How to Seduce a Texan

Chapter 10

Cal looked up when he heard the soft pad of footsteps behind him. He had to blink so his vision cleared. For a moment, he wondered if he’d died and God had sent an angel down to get him, but then he thought about his life and didn’t figure he’d get an escort. At least not one who was this pretty, and he had a feeling it would be debatable which direction he’d be going.

“Good morning,” he said.

She studied him for a moment. “You’re Cal Braxton, the football player.”

“The one and only.”

He was surprised she knew who he was. She didn’t look the type who watched sports. His gaze swept over her. She didn’t look like a guest, either. Not like any who came to stay at the ranch, anyway. Not this young and pretty, anyway.

The outfit she wore was long and flowing, in a rainbow of colors. Hues ranging from deep purples to brilliant oranges ebbed and flowed when she moved. She reminded him of a little fairy-like Tinker Bell.

She smiled and the room lit up. “I’m just surprised I didn’t put two and two together when we spoke on the phone. You scored five touchdowns last year against KC. Not bad, not bad at all.”

People had been surprising him all year. Cynthia, when she’d announced to the world they were getting married, even though he hadn’t asked, and didn’t plan to ask. Nikki, he hadn’t expected a barracuda to look like her or feel quite as soft. Now this woman whose delicate beauty made her appear angelical, and yet she talked as though she was a fan of contact sports. Maybe the world had moved off course and screwed everything up.

“We spoke on the phone?” he asked. If they’d talked, he was almost certain he’d remember.

“I’m the new massage therapist you hired. A trial basis, that is. Mr. Braxton thinks I’m too young.” She smiled, then shrugged. “Age shouldn’t be measured in years but in the wisdom one accumulates along the way.”

She was an interesting creature. “Are you older than you look? I mean, in wisdom.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be resting?” Brian stood in the hallway, a sheaf of papers in his hand. “Where’s Shelley? I thought she was showing you where you’ll be staying? Did you get lost?”

“I’m right here,” Shelley chimed in as she came around the corner. “I had to take a bathroom break.”

Brian frowned. “Oh.”

“And you’re right, I’m very tired. As soon as I get to my room I plan to take a short nap.” Celeste nodded toward Cal. “It was nice talking to you again.”

He watched until the two were out of sight, then turned to his frowning brother. “Why are you looking so grumpy? You’ve replaced the massage therapist. This one is a lot cuter than your last one. I’d think you’d be overjoyed.”

Brian’s frown only darkened. Now what the hell had he said? His little brother really needed to lighten up.

“No, you hired her. Without telling me.”

“Did I forget to mention that? Sorry.”

“Yeah, remorse is written all over your face.”

“If you don’t like her, fire her.”

Brian waved the papers at him. “You saw her. She’s so tired she’s about to fall over. And there’s no telling how long it’s been since she’s had a decent meal. And I won’t even mention her car or the fact that the only thing holding it together is a prayer. So, no, I couldn’t tell her to go away and come back in a few years-like say, ten.”

“Maybe she’ll work out.” Cal studied his brother. “You really shouldn’t take things so seriously.”

“Like you?” He snorted. “Look at the mess you’ve gotten yourself into. And I’ve seen the tabloids, too. You change girls as often as you change underwear.”

He grinned. “Jealous?”

“I’m trying to make the ranch a profitable venture.”

“You have. Maybe it’s time you relaxed a little. Take a vacation. I’ll take care of everything while you’re gone.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. He didn’t want to be tied down.

Brian frowned again. “Stay away from her.”

“Huh?” Ah, crap, he’d met Nikki despite his attempt to keep the two of them apart.

“You heard me. Celeste is too young for you, and she seems to be a sweet kid.”

He let out a sigh of relief. Not Nikki. But it was awfully interesting the way Brian was warning him away from Celeste.

Cal downed his head. “You’re right. I’ll keep my distance.”

Brian cleared his throat. “Good. I’m glad you see that we’re in agreement. She’s not used to someone like you. You saw how delicate she looks.”

