Her Perfect Match (7 page)

“And I told you you’re an idiot!” She shot the words back.

Cole crossed his arms stubbornly. “As for that race or whatever Graystone and your father want to call it, you know how I feel about that event—”

Elizabeth tuned him out. She was so tired of having to defend her father. “Well, not everyone at Laurel Glen seems to agree with you. Your father entered this year with Ross’s Prize.”

Cole went pale. “That isn’t funny, Lizzie,” he snapped.

Elizabeth bristled. It was true that a pain inflicted by a loved one hurt more than one from a stranger. Frizzy Lizzie, they used to taunt before her mother’s miracle workers conditioned her flyaway hair. She could see the instant apology in Cole’s eyes but she
wasn’t in the mood to hear it. She smacked the fashion magazines she’d been looking through onto the coffee table. About to storm away, she found herself held in place when Cole grabbed her hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“That was uncalled for, Cole.”

“I know and I’m really sorry. I guess I forgot you’re not supposed to shoot the messenger. Look, I’ve got to go talk my father out of this.”

She saw his panic and knew he was really afraid for his father. Maybe it
was
too dangerous. She’d never gotten involved in anything to do with the Graystone. But Cole was on a fool’s mission. Why didn’t he see it? “When was the last time you talked your father out of anything? Why waste your time? Better to spend your time remembering that Jeff and Hope will be going to that charity dance because Graystone’s daughter is one of their students. And obviously Amelia and Ross will be going since he’s a participant. That’s going to leave CJ sitting at home, as usual, while all her friends are off dancing the night away. Either that or Jack Alton will take her. I understand Ross bought enough tickets for his professionals and his whole family.”

Cole gritted his teeth, clearly trying to hide how much the idea of Jack and CJ upset him. He stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going home to tell my father that this is one family member who isn’t going to fall in line with his plans and condone Graystone’s suicide race.”

She adopted her bored-socialite act. He was clearly
not going to take her advice, and she wasn’t going to let him see how upset the idea of Jack seeing CJ made
her.
She sat down and picked up her magazines again. “Fine,” she said. “Just remember it’s your fault if CJ goes with Jack.”

J
ackson called to Cole when he saw him stomping across the compound toward the barn. He looked like a man on a mission, but Jackson was on a mission, as well. There was a big shindig, and he wanted to take Elizabeth. It was insane, completely insane. But after their talk at church last week she was all he could think about. Oh, who was he trying to kid? She’d been on his mind since the day he’d met her.

His problem was even though Elizabeth said she and Cole were only friends, Jackson worried that she’d go with Cole out of habit. So he had to get Cole out of the way.

He’d foolishly promised his mother he’d try to find some way to give Cole a shove toward CJ Larson. Meg had decided the two were perfect for each other. Jackson had no idea if she was right, but if he could convince Cole to ask CJ, it would be perfect as far
as he was concerned. Because if Cole asked CJ, then Cole couldn’t ask Elizabeth.

“Is there a problem?” Cole asked when Jackson caught up to him.

“Problem? No. I just don’t want to step on your toes. Your father told me I’m expected to attend some sort of affair next Saturday night. He hinted that he’d like me to bring a guest and, well, if you’re not going to be asking CJ, then I thought I would.”

Cole’s face took on the look of a thundercloud about to burst forth with lightning aimed straight at Jackson. “Actually I
do
intend to ask her,” he growled.

Gotcha!
Jackson could hardly fight the urge to grin. “Okay,” he drawled. “Well, then I guess I’ll give Elizabeth Boyer a call. Man, oh, man, you surely do seem to have a monopoly on all the prettiest women around these parts. I just wondered which one you’d asked out for that night. Thanks for the heads up,” he said.

Still trying to keep a smirk from tipping his lips, Jackson saluted Cole with his Stetson and walked away. He could feel his cousin firing lightning bolts at his back. Cole’s anger made Jackson want to laugh out loud. He couldn’t wait to tell Meg and maybe even Elizabeth what he’d done. He’d just leave out his own motivation.

Who knew? It might just soften Elizabeth up enough that she’d agree to go to the dance with him. A guy had to make points where he could, didn’t he?
Especially when that guy had screwed up as much with a woman as he already had!

Elizabeth had stayed away from Laurel Glen this whole week. He had no idea if she was avoiding him or if she was trying to strengthen Cole’s relationship with CJ.

Which left him wondering when he’d get a chance to talk to her before the charity ball. A phone call seemed inappropriate after the way they’d parted. He didn’t feel right showing up at her home to ask her to attend. And he had no idea where the New Life Inn was located, so he couldn’t stop by and visit her at work.

After the Sunday morning church service the next day in the Tabernacle’s church hall, the perfect opportunity presented itself. He’d seen Elizabeth come into the sanctuary with his mother again this week. It gave him hope for Elizabeth’s quest for answers in her life. She was seeking God. Her questions last Sunday had pointed him to that conclusion, and her return this week confirmed it. He prayed she’d find what she was after and that she’d agree to attend the charity dance with him. While he was at it, he also prayed he wasn’t making a huge mistake by pursuing her.

