her.
“Ma’am.”
“I think I preferred ‘my lady,’” she joked as they made their way through to the bar where Nancy and Jay were working. It wasn’t that busy seeing as it was a Sunday, and a lot of the older folk wouldn’t dream of drinking on the Sabbath. Kaiden pulled out two stools.
“Hop up here, and I’ll go check in with Bella about dinner.”
Kaiden disappeared and Julia climbed onto the barstool.
“Hey.” Nancy grinned at her. “Was that Kaiden Miller? The man you shouted at the other day? I told you he’d like it.”
“He’s been doing some construction work up at the ranch for Dad, so I thought I owed him dinner,” Julia explained, not yet willing to consider why else she’d accepted his invitation, and what it might imply. “He’s been great.”
“He’s certainly talented.” Nancy put two beers in front of Julia and winked. “In many ways. Are you wanting a menu?”
“I think Kaiden’s going to get us a table,” Julia said.
“Wise choice. He probably doesn’t want the whole of Morgantown listening in while he charms the pants off you.”
“Hardly.” Julia took a swig of beer and immediately coughed.
“Careful now, slugger.” Kaiden patted her on the back and then perched on the edge of his stool. “Bella says we can go through right now if we like.”
“Okay.” Julia wheezed as he offered her a hand to get down. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Kaiden turned to Nancy. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Nothing much.” Nancy cleaned the bar where Julia had spilled the beer. “Just watching the fools of Morgan Valley make complete asses of themselves.”
“That’s a bit hard on Julia,” Kaiden protested. “She just choked on her beer.”
“Ha ha.” Nancy waved him off with her hand. “You’re not as funny as you think you are, Kaiden Miller.”
“I’m funnier.” He winked at her and took Julia’s hand. “So nice to come into my local bar and be insulted by a professional.”
“You’re welcome!” Nancy called out as they went through to the dining area.
“Do you ever leave without trying to get the last word?” Julia asked him.
“I just did,” Kaiden pointed out. “I gave up trying to outdo Nancy years ago.” He slid into the booth and she took the seat opposite. “The food here is really good. Bella’s got Sonali Patel working with her now. She just graduated from culinary college.”
“I know.” Julia unwrapped her silverware from her napkin. “I came to see Nancy the other night. I had the fish. It was really good.”
“You drink by yourself a lot?”
“Yup, I’m a complete lush.”
He shook his head, his gray eyes glinting. “I would never have guessed that in a million years. You’ve always struck me as someone with their head screwed on just right.”
“I didn’t really have much choice,” Julia confessed. “After Mom left, Dad basically handed me the keys to the house and expected me to take on all her jobs.”
Kaiden frowned. “But you were just a teenager.”
“Yeah, but who else was there? Dad and Miguel needed to manage the ranch, they didn’t have time for the house.” She sipped her water. “It wasn’t all bad. By the time I entered high school I knew how to manage a budget, take care of a house, and keep a four point two GPA.”
“All by yourself.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Don’t feel sorry for me. You didn’t have it much better when your mom left, did you?”
“There were more of us, and Adam took the brunt of it. And, we had Auntie Rae who turned up and took over everything.”
“She was awesome.” Julia took another sip of her water. “I often wished . . .” She stopped talking.
“You’d had someone like her,” Kaiden finished her sentence. She wasn’t sure if she liked it.
“Anyway, it taught me how to be self-reliant, how to manage stuff, and made me the independent person I am now.” She smiled at him and picked up the menu. “What are you going to eat?
“The fish tacos. Don’t ever tell my dad, but I sometimes get sick of beef.”
She smiled, her shoulders relaxing, as he took the hint and changed the conversation to something far less personal.
“Me too and the same, although it can be hard to get good beef in the city without having to take a mortgage out on it.”
“That’s because you guys insist on building housing estates over the ranchland out there,” Kaiden said.
“Didn’t you say that had nearly happened here?”
“Yeah, unbelievable, I know, but luckily Rio Martinez stepped in and bought the place from Adam’s old in-laws.”
“Why would anyone want to build out here?” Julia wondered.
“When the housing prices in the rest of the state are so high, dormitory towns with a two-hour commute each way are apparently the next big thing.”
Kaiden paused to give their order to Bella and then resumed talking.
“And we really do need housing here because of the success of Morgan Ranch and the growth of the businesses in town. Yvonne really struggles to get trainees for her bakery, I can’t get apprentices, and finding ranch hands is almost impossible. We can pay them a living wage, but they either can’t find somewhere to live locally, or the rent is too high, or the commute too long. We’re currently trying to remedy that by refitting infill projects into affordable housing, but at some point, we’ll run out of space, and the obvious thing to do is extend the town into one of the ranches.”
Julia nodded as Kaiden spoke, aware that her initial snobbish thought that he hadn’t left town, and therefore hadn’t educated himself, had been way off base. She was familiar with both his arguments and the solutions, both from living in the valley and from her job.
He paused for breath and offered her a sheepish grin. “Sorry, it’s a bit of a passion of mine.”
“And a good one,” she reassured him. “Can’t the Morgans build more property to house their workers on their land?”
