Betting on Texas (15 page)

“Did it work?”

“Are you kidding? All I managed to do was clock more hours for
the same lousy pay with no compensation whatsoever.”

“Tell me something I don’t already know about you,” Jesse
requested.

“Mmm. Okay.” She hopped off the tailgate and turned to face
him. A smile spread across her face. “I won your little side bet, Mr. Langtry. I
pulled off an amazing Fourth of July picnic this town won’t soon forget.”

Jesse laughed while Miranda reached over her shoulder and
patted herself on the back. While she danced in victory, he jumped down from the
tailgate and applauded her. The vanilla scent of her hair permeated the air and
he found it hard to control his desire to kiss her neck.

“Well done, sugar.”

Miranda spun around and planted a kiss on his mouth. Fierce and
deep with an urgency that wouldn’t quit, taking Jesse by surprise.
He did all but fall over to pull her closer.

Miranda shattered the kiss between them.

“That, Mr. Langtry, is what you’ll be missing when I win our
other bet.”

“Oh, no, I’m not.” He tugged her back to the truck and grabbed
her hips. Her back pressed along the side of the truck, he ran his hands down
her waist and around to her firm backside. A heat so intense made it nearly
impossible to restrain himself any longer.

“Congratulations on the picnic—” Jesse squeezed her rump,
lifting her off the ground “—but the rest of the bet isn’t over yet. You forget,
I’m one of the most successful horse trainers around. You’re going to need me to
keep that end of the business going.”

Jesse kissed a trail across her collarbone. He lifted her skirt
as his hands drifted up her outer thighs.

“If you’re so successful then why couldn’t you afford the
ranch?” Miranda asked smugly. She regretted the words the instant they left her
mouth.

Jesse released her, shook his head and jumped into the truck
bed. The fruit and whipped cream became one as they flew into the cooler. He
balled up the blankets and pushed them onto the bench seat, through the
window.

“That was low,” he spat. “Congratulations, sweetheart. I didn’t
think you had it in you.”

Miranda watched in amazement as he packed up.

He slammed the tailgate. “You have five seconds to get in or
I’m leaving you here.”

“Jesse,” she pleaded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

“Save it.” He opened the driver’s door. “And to think I thought
there may be something between us. How could I be with someone who throws their
money in my face?”

“I won the money in the Maryland Lottery.”

“What?”

“I won the money.” Miranda took a deep breath. “It was the one
year anniversary of my mother’s death. I bought a ticket at a gas station. And I
won.”

“I had no idea—”

“Oh, you had ideas. They were wrong, though.” Miranda wanted
everything out in the open. “I didn’t rob a bank. I wasn’t born with a silver
spoon in my mouth. I wasn’t always rich. And I’m still not rich. I didn’t win
millions and millions. I just won the stupid state lottery.”

Jesse tried to pull her into his arms. “I wish you had told me
sooner. I wouldn’t have jumped to so many wrong conclusions.”

“How could I with you spouting off about earning a living?” She
waved her hands in the air, brushing him away. “How you despised having things
handed to you, like your family’s ranch. How could I say Maryland handed me
money and I didn’t earn it? You would have lit into me more than you did when
you assumed I was born into it.”

“You’re right. I would have.” Jesse held out his hand to her.
“Forgive me, Miranda. I was out of line so many times.”

Miranda gazed out over the moonlit pecan grove. She wanted to
go to him, curl up in his arms and stay there forever. No more arguments, no
tension, no more bets. She wanted to trust him, only she didn’t know how.

“Miranda?” He reached into the cab of the truck for the
blankets and spread them out. “Please join me.”

She silently climbed into the truck bed and settled against the
back window.

“Let’s try this again,” Jesse said. “Tell me something about
you I don’t already know.”

Miranda shrugged. “There isn’t very much to tell.”

“Sure there is. What were you like as a kid?”

Miranda straightened. Her childhood wasn’t all unpleasant, just
strange. And one she chose not to discuss with people. It was too painful since
her mother’s death. This time it was different. She wanted to share her life
with Jesse. She wanted to let him in and tell him all of her hopes and
dreams.

“My mom and I moved around a great deal when I was growing up.”
Miranda opened the cooler and took a handful of the berries and cream mixture.
“Just when I made friends, we moved.”

“I’m sorry,” Jesse said.

“Don’t be,” Miranda was quick to add. “Every new place was an
adventure to me. A constant fresh start.”

“And it didn’t bother you?”

“Not after a while. I learned to adjust. You know how when
you’re a kid and you get picked on at school, or you feel a teacher doesn’t like
you?”

Jesse nodded.

