Boots and The Rogue: Ugly Stick Saloon, Book 10 (9 page)

Brody burst out laughing and lay back, his chest rising and falling as if he’d been running.

Jessie lay for a long time staring up at the points of light making their way through the leaves. “Thank you.”

Brody didn’t respond, lying still beside her. He reached for her hand and held it in his bigger one.

“Lying in the warm air, with a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves, makes you think everything is right in the world.” Jessie stretched, raising her free arm over her head, her back arching off the boulder.

Brody’s gaze skimmed over her body. “Isn’t it?”

Her body tingled where his glance lingered. With a soft snort, Jessie answered, “For the moment.”

His lips tightening, Brody said, “And then we return to reality.”

Jessie sighed and gave him a sad smile. “Yes.”

“Hey, why the sad face?” He touched her cheek with his fingertips. “What is it you want out of life?”

Her gaze shifted back to the leaves above and she whispered, “A home.” That one word meant more to her than she’d ever realized. When her father died, she’d had no place to call home. Living with the McFarlans, she could feel the connection between the people and the ranch. She wanted that.

“You have a job, a place to live and a place for Scout,” he reminded her.

“And I’m very grateful for those, but I didn’t realize how important it was to have a place to call your own that no one could kick you out of, or take away from you.”

Brody leaned up on his elbow and stared down at her.

His gaze made the heat rise in her cheeks. “What?” She blinked. “You don’t know how it feels. I’ve never lived in a place that I could call my own.”

“What about your parents?”

“Mom left my father when I was four. I haven’t seen her since. My dad worked and lived on a big ranch in the Panhandle. We never owned the house we lived in. When my father died of a heart attack, I couldn’t live there any longer. I had to move and find a place for me and Scout.” She tried to pull her fingers free of his hand but he held on. “You’ve always had the Rafter M Ranch to come home to, even when you stayed in Seattle.”

He shook his head. “Do you think a home is only a place?”

“Oh no. A home is so much more than just a place. It’s where you’re surrounded by the people you love, and who love you unconditionally.”

Brody’s gaze drifted out over the pool. “A place you feel safe and you can trust the people around you to have your back.”

“Yeah.” For a moment her eyes misted as she thought of her father and how happy she’d been growing up. He’d been there for her up until the day he died. Since then, she’d been homeless. “I can only work on the things I can control. I want to earn enough money to put a down payment on a place of my own, with enough acreage for Scout.” She turned to Brody, reaching out to rest her hand on his chest. “Too bad you’re going back to Seattle.”

He stiffened. “Why?”

“I would have invited you over for dinner or a game of cards.” She smiled sleepily.

His chuckle warmed her. “Would you be burning the meal?”

She tapped his chest. “I’m learning. Or maybe I’d throw a steak on the grill. I bet you don’t get many sunny days in Seattle for grilling.”

Brody’s hand covered hers on his chest. “No, I don’t. I can’t remember the last time I grilled. Probably eight years ago when I lived here.” He lay still for a while, his chest rising and falling beneath her hand in a steadily slowing rhythm. “Who knows, maybe I’ll fly down for a visit and you can grill me that steak,” he said softly.

Jessie smiled.

Though the sex had been world altering, she refused to think past this day and the sunshine making the sky so blue. No matter what tomorrow brought, nothing could take away the memory of today.

Jessie inched closer to Brody and relaxed, letting all the worry of the past couple of weeks slide off her shoulders.

The warm air and gentle breeze lulled her into a hazy, sleepy place.

Brody wrapped her in his arms and she slipped into a halo of darkness.

Brody lay for a long time, Jessie’s slender body pressed against him, her leg thrown over one of his, and fought to quell the panic. He’d just made love to a woman who wore her feelings on her sleeve and, despite her argument to the contrary, would want more from him than he was ready or willing to give.

If she were just some girl he met in a bar, he’d have no trouble walking away. But Jessie was…well, Jessie. Kind, caring and generous. Hurting her would be like kicking a puppy.

Damn it, she was anything but a puppy. The woman fit him—her body just the right length, her curves complementing his hard plains. Open and sunny, she balanced his brooding, artistic nature and made him want to be better, happier.

What would happen if he didn’t go back to Seattle at all? What if he stayed at the Rafter M Ranch?

He’d have to confront his eight-year-old anger at Colin, forgive him and get over the past. Hiding his work would be impossible and that meant revealing a part of him that even his family wasn’t aware of—with the exception of Angus. His older brother hadn’t ridiculed him or told him his work was a waste of time.

