The Rancher and the Event Planner

Chapter Six



Rafe stopped his truck next to the mansion and he and Jennifer climbed out. He noticed the gentle sway of Jennifer’s hips, the nice slope of her shoulders and the way the blouse smoothed down over her breasts. She’d pulled her hair up into a loose knot on the back of her head but a few blonde ends fluttered freely in the breeze. Plans for the project he hoped would revitalize Salvation flew out of his head, and were replaced with slow kissing memories of her pliant and giving in his arms, and the smell of her teasing him.

“I can’t believe how hot it is already and it’s not even noon yet.”

Yeah, he was hot too and it had nothing to do with the weather.

She glanced at the surroundings, her eyes aglow with excitement and curiosity. “This is the perfect place for the resort and with careful planning all of this natural beauty can be preserved.”

Rafe’s shoulder blades tensed. Hey, wait a minute. She wasn’t supposed to see the land that way. Why wasn’t she thinking about cutting down trees and pouring concrete for a shiny new parking lot?

She swept her arm to the right. “Some cabanas, an outdoor bar and a pool will be the perfect solution to the heat.”

Whew. Okay now she was headed on the right trail. “No objection to a swimming pool or a bar, but cabanas will look like tits on a hen at a dude ranch.”

She stopped in her tracks. “Who said anything about a dude ranch?”

“I listened to your ideas and now it’s time for you to listen to mine. Come on, it’ll be cooler next to the water.”

They stopped under the shelter of some tall, leafy cottonwoods growing on the edge of the lake. The water shimmered under the broiling sun and the wind rippled its surface. Opposite the lake loomed a trio of hills covered with white flowers.

“I always thought those hills covered in Rain Lilies looked like three cotton balls crammed together. Why not call the resort Cotton Hills?”

Not bad. No fancy name. Cotton Hills was simple and direct with a connection to the site and the community. “I like it. Cotton Hills it is.” No wait, he shouldn’t be agreeing with her. That pulled them closer together and made them start to link like a fence rail into a post but the idea was a good one. Damn, he needed to turn things around and fast.

“How deep is the lake?”

“Up to nine feet in some places.”

“The escarpment with the flat ledge of rock jutting from the cliff side, would be perfect for some of the more adventurous guests to dive and take a swim,” she suggested.

Another great idea. Two in a row. Not good.

A wide, grassy meadow spread like a green fan on the west end and Rafe pointed to a stand of boulders off to the left. “The hot springs are in the center of those rocks.”

“Oh, I’d love to see them,” she said.

When they reached the springs, Jennifer sat down on a rock, took off her sandals, and dipped one foot with sexy toes into the steaming water, followed by the other. She sighed, a sigh that made its way inside him like a shot of whiskey. She gazed at the water with a contented expression. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the water in this heat, but I bet in the fall and winter…heaven.”

Heaven is right. He envisioned her sunk up to her gorgeous neck in the water with her arms and legs encircling him, the water lapping at her breasts. His gaze drifted over her exposed calves and thighs, the shorts riding higher, the more she moved her feet around in the water. He was here to make her see they were as different as cowboy boots and high heels, not to imagine her naked.

She removed her feet from the water and slipped on her sandals.

“Come on,” he said, “I’ll outline my ideas for you and you’ll begin to see how different they are from yours and how wrong we are for each other.”

She smiled and cocked a brow. “We’ll see.”

He didn’t like that smile or rather he liked it too damn much. That smile was filled with possibilities and none of them had to do with a new resort.

They made their way over to a stand of trees out of the direct sunlight. The shadows of the leaves played over her, making her eyes brighter, more golden. Her cheeks flushed pink from the heat and tempted him even more. She dug a tube from her pocket and dabbed some stuff on her lips, then rubbed them together, making her lips appear shiny and kissable.

“Earth to Rafe,” she said with a chuckle.

He snapped his brain back to the present. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

Kissing you. “Nothing.” He pointed toward the wide meadow and the house. “A contractor inspected the house and his report said it has good bones, so if the town could buy it, my plan is to remodel. The town has a cash reserve that we made from a fair we sponsored a few years ago. Between my investment and some of the other business owners this project could happen. ”

An old pool littered with leaves and sticks, the tiles cracked and faded, lay next to a large patio and beyond the pool was a dilapidated gazebo. “We’ll bring the original pool back to life and add a new one with a bar next to the main house with an outdoor covered dance floor. Guest cabins will blend nicely in the stands of trees too. We’ll build a barn and fill it with good riding horses and even run a few cattle. The horses and cattle can be provided by the Rocking M and other local ranches. Guests can trail ride, learn to rope, fish and swim in the lake. We’ll have barbecues, hay rides under the stars, and bring in a local band or two. It’ll be the perfect Texas vacation.”

