A Texas Chance (5 page)

“Your sister? Is that where you’re visiting?”

“Yeah.” He gestured with his thumb over his shoulder. “Heart as big as the planet but the common sense of a gnat. At the moment, she’s throwing a party for a houseful of her projects. Shoot, she’d take this dog, too, if I brought him to her—which is why I won’t.”

Sophie froze. His sister sounded entirely too much like Jenna, whose house was only a block away. And the charity case sounded way too much like her.

Sophie tilted her head to get a better view of him in the light of the streetlamp. His hair was a darker shade than Jenna’s strawberry blond, but still blond. Two of Jenna’s brothers had blond hair and two dark when she’d seen photos of Jenna’s family. Was he one of the faces?

Please
.
No
. “There’s no reason for your sister to be bothered,” she said, reeling. Was that all she was to Jenna, a charity case? She was no one’s project. No one’s sob story. Certainly not this ill-tempered jerk’s. “You should go. I’ll take the vet’s call whenever it comes, and I’ll deal with the dog.”

“Listen, lady…” She wasn’t sure
lady
was much better than Queenie, but at least he wasn’t mocking her. “I said I’d stay and that’s that.” He frowned. “If nothing else, I was raised better than to leave a woman on a street alone at night.”

“I can take care of myself.”

His brows snapped together. “Maybe so, but the dog can’t. How about you be the one to leave instead?”

He was insufferable. Gorgeous, maybe, in a rough-hewn way, but a total jerk. Surely he couldn’t be related to the kindhearted Jenna. She opened her mouth to argue just as her phone rang.

He snatched it from her hand. “Cade MacAllister.”

Crap.

“Got it. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Thanks, Doc.” He snapped her phone shut and handed it back. “Where’s your car?”

“I didn’t drive. I was walking.”

“Then I’ll get the one I’m renting. Be right back.” He rose a little gingerly and walked off without waiting for a response.

Sophie realized her mouth was hanging open and shut it. She shook her head and texted Jenna to say she wouldn’t be making it to her party. Then she cleared her mind of anything but the dog. “I’ll get you fixed up, sweetie, don’t you worry.”

Even though doing so meant more time spent in the presence of the arrogant Cade MacAllister, who thought of her as nothing more than a failure begging for a handout.

C
ADE
SLID
DOWN
IN
A
chair in the vet’s reception area and watched the woman pacing across the linoleum. She was a looker, that was for sure, tall and graceful, with nice curves and an impressive set of long legs beneath the filmy blue sundress she wore. Whiskey-colored hair more red than brown escaped from the clip in which she’d tried to corral it. He thought her eyes might be green if they weren’t alternately trying to freeze him or make him burst into flames with a look.

Queenie was a knockout, though in a quiet way. Too bad her personality was atrocious. It wasn’t that he wasn’t used to strong-willed women—his mother and sister were prime examples while Diego’s cardiac surgeon wife Caroline gave them a run for their money. But even Caroline at her iciest, way back in the beginning, didn’t hold a candle to Queenie.

And yet he was intrigued, in spite of himself. He’d rejected the notion of a permanent relationship with a woman long ago. His nomadic lifestyle would doom a marriage from the get-go. He preferred his women fun, warm and temporary.

But if he’d ever toyed with the idea of permanence, he thought he’d want someone sweet and kind, a real homebody, not an iceberg like the woman pacing in front of him.

He frowned. “What’s your name, anyway?”

Her head whipped around. “Why?”

He drew back. “Whoa. I’m not asking for your ATM password or your dress size, just a name. Most people have them, you know.” When she hesitated, he held up both palms. “Fine by me. Queenie, it is, then.”

She glared at him and started to speak, but the vet appeared in the doorway. He glanced between them and settled on Cade.

“Your dog has suffered a fracture at the top of the femur where it joins the hip socket, likely caused from being hit by a car. I’ll have to perform surgery on him in the morning when I have staff to assist, a femoral head ostectomy, which will smooth off the ragged edge. He’s stabilized for now and resting comfortably. Which one of you is the owner?”

Queenie stepped forward. “I am. Well, I will be. I only found him tonight. He didn’t have a tag.”

The vet nodded. “No microchip, either, and the state of his neglect inclines me to believe he’s been abandoned for some time. I can call the shelter, if you prefer.”

