OLIVER: WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Blackwater Canyon Ranch Book 2) (13 page)

Oliver had to jerk Karla’s arms before she finally released him. “What are you doing?” He glanced toward the paddock, but Daisy had deserted him. Hopefully before she’d witnessed Karla’s enthusiastic hello.

“Hugging you. I’m happy to see you.” She grinned at him with an expectant smile. “It’s been almost two weeks.”

It wasn’t that Karla wasn’t pretty. With her impish haircut, long legs and bright smile, any guy would be lucky to have her. Problem was, he didn’t want her.

He wanted Daisy and couldn’t bear to think he’d lose her to New York in only a few weeks. He’d told her making love with her would be a mistake because of Rachel. Really, he knew he wouldn’t come back the same after having Daisy.

Her lips were sweeter than he’d imagined, and he couldn’t picture a high any better than burying himself inside her. He could only hope some woman at some point in time would change that.

“Sorry,” he said to Karla. “Things have been busy around here.”

“Good that Rachel invited me to dinner then.”

“She what?” Why in the hell would she do that?

Karla linked her arm through his as they walked toward the house. “I think it’s sweet of her, don’t you? She said she’d invited you, and she wondered if I’d like to come, too. Sounds like she’s playing cupid.”

He had no doubt that was exactly what Rachel had in mind. He was in for a long damn night of fending off Karla while trying not to focus on Daisy.

Shit
. He prayed Daisy would see through her sister’s underhanded tactics.

****

Daisy had already had a damn long night by the time she cleared the outdoor table. “I’ve got it,” she said when Rachel made to stand. “You stay here and enjoy the company.”

“No, I’ll help.” Rachel reached for a platter, but Daisy grabbed it first.

“Sit. Relax. You deserve to enjoy your guests. I can handle the dishes on my own.” Besides, she needed to get the hell out of there before she cried or screamed. Watching Karla fawn over Oliver all night was beyond torture. He didn’t seem to reciprocate her actions, but he didn’t stop her, either.

Relief washed over her as she stepped into the kitchen. She no longer had to be “on”, pretending to be nice to Karla when she wanted to scratch out her eyes. Pretending she didn’t want to yell at her sister for being so unreasonable. And pretending her heart didn’t die a little each time she found Oliver’s gaze resting on Karla.

What the hell had she been thinking? She wasn’t a stupid girl. Then again, matters of the heart superseded any level of education.

She startled when the back door opened and widened her eyes at the sight of Oliver carrying more dishes.

“Daisy.” His expression held traces of relief and anxiety. “I’ve tried to get you alone all night. I hope you don’t—”

The door opened again, cutting off the rest of his sentence. Karla beamed a smile at them. “Hey, Oliver. Rachel and Caleb want to play cards. I told them you were a hell of a poker player and that you’d love to play, too.”

Oliver glanced between her and Karla. “Sure. I’ll be right there.”

Instead of leaving, Karla moved closer to them. “Let me help with the dishes, too. That way we’ll finish faster. Are you going to play, Rachel?”

She shook her head, trying to keep the smile on her face. “No. I’ve never been very good at cards.”

“I could show you,” Oliver offered.

“You both go. I’m fine to clean up by myself. Then I have a long bath waiting for me.”

“Are you sure?” Karla asked with a hopeful smile.

Oliver held Daisy’s gaze as he shook his head.

“Absolutely sure. You two scoot along. I’ll be fine.” She turned her back to them in dismissal and grabbed the bottle of dish soap. She kept busy filling the sink with sudsy hot water until she heard the door close behind her.

One glance told her they were gone. Tears threatened, but she refused to let them fall. She made quick work of the dishes before escaping out the front door. She could have gone to her room, but Rachel would have found her there eventually. And she didn’t want to be found right now.

She’d picked up on the cues that Oliver wasn’t comfortable with the way things had played out, but he hadn’t done anything to change it, either. And he couldn’t. She knew that.