She shook her head. “How will a dude ranch help the economy? The clientele won’t come from country towns but will pour in from the cities. They’ll want luxury when they go on vacation and to be pampered and enjoy themselves. This setting is perfect and I love the idea of remodeling the old house, but this should be a resort, with a well trained staff, not a dude ranch.”

Rafe removed his hat and smoothed a hand over his head. “We want to express the values our community holds dear and a dude ranch will show the world what Salvation is all about.” He waved a hand through the air. “Not some duded up spa with a staff catering to a bunch of rich people.”

She brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “You don’t think I have Salvation’s best interests in mind? You think I want to ruin things around here?”

He scratched his head. “No, I don’t think you’re trying to ruin things, but you’ve been away for a long time.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “And?”

“Look, I don’t mean to be a jerk. I just love this town, and I want what’s best for it.”

She relaxed her arms at her sides. “Believe it or not, so do I. We just need to find a compromise that’s all.”

Why was she suddenly being so reasonable? This wasn’t the way it was supposed to work. She would disagree with everything he said and he would start proving his point that he wasn’t good at relationships and they were all wrong for each other. “What kind of compromise?”

“You mentioned hay rides and barbecues. I think if we changed things up a little, it would work right along with my idea of dinner under the stars. Instead of hay, what about a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to a pretty little spot where a tent with tables and chairs and candles had been set up earlier? This way the guests would get their ride under the stars but with a bit more comfort. Instead of a hot fire and smoke from a barbecue, they’d be served in a more elegant setting. I really like the idea of cabins in the trees. Nice porches on the front with rocking chairs and lighted pathways will be beautiful.”

Damn, she’d twisted all of his ideas to line up with hers which meant they were beginning to join up as well.

She moved closer, her scent making his head spin and his senses buck like an out of control bull. She tipped her chin and gazed into his eyes with a kiss-me smile on her lips. He felt himself sinking as though he had stepped into quick mud only his attraction to her was ten times worse. Desire for her was alluring and tangled with a man’s reason until he didn’t know which way was up. Placing a palm on his shoulder, she shifted until their body heat mingled and reached for his hand. Her fingers grasped his, she lifted her arm and began a slow, easy dance. “Now imagine dancing under the Texas sky bursting with stars, fresh air, and the sound of a band playing.” Jennifer hummed a popular country tune as they moved as one under the leafy cover of the trees. “Like this. Like us. A taste of Texas, Salvation style.”

Why did she have to use the word taste? All he could think about was her lips, how they felt under his, their strawberry flavor, the way her breasts pressed against his chest when he held her in his arms. He could easily imagine dancing with her on a star-filled night with the beauty of the landscape surrounding them. She was luring him gently like he would lead a fractious filly or stud, showing him how safety and ease awaited.

Her lips parted on a sigh. “What do you think?

I think you look like a cowboy’s dream.

Before he could stop himself, he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers. She relaxed into him and his arms pulled her closer even as his brain fogged and drowned out the protest that kissing her put him solidly on the losing side. But, damn it, he was a flesh and blood man and there was only so much he could resist and resisting the temptation before him had proved impossible. He took the kiss deeper, his lips sliding over hers, one kiss blending into another, the need for her blinding him to reason. Her tongue danced with his, almost frantic at first then more leisurely as if they could go on kissing for the rest of their lives.

The rest of their lives?

Where did that come from?

He pulled from her arms, his pulse pummeling through his veins, his breath heaving. He wiped his hands over his face and exhaled a deep breath. “You weren’t kidding when you said you played dirty.”

A corner of her mouth rose as she stared at him with heat burning in her eyes. “You kissed me, cowboy, and if I wasn’t mistaken and I’m not, you enjoyed it.” She bunched the front of his shirt in her hand, pulled his face near and whispered, “Which proves a little dirt never hurt anybody.”

***

JC picked up her car from the Stop and Go then spent the rest of the afternoon hand delivering pictures of new lamp posts to all of the council members and business owners for approval then arranging with the Salvation Nursery to make the hanging baskets and setting up a work schedule for the first part of the renovation plan to be completed. The business owners would begin painting their store fronts the next day and JC offered to help. She hoped to convince Rafe to offer his painting skills as well.

She’d had to force herself to concentrate on the tasks at hand rather than the sizzling kiss she shared with Rafe earlier in the day. They’d both taken a good long lick of the other and sexual attraction had arced between them like a downed power line on a stormy night. She bet people could see it all the way to Dallas. Satisfaction bloomed inside her as she pulled her car off the highway and over the cattle guard onto the Rocking M.

