Second Chance Cowboy (4 page)

“Please, Trey, tell me. Is he okay?”

“He’s fine.” His voice was quiet, but firm, and he offered no explanation as to Matt’s whereabouts.

Sabrina waited, not wanting to appear overeager. Finally, unable to resist, she asked, “If you know what happened between him and my father, I wish you would tell me.”

“Sabrina, it’s not my place to get involved. That’s between your father and Matt. I can only tell you he’s okay. ”

“Then tell him I want to talk to him,” Sabrina pleaded.

“If I see him.” Trey’s voice was cool. Yet he had agreed to tell Matt. If only she could get him to confide in her.

Trey pulled Sabrina in closer. She could feel his legs brush up against hers occasionally. Uncomfortable, she moved her arm in between them, anxious for the dance to end.

“You know I could bring a lunch over on Friday and we could go out to the pond on your place,” Trey invited.

Sabrina frowned. Trey was not someone she wanted to encourage or even spend a whole afternoon with. Yet, the thought of Trey possibly knowing Matt’s whereabouts made her decision.

“Okay, I’ll go.” She was probably going to regret this outing. “But if you see my brother, please tell Matt that I would like to talk to him.”

When the dance ended, Trey returned Sabrina to her chair. “I’ll be back. Save me another dance for later.”

“Sure, Trey,” Sabrina acknowledged, relieved the dance was over, exasperated, she had received so little information.

From the corner of the room Patrick watched Sabrina dance with different men. Her dress occasionally came up to show a slim ankle and the promise of her shapely legs. He remembered from the pond how tiny her waist was and how her legs stretched on into forever. Most of all he remembered the feel of her in his arms when he kissed her.

She looked exceptional tonight, and he watched one man after another claim her for a dance. She flirted and smiled at all of them, giving no man any special attention. A slow anger started to build inside him, though he acknowledged he had no right to feel the way he did.

Damn her anyway! If the trial hadn’t separated them, they would have been married by now. She should have been his, and would have been, except for Matt. And even now it seemed Matt hadn’t learned his lesson. He was in trouble again.

Trey Jarvis was dancing with her again; holding her in his arms, dancing to a waltz. He held her closer than Patrick thought was appropriate, but it was not his place to say anything. Patrick tried to appear disinterested, but when Trey danced her out the barn door into the night air he couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Damn!” he exclaimed. Where was Jed? Patrick looked around and saw him preoccupied in the corner of the barn talking to a group of men. Angrily, Patrick headed toward the opening of the barn. Sabrina was not his responsibility, but he couldn’t let anything happen to her, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

“
T
rey
, why did you bring me outside?”

“I wanted to show you my new horse.” Trey tugged on Sabrina’s hand, urging her to follow him to the corral.

“I think we should go back inside,” Sabrina replied anxiously.

He pulled her past the barn to the corral. “I want to show you my horse Cactus Jack. Ain’t he a beauty?” His voice was low and seductive. “Just like you.” His arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her to him.

“Trey, you’re overstepping your bounds,” Sabrina informed him nervously.

“No. I’ve wanted to do this all night. Hell, I wanted to do this two years ago.” His mouth came crashing down on hers.

Stunned, Sabrina simply stood there until a shiver of cold revulsion swept through her. Trey forced her mouth open and his tongue invaded, leaving Sabrina queasy.

Raising her leg to give him a swift kick, she heard a sarcastic voice call.

“I’ve heard of women not liking to dance with me, but I’ve never seen one go to the extremes you have, Sabrina.” Patrick’s voice was mocking. “You promised me the last dance and now I find you out here cavorting with trash.”

Sabrina pushed away from Trey, but he still held her by the arm. For once she was glad to hear Patrick’s voice. . . even if it meant facing his displeasure, because he was clearly angry.

Trey tensed and then reluctantly released Sabrina. “Be careful, Mr. Ranger, whom you call trash, unless you want to see the wrong end of my gun. Your timing’s really lousy.”

Patrick’s voice was heavy with sarcasm, “My timing was perfect. And anytime you want to try out that slow trigger finger of yours, I’ll be glad to oblige you.”

Patrick grabbed Sabrina by the arm. “Let’s go.”

He proceeded to march her back toward the barn, hostility radiating from him. Walking back into the barn, Sabrina heard them announce the last waltz of the evening.

“Just what in the hell were you doing outside with him?” Patrick hissed as he swept her out on the dance floor.

She spoke in a low voice, taut with anger. “He took me out before I could object”

“I didn’t see you protesting.”

“I didn’t expect him to kiss me.”