“Someone like me?” He frowned, not caring for little brother’s attitude right now. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You date a different breed of women. Women who know the score. Celeste is like a fragile flower that would wilt around you. Anyone can see that.”

“I’m hurt you have such a low regard of me,” he joked.

“Not a low regard,” Brian said quietly. “Never that. I’m proud to call you my brother.”

When had Brian grown up? It was right after they’d captured the big oak in the south pasture. The one with limbs that reached to forever then back. It had been their fort, a place all their own. Cal had started high school and Brian junior high. The old tree was forgotten, as were all their old haunts. He missed that time in their lives.

“Back at you, little brother, and Grandma and Grandpa would be proud of you, too, and what you’ve made of the place.” He meant every word. “Hey, what say you and I go riding this week?”

“I need to catch up on some things.”

The businessman was back, but he couldn’t really blame Brian too much. The ranch meant a lot to him. He nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

Brian looked as though he was weighing his options. “How about Friday? I’ll tell you about the brood of children Wanda Jo and Ape Man have.”

Cal grinned. “That will be perfect.”

Maybe he didn’t like the country as much as Brian, but he liked the memories, and he liked knowing he had family. That wasn’t a bad thing, not at all.

And he realized that Celeste hadn’t answered his question. Was she older in wisdom? He had a feeling there was a lot more to her than met the eye. It might be interesting to see what transpired between her and his brother. He knew damned well he’d caught a spark of interest coming from Brian-even if little brother didn’t realize it yet.

Things were definitely not boring at the Crystal Creek Dude Ranch anymore. His gaze moved toward the window, toward the old homestead.

Things had definitely gotten interesting.

Had making love ever been that good? Nikki didn’t think so. Not that all her experiences had been bad. They just hadn’t been this damned fantastic.

It was a little scary since she was here under false pretenses. Cal said he believed in honesty. She didn’t think he’d appreciate her lack of it with him.

Was she developing a conscience?

That wasn’t good. She hadn’t been given the award for best journalist of the year two years in a row because she’d had scruples when it came to lowering the boom on dirty politicians. Nikki Scott, developing a conscience? Yeah, right, when hell froze over, maybe.

But apparently, she wasn’t quite good enough. She’d subtly questioned him after they’d had sex. He’d planted a good one on her lips, and while she was still trying to recover from the fire that had begun to build, he’d rolled out of bed and told her he’d promised to meet his brother.

Before she knew what was happening, he’d dressed and gone out the front door. She felt as though she’d lost another round. A smile curved her lips, but what a way to lose.

She stretched her arms over her head, then strolled toward the kitchen, stopping at the door and staring at the black beast, but the longer she stared the more frightening it looked. She didn’t need a psychic to tell her she’d be taking another cold sponge bath.

Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that all she’d had was a PB &J sandwich yesterday. That last town she’d gone through wasn’t that far away. She needed a few things anyway and surely they had a fast-food joint of some kind. It felt as though she hadn’t eaten in months.

But after that, look out. They didn’t call her The Barracuda for nothing. She’d beat Cal at his own game. She grabbed clean clothes and after a quick wash headed for her car. Oh, yeah, she was on top of the world.

It was only a twenty-minute drive into town but it seemed longer since she had to maneuver around all the potholes. This time she noticed the town’s sign as she drove past it. Frog Hollow-population 1,625.

Frog Hollow? Who named a town Frog Hollow? She drove down Main Street-which looked like the only street. Where were the fast-food places?

Wait, there was a café. She pulled in front of it and parked her car and just sat there for a moment.

Oh, yeah, this should be good, she thought as she read the faded sign: THE CHICKEN COOP. She really hated chickens and more especially roosters, but she was so hungry it felt as though her stomach was about to cave in. Maybe she’d get a little revenge and have fried chicken.

She glanced at her watch. Almost eleven. Please let them be serving something…anything.

The bell jangled over her head as she went inside. The aromas of home-cooked food assailed her nostrils and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. It looked clean. There were ruffled black and white checkered curtains on the windows and yellow Formica booths with matching vinyl seats. No rips or tears, no silver tape patching holes, and the black and white tiled floor practically sparkled.

