The Dangerous Gift (6 page)

“This is Texas, Jennie. Perhaps you’ve forgotten. It’s always open house between neighbours.” Ryder shook his head as if he was disappointed in her.

Jennie blushed. “Of course. I’m sorry.” Annie and Ralf would have been ashamed of her lack of neighbourliness.

Ryder shouted upstairs, “Darleen, time to go home, little sister.”

“I thought you were twins.” Jennie waited beside him with her hands thrust into her pockets so they wouldn’t betray her unease.

“I’m older by fifteen minutes. That’s big-brother privileges in my book.” Ryder laughed.

“Is it time to go so soon, Ryder? Oh hi, Jennie. Hope you’re feeling better today, sugar,” Darleen purred as she slinked down the stairs, looking artfully disheveled.

Speechless, Jennie absorbed the details of Darleen’s appearance—smudged lipstick, mussed blonde hair, which had escaped its high ponytail, the sheer, cream blouse with half its buttons undone. The self-satisfied look on Darleen’s face grated. “Much better, thanks, although my ankle is in need of some TLC. I’ve been on it for too long.” Jennie smiled in an attempt to disguise her distress.

“Who needs TLC?” A relaxed Jared followed behind Darleen. His short hair stuck out at odd angles, and Jennie’s fingers itched to smooth it back into place. His lips were stained with a faint trace of lipstick, and only the top button on his jeans was fastened. He looked as though he’d dressed in haste. Jennie prayed her stomach wouldn’t rebel as it churned at the sight of him.

“Jennie’s ankle hurts again.” Darleen grabbed Jared’s hand as they reached the hallway.

“Nothing an ice pack and cool shower won’t fix.” Jennie wouldn’t be the object of their pity.

“Jen, you promised not to overdo it. What needs doing outside?” Jared’s concern sounded sincere. Too bad it wasn’t.

“It’s sorted.” Jennie didn’t bother to moderate her angry tone as she hobbled from the room. She listened to see if Jared called after her like she wanted him to. He didn’t.

In the sanctuary of her bathroom, Jennie turned on the shower, her body rigid with fury. Alone and safe, she leaned against the cool tiles and rolled her shoulders, letting out a pent-up breath when her tight muscles finally relaxed. She couldn’t stay on the ranch if Darleen became a permanent fixture.

The shower’s pulse beat a tattoo against her soft skin. Jared walked on eggshells whenever Darleen appeared, and she never failed to advertise their closeness when Jennie was around. Darleen saw herself as the new matriarch. Her bossiness at the funeral annoyed Jennie. Perhaps she’d earned her place as hostess there on her back. The nasty thought offered her little comfort. The idea of Jared and Darleen as lovers turned Jennie into a bitch and knotted her already queasy stomach.

Why had Jared kissed her if he loved Darleen? Perhaps he liked the taste of forbidden fruit. That wasn’t the Jared she knew, but maybe he’d changed in their years apart.

The shower ran cold, and Jennie grabbed a fluffy towel from the rail as she left the en suite. Fear crowded her tired mind until her head ached.

Jennie’s bedroom door opened after a cursory knock. Jared scanned the room and placed an ice-filled cloth on her nightstand.

“Is that for me? Thanks.”

Jared jumped at the sound of her voice. His gaze darted round the room, anywhere but toward her. “Yes, put it on your ankle. I’ll go so you can get dressed. We can talk later.” He sounded so reasonable; it grated on her already strung-out nerves. Perhaps he was anxious to get back to Darleen. No, she wouldn’t let him look after Jennie. If she was downstairs, Darleen would have come up too. Or more likely, brought the ice herself. It would have been another opportunity to make sure Jennie knew Darleen’s importance in Jared’s life.

Jared backed towards the door, his body poised for flight from the confrontation he didn’t want. Despite her anger, the ripple of muscles under his shirt made her mouth water as he straightened his shoulders.

“No. I want to talk now, Jared.” She half smiled when his fiery gaze rekindled.

