The Lonesome Rancher (7 page)

Early the next evening, Jade went to search for Sloan. She walked along the gravel road, trying to come up with something to say to him. Something that didn’t sound lame as her reason for coming to his home. She was playing with fire. He was her weakness, and he could easily sway her resolve. She needed to stay away from him, but she didn’t listen to her own common sense, even knowing the man was one big temptation.

She came up the steps to the big wraparound porch. There was an old chain swing at the far end. She smiled, knowing how nice it would be to sit out on warm summer nights with someone special.

She shook away the thought of anything that involved Sloan Merrick. He was off-limits to her. There were too many complications to count. One being the reason she was here. The only reason that mattered right now.

She had supper earlier with Louisa. It was obvious that the empty spot at the table made the woman sad. That meant she had to get things straightened out with Sloan so as not to interrupt Louisa’s progress. Try to get things back to before…before they touched, before they kissed.

Jade looked at the front door. Everything inside her
told her to turn around and go back, but she still rang the bell. After hearing “come in” she opened the heavy oak door and went inside.

She was greeted by a large entry with nutmeg-colored hardwood floors. A large great room with a mammoth flat-screen television hung over a stone fireplace. The furniture was overstuffed and leather. The soft sounds of country music came from the speakers overhead. This was a man’s room.

Jade walked farther into the house, past a divider to find the open kitchen and dining area. Dark stained cabinets lined the buttery colored walls and the countertops and large center aisle were covered in earth toned granite.

In front of a stainless steel stove was Sloan. He was in a white fitted T-shirt tucked into clean jeans. His feet were bare and his hair still damp from a shower. He turned a thick steak on the stove’s center grill, then picked up his beer. The longneck never reached his lips as he turned and saw her.

He froze, then said, “What are you doing here?”

Okay, so he wasn’t happy to see her. “I need to talk to you.”

“I thought we agreed to stay away from each other.”

She tried to hide the hurt. “You chose to banish yourself from the house until the day I leave? There are other people to consider here. So get over yourself, cowboy.” When he didn’t say anything, she said, “This was a bad idea to come here and try to talk to you.”

She started to walk away when she heard him call to her. She didn’t stop until she reached the door, when his hand on her arm turned her around to face him.

“Okay. I’m sorry. Why did you stop by?”

“It’s your mother.”

His concern was obvious. “What’s wrong with Mom?”

“Nothing, physically. But since you’ve avoided the house, have you at least talked with her?”

He released her and she missed his touch.

“Hadn’t had the chance,” he told her. “Okay, I’ll stop by and see her tomorrow.”

“That’s not the problem. She’s worried about being a burden to you.”

“Whatever gave her that idea?”

“Your quick departure.”

Sloan crossed his arms over his chest. He had to do something to keep from touching this woman again. He’d hoped a few days away from her would change things. Damn, it hadn’t and he hated his weakness when it came to her. His jaw tightened causing an ache from his teeth to the top of his head. He needed the distraction.

“I did what I needed to do.” He shrugged. “It seemed the best solution for the problem.”

“I think the better solution would be to try to get along.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Darlin’, that was our problem, we get along too well.”

Something flashed across her face. Was she remembering the sparks, too? She finally glanced away. “I thought we agreed what happened at Otis’s house was a mistake.”

She blushed, but before she could answer, a loud alarm sound went off.

With a curse, Sloan ran back into the kitchen and saw the grill with flames shooting high into the hood. He turned off the burner, then covered the fire with a large pan lid. Soon the flames were out, but his meal was charred. “Well, I guess it’s soup for supper.”

That was when Jade took over. “It’s surprising you haven’t starved. You clean up the mess, and I’ll see what I can throw together for a meal.”

He glanced over her in her tailored slacks and pretty bright-blue blouse. “You cook?”

She managed a smile. “Of course. My mother made sure of that.”

“I thought career women didn’t have the desire to spend time in the kitchen.”

She frowned. “Don’t judge all women by one.”

She opened the refrigerator and stood back to allow him to see the many containers of leftovers. “Looks like Marta doesn’t want you to starve, either.”

He shrugged. “Someone cares if I eat.”

“And here I was feeling sorry for causing you to burn your steak.”