In Seattle, he’d maintained a certain anonymity while he built his portfolio. Working as a bartender at night, he’d spent the days painting. No one cared what he did or where he was from.

In Temptation, Texas, everyone knew everyone and their business. He’d wanted to prove himself before he revealed his work to those he cared the most about. He’d left, mad at his brother for betraying him. Staying away had been easier than coming home to work through his anger. To fill the lonely, empty hours of the day, he’d taken up drawing, enrolled in a class at the university and transitioned into painting.

The longer he stayed away, the harder it was to return, other than for short visits.

Now that he was here, he wasn’t sure he could leave again…and he wasn’t sure he could stay.

Chapter Nine

Jessie woke a little while later. The sun angling through the tree trunks, shining into her face, made her blink her eyes and glance around.

Brody lay on his back, his eyes closed, his face peaceful in sleep.

Sitting up, Jessie stared at the man who’d captured her heart in a very short time.

He was tall, ruggedly handsome, with fingers that strummed her body like a musical instrument, making it come alive in ways she’d never imagined.

Too bad he was going back to Seattle. She would love to get to know him better, to find out why he was always so brooding and angry. When he laughed, all that darkness disappeared.

Jessie wanted to be the one to make him laugh, to make his heart lighter. But she couldn’t make him stay. A gangly woman, more tomboy than girl, didn’t have a chance at keeping a man like Brody McFarlan’s interest.

Her chest tight, she gathered her clothing and hid in the bushes to dress and pull on her boots. Then she went in search of her horse.

Scout stood in the middle of a field, happily grazing.

When she clicked her tongue, he lifted his head, spotted her and trotted over.

With one last glance toward the stand of trees shrouding the swimming hole and the man who’d pretty much ruined her for any other, Jessie swung up into the saddle.

Ready for a run, Scout took off toward the barn, hooves flying over the dry Texas ground, kicking up dust in his wake.

Jessie leaned over the horse’s neck, letting the breeze blow her hair out of her face, hoping the wind would blast the silly dreams of a happily ever after with Brody out of her mind. She’d just met him and had mad, passionate sex with the cowboy in broad daylight. It didn’t mean forever. He’d been sure to say that before they got too hot and heavy into the sex.

Back at the house, she quickly went to work pulling food items from the pantry and refrigerator. Mrs. McFarlan had shown her how to look up recipes on the Internet. All she had to do was follow instructions from the electronic tablet she’d left for her to use in the kitchen.

With no one interrupting her, Jessie prepared a large pot of hearty beef stew and cornbread.

At the end of the day, Angus and Colin returned to the smell of a tasty dinner. The stew simmered on the stove and a tub of butter and honey sat on the table.

Mrs. McFarlan arrived home from town in time to join them.

Jessie sat with the family, barely touching her food, quietly acknowledging the compliments without really engaging. Her attention focused on the sounds outside, hoping Brody would come back to the house and join the rest of the family for dinner. Her body hummed, her pussy still throbbing from Brody’s thorough lovemaking.

He didn’t return to the house until after dark.

The next day was much like the previous. Jessie and Brody settled into a routine of avoidance. When they did run into each other, the electricity in the air sizzled. But Brody refused to act on it, and Jessie wasn’t going to be the one to initiate contact this time.

Perhaps it was better this way. If Brody was leaving, they shouldn’t take whatever was between them any farther.

No matter what she told herself, Jessie couldn’t deny the heat burning beneath the surface, nor could she turn it off like a burner on the stove.

By Friday, her nerves were so frayed she dropped pots and pans in the kitchen, burned the toast and would have ruined their dinner if Mrs. McFarlan hadn’t come into the kitchen in time to stop her from torching the pan of fried chicken.

Mrs. M turned off the flame and faced Jessie. “Honey, what’s wrong? You’re wound up tighter than a rattlesnake with a new button.”

Jessie wrung her hands, tears filling her eyes. She couldn’t tell Mrs. M that the cook had foolishly fallen for the boss. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine.” The older woman studied her, her eyes narrowing. Finally, she said, “What you need is to get out of the house, have a little fun. You’re young. You should be dating, seeing other people. Making friends.”

Jessie shook her head. “I can’t afford to go out. I have to earn my keep.”

“Oh nonsense. Wear a dress. The men will buy your drinks and ask you to dance. You won’t need a dime with a figure like that.”

