CHAPTER SEVEN

 

Ordering the farmer’s breakfast that consisted of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast, Weston dug in as he waited for Sammie. She’d be here soon.

“Wes. I thought that was you sitting over here all by your lonesome.”

He lifted his chin just as Rena Hart approached his table. The bubbly red head didn’t wait for his invitation and sat down in the booth. He liked her well enough, always liked her outgoing friendliness, but she’d made it clear that she was available for the taking any time he wished. So why did he drag his feet? Rena was forty and looked ten years younger, and acted youthful too. She took good care of herself and smelled like a flower garden. Her big breasts pilling out over the low V-neck blouse were acquired after she divorced her third husband. Hell, he had nothing against plastic surgery if it made a woman happy. From what he could see, they were firm, and what man didn’t like nice breasts? She entertained him with a sparkling recount of all the rumors he’d missed, from horses to the new fabric shop to Hugh starting his run for sheriff, and Weston fully expected that she’d hit upon a certain someone returning to town before long.

“Have you heard?” She leaned in a few inches as if she were about to unload top secret information.

“That Sammie Tanner is home? Yeah, I heard.”

Rena’s shoulders slumped in discontent. “Wow! That’s a first. Is someone else filling you in these days?”

He shrugged. “Her car broke down and I helped her.”

“Aw, that explains it. I hear she’s going to sell the ranch. What is it with city folk coming here and taking over? Poor Lucas.” She shook her head, sending a red curl falling on her cheek.

Spearing a potato with his fork, he popped the bite into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully, chasing it with a gulp of coffee. “I wouldn’t know about that.” No way in hell would he discuss the situation with anyone. The last thing he needed was drama.

He had every intention of agreeing to Sammie’s plan, but that meant he’d have to put up some boundaries—walls of steel. No doubt he still found her attractive. He wasn’t blind. She was a beautiful, smart woman, and remembering how good things had been between them left him warm and hard. That was the past and that’s where he wanted to keep things. He didn’t like messy, and anything outside of business involving her was messy. His dick could twitch as much as it wanted, but he was an older, more mature man than he was back years ago. His priorities had changed, and nowhere on that list did it involve being fooled by a pretty cowgirl again. Yeah, she might call herself city, but he knew better.

No, going along with the proposition had nothing to with him, but everything to do with his daughter. Having Sammie acting as a stand-in nanny until he could find another would certainly take some weight off his burdened shoulders and make his daughter happy at the same time—a win-win. She was already singing Sammie’s good qualities. He’d make it damn clear though that this was only temporary.

“You look like you’ve swallowed those eggs along with razor blades, Wes. You need a day off. You look tired.” Rena’s bottom lip protruded ever so slightly.

He dropped his fork and pushed his plate aside, no longer hungry. He met her dazzling gaze. “You ain’t a kidding.”

As if this was her cue to act, she slid deeper into the cracked red vinyl, placed her small purse on the table and worked her bottom lip. “We’ve been friends for a long time. Why don’t you find a sitter for that cute daughter of yours and join me tonight over at the honky tonk? I’m itching to get out on the dance floor. I can have a bottle of wine waiting back at home for afterward.”

“You know I don’t dance.”

“Then you can watch.” She smiled in a way that spoke volumes about her intent.

“Sorry. I can’t.” He scrubbed his chin, realizing he’d forgotten to shave…for three days.

Her bottom lip, stained in red, popped out fully and she twisted that strand of misbehaving hair around one finger. “You keep saying you can’t and I’m going to start believing you.”

He could only hope, but he didn’t tell her that. He didn’t want to hurt her, even if the truth was she’d be the last woman he’d want to hang out with. They had nothing in common and he certainly didn’t want to be snagged by someone who was high maintenance. “I thought you were seeing Billy Oates, that cowboy doing contract work for Reed? I bet he’d go dancing with you.”

Pressing back into the cushion, her cleavage lifted high with her dramatic inhale of breath. “Billy is sweet, but he’s just not my type.”

Weston wasn’t quite sure why she snubbed Billy. The man had a heart of gold. “Give him a chance. He’s a good guy.”

