In a Cowboy's Arms (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) (9 page)

“Oh, you gorgeous creature,” she whispered shakily. Sadie didn’t need to ask where this beauty had come from. “I’ll be back, but first I need to know all about you before this goes any further. I promise I won’t be long.”

Sadie’s feet seemed to have wings as she flew up the road to the house. “Millie?”

The housekeeper turned around. “I’m right here!”

“I’ve got to find Jarod. Do you mind watching Ryan until I get back?”

“Of course not, honey. What’s going on?”

Sadie ran in the house to grab the keys off the peg. When she came out she said, “There’s a new filly in the barn. I can’t keep her. Jarod needs to come back and get it.”

Before she reached the truck a voice of irony called out, “Good luck to that.”

Five minutes later she drove through the gates of the Bannock Ranch. The spread resembled a small city. She took the road leading to the barn and corrals where Jarod would have parked the horse trailer. Intent on finding him, she wound around the sheds until she saw his rig in the distance. He still hadn’t unhitched the trailer.

After pulling up next to it, she jumped down from the truck. As she reached the entrance, the man she’d come to see was just leaving the barn on his horse. Riding bareback, the magnificent sight of him ready to head out took her breath. His long black hair, fastened at the nape, gleamed despite the gathering storm clouds blotting out the sun.

They saw each other at the same time. He was caught off guard for once, and his eyes gleamed black fire as they roved over her, thrilling her to the core of her being. While she stood there out of breath, he brought his horse close before coming to a standstill.

She couldn’t swallow. “I have to talk to you, Jarod.”

How she envied him sitting there as still as a summer’s day. “I’m going to ride to the upper pasture. Come with me.”

Before she could respond, he reached down with that swift male grace only he possessed and lifted her so she was seated in front of him. He wrapped his left arm around her waist and tucked her up tight against him. The way his hand splayed over her midriff infused electricity in every cell of her body.

“Reminds me of old times,” he murmured against her temple, “except this time I’ll be able to see where we’re going. Don’t get me wrong. I like your new hairstyle, but now I don’t have anything to tug.”

That rare teasing side of Jarod had come out, the side she adored. Robbed of words, she was helpless to do anything but give in to the euphoria of being this close to him again. Though it had been eight years, their bodies knew each other and settled in as one entity.

Once he urged his horse into a gallop, the layers of pain peeled away, liberating her for a moment out of time. Heedless of the darkening clouds, they were like children who’d been let out of school and were eager to run until they dropped.

She quickly lost track of where they were going. This was like flying through heaven, achieving heights and distant stars unknown until now. Filled with delight, she heard laughter and realized it was her own. Through it all her body absorbed the fierce pounding of his heart against her back.

At one point it dawned on her he’d brought them to the pine-covered ridge that looked down on their favorite place. He reined his horse to a stop so they could enjoy the meadow with its vista of wildflowers in glorious bloom.

She gripped the hand pinning her against him.
“Jarod...”

“I haven’t heard you say my name like that except in my sleep. Did you ever dream of me?”

This was a time for honesty.

“Yes,” she admitted quietly.

“Every night?”

Haunted by the agony she heard in his voice because it matched her own, she said, “Don’t ask me that. It’s all in the past. I came to find you because—”

“The filly is yours, Sadie.” The authority in his voice signaled the end of the discussion. “Now that the war is over, consider it a peace offering.”

She was still in shock over his incredible gift, but it was growing darker. “Jarod, we’d better go back before we get caught in the rain.”

“It’s too late. We’ll stay in the shelter of these pines until it passes over. Volan needs a rest.”

He slid off his horse in an instant and gripped her waist to help her down. After tying the reins to a tree branch, he walked her over to the fattest tree trunk and sat against it, pulling her onto his lap. By now the wind was gusting, bringing the smell of rain with it.

“This is only a small storm. We’ll wait it out.” He gathered her to him in a protective gesture. Cocooned in his warmth, she could stay like this forever. “If you’re worried about getting wet, I promise I’ll protect you.”

She relaxed against him. “Tell me about the adorable filly.”

“Chief was her sire.”

“I
knew
it. She has the shape of his head and eyes.”

“It took two tries with the black broodmare I acquired to produce her.” She could tell by the softness in his voice that her observation had pleased him. “Her first offspring was a grullo I gave to Uncle Charlo’s boy.”