She also knew she deserved the jagged tear in her heart. She’d played with fire, knowing she’d be burned. She’d hoped it wouldn’t happen until she had New York to distract her, but she’d expected it just the same.

Evening shadows provided cover as she made her way to the barn. Someone in the backyard might have seen her if he or she had looked, but they were probably too involved in their conversations about ranches and cattle and all the things she knew nothing about.

She found peace on a crate in the tack room. No one would look for her there.

Light from the walkway lit the small room enough that she didn’t need more. She settled on a wooden box and exhaled. Quiet surrounded her, punctuated only by the shuffling and soft noises from the horses. Surprisingly, the scent of hay and animals brought her comfort.

What was she doing here? Living among people who were so different from her? It wouldn’t matter what she did, she’d never fit in.

She needed to go back to her world. Oliver was nothing more than a hot guy who seemed exotic because he wasn’t anything like the polished men she’d dated. That sexy drawl only made him seem more so. He had been good for a fling, but nothing more.

Even he seemed to know that. Otherwise, why would he have pushed her away for so long? Torturous thoughts bantered back and forth inside her, but there was only ever one way this would end.

And it had.

When she’d collected herself enough to appear calm, she made her way to the horses. Most happily munched on their hay or had settled in for the evening. Soft whinnying came from the second stall, and she headed in that direction.

Bucky perked up when he spotted her peeking in over the gate. Oliver must have brought him in for the night.

“Hey, there.” He shuffled nervously, and she recognized something about the little fellow was off. “What’s wrong?”

She opened the gate and stepped inside. He tolerated her examination until she came to the inside of his back leg. When she tried to feel it, he snorted and backed away. She stood and looked him in the eye. “Come on now. Let me take a look.”

When she finally got him to stand still long enough for her to get a good look, she discovered a small piece of rusted barbed wire poking from the back of his leg. His dark coat hid the matted blood. “Oh, honey. How did this happen?”

She patted him several times and spoke in a low tone. When he seemed settled again, she position herself in a protected position before she bent and jerked the offending item from his leg.

Bucky whinnied loud enough to send her backing toward the gate, but he didn’t hurt her.

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “I got it out. I need to clean it, and you might need a tetanus shot, but the worst is over.” She had no idea if horses could get tetanus, but she should find out.

His injury didn’t look too bad, but she wouldn’t know for sure until she’d cleaned it.

Quietly, she checked the cabinet she’d noticed Oliver use and was happy to find the supplies she needed. After she returned to the stall, she squirted disinfectant on a gauze pad and gently wiped away the blood. Bucky snorted, but he allowed her to continue.

She checked his leg again to ensure he wasn’t badly hurt. Blood oozed from the wound, but that was a good thing. It would help push out bacteria. She cleaned it again with another wetted pad before she wrapped it in fresh gauze.

“You should be fine.” She rubbed his coat several times and patted him. “Rachel will know if you need anything else.

With that done, she gathered the remnants of her supplies and headed outside just in time to appreciate a gorgeous red sunset. For some reason, helping Bucky had allowed her to readjust her thinking. She wouldn’t ever forget Oliver, but she’d survive. She didn’t have a choice.

The second she stepped from the barn, she spotted Karla heading her way. “Ah, God,” she muttered. She didn’t need to hear any of her gloating.

With purposeful strides, Daisy took off toward the house. Nothing Karla could do would upset her further. She’d made peace with herself.

As Daisy neared her, she nodded a greeting and prepared to pass without uttering a word.

A smirk flitted on Karla’s lips as she approached, and Daisy could literally feel the barb hovering on her tongue. “I knew he didn’t like you.”

Daisy blinked, but continued on her way.

“I shouldn’t have worried,” Karla called after her. “You were nothing but an annoyance to him.”

Daisy walked faster.

“I doubt he’d touch you with a ten-foot pole,” she taunted. From the sound of her voice, Daisy knew Karla was on her tail.

Daisy ground to a complete stop and whirled around. “Get out of my face.”