“Well, I never had to worry about it.” She smiled. “I would
make up all sorts of glamorous stories about where we had lived and why we
moved. And my mom would always smile when I told her about them. I think she
liked to believe the stories herself. We never moved far, just far enough to
uproot my school and her job. When she had a job. Mostly we were running from
evictions or everyone else she owed money to.”

She leaned into Jesse’s hand when he pushed a strand of her
hair behind her ear. It felt good to get everything off her chest. She had tried
to talk to Ethan about her childhood, but he was never interested. Jesse gave
her his full attention, urging her to tell him more.

“I was usually one of the most popular kids in class.” Miranda
stretched out on the blanket as she continued. “If anything, it made me a
stronger person.”

“What do you want most out of life?” Jesse asked, playing with
the hem of her shirt.

It was a question she hadn’t expected, although an easy one to
answer.

“Family,” she whispered.

“Tell me again, sugar,” he murmured as he pulled her on top of
him.

“I want a family of my own. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I
thought I would have one by now. But those dreams died months ago. It was why I
came here.”

A lone tear spilled onto her cheek. Jesse’s lips slowly
followed its path. He turned her mouth toward his and deepened the kiss.

“Tell me what you want, Jesse,” Miranda whispered.

“The same thing you do.” Jesse kissed her again. “It’s the only
reason I didn’t stay at Bridle Dance with my brothers. I want my own family. My
own legacy. I never found the right woman. I never found you.”

His roughhewn hands glided across her skin. Their strength
excited her. Her breath quickened with each kiss as he rolled her onto her
back.

“Do you want me, Miranda?”

“Yes.” The word escaped her lips.

“I need you.” He eased her shirt over her head, kissing his way
along her belly, to her bare breasts. “This has gone way past want. End this
bet. Start a new legacy with me. Tonight. Right here.”

His mouth came down upon hers before she could answer. The heat
between their bodies grew, as did their need to become one. She gripped his
arms, his muscles hard and tight.

“You are so beautiful.” The huskiness in his voice alone sent
Miranda dangerously near the edge. Jesse lifted her hips, sliding her skirt past
them. “So very beautiful.”

The moonlit sky began to burst forth with color, while Jesse
and Miranda created fireworks of their own.

Chapter Eleven

Miranda bolted upright. The sun was on the horizon and
they were still in the bed of Jesse’s pickup. She studied the man beside her.
His dark hair fell across his forehead. It wasn’t often she saw him without his
hat. The blankets fell dangerously low on his torso, almost revealing the
pleasure she had experienced the night before.

She couldn’t remember the fireworks in the sky. Then she
remembered the one thing she wished she hadn’t. The bet. He still wanted Double
Trouble.
If the cowboy thinks I’ll give up that easily,
he better hold on to his spurs.

Miranda wasn’t about to repeat past mistakes by getting too
involved until she was certain Jesse truly wanted to be with her for herself and
not because he wanted control of the ranch. With the bet ending this week,
Miranda knew Double Trouble meant more to him than anything or anyone ever
could.

Fumbling around for her clothes, trying not to wake the
sleeping form beside her, she tugged on her boots and hopped down, almost
slipping on the dew-covered grass in front of the pecan grove. Even the birds
were still asleep. The flashlight from the front seat guided her way, the sun
began to peek over the horizon. She glanced back one last time, to the man who
made love to her throughout the night.

There was no longer any doubt in her mind. She loved him. Three
weeks ago, she never imagined she would feel this way about anyone, let alone
Jesse. He was mean and ornery to her the second her booted feet touched Texas
soil. And he was determined to drive her away from what was rightfully hers.
While she would be the first to admit there was an attraction to him the moment
she arrived, she should have left it for what it was. A little roll in the hay
every now and then never hurt anyone. Every woman needed the feel of a strong
man once in a while. But to allow herself to fall in love with Jesse was another
story altogether.

He would never change. From his stupid bet to his lame proposal
at Slater’s Mill, he was always after one thing. Last night he was after
something else. A guarantee the ranch would be his. How could she have fallen
for the “let’s start a legacy of our own” line?

Miles away from home, Miranda set off toward town hoping the
walk would help clear her head.

* * *

T
HE
WARMTH
OF
THE
MORNING
sun roused Jesse. He reached quietly for his jeans and the
box that was in his pocket. Now was the perfect time. Twenty-four hours earlier,
his intentions were to propose so he could own the ranch. Now he wanted to
propose because he was in love with Miranda. She’d worked her way into his heart
just as she’d worked her way into the heart of Ramblewood. Double Trouble
wouldn’t be the same without her. Jesse rolled over to wrap his arms around the
woman he loved. Only she wasn’t there.

“Miranda,” he called out.

No answer.

He tugged on his jeans and jumped over the side of the truck.
The damp grass made him dance in place while he reached for his socks and
boots.