“Jen, don’t do this,” he threatened.

Decision made, Jennie ignored him. They would do this—on her terms. “Sit down while I dress and we’ll talk.” She closed the bathroom door and remembered to breathe before she hastily put on sweats and a T-shirt.

***

Jared

Speechless and grudgingly impressed at Jen’s feistiness, Jared waited as she requested. Guilt made his stomach knot uncomfortably. He shouldn’t want Jen, but he did, even more so when she was angry. Darleen added further tension to an already explosive situation. Jared realized too late that Darleen had played him when she’d arrived uninvited in his bedroom. Still half-asleep, he didn’t see the significance of her messy hair and disheveled clothes until afterwards. They were a deliberate ploy to make Jen think they were lovers. Jared hadn’t touched Darleen, but Jen obviously thought he had, so she wouldn’t believe his version of events. He knew what her temper was like.

The en suite door slammed open, interrupting his musings.

“What’s going on, Jared?” Jen appeared in front of him fully clothed and mad as hell. Her accusatory tone decided his course of action. Jared didn’t need complications in his life, and Jen didn’t need any more heartache in hers. “I apologize for kissing you. It was wrong of me when I’m involved with Darleen.” The lie slid off his tongue with practiced ease.

Jen’s face betrayed her devastation as each of his false revelations caused her pain, mirrored in her tear-filled chocolate-velvet eyes. He forced his hands to remain against his thighs. He mustn’t comfort her or the point of his deception would be lost. “I’m sorry, Jen.” He wanted to hold her and retract the lies, but he didn’t.

“Don’t…I understood four years ago. I don’t know why I thought time and distance would change your mind.” Her eyes shone with unshed tears.

She let him pass, pressed her body against the wall. She didn’t want his touch, and he couldn’t blame her. She believed his lies. Why didn’t that please him? She slammed the door behind him.

Coward. No way back now.
Jen wouldn’t trust him again. She would go back to England now. From this moment on, he would be merely existing, not living.

The television blared. Jared flung himself onto the den’s couch. He channel-hopped and hoped he could survive without revealing his true feelings until Jen left Texas, the ranch, and him. When she was gone, just like when she’d left before, the sweetest part his life would leave with her.

The phone’s persistent ring disturbed Jared’s depressed mood. He answered it as Jen’s footsteps echoed above him. “Hello.”

“Mr. Stewart?”

“Yes, this is Jared Stewart.”

“I’m a nurse looking after Mr. Harry Barnes.”

“Is he okay?” Jared drew in a calming breath.

“Yes, I’m pleased to say he has regained consciousness, although he is still very weak.”

“Is he well enough for visitors?”

“Providing you keep it one at a time and don’t stay too long.”

“Thank you, nurse. I’ll visit tonight. Have you told the sheriff?”

“Yes, he’s been informed. Good-bye, Mr. Stewart.”

“Thanks, bye.” Jared hung up and turned at the sound of the door opening behind him.

“Is that about Harry?” Jen stood in the den’s doorway, her swollen eyelids damning evidence of all the tears he’d caused her.

“Yes, he’s conscious.” Jared smiled, relieved his friend had survived.

“Does he remember anything?” Jen smiled through her tears.

“I didn’t ask. The sheriff will question him.” Jared stood up and looked for his truck keys, which he found in his pocket.

“Can we visit him?” Jen’s animated voice resonated. He was relieved to hear her genuine happiness after he’d stolen it from her.

“Yes, tonight. Only one visitor, though.” Jared was about to suggest they could both go and take turns, but Jen saved him the trouble.

“You should go. Let me know how he is.” She went upstairs without further comment. Left alone, Jared took his frustration out on the remote, which he threw across the room, leaving the television on. It was his fault they were like strangers now. He couldn’t live with Jen as a mere acquaintance. He must do everything he could to expedite her return to England or risk losing his mind completely.