When the service ended, he followed the two women into the church hall. He didn’t hang back but approached them right away. Elizabeth looked up as he crossed the room. Her green eyes lit with what looked at first like happiness, but then she quickly looked away. Jackson didn’t let that stop him.

“How are you two lovely ladies this morning?”

“Wonderful. Thank you, Jack. And wasn’t Pastor Dillon wonderful today?” Meg said. “Whenever he uses his own rocky past as an example, he always gets right to the heart of the matter. I swear there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he was talking about the night his teenage sister overdosed and died. Such a tragic life he led as a youngster.”

Jackson knew he might have had a life parallel to the nightmare one Jim Dillon had lived were it not for his young mother’s selflessness in giving him to people more emotionally and financially equipped to raise a child. He could tell she still felt guilty because the mother she’d selected for him had not lived long. He imagined she also felt a terrible sense of loss because she had sacrificed being his mother for what she now saw as an empty gesture. The rift between him and his father caused by Jackson’s search for her had upset her, as well. She tried to hide it, but he was unusually attuned to her feelings.

“His sermon reminded me how lucky I was to grow up with all of the love and support I had, not to mention a beautiful ranch to roam,” he said carefully, willing her to believe him. “Frosted as I am at Dad, I think I’ll call and talk to him later today.”

Meg put her hand on his forearm. “I’m so glad. Could you do me a favor and keep Elizabeth entertained for a few moments? I need to talk with Pastor Jim about something.”

“It’d be a pleasure as long as Elizabeth doesn’t mind my company.”

“I—I—No, of course, I don’t mind,” Elizabeth replied.

“Later, dears,” Meg said and floated away toward Jim Dillon.

“Isn’t she wonderful?” Elizabeth’s voice held a wistful note that was tinged with pain. “Sometimes I find myself wishing she were
my
mother.”

Jackson suddenly realized how lucky his life had been. He might have grown up without a mother for twenty-eight of his thirty-two years but he’d had three wonderful women in his life. Meg might be the newest but she’d been the first, as well. Martha Alton’s loving presence was still in his heart along with Grandmother’s take-no-guff affection. All in all he’d had a rather well-rounded life. And as for his father, he may not have been the best but he’d offered guidance and discipline and had certainly added more to Jackson’s upbringing than Wade Jackson had been able to.

Putting thoughts of his life aside, Jackson watched the longing on Elizabeth’s face as her eyes tracked Meg across the room. Meg’s description of Elizabeth’s parents had seemed a bit harsh but seeing the yearning in her expression, Jackson thought she might have been excessively kind.

“I take it you don’t get along with your mother?” he asked.

“I’m a great disappointment to my mother. Always have been. I grew tired of trying to please her years ago and decided to accept my mediocrity. Lately she’s grown impatient with me. Now she considers
me a failure.” Elizabeth shrugged. “I’m trying to decide if it’s true or if perhaps it’s she who failed me.”

“From where I sit, you are no failure.”

She smiled, and Jackson could have sworn the sun brightened.

“Why, thank you, Jack. I do believe that’s the first compliment you’ve ever paid me.”

“Well, it shouldn’t have been. I’ve been thinking complimentary thoughts on and off since we met.” He grimaced. “Unfortunately, I only voiced the ones influenced by misunderstanding and gossip. I’m sorry. I’d like the opportunity to make it up to you and to get to know you better.”

Expression grave, she stared at him. “I’m not sure—”

Before she could voice her doubts, Jackson rushed on. “There’s a charity shindig at some manor next Saturday, and the boss wants all the senior staff to attend. He paid a bundle for two tickets for me, and I’d like to take you. Cole asked CJ,” he added, in case she thought Cole might ask her.

Elizabeth blinked, and a frown creased her forehead. “Now that’s a surprise,” she said. “Yesterday he told me he wouldn’t be going at all. He was adamant. Since Cole’s one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met, I can’t imagine what changed his mind. I tried to get him to ask her but he wouldn’t budge.”

Jackson grinned. Points. “Well, I sort of cornered him into it,” he told her, and went on to explain the way he’d conned his cousin.

Elizabeth chuckled, but then her expression became
grave, as if she’d remembered a concern. “It’s wonderful that he wanted to take her but I’m afraid it might backfire—that’s why I backed off and didn’t mention it again. CJ’s a very brave woman, but bravery isn’t going to help if she dresses all wrong for the occasion.”

“Do you think Cole cares?”

Elizabeth’s eyebrows arched, and her eyes widened. “Cole? No. I’m worried about a couple of piranha who have been waiting for Cole to misstep. My father mentioned that they’ve decided to attend this year, though they never have before. I’m afraid their acceptance is tantamount to a declaration of war because Cole hasn’t cooperated by making a mistake on his own. You can bet they’ll circle around his date. I don’t think the criticism would hurt CJ but it might make Cole angry on her behalf. He tends to act first and think of consequences later.”

