High Lonesome (8 page)

“I’ll go out to the barn with you,” Scott said, watching her carefully. He devoured the eggs, pancakes and potatoes, but Beth noticed his gaze remained on her as she patiently listen to Willow, who continued to chatter like a monkey about her horse and pole bending.

After breakfast, the three of them strolled to the barn where Willow introduced Beth to her black quarter horse. Scott excused himself by saying he had to scoop poop. Beth fed the bay horse treats as the little girl brushed his mane and combed his tail, and talked non-stop.

“You’re bending more than poles today, Willow,” Scott joked as he pushed a third wheelbarrow of horse poop past them. “You’re talking poor Beth’s ear off. You can give her a demonstration on your horse another time. As soon as I dump this load, she and I are going in to town.” He unloaded the manure, whipped a kerchief out of his pocket and wiped it across his glistening forehead.

“We are?”

“Yesterday I promised you a shopping trip. Remember?”

“Oh. So you did.”

“I’m glad to see your short-term memory is intact.”

“Can I go?” Willow begged.

“Not today, cowgirl. Maybe next time.” Willow didn’t argue. She put away the brush and comb and kissed her horse on the nose. “Go on now. Scoot,” Scott told his daughter as he patted her bottom. The trio stepped out of the barn into the sunshine. “Please tell Carmen I’ve taken Beth to town. And behave yourself. We’ll be back later.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Willow gave him a kiss and ran up the hill toward the house. “Bye, Beth!”

Beth waved and hollered back. “She sure is a doll,” she told Scott as they climbed into the pickup. “I still can’t get over the fact that she races that big horse around poles and doesn’t fall off! What an incredible feat for a girl her age. Or at any age, for that matter. I’m going to have to watch her sometime.”

Scott’s ocean blue eyes slid toward her and lingered for a moment before he started the truck and left the driveway. Flattered, she’d caught him staring several times. But the thought that he was dating someone wasn’t far from her mind. Or the fact that she might have someone in her life, too.

The truck bumped along the dirt road toward Ghost Rock. “So, were you comfortable in the guest room last night?” he inquired for the second time.

Seemed he was fishing for small talk. “No bad dreams?” he asked.

“No.” There was no way she was going to embarrass herself  in front of him again by mentioning the sensual dream she’d woken to this morning, in which he’d been the leading man.

When they reached town, he drove down Main Street and parked in front of a women’s clothing store.

“This is a quaint little town,” she remarked, while exiting the truck and looking up and down the street. Buildings painted vibrant shades of purple, red, orange and yellow lined both sides of the avenue, some with murals on the walls and some with detailed tile work around the doors and windows. At the end of the street, a Mexican-style fountain occupied the space in front of a building with a big clock on top. The water cascaded over the rim and splashed into a circular pool. People on the sidewalks came and went from shops like bees buzzing to and from a hive.

“After you,” Scott said, holding the store door open. “I don’t know anything about this place except they sell ladies clothing, so I’ll follow you.”

Racks of clothes filled the cavernous space. Beth glanced around. “It’s a lot bigger than it looks from outside. I don’t know where to begin. I guess I need another pair of jeans and a couple of shirts, and some under things.”

Scott’s gaze flew to the ceiling at her mention of undergarments. “You’re going to need a pair of boots, too,” he said quickly.

Her curiosity was aroused. “Cowgirl boots?”

“You bet. I’d like to take you riding up in the mountains, if you’re up to it. Tennis shoes won’t do. We can get you a nice pair of boots at Shady’s Boot Emporium when we’re done here. They have a great selection.”

She hesitated. “I’d love to go into the mountains, even though I don’t know a thing about horseback riding. Can you give me a lesson before we go?”

“Sure. I have no doubt you’re a fast learner.” He took a seat on a padded bench in the center of the store. “I’ll sit right here. Pick out whatever you want.”

She walked up and down the aisles, choosing a few items here and there. When she had an armful, she asked the sales clerk if she could try them on. “I won’t be long,” she assured Scott. He’d removed his hat and it was sitting in his lap. Taking in those sparkling eyes and his shiny blond hair stirred a stew of unwanted emotions.

“Take your time. I’m in no hurry,” he said.

She stepped into the dressing room, and as she tried on the clothes, she thought about Scott’s offer to take her riding. Sheriff Griggs’ words ran though her mind again. Scott was dating his ex-wife. If Scott had a girlfriend, why had he extended the invitation?
Because he’s a Good Samaritan. There’s nothing more to it. It’s his business to take care of his guests.

