Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1) (11 page)

“Sitter fall asleep again?” he asked.

“Yup.” Pippa watched the little girl play with the salt and pepper shakers that were in the shape of birds.

“I’ll come up and grab her.”

“You know, why don’t I keep her today. This will give us some girl time.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I should be able to manage. Anyway, we’re going to have breakfast and then I’m going to pick her brain for all of her stories on Uncle Ro.” She laughed.

“Only believe the good things.” He laughed.

They hung up and Pippa plated the pancakes, drizzled syrup over them and set one plate in front of a smiling little girl. “They aren’t IHOP, but they smell yummy,” Pippa said.

“My dad makes pancakes the bachelor way all of the time.” She cut into her breakfast.

“Bachelor way?” Pippa sipped her coffee, feeling more awake. She’d learned a day started early on a ranch and she’d have to get used to that.

“Using the microwave.” She swiped the back of her hand across her mouth.

“Here you go, youngin’.” Pippa handed her a napkin.

She accepted it, but the syrup was already smeared across her hand and face. “What do you do when you’re alone?” Brie asked.

“Well,” Pippa leaned back into the chair, tapping her finger against the rim of her cup. “I work a lot of the time.”

“Like my dad?”

Pippa frowned. “Maybe so. I should ask you what you like to do. We can do anything you prefer.”

Brie gave her a long, thoughtful stare. “You have pretty hair. Wish mine was that long. Daddy says it’s too hard to take care of when it’s passed my shoulders.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you have beautiful hair. I can fix it for you if you’d like. I used to be good with all of the styles when I was younger.”

With a shaky nod, Brie popped the last bite of pancake into her mouth and followed it with a drink of hot chocolate. “Can I do yours too? And your make up?”

Pippa nibbled her bottom lip. “I think that’s a fair request.”

After the dishwasher was loaded, they went upstairs for a spa day at home.

*****

Roman stood next to the couch, looking at the scene before him as his heart slammed against his ribs. Pippa and Brie were on opposite ends, stretched out and sleeping peacefully. Bojangles was snuggled up next to her. Pippa’s arm was thrown over her forehead and all he could see was her bright red mouth.

He smiled and bent next to the couch, waking her with a brush of his knuckles along her cheek that was heavily doused with blush. Her arm slipped and he noticed that her eyes were also rimmed with black liner and sparkly eye shadow.

“Hi,” he said, biting his lip to keep from laughing.

“Hi,” she said in a sleepy-thick voice that reminded him that he hadn’t held her in his arms since last night when they’d made love.

“Sweetheart, it looks like a makeup bag vomited on your face.”

“Sorry. Are you being funny?” She lifted on her elbow, nailing him with a sharp stare.

“Apparently not.” He chuckled.

“Just so you know, your niece did this lovely make over. And she was very proud so don’t burst her bubble,” she whispered.

“And then have two females angry with me? I wouldn’t dare.” He winked.

“I’m not angry with you. I know I must look a sight, but I couldn’t refuse. I bet her father never tells her no. Who could?”

“Beware of the cornflower blue eyes and the innocent smile. She’ll have you wrapped around her finger in no time.”

“She has already managed that.  It appears the charm runs in the family.” Pippa smiled and his world lit up. He was really starting to look forward to seeing her in the afternoons. This could be dangerous.

“I have to run to my buddy’s house and speak to him. Wanna come?” He had decided that he wanted to take Pippa with him, introduce her to Ted and Betty. He wondered if Pippa had any clue just how smitten he was on her these days.

“What about Brie?” Pippa slid off the couch and he stood.

“Weston is waiting for her at home. I can take her if you’d like to get cleaned up a bit.”

“Hey, are you saying you don’t want to be seen with me looking all glam?” She shifted into a Marylyn Monroe pose.

“Sweetheart, I’d be seen with you wearing a potato sack.” He pulled her in and kissed her fully on the lips, which was interrupted by a giggle. He looked down and found Brie watching them. “Well, there you are, sleepy-head.”

“Hi, Uncle Ro. Do you like Pippa’s make up?”

“Well…” He felt a light pinch on his arm and caught Pippa’s side-glance of warning. “I absolutely love it. She looks like a princess, just like you.” He bent and tickled Brie on the chin that had her erupting into laughter. Once the guffaws faded some, Roman pointed his finger at her, trying very hard not to fold in his firmness. “Listen, young lady. What have you been told about wandering off from the sitter?”

Brie nibbled at the corner of her mouth as if she searched for the right answer. “Sorry, but I was bored.”

Roman blew out a long breath. “Your father is waiting for you. Explain it to him.” He grabbed her up in his arms. “By the way, your hair is amazing.”

