Break In Two (2 page)

She woke eight hours later, having had a good night's sleep for the first time since discovering Antonio was cheating.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" She should have been on the road two hours ago. She hastily brushed her teeth, threw her things in her bag, ran down to the lobby to check out, and grabbed a complimentary coffee before getting back on the road.

An hour into the drive, she was shocked to realize that she hadn't thought about Antonio once since waking. Of course it helped knowing that there was no way she would run into him or any reminders of him for that matter. She could leave him behind, but would she ever shed that feeling of humiliation and self-doubt that comes with being cheated on? Those nagging questions -
Am I not sexy enough? Am I not smart enough, pretty enough, interesting enough to keep a man?
- occupied her thoughts. Her sister had tried, unsuccessfully, to reassure her that it was not her at all, but purely selfishness on Fuckwit’s part. But Janet had to say that. She was her big sister.

At 31, Claire felt old and used up. She had been traded in for a 22 year old hostess whom she herself had hired to work at the restaurant a year earlier. Her mind wandered back to the moment she found out. She had called the restaurant from home to make a schedule change and Stacey, the perky little hostess, picked up thinking it was Antonio. "Hey Tony, did Fatty leave already? You calling to talk dirty to me?"

There was a pause on the line and then Claire spoke up, "No Stacey, it's me, Fatty. Why the fuck would Tony be calling to talk dirty to you?" Stacey, the cowardly bimbo, hung up.

*              *              *

As Claire drove on through Denver, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The sun shone brightly, bringing her a sense of renewal. Each mile she made took her farther from her hurtful past and toward an unknown future. Her heart pounded as she took in the scenery of the rugged Rocky Mountains to her right and the expansive plains to her left. This was a place like nowhere she had been and the beautiful, unfamiliar scenery brought with it both a sense of exhilaration and a nervous knot in her stomach. She could hardly believe she was really doing this. Up until now, she had lived a safe, mundane existence and here she was about to completely change her entire reality.

Claire finally pulled up to the ranch at 4:30 p.m.; her eyes were burning and her body was sore and sweaty from the long drive. She shut off the car and took a moment to check herself in the mirror. She knew she didn't exactly look put-together. Although it probably didn't matter as much out here in Colorado as it would in Seattle, she hated the thought of making a bad first impression. She pulled out a tube of her favourite lip gloss and tried to make a few minor improvements. She managed to find a comb and an elastic band in her purse and quickly threw her hair up into a pony tail. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, with her heart in her throat, trying to convince herself that she was ready to make a fresh start.

Cole had been watching her from the barn door as she pulled in and sat in her car. He was caught off guard when he realized he found something sensual about watching her in a private moment as she applied her lipstick and tied her hair up. He had yet to see her face up close, but he was somehow drawn to her already.

As she got out of the car and stretched, he strode over to her and welcomed her with a warm smile.
Fuck me. There really
are
hot cowboys here
, she thought. His gait was confident and self-assured, not in a hurry but not slow either. He looked to be about her age, early thirties maybe, and had on jeans, a fitted white t-shirt and a straw cowboy hat.

When he finally reached her, their eyes locked. Claire couldn't look away even though she knew she should. He was tall so she had to tilt her head up to look at his face. It was all she could do to keep her jaw from dropping as she took in the sight of his gorgeous hazel eyes, his kissable mouth, his chiselled features and his short, sandy blonde hair poking out from under his hat.

"You must be Claire. I'm Cole. We spoke on the phone." His voice was just as sexy in person as it had been when they spoke a few days earlier.

"Hi,” she said, extending her hand. His handshake was firm and he held the embrace maybe a second too long. She could feel that he had strong hands from working hard and was slightly shocked at herself to realize she was imagining how the rest of his body would match. As she glanced down at the veins bulging in his forearm, she could feel her face heating up with thoughts she had no business thinking.

A large grey and white sheep dog came running up beside Cole, wagging his tail to greet her. He looked up at Claire and gave her a single bark as if to say hello.

"This is Otis. He loves everyone as long as I like them." Otis sat down beside Cole, panting from the heat.

Claire looked down at the dog, "Hi, Otis."

As if on cue, the dog walked over and nudged her hand in hopes of being petted. She grinned as she crouched down to comply with his request, "Aren't you a sweetheart?"

Cole watched her, feeling glad to see that she seemed kind. "How was the drive?"

"It was long but good. It was a nice chance to see the country," Claire answered as she stood up again.

"You must be beat. I was thinking we could do the interview tomorrow if that's okay with you. I had something come up at the last minute that I can't get out of anyway and I need to leave for a few hours," Cole replied, looking apologetic.

"That would actually be a relief for me. I could use a good night's rest to be at my best for the interview."

"Great. I'll show you to your cabin then. I can help you carry some of your things before I go. It's a bit of a hike to the staff quarters from here."

Claire opened the hatch of her car and a garbage bag full of clothes tumbled out. Cole caught it before it hit the ground, but not before a pair of lacy pink panties fell out. He caught those with his other hand and gingerly handed them back to her with a sexy little grin, "You sure know how to make a first impression."