Hopping on one foot, he called out for her again. As he jammed
his foot into his other boot, he noticed the matted grass leading away from the
truck.

“Miranda!”

He jumped in and started the engine.
She
couldn’t have gotten far.

Boot tracks led him to the main road and then stopped. He
thought he would have seen her by now. He glanced at the clock. Not knowing how
long she had been gone, he didn’t know where she could be. It would have taken
her a half hour, at best, to make it out of the grove alone. Turning onto the
main road, he figured he would catch up to her on the way to the ranch.

* * *

H
ER
FEET
ACHED
BY
THE
TIME
she reached The Magpie. The familiar bell sounded as she walked through the
door. She said her hellos to everyone and listened to their thank-yous as she
made her way to the counter.

“Give me the largest and strongest cup of black coffee you’ve
got.”

“Are you okay?” Bridgett asked.

“It’s been a long night. One I’d rather forget.”

“Why don’t you clean up a little.” Bridgett reached for her
handbag under the counter and handed it to Miranda. “There’s a hairbrush and
some makeup in there.”

“Thank you.” Miranda made her way to the bathroom, afraid of
what her reflection in the mirror might reveal.

Wonderful! I look like a hooker after a
wild night!
Her clothes were on crooked, her hair disheveled. What
those people out there must think. She had the same clothes on from
yesterday!

“Miranda?” Bridgett knocked once on the bathroom door and
peeked in. “These should fit you. I always carry a spare set in my car, just in
case.”

Some women understood the situation all too well. Miranda
gratefully accepted the clothes and made herself as presentable as possible.

French toast, bacon and a large cup of coffee awaited her when
she returned to the counter. Bridgett thought of everything.

“Thanks.” Miranda smiled weakly.

“Miranda!” Karen Johnson shrieked, almost causing Miranda to
fall off her stool. Miranda didn’t know the woman well, but remembered her from
yesterday.

Miranda glanced at Bridgett, who gave her a comforting pat on
the hand.

“What a wonderful picnic you threw yesterday. We had the most
wonderful time! Everything was just so wonderful!”

Bridgett giggled as Miranda attempted a sweet-as-pie smile.

“I’m glad you had a
wonderful
time,
Mrs. Johnson.”

“Oh, please, dear. Call me Karen,” she said as she handed
Bridgett the money for the check. “Well, I have to run off. See you soon!”

“Isn’t she wonderful?” Bridgett mocked.

Miranda began to explain last night while Bridgett rested her
elbows on the counter and listened. When she gave Miranda the ol’ be-quiet look
followed by a head nod toward the door, she braced for the worst. She followed
Bridgett’s eyes to the Magpie entrance.

“Aaron.” Miranda breathed a sigh of relief.

“Why don’t you two grab the booth over there? Aaron, honey, you
want your regular?”

Aaron nodded and gave Miranda a questioning look.

“Have a seat,” Miranda said. “I need to talk to you.”

* * *

J
ESSE
RAN
THROUGH
THE
BACK
door of the farmhouse.
“Miranda!”

Up the kitchen stairs and through the bedrooms he continued to
call her name. There was no sign of her.

“Mable!” Jesse shouted as he ran up Mable’s front stairs and
pounded on the door. “Mable! Have you seen Miranda?”

Mable opened the door a crack so the puppies wouldn’t
escape.

“Where’s Miranda?” Jesse panted.

“I thought she was with you,” Mable said. “Gimme a sec and let
me finish getting dressed. I’m half-naked over here.”

Jesse paced the entire length of the porch until she emerged
from the cottage.

“Settle down and tell me what this is all about.”

“She’s gone!” Jesse yelled. “She got up at some point, got
dressed and left.”

“Got dressed?” Mable raised an eyebrow.

There was no time for him to explain. Mable knew all about the
birds and the bees. He was sure she could put two and two together.

“I followed her tracks in the grass until I hit the road. I
thought she would have come straight here.”

“How far away were you?”

“Miller’s pecan grove.” Jesse took his hat off and swiped his
hand through his hair.

“Are you sure you didn’t pass her along the way?” Mable
questioned. “That’s quite a haul on foot.”

“Of course I’m sure,” Jesse snapped. “I’m sorry, Mable. I’m
worried. Maybe she’s lost somewhere. I’m going back out for her. If she shows
up, keep her here!”

Jesse leaped from the porch to the ground. He spun the tires as
he raced back out. He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned
white.
Where can she be?

* * *

“H
E
ONLY
WANTS
THE
RANCH
, Aaron.”
Miranda pushed away her plate. She wasn’t hungry. “He tried to get me to call
off the bet last night.”

“I don’t think that’s the reason, Miranda.” Aaron patted her
hand across the table. “It’s all going to be okay.”