“They are trying to, but they also have to build guest accommodations, and keep it all sympathetic to the environment.” He drank some beer. “And, it’s a community problem. It’s not just on them.”
“I’m sure Chase Morgan can afford it,” Julia said tartly.
“I’m sure he can, but as I said, that’s not the point, is it?” Kaiden met her gaze. “We’re all in this together. We’ve got to find a way to provide for the folks who want to live here, and yet try and keep the town how we like it.”
“I think you’re trying to do the impossible,” Julia said. “Things always change and not always for the better.”
Kaiden sat back. “Doesn’t mean you don’t try to make them better.”
“You’re such an optimist.” Julia smiled at him.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing, it’s just that I’ve never seen it as one of your dad’s strengths, and he basically brought you up, and you look just like him.”
He shrugged. “Maybe that’s why I’m like that. I don’t want to be Jeff Miller Two. I leave all that self-doubt to my brother Ben.”
“Ben seems to have done pretty well for himself despite that.”
Kaiden grinned. “He really hit the jackpot with Silver, didn’t he?” He shook his head. “If I’d known who he was taking out on that trail ride I would’ve volunteered to go myself.”
“That’s how he met her?”
“Yeah. They got cut off by a storm at the top end of Morgan Valley. Ben fell off his horse, and Silver basically kept him alive until the medics turned up. It’s almost as good as a romantic movie.”
“Lucky Ben.”
“And lucky Silver. My brother might be a slob, but he’s really good person, and he’ll always adore her.”
He looked up as Bella returned with their food. “
Thanks! This looks great.”
* * *
Julia went quiet while they ate, and Kaiden didn’t blame her because the food was that good. The fish was perfectly spiced, the coleslaw mellow, and the fries crisp and hot. She hadn’t liked him implying that she’d had it tough, which didn’t surprise him in the least. She was not the kind of person to ever feel sorry for herself. She just took life on the chin and got on with it.
She’d also just endured half a day with the obnoxious Blaine so her defenses were probably sky high. He got it, but for some reason he wanted her to feel able to relax with him, to let go, to share stuff. But she’d never had that luxury in her life so why should she want to begin now? Especially with someone like him, who thought the best way to communicate was to poke fun at people.
He wiped his mouth on his napkin and pushed his empty plate away. His cell had remained uncharacteristically silent, which was slightly unnerving because he’d been away from home for hours, and his dad normally had a thing about that.
Julia sat back and sighed. “That was really good.”
“Room for dessert?” Kaiden asked.
“Could we share?” She looked at him inquiringly. She’d left her hair down, and wore a crisp striped shirt and well-ironed jeans. If there was such a thing as an executive look for a cowgirl then she’d nailed it.
“It depends, how much are you likely to eat?” Kaiden pretended to be suspicious. “Half? More than half?”
He was back to gently teasing her again since it somehow seemed safer when she was smiling at him like that. She wanted to keep things light, so did he—apart from that nagging feeling that he wanted to lean across the table and kiss her stupid.
“Are you okay, Kaiden?”
He blinked at her. “Yeah, I’m good.” He busied himself consulting the menu again. “What do you want to share?”
“The brownie and ice cream looks good.”
“Then let’s go for that. Do you want coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
He caught Bella’s eye, and she came over, and he gave her the order, which left them with way too much time to make conversation. Julia was leaving soon, and despite what everyone said, she was still way out of his league, and she wasn’t interested in him anyway.
Apart from the fact that she’d kissed him . . . more than once.
She reached across the table and took his hand. “I really do want to thank you for sticking by me today. I can’t imagine how I would’ve coped if I’d had to deal with Dad, Blaine, and the priest all at the same time by myself.”
“You would’ve managed.” Kaiden curled his fingers around hers. “You’re a smart cookie.”
“Maybe, but I’m not sure I would’ve kept my temper with Blaine, and being fired on the spot would not have helped matters at all.” She met his gaze. “You were really great.”
He shrugged. “Just helping out a neighbor.”
“You’d do that for anyone?”
“Only the pretty ones.” He held up a finger. “That was just a joke.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I feel like I should apologize to you.”
“Again? What for?” Kaiden frowned.
“Not believing you were sincere.”
“Why would you? I’m not exactly known for it,” Kaiden said. “I make a joke out of everything, which winds most people up the wrong way.”
She angled her head and considered him. “Why do you do that?”
He shrugged. “I’ve never really thought about it. I suppose it just came naturally to me.”
“I suspect it’s got something to do with your birth order.” Julia nodded. “It usually does.”
“Well, Adam’s a grump, Ben overanalyzes everything, Danny internalizes everything, Evan’s a wildcard, and Daisy’s a nerd, so I suppose I had to be something different,” Kaiden mused. “Comedy seemed to be my natural talent.”
“And you’re very good at it, but . . .” She hesitated.
“What?”
“I shouldn’t say anything, it wouldn’t be fair.”
“You might as well spit it out. We’re all friends here, right?” Kaiden said.
She fidgeted in her seat. “Okay, I always wondered even when we were kids whether you were using humor to hide something—like you were trying too hard to make everyone like you. It felt fake somehow.”