“You mean, Squealing Son Who Runs Fast?”

Jarod chuckled. “You remember.”

“I remember everything,” she confessed in a tremulous voice. “He must be fifteen by now.”

“The perfect age to train his own stallion. But that was his childhood name. Now he’s known as Runs Over Mountains.”

“Sounds like he has some of the same genes that run through his noble cousin Sits in the Center.”

He kissed the side of her brow, sending fingers of delight through her nervous system. “What happened to Born of Flint?”

Jarod had forgiven her. “That name belonged to my world when pain was my constant companion. But seriously, Jarod, no gift has ever thrilled me more. I love her already.”

“Your filly has been registered as Black Velvet. Until now, she has lived at the reservation on my uncle’s property. I’ve been getting her used to a saddle, but you’ll need to break her in more before you take her riding.”

Sadie gripped his hand harder. Velvet was the name she’d given the new foal they’d seen that wonderful day years ago. Now Sadie had her own filly, a horse who’d known nothing but Jarod’s love. She had to clear her throat. “Velvet has been trained by the expert. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover what I’m feeling, not when I’ve done nothing to deserve such a present.”

“When my grandfather told me you were going to stay in Montana, I realized you would need a horse.”

“Your uncle Charlo must be bursting with pride.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you remember the time you took me to meet him and his family? Before we left he took me aside and told me you possessed a very rare trait like your mother. It was the ability to hear the cries of the oppressed, the sick, the weak. He said that you weren’t ashamed to help others.

“I didn’t understand what he meant at the time, but I do now. After I visited Ralph last week he told you everything about my situation, didn’t he?”

Before she heard his answer, the rain descended, first in individual drops, then it poured, yet they stayed dry. She nestled deeper in his arms, finding a comfort she’d never known in her life, except with him. Together they listened to the elements that had always made up their world.

His lips were buried in her hair. “You think I see you as a charity case?”

“I think that’s the way you’ve always seen me. A cast-off waif you took pity on because it’s in your nature. After eight years, you’re still coming to my rescue, trying to right wrongs against me by giving me Velvet. I’ll be indebted to you all my life for everything you’ve done for me in the past, but it’s time you gave that side of your nature a rest in order to walk your true path.”

He lifted his head in surprise. “My true path?”

“Mmm.” The downpour was easing in intensity. She moved out of his arms and stood. “The one you used to talk about that will lead to your ultimate destiny.”

After a long silence he asked, “What about yours?”

“Mine was revealed when my mother died and left Ryan to my care.”

Before she gave in to her longing and begged him to kiss her, she needed answers about the woman who was in his life now. “Tell me about Leslie Weston.”

Immediately he got to his feet. “Listening to so many wagging tongues tends to confuse the listener.”

“If you’re talking about the way you were confused with wagging tongues concerning me and Zane at the funeral, you’re right. But please don’t be offended. I’ve heard she’s a lovely woman who works with Avery at the dig site. Your grandfather sounded particularly taken with her, which means you’re on the right path.”

“Grandfathers are prone to dream.”

“Liz tells me that not only is Leslie a highly educated archaeologist studying the Crow culture, she’s also well-traveled and comes from a good family in Colorado Springs. How important is she to you?”

“Why do you ask?” His tone grated.

Don’t tiptoe around this, Sadie.
“Because when word gets out where Velvet came from, I don’t want her to misunderstand or be hurt.”

After the telltale rise and fall of his chest, he said, “The rain has stopped. We need to get back to the ranch.”

Instead of a protestation that the woman he’d been involved with meant nothing to him, he was ready to leave this sacred place. Sadie had her answer. She just hadn’t expected it to feel as if one of those wild stallions they used to watch had just kicked her in the chest, knocking the life out of her.

Schooling her features to show no emotion, she turned to him. “This time I’ll sit behind you. That way I can tug on
your
hair for a change.”

Her teasing produced no softening of his stone-faced expression. As he walked over to Volan, she followed him. “I liked the way you used to wear it, but I’m glad you gave in to the right impulse to let it grow.

“I know you’ll hate hearing this because you don’t like compliments, but now that I’m grown up, I’m not afraid to say what I think. You’re a very beautiful man, Sits in the Center. Leslie Weston would have figured that out the first time she laid eyes on you.”