He’d been caught off guard seeing her walk into his house. And he was drinking her up, unable to get enough of her.

“What can I say? You’re one hell of a distraction, Jade Hamilton.”

O
VER
the next few days, Sloan worked nonstop. There had been no more visits from Jade. The last one had ended with a tour of his house, and her wanting to be friends. And all he had wanted was to carry her upstairs to his big bed. Instead he walked her back to the main house, said good-night to his mother and went back to his place. Alone.

Wasn’t that what he really wanted? For her to stay away. Hell, yes! He didn’t want to get mixed up with a woman again. Not a woman like Jade Hamilton. She wanted something from him that he was not willing to give. His heart.

That was how he’d been talked into helping break two horses they’d picked up at auction last month. He’d been putting it off with so much to do. Since the roundup was set for the coming weekend, what better time.

Hell, he needed to get his mind on something constructive. Something except Jade Hamilton. Anything was worth trying.

Besides, a couple of the young ranch hands were giving him a bad time about one particular horse, Black Knight. A beautiful, big black stallion he’d purchased hoping to breed some exceptional foals. Except this guy
wouldn’t get anywhere near any of their brood mares until he learned some manners.

Johnny Reeves had lasted the longest on Knight before getting thrown. Wasn’t any better for the others who’d tried. They called Sloan. No matter how much he wanted to decline, he was a big believer in doing the same work as he expected from his hired hands.

“You’re next, boss,” young Johnny called.

Everyone watched and waited. What the heck? He’d put on a show. He walked over to the nervous stallion, calling himself every kind of crazy.

Jade had come out the back door following Louisa when she heard all the commotion down at the corral. She’d looked toward the area and seen several of the ranch hands sitting along the top of the fence, cheering and applauding as a rider climbed in the saddle. Just as quickly, the man was bucked off.

She’d glanced around for Sloan. She recognized his familiar black hat and his slow, deliberate gait as he appeared in the pen.

“What’s going on?” she asked Louisa.

The older woman’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, my, looks like they’re trying to saddle-break Knight again.”

“Again?”

“Let’s just say that stallion is a little on the stubborn side.” Louisa smiled. “Come on, let’s go down and watch.”

Jade didn’t want to appear too anxious to go, but it was difficult not to. “Sure.”

They made their way toward the barn, then veered off to the far side of the corral not wanting to cause any distractions.

That was when Jade got the first look at the next
rider. It was Sloan. She hadn’t seen him in more than two days, and she was hungry to get her fill. Dressed in leather chaps and vest, he looked the part of a man in charge. He strolled up to the powerful animal and stroked him. There was a gentleness to his touch she could see even from far away.

Neighing, the horse danced away, but two ranch hands held him steady as Sloan checked the cinch.

“Whoa, fella,” he coaxed him back in a low, steady voice. Knight blew out a breath as if saying he didn’t trust him.

“That’s one beautiful animal,” Louisa whispered. “Smart, too. Yet, he is totally worthless unless he can be saddle broke. If anyone can do it Sloan can.”

Jade couldn’t take her eyes off the man or the animal. Pushing his black hat down on his head, Sloan approached the horse. Reins in hand, he grabbed the saddle horn. Then he raised his booted foot in the stirrup and climbed on just as the horse swung around in a circle. Gripping the reins, he pulled them back, as the animal reared.

Sloan was ready.

Knight bucked, and then bucked again. Power against power, stubbornness against stubbornness, the dance continued on for what seemed an endless amount of time. Neither willing to give in.

It was incredible to watch.

The horse slowed his assault and Sloan thought he had everything under control. Then suddenly the animal changed directions and started all over again. The guys cheered him on as he concentrated on his job. A few more hard bucks in the saddle and his hat came off, and his teeth felt the jarring, too. How could he ever think this was fun?

“Whoa, fella,” Sloan soothed, hoping the horse was finally losing steam. Knight puffed air from his nostrils and bobbed his head, then began to walk.

Again he thought he had everything under control. Then he heard his mother’s voice. “Good job, Sloan.”

He glanced in her direction and not only saw her but her companion, Jade.

For that split second, he relaxed and that was when the stallion started again with a series of bucks. The last one threw him off and he hit the ground. Hard.