Chapter 5

Jennie

Jennie lay on her bed with the melted ice pack against her swollen ankle. Relieved and happy Harry would recover, she’d managed a civil conversation with Jared. If she could stop seeing him as a potential lover, maybe they could rekindle their previous easygoing friendship. It was the best she could hope for now. They would be business partners and remain close but platonic friends. Jared’s relationship with Darleen made anything else out of the question. Jennie could stay on the ranch because of Annie and Ralf’s bequest—if she accepted Jared’s unspoken rules. If not, she must sever all ties and refuse the legacy, both for the ranch’s viability and her sanity. Worst-case scenario, she would return to England and pick up her life there, even if it felt like running away again.

Look how well running away turned out for you last time
, her subconscious taunted. She’d lost the only man she could love and let someone else take her place in his bed. She couldn’t change the past and must get on with her life. Why waste it loving a man who didn’t love her with the same passion and intensity?

Exhausted from the constant mental battles, Jennie sought a distraction. She picked up a long-forgotten romance novel from her nightstand and blew away the thick coat of dust from its jacket. She relaxed back against the soft pillows and lost herself in a world of paranormal characters and apocalyptic battles. She barely noticed the main door thud as it clicked shut. Jennie didn’t connect the roar of a truck engine with Jared’s departure until a dog barked. It sounded like Rex. Jared must have gone to see Harry and left his dog behind.

Rex howled, more plaintively this time. She needed to bring him inside until Jared came back or all the ranch dogs would bark.

Jennie flexed her ankle; it was less painful after her rest. She eased off the bed, straightened her clothes, and ran a brush through her tangled hair. Looking out her bedroom window, she noticed a new silver truck she hadn’t seen before parked in the ranch yard. It looked empty. They must have visitors, which explained why the dog had barked. She scanned the busy yard but saw only animals and the ranch hands, none of whom would have owned such a fancy truck.

Jennie walked downstairs, reluctant to see anyone in her disheveled state. Perhaps she could let Rex in through the office doors without alerting the visitor. The silhouette of a tall woman was visible through the front door’s obscured glass panels. Jennie took a step closer but still couldn’t identify her caller. She stepped back and turned away.
Too late.
An impatient knock made escape impossible. She opened the door and narrowly avoided being knocked over by an excited Rex.

“Darleen, what a surprise. Jared’s out. He’s gone to see Harry.” Jennie bent down to pat the dog, and Rex licked her hand enthusiastically. Maybe Darleen would leave when she knew Jared wasn’t there.

“Invite me in before the flies make a pincushion out of me.” Darleen put her foot in the doorway and stopped Jennie closing the door.

Her emotions raw, Jennie resisted the temptation to slam the door in the other woman’s face. Darleen was the last person she wanted to spend time with, but politeness won out. She stood aside, patting the dog. Rex growled. “Shush, boy, it’s only Darleen. She won’t hurt you.”

Rex’s ears flattened as Jennie’s nemesis entered the ranch house’s cool interior. Head high, Darleen walked towards the den with a confidence born of familiarity. Ignored, Jennie closed the door with unnecessary force, and Darleen jumped but didn’t falter, then sank into the first comfortable chair and waited.

Jennie perched on a convenient footstool, Rex at her feet, his gaze fixed on Darleen. “Jared’s out…so…”

“I wanted to talk to you alone. I don’t think you understand.” Darlene tapped her scarlet talons on the chair’s wooden arm.

Jennie hid her short, practical fingernails from the other woman. “Enlighten me.”

“Before the accident, Jared and I discussed an alliance between our ranches.” Darleen examined her perfectly manicured nails.

“Do you mean a merger?” Jennie hoped her poker face hid her disappointment as she absently stroked the dog’s sleek head.

“Not exactly a merger. More a dynasty.” Darleen’s smile was unmistakably feral.

“You’re engaged?” Jennie hated the way her voice trembled. “Why didn’t Jared tell me himself?” Rex whimpered as if he sensed her dismay.

