A Cowboy Comes Home

Five

At a window table at the Riverfront Grill, Mandy plucked the cherry from the top of her hot-fudge sundae. She considered it consolation food, since Caleb’s sales meeting was going so well. Frank Cummings had come prepared with everything from surveyors’ drawings to photographs and climate charts. Nathan Brooks, a fifty-something man from Colorado Springs, was enthusiastic and obviously interested in the ranch.

She licked the whipped cream from the cherry and popped the fruit into her mouth, catching Caleb’s gaze as she chewed contemplatively and swallowed.

“I’m sorry?” Caleb turned his attention back to Nathan. “Can you repeat the question?”

“The upkeep of the house?”

“Has been regular, thorough maintenance, from paint and fixtures to plumbing and electrical.”

Mandy selected one of the dessert spoons. The waiter had provided four and set them in the middle of the table. She assumed it was to make her feel less self-conscious about being the only person at the table to order dessert. Not that she cared. It was only a chocolate sundae. Caleb was about to sell his birthright.

She scooped up a mound of whipped cream.

“The house is on a separate well?” asked Nathan.

“A well for the house. One for the outbuildings, and a third for the staff quarters.”

“Those cabins are all less than five years old,” Frank put in. “They’re a great draw for couples or families who are interested in working at the ranch.”

“What about irrigation?” asked Nathan.

“Two-hundred acres are irrigated and seeded to hay,” Caleb answered.

“Four-hundred,” Mandy put in.

Everyone looked her way.

“They doubled it,” she explained, seeing no reason to leave the man with a misconception.

“Thanks,” said Caleb.

She waved her spoon in acknowledgment, then dug into the ice cream and warm fudge.

“There are water rights on the river.” Frank produced a sheaf of papers. “Spelled out in the agreement with the state.”

Mandy swallowed her smooth, cool mouthful. “You might want to tell him about the review.”

Both Caleb’s and Frank’s eyes went wide. Nathan turned to look at her. “Review?”

“The water rights are up for review.” She dug her spoon in again, going for a big glob of the thick, cooling fudge. “It’s a provision under the regulations. The first stakeholders meeting is this weekend. Here. In Lyndon. You must have seen the notices.”

“Well,” Frank put in heartily. “I don’t think it’s so much a review of existing-”

Nathan’s eyes narrowed across the table at Frank. “You knew about this?”

Mandy stopped midbite, taking in the men’s expressions. Nathan looked angry. Frank looked like a deer in the headlights. While Caleb was glaring at her in obvious frustration.

Okay, can of worms, she’d own up to that. But surely they hadn’t expected to keep the review a secret. The man deserved to know what he was getting into.

Nathan pushed back his chair and threw his napkin down on the table. “Thank you for your time, gentlemen. Ms. Jacobs.”

Frank quickly hopped up. “It’s not what you might think. If you’d like, I can email a link to the Colorado information site.”

Nathan headed for the exit, with Frank hustling along behind.

Mandy finished the bite of fudge sauce.

“You did that on purpose,” Caleb accused, as he waved a waiter over to the table.

“I did not.” She brandished her spoon. “But I hope you’re not going to sit there and defend a plan to keep Nathan Brooks in the dark about the water review.”

“No one’s officially served notice to the property owners.”

“You were going to keep him in the dark,” Mandy accused. She couldn’t believe it. She never would have expected it of Caleb.

“And you were going to behave yourself at this meeting,” he countered.

The waiter stopped beside their table.

“Glen Klavitt, on the rocks. A double,” said Caleb.

“I can’t believe you would intentionally keep a buyer in the dark.”

“Hey, I’m not his nursemaid.”

“But you know the water rights are under review.”

“I also know it’s a routine review. And we’re talking about preliminary discussions to determine if there should even be an official review.”

“You’ve been doing your homework.” Despite her disappointment in his principles, Mandy had to admire that.