Her expression had gone from hopeful to disappointed in a matter of a millisecond. “I should be going.” She stood and tugged down the hem of her blouse which gave him a flash of white, lacey bra. She leaned in close to his ear. “Listen, your hard to get act doesn’t scare me away. In fact, I love a challenge. Aren’t you the least bit curious what it’d be like to have me in bed? Think about it—long and hard. You know where to find me.” She kissed his cheek and swiveled on her blue strappy heels and headed for the door.

He met gazes with old man Toohey who was sitting at the counter. His grey eyes twinkled. “What I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes, feller. You shouldn’t let that one get away.”

“She’s available,” Weston said and went back to enjoying his coffee.

Damn, Toohey was right. Why couldn’t Weston ease some tension with Rena? He didn’t doubt for a second that she’d make it worth his while. Truth was, he couldn’t. Back in his twenties he would have jumped at a chance to have a little fun with the red head, but he wasn’t that man any longer. Life had taught him lessons. Playing had consequences, like fathering a child. Now he had responsibilities.

A few minutes later he heard the bell ding above the door and then soft footsteps. He looked up and his heart hitched. Sammie headed his direction and he was breathless. Her long hair hung around her shoulders in a dark, satin blanket. She wore an off the shoulder flowered dress that flowed over her curves and landed two inches above her knees. He smoothed his gaze all the way down toned legs to the tips of her painted toenails in the open-toed shoes. Of course, his body would get a reaction. Pure torture.

“Hi, Wes,” she said in a raspy tone. “Sorry I’m late. I got caught at the ranch. There was a slight hiccup.”

“Yeah?”

She slid into the seat and pushed a tendril of hair behind her ear. “I had to wait on the plumber to arrive. The knob in the tub broke, as well as everything else that’s rusty and broken at the ranch.” She lifted a hand and waved at the waitress, ordering coffee. “At least the bathroom will be fixed by the time I get back so that I can use the shower.”

“Things that bad?” He tried to ignore the vanilla scent of her skin that teased his nostrils.

“Worse.” Once she got her coffee, she poured in a good amount of cream and sugar and stirred, more from excess energy.

“Hey, that’s not made with almonds,” he warned.

She shrugged. “I need coffee, not a lecture.”

“You won’t get one from me.” Although he didn’t want to watch her lips wrap around the rim of the cup, his gaze automatically found its way there and his mind wandered down every path that he should avoid.

Clearing his throat, he stretched his legs and swore his body to behave or else.

Feeing strung up by his toes made him angry. Wanting her made him feel foolish and he didn’t like being vulnerable. This was all her fault, the woman who breezed in here ten minutes late like she could do as she pleased—tease him with her sweet-scented skin and satin smooth hair. Why couldn’t she have changed over the years? Lost her teeth. Turned cross-eyed. Sprouted warts all over her face. Hell, he’d still find her hot as hell. He thought he’d left the anger behind, gotten over the old feelings of her leaving. Unfortunately, the frustration still existed because he wanted to reach across the Formica table and drag her in for a kiss. Or spank her bottom. Either way, he wanted his hands on her.

Although he’d dated a few women before her, and after, and had a relationship with Ashley, Sammie had always been the one he compared every woman with. Others didn’t smell as good. Feel as good. Didn’t laugh the same. Walk the same. Kiss the same. No one matched up to the ridiculous bar she’d set. This made it impossible to become attached to someone, or have any hope of finding a woman to marry. Even Ashley had been subpar when compared to his past. No wonder she’d left.

Weston had a list of questions he wanted to ask Sammie, and none would be considered business related. Why couldn’t he just shrug off the need for closure?

Damn, he’d have to get over this crazy battle going on between his head and cock. He would be seeing a lot of her here over the next few weeks, that is if she was still interested in having him help her. “You hungry?”

“I don’t eat breakfast.”

“Best meal of the day. Provides the energy our bodies need to—” Her cold stare stopped him.

“Wes, I’m sure you didn’t bring me here to talk about the health benefits of eating my Wheaties. Is this about my offer? I’m on a timeline here.”

He had to admit he liked a woman who didn’t beat around the bush. “Yeah, it is.”

“Come to your senses and see that it’s a good offer?” She rolled her tongue over her lower lip to lick up a drop of coffee. His balls tightened.

