Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1) (7 page)

“Guess what? My little Darla is getting married. Her boyfriend done asked her to get hitched.”

“Darla? She’s not old enough to get married.” He remembered the little girl who used to climb on his knee and giggle. She took after her mother with bright red hair and pale skin.

“She just turned eighteen.”

“And you didn’t chase her beau away with that rifle you keep under the bed?”

Ted sobered. “I’m not much for talking about private family stuff, but I know I can tell you. She’s pregnant, newly, but it’s official. As far as I see it, they’ve made their bed…and well, you know.” He tugged at his beard.

“Congratulations, Ted.” Roman could see the doubt in his friend’s eyes. “It could be worse, my friend.”

“I know, I know. I just always looked at her as being a baby. I guess I overlooked the fact that she’d grown into a young woman right before my very eyes. Her mom and I had suspected she was hiding something for months, but I guess now we know.”

“I’m sure you’re not the first parents to miss what their teen is doing.”

“Right, right.” Some of the sadness left his features. “I just don’t know about this grandpa stuff. I know nothing about grandkids.”

“You didn’t know anything about kids when you had them either, and look at you now. A damn good dad of four. Your kids haven’t shot anyone. Committed theft. And they don’t do drugs. I’d say you’ve done a fine job, my friend.”

“I won’t dispute that.” Ted smoothed his beard. “Darla plans to move with him a few counties south where he’s been offered a job at a tire shop. Told me and her mother we were going to have to Fadetime her, whatever that is. One of these weird things these kids are into these days.”

Roman smiled. “I think you mean Facetime, buddy. And believe it or not, I’ve partaken in social media a few times myself.”

“You didn’t join that online dating thing I saw advertised on TV, did ya?” Ted looked down his nose. “The one where a country boy finds love with a woman who doesn’t mind getting dirty.”

“No, not online dating. I saw that my ex changed her relationship status to engaged. She finally managed to talk another poor bastard into getting married.”

“Feel sorry for him. He’ll be in a threesome and not even know it.” Ted burst into laughter.

Roman would find that funny if it didn’t hit so close to home. He’d been in that same threesome and didn’t get anything out of it but a shot ego and divorce papers.

Ted’s laughter faded. “You ain’t still stuck on her, are you?”

“No. Hell no! That ship has sailed and I haven’t missed it. Too bad a man can’t have a warm body in his bed, someone to talk to, and the white picket fence without all of the hassle and drama.”

“Are you serious?” Ted gave him the stink eye. “You might as well get yourself a blow up doll if you’re looking for a hassle-free relationship. I think you’re missing the point on what makes a relationship tick. Finding the right partner is key to getting past the problems, making the effort worth it. Hell, when Betty and I first married, we fought over the color of the dish soap until we realized it didn’t matter whether it was blue or green. At the end of the day, I know I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“You two have a great marriage.”

“It’s had its ups and downs, but nearly thirty-five years together and I couldn’t see myself with anyone else. Oh, she thinks she’s aged and that I don’t look at her the same way, but truth is, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on. There ain’t nothing better in life than being in love.”

Roman looked into the distance. The sun was setting behind a row of trees and a group of deer grazed, munching on foliage. Sometimes he did want someone to share his life with. Someone who understood him. “Looking back I have to admit, I wasn’t the greatest husband to Uma. I wasn’t cut out to be her husband. I didn’t understand what was expected of me.”

“Cut yourself some slack.” Ted pounded him on the shoulder. “She would have wandered from the marriage sooner or later. It was in her blood. I really want to say thank you for hiring my boy. He’s a good kid, wants to become a lawyer. That fancy college he’s attending costs a fortune, but this summer job will help.”

“I’m glad to have him as part of our crew. He doesn’t seem afraid to get his hands dirty.”

“No, he’ll do what you ask of him. I was thinking a lot of your dad here lately. He hired me when I needed the money, remember? That’s how I managed to start my own business.”

Roman laughed. “But what I remember is you chasing down the entire lot of pigs after you left the fence gate open.”

“Your dad was fired up when that one pig trampled the vegetable garden. Woo-wee. I didn’t do that again.”

“He was fair, but he certainly had a mean streak.” Roman reminisced while sipping his beer.

“Best damn cowboy around, I say. Never heard of anyone not liking good ol’ Van Jericho. Just like you and your brothers. Good folk.”