Karla laughed. She’d behaved all evening, but Daisy had known she couldn’t maintain it forever. Too bad Oliver, Rachel and Caleb weren’t here to witness her true colors. “Don’t be a sore loser. It doesn’t look good on you.”

Anger bubbled to the surface. “Say what you want. It’s only a matter of time before everyone figures out you’re a horrible person.”

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, dear Daisy. Look at your puffy eyes.”

Daisy tried to walk away again, only to have Karla continue to follow her.

“Want to know what Oliver wants?”

Enough was enough. She stopped short and turned, finding herself only inches away from Karla. Good. Because she didn’t want the bitch to misunderstand a word she said. “Oliver has already showed
me
what he really wants, so get a life and get the hell out of mine.”

Karla blanched. “You didn’t…”

Daisy smirked and then walked away.

When a hard force hit her from behind, Daisy didn’t have enough notice to keep from plowing face first into the dirt.

Daisy spit grits of dirt as she got to her feet. Rage rolled through her like molten lava. “Do that again, and I’ll knock you flat.” With the amount of adrenaline pumping through her, she was certain she could knock Karla down.

Karla took a step closer. “You think I’m afraid of you, prissy little city girl?” You don’t know how to do anything but paint your nails.”

“You’re wrong.” She might not be as tough as Rachel or Karla, but she’d discovered she was capable of a lot more than she’d previously believed.

The front door burst open. Rachel and Oliver raced out with shocked looks on their faces.

“What the hell is going on?” Rachel shook her head in disappointment.

Oliver moved close enough to intervene if necessary, and Daisy was glad. She wasn’t about to let Karla attack her again, and she’d fight back if necessary.

“Tell them.” Daisy narrowed her eyes. “Tell them how you pushed me down from behind because you’re too cowardly to do it to my face.”

Karla started toward her, but Oliver caught her elbow. “Stop it, Karla.” He wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug, trapping her against him.

Again, he chose her.

Daisy turned as tears burned her eyes. She’d so had enough of this day. With quick strides, she took off for the house.

Rachel caught her before she made it up the stairs. “Talk to me, Daisy. First, you and Karla shoot daggers at each other all through dinner, and now this? What am I missing?”

“Other than that Karla is a complete bitch? Nothing.” She headed toward the stairs. “If you want to know more, ask her.”

An hour passed before Daisy’s anger dissipated. She had to kill all thoughts in her mind in order to slow her heart rate. The moment she was calm enough to speak, she lifted her cellphone and called her mother.

When her mom answered, Daisy had to take a quick breath to stave off her tears. She cleared her throat. “Hey, mom.”

“Hey, yourself. I was just thinking about you.”

The comfort of her mom’s voice choked her up all over again. “Yeah?” she squeaked out. “How come?”

“I wanted to let you know I had my assistant look for apartments for us in New York since we only have a couple of weeks. She found one I think you’ll like, and I had her put a deposit down on it. Check your email. I sent a picture. It’s a brownstone close to the subway, and there’s a cute park close by.”

Daisy wiped her nose. “That sounds great.”

“Daisy?” Her mom paused. “Are you all right? You don’t sound okay.”

The fact that her mother recognized her anguish even though she was all those miles away broke her. “No.” Her voice hitched as she spoke.

“What’s wrong? You’re not hurt again, are you?”

Daisy snorted through her tears. “No.” Although her heart did have bruises that would last for a good long time.

“Then tell me, because it’s difficult being this far away and trying to guess.” Worry in her mom’s voice stirred the guilt inside her.

She inhaled a steadying breath. “I don’t belong here.”

“Oh, honey. I was worried about that, but Rachel assured me you were having a good time.” She sighed.

“Rachel’s been fine. I’ve loved spending time with her, but I need to be somewhere that I fit in.”

“Is that all? You’re tired of being there?”

She could tell from her mom’s tone of voice that she didn’t understand. “Is that apartment available now? You’ll be home in a couple of weeks. I could go beforehand and get the apartment unpacked.”

“You want to go to New York all by yourself?”