“I can’t do that. I’ve always paid my own way.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you have to have more confidence in yourself.” Mrs. M held her at arm’s length and stood back, her gaze sweeping Jessie’s length. “You’re a pretty girl. Isn’t she, Colin?” She glanced up.

Jessie looked over her shoulder.

Colin had entered the room, a grin spreading across his face. “Who, Jessie?”

Mrs. M frowned. “Yes, Jessie.”

Colin tilted his head to the side. “Sure, she’s pretty.”

“Any man would love to date her,” Mrs. M insisted.

“Sure. Sure.” Colin looked over their shoulders. “What’s for supper?”

Mrs. McFarlan wound up a dish towel and popped Colin’s ass with it. “You’re hopeless.”

“What?” He rubbed his back pocket. “I didn’t get any lunch. I’m starving.”

“You should take Jessie to the Ugly Stick Saloon tonight and introduce her around. She hasn’t been out since she got here.”

“She met everyone last week. That’s where we found her.”

Mrs. M planted her fist on her hip. “It’s Friday night. Are you going out?”

Colin frowned. “Maybe.”

“Good. You’re taking Jessie.” The older woman scowled at Colin. “No wonder you boys aren’t married yet. You’re completely clueless!” She shooed him out of the kitchen. “Dinner won’t be ready for another thirty minutes. Out of here!”

Colin shrugged and grinned at Jessie. “We can see if Angus wants to join us as designated driver. It’s been a tough week. I could stand a beer or two.” He winked and left the room.

“Mrs. McFarlan, I can’t go with Colin.”

“Why not?” The older woman turned the burner on and set the flame lower than it had been before. “You didn’t already have a date, did you?”

“No, but you practically forced Colin to take me out tonight.” Jessie bit her lip. “I don’t want to be a pity date. Besides, he might have another girl in mind, and I would be in the way.”

“Then go as friends. That way you aren’t with anyone and you can flirt with all the men.” She shook her head. “Jessie, I’ve been out of the dating scene for decades, and I know more about it than you and my sons. Sheesh. Amateurs.” She grinned to soften her words. “Go. I like you and want you to be happy.”

Jessie wasn’t going to talk the woman out of her plan and she didn’t want to disappoint her, so she agreed.

Mrs. McFarlan helped her through the batch of fried chicken and beat the lumps out of the mashed potatoes before the men returned to the kitchen, showered and dressed in clean jeans and shirts.

As usual, Brody hadn’t arrived at the house by the time the rest of the family sat down to eat. Jessie joined them and laughed and talked with Angus and Colin, learning more about Colin’s challenges as a construction contractor, from frame carpenters who didn’t show up for the job to lazy bricklayers.

Angus glanced across the table at Colin. “By the way, thanks for finishing up mucking the stalls again.”

Jessie’s cheeks heated, but she didn’t dispute Angus’s assumption.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Colin bit into a juicy chicken leg and chewed.

“If you haven’t been cleaning the stalls this week, has Brody?” Angus asked

Colin shook his head. “Brody hasn’t been around the house or barn all week. As soon as the sun rises, he’s gone.”

Mrs. M stared across at Jessie. “Jessie, did you muck the stalls?”

Her cheeks burning, Jessie nodded.

“You’re the cook, Jessie.” Angus’s brows drew together. “You don’t have to work in the barn too. Though we appreciate all you do.”

“I like working outside,” she insisted. “I’ve done it all my life.”

“Dinner was delicious.” Colin stared down at the bone in his hand. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Maybe you should take Jessie with you on the job,” Angus suggested. “She’s been a big help with the horses this week. She knows as much as I do, if not more, about hoof disease and the best feeds to buy. I’ll bet she could run circles around your frame carpenters. She helped me fix the boards on the corral fence. She can swing a hammer.”

“What, and not smash her thumb, like you?” Colin nodded at the bandage on Angus’s thumb.

Angus grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, well, she is good at it.”

Colin stared at Jessie, his eyes narrowing, assessing her. “Have you ever framed anything?”

“I helped my dad build a pole barn, a chicken coop and a toolshed. I know one end of the hammer from the other.”

Angus laughed. “See? There isn’t anything she can’t do.”

“Even cooking.” Colin grinned.

Her cheeks continued to burn from all the attention. “Normally I’m hopeless at the usual girl things. My father had me doing ranch maintenance work from as early as I can remember.”

“What kind of girl things do you not know how to do?”

She shook her head, her face so hot she thought it would explode. “Never mind.”

“No, really.” Colin leaned forward. “What do you not know?”

“I’m really okay with the way I am.”