“What were you expecting, then? That’s usually why a man takes a woman outside at a dance, to see what he can get from her.” His voice lashed out coldly.

“Patrick!” Sabrina exclaimed. Why was she feeling guilty? She hadn’t wanted Trey to kiss her. “He told me he had something to show me.”

His laugh raked her like fingernails across a chalkboard. “I’ll bet he did. You may be old enough to go outside with a man, but I’d be a little choosier if I were you.” Patrick’s voice became low, almost seductive. “Anytime you want a man to take you outside, tell me. I’ll be glad to show you what it’s all about.”

Sabrina gasped and felt the heat start up in her face. Her feet came to an immediate halt, refusing to budge. She knew she was probably making a spectacle of herself, but didn’t care.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I wouldn’t let you show me how to kiss my dog. I can dance with or kiss any man I choose to, and don’t you forget it. Good night, Mr. Shand.”

T
he next morning
, Jed listened quietly to the men drinking coffee in Carson’s barn. These men were struggling ranchers just like him. Fighting the weather, the water shortage and the rustlers, attempting to make living selling cattle.

Carson walked toward him with a purposeful stride. He had wanted the Big C for as long as Jed could remember. Ample water and lush green pastures made the Big C one of the best spreads in the area for raising cattle. Everyone knew Carson wanted to expand the Cactus Spread and make it the finest ranch in west Texas. Jed didn’t trust Carson’s means of obtaining the land necessary to make the Cactus Spread the ranch of his dreams, especially with the Big C bordering one side.

“Jed, could I have a word with you in my office?”

“All right.”
This must be about Matt,
Jed thought as he followed Carson out of the barn. He had not seen or heard from his son since that awful night. He worried about Matt, wondered about him, but didn’t know where he was.

Jed walked into Carson’s office. His eyes took in the rich furnishings, the cattle baron atmosphere. All the man needed was the land to complete his kingdom; his palace was ready. With a disapproving frown, Jed said, “You do quite well selling cattle.”

“Thanks. Have a chair.” Carson sat behind a large oak desk that couldn’t have come from West Texas. The furniture was a rich mahogany and Jed guessed it had been shipped from New York. The atmosphere was rich, pretentious, and Jed felt like a guttersnipe in a library.

Carson cleared his throat. “Jed, I’ve never felt that we’ve been friends, yet we haven’t been enemies either.”

Jed nodded his head. Carson would have to tell him what it was he wanted before he would comment.

“Last night I realized what an asset your daughter would be to my son.” Carson paused before he continued. “Trey needs a wife that would be an elegant hostess for the Cactus Spread that will help him in his future endeavors. I think Sabrina would be perfect.”

Clenching his fists in his lap, Jed kept them just out of Carson’s sight. “That’s not up to us, Carson. That’s between the kids.”

“Then you wouldn’t object to a union between Trey and Sabrina?”

“Oh, I would object, but it’s up to Sabrina.”

Carson scowled at Jed. “Why?”

“I don’t like your son. I don’t like you.” Jed watched as Carson bristled at his words.

“You know Matt is working for me.”

How could words cause your heart to stop for just a second, then speed up? Why was he surprised? Matt owed the man money and was being forced to pay it back. This was the consequence of his actions. Still, that didn’t give Jed any feeling of satisfaction.

“No. I knew he owed you money.” Jed ran his hands through his hair.

“If Sabrina married Trey, she’d be marrying into the family. Matt would no longer owe me any money and I would save your ranch. It is common knowledge you’re about to lose it, Jed.”

Jed felt his face go up in flames as anger bubbled through his veins. He would never sacrifice his daughter to pay off Matt’s loan and to save the Big C. He would rather lose the ranch than give his daughter to this man’s son.

His jaw tensed visibly and Jed glared at the man. “I don’t know how this rumor got started, but I am not about to lose the ranch. Once I sell my cattle, I’ll be able to pay off the loan.”

Carson held up his hand. “The bank has already given you an extension once and won’t do so again. I’m offering to buy your ranch and let you live on it and work for me. . . when Sabrina and Trey marry.”

Jed stood up. His voice was firm, final. “The ranch is not for sale, to you or anybody else. The loan will be paid off. As for Matt, he’s learning a hard lesson.”

“Then you’re refusing my offer. Your daughter for your son and your ranch.”

Jed glared at Carson. This was his daughter’s happiness; the man wanted him to bargain with her life. “My daughter is not something that can be haggled over. I hope to God, she never marries your son, because I will always remember this conversation and it will sicken me.”