“That won’t be necessary. I want him. I’ll—” She pressed her lips together and twisted her hands. “Do you have any idea what this will cost?”

“I can take care of the bill,” Cade heard himself saying. Heaven knew he didn’t spend much of his income.

She turned, and he spotted a conflict in her gaze right before she straightened her shoulders. “I don’t need your help.”

You keep saying that
. Cade shrugged. “Whatever.”

She faced the vet. “How long will he have to stay here?”

“He’ll require cage rest for at least a week, then his activities will need to be restricted for another week or so until the sutures are removed. If you’re not in a position to provide that, we can take care of him here. I’ll know more about the time frame after the operation.”

“When can I call to find out how the surgery went?”

“I have a full day of appointments, but you can speak to my assistant, Christina.” He handed her a business card. “Here’s the number. Probably after lunch is best.”

She handed him a card in return. “Thank you so much. I’m sorry for the late-night call.”

“No problem. Delilah is a favorite of mine.”

“I’ll be in touch tomorrow.” She left quickly.

Cade lingered and spoke quietly to the vet. “Delilah’s my sister-in-law. If there’s any problem with the bill, please let me know. I’m good for it.”

“Are you and the lady friends?”

“Never met her before. Thanks, Doc. I’ll be calling tomorrow, too.” He waved good-night and left.

Outside he looked for Queenie, only to spot her quickstepping toward the corner and away from—not toward—his SUV. “Hey! I’m parked back that way.”

“I’ll get a cab.”

“Don’t be an idiot. I’ll take you.”

She didn’t respond, only hastened her steps and rounded the corner.

Cade raced after her faster than his still-healing body appreciated.

But when he reached the corner, she was gone.

CHAPTER FOUR

S
OPHIE
WAS
UP
AND
ATTACKING
weeds well before dawn to make up for work not done the night before. The landscaping contractor wouldn’t be here for two more days. She’d been forced to cut back on the scope of his work due to both time and money constraints, but she was determined that the grounds would be a source of beauty and peace for those who stayed there.

As she yanked at vines trying to choke what she’d identified as snowball bushes next to the foundation, she thought about the dog she’d rescued the night before.

Well,
they’d
rescued. She had to give Cade MacAllister that much. He’d been quick and efficient at getting the animal help, so he couldn’t be heartless, even if he rubbed her the wrong way.

Queenie
. She snorted. Jerk.

Like it up there on your high horse
?

He had no idea what she’d been through in her life, he who’d been blessed from birth with parents and siblings who adored him. His family was still alive and together, and his biggest problem was that perhaps they loved him too much.

Some problem.

Not that she needed love in her life, she thought as she tugged at a stubborn vine. She didn’t want it, didn’t have time for it. Sure, maybe occasionally she was lonely and thought about how nice it would be to have someone waiting up for her, someone who cared about whether her day had been wonderful or not.

But after she’d rebuilt her life and started climbing the corporate ladder, she’d never met anyone she’d considered important enough to divert her from her career. Maybe she was simply meant to be alone. She did have friends, after all, even if most of them were scattered across the globe. Such was the nature of her business. Still there were emails and phone calls and occasional visits. And she had Jenna close by.

A thorn slashed her skin. She grabbed a clean rag out of her back jeans pocket and wrapped it until she could go inside and wash it off. It didn’t hurt that much.

Not as much as knowing that Jenna considered her pathetic and in need of charity. That was no kind of friendship, and she wouldn’t allow it to continue.

But she
liked
Jenna. Her friend was one of the reasons she’d come back to Austin after her career had gone down in flames. They’d met in a yoga class when she’d been posted to an Austin hotel two years ago, and Jenna’s warm, giving nature—obvious even in a yoga class—had appealed to Sophie. As Sophie got to know her, she admired Jenna’s drive to make the world a better place and her willingness to help anyone in need. During the scandal, Jenna had been her lifeline and had urged her to start over here in Austin.

It was a treat to be in one place, to have a girlfriend right in town to see chick flicks with, to call about a lousy date story—not that she had time for dates, but Jenna had plenty. Sure, Jenna was always dragging her away from work to listen to live music or walk the hike-and-bike trail, but she had to admit it was fun. And in fact it had been on a walk with Jenna that she’d first spotted this former eyesore.