Weston stared at her for a long moment, gathering how he’d respond. He didn’t want to sound too desperate, although he was getting there fast. “What makes you think you can handle Brie?”

One thin brow lifted. “I handled her rowdy daddy back in the day, didn’t I? You never got anything over on me.”

“This is different.” His voice sounded choked, matching the feeling in his gut. He cleared his throat and downed his coffee. He waved at the waitress. “Suzy, can I get topped?”

Sammie leaned in, smiling. The thick silver band on her middle finger on her right hand drew his attention. He blinked, remembering when he gave it to her. The gift had been a promise—for many promises. He rubbed his forehead, feeling his tension growing. She must have realized he was staring because she twirled the ring around her finger and shifted, drawing him back to her face lined with an emotion he couldn’t quite read. “Don’t worry, Wes. I like kids. She seems like a bright, easy going child. What makes you think you can convince me not to sell Tanner Ranch?”

He sighed. “That’s not part of the deal, convincing you. You want me to convince Lucas to sell. Do you realize how difficult that task would be? Much easier to get things up and running again.”

She chuckled. “Let’s not jerk each other’s chain, shall we? Isn’t that what you’re hoping? That you can fix things and I’ll fall right back into place?”

“I’m not the man to prove to another cowboy that he can’t handle his land, Sam. As my father got older and things got harder, he wanted more than ever to be at his home, where his heart was.”

  “Your circumstances are a bit different than mine. Your father had five boys who worked the ranch. I wasn’t born to run a ranch and my daddy is losing his hold on things. Know what I found out? He took out a mortgage on the property and he’s behind two months on salaries and bills. How long can this go on before he won’t have a choice?”

Weston didn’t know that information, but it only made things dire. “I’m sorry that you walked in on this, but doing anything impulsive isn’t the answer. You sell right now and you’re bound to lose any possible profit.”

“I’ve never been impulsive. I’m only looking out for daddy’s best interest, which means we get things in good working condition, sell, pay off his debts and hopefully have enough left over for a nest egg for him. Luckily, I got him up to date on his payments, but eventually my bank account will run dry too.” She caught his gaze. “I don’t know how you and my father have grown to be such great friends because what I can remember is him wanting to fill your ass with old Shantie’s buckshot.”

He laughed, remembering long ago how he’d snuck onto Tanner Ranch at midnight to see Sammie and instead found a crochety Lucas sitting on the porch with a rifle, which he called Shantie, leaning against his leg. Although she was an adult, Lucas was still a father who wanted his daughter to be treated with respect, and a young man showing up so late wasn’t acceptable. “I once thought he was overprotective, but now that I’m a father, I understand him more.”

“You’ve crossed over into the dark side.”

“Lucas loves you, he just isn’t the soft, furry type.”

She blew out a long breath. “I think I’ve been a disappointment to him. It started when I was born with a vagina and not a penis.”

Poor Toohey spewed coffee across the counter. Weston smiled. That’d teach the old man to eavesdrop. “I think that’s where you’re wrong, darlin’.”

“Wes, daddy hasn’t said more than five words to me since I came home.”

“Maybe he has his reasons. You picked up and left, and how many times have you been back since?” He saw her lips twist and knew he probably crossed a line, but it had to be said.

“You have no clue why I left,” she whispered, staring down into her coffee.

“You’re right, I don’t, but I do know it’s time you and Lucas sucked up your stubborn pride and worked out your differences. Don’t regret it after he’s gone.”

“Are we going forward with this?”

Weston was certain Toohey had his ears perked. “Can you come to the house today? Around four?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll stop out at the ranch later and speak with Braise to get a better idea where we’re headed. Let’s be clear on something. We can’t butt heads every time I have an idea. We have to be on the same page.”

“What makes you think I won’t be easy?”

He smiled. “I’ve never known you to be easy in anything.”

Later, Weston was still tossing around how he was going to keep his association with Sammie a business only relationship when he stepped into the SCS building. The receptionist was sitting at her desk typing away. “You have several messages, Wes.” She handed him a sticky note. “And Urban wants to see you. He’s been waiting.”