“Sloan…Sloan…”

He felt Jade’s hands against his jaw. He turned his face toward her touch, her voice.

“That’s it,” she coaxed. “Come on, Sloan, open your eyes.”

When he did he saw her. Those pretty green eyes staring back at him. “Jade…” He groaned feeling the pain in his back and head.

She smiled. “Good, you know who I am.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” He groaned again. “What happened?”

“You took a spill off a horse.”

He cursed as his memory began to return. He tried to sit up, but Jade placed her hand on his chest.

“Whoa, cowboy. Let me check for broken bones.”

Bud appeared overhead. “Yeah, Sloan, let Jade check you out.”

It was bad enough he’d gotten bucked off, he wasn’t going to let her play touchy feely with him, not in public anyway. “I’m fine.” He braced himself on his elbows and then managed to sit up. Seeing the concern on Jade’s face stopped him.

He glanced at his foreman. “Bud, tell the guys to get
back to work. Have Johnny cool down Knight and put him in the back corral. I’ll deal with him later.”

“Right, Sloan.” Bud walked toward the crew. “Okay, guys, you heard the boss. It’s back to work.”

Soon the corral was empty except for Jade. She said, “I still want to check you out.”

“I said I’m fine.” He got to his knees and paused. His head hurt like the devil.

His mother walked over with the aid of her cane. “Sloan, this is no time to be stubborn—you could be seriously hurt.”

He managed to get to his feet. “How many times have I been thrown from a horse? Just give me a minute.”

Someone handed him his hat. He placed it on his head, but couldn’t seem to take that first step.

This time Jade cursed and slipped her arm around his waist. “Come on, Sloan, let’s get you up to the house.” Before he could take a step someone else came up on his other side.

He looked down and grinned at the dark-haired beauty. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

His sister smiled back at him. “Looks like someone needs to keep my big brother out of trouble. I guess I’m a little late.”

“Your timing was always bad.” He glanced at Jade. “Jade Hamilton, meet the other stubborn woman in my life, my kid sister, Alisa Merrick.”

Jade froze momentarily. Sister! She quickly recovered the shock and said, “Alisa, it’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” the girl said. “I’ve heard so much about you, I had to come home to see this angel who’s helping our mother.”

“I’m no angel. Just a nurse.”

Alisa was in her mid-twenties, petite in size and height. Her midnight-black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, showing off flawless olive skin and piercing ebony eyes. She looked very much like Louisa. Beautiful.

“I know my mother. No one has been able to get past her stubbornness until you did. And as you can see, that stubbornness runs in the family.”

They reached the porch where Marta was holding open the door. Alisa and the housekeeper exchanged some words in Spanish as they brought Sloan inside. They went into the sunroom and to the sofa.

“I need my medical bag.” Jade started to leave, but Alisa stopped her.

“I’ll get it.”

Once Jade told her where it was, she thanked Alisa, then turned back to her patient.

Sloan had removed his hat so she began examining his scalp. She felt him tense, but ignored it. Then she found the lump on the back of his head. He sucked in a breath.

“How many fingers?” She held up two.

“Two.”

Alisa returned with her bag. She took out her light and checked his eyes. His pupils were slightly dilated. “You might have a concussion.” She continued the exam, checking his heart rate and for any abnormal sound in his lungs. Removing her stethoscope, she stood back. “I think you should be checked out by a doctor.”

“So that he can tell me what you just said?”

“I also think you should have your back x-rayed. You came down pretty hard.”

She watched as Sloan looked at the three women
standing in front of him. “I don’t stand a chance of getting out of this, do I?”

All three of them shook their heads.

An hour later Jade sat in the waiting room of the Kerry Springs Medical Center. The one-story structure was buzzing with activity, but the staff seemed to handle all crises in an efficient manner.

“This is a nice place,” she said.

Louisa nodded. “It’s state of the art. They only completed it last year and it was badly needed in this area. We used to have to go all the way to San Antonio. Clay helped get some of the funding. I’m happy that it was here for me when I needed immediate care. And now, for my son.” She frowned. “Do I have anything to worry about?”

Jade knew the question was about Sloan. “As far as I can tell, no, but let’s wait for the results of the X-rays.”