Having a girlfriend wasn’t too much to ask, was it?

Her pride was hurt, that was all.
Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater
. She and Jenna could still be friends, she just had to make it clear that Hotel Serenity would be just fine without Cade’s art.
Leave your brother out of this,
she would tell Jenna.
I don’t think his work is right for my hotel,
she would say.
I have a different plan now
. She would never reveal that she knew just how much Cade resented Jenna making free with what were, after all, his photographs. And how much he resented Sophie for taking her charity. Well, he wouldn’t have to worry about that. She would be in no one’s debt, not even a friend’s.

Besides, Cade was a wanderer. As soon as he was well enough, he’d be on his way. She and Jenna could still be friends in spite of her brother.

In the meantime, she’d reclaim her new dog, dodge Cade and focus on getting the hotel open, on showing everyone in the hotel business that she was a force to be reckoned with, that she could make it on her own. That no scandal would break her.

Nor would losing out on Cade’s photographs. She hadn’t planned on having them and wouldn’t lose sleep over the loss. Moving forward was all that mattered.

As she loaded yet more vines into her wheelbarrow, she paused to use the tail of her shirt to wipe sweat off her face. After she dumped these, she’d go inside and perform a little first aid on her arm, then call the vet’s office to get an update. Too soon for the surgery to be over, maybe, but she wanted to know how the dog had passed the night.

Poor guy. He needed a name.

Well, it wasn’t like she didn’t have plenty of time to think of one while performing mindless manual labor.

“I’
LL
JUST
BE
A
LITTLE
late to the office,” Jenna said as she drove. “But I have to find out why Sophie didn’t come to the party last night. She texted to say something had come up, but not what it was. I hope she didn’t work all night. I mean, she’s worried sick about getting the hotel ready to open, but we agreed she needed that break. She’s been working really long hours.”

When Jenna remained silent for a full minute—amazing—Cade tipped up the bill of his ball cap. “And you’re bringing me along…why?”

“So you can meet her and see which of your photos will fit.”

“Jen, I don’t know…”

She huffed. “Look, Mr. Cranky, you said you were bored back home. And my friend needs help—not that you’re allowed to say that, remember?” Her knee bounced as they waited for the stoplight to turn. “Where did you disappear to last night, anyway?”

“Went for a walk.”

“I’m sorry.” She heaved a sigh. “I know you don’t like large gatherings. I didn’t really think so many would show up.” She glared at him. “But what if Sophie had made it? You’d have missed her.”

He could explain everything that had happened, but what was the point? Next thing he knew, after stopping at this Sophie person’s place, Jenna would be detouring to check on the dog and making arrangements for him to come live with her.

By end of day, she’d probably have everything neatly tied up in a bow, but that wasn’t what he wanted. He would deal with the situation himself.

Queenie didn’t really want that dog, did she? She probably lived in a condo, and the poor guy would be trapped inside all day and half the night. A lousy fate for an animal that had already seen more than his share of hard times.

So what do you plan to do about it
?
Take a dog on your next shoot?

He wouldn’t have a next shoot, though, would he, if he couldn’t even pick up a camera? Go back to West Texas and ranch? Swing a hammer for Jenna?

Cade sat up straight and stared out the passenger window, seeing only the black hole where his constant curiosity had lived for so long. He couldn’t live like this, so…okay, scared. Bone-deep scared in a way no cliff had ever been able to make him feel.

“Here we are,” Jenna said.

With relief he dragged his attention to an amazing old house painted a soft yellow with dark green shutters. “This is a hotel?”

“Not yet, but it will be. It was originally a mansion that was turned into a boarding house long ago. It had been empty for fifteen years when Sophie spotted it.” Jenna smiled. “It’s going to be unique—the quaintness of a bed-and-breakfast with full, five-star hotel service. She has a refuge in mind, a place where even the most famous guests can stay and not be bothered, luxury and the feeling of home all in one. I’m not doing her vision justice, but she’ll describe it better. Come with me.”

Cade followed his sister slowly, taking in everything around him. The grounds were badly overgrown with weeds and vines, but parts of the front had already been cleaned up to reveal mature bushes and trees, and flowers spilled from the wide covered porch like frothy skirts. The trees were enormous, and for a second, he thought he caught a glimpse of water behind the house.