“Which is what Nathan Brooks ought to have done. And what he likely would have done, after he’d seen the ranch and maybe fallen in love with it. And at that point, he would have been far more interested in making a compromise and listening to reason.”

Okay. Mandy had to admit, when you looked at it like that, Caleb wasn’t completely amoral.

“You don’t lead with your flaws, Mandy.”

The waiter set Caleb’s drink down on the table.

Caleb nodded his thanks. “Marketing 101.”

“I never studied marketing,” she told him, scooping up another bite of ice cream, feeling a little like celebrating now. The sale was dead. She had some more time to find Reed.

“Did you study manipulation?” Caleb asked.

“They didn’t have it as an elective at Metro State.”

“Too bad. You’re a natural.”

“Do you really think I did that on purpose?” She hadn’t meant to scare Nathan off. Then again, her heart wasn’t exactly on the side of selling, either.

“I think you were very effective.”

She made a show of shaking her head. “You must have studied paranoia.”

He took a swig of the scotch. “Are you trying to tell me, you had no idea telling him about the review might scare him off? None at all? It never occurred to you? Not for one second?”

Okay, so as the words were coming out of her mouth, particularly when she saw Caleb’s expression, of course it had occurred to her. But it didn’t seem prudent to admit that now. “I was simply providing information.” She stuck to her original story.

“Serves me right,” said Caleb, polishing off the drink. “I never should have brought you along.”

Mandy battled a twinge of guilt, setting down her dessert spoon, deciding she’d had enough of the sweet concoction.

Frank returned to the table. “I’m afraid we lost him. Permanently.” Then his affable expression hardened as he focused on Mandy. “And you. I trust you learned a valuable lesson-”

“Leave her out of it,” Caleb immediately put in, tone dark.

“But-” Frank began. The he took in Caleb’s expression and cut himself off.

“Win some, you lose some.” Caleb tossed his credit card on the table. “Thank you for your time, Frank.”

“I…” Frank snapped his mouth shut. “Right. I’ll be in touch.”

Caleb nodded a dismissal, and Frank deliberately straightened his suit jacket, tugged at the sleeves and headed for the exit.

“You didn’t need to defend me,” Mandy felt compelled to point out. Caleb standing up for her made her feel even guiltier than she had a few moments ago.

The waiter came by and smoothly accepted Caleb’s credit card.

“It’s none of his business what you do or do not say.” Caleb swirled the ice cubes in his glass. “But it is my business. And it’s my responsibility to make sure you’re never in a position to do anything like that again.”

The intensity of his expression made a shiver run through her. “That sounded like a threat.”

He tapped his fingertips against the white tablecloth. “I don’t threaten. It’s a waste of time. I just deliver.”

“In this instance-” she couldn’t seem to stop herself from asking “-what exactly are you going to deliver?”

While she waited on his answer, he helped himself to one of the extra dessert spoons and took a scoop of the sundae. “You, Mandy Jacobs, are off the list.”

Okay, that didn’t sound too dire. “There’s a list?”

He took his time savoring the mouthful of ice cream. “The list of people who are invited to my meetings with perspective buyers.”

She took his lead and retrieved her own dessert spoon. “I thought I added value to the conversation. I was the one who knew about the four-hundred acres.”

“I’ll give you that,” he allowed, scooping into a swirl of whipped cream. “You were doing great, right up until you blew the entire deal.”

“There’s another way of looking at this, you know.”

“And, how is that?”

“A second chance.”

“Didn’t you hear Frank? That buyer is gone for good.”

She concentrated on mining a vein of the gooey fudge. “I didn’t mean a second chance with the buyer. I meant, a chance to make the right decision.”

“The right decision?”

“To change your mind about selling the ranch.”

He rolled each of his shirtsleeves two folds up his forearms. “I can’t wait to see how you try to sell this.”

She licked her spoon, gathering her thoughts. “I don’t think you can discount the possibility that this was fate.”