“I’d hoped this would be a friendly takeover.” Carson paused and flicked the tip of his cigar. “When the bank forecloses on your loan, I’ll be there to buy your land. I’m going to get the Big C.”

Jed ignored the insult, concentrating on suppressing his rage. He gritted out between his teeth, “You’ll rot in hell before I sell you my land or give you my daughter,” Jed glowered at Carson. “You’ll excuse me if I skip the rest of your party. I have a cattle drive to prepare for.”

I
f Carson was so
intent on Trey’s marrying Sabrina, then maybe it was time for Jed to look out for the welfare of his daughter. If only those two pigheaded fools would realize they were meant for each other.

He’d never interfered in his children’s romantic affairs before, but maybe it was time for him to start. He’d insist Sabrina, stay at the party while he headed for the ranch. If Patrick would bring her home, it would be a good time for them to get reacquainted. Next week he would invite Patrick to supper. . . .

When Jed reached the barn, he found Patrick inside. “Leaving so soon?”

“No, I was just out checking on my horse,” Patrick replied.

“I need to get back to the ranch. Sabrina is having a good time and I don’t want to drag her away from the fun. Would you mind seeing her and Maria home later this afternoon?”

Jed watched Patrick’s eyebrows draw together into a frown. “I don’t mind, but you’d better okay it with her. She was pretty upset with me last night.”

Jed grinned at the young man. He had witnessed Patrick following Sabrina and Trey out of the barn last night at the dance. He had been about to go after her himself when he saw Patrick storm out after the couple. Not only had it warmed his soul, but he had been laughing all evening at the couple as they had tried to ignore each other. It was obvious to him, they still cared about one another, and with a little encouragement, maybe he’d be getting the son-in-law he wanted.

“I saw you two dancing last night. What’s the matter? Did you step on her toes?”

Patrick laughed. “No, but she is one stubborn lady.”

“She’s just like her mother, strong willed. I’ll tell Sabrina I’m leaving and you’re taking her home.”

“Don’t expect her to like it”

“She’ll be fine. Watch over my girl, Patrick.”

“Sure, Jed.”

Jed found Sabrina in the kitchen, helping with the dishes. “Sabrina, I need to get back to the ranch. Patrick has agreed to see you and Maria home.”

“No, Dad. I’ll come home with you.”

“I would rather you stayed, Sabrina. The wagon will only slow me down and I’m in a hurry. Besides, you haven’t visited with these people in a long time and it’ll be a while before you get another chance.”

“Why can’t one of the boys stay and escort me home? It’s not necessary to trouble Patrick.”

“I need the boys to go back with me.” Jed kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you at home.”

T
he late afternoon
sun shone brightly over the circular drive of the Cactus Spread. The old wagon came into view as Patrick drove the creaky rig up beside the porch. All day they had avoided each other. Neither of them had spoken and now they had another long drive home together. At least Maria would be there to ease the tension.

Patrick came around and loaded their trunks. He lifted Maria into the wagon and came around for Sabrina. Quickly she climbed up into the wagon and picked up the reins, leaving an amused Patrick looking up at her.

“Move over, Sabrina. I’m driving the wagon.” Patrick crossed his arms across his chest and patiently looked up at her. His brown eyes twinkled with amusement. Her heart did a little flip-flop as she looked at him, but her pride refused to let him taunt her. He had treated her dreadfully last night and she was still smarting.

She sent a knowing gaze at his horse, then at Patrick. “Is there something wrong with your horse?”

“No.”

“I am quite capable of driving our wagon. You can ride your horse.” Sabrina turned back, dismissing Patrick, until she felt the wagon shift. He lifted his body into the wagon.

“You can either move over or I’m going to sit on you. Which do you prefer?” Patrick asked as he climbed into the wagon.

“You are so rude,” Sabrina hissed as she slid over next to Maria in the wagon seat.

Patrick gave her a stunning smile, his brown eyes glittering with amusement. “You should know by now that I never claimed to be a gentleman, but then, you aren’t much of a lady, either.”

Sabrina turned her nose up and settled her skirts so that nothing touched him.

Patrick shook his head and spoke aloud. “It’s going to be a long ride home.”

“You can say that again,” Sabrina snapped as she watched Patrick flick the reins and the wagon began to move. The sway of the wagon made it impossible to keep from touching somewhere.

Sabrina felt his leg and shoulder bump against hers. Two hours to the ranch, two hours of swaying and rubbing against him. She moved as close to Maria as she could without pushing the poor woman off the wagon seat, however, the next time the wagon hit a bump on the trail, she was thrown up against Patrick again. Moved by the intensity of feeling that one touch aroused in her, she sat up straight, stiff, trying not to have any contact with him.