Brie touched the braid gently as if she was afraid she’d mess it up. “Pippa did it. Will you do it again for me some day?”

“Of course, but promise you won’t walk here without letting someone know first, okay?” Pippa patted Brie on the arm.

“Okay. I won’t.” She wrapped one arm around Roman’s shoulders.

“And maybe I can get you to do my make up again before I leave for Chicago.”

Roman’s mouth thinned. “Chicago?” His heart sunk.

“Looks like I have a conference coming up. I’ll explain more later,” Pippa said.

“Pippa’s a writer. Did you know that, Uncle Ro?” Brie’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, I knew that, youngin’. Now, let’s get you home before your dad comes searching for you.”

By the time he made it back, Pippa had changed into a yellow sundress that showed a good amount of her toned legs, her face was washed and her hair was brushed into her usual straight style…and she looked amazing. Her long hair flowed around her bare shoulders—shoulders that he wanted to kiss, along with her slender neck and the dip between her collarbones. Since she’d been at the ranch, she’d gotten a darker shade to her skin and the color brought out the green of her eyes. She strolled across the porch to him, meeting him at the steps, the hem of the dress swinging along her luscious thighs. He roamed his gaze along her calves to the bright pink of her toenails exposed in the flip flops. “You look beautiful.”

He stood on the bottom step and she stayed at the middle. They were the perfect eye level. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. “I love your niece. And just so you know, she didn’t tell me any stories that should embarrass you.”

“Thank God. I was worried.” He swiped the back of his hand across his forehead.

She pulled back slightly. “So, there are stories to be told, huh?”

“None that you’ll hear from me, sweetheart.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “I’m afraid if we don’t leave now, I’m going to forget that Ted is waiting for us and scoop you up, take you back into the house and find out what you’re wearing underneath that dress.”

“We can’t keep your friends waiting, but just to put your mind at ease, I’ll give you a hint at what’s underneath.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear. His cock jerked alive, threatening to bust a seam in his jeans, then she swept passed him, strolling down the walkway with a new pep to her step and a mesmerizing swing to her soft hips. The only thing he was going to be thinking about until he saw them for himself was pink polka-dotted panties. He was always eager to see her selection of undergarments that seemed to match her feisty spirit—and sometimes seeing that she was wearing nothing.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

PIPPA FELT A little awkward walking into a stranger’s house alone, but after meeting Ted he told her his wife, Betty, could be found in the kitchen. Pippa wasn’t interested in listening to tractor talk anyway. From the hallway, Pippa was met with sniffling and weeping sounds.
Oh no
. Taking a deep step back, she meant to take her exit before being noticed, but it was too late.

“Hello?”

Inhaling her lungs with bravery, Pippa stepped across the threshold, seeing a tall woman with long flowing red hair and red-rimmed eyes sitting at the table. “I’m sorry. I’m Pippa, Roman’s wife, and your husband told me I could come in. I can leave you alone.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m Betty.” She stood, strolled across the tiled floor and took Pippa into her arms, giving her a tight hug. “If you’re family to the Jerichos, then your family to us. It’s great to finally meet the woman who snatched that hunky cowboy up. Now all of the other brothers will follow suit, I’m sure. It’s not like they don’t have the ladies in their following.” She brought out a rumpled tissue from her jean pocket, dabbed at the corners of her eyes and pieces of the tissue fell away. “I should be apologizing for being the blubbering idiot. I don’t know what’s come over me, all emotional and sad.”

Pippa found a box of tissues on the table and grabbed one, handing it over to the woman. For now, the tears had dried up, but Pippa had a feeling they would come again. “Is there anything I can do to help? Shall I get your husband?”

Betty gave her head a quick shake and waved a slender hand through the air. “No reason for the both of us to be stressed. Lord knows we’ve been through the wringer over the last month.”

“I’m sorry,” Pippa said softly.

“How about a cup of coffee? Iced tea? It’s like breathing in a furnace outside. I know you must be wanting something.”

Pippa was thirsty. She was slowly getting used to the humidity of Texas and the scent of straw in the air. “I’ll take an iced tea. Roman said he won’t be too long. He is speaking to your husband about a tractor, I think.”

“Don’t let Ro fool you, honey. If those two are talking, it’ll be longer than a few, trust me.” She took a pitcher of tea from the fridge and poured a full glass. “Have a seat. Get comfortable. I haven’t had company in a few days. I’m starting to feel like a recluse.”

Pippa sat down at the table and sipped at the refreshing cold liquid, feeling much cooler. “These Texas days are hot.”

Betty slid into the seat across from Pippa. “So, you’re not from around these parts?”

“I’m from Chicago. Born and raised.”