“You telling Nathan Brooks he might not be able to water his cattle was fate?”

“Exactly.”

“Please tell me that’s not the end of your argument.”

“First,” she counted, “Nathan asks for a meeting with Frank. Second, you and I happen to be in Lyndon. Third, I happen to be free for dinner. And fourth, the subject of the water rights came up in conversation. Those are either four separate coincidences, or it’s fate.”

Caleb waggled his spoon. “Wow. You really had to reach for it, but that was a pretty good spin.”

“Thank you.” She took a bite.

“I’m not changing my mind.”

“I’m only asking for a few more days, maybe a couple of weeks.”

“I don’t have a couple of weeks.”

“Sure, you do. You’ve put this false sense of urgency on a situation that doesn’t-”

“The Brazilian government is the one with the sense of urgency.”

“I’ll look after the ranch,” she offered. “I can do it. You know I can. And then it’ll be waiting when Reed-”

“Reed made his choice. And you have your own ranch to run.”

“Travis’s there to run-”

But Caleb was shaking his head. “Your family needs you, Mandy. And I’m not chasing after Reed like some preschool nanny. I’ve made my decision.”

She set down her spoon, struggling to hold her temper, and struggling to stay calm. “Your decision is wrong.”

He set aside his own spoon. “You might not like it, but it is the right thing to do. And there’s nothing to be gained by prolonging it.”

“Caleb-”

“No. I’ve listened. I’ve considered your perspective-”

“You’re joking, right?”

The man hadn’t considered anything. He was being closed-minded and reactionary. And he was going to destroy what was left of his family.

But Caleb’s jaw went hard. “I’ve considered your perspective, Mandy. And I disagree. And that’s that.”

Now her temper was taking a firm hold. “And that’s the end of the discussion?”

“That’s the end of the discussion.”

“I see.” Mandy rose to her feet, and Caleb instantly followed suit.

She drew a sharp breath, looking him square in the eyes. “Then, thank you for dinner. I can find my own way back to the ranch.”

“Is this your version of a temper tantrum?”

Mandy clamped her jaw tight.

“It’s dark outside, Mandy. And it’s starting to rain.”

She didn’t respond. She was an intelligent, capable, functioning adult. She didn’t need a man to escort her home on a rainy night.

Before he could say anything else, she turned on her heel and headed for the exit. At the very least, there were buses. She’d hop on a bus, and Travis or one of the hands could meet her at the end of the ranch road. They wouldn’t mind.

“I’m getting us cottages at the Rose Inn,” Caleb’s deep voice came from behind her. “We’ll drive back to the ranch tomorrow.”

“Go away.” He might be a sexy, intelligent, compelling man, but he was a stubborn jerk, and she didn’t want anything more to do with him.

Mandy was still scowling when Caleb swung back into the driver’s seat and handed her the key to cottage number six. He slammed the door shut behind him. The rain was now pounding down on the roof, and the wind was lashing the trees around them. Caleb’s clothes and hair were soaked from the sprint to the small office building and back again.

“I’m in seven,” he offered amicably. “We’re down at the end of the river road.” He pulled ahead, carefully maneuvering the SUV through the muddy ruts and around the deepest of the puddles.

“Thank you,” she offered stiffly, eyes straight ahead.

“We should probably try to get away early in the morning,” he continued, while the bright headlights bounced against the dripping, undulating aspen branches.

Mandy gripped the armrest and braced her feet against the floor.

“The restaurant opens at seven. That good for you?”

“I’ll be ready,” she said.

“Great.” He supposed he’d have to be content with her agreeing to drive with him at all. Cordiality was probably still a fair way down the road.

The dark outline of a two-story cottage came into view. His headlights picked up the signs for numbers six and seven on the post out front. There were porches on both stories and a long staircase running between them.

“You’re on top,” he told Mandy as he brought the vehicle as close to the building as possible.

She reached for the car door handle.

“Hang on,” he cautioned, opening his own door.

