Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2) (33 page)

At the door, he looked toward the bedroom again before stepping out and locking up—convincing himself with one more reminder that it had been real, and her warm skin
had
been naked against his. He’d wear it like armor for when he laid his head on the pillow.

At the table in the kitchen he removed his boots and poured a glass of wine before heading to the office. He lifted the glass to his lips, savoring the taste. He had that under control now and knew he wouldn’t be driven back to over-indulging.

Tomorrow he’d take Brenna out to a nice place for dinner. He’d like to see her dressed up and it wouldn’t hurt him to get out of his jeans.

Sitting in front of the computer at his desk, he took his phone and sent her a text message. An unexpected ring jarred his senses as he hit SUBMIT online to pay a bill for his hay. “Hello, sweetheart…”

“Hi, baby. Dinner out tomorrow? It sounds great. Before long I’ll be heading into my classroom. I’ll be so busy when school starts. So a relaxing dinner with you will be excellent.”

He loved the smoothness of her voice when she was sleepy. It flowed through his psyche like butter over a hot waffle. He closed his eyes and listened, letting it melt into his brain, then… “Brenna?”

“Yes, Jase?”

“I love you, woman. I went back into my trailer and smelled you there. Better’n hay, by the way.” When she laughed he found himself smiling, too. If it was up to him she’d be beside him now, in his kitchen…and bedroom.
Hmm…imagine that
. “And sweetheart, I was reminded of my carelessness. I deeply and sincerely apologize.”

“I thought of it as well. It’s already been done, and not just your fault.” She took a big breath and let it out slowly. “Well, since you brought up my perfume, I just unbuttoned my blouse and you’re all over my skin.”

“It’s not horse smell, is it?” He shook his head in wonderment of how he could be so casual with her.

“About your text… Where will we go for dinner?”

“Somewhere nice. Fancy. You’ve never seen me much out of jeans, but tomorrow you will, doll.”

“Mmm, I can already see you dressed up. It will be nice to do it myself, too.”

“Looking forward to it. Still come over tomorrow and we’ll take a ride…or go buy furniture.” He waited, wondering where that came from. No matter, it was necessary.

“Really? Let’s get furniture!”

“I thought you might like that idea. It’ll be nice to have you with me. Hell, bring the kid. I might end up with a psychedelic chair or something.”

“Does that still exist?”

“In my head sometimes.” He listened to her chuckle and it illuminated his soul. The things she did to his insides surprised even him. Was it new? Something that never happened before, or had he just forgotten? Maybe he
had
experienced this kind of thing in the past, the same joy and love he garnered from this woman now. If pain chased it away, love brought it back, and this was the only one he wanted to remember.

“Jase, you awake?”

“Yeah, I’m contemplating. I can be dangerous to myself when I do that.”

“Well, don’t hurt yourself. Go to bed and dream. That’s
my
answer.”

“Sure thing. Nice to hear your voice before falling out, but I have a few things to take care of here online. I’ll pick you up by noon tomorrow for shopping.” He chuckled to himself, hoping something like that didn’t get out.

“I’m sending a kiss your way. Good night.”

“Bye—”

“Jase?”

“Yeah, what?” He set his elbows on the desk, holding his head with one hand while he pressed the phone closer to his ear to hear her voice, as if he wanted to feel the breath from her whisper.

“We never say bye. Farewell for tonight, my love.” The connection was cut.

Note to self. Don’t say bye.
Jase paid a few more bills, checked his clients’ as well as his own funds and securities. He made a big deposit into his bank account. He sat back and nodded, happy with the way
that
trade came through. Jase stood and stretched before plodding to his bedroom. He stripped to his boxers, pulled the cover down and hit the bed.

Up early to start his day, he would’ve shoved caffeine into his veins, if possible. Last night he slept better than he had in ages. Sitting on the porch step, he took a drink of coffee looking out at the morn—quiet and surreal with the cactuses silhouetted beneath a bronze sky, the sun low—and hot. Closing his eyes, he pictured his son and daughter sleeping at peace in their beds, home here with him. Again, he asked himself,
Will this be the day?
“Please,” he whispered, as he opened his eyes and peered at the clouds.