“Oh, wow, you’re far from home.”

“Yes, I am.” Pippa looked down at the melting ice cubes in her tea.

“Since you saw me all red-faced and bubbly eyed, I guess you have the right to know what’s made me this way.”

“I don’t want to pressure you into opening up.”

She shrugged. “You’ll be hearing soon enough. Our youngest, Darla, has found herself in a situation.” Betty’s eyes fell to her clasped hands.

“Oh, I hope it’s a situation easily fixed.” From the time she could remember, Pippa had been one to help others. People tended to gravitate to her for answers, and most of the time she was able to make a difference, but on occasion Pippa was lost on how to ease their pain or heartache and that’s when she listened. She hoped this was a situation where there was a way to help, yet when the woman’s eyes misted with tears again, Pippa’s confidence dashed.

“She’s found herself pregnant. Now I know it’s not the end of the world and I don’t have no issues with being a grandma, in fact I might quite like it, but my baby is only eighteen. I might not have a right to complain seeing that Teddy and I married right out of high school. Had our first one before I could cook a decent meal.” She dabbed her eyes with the fresh tissue.

“I think that gives you all the more right to complain, or add your thoughts. You have had the experience.”

Betty looked at Pippa through soggy lashes. “I guess you’re right. I knew when she met that boy two years ago things moved too fast. Is it so wrong of me to not mind the baby as much as I hate that she’s getting married?”

Pippa drew a line through the condensation on her glass. “No, I don’t think so. It’s not easy, I’m sure, watching your child develop into her own relationship, her own family. I think many parents feel the same way.”

“It’s not that I don’t like the Thompson boy. I do. We’ve accepted him into our family and they love each other, but marriage ain’t always rainbows and sprinkle farting unicorns. I love my daughter, but I just don’t think she’s mature enough to be a wife. Not yet. She’s always dreamt of running away to California and acting. When she was little she used to dress up and tell me she was a Hollywood star. Where does time fly?” Tears fell to her cheeks. “Why is she in such a rush to live life?”

“Maybe she has seen you as a strong role model and feels that she takes after you and can do this. A lot of people find themselves in situations they didn’t plan, but they turn out okay.”
Just like my own situation.

Betty dragged in a shaky breath. “Do you believe that kids have to learn their lessons on their own? That’s what Teddy says. Leave her alone and let her learn her lesson, whatever that may be.”

“What I know is that pressuring others to do what we want them to do can sometimes have an adverse effect. You, above everyone else, know your daughter. Will she marry this Thompson boy no matter what?”

Wiping her nose, Betty sighed. “Yes, she’s told us as much. But I don’t think she knows her own mind right now.”

“Then be her support system because she’s going to need your backing, especially once the baby is born. And I think once you hold him or her in your arms, everything is going to fall into place. You’ll see.”

Betty leaned her elbows on the table. “Roman has found him a gem. You won’t believe how much you’ve helped me.”

Pippa didn’t feel like she’d done much, but suddenly she felt like she’d weaved a friendship with this woman, and considering she didn’t have many friends because she was always working, she was grateful. She squeezed her new friend’s hand. “If you need anything, I’ll try to help.”

“Thank you, honey. Now, tell me how you and that sexy husband of yours met.” It was as if a faucet turned off.

“Well, it’s a long story.”

“Don’t worry, we have time.”

Pippa realized there wasn’t any way to bow out of an explanation, and the best policy was honesty, at least as close to the truth as she could get without revealing her entire situation. “In Las Vegas. I was there speaking at a conference and he was on business.”

“Was it love at first sight? Must have been considering how fast you two got hitched.” She wagged her brows.

“It certainly was a sudden emotion that took me by surprise.” She sipped at her tea, hoping Betty didn’t ask too many questions.

“You said you were speaking at a conference?”

Pippa was much more comfortable talking about work. “I’m a relationship advisor. I’ve written a few self-help books—”

“For heaven’s sake!” Betty whistled through her teeth. “You’re an author? We have a celebrity right here in Colton. Wait until my friends hear about this. They’re going to be lining up at your door wanting advice.”

Not so sure that was a great idea, considering she already had paparazzi sneaking onto the property, Pippa laughed. “I’m not a celebrity, not by a long shot.”

“What was I thinking. You don’t want anyone disturbing your honeymoon. You wouldn’t believe how many women envy you right now. The Jericho cowboys are like gold around these parts. Money, good looks, gentleman…a woman won’t find that just anywhere. More iced tea?”

“No, thank you.”

“You and Roman must stay for dinner. And likewise, if there’s anything you ever need, just holler, That’s what neighbors are for. You’ll find that southern hospitality is alive and well here in this tiny ol’ town.”

