Claiming the Rancher's Heart (12 page)

One day she even rode with him to look for stray calves. They’d ended up making love under the noonday sun and the bright blue sky.

Today he was meeting Stacie for lunch while in town picking up supplies. He’d already gotten what he needed from Sweet River Grain and Feed and he had thirty minutes to kill. He turned onto Main Street and parked in front of the bank. A half hour was more than enough time to accommodate a quick side trip to see his dad.

There had been a message on his answering machine last night from his father asking him to stop by the next time he was in town.

Josh waved at the teller as he headed to the back of the bank. His father’s door was open and Bill Collins looked up when Josh entered the office.

A smile of welcome split his father’s tanned face. “Come in, son. Shut the door so we have some privacy.”

Josh found the request unusual. The last time they’d shut the door had been when Josh told his dad Kristin had left him.

“You’re looking good.” His father nodded approvingly. “Happier than I remember.”

“Things are going well at the ranch.” Josh glanced at the clock on the wall, taking note of the time.

“I’ve heard things are on the upswing in your personal life, too.” His father motioned for him to take a seat in the leather wingback in front of the desk.

Josh dropped into the chair. He shifted, unable to get comfortable. “You could say that.”

“Your mom and I would like to meet your new girlfriend,” his father said. “Especially since things seem to be getting serious.”

“We’re not serious.” Josh gave his dad the same answer he gave everyone who asked. “Stacie and I are just good friends.”

“That’s not what we’ve heard.”

Josh kept his smile easy. “I’d have thought you’d lived in this town long enough to know not to listen to gossip.”

“Rosalee told your mother Miss Summers frequently spends the night.”

Josh’s smile froze on his face. Rosalee Barker was the woman he employed to cook and clean. She’d worked for his parents for years before semi-retiring. Nevertheless, she worked for him now and he thought she could be trusted to keep his privacy. “Rosalee just lost herself a job.”

“Don’t be angry.” His dad held up both hands. “Rosalee only told your mother. You know she’s not going to say anything.”

“Mom told you,” Josh pointed out.

“We know you wouldn’t be with this woman if you didn’t care for her.” His father’s brows pulled together. “What I don’t understand is why you’re being so secretive. It’s not like you.”

“This isn’t high school, Dad.” Josh kept his tone light. “You don’t need to meet everyone I date.”

“We like to meet the ones who are important to you,” his father said smoothly. “Come over for dinner tomorrow night around six. We’ll keep things nice and casual.”

“Not a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“I know how it’d go. You’d start asking about our future.” Josh could just imagine the look on Stacie’s face if his mother began talking about her desire for grandchildren. “Since we don’t have a future, that would be awkward. Stacie will be leaving Sweet River before long. That will be the end of our relationship.”

“You don’t plan to keep in touch?”

“What would be the point?” Frustration made Josh’s voice harsher than he’d intended. He’d considered that option, but he knew it would only be postponing the inevitable. “She doesn’t want to live here. That’s the bottom line.”

“Does she know you love her?” His father rose to his feet and walked to the window.

“What makes you think I love her?”

“You’re my son,” his dad said, his gaze still focused outside. “I know you.”

Josh wanted to deny his feelings for Stacie, but he couldn’t. “What would be the point in telling her? Stacie needs to choose her own course in life.”

Bill Collins turned. “In business, you need
all
the facts to make a good decision.”

His dad made it sound simple, but Josh knew how much finding her bliss meant to Stacie. Telling her he loved her would be the equivalent of emotional blackmail.

He wasn’t going to do it. Not even if it meant losing the woman he loved.

“I hope I look okay.” Lauren snapped the vanity mirror shut. “I didn’t want to be too casual, but now I’m worried I went the other way.”

Stacie didn’t immediately respond. She wasn’t sure what to make of Lauren’s behavior. Her roommate had changed outfits five times before leaving the house and she’d been fussing with her makeup since they’d pulled out of Sweet River.

“You look amazing.” While Lauren’s sleeveless linen sheath was simple, the periwinkle-blue color said this professor could be fun, too. “Very professional.”

Lauren’s face blanched. “Professional?”

Stacie blinked. Lauren’s tone made her compliment sound like a bad thing. “I thought that was the image you were trying to project.”

Her roommate had been counting down the days until the party. Stacie had assumed it was because a lot of Seth’s single friends would be there. While she didn’t expect Lauren to actively recruit survey participants during Dani’s special day, she
had
expected her to be in full businesswoman mode.

“What was I thinking?” Lauren’s face fell. “I
am
overdressed.”

Sensing whatever she said wouldn’t be right, Stacie opted for silence. She focused on pulling the keys from the ignition and dropping them in her purse.

“Take a good look at me. I want you to be completely honest,” Lauren said. “Am I overdressed?”

Reluctantly, Stacie shifted her gaze. She studied her friend with a critical eye, determined to give a fair appraisal. “The pearls
may
be a bit over the top, but then again I don’t know what is de rigueur for these events. Remember, this is all new to me, too.”