“Nothing will be announced for a few months, out of respect for Annie and Ralf, but by the end of the year, yes, I will be Mrs. Jared Stewart.” Darleen’s gaze, laced with malice, captured Jennie’s and she smiled.

Jennie looked away, speechless. This was far worse than she’d imagined. She’d suspected they were lovers, but marriage was so official and binding. Nausea gripped her as long-held dreams disintegrated. “I’ll make some tea,” she offered, desperate to escape before she broke down. She wouldn’t give the blonde bitch the satisfaction. She couldn’t miss the smug look on the older woman’s face. Rex followed, close at Jennie’s heels.

“I’d rather have coffee if you don’t mind.” Darleen got up and rearranged the ornaments on the shelf above the fire. She never missed an opportunity to exert her assumed authority as the next matriarch of the Unicorn Ranch.

“Coffee, that’s fine. I’ll make some.” Jennie walked quickly from the room despite the dull ache in her ankle, her pride sacrificed for much-needed escape. After a few deep breaths, she calmed down and took comfort in the routine of brewing the coffee in the familiar blue-and-cream kitchen as Rex curled in his bed, watching her with sorrowful eyes. She was angry with Jared for not telling her about his secret engagement. He’d made her look a fool in front of Darleen.

The main door opened and clicked shut. Jared must be back. She didn’t want to see him with Darleen, but her pride wouldn’t let her slip away unseen. Jennie added another cup to the tray and pushed the door open, ready to face the fray.

***

Jared

“How’s Harry?” Darleen’s voice sounded concerned, but her bored gaze darted around the room.

“Shaken and confused but still Harry,” Jared replied, certain Darleen didn’t care about his answer.

“You look like you need a hug.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes as she stood up.

Jared ignored her outstretched arms. “I’m surprised you’re here.”

“Thought I’d check on Jennie.” Darleen avoided his gaze.

Jared didn’t buy it. Selflessness didn’t suit Darleen.

Jen entered with a tray of hot drinks then, looking distressed, her scarlet cheeks a slash of fevered color on her otherwise pale face. Jared sighed. “Why didn’t you make your own coffee, Darleen? You know where everything is. Jen should be resting her ankle.”

Uneasiness flickered across Darleen’s face.

“I guess Harry’s okay if you’re back so soon.” Jen’s voice trembled slightly as it broke the awkward silence, her gaze suspiciously bright, as though she was holding back tears.

“Yes, he should recover without any lasting damage, but he was so tired, I left so he could sleep.” Jared smiled and wished he could protect Jen from Darleen’s spite.

“Good, I’m so pleased he’s on the mend. I’ve made you coffee.” Jen pushed the tray into his hands and left without looking at Darleen or explaining her hasty departure. Jared let her escape. It was the least he could do.

The blonde smiled as her gaze tracked Jen’s exit. As soon as she was out of earshot, Jared slammed the tray onto the coffee table, sloshing a few drops of coffee onto it. “Here’s the coffee you insisted upon, Darleen.”

Darleen smiled but didn’t touch her mug. If he didn’t need her support with the dude ranch, he would…Jared curbed the impulse to pour the steaming coffee over her. His thoughts centered on Jen as he muttered monosyllabic answers to Darleen’s inane questions.

Darleen rose and stood against him. Her strong, musky perfume made him gag. “See you tomorrow. I need to get back to the ranch.”

“I think that’s for the best, Darleen.” When she offered her blushed cheek for his kiss, he bent his head towards her.

At the last moment, she turned and faced him so their lips met. The kiss’s expert thoroughness left him cold. “We’re over, Darleen. You know that. Why are you playing games? You haven’t got Jennie to upset now.”

Darleen pouted as if sensing his disinterest. “You’re so cruel to me, Jared. You know what you mean to me.” She stormed off through the open glass doors, her bad mood obvious when she gunned the silver truck’s engine and left in a cloud of dust.