It felt as though she’d stepped back to the fifties. She wouldn’t be at all surprised if Don Knotts strolled into the café. She slid into one of the booths.

A girl, who looked barely out of high school, came over, gum smacking, blond hair swinging in a ponytail, and handed her a menu.

“Sweet convertible. I bet it really looks nice when it’s washed,” she said as she glanced out the window.

“Texas dust.”

“Yeah, we have a lot of it around here. Back-country roads and all. My name’s Jenny, by the way, and I’ll be your waitress.” She chuckled. “I’m the only waitress, actually. Middle of the week, slow time. The crowd won’t start to come in until after five.”

This town had a crowd? Nikki tried but couldn’t visualize it. She opened the menu and glanced at the offerings. God, she was so hungry.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

Wine was probably out of the question. “Soda. Coke?”

“Sure thing. Back in a minute.”

Could she order everything on the menu? She could probably eat it, as well as the menu. Her stomach rumbled again. She wanted something fast. No fried chicken or thick, juicy steak this time.

Her perusal stopped on cheeseburger. She bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning. A big, fat, juicy cheeseburger loaded with onions and a side of fries. Oh, yeah, that was living.

“Here you go.” Jenny set the drink, along with a straw, in front of her. “Do you know what you want?”

She nodded, then gave Jenny her order and the girl left to pass it along to the cook.

Nikki glanced out the window. From her viewpoint, she could see the gas station she’d stopped at for directions when she came through town, an abstract office, the post office, and a pharmacy.

“You just passing through?” Jenny asked.

“I’m staying at the Braxton ranch.”

She nodded, looked at the convertible, then back at her. “Tourist.”

“Sort of. I’m from Fort Worth.”

“Cal still home?”

Nikki immediately went on alert. “You know Cal?” She casually picked up the straw and removed the white paper before sticking the straw into her drink.

Jenny grinned. “Everyone knows him. Star football player, a handsome devil.” She blushed. “My oldest sister went to school with him. I think every girl had a crush on him and his brother, Brian. They hated when Cal got engaged, but that’s all over now.”

“I’m sure he was hurt by the breakup.”

Jenny snorted. “I don’t think so. He came in last week and was flirting with Sandy Fairfax and she was practically drooling all over him.”

“He was flirting with her?” For some reason, the thought of Cal flirting with someone irritated her.

Jenny frowned. “It might’ve been more flirting on Sandy’s part. But the way you hear her talk, Cal was falling all over himself to be sweet to her.” She frowned. “Come to think of it, Sandy was the one acting like a dog in heat-excuse my phrasing.”

“Order up,” the cook announced.

“That’s your food.” The waitress hurried over to get it.

“Since I’m the only customer that’s obvious,” she muttered God, I’m such a bitch when I’m starving.

Jenny brought Nikki’s food over and set it in front of her. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No, I’m fine.”

She managed to get a little more information. Jenny seemed to think Cal might have been the one to end the relationship since he didn’t seem to be in pain over the breakup. Interesting. Maybe she’d have another chance to question her.

But first, food.

As Jenny walked back to the counter, Nikki took a huge bite of the burger, closing her eyes as her taste buds went into overdrive. Better than sex.

Well, maybe not sex with Cal, but a hell of a lot better than the last couple of men she’d had sex with. The cheeseburger was absolute heaven. She closed her eyes again as she savored another bite of grilled-to-perfection hamburger.

Catsup. She had to have catsup. She grabbed the bottle that was on the table and dumped at least half a cup on her plate, then dragged a French fry through it.

Oh, yeah, heaven.

Ha! The Barracuda was back. She’d be damned if she’d starve or live the next week or so on PB &J. What Cal didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

She didn’t think about anything else. In fact, she didn’t do anything except savor each bite of food until she swallowed the last morsel of burger, ate the last French fry, then sucked down the last drop of her soda.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone inhale one of Jim’s burgers that fast.” Jenny laughed.

“It was fantastic,” Nikki said. “I’m stuffed.”