Claire's face was instantly red with embarrassment. She quickly took the panties from him and shoved them into the pocket of her jeans. "Those aren't mine. I have no idea how they got in there," she said in mock denial.

Cole laughed at her reaction, surprised to find that she had such a good sense of humour. He had a warm, deep laugh that made her heart skip a beat when she heard it.

He took the garbage bag full of clothes along with a large suitcase, while Claire grabbed her overnight bag, purse, and another small suitcase. As they walked down the paved path by the restaurant and lodge, it was her first chance to really take in her new surroundings and she looked around in awe. Cole watched her as she gasped a little at the sight of the large lake. It was surrounded by tall grasses that lead up the mountains on the other side of the water.

"It's beautiful here," she said with quiet reverence. Cole felt warmth spread through him to see her sincere appreciation of his beloved home.

Down the path they passed by a handful of two-storey guest cabins. They continued walking along until they reached the staff lodging, much smaller one-storey versions of the guest cabins. They finally reached hers and Cole stopped, putting her bags down on the front porch and fishing her key out of his pocket.

"This one’s you," he said, unlocking the door. "It's pretty small, but I think it has everything you need if you decide to stay. Let me know if there is anything missing."

"I'm sure it'll be just fine. The view alone is more than enough."

He carried her bags inside and set them down on the floor in the small sitting-room/kitchen. He handed her the key and they walked out together back down the path to the parking area.

"My brother, Ben, and his wife, Alicia, are making supper for everyone tonight in the restaurant. Nothing fancy, but I hope you will feel comfortable enough to join them. Supper will be ready in about an hour."

Just then, two young ranch hands appeared at the door to the barn. Both were tanned and lean wearing well-worn cowboy hats. Cole called to them, "Trey, Dustin, this is Miss Claire. She'll be our new chef."

As the two walked over, Cole stared at them, saying, "Trey and Dustin are my little cousins. They're working here until they decide to get off their butts and go to college."

"Not gonna happen Cole, we were born to be cowboys," called Trey, the taller of the two. Both men tipped their hats at Claire and said hello. Claire greeted them warmly, saying it was nice to meet them.

"I have to run over to O'Reilly's. I'd like you two to help Miss Claire bring the rest of her things to her cabin, and then you’re done for the day, all right?" Even though he asked if it was all right, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was an order, not a request.

Both young men headed towards her vehicle, "Sure thing boss," Dustin replied, giving Claire a little wink.

Cole turned back to Claire, "I should be back in a few hours. Ben and Alicia are in the restaurant if you need anything. Make sure you go get something to eat in a little while. Sorry again that I have to go."

"Please don't worry about me. I'll find my way around. Thank you though," she said, realizing that she had forgotten how good it felt to have someone worry about her like that.

Cole climbed in his big white Chevy pickup truck and Otis jumped in beside him. He gave her a little nod before pulling out with a horse trailer in tow. Claire just stood there and watched the truck pull out of the yard, forgetting completely that Dustin and Trey were waiting to unload her things.

"Sorry," she said, as she tried to shake the feeling of attraction she had for her new boss, "I'm a bit tired from the drive." She quickly unlocked the doors and started unloading her things.

"No worries," Trey said, taking a couple of large garbage bags from her, both stuffed full of clothes.

She handed two more bags full of shoes and boots to Dustin. He looked at the bags with a surprised expression, "How many feet do you have anyway?" he joked.

Claire gave him a little laugh, "Just the two, but they are very spoiled."

She picked up a backpack and another couple of bags and the trio headed in the direction of her cabin. Claire thought it couldn't hurt to get a little background info in preparation for her interview the next day, even though the way he had introduced her made it sound like she had the job already. "So, what's it like to work here?"

Dustin replied first, "Well, if you work here, you work hard, but Cole and Ben are really good to their people too. They are very fair. The only things they won't tolerate are laziness and being rude to the guests."

Claire felt relief sweep over her, "Well, I don't think I'll have a problem with those rules."

After the bags were dropped at her cabin, Claire thanked the guys and followed them out onto the small porch. Trey glanced back at her as they started down the path, "Now, don't get all caught up organizing your shoes and miss supper! Alicia's making her famous lasagne."

Claire laughed, "I'll try not to!"

Claire dropped onto the couch staring at all her bags, the sum total of all of her belongings sitting in front of her in disarray.
Too overwhelmed to face the pile right then, she walked over to the fridge to see if there was anything in it. She was surprised to find it stocked with milk, a dozen eggs, cheese, some fruit, spinach, a loaf of bread, and a six pack of beer. Claire grabbed a cold beer, cracked it open, and stood at the kitchen window staring at the view of the lake in the late day sun. It shimmered, a deep blue colour, with the Rockies acting as a majestic backdrop.