“Thanks.” He strolled into his office and sat behind his desk, buzzing his brother. “I’m here.”

Urban came into the office, his hair wild about his head and dark circles under his eyes.

“Rough night, bro?” Weston asked.

“I didn’t get in until late and I’m not yet on my second cup of coffee. Where the hell have you been this morning?”

“I had some business to take care of.” Weston chuckled. His brother had never been a morning person, especially mornings after a rodeo event. “Something up?”

“Did you hear?”

“That Sammie Tanner is back in town. Yeah, I’ve heard. News travels fast around this place.”

“I heard the ladies talking at Lanie’s while I was grabbing some sweets. I wondered if you’d took a wrong turn last night and welcomed her home in Jericho fashion.” Urban wagged his brows.

Heat crawled up Weston’s neck. “No. But I have seen her.”

Urban narrowed his blue gaze. “And?”

“Everything’s good.” He busied himself pushing around papers on his desk.

“I bet it is. Spill the beans, bro. What does she look like? Still have those big—,” Weston shot him a fierce look. “blue eyes?”

He wished he could say that she’d grown whiskers and had a beer belly, but that was far from the case. In fact, the hands of time had been good to her. “I plead the fifth.”

“Oh shit! That good, huh? Well, if it helps any, when you fall into her arms again, just remember, at least you’re being played a fool by a beauty.” He whistled through his teeth,

Weston sat back in his chair and propped his booted feet on the corner of his desk. “I won’t be falling anywhere, bro.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I’m helping her out at Tanner Ranch in exchange for her helping out with Brie. You know I never mix business with pleasure when it has anything to do with my daughter.”

“Okay, I might be a little slow this morning, but did you say she’s helping with Brie? Is this like one of those tests, you know, see how much temptation you can take before you explode?”

“No. You know I don’t play games.”

“You’re playing with fire, man. And I think you already know.”

“I have this under control. It’s a simple barter. She helps me and I help her get Tanner Ranch back on track.”

“Yeah, like a deal with the devil.” His brother snorted. “Just wondering who the devil is in this scenario.”

“I’m leaving the past where it belongs. She and I are both adults now and can handle things maturely. I can see things for the way they are. If she hadn’t left, I wouldn’t have Brie, so I should be thanking Sammie.”

Urban’s laugh echoed off the walls. “That’s a new and interesting way to convince yourself that you haven’t been miserable for years.”

“Last thing I need is your negativity.”

“She’s trouble, man. But do what you got to do.”

“Was there something else you needed to see me about because I got work to do?” He needed to minimize one of the daunting piles on his desk.

“Nope. Good to know our little talk convinced you that she’s trouble and you should steer clear.” He stood. “If you need anything you know I’m here.”

“Thanks, bro. Just keep up on your work. That’s all I ask.”

 

*****

Sammie slid out of the truck and stuck the straw hat on her head. Her boot heels thudded against dirt as she made her way toward the building where she hoped to find Braise. Working in a business setting for years now, she wasn’t used to dressing “down” in jeans and T-shirts. She could get spoiled, especially since she liked working with horses more than people.

The horses greeted her with soft snorts and snickers as she stepped around the corner into the stables. No sign of Braise, but the horses certainly didn’t mind company. Instead of searching out the foreman to get the morning rolling, she strolled across to the first stall and nuzzled the beautiful black gelding. Next to him was a grey colt who loved having his nose scratched. The mare at the end pawed the straw and neighed as if she wanted her fair share of attention. Sammie laughed and rubbed her head. “You’re a beauty, girl. I bet you’re spirited.” She hadn’t ridden in years and missed sliding into a saddle. Even now, she wanted to gallop through the fields and over the land, feeling the wind through her hair.

“Good morning, Sammie.”

She brought her chin up. “Hi, Braise. You’re just the man I’m looking for.”

“What can I do you for?”

“How many horses do we have here now?”

“I’m afraid we’re down to only a handful. The colt there, Bailey, recently had an offer by a breeder up north.”

“For how much?”

“Eight grand.”

“Daddy wanted to sell him?” She slumped her shoulders.

Braise nodded. “Still might.”

“We’re putting a hold on selling any more of the horses for now. I want to get an overview of what’s going on around here before we make any more changes.”