But if that were all it was, why had she caught him staring at her more than once? They’d only just met, but she knew longing when she saw it. It wasn’t a far stretch to imagine his blue eyes filled with desire, a desire she wouldn’t encourage.

When her clothes were off and she gazed into the mirror, a gasp caught in her throat. The bruise on her arm was so ugly. She touched the tender lump on her head and drew in a deep breath. It took all her willpower not to let tears fall. If only she could remember what had happened to her! Sighing, she tugged on a pair of jeans. There were more pressing matters for her to be concerned about than the handsome man waiting outside the dressing room. Namely, discovering who she was, where she was from, and who had hurt her.

Beth changed back into Maggie Landry’s clothes and stepped out of the dressing room with the selected items draped over her arm. Inching toward Scott, she made up her mind to be polite, but emotionally distance herself from him from that moment on. The last thing she should have on her mind was a man—this man, in particular. She’d leave his ranch as soon as she could figure out a plan of action.

As she neared, she saw him talking to a woman with fire engine red lips, high hair, and a low-cut blouse, which exposed ample cleavage. Beth slowed her approach, aware that she was about to intrude on his life again. A knot twisted her stomach.Was the woman his girlfriend? Sheriff Griggs’ ex-wife? The two of them appeared very chummy with one another. Beth didn’t expect to come face to face with her so soon.

Scott turned his head and saw her. He stood and stuck his hands in his pockets. “Did you have any luck?”

“Yes. I found some things that will work just fine.”

“Great. Beth, I’d like to introduce you to Sherry Martin. Sherry, this is Beth. She’s a guest at the High Lonesome.”

Sherry gave her the once over, taking her in from head to toe. A thinly tweezed eyebrow arched. “Since when do you take your guests on personal shopping expeditions, Scott?”

Beth’s heart dropped. This
was
his girlfriend.

He ignored the question. “Sherry and I went to high school together. Back then, she was a cheerleader, honor student, and the class president. Now she’s the number one realtor in the county.”

Sherry playfully slapped him on the arm. “Oh, don’t embarrass me, sugar. Pleased to meet you, Beth.” She thrust out her hand to shake. Her nails were long and painted red to match her lips.

Relief rolled off Beth’s shoulders as she shook. “Same here. So, you both went to school with Sheriff Griggs?” Thinking this was Buddy’s ex-wife and Scott’s current love interest, she was intent on gauging the woman’s reaction at the mention of the sheriff.

“Yep. We ran in different crowds back then, but everyone knew everyone else. It’s a small town, you know.”

There was no rolling of the eyes. No odd expression at the mention of the sheriff’s name. Nothing.

“So, you’re a guest at the ranch,” Sherry said, reversing the topic. “Where are you from?”

“Uh…”

Scott broke in. “This is her first time in New Mexico.”

Sherry gave him a sideways glance. “I’m sure your guest can speak for herself, Scott. For heaven’s sakes.” She rolled her eyes and returned her gaze to Beth. “Well, I hope you enjoy our beautiful Land of Enchantment. Scott owns seven thousand acres of the most pristine land you’ll ever lay eyes on. I could retire on my commission alone if he’d ever let me sell his place. But I suppose hell will freeze over before that ever happens. Isn’t that right, hon?” She elbowed him in the ribs.

“I’m afraid so, Sherr. You’ll have to make your fortune another way.”

“How long are you planning on staying at the ranch?” Sherry drawled, her attention drawn back to Beth.

“I haven’t decided yet. I’m playing it by ear.” Beth glanced back and forth between the couple. It was difficult to imagine Scott with the heavily made-up woman. She wore too much pancake makeup and was squeezed into her skirt like a sausage in a casing. She just didn’t seem his type. Not that she knew his type.

“Scott, it’s been
ages
since I’ve seen Joanna,” the realtor exclaimed. “What have you two been up to lately? You must be hiding away in a little love nest on the ranch.”

Beth’s ears pricked
.
Joanna? Wasn’t that Doctor Coleman’s first name? Her chest seized as she searched Scott’s face and waited for him to respond to Sherry.