In seconds he’d vaulted onto Volan’s back with practiced ease, then held out his hand for Sadie to climb on behind him. She settled herself and slid her arms around his waist. If she couldn’t kiss the life out of him because he belonged to someone else, she could at least hold him in her arms for the ride home.

Judging from his reaction to her question about Leslie, this would be the only time she would ever be allowed to get this close to him again. As the rain that had cleared the air, this conversation had cleared away the last piece in the complicated mosaic of their lives. Their love story had come to its final, tragic close.

Chapter Six

Jarod’s uncle Charlo knew of his nephew’s struggle to let Leslie or any woman into his life while another woman lived in his heart. This Saturday afternoon Sadie’s question ended the struggle. He knew what had to be done to end a situation that couldn’t go on any longer.

As they rode back to Jarod’s ranch in silence, his uncle’s analogy about the wolf took on fresh meaning. It
would
be better to risk death for a chance to find a mate and a territory than to live through every winter in agony alone.

Weighed down by his thoughts, he was surprised to hear Sadie’s sudden gasp as they approached the barn. He glanced over to see what had caused the reaction. If it wasn’t Ned coming out of the barn on foot! Once again it was no accident he’d been hanging around. He must have seen Daniel Corkin’s truck and put two and two together. Jarod thought his cousin looked a little green around the edges. Wasn’t that jealousy’s color?

Sadie’s arms tightened around Jarod as he rode his horse straight to her truck. Aware of her fear, he threw his leg over Volan and pulled her off, then opened the driver’s door. “In you go,” he whispered, shutting it after her.

Their eyes met for a breathless moment before she started the engine and took off. He stood there watching until she’d driven out of sight.

Ned smirked at him. “Leslie’s not going to like it when she finds out what you’ve been doing all afternoon.”

Jarod turned to look at his cousin. “I’m afraid there’s a lot more you’re not going to like when your father hears you’ve been spending time in town minding other people’s business rather than inspecting the machinery.”

When Jarod had hired Ben as the new foreman, one of his jobs was to keep a close eye on Ned, who was lax in his responsibilities and played hooky when he thought he could get away with it. Ben reported Ned’s activities to Jarod on a daily basis. Ned’s assigned job was to keep all the ranch machinery in good condition and operational, but he often failed in that department, which added to Jarod’s workload.

“What in the hell are you talking about?”

“The grain-cutting swathers and forage harvesters for one thing. They haven’t been oiled or greased on time. That’s your department. One of the grain trucks has a broken part that needs replacing. Have you taken a look at the Haybine mowers lately? If I were you, I’d get busy or it could all rebound on you.”

Ned’s cheeks turned a ruddy color, a sure sign of guilt. “What do you mean?”

“That’s for
you
to figure out.” From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Rusty, the stable manager, and signaled to him. “We got caught in the storm, and now I’m in a hurry. Will you take care of Volan for me? He’ll need a rubdown.”

“Sure, Jarod.”

Ignoring Ned, Jarod walked over to his rig to unhitch the trailer. The puddles from the cloudburst were still drifting away. Climbing into his truck, he drove out of the parking area without acknowledging his cousin and headed for White Lodge.

Leslie would be off work by now. He hoped to find her at her apartment. He knew she’d sensed something was wrong on their dinner date Wednesday. It was time they talked. She lived in an eight-plex near the center of town where they usually met before going out for the evening. He’d brought her out to the ranch one time to meet his grandfather, but it was easier for them to get together in White Lodge, the halfway point between her work and the ranch.

Both his grandfather and uncle approved of her. Charlo had been amenable to her interviewing him for a newsletter she contributed to about the Absarokee dig site. There was nothing not to like about Leslie. But she wasn’t Sadie.

Pleased to see her Forerunner parked in her stall, he drove to the guest parking and got out of his truck. Taking the stairs two at a time, he reached her apartment and gave a knock she would recognize.

He didn’t have to wait long for her to open the door. “Jarod—” She broke into a smile that lit up her brown eyes. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight. Why didn’t you say something at dinner the other night or phone me?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t give you any warning, but this couldn’t wait.”

When he didn’t reach to kiss her, her smile slowly disappeared. “Come in. Is this about your grandfather? Is he worse?”

He walked into her living room. “No. I’m happy to say he’s doing better and off his oxygen for the time being.”