“Wow, that’s deep.” Kaiden eased his hand away from hers and sat back. “Maybe I just found it a good way to get what I wanted.”
“No, I don’t think it was that, because you’ve got enough natural charm for ten people.” She studied him intently. “Was it more as a means of protecting yourself? I can only imagine what it was like having to deal with your dad when you were a kid. Being the court jester might’ve deflected a lot of rage away from your siblings.”
“So, you’re saying I’m the rodeo clown of the family?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Why does that make you angry?”
“Why do you think it does?”
She sighed. “Kaiden . . . for one, you’re glaring at me, and secondly, you’re not brushing it off by making a joke.”
He stood up. “Your lawyer is showing. For someone who hates anyone getting in their private business, you sure seem okay about diving into mine. Excuse me a minute, will you?” He dug out his cell. “I need to check in with my dad.”
* * *
Julia stared in stunned silence at Kaiden’s empty seat. What had possessed her to say something so unhelpful? She’d seen the hurt in his eyes before he’d gotten as far away from her as possible.
“Here’s your brownie.”
Julia looked up at Bella. “Thanks so much.” She bit her lip. “I hate to be a pain, but could you put it in a to-go box? I think Kaiden has to get back home, and I wouldn’t want him to miss this.”
“Sure! It’s no problem, but you’ll probably not want the ice cream, it’ll melt too fast. I’ll replace it with some cream. I’ll do the same with the coffees, and bring you the check right away.”
Julia made sure the coffee lids were tightly sealed as she placed them on top of the box containing the brownie, which was inside a sturdy paper bag. She walked out through the bar, but there was no sign of Kaiden.
Nancy called out to her, “If you’re looking for your man, he went out to his truck. Said his phone was out of charge or something, and that he’d be back in a minute”
“Thanks!” Julia said. “I think I’ll follow him out. Have a good evening.”
“Will do, and don’t be a stranger!” Nancy winked.
Julia waved and went out into the street. Despite it being officially spring, there was a cold wind whistling down Main Street, and she was glad she’d put on a warm jacket. Carefully holding the bag, she walked around to the parking lot at the side of the bar and headed toward Kaiden’s truck. He was standing with his back against the door, arms crossed, head down as if contemplating the mud on his cowboy boots.
Julia continued her approach and he slowly looked up, his face still hidden in the shadow of his Stetson. She held up the bag like a peace offering.
“Nancy said your phone died. I thought we could eat this in the truck while it’s recharging.”
For a moment, she thought he was going to tell her to start walking, but he found a smile and straightened up as if there was nothing wrong between them at all.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I realized I hadn’t heard from Dad for hours, which isn’t like him, so I checked my phone, and it was out of charge.” He gestured at the truck. “I just plugged it in.”
“Then shall we get in and eat this before the whipped cream melts? I got the coffee, too.”
“Sure.” He went around and opened the passenger door for her. “Hop in.”
She settled in the seat, inhaling the now familiar scent of wood shavings, leather, and whatever Kaiden’s shower gel was. While he was busy turning the engine on she took out the coffee and set the box between the seats with two spoons at the ready.
“Here you go.”
She wasn’t sure she had much appetite for food anymore, but she had to make the effort.
“Thanks.” He picked up the spoon. “Bella makes a really good brownie.”
Julia forced down a couple of spoonfuls and then stopped eating. She couldn’t just let this go. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to forget that I trained as a lawyer, and I ask incredibly intrusive questions.”
He shrugged. “Can’t say I’ve noticed.” He dug into the brownie and chewed slowly. “Maybe I’m just not used to people pointing out my flaws.”
“Why should you be?” Julia said quickly. “And, you’re right. It’s none of my business, and it was an insensitive thing to question you about.”
“I didn’t say any of that,” Kaiden objected.
“You didn’t need to. I’m not stupid. I knew I’d messed up the moment the words left my mouth.” She sighed. “I don’t know why I’m behaving like this. It’s not like me.”
“You’re under a lot of pressure right now.”
“I’m always under pressure. It’s the essence of what I do.” She licked some cream off her spoon. “It’s you.”
“It’s me, what?” Kaiden’s gaze was riveted on her mouth.
“You unsettle me.”
He sat back. “There’s an easy fix for that, Julia. We just agree to keep out of each other’s way for the next couple of weeks while you’re here. It’s not difficult.”
“But, I don’t want to do that.”
Her words filled a silence he seemed unable or unwilling to end. Eventually, he stirred.
“What do you want then, Julia?”
She was equally slow to respond, and for once glad of the darkness and intimacy of the truck cab. Everything else—her job, her life, and her common sense—receded as she faced something far more instinctive and natural.
“You,” she said. “I want you.”
Chapter Nine
Kaiden drew a careful breath. “I hate to be that person, but could you be more specific?”
He surprised a laugh out of her, which made him want to smile in return. Ever since he’d walked out of the bar he’d been kicking himself for overreacting to her comments. But at some level, she got him like nobody else, and he wasn’t sure he liked it one bit. Somehow, he kept talking even though it was like pulling teeth.