He quickly rounded the hood as she opened her door. His boots sank into the mud, and a river of water flowed over them.

“Hold still,” he told her, putting a hand out to stop her progress. He reached into the vehicle to lift her from the seat.

“Back off,” she warned him, holding up a finger.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Undeterred, he slid an arm around the small of her back. “There’s no sense in both of us ruining our shoes.”

“I’ve waded through mud before.”

“Bully for you.” He wove his other arm beneath her jean-covered knees. “Hang on.”

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered, but her arms went around his neck, anchoring her to him.

He straightened and shoved the door shut with his knee. Then he ducked his head over hers and mounted the stairs.

“Key?” he asked, setting her down as they made it to the narrow shelter in front of the cottage door.

“Right here.” With dripping hands, she inserted the key into the lock.

Caleb turned the door handle, yawing the door wide into the dark room. He felt for the light switch on the inside wall, finding it, flipping it, bringing two lamps to life on either side of the king-size bed.

The room was peak-ceilinged and airy, with a cream-colored love seat and two padded armchairs at the far end. The living room grouping bracketed a sliding-glass door that opened to a small balcony. The bed was covered in an English country floral quilt, with six plump pillows and a gauzy canopy. Candles and knickknacks lined the mantel above a false fireplace. And a small kitchenette next to the bathroom door completed the suite.

“They said the heater was tricky,” Caleb explained to Mandy, crouching down next to the propane unit, squinting at the faded writing on the knobs.

“I’m not cold,” she told him.

He pressed the red button, turning the black knob to pilot. “If you do get cold, you can adjust it up like this.” He turned to find her still standing next to the open door. “Will you come and look?”

“I’m sure it’s not that complicated.”

“You’re behaving like a two-year-old.”

“Because I won’t roll over and play dead? I have to wonder what kind of people you employ, Caleb. Do you have a string of yes-men who follow you around all day, never questioning your infinite wisdom?”

“No,” he answered simply, deciding he liked it better when she was giving him the silent treatment. “Do you want to know how to work the heater or not?”

“Not.”

He shrugged and rose to his feet, dusting off his hands. “Suit yourself.”

Refusing to cater to her temper any longer, he crossed the room, bid her good night and firmly closed the door behind him, trotting swiftly down the staircase to open his own cottage.

His suite was slightly larger than Mandy’s, but with the same English country look, deep mattress, plump pillows and floral curtains. He adjusted his own heater, slipped off his wet leather boots and stripped his way out of his soaking clothes.

The cottage provided a health kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shaving razor and cream, along with a few other necessities, including scented body wash, which he set aside in favor of the plain bar of soap.

Half an hour later, Caleb felt refreshed. He’d opened the minibar to find a light beer, chose a magazine from the selection on the coffee table and stretched out under the quilt in his boxers.

He entered the password into his phone and chose the email icon. He scrolled through the messages, finding one from Danielle labeled stranded. With an anticipatory grin, he clicked it open, scanning his way through a series of complaints, threats and colorful swearwords.

He responded, telling her he’d be back to the ranch tomorrow morning with a box full of auto parts and a fat, bonus check. He didn’t let on that Travis had told him the whole story. He might as well let Danielle keep some of her dignity.

He dealt with the most pressing issues on his phone, then switched to the sports magazine, finding an article on his favorite basketball team. He read it and then checked the NASCAR stats. A crack of thunder rumbled in the distance, and the wind picked up outside. Sudden waves of rain battered the windowpanes, while the lights flickered, putting the room in darkness for a split second.

A few power flickers later, Caleb felt himself dozing off, and he set the magazine aside.

The next thing he knew, he was jolted awake by a deafening crash. The room was in pitch darkness, and the storm howled on outside. He rocketed out of bed, rushing to the window, guessing at the direction of the sound.

A flash of lightning revealed the Escalade was intact. But a large tree had fallen across the dirt road, crushing the low fence in front of the cottage, its topmost branches resting against the front wall. Perfect. They were going to need a chain saw before they could go anywhere in the morning.

