His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) (6 page)

“How’s that going?” Allie questioned with genuine concern.

“It’s getting better. Jeremy actually had the idea to spend the weekend with Cody, believe it or not.”

“That’s good. Cody must’ve been ecstatic to see him.”

“Yes, but I worry about the hero-worship he has toward his dad. Cody sees him through rose-colored glasses: his dad the rodeo star. I just hope Jeremy doesn’t let him down. I can’t make his excuses forever.”

“So what will you do with your childless weekend?”

Now it was Lanie’s turn to blush. “I have a date,” she confided sheepishly.

“Lanie! How could you been in here for ten whole minutes and not tell me this!”  Allie put her hands on her hips and gave Lanie the sternest look she could conjure, before grinning from ear to ear. 

“Excuse me, but a secret marriage takes priority over a measly date,” Lanie defended herself, smiling.

“Who’s the lucky man?”

“Clayton Holmes.”

“Wait, the Clayton Holmes who hit your truck last week and you swore was
‘the most pompous jerk-face in the state of Wyoming?’
How’d you go from that to a date?”

“He stopped by Wednesday, to make sure everything was good with the insurance claim and to ask if he could help in anyway.  We got to talking and he apologized for his behavior that day; especially since it was his fault. One thing led to another and he asked me out.   Everyone deserves a second chance,” Lanie said.

“That’s right,” Allie agreed. Goodness knew she’d had plenty of second chances in her life. “I hate to cut this short, but I have to get these out to the front desk and check on some things before people start arriving.”

“I have to go too. The Anderson’s signed up for a trail ride and I’m leading it.”

“Have fun tonight. I better hear about it tomorrow,” Allie said.

“Of course,” Lanie replied with a wink. “Have a good one,” she said and left the room. 

A few hours later, Allie had all the new guests check-in and registered. Her patience was tried when she had to remain calm and tell Mr. Jensen that all rooms were no smoking. He’d deliberately defied her and lit one up in his room. The smell lingered through the halls and he’d gotten an attitude with her when she confronted him about the breach of rules. All guests were indulged as much as possible, but the no-smoking rule was non-negotiable. For the safety of all guests and their surroundings, smoking was only allowed in designated areas outside.

At a good stopping point, she went to the dining room for lunch. During the week, almost everyone joined together at the tables for a group lunch, but, on weekends, Cook set out a buffet style meal so people could come and go as they pleased. She bypassed the hot foods and grabbed several sandwiches.  Jase had been on her mind all morning, and she decided to surprise him by taking lunch out.  With any luck, seeing him now would get him out of her mind for the rest of the afternoon so she could regain focus.

***

Lightning had a good morning.  By next week, Jase was confident he’d be able to take him out of the arena and onto a trail, putting his training to a real test.   He’d untacked him and was brushing his sleek chestnut coat.  Many a horse had caught his eye, but there was something about this one that called out to him, begged him to give him a chance.  He’d prove to his father that purchasing Lightning was a good decision. With the grooming done, he led the stallion back to his stall and Lightning whinnied. 

“I know, boy, you’d rather be outside too.” He stroked the horse’s mane. “I feel your pain; but once you start cooperating more, you’ll be allowed out to pasture with the others.”

Too bad he couldn’t stay out all day; he really did sympathize with Lightning, but he’d been putting off the administrative tasks all week.   The stable exit was only a few feet away when someone blocked his path.  Stifling a groan, he tried to move around Lexie, but the fake blond was quick and determined.

“What’s wrong cowboy? Aren’t you glad to see me?” she purred, her overly exposed breasts heaving.

“Don’t you have some task in the house?” he asked, trying hard to keep calm. Of all the people he didn’t want to see, Lexie was at the top of his list. His patience was worn through with her unwanted advances. Her desperation sickened him and every time she laid one of those ridiculously manicured nails on him, he wanted to cringe. Whoever heard of jewels glued on nails, especially working out here? Completely ridiculous and a waste of good money.

“My work’s all done for the day. I thought maybe I’d come out here and keep you some company,” she said, in what he assumed was supposed to be a seductive tone.

“I was just on my way out. Have a good day,” he told her, tipping his hat and taking his leave.