Like Lauren, Stacie had debated what to wear. Knowing everything in Sweet River tended to be casual, Stacie had opted for pants and a top made of gold silk and embroidered with little designs. The outfit reminded her of Chinese pajamas. Anna said the color made her hazel eyes look more amber than green.

“I must change.” Lauren’s voice sounded shrill in the car’s silence. “I can’t go in there looking like this.”

For a second Stacie thought her roommate was kidding. After all, Lauren was the quintessential academic. Logic over emotion. Then Stacie took a closer look. Dear God, were those really
tears
in the beautiful blonde’s eyes?

Stacie’s heart twisted at Lauren’s distress. Finding males for her research was obviously taking its toll on her friend. Stacie turned in the seat and offered a reassuring smile. “Why would you change? You are fantastic in that dress. The color makes your eyes look violet, and the style suits your fabulous figure.”

Lauren dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “Do you think Seth will be impressed?”

“Does it matter?”

Lauren’s cheeks turned a dusty pink. “He’s a handsome man. A woman likes to look her best.”

Stacie paused, the puzzle pieces finally falling into place. She gave a whoop. “You have the hots for Anna’s brother.”

The pink dusting Lauren’s cheeks darkened to a deep rose. “I do not have the ‘hots’ for him.” Her tone was a touch indignant and classic Lauren. “But I do like him as a person. And in case you’ve forgotten, Seth is the number-one reason I was able to get enough subjects to complete my research.”

The flush on Lauren’s cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes told Stacie that her friend’s feelings went beyond gratitude. But the tilt of Lauren’s chin said this wasn’t the time to press for deeper emotions.

“He’ll think you look beautiful,” Stacie said.

Lauren’s stiff shoulders relaxed. She took a deep, steadying breath. After retouching her lipstick and powdering her nose, she reached for the door handle. “I’m ready now.”

Thank you, Jesus.

Though they’d discussed what would happen once they got to the ranch, Lauren had been so stressed during the ride that Stacie wasn’t sure if any of what she’d said had registered. “Don’t forget I need help getting the cake inside.”

Lauren glanced down at her spiky heels. “Why don’t I carry the salad and send someone back to help you with the cake?”

“That’s fine,” Stacie said. “I’ll wait.”

When Lauren disappeared around the bend in the drive, Stacie moved to the back of the Jeep to ready the cake.

“I can carry it for you.”

A warmth flowed through Stacie’s veins like warm honey. She turned and there he was, standing in the gravel drive, his dark hair tousled by the breeze. Her heart did a happy dance in her chest. “Josh. I thought you were in Bozeman.”

Josh smiled. “I came back early. I couldn’t wait any longer to see you.”

Her heart fluttered and suddenly she found herself drowning in his eyes. She’d dated her share of men, but no one who’d touched her heart. Until this cowboy.

She’d told herself over and over the past three days that she needed to take a step back from the relationship. It wasn’t good to miss someone so much.

With that in mind, she tore her gaze from his and popped the hatch. After lowering the end gate, she tugged the cardboard box toward her.

Josh moved to her side. He leaned over her shoulder, clearly curious. “What’s in the box?”

“A ‘Cinderella and Her Castle’ cake.” Several years ago Stacie had done a stint as a baker’s assistant at a wedding shop in Denver. It had felt good to use those skills again. “Want to see it?”

“You know I do,” he said, his warm breath tickling her ear as he planted a kiss on her neck.

A delicious shiver of wanting washed over her. But she forced herself to ignore the sensation and instead focused on lifting the top off the box.

A low whistle escaped Josh’s lips. “You made that?”

“I did indeed.” Stacie surveyed her masterpiece, feeling like a new mother showing off her firstborn.

He peered closer. His eyes widened. “The castle sparkles—”

“Edible food glitter.”

“The turrets with the flags?”

“Sugar cones, construction paper and toothpicks.”

“Wow.” Admiration filled his gaze. “You are one talented lady.”

Like any pretty girl, Stacie had received her share of compliments over the years. But this was different. This wasn’t about looks. This was about talent.

Who’d have thought a
cowboy
would be the one to understand her so well? “Thank you, Josh.”

“You
will
find your bliss.” His tone left no room for doubt. “You’re too creative and talented not to.”

Stacie carefully replaced the lid and pulled the box closer, wondering why she didn’t feel more excited at the prospect.

“How’d you end up doing the cake? Last I heard Merna was making it.”

“Seth said Merna had caught that flu that was going around.” Stacie struggled to remember his exact words. “He’d already tried a woman in Big Timber, but she was booked.”

“You came to his rescue.”

“What can I say?” Stacie said with a laugh. “I’m a nice person.”

“Yes, you are.” His gaze wrapped around her, holding her close. Familiar warmth washed over her.

“I’ve missed you,” she said softly, ignoring the warning flags popping up.

Josh opened his arms. “Come here.”

