“I know. But I don’t see anything wrong with Johnny. We have something in common. We both grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and we’ve both achieved our goals. What do you have against him?”
He’s
sniffing around you.
He couldn’t give that as an answer. “I’ve heard rumors about some wild parties. There’s some police business I can’t talk about. He’s been carrying on with Lydia Deloach for a couple of years. Then he dumped her.”
“Maybe she dumped him.”
“Nope. She’s been moping around town for a couple of months, telling everyone she talks to about how she loves Johnny.”
Jessica turned away and tugged on her reins. Cal released his hold but nudged Olé to keep up with the other horse.
Jessica rode to the edge of Dry Creek, which flowed through Cal’s property. It got its name because each summer it dried up to a small trickle. But now, in October, it was several feet deep with precious water.
She swung down from the saddle and Cal admired her lithe form, her elegant movement, her sexy rear. At that thought he shut his eyes and tried to erase the image.
But he couldn’t. She did have a sexy butt. In fact, every inch of her radiated sexual attraction. That’s why he had to work so hard at protecting her.
Any man who looked at her would immediately think of bedding her. Of unbraiding her black satin hair, spreading it across her bare shoulders, running his hands—Damn it! What was wrong with him today?
He swung out of the saddle, glad to move, hoping his jeans wouldn’t be quite so tight if he managed to get his mind on something other than Jessica.
She knelt and dipped her hand into the clear water, her braid slipping over her shoulder.
“You thirsty? I’ve got a canteen on my saddle,” Cal hurriedly said. As clean as the water looked, he never trusted the purity these days.
“No, I was just...a little warm. I thought I’d cool my face a little.”
Cal stayed back, his mind working frantically for a way to convince Jessica to steer clear of Johnny. That was his goal for today.
“Listen, baby, some men get...physical with a woman when she doesn’t do what he wants. I can’t tell you anything specific, but—”
She stood up and swung around to stare at him. “Johnny? Are you saying—”
“No. I can’t. But he’s not someone you should be hanging around.”
She stepped toward him, still staring at him. “So you’re not warning me because you don’t think I should have a social life. You’re warning me because Johnny specifically is a problem?”
“Yeah.” He didn’t want to examine the relief that filled him when Jessica finally understood.
“Okay. I’ll look for someone else. I thought... I mean, he understood how important it was for me to succeed. He didn’t worry that I was more successful than him. Maybe I overlooked some things, but we’ve just gone out a couple of times, casual dates.”
“What are you talking about? Why was it important for you to succeed? You mean, with the restaurants?” He hadn’t ever considered the fact that Jessica might feel inferior. It couldn’t be that. She was
an incredibly beautiful woman, and she had the sweetest nature.
“Of course with the restaurants. With money. With my life. I wanted to be good enough for...for the Baxters,” she said softly, giving him a rueful smile.
He grabbed her arms, pulling her against him. “What the hell are you talking about? You were always good enough for me. And for my parents!”
“But not for others. The prejudice has lessened now, for everyone, but I was a bastard, a half-breed, from the wrong side of town. I wanted to prove there was more to me than that.”
“Baby, you are a beautiful, intelligent woman. No man would think—”
“Some did. I suffered less than some of the girls, because everyone knew you were my protector.” A half smile flitted across her face. “So I guess I shouldn’t be complaining about your protection. Dam it, I’ve lost my steam, Cal. I came out here determined to tell you to back off and here I am thanking you!”
He smiled at her. “Good.”
She smiled in return, then turned serious. “You’ve been an important part of my life, Cal. But I don’t want to grow old with no husband, no children. That’s why I started dating Johnny. He was willing to go out with me.”
“But you said you wouldn’t keep on—”
“No, I won’t. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to join a nunnery, either.” She pulled herself from his grasp and swung back into the saddle. Then she looked at him again. “Thanks for talking things out
with me. And thanks for all the protection. But I’m a big girl now. It’s time to let go.”
She waited for his response. But he didn’t have anything to say. With a nod, he mounted and turned Olé back toward the barn, assuming she would accompany him.