Before he made it out, she grabbed his arm, catching him by surprise and spun him around.

“What the hell are you doing?” he snapped, finally losing his cool.

“This,” she breathed and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her mouth to his. Her breath smelled of alcohol and mint, like she’d just used mouthwash. His stomach churned and he reached to push her away.

“Get your lips off my husband,” a voice bellowed before Jase could yell himself.

“Your what?” Lexie released him like a hot coal and backed away.

“You heard me. My
husband
. And if you still want a job Ms. Daniels, I suggest you get back to the lodge and finish your work immediately.  Mrs. Allen informed this morning her linens need to be refreshed.  Please take care of that and see to your given tasks before pawing someone’s spouse,” Allie barked.  Her eyes darkened, flashing with anger.

“I...I’m sorry Ms. Tyndale,” Lexie stammered. “I had no idea.”

Allie continued glowering, standing with her arms crossed. “Just go,” she spat out.

Lexie scurried out the door, her head hung in shame, looking properly chastised.

“Thanks for the rescue,” he said, still partially shocked by what just happened.

“I can’t believe you.  Three months, Jase, that’s all I asked. You couldn’t even last two weeks before sneaking off with some floozy,” Allie yelled.

“You asked a hell of a lot more than that,” he growled, taken aback by her accusations.  Of all the times she’d ticked him off over the years, this about took the cake. It was more infuriating then calling their marriage a mistake; this time she attacked his honor. A headache was forming- a headache by the name of Allie.

“How are we supposed to project a real marriage if you’re in here kissing whatever tramp passes through? Where else would it have led?” Allie spoke bitterly, her arms uncrossing and flying upward, ignoring his defense.

“If you would stop shouting for one second and think you would realize it’s not what you’re imagining it to be.”

“I guess that will give us an easy out for when the three months is up,” she continued, still disregarding anything he said. “Picture the headlines of the gossip column- ‘Perfect Jase Callahan finally screws up- ruins marriage.’  Forget dinner- you can go find Lexie Pouty Lips if you want company. And here’s your lunch,” she finished, throwing a sandwich at him.

Enough was enough. Their eyes met and he refused to flinch under her glare. He took hold of her arms and brought them back down to her side. His thumb and forefinger encircled her wrists, holding them in place. Her reaction to his touch was evident and the fight was leaving her, but he’d have his say.

“Let’s get one thing straight. Despite what you think, I don’t take those vows lightly.  Sham or not, I promised to be faithful to you and that’s what I’ll be.  I’m not perfect- why you keep saying that, I don’t know, but don’t ever attack my honor again.”

“You really expect me to believe you weren’t a willing participant in that kiss?” Allie argued.

Hell, she was impossible. He released her wrists, only to move his hands behind her head and bring her to him. Pressing their lips together, he kissed her until he felt the last bit of hesitation flee her. And then he kept kissing her until she responded, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling them even closer. Lost in the softness of her caress, he cursed this passing marriage. Knowing they couldn’t take it further, he reluctantly stepped back, dazed and unsteady.

“Look at me closely, Allie. Listen to my voice,” he demanded huskily. “This is a man who was just engaged in a kiss he wished to be a part of, to a woman he wanted. Does that answer your question?”

When Allie didn’t respond, he stooped to pick up his hat that had fallen off sometime during the kiss.  Replacing it, he gave her one last look.  “I’ll see you tonight at
our
home for dinner,” he told her and exited the stables, leaving Allie behind him.

Papers were stacked on his desk. Various memos were scattered around, reminding him of phone calls to return. None of that mattered to him at this particular moment. He could kick himself for kissing Allie and not because it was out of anger. The taste of her ignited a heat that couldn’t be cooled. What if he was wrong? What if that wasn’t love he saw when Allie looked at him and just a physical reaction when they touched? And, what if, at the end of three months, they went their separate ways? Everything in his life would change at that point. He’d take the job at the Triple M- after that kiss, any thought he’d had of remaining at Whispering Winds evaporated. If Allie hadn’t changed her mind in three months, he’d be off to South Dakota.