Jackson frowned. “I think you may be wrong about CJ. She seems to think Cole prefers—” He hesitated, trying to decide how to say this.

“Me? Or my type?”

“Both.”

“She’s wrong. Cole’s scared to death of CJ because she matters to him. The last woman he cared that much about died in front of him when he was fifteen. Believe me, it isn’t easy to get over traumas from the teen years. They last a lot longer than most people believe.”

Why did that sound as if she were no longer talking about his cousin? His cousin! He wished he hadn’t
brought Cole up at all. Now Elizabeth looked sad and, though she denied it, there was some kind of a bond between Cole and Elizabeth. He was always between them, and now Jackson had to ask her to the charity dance a second time. “So, ah. About the invitation—”

“I’d love to go,” she said in a rush as if she’d had to force out the words.

Jackson blinked. “Great. Well, great. I guess you should tell me where you live. I’d better not ask Cole. He didn’t look too thrilled with me last time he saw me.”

Why did I mention Cole again?

Elizabeth smiled—a little nervously, Jackson thought—and gave him directions. All week Jackson thought about the anxiety that had creased her smooth forehead. He didn’t know if it was a good sign or not but he didn’t like the idea of a night in his company causing Elizabeth even one second’s distress.

Saturday morning rolled around, and Elizabeth woke with a feeling of impending doom. She couldn’t shake her worry over Cole’s plan to attend the Graystone Ball with CJ. She knew if left to her own devices CJ Larson would wind up fish food for Mitzy and Alexandra Lexington. And if that happened Cole would more than likely commit an unpardonable social sin on CJ’s behalf. There seemed nothing to be done short of Elizabeth going to Laurel Glen and telling CJ what to wear.

That was how she found herself knocking on the
pretty, diminutive trainer’s door later that morning. She was there on more than a mission of mercy, she told herself, feeling out of her element. She owed Cole, and in a way she had created the problem years earlier by letting herself be flattered by Jason Lexington’s attention and by going off with him.

Somehow she managed to convince CJ to let her help, but the task became a daunting one after Elizabeth surveyed CJ’s available wardrobe of denim, denim and more denim. Elizabeth needed help and fast, so she swallowed her pride and called Hope Carrington. It was noon when the Lavender Hill Equestrian School’s minivan pulled up to the cottage. Excited and optimistic, Elizabeth charged out to greet Hope.

“Thank you. Thank you. You are positively a lifesaver.”

Hope looked understandably confused. “Just whose life am I saving?”

“Cole’s. And CJ’s. I have it on good authority that Alexandra and Mitzy Lexington are attending tonight and gunning for Cole. I’m nearly sure they’re out to publicly embarrass him somehow and they won’t mind a bit using his feelings for CJ to do it.”

Hope frowned. “Why?”

Uh-oh. How do I explain the animosity and not lie?
“Jason Lexington—Mitzy’s son and Alexandra’s brother—had some dealings with Cole. The Lexingtons packed Jason off to Europe to get him away from bad influences. Unfortunately, Jason’s character ran true, and he indulged in all sorts of excesses before
he killed himself speeding down a mountain road in France. The Lexingtons have held a grudge against Cole since then but have kept it quiet partially because Cole was away and also out of respect for Laurel Glen and your dad. But now, with Cole back and his practice and good reputation growing, the Lexingtons are ready to slice and dice him and anyone he cares about. Once they see him with CJ and the way he looks at her, they’ll know how to get to Cole.”

Hope frowned. “Why help CJ?”

“Because if Cole isn’t in love with her, I’ll eat my horse!” Elizabeth exclaimed. She paused, eyeing Hope. “Cole is my friend. Just as Jeff was. That’s all either of them ever were. Cole’s been using me as a shield.”

A look of comprehension spread over Hope’s face. “So his family wouldn’t do exactly what you’re about to?”

Elizabeth smiled. “Exactly.”

Hope chuckled, and Elizabeth felt instant camaraderie with her.

“Let’s go save my brother and cook his goose at the same time,” Hope suggested. “I brought everything in my closet I thought would work on CJ.”

After loading their arms with garments and bags of shoes and purses, the two mounted the porch and wrestled their loads into the little parlor.

“And now it begins,” Hope said with a mischievous grin when everything was inside.

And it did. Several hours later Elizabeth gazed at their creation with pride and confidence. Not only
would CJ not provide the Lexington women with ammunition, but her transformation was sure to push Cole over the edge into accepting his feelings.

CJ, however, still wasn’t sure about any of it. “But how is looking like someone else going to make Cole admit he cares for me?” she asked, staring at the relative stranger in the mirror.

“You look beautiful,” Hope told CJ. “And you don’t look like someone else. You look as if you’ve tried to look your very best and succeeded.”

“But this was so much trouble. And if he notices
this
person, and cares for
this
person, then he’s noticing someone else and caring for someone else.”