“Amazing, right? That’s why we have to help her.”

“We?”

“Sophie is very closemouthed about her past, but from what I can tell, she’s got no one. And something bad happened on her job—she won’t say what exactly, but I know it had to be bad for her to leave when she was on target for a big promotion. She’s very independent, and she hates asking anyone for help or a favor.” Jenna halted. “She’s put everything she has into this place, and it’s set to open in a month, with rooms already booked. This isn’t just a business, it’s very personal to her, and her reputation is on the line. If she can’t open on time, well…she’ll lose everything. I can tell she’s really worried. And working way too hard.”

Maybe there was more to this Sophie than he’d assumed. “But what do my photos have to do with anything?”

Jenna rolled her eyes. “You may be merely an irritating older brother to me, but you’re as famous as Zane in your field, only it’s your photos that get plastered on the covers of magazines, not your face. Having Cade MacAllister originals hanging on her walls would be a big drawing card for this unique refuge Sophie is trying to create.”

“Originals? Jen, I told you…”

Jenna flushed. “Why not take new ones? What else have you got to do while you’re here?”

“She put you up to this?”

“No!” Jenna hissed. “I thought of it, okay? And she’d be thrilled with third-rate rejects from you if that’s all you would sell to her, but the more I think about it, why shouldn’t you create new work so she’d have something truly unique?”

Because I lost my eye at the bottom of an Andean mountain beside the broken body of my friend.
Because I can’t even touch a camera without having a panic attack
. “Jenna…”

But his sister had moved forward already to greet someone. “Hey, Sophie!” she hailed.

Ahead, a figure clad in threadbare blue jeans and a ratty T-shirt had pulled up the shirttail to wipe her face, leaving a sweet glimpse of smooth, taut belly that snagged Cade’s full attention.

“Jenna,” she said, smiling widely. “What are you…” Her voice trailed off as her gaze traveled to him.

He couldn’t quite make out her face beneath the bill of the ball cap she wore with a ponytail sticking through the opening in the back, but he could see that she’d gone very still.

She whirled and grabbed the overloaded wheelbarrow. “Let me just empty this.” She began striding away too quickly and her load tilted, about to topple.

Cade loped ahead and bent to restack it. “Here, let me help.”

“I’m fine,” she said, her head turned away, her shoulders stiff.

She was tall but slender. “This load is too much for you. Where do you want it?” he asked as they resettled all the vegetation inside the wheelbarrow.

Her head remained ducked down, and her voice went cold. “I don’t need your help.”

Something in that tone grabbed his attention. His brows snapped together.

She started to pick up the handles, and he caught a glimpse of her profile at the same instant her hair color registered. He gripped her shoulder and turned her to him.

“Let go of me.” The ice was unmistakable. She tensed to push the load again, but he wouldn’t release her.

“Well, well. Hello, Queenie.”

Her head whipped around, and wary green eyes locked on his. “Let me go,” she whispered fiercely. “Do not make a scene in front of Jenna. Better yet, just go away.” She shrugged him off and quickly put distance between them.

Cade stood there, staring after her.

“What was that about?” Jenna asked as she approached.

“Nothing.”

“Didn’t look like nothing. What did you say to her?” Jenna demanded.

Which time?
he wanted to ask as he recalled their conversations the night before.
My sister’s trying to guilt me into helping her latest charity case and plans to empty my wallet along the way
.

He removed his cap and raked fingers through his shaggy hair, staring in the direction Sophie had disappeared. Then he looked at the sister who was glaring at him. He sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“I’m going after her,” Jenna insisted.

“No,” he said. “I will.”

“You? Why?”

“Go on to work, Jen. This is mine to fix.”

“But…”

He turned her gently toward her car. “You’ll be late.”

“You don’t have a car here.”

“Walking is part of my physical therapy. It’s not that far. I’ll see you later.”

“Cade, what on earth…?”

“Go to work. Please.”

Jenna’s hands rested on her hips. “You’d better not upset her, and I expect a full accounting when I get home.”

“Scram, little sister. I’ve got this. Trust me.”

“How can I? You have no people skills. Cade, she’s a good person and her life has been really hard.”

“Kid gloves, I promise.”