Holding Red in check for a minute, she put some distance between them. After all, she didn’t want him to hear her heart breaking.
JESSICA GOT TO the restaurant the next day after Mabel had settled at the table they always used. Mabel smiled at her as she sat. “I hope this wasn’t too inconvenient for you, dear.”
“No, of course not. I ran a little late because Alex and I were going over some papers,” Jessica explained.
“Alex? A man?”
“No, don’t you remember? I told you she was a woman, visiting from Dallas, helping me to decide about the sale of my restaurants.”
“Oh, yes. The name threw me.” Mabel frowned, then looked up at Jessica. “Are you going to sell the restaurants?”
Jessica sighed. “I haven’t made my final decision, but I’m leaning that way. My life has gotten too crazy lately, trying to handle all nine restaurants. I don’t have time for a personal life.”
“And that’s why we need to talk,” Mabel insisted. “It’s time you focus on marrying and having babies.”
Jessica bit into her bottom lip. “I’m afraid I don’t have any real prospects for a husband, Mabel. Your
son has made sure of that.” There was Johnny, of course, but Cal had convinced her to drop the man. She hadn’t heard about Lydia or about troubles with the police.
“Not true, dear,” Mabel said firmly.
Jessica’s eyes widened. Mabel had made just such a cryptic remark yesterday. “What are you saying, Mabel?”
“Cal.”
Jessica stared at Mabel and then burst into laughter.
“Oh, please, Mabel, that’s funny, but not an option.”
“Why not? You love him, don’t you?”
Mabel sat back in satisfaction while Jessica sought an answer. It wasn’t easy. Jessica didn’t want to lie.
“I’m fond of Cal, of course, but we’re not...not that close.”
“Close?” Mabel waved a hand to dismiss her response. “Nonsense. It’s more than that. You’re the daughter I never had. I love you and I want you to be the mother of my grandbaby.”
“If I ever have children, Mabel, you know I’d want you to fulfill that role. I love you, too, but—”
“No, they have to be Cal’s children.”
“What are you talking about?”
Mabel twisted her napkin. She’d debated telling Jessica the truth. With a shrug of her shoulders, she said, “You see, we made a bet, ’cause we’re all tired of not having any grandchildren.”
“Who’s ‘we’?”
Mabel named her cohorts in crime. “It’s because those boys all have each other. We need to get just
one of them married. Then the others would do the same.”
“A nice theory,” Jessica said with a rueful smile, “but I don’t think so.”
“No,” Mabel assured her. “Our plan will work. And I’m going to win. That Florence thinks she’s got a plan, but mine is better.”
“What is your plan?”
“It’s simple. You seduce Cal.”
“Mabel!” Jessica stared at her surrogate mother, horror in her eyes.
“Well, of course. I don’t know why you haven’t tried it before.” Mabel frowned, a sudden thought striking her. “Are you a virgin, dear? Is that why you’re so shocked?”
“No. I mean, I’m not—Cal isn’t nearly as modern as you.”
Mabel smiled. “Men never are, especially if we’re talking about their women.”
“I’m not Cal’s woman.”
“Of course you are, Jess, darling. And everyone in town knows that except Cal. Men are so dumb sometimes.” She waved a finger toward Jessica. “So you have to get his attention.”
“I can’t do that,” Jessica whispered.
Mabel gave her a superior smile. “I heard you already had.” When Jessica looked as if she didn’t understand, Mabel made sure she did. “You kissed him right here in this restaurant.”
“A kiss is a lot different from...from what you said.”
“I know. It will be much more effective. If you can, try to get pregnant.”
Jessica stared at the woman she thought she knew, a kind, gentle woman, sedate, conservative. And she had recommended Jessica seduce her son and trap him into marriage with a baby.
She shook her head, her eyes wide. “That would be unfair, Mabel. I can’t trap Cal. If he doesn’t want—”
“Of course he does, sweetheart. He just doesn’t know it. You’re the perfect wife for him. And I love you dearly.”