“That’s wonderful! Have you eaten yet? I just made homemade fajitas. Would you like one?”

“They smell good, but I’m not hungry. Go ahead and eat.” He took a seat in one of her overstuffed chairs.

She frowned. “I don’t think I can till you tell me what’s wrong. You’re not yourself. In fact, for the past two weeks you haven’t been the Jarod I’ve known.”

He shook his head. “I realize that.”

Leslie perched on the arm of the sofa, studying him. “You wouldn’t have come here out of the blue like this without a good reason. Have you decided you don’t want to see me anymore?” He heard the pain in her voice.

Jarod met her searching gaze head-on. “I can’t,” he answered. She deserved the whole truth no matter how much it hurt. He was glad he hadn’t been intimate with her yet.

Her features looked pinched. “Avery hinted that there was someone in your past. Are you saying you can’t get over her?”

He got to his feet. “I thought I’d put her behind me, but her father died and now she’s back in Montana for good. I was with her today.”

She averted her eyes. “And the old chemistry is still working.”

The blood hammered in his ears. “Yes. Don’t get me wrong. We’re not together. I don’t know if we ever will be, but feeling as I do—”

“I get it,” she broke in. “Do you mind my asking who she is?”

“Her name is Sadie Corkin. The Corkin ranch borders our property.”

Leslie stood. “Childhood sweethearts?”

“Yes.”

“That’s an obstacle I’m not even going to attempt to hurdle. One of the many things I admire about you, Jarod, is your honesty, even when it’s devastating.”

“Leslie...I was trying to make it work with us.”

She walked over to the door, her curly auburn hair swinging slightly. “I believe you and I give you full marks, but in the end, trying doesn’t cut it. That explains why you weren’t anxious to sleep with me, or to drive to Colorado with me.”

“If she’d never come back, things might have been different.”

“No.” Leslie shook her head. “If she hadn’t come back, our relationship would still have ended because it’s evident you’re a one-woman man. There aren’t very many of those around.” She clung to the open door. “I’ve loved every minute we’ve spent together.”

“So have I.”

“Because of who you are, I know you mean that.”

“I do.”

“But it’s just not enough for me or you. Love means sharing a single soul inhabiting two bodies. That definition doesn’t apply to you and me. I’m grateful you stopped by, Jarod, but now I need to be alone.”

Jarod had no desire to make this any more painful. “Take care, Leslie.” He kissed her forehead before leaving the apartment. He wished there was some way he could have spared her this hurt. No one deserved happiness more than she did.

On his drive back to the ranch, her parting comment played over in his mind. He and Sadie
had
shared one soul. That’s why no other relationship had worked for him. But he still didn’t know about the men she’d been involved with since she’d moved to California.

If there was someone important, she wasn’t letting it get in the way of buying the ranch and living here. So many questions still remained unanswered where Sadie was concerned. But saying goodbye to Leslie had been the right thing to do.

When he entered the front door of the ranch house, the housekeeper came running. “I’m glad you’re home. Your grandfather is in an agitated state.”

He moaned. “I thought the doctor had taken him off the oxygen.”

She shook her head. “It’s not his health, Jarod. Tyson was here earlier and they quarreled.”
Tyson?
“He’s terribly upset about something and says he can’t discuss it with anyone but you.”

Jarod’s gut told him this had to be about Ned, especially after their confrontation earlier. “Where’s Avery?”

“She’s not home yet.”

“Thanks, Jenny.” He hurried down the hall to his grandfather’s bedroom and found him sitting up at his desk near the window in his pajamas and robe. Though he was gratified to see Ralph was well enough to be out of bed, Jenny’s mention of Tyson had filled him with concern.

“Grandfather?”

He looked around with a flushed face. “At last.”

“What’s happened?”

“What hasn’t?” he said with uncharacteristic sharpness. “I’m sorry, son. I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just glad you’re home. Sit down. We have to talk.”

Jarod pulled up a chair next to the desk. “I can see you’ve been going over the accounts.”

Ralph’s gray eyes flicked to his. “Tyson needed me to help him with the figures. He just left. I’m afraid we had it out. It’s been coming on for a long time. After our father died, Addie warned me I should let my brother take his share of the ranch and make it his own place. But he begged me to go into business with him and I didn’t have the heart to say no. For the most part we’ve gotten along. But with time, there’ve been issues over Ned. He doesn’t have your instincts for ranching and never did.