Jared sighed. Perhaps he could manage the dude ranch without Darleen’s help. She was too high-maintenance, especially now that he no longer desired her. As he glanced up the stairs and thought about Jen, his heartbeat quickened. She was the one he wanted now, but there was no future there. His bridges were well and truly burnt as far as Jen was concerned, and he only had himself to blame.

Jared closed his office door. He deserved incarceration with the ranch accounts. Tomorrow he would persuade Jen to return to England. Whatever the personal cost, at least he could concentrate on the dude ranch and ensure the Unicorn stayed solvent.

***

Jared ignored the unsorted receipts as he debated why computerized accounts still meant processing paper receipts. He’d worked late into the previous night, until his eyes were sore and he couldn’t focus. A restless night’s sleep full of erotic dreams had left him horny and tired. The following morning, invoices and receipts that still covered his desk left him in a foul mood. He looked up in response to a gentle knock on the office door. “It’s open.”

Jen, the star of his dreams, entered. His heart rate quickened, and his jeans tightened uncomfortably. Jen’s hips swayed under the lemon, cotton sundress, which clung to her slim curves and teased him with glimpses of toned thighs. Rock hard, his cock jerked with each step of her tiny feet as she closed the distance between them. Only the protection afforded by his desk kept his secret.

“Morning, Jared. You started early.” Jen lifted a pile of receipts from the floor and placed them on the only space on his desk. Jared’s gaze followed her descent as the split in the dress revealed a slender, toned thigh just begging for his touch.

“About six outside and then stuck in here since eight.” Jared stretched to reinforce his point as his hand worked feverishly under the desk, adjusting his now painfully constricted erection in his snug jeans.

“I could help you.” Jen blushed and looked out the window, apparently unable to meet his gaze.

His erection jerked, and Jared gripped the desk and willed his body back under his control. What was that about? Could she see what he was doing? His voice came out husky as he imagined her fingers touching his cock. “Maybe, but we must talk about your shares in the Unicorn and what you plan to do. Uncertainty isn’t good for the ranch.”

“I know. Can I go first?” Jen continued without waiting for his reply. “I’m staying in Texas, on the Unicorn. Annie and Ralf wanted me to help with the ranch, and I can’t walk away.” She perched on the back of a chair, and her dress tightened across her thighs as she absently stroked the fabric covering them with her long, thin fingers.

Jared looked away before he drooled or replaced her fingers with his own. Damn erotic dreams. “I don’t think you can face Darleen on a daily basis when the dude ranch opens. Her hospitality management experience is vital and something I don’t have. If the dude ranch is going to succeed, I need her.”

Jared sighed as sadness clouded Jen’s gaze. “You should return to your life in England, complete your master’s. I can take care of the ranch. If you still want to return afterwards, we can see how the land lies.” Jared dragged in a breath and waited for her reaction.

“Not a chance. Darleen will be Mrs. Jared Stewart if I go back to England, and my chance of making a life here will be gone. Surely you know she wants to marry you?”

Jen jumped up and walked across to the window.

“There’s no chance of that. Where did that crazy idea come from, Jen?” Jared pushed his chair back, his arousal overridden by anger as he stood up and walked towards her.

“It came straight from the horse’s mouth. Why do you think she came round yesterday? I told her you were out, but she pushed her way in and then proceeded to threaten me,” Jen snapped.

The blood-red words on the pristine white card flashed into Jared’s mind. Maybe Darleen was behind the threat. It made sense and would explain why she’d turned up at the ranch yesterday. When he got back, Jen had been upset and Darleen was shifty. Jen felt threatened, and he believed her. His fists clenched. “I’ll deal with Darleen.”

“Let me help you with the new business instead of Darleen,” Jen insisted, her fingers clenched at her sides. “I have plenty of marketing and PR knowledge.”

“It’s going to take more than theory, Jen. Darleen has years of practical experience.” Jared hated to fight her on this, but the ranch was all that mattered here. He owed it to his parents’ memory to make a success of their last project.