Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2) (21 page)

Daylight wasn’t welcomed this morning. Brenna woke with a headache that might’ve been an earthquake rumbling through her brain. Why’d she drink so much wine last night? She dragged herself out of bed and hit the bathroom, wetting a washcloth with cold water, and went back to bed with it over her face. She peeked at her phone for the time and squinted at the bright screen. “Great, I have to get on an airplane in a few hours.”

Lacy talked her into watching the movie. Too bad she didn’t talk her
out
of finishing the wine. She enjoyed spending time with her best friend and it’d be a long time before seeing her again. The trip to the cemetery might have had something to do with the last glass. Especially after the movie, and they cried at the end.

She needed coffee. Brenna turned the washcloth over to the other side. Getting out of bed again, she laid it over her aching head, and padded to the kitchen. No one was up so she made coffee, waiting on the sofa until it finished. The front door opened.

“Oh, Brenna, you’re up,” said Chloe, standing in the doorway with Lauren behind her.

Brenna sat up and removed the washcloth, then stood. “Where the heck have you been? Chloe, you can’t do this—”

“At least I’m here. For one thing, you don’t know what I was doing. Maybe we slept on the porch and you’re jumping to conclusions.” She paused, staring at her sister with an evil eye. “As usual.”

“I’m responsible for Lauren when she’s here. How could you?” Brenna dropped to the sofa. “Oh, Chloe.”

Chloe shook her head, and said, “You’re not even listening to me.”

She was right. “If that’s the case, I apologize.” She wasn’t getting into it with her right now, but it’d be dealt with later. “There isn’t time to spend fighting with you.” Brenna pointed over her shoulder toward the bedroom. “Make sure your things are together. Go to sleep for an hour if your things are arranged and ready.”

She stared after them when they rushed off toward the bedroom. Brenna went to the kitchen to get coffee, sat at the table, and lowered her head to her folded arms for a moment, but caffeine was needed badly. Taking a big drink, she had no idea what to do with her sister. To make her see how things could be. Her heart was shredded when it came to Chloe.

Lacy walked into the kitchen and found Brenna with her head down. She took a mug from the cupboard and poured coffee and sat at the table. “You okay, hon?”

She held her head up but her eyes remained closed. “Turn the sun off, please. Why’d you let me drink so much?”

“Because you needed to ease your pain. It was a difficult day. A romantic movie, a box of tissues, and a bottle of wine is a good cure-all. I don’t recommend drowning your troubles in a bottle of wine, but last night was an exception.”

Brenna rose and went to warm her coffee. “It surely didn’t help when I ran into Cory at the liquor store. Of all places.” Brenna snickered. “He must think I turned into a wino after we broke up.” Her old boyfriend looked better than he had when they dated two years ago. No longer that immature twenty-something-year-old. She sipped her coffee. “I’ll be in the living room, melding with the sofa.”

Lacy took her cup and followed. “Did you tell him where you lived?” She removed two pillows from her overstuffed chair and took a seat.

“I told him I was staying with you for the time being. He didn’t have to know it was only for a visit and a few nights.”

“Oh, Bren. Now he might come here.”

“Well, you can tell him I moved and turn him away on his cute heels.” She drank half the coffee in her cup. Cory of all people, and on the same day of visiting the cemetery wasn’t what she needed. “It doesn’t matter. Good old Canyon Junction with a mountain named Superstition is too far away for him to bother me…not like he’d want to.”

“I’m not sure. When he hugged you, the expression on his face looked more like sorrow.”

“Don’t tell me anymore, okay?” They hadn’t had a falling out, but parted ways and it was an easy out for both of them. One day without a phone call led to two and then three. A week had gone by, and a month that turned into a year and a half. “We’re completely finished. There’s no going back. Besides, remember the Jase thing? I might have left out some things.”

“I figured. Your smile doesn’t hide much of your feelings.”

“It’s always been a giveaway. Hurts me more than helps, Lacy.” She held her head with both hands. “Which is probably why Jase kissed me.” For having a hangover, she was awful full of blabber. Maybe she was still drunk.

“Oh? This gets better by the minute.”

“Yes, it does. He’s adorable. I shouldn’t say that about a rowdy looking cowboy.” Oh, but she visualized Jase all right. Which led to the dream of being in his arms. Naked. It wasn’t her intention to glance at Lacy, but it was too late.