Just then the doctor walked into the room and smiled when he saw Louisa. “Louisa, you look wonderful.”

They all stood, and Louisa spoke. “Tom, any other day I’d love your charming ways, but all I care about is Sloan.”

The handsome middle-aged doctor smiled at Alisa, too. “He’s fine. Outside of a slight concussion and some bruises on his backside, he’s going to live.”

“And his back?” Jade asked.

The doctor looked at her as Louisa made the introductions. “Sorry, Tom. This is Jade Hamilton, my nurse. Jade, this is Dr. Tom Gray.”

They shook hands. “Nice to meet you, Doctor.”

“And it’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” He smiled. “I hope you don’t mind pulling double duty for the next
twenty-four hours with a second patient. Of course, I’d ask for hazard pay, because I doubt Sloan will be an ideal one.”

“I think I can handle it,” Jade said, but knew she had no business being anywhere near Sloan Merrick.

“We all can handle him,” Louisa said and nodded to her daughter. “Can we see him now?”

“Sure. Just down the hall, cubicle four.”

Alisa walked slowly alongside Louisa and Jade followed close behind. She was relieved to know Sloan was okay, but she didn’t need to be his nurse, either.

Inside she found Sloan sitting on the edge of the bed, shirtless. Okay, she’d seen a lot of men’s bare chests, but this guy took her breath away.

“How’s your headache?” she asked, trying to hide her reaction.

“How do you think? Pounds like he—heck.” He glanced at his mother. “I need to get back to the ranch.”

“Slow down, son. You need to do what the doctor says. And that calls for you to rest.”

“I’m not supposed to sleep.”

“The one thing you can do is stop being a pain,” Alisa chimed in. “The doctor’s going to come back and give you instructions on what to do. I hope he gives you a shot to improve your disposition.”

“If you had the headache I do, you wouldn’t be real cheerful, either.”

Jade watched the sparring between the siblings. Even arguing, it was evident they loved each other, making her realize again that maybe coming here wasn’t a good idea.

She didn’t want to be the one to hurt this family.

Dr. Gray came in. “You know the routine, Sloan. No strenuous activities. No medication except what I give
you. And you need to be awakened every few hours.” He turned to Jade. “Think you can keep him in line?”

Jade felt every eye on her. “If I can’t I expect I can call in backup.”

“I don’t need a nurse,” Sloan insisted.

His sister stepped in. “No, you need a keeper.”

“Okay, Sloan, I’m releasing you to these beautiful ladies. Try to behave.”

He glared at Jade. “I’ll be a model patient, Doc.”

It was after midnight, and the house was quiet as Jade headed down the hall. That was when she saw Alisa come out of her brother’s room.

His sister closed the door and walked toward Jade. “When I woke him, he growled at me,” she whispered. “His pupils are still the same.” She motioned to Jade to follow her to her bedroom.

The room was painted a blue-green color and was as big as the one Jade had. There was a wrought-iron bed frame painted white and the queen-size mattress was covered with another handmade quilt. No doubt one of Louisa’s creations.

The girl led her to a sitting area in front of a bank of windows. “Since we’re staying up most of the night we might as well get to know each other.” Alisa sat down in a low back chair and motioned for Jade to take the other. “Of course, I feel like I already do. Mom has been singing your praises every time we talked on the phone.”

Jade was glad that Louisa liked her so much. “Your mother has made my job easy. Believe me she’s been doing all the hard work. She’s the one who decided she wanted to get better.”

Alisa curled her bare feet under her. “I know that,
and now you have to handle another stubborn Merrick. How do you put up with it all?”

Jade smiled. “You mostly ignore the grumbling, and do your job.”

Alisa laughed. “With my brother, that’s all you can do. He’s been such a grouch these days.”

“And you love him,” Jade surmised. “It’s obvious you all care about each other. And you’re protective.”

The pretty girl studied her. “With my dad’s line of work, we have to be. It’s unbelievable what people will do to get a story. It happened to Sloan, that’s what made him leery of outsiders coming to the ranch.” Alisa smiled. “I’m still wondering how you got past his suspicions.”

Jade knew Sloan had every right to be suspicious of her, too. “Your mother helped,” she said, and added, “Your brother told me a little about Crystal.”