“Oh, Mabel,” Jessica murmured, tears filling her eyes. “I can’t imagine a more wonderful mother-in-law, but I can’t seduce Cal.”
“Hmm, I suspected as much.” She reached over and patted Jessica’s hand. “Don’t worry, dear. I’ll find a way. You just go along with whatever I figure out. We’ll pull it off.”
Jessica panicked. Who knew what Mabel would do. “No, Mabel, really, don’t try—”
Mabel stood, waving a hand in Jessica’s general direction, as if dismissing her concern.
“But wait, Mabel, we haven’t eaten.”
“Oh, dear girl, I don’t have time for food. I have plans to make. Oh, it’s going to be so wonderful when we’re all really family.”
With a big smile, she walked out of the restaurant, a determined look on her face.
Jessica stared after her, frantic thoughts racing through her head. What would Mabel do? And how would Cal respond?
An even better question was, what was Jessica going to do? She couldn’t follow Mabel’s suggestion.
Could she?
Chapter Four
M
abel didn’t waste any time.
After consulting her calendar and giving her plan considerable thought, she called her son.
“This is Sheriff Baxter,” Cal’s deep voice proclaimed, all business.
“Yes, dear, I know. Do you have any plans for Friday night?”
“Hi, Mom. I don’t know. Why?”
“Don’t be cagey with me. I need you to come to our house that night. It’s important.”
“Why?”
“I’m throwing a surprise party for your father.” She was glad he couldn’t see her triumphant smile. He’d recognize she was lying. But she knew her son. He’d be there for his father.
“A surprise party? Will Dad like that? And what are you celebrating?”
“You father will be delighted. And I’m not telling you what it’s for. It’s a secret. Will you be here?” She held her breath. If her son couldn’t make it, there would be no point to the party.
“Of course I’ll be there. What time?”
“It will start at seven, but you should come a half hour early to help me.”
Her next call was to The Old Cantina. “Is Jessica still there?”
“Yes, ma’am. One minute.”
She repeated her request and received the same response. Suspicion. But, as she’d planned, Jessica, too, capitulated for Ed.
“But, Mabel, about what you said earlier, don’t...don’t try to trick Cal, okay?”
“Trick Cal? Why would I do that?” Her smile widened. “I’ve got to go, dear, but I’ll see you Friday night. Oh, and Jessica, wear something sexy.” She hung up even as Jessica gasped.
Next she called her co-conspirators. She felt so sure her son was going to marry Jessica, she could be big-hearted. Each of them was given carte blanche to invite every single woman they knew. That way Cal wouldn’t suspect Jessica was his personal Waterloo.
He’d stay so busy keeping an eye on her, chasing the other men away from her, that he wouldn’t even notice the other women.
SEVERAL TIMES during the week, Cal wondered about the party his mother was giving. He’d even tried to tease an answer out of her, but she deftly avoided his questions. Even without answers, he would be there for his father. He had been fortunate in his parents. In spite of being wealthy, they’d taught him solid values, encouraged him, and still tried to be there for him even though he was fully grown.
Unlike Jessica’s parents.
Her mother had been wonderful, but her father had married someone else and left her mother stranded and pregnant. He’d explained to Jessica’s mother that he couldn’t marry a Mexican.
Jessica’s mixed parentage had given her a startling beauty, with her dark hair and green eyes. But it had also given her pain.
Another reason Cal needed to protect her.
Though Friday was a busy day, he left the office in plenty of time to shower and change and arrive at six-thirty. His mother hadn’t mentioned Jessica, but he knew she’d be invited. His father would want her there.
Anticipation filled him as he pulled into the driveway of their spacious, elegant house. Since he’d arrived early, there were no cars there yet.
“Mom?” he called as he came through the front door.
“Perfect, dear,” she returned, walking from the kitchen into the foyer. “You’re right on time. I need you to do me a favor. Can you go pick up Jessica? I don’t want her driving home late by herself.”
