Takin' The Reins (26 page)

“Come out to the house real soon. Cole will be there every day this week.”

“I’m off tomorrow,” Rachel replied with a conspiratorial wink. “I think I’ll drop by. See you!”

Wyatt jumped into the driver’s seat and gave Jordan a sideways glance. “What was that about?” he asked, as they drove away.

“I’m playing Cupid.”

“Is that so? For the sport and the nurse?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, I think they make a fine pair.”

Jordan noticed he could barely contain himself. His grin was broad. “I thought you might.”

They were at the Lucky Seven forty-five minutes later. As soon as they let Houdini out of the back of the truck, he bolted for the barn and scurried from stall to stall bleating, “Maaaaa. Maaaaa.”

Jordan frowned. “That’s sad. He’s looking for Buttercup. Let’s take him into the house now, to get his mind off her.”

“Jordan, you’re not really going to let that dirty goat into your house.”

“I most certainly am.” Her hands fisted on her hips. “Come on, Houdini.” She hooked a lead rope to his new collar they’d bought before coming home. The collar had a little bell on it, and it tinkled every time the goat swayed. She led him up the new sidewalk to her adobe, hobbling on her braced foot.

“Would you please be careful,” Wyatt said, tagging close behind. “That goat could take off like the devil and you’d be dragged all the way to kingdom come.”

Ignoring him, Jordan gazed around as she walked the goat to the door. “That apple tree is pruned, and this sidewalk is new again. What do you think of all the improvements, Brannigan?”

Roberts did a nice job,” he admitted, inspecting the walk.

Cole bolted from around the corner. “I felt my ears burning.”

“Cole!”

“Welcome home, Jordan. Hello, Wyatt.”

“Howdy, sport.” The two men shook hands.

“Maaaaa.”

Cole patted the goat’s head. “Hi ya, Houdini. I see he’s as good as new. Where are you taking him?”

“Inside to check out his new sleeping quarters.” Jordan flung open the door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“She’s not,” Wyatt said, sighing.

“He’s going to be sleeping indoors with me from now on.” Jordan stepped into the living room and stopped dead in her tracks. She gasped. “Could you please hold him?” she asked Wyatt, while thrusting the lead rope into his hand. She limped into each of the rooms, taking in the beautifully painted walls. When she returned to the living room, her eyes misted over.

“Oh, Cole. The colors are so pretty. They remind me of the desert, the sky and the sun. Just like I wanted.” Then she noticed the new appliances in the kitchen and screamed in delight. Both men laughed.

“That’s not all,” Cole said, leading her into the dining room and out through new French doors to the refurbished patio. When she stepped outdoors, joyful tears spilled down her cheeks. Her gaze swung from the turquoise gate to the terracotta pavers embedded in the grass lawn, and finally to the original sandstone fountain that had been sandblasted clean. Sparkling water bubbled out the top. Completing the patio was a wrought iron bench, two comfortable outdoor chairs with cushions, a small side table, and four large pots containing bright blooming flowers and cactus, one sitting in each corner of the courtyard. The piece de resistance was the curving adobe wall tinted a terracotta color to match the house.

“It’s so much more than I imagined. Everything is perfect.” She sniffed. “I can hardly speak, I’m so moved.”

“That’ll be one for the record books,” Wyatt joked, slipping his hand around her waist.

Cole looked proud, and rightfully so. “I’m glad you like it all. But there’s one last thing.”

“More? Wait. Let me guess.” She grinned. “My ranch sign.”

“Yes. It’ll be done tomorrow, so I’ll pick it up and come hang it. I know you’re going to be pleased with the outcome.”

She wiped a tear from her cheek. “This really feels like my home now. I don’t know how to thank you for getting all this done so quickly.”

“You can write me a big fat check,” he teased, as they stepped back into the house.

During the tour, Houdini had been walking next to Wyatt, standing obediently as they admired the courtyard. What none of them had noticed was that he’d been nibbling the bottom of Wyatt’s jeans. Wyatt looked down and growled. “Hey! Get off me, dummy.”

“Come here, Houdini,” Jordan said. She grabbed the lead rope. “This is where you’re going to sleep from now on.” She walked the goat to the rug in front of the fireplace. “I’m going to put a big, soft pillow right here for you.”