“Are you running things now, Sammie?” Braise swiped a hand down his cheek.

“Yes. Temporarily.” She stepped into the center of the barn. “I’m sure you’re familiar with Weston Jericho. He’ll be here helping for a few weeks. If you have any issues, you can talk to him or me.”

“Does your daddy know about this?” One bushy brow popped up under the lowered Stetson.

“I plan on telling him later than sooner. We’re getting some new hands to take on some of the chores.”

“I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, but men won’t work if they’re not getting payed…”

“I’ve got that covered. The men will get the wages they deserve. I’ll also be helping out on the land. In fact, I’ll be taking over feeding and grooming the horses.” Realizing there would be a transition period, she wanted everyone on board, and willing to see her as the stand in boss until they figured out the future of the ranch. “How often does daddy come down and supervise things?” She’d rather have this conversation when it was just she and the foreman.

He shrugged. “Twice a week, maybe.”

She blinked. “What’s happening, Braise? You and I both know this isn’t how daddy runs things.”

“He’s not himself, darlin’. If I took a gander, I’d say he’s given up, but he’s just too stubborn to admit it. I’m hoping you being back will put a new energy in his step.”

But I can’t stay.

“If you would, could you gather all the hands in the staff quarters for a meeting? I think it’s best we all sit down with Weston and get a sense of where we go from here, and our expectations. I’m up for any answers they may have.”

Surprise flickered across his bearded features. They probably hadn’t had a meeting among staff since she wore pigtails. Well, things were going to change. In her career, she realized how important frequent staff meetings were, and how necessary. Why not run this ship with the same ideas? She could put her master’s degree to good use.

“I don’t wish to cross a line, Sammie, but are you planning to sell?” His weathered features looked older.

Crossing her arms over her waist, she could only be honest with the man who had dedicated most of his life to Tanner Ranch. “Right now, I don’t see any other way, but I’m willing to have an open mind. This seems like a lot to take on and I’m a fish out of water.”

He dragged off his hat and held it against his chest. Several seconds passed as if he grappled with what he wanted to say. “Look, I might not be your daddy, but if I were, I’d tell you that you have the Tanner blood running through your veins. There ain’t been one Tanner that didn’t have the magic touch when it comes to running this place. I watched you with the horses and I see it, even if you don’t. Just had to say what was on my mind.”

She swallowed. “Thank you, Braise. I can’t deny that this feels like home here, on this land, where I grew up.”

“I’ll go gather up the hands now.” He placed his hat back on his head and left her alone.

Sammie turned her attention to the gelding in the first stall. “You’re a beauty too.”

Although feeling that she appeared confident on the outside, Sammie was very nervous on the inside. Even when dealing with new clients in her business she felt her nerves before a deal was signed. Changing the way things took place on the ranch wouldn’t be an easy task. It appeared things were relaxed—too relaxed—over the last few years. She was certain some hands would resist the changes, and some might appreciate that they wanted to keep their jobs. To do that, they’d have to work together.

Another factor that had her worried was that she’d be working closely with Weston. She couldn’t even be near him without getting wobbly and weak-kneed, so how would she handle seeing him every day? How would she make everyone here see her as a leader and not a woman who had very little ranch business under her belt. Sure, she knew horses, knew what it took to run things, at least the top layer of things, but livestock and crops were different. She’d have to rely on Braise, and the hands, if they decided to go that path.

Reaching for her cell from her back pocket, she pulled up Wes’s contact and texted…

 

“Meet you in staff quarters in fifteen.”

 

She turned to the horses. “I’ll see you later.” She gave each of them one last nuzzle, then headed for the quarters herself.

The building needed a facelift, but for now, renovations weren’t at the top of her priority list. It was a livable space with enough rooms for the staff, although many were empty with the staff changes.

When she stepped into the kitchen she came to a sudden stop, frowning. Dishes were piled in one sink and the lingering smell of bacon assaulted her nostrils. The evidence of an early morning breakfast lingered in a cast iron pan sitting on the stove. She swiped her finger down the greasy stove and sighed. This was unacceptable.