“Good thinking. Shall I go now? We’ll be back before anyone arrives. Will Dad be suspicious?”
His mother gave him a merry smile, making him frown. “Not at all, dear. And Jessica can help me get ready.”
“Okay.”
As soon as Cal was out the door, Mabel moved to the telephone and dialed a number by memory. “Jessica? Cal just called and offered to pick you up on his way over here.”
“That’s not necessary, Mabel. I’ll drive myself.”
“Oh, dear, I’m sorry, but he’s already left. Do you mind terribly much?”
“It’s not that I mind, Mabel, but it’s too much trouble for Cal. He might have plans for afterward.”
“I’m sure he won’t. But if you don’t want to ride with him, I suppose you can tell him. Only, try not to hurt his feelings.” She waited, her smile widening, as Jessica debated her answer.
“Mabel, I shouldn’t go along with this, because I know what you’re doing. But Cal doesn’t, so I guess I’ll accept a ride this time. But I’m telling Cal. So you’d better stop your shenanigans.”
“Of course, dear. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Stop? She was only getting started.
JESSICA CHECKED HERSELF in the full-length mirror on her closet door. She’d told herself not to do as Mabel asked, but she had. Instead of her usual loose clothing and flowing skirts, she’d bought something new to wear.
A very short, very tight skirt. Red. And a white crinkle top that molded her figure and left her shoulders bare. Then, instead of her usual braid, she was wearing her waist-length hair unfettered. She sprayed a little extra perfume between her breasts and took a deep breath.
Maybe Mabel had a point.
She’d never pushed Cal. She’d always accepted his guardianship, even as it irritated her, and hoped he’d realize she cared for him on his own.
Until she’d kissed him on Saturday.
Even thinking about that few seconds left her
flushed...and wanting more. And tonight she was serving notice. If Cal didn’t want her, maybe she’d attract someone else. It was time to get on with her life.
The doorbell rang.
After taking a deep breath and straightening her shoulders, she walked to her front door, only stopping to pick up her purse and keys on the way. She swung open the door, a nervous smile on her lips.
“You didn’t check to see—” Already in the middle of his lecture, Cal’s gaze slipped below Jessica’s eyes and came to an abrupt halt. “Damn it, Jess, what are you doing?”
She pretended she didn’t know what had caused his outburst. “Going to a party for your dad.”
“I hope
he’s
not the one you’re planning to seduce,” he growled.
She blinked, not expecting the attack. She’d hoped to see admiration. “I beg your pardon?”
Putting his hands around her waist, he picked her up, moved her back out of the doorway, and entered. Then he set her down. “You’d better hurry and change. Mom wants us there early.”
She stared at him. “Change? Why would I do that?”
“Because what you’re wearing is liable to incite riots. The men will all be trying to get close to you, and the women will want to pull your hair out.”
“Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a little bit? My outfit may be a little...flirtatious, but other women dress the same way all the time.” She raised her chin, irritated by his response.
“You’re really going to wear that outfit? Leave your hair loose?”
“What’s wrong with my hair?”
“Hell, there’s nothing wrong with it. But every man there will be thinking about running his fingers through it.” His cheeks flushed and he looked away.
His response encouraged Jessica a little.
“Every
man?”
His head whipped around and he frowned at her. “That’s what I said.”
That answer suited her. She decided it was time to end the discussion before it got out of hand. “We’d better go if we don’t want to be late.” She walked past him out the door.
He was still frowning, but he stepped outside.
She’d intended to tell him about his mom’s plan on the way over, but after his response to her clothing, she decided to await the return trip for her revelation. She could have a little fun first.
CAL COULD HARDLY KEEP his eyes on the road.
Jessica’s skirt left a mile of tanned legs visible to his eyes. And that blouse was no better, baring her shoulders, dipping slightly between her breasts, letting a man’s imagination work overtime.
“Where did you buy those clothes?”
“Why? You want to shop for your girlfriend?” she asked as if the idea didn’t bother her.
He swallowed, his mouth dry. “No! But I don’t think—I mean, it’s not a good idea to dress so suggestively. Some men might get the wrong idea.”