“New York is just another city, and I’ll navigate it fine. It’s not like I’m going to outer space.” The wide-open countryside around her seemed much more unfriendly. “I know how to be safe.”

“I suppose that would work, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.”

Her mom sighed. “I guess I need to remember you’re a grown woman capable of handling things.”

“That’s exactly right. You and Rachel both should know that by now.”

“Are you sure you two are getting along okay?”

A cold shiver rolled through her. “We have, but you know how I love the city.”

Her mom laughed. “Me, too. As beautiful as Moose Meadows is, I never truly felt at home there.”

Daisy nodded even though her mom couldn’t see her. Leaving would be the best thing for her. Days spent at Rachel’s had been an adventure she’d never forget. Now it was time for a new one. One that didn’t hurt so much.

“Will you have your assistant send me the details? I’ll let Rachel know I’m leaving, and I bet I could be there in…three days.” She’d need time to pack and say goodbye, and then she’d hit the road.

Driving the black ribbon of highway between here and New York would do her a world of good. She could reflect on her mistakes and then set a course forward.

“I will. I’ll make a note right now. Can’t wait to see you again, honey.”

“Me, either.” Not that she and her mom spent all that much time together. They’d share an apartment, but her mother constantly worked long hours. Daisy would have her own life to live.

She hung up the phone and opened her closet. In the back, she found the skirt she’d worn the day she’d arrived. With hurried fingers, she shed her jeans and simple tank top. She slipped into the black flirty skirt, and then scanned her closet until she found the white silk tank she’d worn with it.

As the sensuous clothes caressed her body, she relaxed, feeling more normal. This was her, not some wannabe country girl. She ran her fingers over the liquid fabric, reassured that leaving now was for the best.

With her decision made, she pulled one of her suitcases from the bottom of the closet. She’d been a completely different person when she’d last used them. She couldn’t have known how important Oliver would become to her or how much capacity she’d give him to hurt her. Not that it was his fault. She’d been the one to push their relationship.

“Daisy? Let me in.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. Talking to Rachel was the last thing she wanted to do right now, but she supposed she’d have to sooner or later. She crossed to the door and opened it.

Red tinted Rachel’s cheeks, and she’d drawn her brows in a frown. “You lied to me.” She pushed her way forward, and Daisy stepped back to let her enter.

“About what?” Daisy was the one who’d been shoved to the ground. If anything, Rachel should be sympathetic.

“Oliver.” She nailed her with a hard look, and Daisy could literally feel the blood drain from her face. “That’s right. I know all about the two of you, and now look, you’re already packing to get away from him.”

“Oliver told you?” Why on earth would he do that?

“So, it’s true.” Her anger deflated as sadness filled her eyes. “Why hide it?”

“Because you’d do exactly what you’re doing right now. You’re so damn concerned about me getting hurt and not wanting to come back that it’s making you unreasonable.”

Rachel puffed up at her accusations. “Don’t you remember the last time you were here? Your broken leg was my fault. I put you on that horse and made you ride. Then you fell, and you and mom moved to the city so you could be close to medical care. Then dad died, and that was the end of our family. I think I have a right to care.”

Daisy widened her eyes in shock. “You didn’t break up our family. Mom’s told me many times how she didn’t like it here, and how she and dad would fight about it. Me being in the hospital might have perpetuated their separation, but it would have happened eventually. No one blames you for what happened to me, least of all me. You were only nine, Rachel.”

Her sister shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. You’ve finally come home, and I don’t want years to pass again before you come back. I miss my sister, and I want us to be close.”

“But your actions are what makes it more difficult to be here. You threatened Oliver, putting my happiness on his shoulders, and it wasn’t fair. You’re angry because I didn’t tell you I like him, but what did you want me to do? Say something and potentially cost him his job?”

It was Rachel’s turn to pale, sending a wave of heartache through Daisy.

“Oh, God. Tell me you didn’t.” Daisy shook her head as though the world had turned to madness. Oliver had said Rachel was capable of firing him, but Daisy hadn’t believed it.