The sounds from the barn—shovel scraping, hay whooshing as it was being thrown, reminded him to move faster. Max’s truck was parked near the barn door and he was in there mucking out the stalls already. Silas pulled up as he set his cup down. He pulled his shirt on and hiked on over there. “Mornin’, guys. Hot coffee in the house, if you want it.”

“Maybe later, boss,” said Max as he used his pitchfork to shift the hay around in one of the stalls.

He went into Warrior’s stall, put his harness on and took him to the field. When he returned, he did the same with Sugar Plum and Shadow, always spending the walk-time to the field talking to them, mentioning his kid’s names so they didn’t forget. In his mind anyway. Sometimes he wondered about his own sanity at the way he talked to those animals. He’d brush Sugar Plum after cleaning the stalls.

On the way back he went inside his house, washed his hands, and grabbed a bowl of cereal—Raisin Bran today. He stood at the window in the kitchen eating, looking out at the horses running around like a bunch of kids after being cooped up all night. Without finishing, he set the bowl in the sink and went back to the barn to get busy on his chores—cleaning the stalls, mixing nutrients into their food, and helping the hands situate the bales of hay in the loft before moving some to the fields.

“Hey, guys, I need you to run those two new horses to an auction for me, if you don’t mind. One overnighter Wednesday, so it’ll be late by time you finish up at the auction.” He removed his hat and shook out his sweat-laden hair. “Over to Las Cruces again. I hate to ask either of ya to spend a night away from your families, so let me know if it’s a problem.”

“I don’t have a problem,” said Max. “I kinda like coming home the next night.” He chuckled. “One night away and my wife seems happy to have me back. I reap all the benefits.”

Silas nudged him in the arm. “I could take a trip over there to New Mexico. I’ll have my brother stop over at the auction for a visit while I’m there. He lives right close.”

“So no problem?” Jase looked back and forth at them.

They both grinned and said they were happy to go.

He continued with cleaning the stall, but stopped and leaned on the rake handle, removed his hat, and pushed his hair out of his face. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He wiped it off with his sleeve and went into another stall. “I’ll be out late tonight, so if you care to come back later and get the horses fed, I’ll make it worth your while. I mixed up their new batch of supplements, so it’s ready to add to their feed buckets.”

“Is it the blonde, boss?” Silas lifted his hands into the air. “Just saying…”

Jase chuckled and pictured her in his trailer last night. “Yeah, it’s the blonde…” He looked back and forth at the two men. “Shit, I don’t know anymore. One day she wasn’t here and the next day she was.”

Max set a water bucket under the spigot. “Well, friend, it’s nice to see you laugh again.”

Jase stomped his boots off and grabbed a broom. “Don’t go getting all wimpy here. It is what it is. I got nothing else to say.”

“Yes, sir, Jase. Ten four on that.” Max cleared his throat. “Nice hot rod she’s got.” He laughed, and said, “Okay, I’m back to work. Have fun tonight.”

Jase caught his wink as he walked away. “Hey, I’m buying furniture today. Stop in sometime and I’ll give you guys a cold beer on the house.” He glanced at his watch. A little more work to do and he’d have to clean up.

***

He knocked on her door at eleven forty-five and she opened it with a gleam in her eye. She wore white jeans and a pretty, red short-sleeved shirt. “Whew, babe! No wonder you bought a red Mustang. It
is
your color.”

“Thanks.” She gave him a sweet smile. “Look at you. Wow, you look really hot in that black shirt, even if it is buttoned too much.” She made sure to take care of that situation, by unbuttoning the top two. “Better?”

“Absolutely.” He hauled her into his arms, and found her lips to be warm and plump. He wanted more—always wanted more from her. He ran his fingers over the back of her hair. It was so smooth and shiny, worn down and free
.

He lifted a brow and did a full body scan of her standing there, looking like a beauty queen ready to go on stage for their casual-wear show.
Was that even a category?
He only remembered the bikinis. “I’m ready if you are. Where’s the kid?”

“Upstairs. She isn’t coming. Believe it or not, Davy is taking her to your mom’s. I hope she meets some girls.” She took up her purse and lowered her voice. “Tomorrow she wants to go to the marital arts studio we found.” Brenna walked out with him and he held the door, taking full opportunity to check her out as she stepped into his truck. “Oh, baby…you’re such a hottie.”