“Well, coming from you, my friend, that’s a huge compliment. And don’t worry about your kids. They’re great just like you and Betty. Keep in mind that you two started young too. You make everyone want to get hitched.”

“It hasn’t rubbed off on you yet.” He laughed.

“Some are slow learners.”

“I better be heading home.
The Walking Dead
is coming on and I can’t miss a second.” He stood, leaving his still half-full bottle on the table. “Now you enjoy that pie.”

“I plan to.”

Ted limped off the first step, then turned. “You boys still having that roasted pig party for charity in a few weeks?”

“Yup. All of the neighbors are invited. You and the family will be here, right?”

“With bells on. If you need any help with the smoking pit, just give me a holler.”

“Sure thing.”

Roman watched his friend amble back to his truck, slide in and drive away. Long after the dust cloud had settled in the truck’s wake, Roman sat there thinking over his buddy’s words on relationships, and his mind naturally traveled to Pippa Wilder, relationship Guru. Wonder what her advice would be for him? Would it matter if she knew that she was the very reason why he was suddenly lonely and wishing for a warm body.

Who was he kidding? A woman like Pippa, with her perfectly brushed hair and fancy designer labels, wouldn’t want to live way out here in Colton, Texas on a ranch where one didn’t fit in unless they got dirty. He doubted she’d ever seen a cow up close. They’d married on a whim, no logical thought or reasoning. They were two different people, two different worlds. 

Roman grabbed up the bottles and headed inside. He had the ice cream melting on the counter and a knife in his hand ready to cut into the pie when he heard a soft knock on the front screen door. He put the knife down and made his way through the living room. “Hell, Ted, did you change your mind about having a slice of pie?”

“I’m not Ted, but I sure love a good pie.”

Roman stopped dead in his tracks. Standing on the other side of the screen was a vision, it had to be, because only in his wildest dreams would he ever expect to see his wife at his front door.

For a city girl, she sure looked country in a pair of skinny jeans with a frayed hole in each knee, a bright blue, long-sleeved flannel, and boots. He skimmed his gaze down her hips and long legs and he was suddenly salivating for a different kind of pie.

CHAPTER SEVEN

PIPPA GAVE ROMAN room so he could open the door and step out onto the porch with her. She leaned against the railing as a breeze caught her hair up, sending it across her cheek. She tugged it back into place, inhaled deeply and was met with the rich scent of animals, straw, and peaches.

“Looks like your guard dog is out of function.” She pointed to the scraggly dog spread out on his back.

“Yeah, that’s Bojangles. He scares away many folks.” At the mention of his name, the dog lifted his head, grunted, then plopped his head back down.

“I can see that. I must be special.”

He threw her a look and shoved his hands inside of his front pockets. He looked good with his crooked smile and blue eyes. “What brings you out here? Hand delivering those annulment papers?”

She skimmed her gaze lower to the belt buckle at his waist that glinted in the remainder of the sun, like a beacon of light drawing her in. On the flight here and the drive from the airport she’d hoped, over and over, that she would have lost some of the sexual attraction for him, but no, it was alive and well—possibly stronger. Being here now should make her feel awkward, out of her element, but the tingling in her spine was dedicated to seeing him.

“As you see, I’ve come empty handed.” She held up her hands and wiggled her fingers.

“But your dressed the part. That’s a plus.” He skimmed his gaze over her, stopping at her aching breasts and staying even longer at the apex of her thighs before he lifted his curious gaze back to hers.

“These old things?” She tugged at the jeans and gave the toe of her polished boot a kick across the planks of the porch. “I just had this laying around in my closet.”

“I doubt that’s true, but I’m not complaining. I always love when a woman wears her thoughts on her T-shirt. What does this one say?”

She slipped off her flannel and tied it at her waist, showing off the tank she wore underneath. “Free hugs. Can’t beat ‘em.”

“I’d take the offering, but I have a feeling I might want to hear what you have to say first.”

“This might take a while, cowboy. Do you invite girls into your home?”

“Safety first. Can you be trusted?” He lifted a teasing brow.

“Honestly, it depends on the boy. One as sexy as you I might just misbehave.”

He pulled open the screen door and motioned her in. “Then by all means.” His smile was trophy-worthy.

She had one foot over the threshold when he caught her by the shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. He leaned in, bringing his wide chest so close to her nipples that his heat was like a magnet, making the buds swell and throb. His spicy scent swirled around her nostrils, teasing her, intoxicating her. Would he kiss her? Oh how she hoped he would.