She gave a heavy sigh, as if disturbed. “But not you.”
“What? Of course not! I know that you’re not that kind of woman.” He pressed his lips together, hoping to distract himself from the urge to trace hot kisses over those soft shoulders.
She rolled her eyes and looked out the truck window.
She’d been doing that a lot lately, as if he just didn’t get it. Whatever it was.
They didn’t have far to go, since Cactus was a small town. He couldn’t think of anything else to say before he pulled into the driveway. “Look, I’ll keep an eye on you tonight. If you get in trouble, give me a look.”
“What kind of trouble do you think I’ll get into?”
She couldn’t be that naive. “You know what kind of trouble.”
She leaned toward him. “You mean, someone might want to kiss me?”
Her soft red lips were only a couple of inches away. Did she know how much she tempted him? Maybe he should kiss her, let her know firsthand what he meant. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he acted on it.
He’d meant to kiss her gently, but hunger burgeoned like a sudden spring storm and he pulled her against him, his lips pressing hers, pleading for entry.
She opened to him at once, her arms stealing around his neck, her breasts pressing against his chest. He came up for air at some point, he wasn’t sure how long, but slanted his lips over hers again. His hands slipped beneath the top of her blouse, eagerly seeking the soft breasts that tormented him.
Someone banged on the window of Cal’s door, and they both jumped apart.
“Damn!” Cal muttered. He looked over his shoulder to discover Spence standing there, grinning. Cal opened his door and stepped out. “Forget what you saw.”
“Is that an order from the sheriff?” Spence asked softly.
Cal didn’t hesitate. “No, that’s a request from a friend. That shouldn’t have happened.”
Spence smiled. “I’ll forget it, but if you’re not planning on advertising it to the world, you’d better remove that red lipstick from your face.”
With a groan, Cal whipped a white handkerchief from his khakis and scrubbed his lips while he moved around the truck to open Jessica’s door, to see if she was okay.
And still speaking to him.
“Baby, we’ll just pretend that didn’t happen. I wanted to show you what could happen, but it... Well, things got out of hand. I apologize.”
She sat still, not looking at him. “You want to forget it happened?”
“Yeah. It was a warning, nothing else.”
“A warning.” Still she didn’t move, nor look at him.
“Yeah. Are you going to get out?” He reached in to grab her around the waist and set her on the ground. After all, his truck was high up, and she’d revealed a lot of leg when she’d gotten in.
“Don’t touch me!”
He frowned. “Are you mad at me?”
“No. But I can get out on my own.”
She did, and though he enjoyed the way her skirt slipped up, he chastised himself for his appreciation. Clearing his throat, he added, “Spence won’t say anything.”
“Good.” Without looking at him, she hurried to the front door of his parents’ house.
What was wrong with her? He’d apologized. True, he’d gotten carried away, but Spence’s arrival had taken care of that problem. If he hadn’t arrived when he had, Cal knew he’d have pulled that blouse down and made love to her breasts until she’d cried for mercy.
The thought of what he’d wanted to do caused a reaction that he wouldn’t be able to hide if he went in the house now. He took a deep breath and tried to think of other things, like changing the oil in his truck. He’d been needing to do that. Or calling the vet to discuss his bull. Old Toro didn’t seem to be feeling good lately.
Probably had too many cows to service.
Damn! That didn’t help. His mind immediately flew to Jessica. Tuck’s comment about getting Jessica pregnant popped into his head. He closed his eyes, hoping inspiration would hit him to erase those pictures.
“You sleepwalking, Cal?” Tuck called.
Cal was on the far side of his truck, with it between him and his friend. “Trying to get rid of a headache.”
“Rough day?”
“So-so. Glad to see you. I assumed Mom would invite everyone, but since it’s a party for Dad, I wasn’t sure.”
Tuck grinned. “Yeah. Are you going in?”
“Sure. I was supposed to get here early, but I got...sidetracked. If I come in with you, I won’t get in any trouble.”