She opened the refrigerator and peered in, wishing she hadn’t. Beer lined one shelf and something mysterious sat on the other. Using only the tips of her fingers, she grabbed the end of the plastic covering on what could be moldy cheese and tossed it into the trash, swiping her hands down the thighs of her jeans.

From an early age, she was taught the rule that a person cleaned up after themselves, but if she was going to be hanging out in the staff quarters for any time, she needed to be able to breathe. However, this would be the first and last time she tidied up after the hands. The men would need to learn to take more pride in their home and she’d make sure to remind them of the importance during the staff meeting.

The water was filling the sink and she was scrubbing the skillet with a sponge when she heard heavy footsteps behind her. She turned, half expecting to see one of the hands, but it was Wes who strolled into the kitchen, looking good enough to nibble, but she’d keep her teeth to herself. His worn Stetson was in place, pulled low over his eyes and his jaw whiskered that added to his sexiness. She didn’t mind a bit of facial fuzz. She’d go out on a limb and guess he could shave in the morning and by noon he was sporting a thin beard. The checked button down fit nicely over his broad shoulders and the jeans looked like they were custom made for his thick thighs.

“What are you doing?” He pushed his hat back on his forehead.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m washing dishes.”

“First lesson, Sam, you’re not supposed to clean up after the hands.” One corner of his mouth lifted. “You’re the new boss, at least for now. They need to see you as such.”

“Well then, if they see us both cleaning maybe that’ll help.” She tossed a clean dish towel against his chest and he caught it before it dropped to the floor.

He smirked, but didn’t argue. He joined her at the sink and she at once rethought having his help with the task. Being a man standing well over six foot, two hundred pounds of lean muscle, the space suddenly became too small. His elbow brushed her arm and liquid heat spread through her veins. Inhaling deeply, his leather, sandalwood scent mingled with the scent of dish soap. She hated that her inner thighs trembled.

Taking a renewed energy in scrubbing the grease from the iron, she hoped to hide the shaking in her hands.

“Will Lucas be joining us this morning?” he asked.

“No.” She didn’t want to get into this with Wes.

“Did you tell him I’d be helping in running things?”

This question was expected. “No.”

His heavy sigh drove right through her. “How long do you think you can keep this from him?”

She paused in her scouring to look up at him. “Having a conversation with him, especially one about his beloved ranch, is like wrestling with a lion over a piece of meat. I need a shot of something very strong before I jump into that battle.”

“Yeah, but I don’t like feeling that I’m going behind his back.”

Scrubbing again, she shrugged. “And I don’t like that things are this bad.”

“Are you trying to scrub off the iron, darlin’?”

Realizing that he was right, the pan was as clean as it was going to get, she handed it over and started on a plate.

“I wanted to let you know that I’ve asked a couple of my hands to help out here for a few weeks. They’re loyal, hard workers and know their way around a ranch. I’ve also told my brothers that I’ll be taking a few days off so I can dedicate myself to helping out here.” He tossed the towel over one shoulder.

She brought her chin up. “But…can you do that?”

He smiled. “I’m the boss, darlin’. And my brothers can step up when necessary. I just hired on a few new boys who are working out and I can catch up on security business in the evening after Brie is asleep. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right.”

Knowing she could count on him touched a part of her she’d locked away. She didn’t want to depend upon anyone, especially someone who made her feel things she hadn’t felt in so long. It was all unnerving, and yet, there came a point a woman had to allow some control to slip and this was one of those times. He was here to help her, Tanner Ranch, and she could never put into words how grateful she was for his dedication. “This means a lot to me, Wes.”

“It’s the least I can do for Lucas.”

Did he intentionally make it clear that he wasn’t doing it for her? She didn’t blame him. He’d stepped up many times to help her father. “You and I haven’t talked about the past.” She handed him the sudsy plate. “Maybe we need to clear the air. I—”

Voices coming up the hall pushed her words to the back of her throat. What had she been about to do? Divulge her deepest, darkest secrets, that’s what. And she wasn’t sure she was quite ready for something like that. Wes made her forget that she hadn’t shared with anyone, outside of her therapist, about the night with Logan.

She’d have to be careful because telling him a little, meant telling him all. If she jumped over the cliff, she needed to be sure she had a safety net.