He plucked something from her hair and held it out for her view. “A piece of straw. You’re turning into a country girl.” He laughed, causing her libido to stir like a witch’s brew.

“I’ve been called far worse, trust me.” She continued into the foyer where the AC was cranked up. The cool air made her nipples tighten. She must not have worn a thick enough bra because his interested gaze settled on her breasts and she swore she saw “Can I lick” written on his irises. She’d almost be willing to pull her shirt off, right here and now, just to have his hands on her.

He pulled his eyes to her face and she saw his jaw tighten.

She took a step back, then turned on her heel, standing in the doorway to the living room and taking in the décor. Bare white walls. A dark leather couch, matching chair, and a beige area rug that covered the polished wooden floor. The curtains on the large window were open to allow the sliver of light remaining in the day to flow in. It was nice, but functional.

“I see you shop at Bachelors-R-Us,” she teased.

He laughed. “I own half the stock.”

She scrolled to the fireplace where the only touch of personality was in a row of framed pictures. The first one was of five teen boys, all disheveled haired, thin bodies and smiles, some showing off braces. They looked so similar they had to be brothers.

“My brothers.” He must have read her mind. “Back when we were kids.”

“The similarity is unmistakable.” She found him standing in the middle of the room, deep dimples bracketing that gorgeous smile.

“Know which is me?”

She scanned the young men in the reflection and pointed to the one on the end. His hair was long, touching his ears and he wasn’t wearing a shirt. He certainly had grown and widened in many areas. She smiled at the thought.

“Very good,” he said.

The next picture was of an older couple. Roman had the man’s facial features and the woman’s eyes. “This your mom and dad?”

“Yup.”

“Have you told them they have a daughter-in-law?” She laughed.

“They’re both gone.”

She shot him an apologetic look over her shoulder, her throat constricting at her error. “I’m sorry, Roman.”

“Mom eleven years. Dad five. Still easy to forget they’ve both passed.”

Wanting to ask questions, she didn’t. She wasn’t sure he’d want to talk to her about something so painful. Continuing down the row of photos, she stopped at one of Roman holding a fishing pole. His smile was infectious. Another of his parents. Then one of a pretty little girl, four or five, who looked just like him. Her breath swooshed from her lungs and she gripped the edge of the mantel. Could it be?

“Do you have a daughter?” She looked at him. If he did, it could change everything. She’d be a stepmother.

“Niece. My brother Weston’s daughter. Her mother left when she was a baby and he’s been a single dad ever since.”

She felt a sense of relief and disappointment all at once. “That can’t be easy.”

“He manages. Did you have trouble finding the ranch?”

“It took me forever. I stopped at a gas station just as soon as I entered Colton. The lady behind the counter was eager to help me. It seems you and your brothers are quite the bachelors around these parts—no surprise. I’m afraid I might have started the rumor mill with my presence. Every eye in the place was on me.”

He shrugged. “It’s a town less than three thousand. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone’s business.”

“I hope it’s okay that I just dropped by.”

“Can’t really say you just dropped by.  Chicago isn’t just a hop and a skip away.”

“Oh, just a little more than that.”

“Good thing I was home.”

She smiled. “I can say that I’m pleased as punch.”

“Pippa, I can’t help but think you’re stalling.”

“Now, did you say you had pie?” she said, entirely sideswiping his suggestion.

One corner of his mouth quirked. “Come on in.”

The kitchen smelled like sweets and her stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Her nerves had been on terminal velocity since she’d decided that she’d come to Texas and work something out with Roman, although he might ask her to leave once she said what she’d come to say. “Is that homemade?”

“Sure is.” He took down two plates from a cabinet.

“You made it?”

He chuckled. “I’d like to take credit, but a neighbor just dropped it off. She’s known around these parts for her pies.”

“Wow, does this happen often? Women dropping by offering pie?” She felt something she hadn’t felt ever—pure jealousy. And she wasn’t even sure what she was jealous of.

“When it’s a two hundred pound, stocky, bearded deliverer, it ruins the whole image of women and pie.”

She laughed. “Some woman. Must be the grain-fed beef.”

“Ted’s a veteran, has large hands, and is skilled with a gun. Not a feminine bone in his body. And yes, he loves steak. He’s one of my good friends and neighbor. He’s also the husband of the woman known for making the best pies.”