“Your idea of developing two calving seasons a few years ago has brought in unprecedented profits. When Tyson and I went along with your plan, Ned fell apart and has been impossible ever since. Now that Ned has found out the Corkin property is up for sale, he’s asked for a loan from Grant to buy it.”

Jarod got up from the chair and started pacing. “Let me guess. Grant’s money is stretched due to helping his other children, so he’s come to Tyson for $700,000 for Ned to buy the place.”

Ralph nodded. “Grant’s always been afraid of Ned and doesn’t know how to say no to him. It’s Grant’s opinion that if Ned made a break with the family business and had his own spread to manage, his son might turn into a real rancher.”

“We know that’s never going to happen.”

His grandfather shook his head. “I advised Tyson it would be the wrong decision to give money to a grandson who could never make good on such an investment. But just as I feared, he got angry. My brother isn’t well and not up for a fight with Grant. He told me he’d be back tomorrow for my consent. If I don’t give it, he’ll take the money out, anyway. Of course, it’s his right as part owner.”

They stared at each other before Jarod said, “What do you want to do? Tell Tyson you’ve already authorized Harlow to buy the ranch for Sadie and Zane?”

“Never. That has to remain a secret.”

Jarod didn’t need to think about it. “Then don’t try to stop him, Grandfather. You love your brother too much, so make your peace with him and let him negotiate with Mr. Bree. When the time is almost up, Harlow will come in with a little higher offer and that will be it.

“In time Tyson and Grant will learn that Zane Lawson bought the ranch and no one will ever know the truth because the money came out of your savings account and mine. Tyson has no access to them.”

His grandfather tilted his head back. “What do you mean
your
account?”

“I’ve been investing my money and plan to contribute. Sadie’d be my wife if things had been different.”

“I know.” Ralph’s eyes dimmed. “When Addie and I heard about your accident, it was one of the worst moments of our lives. We could have lost you.” His voice trembled.

Touched by those words, Jarod squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t you know I’m tough like you? Now that you’re feeling better, I have news. Let me show you what I found after doing some investigating about the accident on my own.”

Jarod showed his grandfather the paper from the body shop in Bozeman incriminating Owen Pearson.

Tears rolled down Ralph’s cheeks. “Oh, Jarod... All these years I’ve asked you to be the bigger man, which you always will be. To think Ned could have done such a thing. It explains why his behavior has grown worse over time. You have every right to go to the police with what you’ve found.”

“That’s true.” For now he was holding off deciding what to do about it. “Did Sadie tell you she’s going to adopt Ryan?”

“Yes, bless her heart.” His grandfather reached for Jarod’s hand. “Now tell me about that lovely woman you brought to the house a while back. When are you going to bring her again?”

“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen, Grandfather.”

“Why not?”

“I drove to White Lodge earlier this evening and told Leslie the truth. I can’t be involved with her while I still have feelings for Sadie.”

“You’ve done the right thing for Leslie and yourself,” he murmured with what sounded like satisfaction. “A house divided against itself can’t stand.”

In spite of his turmoil, Jarod smiled. He bounced between two cultures. Both his mentors offered the same wisdom.

“So.” His grandfather sat back in the chair looking relieved. “We’ll keep all this to ourselves and wait a few more days before we tell Harlow to make the final move. When everything has been transacted, Harlow can contact Zane and they’ll go from there.”

Jarod’s thoughts shot ahead. “It’s good it will be in Zane’s name.” He gave his grandfather a hug. “I’ll tell Martha to come in and help you get ready for bed.”

Ralph tugged on his arm. “Do me a favor, son. Watch your back around Ned. I need you.”

The feeling was mutual.

* * *

R
YAN
WAS
ECSTATIC
when Zane came into the kitchen on Tuesday morning. He’d arrived late Monday night. While the two of them walked down to the barn to visit the new filly Sadie had told him about, she had hurriedly put the things away that Zane had brought from California. Now Ryan had his toys and pictures, and his room resembled the nursery Eileen had made for him in San Francisco.

After lunch he went down for a nap with his favorite furry rabbit.

Zane was bringing in the last of his own items from the car when Sadie stepped out onto the front porch dressed in cowboy boots, jeans and a short-sleeved white blouse. She’d tied an old black paisley bandana around her neck for fun.