A feeling of excitement passed over her when she thought about her new boss. He was sexy as hell and seemed so thoughtful too. Her mind went over every detail of what she knew about him so far. He smelled so clean, as though he just stepped out of the shower in an Old Spice ad. His freshly shaved face, the touch of his hand as he shook hers, his sculpted body carrying her heavy luggage with ease. Her cheeks were suddenly flushed as she remembered the panties she had stuffed in her pocket. She pulled them out with a little laugh of embarrassment and tossed them on her suitcase. Digging around in her purse, Claire grabbed her cell phone and texted Janet to let her know she was safe.

After she hung up, she realized her stomach was growling. She hadn't eaten more than a few bites in days. Slipping into her flip-flops Claire walked over to the restaurant.

As soon as she opened the door, she instantly fell in love with the layout of the place; it was both rustic and luxurious at the same time. The windows reached up to a peak in the center of the wall interrupted only in the middle by a large stone fireplace. The tables were cherry wood and each one had a candle in a glass jar placed as a simple, yet elegant centerpiece. Wrought iron chandeliers lit the seating area with a lovely warm glow. Near the fireplace, a group of brown leather couches and arm chairs were arranged in cozy sitting areas, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the ranch. The walls were lined with black and white framed photos of the ranch over the years. Claire slowly walked along the walls studying each one. She stared at a picture of two boys sitting on a dock in their swim trunks, and wondered if it was Cole and his brother.

A voice broke her concentration, "Hi, you must be Claire." A tall, lean woman stood in the doorway to the kitchen, smiling. "I'm Alicia, Ben's wife. I imagine you're starving."

"You're right on both accounts. Nice to meet you Alicia."

"Have a seat. What can I get you to drink?"

"I could use some water, thank you," Claire said as she chose a table near the window.

A minute later, Alicia came back with a plate of Caesar salad and a glass of water. "I thought you might like a salad to start with. I made lasagne but I wasn't sure if you are a vegetarian, so I thought I'd better ask before I brought it out."

"That sounds lovely. Thank you. I can serve myself though. I feel silly sitting here." Claire gave Alicia an embarrassed look.

"No, tonight you are our guest. You must be exhausted after your long drive. I just feel funny serving a real chef my poor attempt at a meal."

"Oh no, please don't be nervous. I'm not a snobby foodie or anything. I'm sure I'll love it." Claire replied, giving her a reassuring smile, "Dustin told me it is your famous lasagne."

Alicia turned her back toward the kitchen as she called out, "Yeah, but famous for what?"

She came back with two plates piled high with lasagne and another glass of water. She was followed by a tall man, with sandy blonde hair. He bore a striking resemblance to Cole, except his nose was crooked, as though it had been broken more than once. Claire knew he must be Cole's brother, Ben. He was carrying another plate of food as well as a beer. He greeted Claire, introducing himself.

"Do you mind if we join you?" Alicia asked.

"I'd love it. I've had only my thoughts for company the last few days and I can tell you the conversations aren't always worth having." Claire gestured for them to sit down.

Claire felt immediately comfortable with the couple. They were very friendly and asked her a few questions about herself, but not so many that she felt as though she was being interrogated. They talked about the ranch and explained that it had been in the family for over 100 years. Ben explained that their parents had decided to hand the ranch over last year, choosing to travel around the world while they still could.

It was obvious from watching them that Ben and Alicia were very much in love. Claire felt a little stab of envy. She never felt as in tune with Antonio as these two seemed. They laughed easily and seemed enthralled when the other would talk. At one point, Alicia reached up with her napkin and wiped a tiny bit of food off Ben's cheek. Claire wondered if she would ever feel this at ease with a man. She had always felt a bit nervous around Antonio, as though she couldn't really be herself. They didn't share a sense of humour and most of her jokes landed with a thud around him. She knew she never quite measured up to his expectations of what his girlfriend should be. She wasn't skinny enough for him and didn't have the proper breeding he wanted in a trophy wife.

As they finished eating, Claire stood up to clear the table. Ben gently took her plate from her hand, "We've got it, Claire. You're our guest tonight."

"Thank you. I feel bad not helping though," Claire said.

"Don't even think about it," Alicia said, "Now you must have some unpacking to do, or if you like, there is a swimming pool and a hot tub behind the lodge. I know I always want to soak in a hot tub after a long drive."

"There is? Really? I would love that!" Claire lit up with delight. "I think I will take a few minutes to get settled in and then go for a dip. Thanks again."

They said their good nights and then Claire walked lazily back to her cabin, breathing in the fresh mountain air and listening to the evening sounds of the frogs croaking. She was surprised to realize that she was feeling very at peace, even though she was in a completely new place surrounded by strangers.

She unpacked her toiletries and searched her suitcases for her swimsuit. It was a royal blue two piece that brought out the colour of her eyes. She had worn it on a trip to Mexico with Antonio four years earlier and had felt so beautiful in it then. It was back at a time when he was still interested in taking her on trips and in making love to her. She tried to shake the thought as she undressed and put it on, pulling on a black skirt and a grey t-shirt for the walk down to the pool. She grabbed a towel from the bathroom and slung it over her shoulder, locking the door behind her and heading toward the lodge to find the pool.