He cleared his throat and pink slashes deepened his cheeks. “Jo’s been very busy with her patients, and I’m up to my ears with guests out at the ranch. You know how it is when two people lead very different lives.” Taking hold of Beth’s elbow, he steered her toward the checkout counter as if they were rushing away from a fire. “It was real nice seeing you, Sherry.”

Beth’s mind flew into a tailspin
. Is Doctor Coleman Sheriff Griggs’ ex-wife, and Scott’s girlfriend?
She never would have guessed the cool and aloof M.D. to be Scott’s type either, but she’d only known the man for a day. What did she know about his type? Still, the news surprised her. She allowed him to nudge her toward the counter. It was her distinct impression that he was trying to make a fast getaway from his former classmate, but the realtor wasn’t going to let him off so easy.

Sherry’s high heels clicked on the floor as she trailed behind them. When she caught up to them, she grabbed hold of his shoulder, spun him around and asked, “When are you two going to do it?”

“Beg your pardon?” Scott’s mouth gaped.

“You know what I’m referring to, Scott Landry.”

He shifted from one foot to another.

Sherry was like a bulldog. She’d sunk her teeth in and was going to hound Scott until he gave her a straight answer. “It’s been what? Almost a year now you’ve been going together? When are you going to make an honest woman out of Joanna?”

His gaze flew to the ground. Then he cleared his throat again and replied, “We’re nowhere near discussing marriage, if that’s what you’re talking about.”

“Of
course
that’s what I’m talking about, dummy.”

“Joanna’s very focused on her career,” he answered—clearly uncomfortable as his eyes darted between Sherry and Beth. “She’s not interested in that kind of commitment right now.”

“Oh, fiddlesticks!” Sherry retorted. “Jo would marry you in a heartbeat. All you have to do is ask, you silly man! What are you waiting for?” She laughed and punched his arm. To Beth, she chortled, “Men! I swear. Sometimes we have to hit them over the head with a brick.”

Beth forced a polite smile and shrugged.

“Well, I can see I’m getting nowhere, so I’ll run, kids. Time is money in my business, and I don’t have enough of either. Nice to meet you honey,” she said to Beth. “Scott, you better think about what I just told you. Joanna might not wait forever on you, and we both know what a catch she is.” Sherry exited the shop with her broad hips swaying like a boat rocking on the sea.

Beth laid her bundle down on the counter, and Scott took out his credit card and paid for the items—neither one speaking during the transaction.

When they stepped outside and onto the sidewalk, she said, “So…you’re dating the doctor. No wonder she rushed over so fast yesterday. I thought she was just being a
Good Samaritan
.”

From the guilty look that crossed his rugged face, the words stung. He opened the truck door for her and then hopped into his side. After slipping the key into the ignition, he explained.

“I’ve known Joanna all my life. We dated briefly in high school, before Maggie and I got together. After graduation, she left town for college and medical school. When she came home years later, she and Buddy got married, and then they got divorced. One day she invited me to some shindig at the hospital…”

“And the rest, as they say, is history.” Beth finished the well-known line for him.

“I guess so.” He revved the engine, put the truck in reverse, and headed down the street.

Beth sensed Scott felt he’d betrayed her by hiding the truth about his relationship with the doctor. But he didn’t owe her anything, not even an explanation. Mutual physical attraction aside, they barely knew each other.

“Look!” he said, pointing. Several teenagers were slapping a photo of Beth’s face up in shop windows and on telephone poles.

“The sheriff sure got those flyers out fast,” she replied, craning her neck as they passed by the teens.

“Let’s hope someone will recognize you and come forward.” The tone of his voice was not convincing.

She nodded and gazed out the passenger window. Although she was happy to see Sheriff Griggs was a man of his word, a lot had been thrown at her all at once. It was overwhelming. Her mind drifted once again to Scott and Doctor Coleman. She just couldn’t picture them as a couple. The doctor was so put together, perfectly coiffed, and confident in an arrogant way. And a little uptight, if she was being honest about first impressions. Scott, on the other hand, was laid back, funny, drove this old pickup truck, and lived the real life of a Marlboro man. He was comfortable in his cowboy skin and didn’t need to prove anything to anyone. At least, that’s how she saw him. He and Doctor Coleman seemed polar opposites from one another. But then, who was she to judge? She really knew nothing about either of them. What she did know, however, was that neither of them gave off the vibes of being madly in love. She may not remember her own name, but she certainly knew how people reacted and behaved when they were in love. Strange as it seemed, she and Scott seemed to have more chemistry.