Most Eligible Cowboy (Peach Valley Romance Book 1) (6 page)

Maya returned his smile. “No, I can manage. But thanks for hanging out with me.” She didn’t say that it was still difficult to sleep alone, even after all these months, and that she hoped one day the lonely feelings would do away.

“All right.” He’d removed his hat at some point during the night and Maya had admired his short blond curls. She didn’t even mind his hat ring.
It only added to his handsomeness,
she thought. “Thank you for showing me your incredible pictures. I see why your aunt asked you to come.” He placed his hat on his head and tilted it at her. “Goodnight, Miss Vance.”

“Night.” She went over and locked the door once he’d gone, leaning against the door for a second. She appreciated she hadn’t thought about her ex once. That surprised and frightened her. And it was those thoughts that she fell asleep to.

M
aya
and her aunt Patty went to church that Sunday. They arrived early so that Patty could introduce Maya to Reverend Jenkins. He was a middle-aged man with thinning brown hair that was graying at the edges. If aunt Patty hadn’t introduced him as the reverend, Maya wouldn’t have guessed. He was unassuming in his dark gray pants, gray boots, and a light green shirt unbuttoned at the collar. With one hand he held a Holy Bible to his chest and shook hands with the other.

Maya liked him immediately.

His sermon was on the verse in Matthew, chapter five, verse forty-four, which talked about loving our enemies, and praying for those that persecute. Maya couldn’t help but think of her ex and how much she hated him. She wanted to stop feeling that way, to forgive him, but each time she tried it was like she saw red. The memories caused her pulse to race until she felt feverish.

In his sermon, he mentioned several ways the congregation could have a change of heart. The first was to pray and ask for God’s help. Another was to visit those who’d done wrong and talk with them, thus finding some kind of closure. He also suggested that they serve their fellowman. Maya found that interesting, and that was the concept she clung to. Maybe if she lost herself in others she wouldn’t see Quin and Violet’s faces anymore. She wouldn’t hear their voices as they told her about the bet, and she wouldn’t feel like such a fool.

The rest of the reverend’s sermon faded into the background as Maya pondered ways she could serve. It was more difficult than it sounded since she was new to the area. One idea that came to mind was taking a Bale family photo. She didn’t know how she’d ask or bring it up, but if it was possible, she wanted to do that for them. More than that, she didn’t know. So she resolved to put herself out there, and get to know the people of Peach Valley.

After church, she stood, eager to start befriending people, but her eyes immediately singled out Jackson from the crowd. She had been about to smile until she saw the woman sitting beside him. He’d brought a date to church. The woman was lovely with full lips and bouncy red hair that curled and pooled against her shoulders. The woman even had a slight smattering of freckles. The look on her face was like that of a cat that swallowed the canary. She sat up straight, her chin tilted upward and a smug smile on her face. One of her hands was wrapped around Jackson’s arm, her long, red fingernails a stark contrast to his white shirt.

Maya looked away before the woman or Jackson saw her. Aunt Patty hadn’t noticed her apprehension and went about introducing Maya to more people. Maya exerted all of her effort to be kind and cordial to everyone. When her aunt asked what was wrong, Maya used her ankle as an excuse to leave early. On their way out, they were invited to a picnic for that afternoon and included the whole town. Aunt Patty seemed excited about going. Maya smiled with her, but didn’t say yes. She needed to get home and regroup.

Seeing Jackson with another woman had affected her to an extent she couldn’t comprehend. It upset her. How had her heart already laid claim to the man. She barely knew him. As she went down the aisle, Jackson saw her and their eyes met, but Maya quickly looked away, pushing herself outside, desperate for some air.

On the drive home, she was quiet. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take any pictures of your place yet. If you have time to show me around, I’d love to get started tomorrow.” Maya smiled at her aunt.

“No rush, sweetie. We can take it slow.” She kept her eyes on the road, but produced a huge smile. “But, I can’t wait for you to see it. I think you’re going to love it.”

Her aunt’s smile was infectious. “I’m sure I will.” She crossed her arms, staring out the window. In the distance were the mountains, all vibrant greens and colorful flowers. She had an urge to go hiking, but knew that wouldn’t happen any time soon. She turned back to her aunt. “I usually like to take a lot of pictures. The more I take, the more likely it’ll be that I can get the flawless image I’m looking for. Will you be all right with me moving things around? For example I might move a chair, a pillow, or a picture frame? Or would you prefer I leave things as is and go with that?”