“Come on, Jessie, you wouldn’t have brought it up if you didn’t want to know. Angus and I might be able to help you, as long as it isn’t putting on makeup and fixing hair.”

“I’ve got that covered,” Mrs. McFarlan said. “But I’m interested to hear how you’re going to teach our Jessie about girl things.” She leaned back, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. “Go on, Jessie. What else would you like to know?”

Jessie lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “I don’t know. Flirting has always escaped me.”

“That’s easy.” Colin laughed. “Just watch.”

He turned to Angus and made a big show of batting his eyes. “Angus, honey,” he said in a falsetto voice, “you’re so big and strong. I could use a man like you to protect me.”

Angus’s brows knit. “She could wipe the floor with you. Why would Jessie need a man to protect her?”

Jessie laughed. “Exactly.”

Colin sighed. “You have to stroke a man’s ego. They all think they’re big and tough and their girl is small and defenseless.”

Mrs. McFarlan shook her head. “No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend, Colin. Women are stronger than you think. They want someone who is their equal to share their lives with. All the flirting and pretending to be someone you aren’t is exhausting.”

“That’s all I’ve got.” Colin turned to Angus. “Your turn.”

Jessie raised her hand. “That’s okay. I’ll just be me, if it’s all the same to you.”

Angus shrugged. “I like you just the way you are.”

“So do I,” Mrs. McFarlan said.

“I was only trying to help,” Colin insisted. “I like Jessie just the way she is too.”

Footsteps sounded and Brody appeared, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. His gaze swept the people at the table and stopped at her, his blue eyes darkening.

Jessie’s pulse leaped and butterflies stormed her belly.

“Brody, you’re in time to settle this,” Mrs. McFarlan said.

“Settle what?” He removed his hat and hung it on a peg on the wall.

“Should Jessie work at being more girlie by learning how to flirt, or stay the way she is?”

Brody’s gaze never left Jessie’s. “Why is this important?”

“What if she wants to date? Do you men expect a woman to flirt and fawn all over you? Or would you prefer her to be natural and straightforward?”

A frown pulled his brows low. “Jessie’s fine the way she is.” Brody seemed to tear his gaze away from her and turned to his mother. “Could we talk?”

The older McFarlan nodded. “Of course. What is it you want to talk about?”

He glanced at his brothers. “Alone.”

Her smile faded. “Of course.” Mrs. McFarlan pushed her chair back from the table and stood. “Want to take it into the office?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He walked across the kitchen and stood in the hallway.

Mrs. McFarlan nodded as she passed Angus and Colin, hooked Brody’s arm and led him away. “Have a good time, Jessie.”

Brody glanced over his shoulder, his gaze meeting Jessie’s. Then he was gone.

Jessie let go of the breath she’d been holding the entire time Brody was in the kitchen. Why couldn’t she forget what happened days ago and get on with her life? Apparently, Brody had put it behind him. He certainly didn’t want a repeat performance.

Well, to hell with him. “Stack your dishes in the sink when you’re done eating. I’ll wash them later. I’ll be ready to go in five minutes.” If she could figure out how to apply mascara without gouging her eyes.

As she walked by the closed door of the office, she strained to hear the rumblings behind the thick wooden door. What had Brody wanted to talk to his mother about? Was he telling her he would be leaving soon to return to Seattle?

Despite her decision to go, Jessie figured it would be a push to have a good time when she’d be thinking about Brody leaving. What she really wanted to do was storm into the office and demand he look at her and tell her he didn’t feel something special the other day. That he didn’t want to do it again and again.

But she was afraid he didn’t feel the same. One time with her had been enough for him…and not nearly enough for her.

Twenty minutes later, Brody walked out of the office, no further along than when he’d walked in. No manner of argument would budge his mother. She was determined to see her boys happily married and living in Texas.

Brody knew if he remained in Texas any longer, he might do something stupid like stay. The week had been long and painful. Every time he saw Jessie, he wanted to hold her so badly he ached with the need. How he’d managed to steer clear, he wasn’t certain. By Friday, he’d been past caring and ready to move on or go insane. He wasn’t the right man for Jessie.

She deserved a man who wasn’t still trying to find himself or determine where he fit in the world. His argument with Colin had long since ceased being the reason he stayed away from Texas. He didn’t know what he wanted. He didn’t have any lasting feelings for Fancy Wilson and he couldn’t care less if Colin slept with her again. Fancy held back too much of herself. He’d never really known where he stood with her, nor felt like sharing his deepest secrets and dreams with her.