Stacie didn’t hesitate. Josh had been out of town on some ranch business for three long days, and she’d missed him terribly.

She laid her head against his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. Strong and steady, like the man himself. Only with him did she feel safe…cherished…loved.

“You’re shivering.” He leaned back and held her at arm’s length, his brow furrowed in worry. “Do you feel okay?”

She slid a finger down his cheek. Though she knew every inch of his body, right now she felt as if she could explore it forever. “Like I said, I missed you.”

Josh captured her hand and planted a kiss in her palm, his gaze never leaving hers. “Maybe I should go away more often.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Come home with me tonight,” he said suddenly.

Instead of answering she slipped her arms around his waist and tugged him close, inhaling the clean, fresh scent of him. “You showered with my favorite soap.”

He chuckled, rubbing his hands down her back. “Showering isn’t as much fun without you there.”

When he lowered his voice and gazed into her eyes, she was tempted to give him anything he wanted. But she’d come with Lauren. It wouldn’t be right to make her friend drive home alone. Still, she found herself tempted. She reached up on tiptoes and brushed a kiss against his lips. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”

“I’ll make it worth it for you.”

A languid heat filled her limbs and an overwhelming need to be close to him rose inside her. Her heart skittered and Stacie knew she had to get the situation under control or she’d end up doing something foolish. She took a deep breath and focused on the box. “If you take that side, I’ll—”

Josh reached around her and lifted the entire box without any trouble. “I’ll carry. You open the door. Deal?”

She cleared her throat and found her voice. “Deal.”

On the walk to the house Stacie found herself distracted by the intoxicating scent of his cologne and the heat emanating from his strong, work-hardened body.

How could she ever have believed the starving-poet look was sexy? Such a man could never have handled the cake in such an efficient manner. Or, for that matter, rescued her from the clutches of a vicious serpent…

“My snake bite is all better.” She climbed the steps without the slightest twinge of discomfort and held the screen door open for him. “If not for the fang marks, I’d think that day had been just a bad dream.”

“Not all of it was bad.” Josh paused for a moment in the doorway, his gaze raking over her body. “I got to see you naked for the first time.”

He flashed a smile and stepped into the house, leaving her to stamp out the flames of desire his words had reignited.

An hour later, when she took her seat at one of the tables Seth had set up, the embers still smoldered. She tried to focus on the food, but it wasn’t easy. Not with Josh beside her.

Seth had furnished barbeque beef for the potluck while the guests were to bring a variety of dishes. Since this was Stacie’s first party in Sweet River, she’d been determined to bring something exciting and different. Thankfully, several nights earlier, a strawberry and feta salad had come to life in her head.

She’d reworked the ingredients multiple times, intent on getting the balance of flavors and textures perfect. Once she was satisfied, she’d had her roommates do a taste test. Anna raved about the toasted almonds. Lauren, who didn’t even like feta cheese, had given the dish an A+.

“Anyone know who brought the salad with the strawberries and almonds?” Seth glanced around the table. “It’s really good.”

“That would be me.” Lauren’s cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink when Seth focused his attention on her. “Actually Stacie made it, but I brought it into the house.”

“A team effort,” Seth said, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“With her doing 99.9% and me doing the rest,” Lauren responded in an equally light tone.

“Each member of a team is important,” Seth said.

Stacie listened to the banter in amazement. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Lauren was flirting with Anna’s brother. Could scholarly Lauren really have the hots for a man who rode horses and worked with his hands?

The answer was like a rolling pin up the side of her head.
Absolutely not.

“You’re right, Seth,” Anna chimed in. “This salad is fabulous. Like I told Stacie, if she enters this recipe, she’ll win the contest for sure.”

“Contest?” Josh’s fork paused midair.

Stacie shot her roommate a warning look. But Anna must not have seen it because she leaned forward, her voice loud enough that everyone at the table could easily hear.

“I read about it in the
Denver Post.
” Excitement reverberated in Anna’s voice. “Best recipe wins five thousand dollars
and
a chance to work for Jivebread.”

“Jivebread?” Seth grabbed two corn muffins from a basket on the table. He kept one for himself and lobbed the other across the table to Josh, who caught it easily. “Never heard of it.”

“It’s one of the top catering firms in Denver,” Anna explained. “Working there has always been Stacie’s dream.”

Josh lowered his fork and though Stacie didn’t glance his way, she could feel his eyes on her.

“I think she’s got an excellent chance at winning,” Lauren added. “
If
she enters by next week’s deadline.”

The baked beans that had been sliding quite nicely down Stacie’s throat came to an abrupt halt. She swallowed hard.

“Why wouldn’t she enter?” Seth said. “This salad is her ticket to the top.”

Her roommates had said the same thing at least a hundred times. Stacie knew they didn’t understand her hesitation. Heck, she didn’t fully understand it herself.

The entry fee was reasonable. And even if Abbie and Marc hadn’t liked her previous recipes, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t like this one. This truly was, or could be, her chance to grab the brass ring.