“You don’t understand. My last foreman did things behind my back, and I can’t afford another like him. I need people I can trust. I asked Oliver not to mess with you. I didn’t want anything to keep you from visiting Blackwater in the future, and he did it anyway.” She folded her arms in front of her with anguish smeared across her face. “I’ve barely gotten you back, and I can’t lose you again.”

“It’s not because of Oliver.”

“Really?”

By the look on her face, Daisy knew she hadn’t convinced her. “Maybe, but honestly, Rachel, I don’t fit in here. You can see it as well as I can. I would be leaving in a few weeks anyway.”

“Of course you fit in. Just as well as anyone else. We’re not judgmental around here.” Her expression softened. “I thought I still had time to spend with you, and I don’t want you to go.”

Daisy stepped forward and threw her arms around Rachel. “I’ll come back. I promise. There’s still much more of this beautiful land I need to see.”

Rachel tried to smile, but the gesture didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m so sorry I invited Karla tonight. I knew Oliver was interested in you, but I thought if he had Karla to keep him occupied he’d stay away from you.”

Emotion bubbled deep within her, and she fought to keep it down. “It was for the best anyway. If you hadn’t invited her, I would have wondered if I’d made a mistake leaving him here. Standing out in the yard, with him taking her side, it was evident we were nothing but a summer fling.”

“I’m so sorry. Come here. Sit down.” Rachel tugged her to the bed where they both sat on the edge. Her sister wrapped an arm about her shoulder and Daisy leaned against her.

“Despite it all, I’m glad I came.”

“Me, too. Do you really have to go so soon?”

She nodded. “It’s time.” Even without Oliver showing up at the ranch, she’d be reminded of him every day. “You didn’t actually fire him, did you?”

“I did. I meant it when I told you I need employees I can trust. He broke that.”

Daisy straightened and looked her sister directly in the eye. “Because of me. This thing between us was my fault. I knew he liked me, and I basically made him take me into the wilderness where I kissed him until he couldn’t refuse. You can’t blame him for that. He tried to resist, and he was worried about your reaction.”

Rachel shrugged. “I’m surprised you’re defending him.”

Daisy was surprised, too. “I’ve had time to think things through. I wonder if Karla was part of the reason he didn’t make a play for me. Maybe I’ve ruined things for them, too. Honestly, I’m surprised he told you about us.”

“He didn’t. Karla did. Said you were the one who’d told her.”

Her carelessly spoken words hit her like a fist to her gut. “I taunted her, but I didn’t admit anything. Honestly, I didn’t think she’d be certain enough to repeat it.”

Rachel snorted. “Oh, she said something, all right. Right to Oliver’s face when she confronted him. When he didn’t deny it, she slapped him and stormed off. If I wasn’t so angry with him, I’d feel sorry for him.”

“Oh, God. You need to give his job back to him, Rachel. He’s a good man, and he doesn’t deserve this.”

“I can’t do it.” Rachel shook her head.

“Please? As your sister, I’m begging you. This is my fault. I won’t be able to live with myself knowing what I’ve done to him.” She couldn’t blame him for taking what she’d offered so freely. “Please? He’s your friend. Has he done a good job for you otherwise? Have you had any other problems at all?”

“No.”

Daisy sensed her resolve weakening. “I think you’ll regret letting him go over this. Please give him another chance.”

Rachel sighed and then threw her hands up in a show of defeat. “Fine, but you’re going to tell him. I’m done with today, and I’m headed for the tub. I hope you’ll at least stay through Sunday. I was planning to make your favorite enchiladas for dinner.”

Daisy’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Of course, I will. Just don’t invite Oliver or Karla.”

Rachel laughed then. “Deal.”

As Rachel headed for the bathroom, Daisy grabbed her purse and boots and descended the stairs. Seeing Oliver after everything that had happened would be hard. He likely hated her. But she had to set things straight.

She couldn’t leave Blackwater with a good conscience otherwise.