The doubts that surrounded him, irritated him to no end.  This wasn’t him.  All his life he’d made decisions and went with them.  He’d always been a firm believer that life had a way of working out the kinks, but this time he wasn’t so sure.  Pent up frustration continued to build, giving his body too much energy to remain sitting behind a desk.  It was the weekend, anyway any e-mail replies probably wouldn’t be seen until Monday anyway.

Standing up, he went to look out the window. The view of the stony mountains jutting upward into jagged peaks had always had a soothing effect on him, but not today. Damn it, how could she think he’d ever cheat? That’s what all this really boiled down to. He might not admit it to another living soul, but she’d thought the worst of him and that was a slap in his face. After years of friendship and trust, how could she have thought something so low of him? It stung his soul. His fist slammed into the wall. He needed a beer. Or two. Or three.

***

Allie massaged her temples hoping to alleviate the pain behind her eyes.  Nothing had gone right the entire afternoon.  Mr. Jensen was caught lighting up, again, in multiple non-designated areas, a last minute cancellation for a party to arrive tomorrow and, oh yes, that whole episode with Jase. What a nightmare.  

Involuntarily, her fingers brushed against her lips, remembering the kiss in the stables.  It was their most intimate contact since the impromptu wedding night and her body was left aroused and unsatisfied.  What twisted fate made her fervently desire her husband when she couldn’t have him?  Today was just proof that Jase wasn’t the type to settle down.

Despite his protestations, she found it hard to believe him. What red-blooded man wouldn’t take what Lexie offered? She had the figure every man lusted after; perfectly toned-legs that went on for miles, perfectly rounded breasts and natural bedroom eyes. And she was never without her fancy manicure. Allie looked down at her own hands; chipped polish covered nails that needed a good file down. She’d never given much thought to them before, but now she felt inferior for her lack of femininity. So much so that had she not had an appointment coming up to get them done for Missy’s wedding, she would have made one for her next day off.

Another knock on the door.  Would this day ever end?  ”Please let this be something simple,” she muttered under her breath.  She trudged over to the door, grudgingly opening it. 
Could this day get worse?
  All professionalism thrown out, Allie started to close the door back.  She was in no mood to deal with Lexie after what happened.

“Please, Ms. Tyndale, er Callahan.  Can I talk to you for a minute?” Lexie looked defeated and that threw Allie off.  It was the last thing she’d expected from the home wrecker.

“Come in,” she invited unhappily.

“I won’t be long.  I just wanted to apologize for earlier.  If I’d have known Jase was married, I’d never have been there with him.  I know what people say about me and most of it’s true, but I’d never knowingly go after a married man.” Lexie stood there, wringing her hands.

“Apology accepted.  And it’s not entirely your fault.  Jase was there also,” Allie lamented.

“Oh no, ma’am.  Jase is completely innocent.  Believe me, it was all me going after him.  He was trying to get away, but I thought he was playing hard to get,” Lexie confessed.

“Oh.”  She might as well have been kicked in the stomach; Jase was telling the truth.  She hadn’t believed him.  Jealousy had turned her so green, she hadn’t seen reality.

“I, um, I hope this incident doesn’t affect my job here; I swear I will never go near Jase again. The truth is, I really need the money.  My little brother is in the hospital, in Laramie; since our mom passed, I’m all he has.  So few places offer health insurance and I desperately need it for Rylan.”

Allie stopped to consider Lexie’s words. This was a side of her she’d never seen, nor suspected. “Your job will be here as long as you continue performing your duties to our standards.”

“Thank you,” Lexie answered, visibly relieved. She extended her arm as an olive branch.

Allie accepted it, shaking it, catching sight of her newest purple shade. Hmm. “Lexie, this isn’t my business, but if money is tight, how are you always getting your nails done.”

The other woman’s lips contorted, a wave of wistfulness washing over her face before answering. “I do them myself. Before Rylan got sick, I was in school for cosmetology, but had to drop out when he was hospitalized.”

“I’m sorry,” Allie offered, with a genuine expression of sympathy; remorseful of her judgment. “I can imagine that was difficult.”

“It wasn’t easy, but I’ll do what I need to see him get better.” She shifted awkwardly. “I better get going. Again, I’m genuinely sorry about earlier.”