Pulling out one of the wooden chairs from the worn table, she took a seat, watching him slice into the pie. His hands moved deftly, gracefully for a large man that spent most of his days building fences, working with livestock, and pounding nails into wood. Her inner thighs throbbed. He plated a piece and placed it in front of her.

He turned and her gaze naturally went to his bottom. “Looks delicious.” She liked how the jeans hugged his bottom. She barely registered that he was asking her a question. “Yes?”

“Beer, iced tea, or coffee?”

“I’ll take a beer.” She’d probably be here for a while if she was lucky.

When he returned with one beer and a water and took the seat across from her, she dug into the pie and licked the tines of the fork clean. It was nothing but sweet heaven. “My God, the woman who made this is a culinary genius.” Realizing he was staring at her mouth, she swallowed.

“Here. You have a piece that didn’t quite make it in.”

She reached up to wipe her lips but he beat her to the task. He swept his thumb along her bottom lip and brought it to his mouth, licking the pad of his finger.

Holy mother of all that is good
.

He reached for his bottle and lifted it to his mouth. She leisurely strolled her gaze over his bicep sticking out of the frayed sleeve of the flannel. She followed the thick rope of muscle and the veins from his elbow down his forearm, his wrist, and his long fingers holding the bottle. She wanted to follow the happy trail with her tongue.

He cleared his throat, bringing her back to reality.

“I’m sure you must be wanting me to get to the point,” her voice quivered.

“I’m sure you didn’t come all of this way for pie.”

She swallowed, suddenly feeling like she had razorblades for vocal chords. “This is probably going to come as a shock.”

“I’m beginning to think you’re full of surprises.”

Moistening her lips, she gained the bravery to continue. “I’ve found myself in a bit of hot water. And you did say if I ever needed something to let you know.” Yeah, she remembered those words.

He nodded. “I did, and I meant it. There’s a history between us. It’s not every day a man meets someone and marries her six hours later.”

She reached into her back pocket and pulled out the folded paper, smoothing the wrinkles, then turning it so he could see it better. “Take a look.”

“So, we did get wedding pictures after all.” He chuckled. “Stories to tell the offspring, babe.” His eyes twinkled.

“You’re taking this very casually.”

He shrugged. “Did you expect me to be pissed?”

“More concerned, maybe. You are
the
rodeo star. Won’t this influence you also?”

“
Was
a rodeo star, sweetheart, and I have no control over this.”

“Do you take everything with a grain of salt?”

“Most times.”

She sighed. “Do you realize this affects me enormously?”

“Yes, that’s why you’re here. Now how about we cut to the chase and you tell me why you came all of this way.”

“For you. I need my husband in a very bad way.”

*****

Roman’s chest tightened and his gut twisted as he absorbed her words. “The sex was great but I’ve never had a woman travel almost a thousand miles for seconds.”

One corner of her mouth quipped, but she didn’t allow it to expand into a full blown smile. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m here because we need a solution, and fast.”

“You’re the advice guru, maybe you should give yourself some direction.” The area between her brows scrunched. “No?”

She exhaled a long breath through her pretty, plump lips that he’d wanted to kiss since she’d walked through the door. “You see,” she clasped her hands together tightly and laid them on the table in front of her. “This trash magazine caught the picture of us as we were leaving the Vegas chapel. Apparently they are like bottom feeders hanging out for any celebrities getting secretly hitched. I guess since it was at the end of the day and they were out of luck, they thought they’d take what they could get. Us. Since then, the fact that I married has spread through social media and other public forums.” She moistened her lips and his cock jerked. He needed to concentrate on the problem, but right now it was in his pants. “My manager thinks this could ruin my career.” She finally brought her gaze up, meeting his, and his heart kicked up in speed. He couldn’t look past the darker shade of her eyes or the trembling in her bottom lip. His protective instincts reared their head again and he immediately wanted to keep her safe—definitely keep the mist in her eyes from turning into tears that he saw in the near future if this conversation didn’t take a turn for the better.

“What do you think? Will this ruin your career?”

She gave her head a slight nod. “It certainly won’t do me any good. A popular relationship advisor marrying a stranger. Doesn’t make me look like the professional, now does it?” She blinked and some of the mist disappeared.

He shifted in the chair, the wood creaked under his weight as he braced his elbows on his knees. “Our whim suddenly has consequences.”

“This isn’t your fault, or your problem to fix. I get that Roman, but my future hangs in the balance. The release of my book could suffer.”