“What?” she asked.

Speechless. He walked around and got in his side. “You blow me away.” What happened to his
man
because around her he turned into a teenager?

She peered at him and sighed. “About tomorrow. Chloe might not be able to handle it. I’m not even sure I can.” Lowering her eyes, she continued. “That night… My family picked us up from the studio and…well, you know what I’m saying.”

“The accident. Bren, I’m so sorry. Every time you mention it I can’t wrap my brain around what you two went through.” Jase shoved the console up and took her hand from the seat. “Should either of you go?”

Brenna peered out the window. “Is it far to the store?”

“Thirty minute drive. Worth the trip.” She remained looking out the window.
What does she really see?
“They’re known for speedy delivery and maybe I’ll have something to sit on by the weekend.” She didn’t want to answer his question so he simply let it go. “Later, I’ll head back home, finish some chores, and we’ll head to the valley for dinner.”

No matter how anybody looked at her situation, it was difficult. A reminder constantly there. At night he went to sleep with a prayer, hoping to find his kids. She couldn’t do that. He slid his hand around her shoulder. “You know I love you, girl.”

She tilted her face against his hand and he was ready to pull over and wrap her up in his security. “What’s your furniture style?”

Brenna hesitated, apparently still lost in her thoughts.

“I like leather,” he blurted out.

Looking at him, she said, “So do I. Black or white.”

“We’re getting manly black.” Jase wanted to be as far away from the former style—early American, and he never liked it.
But it burned damn good.
“About our trip in two days.”

“Oh, I forgot it was coming up. I planned on getting into my classroom. I’m sorry, I’ll have to work around it.”

“I’m sending my ranch hands instead. It’s already arranged. I’m not in the mood this week.”

“Will it be all right?”

“Yep—I mean—yes, ma’am.
I’m
the boss. I’m not committed to anything and my guys do a great job…as much of a good job as I’d do.” He nodded ahead. “We’re going up there on the left. Yep, leather furniture, the whole deal. Enough to fill up that living room.” Jase flipped on his blinker and moved to the left lane.

***

That evening, he picked her up at six-thirty. Unable to keep his eyes off her in a black dress, a deep ‘V’ showing more cleavage than he ever saw her show. He about made a fool of himself. “Girl, I thought you looked hot earlier. Men will be stumbling over their own feet. You’re sexy.” He twirled a silky tendril around his finger. “I’ve never seen your hair up like this. Nice.” He did another once over, gulping before he even finished his perusal of her magnificent body.
She looks so good. And tanner?

Brenna hugged him and gave a kiss on the cheek. “Your hands are the only ones allowed on me.” She diverted her eyes from his and whispered, “Everywhere.”

Chloe came downstairs at that moment. “Wow, Brenna. I haven’t seen you in a dress since forever. The spray tan turned out great! You look good. Take care of her, Jase.”

“No problem,” he said, winking at Brenna. “We need to go, but, honey, could I make a suggestion?”

Chloe stopped at the bottom of the stairway and she waited with her sister to hear what he had to say. “What is it?” Brenna asked.

He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to smooth out the crease in the back. We’re going to one of the top romantic restaurants in the area, but you might want to wear comfortable shoes.”

“That doesn’t make sense. Do I have to walk there?” She headed to her closet. “How come?”

So many questions.
He was trying to show her a good time. “It’s a rule. Leave it at that.”

“Humph.” Brenna slipped into flats and peered at her sister.

Chloe rolled her eyes and took a seat on the sofa and she opened a box. “I can’t believe I’m about to wear
cowboy
boots. These guys are trying to turn me into a cowgirl, big sis. At least he’s not making
you
wear them.”

Jase glanced at Chloe and took a seat across from her in the chair. “Oh, don’t bet on that. I’ve been after her to get a pair since the first night I…shared an ice cream cone with her.” He turned to Brenna. “Remember that night, doll?” Was that a pink coloring he saw on her cheeks? He never noticed her blush before, but he liked it.

“I remember.” She clasped his hand, pulling him up from the chair. “Don’t we have to leave?”

“Yep.” He turned back to Chloe. “It might take some time to break in those boots. At least you got a good brand.”