“Do whatever you need to do, Maya. I’ve seen your photos and trust your instincts and artistic vision. What I’m looking for are photos that tell potential guests that my bed and breakfast will provide the perfect place for pampering, romance, bliss, an adventure, and luxury. I want them to feel like royalty without the huge price tag. Luxury on a budget.”

Maya nodded. “What I’m hearing is your bed and breakfast is magical and I need to bring it to life with my pictures.”

“Can you do that?”

“Yes, I can.” Maya felt confident she could and was looking forward to starting. “Is the restaurant up and running?”

“The chef and his staff are usually there during the day trying out and refining recipes.” She pulled off the highway and onto their street.

Maya noticed for the first time that it had a street sign. “Palace Street. Did you have to buy that? Is it official?” Maya thought that was neat and would get a picture of that as well.

“Yep, it all became official at the last town meeting.” She drove past the extraordinary Palace and around to the back, past the barn, and the pond to the cottages where she parked in front of hers. “Why don’t you get some rest and I’ll come by right before the picnic to see if you want to go.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Maya kissed her aunt on the cheek before getting out. As she started up the steps she noticed a box with the bright yellow bow around it. She glanced over at her aunt, thinking it was a present from her, but her aunt had already gone inside. She picked up the box and took it inside, placing it on the counter. There was a card under the bow. She pulled it out and opened it. It simply said,
Use these to protect against snakes.

Maya searched both sides of the card for a name, but there wasn’t one. The handwriting could be male or female. She set the card aside and opened the box. Inside was a pair of butter yellow cowboy boots. The leather was soft and the white thread had been stitched into daisies with a bumblebee near the toe of each boot. They were beautiful. She instantly knew they were from Jackson and wondered how he’d been able to have them made so quickly. Tears threatened as a lovely warm feeling enveloped her.

The man really did have a lion heart.

Once she returned home, she tried to rest, but it didn’t happen. Maya tossed and turned. Her thoughts constantly going between Jackson, working for her aunt Patty, and back to Jackson until she decided she would go to the picnic.

She knew what she’d wear with her new boots. In her closet, she pulled on the spaghetti strap, white handkerchief dress with royal blue embroidered stitching. The edging was raw and the material was rayon. The length came to just above her knees. After putting on a pair of socks, she eased into her new boots. The snakebite ankle was still swollen, but she got it on with minimal pain. In the bathroom, she freshened up her mascara, added a little blush, and some lip-gloss. She brushed through her hair, letting it drape around her face. In the full-length mirror hanging on the back of her bathroom door, she studied her reflection. She looked pretty. And she loved the boots. As she checked them out, she wondered how he’d known her size.

She also wanted to bring something to the picnic. Her mom had taught her from a young age that you never attended a party empty-handed. At the refrigerator, she studied the contents. It was full, but someone else had made all of the food. She couldn’t use that. She texted her aunt.

What should I bring to the picnic?

You’re going?

Yes.

How wonderful, hon. I’m bringing a peach cobbler. That’s enough for the two of us.

Maya figured it was, but everyone had been so hospitable, and she wanted to share a part of herself with them. She wasn’t a chef by any means, but she enjoyed cooking.

She checked the time. There was still three hours before the picnic. I’m going to run into town and get a few things. Do you by chance have a fryer?

While she waited for a response, she grabbed a sticky note and a pen. She knew she could use her smart phone to type a list, but she liked the color and the texture and the way it felt against her skin as she wrote out what she needed. It allowed her to think.

Yes, I do. I’ll bring it over. What are you making?

They’re called peanut butter balls.

Oh my. Sounds interesting. Why don’t you just stop by my place? I’m sure I have everything.

Thank you. I’ll be right over.
She hadn’t wanted to assume that her aunt would share, but she appreciated her offer.

Her aunt already had the door open when she arrived. Patty gave Maya a once over. “Don’t you look adorable? Where’d you get those boots?”

Maya felt her face get hot. “There wasn’t a name, but I think they’re from Jackson.”

“Put your boot up here and let me have a look.” Patty pulled out a chair and patted the seat.

Maya placed her foot on it. Patty put her glasses on and bent so that she was close. “What does the bee mean?”

She explained about the picture and aunt Patty clapped. “So cute. I think Jackson is smitten.”

Maya shook her head. “He’s just a nice guy.”