“There’s something I haven’t told you.” Miranda couldn’t bring
herself to look him in the eyes. “I’m in love with him.”

Aaron laughed. “I know you are, honey.” He smiled at Miranda’s
questioning gaze. “We all know you are.”

Miranda looked around The Magpie. Had she really made a fool
out of herself in front of the entire town again? Did everyone know she was in
love with a man set on leaving her in a week’s time?

Aaron gripped her hand tighter.

“This isn’t the Miranda I know,” Aaron said. “What happened to
the ‘take no prisoners’ girl that barreled into town?”

He was right. Here she was, falling apart because she spent the
night with Jesse. So what? It was the most pleasurable night of her life. What
did it matter? She loved the man and he didn’t love her. Who cares? She did,
hence her problem. She cared too much.

If she was ever going to survive, she needed to get him out of
her head. He’d be gone soon enough and that would be the end of it. It would
hurt for a while, but she’d manage.

“I’ll just avoid him for the next week.”

“No, you’ll face him head-on. Jesse’s not as bad as you think
he is. He has some mighty strong feelings for you, Miranda. When he asks why you
left, tell him. Don’t play games. Now, come on, let me drive you home. I’ve got
work to do on that ranch of yours.”

Aaron convinced Miranda to wait at the ranch for Jesse. She sat
at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee when the phone rang. Mable went to
answer it.

“Hello?” Mable said. “No, I’m sorry. He’s not here right now.
May I take a message?”

Miranda gave her a questioning look.

“Okay. Will do.” Mable hung up the phone and rung her
hands.

“Who was that?” Miranda was almost afraid to ask.

Mable took a deep breath and released it before she spoke. “It
was the owner of the ranch in Abilene. He wanted to confirm Jesse’s arrival next
week.”

* * *

T
HERE
WAS
NO
SIGN
OF
M
IRANDA
anywhere. After Jesse drove around the
outskirts of town for an hour, he decided to check back at the house to see if
she’d shown up.

Mable greeted him coolly in the doorway.

“She doesn’t want to talk to you.”

“What are you talking about?” He opened the screen door but
Mable blocked his path. “Mable, come on, let me in.”

“I’m sorry, Jesse. Miranda made it perfectly clear she does not
want to talk to you.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Miranda!” Jesse shouted over Mable’s
shoulder.

Mable slammed the door and left him to stand alone on the
porch. Jesse stepped down and called up to Miranda’s window.

“I don’t know what I did, but I wish you’d talk to me!”

* * *

M
IRANDA
DID
HER
BEST
to avoid Jesse over the course of the next two days. No matter how he rearranged
his schedule, she managed to stay a step ahead of him. Mable brought a plate of
supper out to him the first night, but he wasn’t hungry. He wasn’t angry. He
wasn’t anything...without Miranda. He prodded Mable for answers. But she said
they needed to work it out together. How could he when she wouldn’t talk to
him?

Thoughts of Miranda lying in the bed of his truck transported
him back to the other night. Down came the walls and any pretense they’d once
held. At least that’s what he thought. The events played over in his mind. What
had he done wrong?

Consumed with trying to win the bet, Jesse felt terrible he
neglected to call the ranch in Abilene to turn down their offer. Yesterday he
told them he would pass, although a small part of him regretted it now. The way
things were going with Miranda, there would be nothing left to keep him on the
ranch soon.

He reached in his pocket and pulled out the small box he
continued to carry. The diamond ring nestled between two pillows of blue velvet
reflected the morning sun.

There was no reason for him to remain on the Double Trouble. He
could go back to Bridle Dance and make his family happy. It wasn’t what he
wanted, but he couldn’t stay here any longer. The woman he loved shut him out of
her life without as much as an explanation.

As he turned General Lee out in the pasture, he noticed Miranda
watching him from the porch. She regarded him for a moment, and then hung her
head when Aaron joined her.

If she wants to talk to me, she can come
down here. I’ve made enough of an effort.
Jesse led two more horses
to the corral. When he walked in the stables, Miranda, Aaron and Mable were
waiting for him.

What’s this? Did it take three people to ask him to leave?

“Jesse.” Miranda stepped forward. Her voice strained. “There’s
something I need to tell you.”

“Why don’t we all go in the house.” Aaron shifted.

“Say what you have to say, Miranda.” Jesse tapped his foot.

“I’m not sure how to tell you this, but—”

“But what?” Jesse snapped. “Spit it out already.”

“Do you want me to tell him?” Mable asked. Miranda shook her
head.

“Tell me what? What’s gotten into you three? You act like
someone died.”

The three of them stood before him, sympathy registered in
their faces. Mable touched his arm. Jesse stumbled and reached for the stall
door to keep his balance. An overwhelming sense of dread turned over in his
stomach.