Pippa moistened her lips, a little shy about asking a stranger—a near stranger—for a favor. “There is something you could do for me that I’d forever be grateful for.”

“What’s that, hun?”

“I hear you’re a great cook.”

Betty’s cheeks flushed. “That’s the rumor.”

“I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but I can barely boil water. Growing up, my mom always did the cooking. It wasn’t that I wasn’t interested, I guess I just never took the initiative. If you could show me some basics, just so I could get started, I wouldn’t know how to thank you enough.”

“Pippa, it would be an honor. Besides my family, there’s nothing I love more than being in the kitchen. I know it’s a bit traditional for a modern woman like yourself, but it’s always been relaxing for me.”

“I’m starting to realize maybe I’ve been too modern. Living out here in the country, away from fast food and shops at every corner, I’m realizing I’m not the greatest pick for a wife.”

“Don’t worry. Something tells me Roman ain’t in this for what you serve up in the kitchen anyway.” She smiled.

“Oh…” If he was in it just for the sex, what would happen when it wasn’t new any longer? She gave herself a swift internal kick. What was she thinking? Wasn’t this a temporary situation anyway?

“Let me tell you something about Roman. He didn’t marry his first wife for love. Teddy knew it. I knew it. But she lied and told him she was pregnant.” Betty flicked at a napkin in the holder.

“She lied about being pregnant?”

Betty nodded. “He forgave her for the lie, but he wanted a family and she had no interest once she had that ring on her finger. Boy was she something. She had a wonderful husband. A wonderful life and she flushed it down the sink like dishwater. He never was the same after that.”

“Do you think he still loves her?” Pippa’s stomach twisted.

“Oh no. But betrayal changes a man. He seemed to wrap himself in a protective layer, but I knew when the right one came along he’d cave, like most men do. Honey, he’s a loyal one. The best. Please don’t hurt him. He deserves happiness.”

Pippa nodded. “I’d never hurt him.”

Standing, Betty motioned for Pippa to follow. “Your first cooking lesson starts now. Chicken and noodles, corn on the cob and a pie for dessert.”

“I hope I’m up for this.” Pippa stood and swiped her hands down her shirt. Little did Betty know, but Pippa was referring to more than cooking. And hours later while Pippa was in the passenger seat of Roman’s truck, she was still thinking over Betty’s words.

Pippa had no intention of hurting her husband. But what were
his
intentions? Just as he’d done with wife number one, he’d married Pippa not out of love, but lust. Was this his pattern?

“What did you think of Ted and Betty?” he asked.

She looked at him across the buckle seat. His features were lit up by the dashboard light. “They’re wonderful people.”

“They certainly seemed to have taken a liking to you, just as I knew they would.” He smiled. “Now tell me about this Chicago trip you mentioned earlier.”

“I have a conference in two days. Sal wants me to fly in tomorrow, stay for a day, then I can come home.”

He gave her a side-glance. “I can’t say I’m happy that you’re leaving, but I know you’ll come back. You referred to this place as your home.” His smile grew.

“Yeah, I guess I did. Although I’ve only been here a short time, I’m starting to feel adjusted. Now I anticipate officially meeting your brothers and hope they like me.”

“Trust me, they’re in a hurry to meet you too, but I don’t want them scaring you off. Sometimes they lack a filter. It’s a Jericho flaw.”

“I’m sure they’re amazing, just like you.”

“No one is amazing like me.” He winked.

“Roman Jericho, don’t allow that ego to get out of hand.” She playfully pinched him on the arm.

“I’m only teasing. They’re not half bad. I tolerate them.” There was that teasing smile again.

“Betty told me about your ex-wife, how she lied.” She noticed that his knuckles turned white as he squeezed the steering wheel. She could understand why this was a sensitive subject.

He shrugged. “She was all about lying. I never really knew who she was.”

Pippa’s heart flipped. “Do we ever really know anyone until they show us their faults?”

“I just wish her faults could have been something more acceptable. Leaving her clothes scattered on the floor. Not cleaning up after herself. Eating with her mouth open. Working too much. But no, she liked to sleep with other men.” He scraped his palm down his jaw. “That’s not a fault. That’s a personality flaw.”

She reached over and laid her hand on his thigh, feeling it flex under her fingers. “Just so you know, it was her defect, not yours.”

He continued to stare ahead. “You were good with Brie today. Uma would have sent Brie walking back home and gone back to sleep.”

“Well, I’m not Uma, and cheating isn’t who I am. I don’t know a lot about kids, haven’t spent much time around them, but I had fun with Brie.”

“I always thought by now I’d have a few, but I guess it wasn’t in the cards.”

“You talk as if your life is over. Many people are having kids later in life now.”