COWBOY FOR SALE--A Second-Chances Spicy Romance (11 page)

“With wings?”

“Sure. And all the kittens and puppies you can imagine—”

“A hundred and one?”

“At least. And—”

“Alpacas, like here, Daddy?”

“Sure, Sugar Plum.”

“And are you there too?”

“Well, I would be the King, of course.”

Jamie frowned a drowsy frown. “We would need a Queen there too.”

An unbidden picture of Lacey popped into his mind—she was standing at the foot of a castle wearing Jamie's pink “princess hat,” wearing a filmy, white flowing gown, her hands clasped together demurely.

A soft snore distracted him from the vision. Jared looked at his daughter's expression of peaceful slumber. “But she's not the right Queen, Sugar Plum,” he whispered.

Carefully making his way back out the door, Jared sighed. He still felt unsettled, and, if he was being honest, even more so than before he'd seen Lacey at the salon. What was it about her that was so hard to read? Why couldn’t he just talk to her, explain what was on his mind, and leave it at that? He picked up the phone and pressed one of the speed dial buttons.

“Jo,” he said, “I didn't chicken out—she and I just don't communicate well.”

“Tell me exactly what happened.”

Jared cradled the receiver on his shoulder as he grabbed a bottle of beer out of the refrigerator and twisted off the top. He took a long swallow before he answered, then gave her a blow by blow of the conversation he and Lacy had had at the salon.

“What else?”

How did she always know when he left something out?

“C’mon,” she urged.

“The guy she asked to be in the bachelor auction is in jail. The one I should have warned her about. Luke, the band’s lead singer, is the other cowboy.”

“Hmm. So, she’s short a cowboy. Interesting.”

“Jo—”

“What? You’re going to tell me not to go there? Tell me you haven’t already thought about it, little brother.”

He didn’t answer immediately, because he knew Jo was right. He had thought about it. All the way home. But he wouldn’t say so.

“Jared. It’s pretty clear to me. You need to show up and be her cowboy.”

He groaned.

“All you have to do is call Luke and get some details. Was there a rehearsal?”

“Yeah, yesterday.” Luke had actually already shared all the details of the rehearsal and the upcoming event when the band had met with the Wednesday night band that morning to go over some details about switching nights.

“Jared. Why not?”

Jared rolled his eyes and took a quick swig of beer. “When we first met, I’m pretty sure she thought I was married.” He listened to the silence on the other end of the phone.

“And you didn't tell her otherwise?”

“I did…later. And I told her about Jamie.”

“And her reaction?”

He paused, remembering. “Aloof. Her interest in the other guy increased.”

“Hmm. Sounds like a scared woman to me. Hey, what are you gonna do with your wedding ring? I noticed you aren't wearing it anymore…
finally
. Now it makes sense.” He could almost hear her smiling through the phone.

“You want it?”

Laughter filled his ear until he finally had to hold the receiver away from his head.

“Sure,” she said, “I'll have it melted down and make something out of it for Jamaica.” She paused a moment. “What else?” she prompted.

“She might get the wrong idea if I do this. Jo, she's just not right for me.”

“And how, exactly, do you know this?”

“She's a…career woman.” He almost choked on the word. “Been there, done that. Remember?”

“Unfair, Jared. I'm a career woman and I find plenty of time for the important things in life. Some women can handle it all.”

“She's…too young.”

“She's not
that
young. I’ve met her and she’s probably the oldest one at that salon. Do you think she's attractive?”

“What's that got to do with anything?”

“Hmm, so you do. Interesting. Are you attracted to her?”

“Jo—”

“—you're not dead, you know. Attraction is a healthy thing. Seriously, how long has it been since you’ve—”

“Jo—”

“Okay, okay…”

Jared closed his eyes, picturing Lacey in his mind as she had appeared the night he’d interrupted her solo dance on the back deck at the Rockin' Ranch. How she’d felt in his arms, her silky hair draped over his arm, her hand snug in his, her red boots, how she kept staring at their feet. His groin quickly began to ache.
This is ridiculous.

“Jared?”

“I…we don't need an independent, opinionated, busy woman in our lives right now.”

“I see, and when might you need one?”

Jared groaned again. “You're not helping.”

“Grow-up, little brother, and quit being so rigid and so defensive. That charity auction is for a good cause. I read in the UT the money is being raised for a Pediatric AIDS fund. But I guess you can afford to be selfish…your little girl is healthy.”

His sister knew all the buttons to push. He was a goner.

“And you could try being a friend to Lacey. What makes you think she's even remotely interested in you anyway?” Jo asked.

“Don't you ever get tired of being right?” His sister's laughter again filled his ear.

“Jared—my advice? Show up at the auction. Help her out. Be a nice guy. Make her day. See you in the morning. I’ll help you pick out what to wear.”

Before he could answer, he heard the soft click of the phone.

Women.

Chapter Seven

At the salon Kandy had put the finishing touches on Luke's hair and even persuaded him to let her dab a little face powder on his nose.

“Doesn't he look yummy?” Kandy fanned herself with her hand as she waited backstage. Her gaze followed Luke as he joined the line of men in a waiting area.

Lacey agreed. “You did a great job, Kandy. Nice hair.”

“Thanks. I didn’t believe he could be more gorgeous, but he is, isn’t he?”

Lacey drew her lips into a straight line, then blew out a frustrated sigh.

“What?”

“I just feel bad that Luke has to be the only cowboy.”

“Lacey, darling, look what I found!”