Patty looked at her over the top of her glasses. “Nice guys don’t spend a thousand dollars on specially made boots.”

“What?” Maya put down her foot. “A thousand dollars? No way.”

Patty shrugged. “At least.”

Maya put her hands to her cheeks. “But he had a date at church today.” She was confused.

“Oh, Maya. That was Scarlett. She and Jackson have known each other for years. If I had to bet, I’d say she called him and he didn’t want to be impolite.” She shrugged. “Besides, it was church. You can’t get more innocent than that for a date.”

“I guess.” Maya hugged herself; worried she shouldn’t accept the boots while loving them at the same time. She also liked him, but knew she shouldn’t get involved. It was too soon. But she wanted to. But, but, but…

Aunt Patty went to the kitchen. “So, what do you need?”

Maya set aside her feelings and focused on her list. “Peanut butter. Butter. Powered sugar. Vanilla. Cinnamon.” Her aunt went through her cupboards, pulling stuff out and placing it on the counter.

“What else?”

“Cornmeal. Eggs. Flour. Salt. Pepper. Granulated sugar, and milk.”

“Oh my goodness. What is this thing?”

Maya laughed. “Finally, I need some wooden skewers.”

“Those I don’t have. Are they required?”

Maya shrugged. “I guess not.”

Patty helped her bring everything over to her place. After hugging Maya, Patty left. Maya put on an apron and got to work. She mixed the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla into balls, put them on cookie sheets and then popped them into the freezer for an hour. While they were hardening, she made the batter and turned on the oil. When the peanut butter balls were ready, she used her fingers to dunk them into the batter and then plop them carefully into the oil. It took a couple of tries to get the consistency right, but when she finished, she placed them on paper towels. It took her a while to cook them all, but when she finished, she let them cool before placing them all in a lined container. They tasted best warm but they still tasted great at room temperature. She hoped everyone liked them.

At quarter to five, Patty knocked. They loaded up her truck and drove into town. The picnic was happening in the town square. Several people worked the barbeques. Stacks of hot dogs and hamburgers sat on plates next to the buns. There were bags of chips, salads, fruit, vegetables, and desserts, including brownies, pies, cakes, and cookies. There was also a table filled with water bottles, sodas in chests, coolers filled with some kind of punch and tea as well as homemade root beer. They’d put the dry ice in it and it bubbled and boiled like a witches brew. She put her dessert on the table next to the cookies and removed the lid.

“What in the world are those?”

Maya smiled as she turned. It was the woman Jackson had been with at church. “They’re peanut butter balls.” She tried to scoot around her, but the woman put out her hand.

“I haven’t met you before.” She stated the obvious.

“Right.” Maya tried to keep her voice light. “I just moved to town. I’m Maya Vance, Patty Montgomery’s niece.” She stuck out her hand, but the woman stepped back like she held snakes.

“Charmed, I’m sure. My name is Scarlett Harper, soon to be Scarlett Bale.” She scrunched up her nose, trying to be cute, Maya supposed, but she didn’t pull it off.

“Oh? You’re engaged?” Maya wondered if she was marrying one of Jackson’s brothers.

“No, not yet. But soon, if I play my cards right.” She spun around; digging her five-inch heels into the grass and walked off. She had on a black pencil skirt that matched her designer heels, and a red peasant top. Somehow the whole outfit seemed inappropriate for a country picnic.

“Believe it or not, Scarlett won Peach Valley princess her senior year in high school.”

Maya turned to see Jackson standing directly behind her. He’d changed his shirt from the long, white button up he’d worn to church to a navy tee shirt and jeans along with the hat he always wore.

“I can believe it. She’s pretty. Kind of reminds me of someone I used to know. I mean she doesn’t look like her, but has the same kind of attitude.” Maya rambled and her cheeks got hot, but she couldn’t stop herself. It wasn’t just that he was incredibly handsome. There was something about him. Something special. “Thanks for the boots, by the way.” She stuck out her foot so Jackson could see. “They fit great.”

Jackson smiled. “I figured you would know they were from me.”

“Yeah, I kind of love them.”

He arched a brow. “Kind of?” As he spoke, he took in her appearance.

“Okay, no. I really love them. They’re a beautiful color and feel great on my feet.”

“Good. Don’t forget to wear them, especially if you go out at night or into high grass.”

“I get what you’re saying, but there’s no way I could wear these hiking or out into the grass. They’re too beautiful.”