Lacy set the cup on the table beside her chair. “There’s something going on you aren’t telling me. Spill it.”

“I have a rotten headache. Don’t make me talk right now.” She needed something for the pain so she could get ready. Her head throbbed. “What do you have that will take it away?”

Lacy rose from her chair. “I’ll get you something. You’ll eat breakfast, too.”

Brenna followed her to the kitchen and set her cup in the sink. “Not sure about eating.” She wanted to get to the airport, take a seat and sleep until the plane landed. “I’ll try food I guess. I told Chloe to get some sleep, but I hear them laughing in there. Such a pretty sound.” Brenna mentioned about the two girls coming in this morning.

“They asked for permission to sleep out there last night. I’m surprised you didn’t hear them giggling. I hope they didn’t get into the wine.”

“Not to worry. I got every drop.” Another pang through the temple proved it. She had doubted Chloe about sleeping on the porch. Sometimes she made the situation worse. Brenna vowed to work on the trust issue with her sister.

“I’ll make you and the girls omelets. Get a shower if you’d like. Maybe you’ll feel better.”

“Good idea.” On the way to the bathroom, Brenna knocked on Chloe’s door. It got quiet in her room. “Can I come in?”

Her sister opened the door. “I’m getting ready, Bren.”

“Thank you. Lacy’s fixing breakfast for us.” She swept her hair away from her forehead. “Do I look as bad as I feel?” She expected a sarcastic slam.

“You look tired. Sorry if we kept you awake,” said Chloe.

“I didn’t hear a thing. I’ll be out of the shower soon, but you girls go eat. I’d like to be out of here in two hours.” Brenna removed herself from the doorway, but turned. “I’m sorry for doubting you about the porch.” She padded to the room she slept in and took out the clothes she’d wear, packing what she could until she got out of her pajamas. It also eased her mind that her sister seemed in a pleasant mood. She had to be tense and sorrowful, as well.

***

With a stop in Denver, almost six hours after boarding, their plane taxied down the runway in Phoenix. “It’ll take a while to get used to the heat, Chloe. It’ll be about a hundred plus degrees when we deplane.”

Chloe peered out the window. “We always have summer weather. That parts cool. At least you didn’t cart us off to Alaska.”

Brenna had to laugh. “Thank the good Lord, huh? I doubt I could take that either. Just think, though, Christmas with no snow.”

“It’ll be different.” She frowned at Brenna. “I miss Lauren already.”

“I’m sorry.” Brenna squeezed Chloe’s hand. “One day I hope you’ll understand I want to help, sweetie.”

“I can’t wait to get a ride in your ‘stang.”

“What do you know about calling a Mustang a ‘stang?” That’s what Jase called her car. “Out here you’ll be able to ride a real mustang and I don’t mean a car.” Brenna took a look out the window as they pulled up to the gate. “But we aren’t going home in my car. We have a ride.”

Chloe turned her head in a flurry. “I didn’t know you knew anyone here.”

She pictured Jase and his intense eyes. Nora with her ginger hair, and little Destiny with her curls and waves. “I’ve met a couple people.” In a loving display of affection, Brenna eased a lock of hair behind Chloe’s ear. “Welcome home.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “When will our stuff be here?”

“It’s supposed to be delivered Sunday. We’ll have to rough it for a while. If it gets too uncomfortable, I’ll get us a room at the hotel I stayed in.”

The plane rolled up to the Jetway and Brenna turned to her sister. “This is it. Grab your stuff and let’s get to it. We’re going right to the townhouse. I’ll drop you off and Jase will take me to get my car and my other luggage.”

“Who’s Jase?”

“Someone I met here. He’s picking us up. He has a big truck and our luggage will fit in the back. We’d never get this much into my car.” Brenna and Chloe got up and stepped out into the aisle, getting their carry-on bags from the overhead. When they got into the airport, Chloe pointed out the sign for baggage claim.

“We’ll grab a cart.” Brenna texted Jase. He replied immediately. Forty minutes later Brenna and Chloe made their way to the door. She spotted Jase’s red truck right out front. His timing had been perfect. Her stomach flip-flopped, and she was excited to see him. Her pulse raced and cheeks heated.

Jase stood leaning against his truck. He looked so handsome wearing sunglasses, his black cowboy hat, blue jeans and a brown shirt, his muscles unable to hide under the cotton.