Lacey whirled at the painfully perky sound of the marketing director’s voice.

“Your cowboy is here after all—just look at this handsome hunk of man.”

Lacey stared at Jared, then at the beaming marketing director, and back again to Jared who returned what could only be described as a shit-eating grin.

“He does belong to you, doesn't he, honey?”

“No…yes…what are you doing here?” She directed the question at Jared, but he shrugged.

“You look great,” Kandy added, elbowing her Lacey in the ribs as though she should be the one saying it. And, well, she should be…if she actually still retained the ability to speak. No, looking at him had literally taken her breath away.

He was devastatingly handsome, dressed in a black leather blazer, crisp white shirt, and black string tie. His brown hair looked like polished mahogany in the bright backstage lighting; the silver strands at his temples were more noticeable, adding dazzling highlights. Her gaze dropped to his waist, which sported a stunning silver and turquoise belt buckle above snug black jeans. His familiar black boots had been recently polished. He looked taller, imposing. Different.

“What do you think, Lacey, with the hat or without it?” Jared asked.

She looked up, her pulse throbbing at her temples, embarrassed to have him catch her downward gaze. “Let me see it on.”

Jared tipped his head forward and placed a black felt hat on his head.

She stepped forward, instinctively smoothing his hair behind his ears and pulling out a few strands that were tucked inside his collar.
Lemons
. Why did he have to smell so damn good?

“Surprised?” Jared whispered in her ear as he leaned forward so she could reach better.

“What made you—”

“My big sister,” he answered.

Lacey laughed. “Thanks to your sister, then. I'd like to meet her.” Lacey continued to straighten and smooth Jared's tie and collar.

“You've already met.”

“You're kidding. Where?”

“Do you remember a little girl named Jamie—actually, Jo calls her Jamaica. My sister brought her in and you fixed her hair.”

“She was
your
Jamie?”

Jared nodded. “And I can hardly get her to take off that damn princess hat you gave her, by the way. I think there's glitter in every room of the house.”

Lacey took a step back.

The marketing director sighed, both hands clasped in front of her. “Oh, my. You should fetch a good price,” she said. “What’s your name so I can get the info to the announcer.”

“Jared Dillon,” he told her.

Lacey watched as Jared's face seemed to pale as if he suddenly remembered the real reason he was there.

“I can't believe I'm doing this,” he said.

“Nonsense,” the marketing director said. “Lacey, out of here. I've got to go. Jared, you can join Luke in line. You two are up last.”

Jared tipped his head in acknowledgment to Luke, who was giving him a thumbs up.

“Don't worry, the ladies will love you.” Lacey felt a sudden heat in her cheeks. They would love him, she realized, and he probably would fetch a good price.
God, I sound barbaric
.

Kandy walked over and whispered, “Lacey, the girls from the shop have a spot saved up front. You coming?”

“You go on, Kandy. I'm going to run back to the salon and work a little bit, and I'll meet you after it's over.”

Kandy's mouth drew into a pout. “You're no fun. Aren't you even going to bid on anyone?”

Lacey groaned. “Do you have enough money to buy Luke—you need to borrow any?”

“I'm fine, thanks. I've been saving tips all week. See ya.” Her face brightened as she twirled to join the crowd.

The sound of someone tapping on a microphone drew Lacey's attention as she started walking away from the stage and toward the salon.

“Is this on? Can everyone hear me out there?” The master of ceremonies was a local radio personality whose voice was unmistakable. She listened to his familiar mellow baritone.

“Good evening everyone. My name is Gabe Freeman, from KGLD, San Diego's Number One Golden Oldies radio. Calm down ladies, the bidding is about to begin. Welcome to our “Bachelor For Sale” charity auction.” His voice was quickly drowned out by the noisy crowd.

Lacey focused on the stage as the curtain was drawn to reveal the line-up of good-looking men, which brought an enthusiastic simultaneous scream from the crowd.

Gabe raised his hands in attempts to control the crowd, continuing, “Remember that your kind donations this evening will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Next Saturday each couple will enjoy a day of fun at several local attractions that have donated tickets, and then a night out on the town with dinner and dancing, and a champagne toast at Bertrand at Mister A’s...but don't forget that tonight's
highest
bidder will join her bachelor on a Dream Date weekend donated by Adventure Tours, located right here at the Wentworth Mall. So think big and bid big!”

“Good luck, Kandy,” Lacey whispered as she left the shrieking crowd behind her.

***

Stifling a yawn, Lacey checked her watch. She hated crunching numbers but at least now she wouldn't have to come in early tomorrow to prepare her quarterly report, which highlighted her best quarter ever. In fact, the best in the salon’s history. Her regional manager had hinted she’d already peeked at some of the figures and had been extremely complimentary during this week’s visit.

It felt so good to be at this point, she admitted. The salon was humming along nicely, their retail sales were through the roof and each stylist would be getting a handsome bonus. She was proud of them…and herself. For once, she felt she was exactly where she was supposed to be, doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing.

If she looked at the big picture, she should thank Dirk. His behavior had set her free in more ways than one. She was free to pursue her dreams, and not stuck in a marriage with someone who didn’t respect her or her goals.

She let out a sigh as she reached for a small picture frame from the corner of her desk, a photo of her and Dirk’s son, Devyn. He was her only regret and she feared that hurt would never go away. In reality, he’d soon forget her, she assumed. At the tender age of four, he would soon be attending preschool, making friends, would probably grow to love his step-mother and new baby sister or brother. Life would go on for him. And she hoped it would.