“I’ve heard enough.” Cole shook his head and strolled to the door. “Try to talk some sense into her, won’t you, Wyatt? I didn’t remodel this house for that dang goat to drop its nanny berries all over.”

“I’ll try,” he said.

The men shook hands once more and Cole stepped onto the stoop. “Take care of her. She looks very happy. I guess the best man won after all.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, sport, but there never was any contest.” Wyatt clapped him on the back and shut the door. Then he sauntered to Jordan and took the lead rope from her hand. “Let me put this goat in the field with the horses. I’m sure they’ve missed him.” When she started to protest, he said, “You get some rest this afternoon and I’ll come over this evening and bring dinner with me. Would you like that?”

She nodded.

“Move on,” Wyatt said, shoving Houdini out the door.

“Wait,” Jordan called. “You forgot one thing.” She hobbled over to him.

“What did I forget?”

“This.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Come early. I have a surprise for you.”

~ * ~

When Jordan opened the door that evening, she saw Wyatt’s eyes widen and his breath catch in his throat.

“Damn, you look good,” he muttered. She wore nothing more than a lacy black slip and a smile. She’d left her hair down. It curled around her shoulders in soft waves and her feet were bare— except for the fractured foot, which was minus the brace but bandaged up.

“You look fine yourself,” she whispered. She drew him to her mouth. After a deep kiss, he broke free long enough to walk to the fridge and toss in the sack of Chinese carry-out food he held. When he slammed the refrigerator door shut, she purred, “You’re not hungry?”

“You know what I’m hungry for.”

Without another word, she grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom. She had lit the room with a dozen candles. The light danced off the walls, casting a warm and romantic glow all around. Her bed covers were folded down neatly to offer him a view of crisp white sheets. She kissed him again while tugging his shirt out of his jeans and unbuckling his belt.

“I hope you don’t mind dessert first,” she said.

“You know I have a sweet tooth. But are you sure you’re ready for this?” He slid his hands up and down her arms.

“I wanted our first time to be perfect. And it is. This is the right time.” She passionately kissed him again, hoping he’d realize how ready she was.

“I don’t have to be asked twice,” he grinned.

They took turns; Wyatt devoting himself to her body, and she to his, until they were bursting and could wait no longer to consummate their love.

Later, they lay entwined in each other’s arms and legs, their skin warm, damp and tingling with electricity. He sifted his hand through her tousled hair. In the quiet afterglow of their lovemaking, Jordan focused on nothing but the beating of their one unified heart. As the candles dimmed and melted to stubs, she snuggled into his welcoming chest. It felt like she’d found her home in his arms. Just as she began to drift off, he stroked her face lovingly and whispered, “Darlin’, where you’ve been all my life?”

Chapter Twenty One

Jordan felt hot breath on her neck. Wyatt was awake. She opened her sleepy eyes and glanced at the bedside clock. It was early, too early. His arm was draped across her chest, squeezing her gently. Smiling, she realized they were spooning. She heard him inhale and felt a nibble at her neck. Rolling over, she caught the mischief twinkling in his eyes and understood. His desire was hers, too.

Later, after lying together in tangled sheets, he kissed her and said, “I have to go. The chores won’t do themselves.”

The sun filtered through the new curtains, which had finally been hung. Jordan leaned on her elbow and watched him dress. Dark stubble erupted from his chin and cheeks. His hair was disheveled, and he didn’t bother to run his hands through it. She loved that about him. He was sexy without even trying. She also loved how passionate he was; and easygoing and confident— in bed and out. He was everything she’d ever longed for in a man, and she’d never felt so happy. He buckled up and then bent down and kissed her deeply.

“Stay in bed. It’s early. You can sleep in.”

She stretched and yawned. “Okay. Will you call me later?”

He slid a sly grin at her. “You can count on it, baby. You’ve reined me in, and the lasso is tight.”

She smiled.
Baby
. No one had called her the pet name before. She loved it.

His boot heels thudded across the wooden floors and the front door closed. When his pickup shuddered, she hopped out of bed and spread the curtains so she could peek out the window. He looked through his windshield and stared directly at her and waved. She waved back with her heart skipping.