“There’s our ride, Chloe.” She nodded to the truck.

Chloe dropped her backpack from her shoulder, let it fall to the ground, and stopped. She spread her arms out in front of her, fingers splayed. “Are you for real? Really? I mean…Brenna…a cowboy?”

Her face must’ve been glowing because she was so tickled inside at seeing him. “Yes, ma’am. You better get used to this look.” She’d keep it to herself about asking Jase if he was a real cowboy when they met. Brenna could no longer hide the smile because it burst forth and she walked faster. She looked over her shoulder. “Pick up your backpack. Come on.”

Jase pulled the door open. She’d forgotten just how good-looking he was. Adorable and sexy all rolled into one, and maybe tanner than when she’d left. She let go of the cart and went into his arms when he brought her against him. He nuzzled his face into the curve of her shoulder, his warm lips against her neck. He smelled so good, she wanted to crawl inside of him and be a part of it.

She had to pull herself apart from him. Chloe waited outside the door, closer to his truck. Brenna’s cheeks were still warm. “Hi, Jase. Thank you for picking us up.” She blinked once and remembered to breathe. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“You’re not alone, sweetheart. Wow, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Welcome home. Really home. Your place is ready for you.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pushed the luggage cart. “We have to hurry. Security will be after me again. So this is your little sister, huh?”

Brenna took Chloe’s shirt sleeve and pulled her close. “Jase Carlson, I’d like you to meet my little sister, Chloe Page.”

“Hey, dude, nice truck,” said Chloe.

“Nice to meet you, too.” Jase knocked on the side of the truck and the front door opened. A young cowboy came out and took hold of the luggage cart. Jase pulled him over. “Hey, Davy, I want you to meet someone.” He introduced Brenna and Chloe. “Davy works for me and my brother every now and again. He took care of a job in the barn before we left. If you smell anything, it’s him,” Jase teased.

Brenna shuddered. She already knew Jase smelled freaking fine and couldn’t wait to get back into his arms, against that broad chest for another whiff.

Davy removed his hat and ran his fingers through a headful of damp, longish blond hair hanging in his face. The cut looked like it was supposed to be that way. He had chocolate brown eyes with dark brown eyelashes, and he was tall.
They sure grow these guys tall around here
.

“Nice to meet you, ladies.” Davy reached for Chloe’s hand first and then shook Brenna’s. Brenna didn’t miss the way his eyes raked over her little sister. She’d have to get used to it, she supposed. But he was a little old for her.

With her pale blonde hair and big blue eyes, petite little body, she attracted attention from older guys. She had no idea who Chloe got the pouty lips and perfectly shaped nose with a scattering of freckles from. Brenna had been gifted with more pale blue eyes, and with the same color of hair, but it turned a little darker as she got older. For now, she’d be keeping an eye on her baby sis, and the way this
Davy
guy looked at her.

“Come on, let’s get this loaded before they tow my truck away.”

When finished, Davy held the back door for Chloe. “After you, ma’am.”

Chloe glared at Brenna before getting in.

Jase wrapped his arm around Brenna’s waist and opened the front door. “Have a seat, darlin’.” He moved toward her before she got in. “I can’t wait to get you alone,” he whispered. His hand remained on her waist. “Can’t wait.”

“Mmm, calm down, boy. I missed you, too.” Brenna winked, but before she had a chance to turn and step up, he wrapped his fingers around her arm, drawing her close.

“I’m glad to hear you missed me, too, but let’s get something straight—don’t make a habit of calling me a boy.” He whispered into her ear, sending chill bumps over her heated skin. “I’m
all
man.” He moistened his lips with his tongue in a very slow manner. She got into his truck.

Brenna faced forward with her cheeks on fire, not knowing why because she didn’t blush like that, and yes, she was unable to continue watching his seductive act. What a handful he was going to be. “How’s the new horse doing?” she asked when he got in.

Chloe leaned forward and put her hand on Brenna’s shoulder. “Horse?
How
long do we have to be in this truck, Bren?”

Davy butted in. “The dude’s a horse rancher. He has horses.”

“Oh,” said, Chloe, abruptly facing Davy. “That must be what I smell.”

“Probably is, ma’am. We love it,” Davy said, snickering. “We have around fifty minutes. I come to Phoenix a lot. If traffic ain’t bad, we’ll make good time. Are you in a hurry?”