Patrick groaned inwardly as his thigh rubbed up against hers. He remembered how her legs had looked the day he had found her by the pond, all that creamy white skin aching to be touched.

Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea after all. He could have been riding his horse instead of sitting here beside her, touching her, being tormented by her. A part of his brain begged him to hit another bump in the road so he could feel her soft body up against his, but another part begged,
no more.
That part was beginning to ache and they were a long way from the Big C.

They rode along, no one speaking. Patrick sat awkwardly beside Sabrina. This was ridiculous. She was affecting him as if he were still a green-eyed schoolboy. He couldn’t recall another woman who made him feel this way.

“Look up ahead. Buzzards.” Sabrina pointed a long trim finger up toward the sky.

Feeling uneasy Patrick looked around, alert to the smallest change in the scenery. Reaching under the wagon seat, he pulled out the rifle he’d placed there before they’d left the ranch.

Maria, who had been dozing quietly, looked up.
“Madre de Dios!
Those things are ugly.”

“Ladies, we’re headed straight toward those birds.” Patrick grimaced as he kept watch on the countryside. He had learned long ago to pay attention to his instincts and he had an uneasy feeling right now.

“It’s probably just a dead cow,” Sabrina replied apprehensively.

The wagon creaked and groaned as the wheels rolled into a ravine. Patrick couldn’t help but consider it was an ideal place for an ambush. Soft sand slowed down the wagon, causing the wheels to slip and slide. The squawk of a buzzard drew Patrick’s attention to the dead horses.

“Oh, God!” cried Sabrina. “Those are Will’s and Ed’s horses.”

Sprawled in the sand next to their horses were the bloody bodies of Will and Ed. Sabrina scrambled out of the wagon before Patrick could bring it to a complete halt or set the brake. She ran across the sand, and he knew the moment she found her father. An eerie half cry, half-moan escaped her lips like the wail of a wounded animal. Patrick watched as she sank to the ground.

He jumped down and ran toward her with the gun in his hand, alert that whoever had killed the men might still be around, waiting for them. Maria shuffled along as fast as she could behind Patrick.

Patrick knelt down beside Sabrina. She looked up at him with glazed eyes. Tears began to run down her cheeks. “He’s dead,” she choked.

Reaching for a pulse, Patrick felt the cold body of the man who had always been his friend. A gunshot wound to Jed’s shoulder and chest had ended his life. An overwhelming sense of loss and anger began to build inside Patrick.

He looked at Sabrina’s stricken face. “I have to check the other bodies.”

She didn’t even look up at Patrick, but merely nodded her head in agreement while stroking her father’s hair. Tears coursed down her cheeks. Maria sat beside her, wailing and holding Jed’s hand.

Patrick hurriedly checked the other bodies. Ed had been killed instantly by a shot to the head. Patrick thought he probably never knew what hit him, but Will had put up a fight. Two bullet holes in the chest had finally brought him down. Whoever had killed them had been an excellent marksman, cutting them down as they rode into the ravine.

Patrick walked around the area, looking for anything unusual. Finally, he climbed to the top of the ravine and found a boulder large enough for a man to hide behind. The perfect place to ambush someone. He looked closer and found the killer’s boots had left marks in the soft, moist sand that was around the rock. Checking closer, he found horse tracks leading away from the top of the ravine.

Cautiously, he walked back down to the women. He loaded the bodies of Will and Ed into the back of the wagon. Then glanced over at Sabrina. Remembering his parents’ deaths, he felt her pain and anguish intensely. Now hers were gone. She was alone. Anger filled him as he thought of how someone had done this to both of them.

Slowly he walked over to her and motioned for Maria to help him get her to the wagon. Maria gently lifted Jed’s head and placed it in her lap. Sabrina, still in shock, looked up at Patrick. Despair shone from her eyes, filling Patrick as he shared her pain. He reached down and lifted her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her to support her.

“I’m sorry, Sabrina.”

“Who would do this? What did Dad ever do to anyone to make them do this?” Her blue eyes reflected a pain that reached out and touched his soul.

“I don’t know, sweetheart, but I intend to find out. They left a trail and as soon as I get you home, I’m coming back.”

“I have to tell Matt.” Sabrina slumped against Patrick’s chest, as if the weight of informing him was more of a burden than she could bear. “I need Matt. I have to tell him.” Patrick picked her up, carried her to the wagon. She was limp, despondent in her grief.