There was no going back to sleep now. She made her bed and suddenly felt famished. They’d never finished the Chinese food the night before, so she slipped on a tee shirt and padded into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As she waited for it to perk, she scrambled an egg, fried up bacon, and fixed some toast, humming as she cooked. Wyatt brought out the domestic goddess in her. She carried her plate to the courtyard and ate while watching the sun rise over the mountains.

The Sacramento Mountains were bathed in a dazzling pink and orange light, and the morning haze danced across the desert floor. With the fountain gurgling and the sun warming her skin, she basked in the rightness of her world. After cleaning her plate and enjoying the view a while longer, she took a long bath and then dressed and strolled to the barn. When Houdini refused to look her in the eye, she felt guilty. She had left him in the barn after promising him a sleeping spot in front of the fireplace.

“I swear. The way you act, I think you’re a reincarnated human, Houdini.” He trotted ahead of her with his nose in the air. “I’m sorry, boy. Last night I got preoccupied. Tonight, I promise you’ll come inside.” She caught him by the scruff of his neck and scratched under his chin. When she slipped him a peppermint, he cooed,  “Maaaaa.”

Fortunately, her Jeep was automatic so she wouldn’t be stuck at home on her bum foot unable to go anywhere. When her chores were done, she headed to Tularosa. There was someone she’d been thinking about; someone she wanted to visit.

Passing by the Circle B, she saw Tag lying on the porch, as usual. Wyatt’s truck was parked near the barn. Hoping to catch a glimpse of him, she craned her neck while driving by, but he was nowhere in sight. Once in town, she drove straight to the cemetery. Upon arriving, she was glad to find herself alone. The tall trees near Lydia’s grave shaded her while she sat cross-legged on the ground and talked to her grandmother. She ended by sending up a fervent prayer to Heaven.

“Lydia, I hope you, Grandpa, and Mom are finally together— a family at last.” She placed a bouquet of flowers against the stone and blew a kiss before leaving.

Back at the ranch, she stopped under the arched entrance. Ahead, in the driveway she spied Cole’s truck and a small blue car. More interested, at the moment, in the new sign hanging overhead, she put the Jeep in park and got out. An ornate wooden sign swung elegantly from metal hooks. Cast in metal in graceful cursive were the words:
Lucky Seven Ranch
. This was the final touch. Her ranch was complete. How proud she felt!

When she drove up to the house, Jordan was pleased to see Cole and Rachel standing in the yard chatting. He jogged over to meet her.

“The sign is perfect!” she exclaimed. “I love it. Hi, Rachel,” she said, leaning toward her for a hug.

“Hi, Jordan. Your place is great. I came for a visit and look who I found here.” The two women exchanged subtle grins.

“I’m glad you made it. Has Cole showed you around?”

“Just the outside. He thought you might be back soon so I waited, and we’ve been catching up.”

“Good. Come inside to see the house, and I’ll get you both something cold to drink.”

After giving Rachel the grand tour of the remodeled adobe, the three of them stepped back outside.

“Cole introduced me to your horses,” Rachel said. “He mentioned you might want to sell some of them. I think my dad will be interested in buying several.”

Jordan’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding!”

“No, I’m not.”

“That would be terrific. When can he come out to look at them?”

“While we were waiting for you, I called him on my cell and he has some free time tomorrow, if you’re going to be around.”

“Of course. I’ll make time, because I really need to thin out the herd. This is great news. Brannigan told me he might know someone who would be interested in one or two of them, so maybe all five will find good homes.”

“Have you come up with any ideas about how to find Buttercup and get her back?” Cole asked.

She shook her head. “We can’t do anything until we have proof that Stillwell ordered Campbell and Cruz to horse-nap her. You don’t think they’ll hurt her, do you, Cole?”

“No, but they’re bound to make another move soon.”

“Do you suppose Stillwell will demand a ransom for her?”

“That’s my guess.”

“This is just like a TV show,” Rachel said.

“I just want to be done with all of it,” Jordan sighed.

Cole sympathized. “I understand, but it’s not right. Let me know if you want help getting her back. We know they’re holding her somewhere. The question is where. She’s not at Stillwell’s. I did a little undercover work on my own.”

Jordan’s eyes grew large. She thought of how Wyatt had gotten his split lip. “You’d better not get caught trespassing on his property. Don’t do anything else stupid on my account.”