“Sure you won’t try some peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Jim’s wife made it herself and there’s none better.”

Maybe she wasn’t that stuffed.

She finished half an hour later, then paid out. Jenny had been right: the cobbler was the best she’d ever eaten. The young waitress hadn’t given her any more information that she could use, but she pointed her in the direction of the dry-goods store and the grocery store.

Ye-haw, she thought as she walked inside. She admitted the smell of leather was kind of nice, but she wasn’t into spurs that jangled or purses with tiny saddles on top of them. She did buy four pair of jeans, a pair of boots, and a week’s worth of tops, though. She didn’t plan on needing to stay any longer and hoped it wouldn’t take her that long.

A trip to the hardware store yielded solar lights, along with a few more items she thought she might need.

The grocery store was her diamond in the rough, though, as she grabbed ham and cheese, bagels and cream cheese, and chocolate. Gourmet food it wasn’t, but it was better than nothing.

Coffee was another story. She might have to break down and light the black beast after all. Then again, she wasn’t that addicted to caffeine. Sodas might be able to give her the fix she craved.

She grabbed a few toiletries that she hadn’t thought she would need, but did, an armload of air fresheners in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and then paid out. She’d stash her goods and Cal would never know she’d cheated. A satisfactory smile curved her lips. She was just too damned good.

And she made sure she kept every receipt. Marge was going to owe her for this one. She figured at least two weeks off. Her parents would probably tell her that was too long, but dammit, she deserved it. And she didn’t care what Marge thought, either.

Her cell rang as she shut the trunk. She brought it out of her purse and flipped it open.

“Hi, Mom.” Why was her mother calling her? Her mother never called. What if her father was ill? Or worse. “Is everything all right?”

“Finally-I’ve tried to call you several times, but it wouldn’t go through. And yes, everything is fine now that I know you’re okay. Where are you?”

Her mother was worried about her? Strange, but it felt nice to know she cared so much. And she had sounded generally upset. Actually, that scared Nikki even more.

“Is everything okay?” her mother asked.

“Yes, I’m doing great. I’m on assignment in the boonies. There’s limited service here.”

“Another politician?”

She cringed. “Not exactly. A football player.”

“Steroids?”

“No.” She knew her mother wouldn’t leave off until she knew the whole story, so she quickly told her the details.

“Your editor sent you to do a piece about the love life of a socialite and a football player? What could she have been thinking? Your talents are going to waste.”

“It’s a nice change.”

“And you’re staying in a nice hotel.”

She cringed. “Not exactly. More like a cabin on a dude ranch. It’s…rustic.”

“I know you better than that, dear. If the living conditions are primitive, then you must feel as though you’re in hell.”

She thought about making love with Cal and knew she wouldn’t exactly say everything was hell. But she didn’t want to tell her mother that.

“I’m tough, so I think I’ll survive.”

“That you are, dear.”

“Why did you call?” Her mother never had said.

“Our second Saturday meeting is this month but I’m afraid we’ll have to cancel and I wanted to give you plenty of notice.”

They never canceled. Again, fear coursed through her. “Why?”

“I have exciting news. We’re thinking about moving to Washington. The Stanleys have been after us for years to move up there. Jack already has an established practice and he wants us to come in as partners.”

“You’re moving?” All of a sudden, Nikki felt as if she was being abandoned.

“You have a fabulous career, dear, and you don’t need us so much anymore. We’ll still meet once every couple of months except you’ll fly out. It’ll be exciting. You’ll see.”

Her mother was right. Nikki drew in a deep breath. She was a big girl and could take care of herself. And it was probably a fantastic opportunity for her parents.

“If you and Daddy are excited, then so am I. I hope everything works out the way you both want.”

“I knew you would understand, dear.”

“Of course I do. You raised me right.” But it didn’t stop the sadness from flowing through her. Sometimes she wondered if a career was worth the toll it took on one’s personal life.

They rescheduled their dinner date and said their good-byes.

Nikki got into her car and started it, but she couldn’t shake the lonely feeling.