He let the curtain drop, and as he did, a loud, long crack reverberated through the building. Before he could react, a roar shattered the air and the building jolted, wood groaning and splintering in the night.

Caleb was out the door in a shot, taking the stairs three at a time, terrified that the tree had come through the roof and Mandy had been hurt. He flung open her door. It was either unlocked or he’d broken it down. He wasn’t sure which. But his entire body shuddered in relief at the sight of her standing next to the sofa, peering out the glass doors, lightning illuminating the room like a strobe light.

“It was a tree,” she told him, turning in her bra and panties. “Sheared the balcony railing right off.”

He strode across the room. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. Wow. That’s some storm going on out there.” Lightning strikes were coming one after the other, thunder following almost instantaneously.

“I don’t think you’re safe up here.” He found himself putting a protective arm around her shoulders. His gaze went reflexively to her sky-blue bra and silky underwear. It was completely inappropriate to stare, but he couldn’t help himself.

“I’m fine,” she argued. “How many trees can possibly-”

Another tree cracked and crashed in the woods nearby.

She blinked at him. “This must be the storm of the century.”

“Put your clothes on,” he told her. There was no way he was leaving her up here.

She glanced down at her body, seeming to suddenly remember what she was wearing. She quickly folded her arms across her breasts.

“I’m not looking,” he lied. “Now, let’s get downstairs.” He wanted a sturdy story between them and any falling debris.

Mandy crossed the room and struggled into her jeans, slipping her arms into her shirtsleeves.

Caleb tried mightily not to watch, but he couldn’t stop himself from taking a few surreptitious glances.

“Should we call the office?” she asked.

“I think they’ve long since closed. And I’m pretty sure they know the property’s getting wind damage. Nobody should go out in this.”

“I guess staying here is the safest,” she agreed, tucking her messy hair behind her ears as she bent to put on her boots.

She turned then, and she seemed to realize for the first time that he was nearly naked.

“I rushed up here,” he defended. “I thought you might be hurt.”

Her mouth tightened into a smirk. “You’re a knight in shining…boxers?”

He crossed to the door and pulled it open. “You can’t embarrass me.”

She moved toward him. “Not modest?”

“Not at all. You can see me naked any old time you want.”

“Pass,” she tossed over her shoulder, striding out into the rain.

He shut the door tight, double-checking it before he followed her downstairs. Rain splattered against his hair, wind chilling his wet skin, while the lightning and thunder continued to crack through the black sky.

In his own suite, he lit a couple of the decorative candles, dried off with a towel and switched his wet boxers for his damp jeans. Going commando under his jeans wasn’t the most comfortable feeling in the world, but his options were limited.

She stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips. “I suppose you’ll want the bed.”

He flipped back the comforter and stretched out. The love seat would barely fit a ten-year-old. “You’re welcome to share,” he told her.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“As opposed to one of us staying awake all night? It’s a big bed, Mandy.”

“Can I trust you?”

He rolled his eyes. “Trust me to do what? Not to attack you while you sleep?” He leaned over and pulled back the opposite edge of the covers. “Give me a break, Mandy.”

The thunder rumbled as she took a single, hesitant step forward, looking decidedly uncertain. Not that he blamed her. Despite his bold words, it was going to be a challenge to keep his hands to himself.

“Can I trust you? ” he countered, hoping to keep things light.

“Ha. I’m still mad at you.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m not hot,” he goaded.

In response, she marched defiantly to the bed. “You’re not that hot.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

She stuck her nose in the air, turned her back and plunked down on the edge of the bed, tugging off her boots and dropping them to the wooden floor. Her socks followed. Then her hand went to the snap of her jeans, and he heard the zipper pull down, and she shimmied out of them.

Okay, he was a gentleman, and he was proud of his self-control. But, good grief. Was the woman insane?