The last thing on her to-do list for today was to talk to Cade to make sure they were on the same page where Rafe was concerned. She found him at his cabin checking out the repairs. “Hey, how is everything going?”

Cade turned and smiled. “I should be able to move back in a few days.”

“Great.” JC pushed her hands into the front pockets of her shorts and scuffed the toe of one sandal on the ground.

Cade raised a brow. “What’s on your mind?”

She smiled back at him. “What makes you think there’s something on my mind?”

“Come on, I know you really well.”

She inclined her head. “Okay, I’ve decided to go for it where Rafe is concerned and I’d like your support.”

He pressed his mouth into a hard line. “Damn it, he promised he’d keep his hands to himself.”

“Yeah, he told me. But we amended things a bit.” She told him about their mutual challenge.

Concern clouded his eyes. “The last time I saw that look you had hooked up with Dave and announced you were getting married. We both know how that turned out.”

“I know, but this is different.”

He sat on the steps of the cabin and rested his arms on his jean-clad thighs. “It’s not that different. Rafe is my best friend, but he has a bad history with female relationships. You’ve got a bad case of lust for him and you can’t see the train wreck waiting for you at the end of it.” He exhaled a breath. “I know you’re a grown woman capable of making up your own mind, but I think you should take a step back and think first before you jump into anything.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “Thank you for playing the knight and coming to my rescue but I’m tired of being alone. I’ve cared for Rafe my whole life and I have to find out once and for all if we have a future together and I’d like your blessing.”

He looked at her. “Do you need my blessing?”

“No, but I’d like it all the same.”

He reached out a hand and she took his. “Steady on, okay?”

She smiled. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing and what I could be in for.”

“And Rafe’ll be in for the beating of his life if he hurts you.”

* * *

“Pass the cornbread, Daddy.”

Rafe passed the basket of golden buttery cornbread to his daughter who took a large square and bit into it. “Eat up, chipmunk,” he teased.

Molly giggled around a mouthful of cornbread, her eyes filled with love as she gazed at her father.

Rafe winked at her and tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. “I think your giggle box turned over.”

His remark only made Molly laugh more. Hearing her laugh lifted JC’s heart.

“Okay, punkin ,” Rafe said, “Settle down. You don’t want to choke.”

Molly finished chewing the cornbread and took a gulp from her glass of milk. She licked her lips. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

JC took another bite of the hardy stew and let the flavors melt on her tongue. She’d spent the day in Dallas coordinating a list of changes the Senator insisted upon for the gala. Tomorrow would be another busy day and she was dead tired and starving. “Great meal, Linc.”

He gave her a quick nod. “Thanks.”

She wondered what it would have been like to be a member of a close, loving family. She could feel the love in the house, especially the love Rafe had for his daughter which made Molly a very sunny, stable little girl.

“JC?”

She looked over at Rafe whose gaze was pinned to her face. Good, maybe she was getting to him. Whenever she caught him looking at her, tingles scurried over her skin. “Yes?”

“Everything okay?”

“Sure, just thinking about tomorrow. Are you still going to pitch in and help paint the storefronts?”

“Yeah. But I bet you don’t last the day.”

“What do you mean?”

“Painting is hard work and it’s supposed to be a scorcher tomorrow.” He swept his gaze over her face and she felt it all the way to her toes. “You don’t want that fair skin of yours to burn.”

She sat up straight in her chair and leaned toward Rafe. “The only thing that’s going to get burned tomorrow is you when you lose the bet.”

She dug a twenty-dollar bill out of her pocket and laid it on the table. “Why not put your money where your mouth is?”

He pulled out some cash of his own. “You’re on, but I’ll sure hate taking your money.”

Linc laughed. “As much as I’m enjoying this, I’ve got some paperwork to do.” He stood and picked up his plate.

“I’ll do the dishes tonight,” JC said.

“Can’t say no to that.”

JC put away the leftovers, rinsed the plates and cutlery before loading everything into the dishwasher.

Just as she finished wiping down the stove and countertops, Linc came in and grabbed a beer from the fridge.

“Where’s Rafe?” JC asked as she started the dishwasher.

He grinned. “I heard Molly trying to talk him into playing Barbies with her.”

Later, when JC stepped into the family room Molly’s girlish laughter floated up from behind the sofa followed by Rafe’s deep voice saying, “Well, hello there, Barbie. Want to ride with me on old Dollar?”

Molly laughed again. Slowly, JC lowered one knee then the other to the sofa, rested her hands on the back and peeked over. She found father and daughter sprawled on the floor surrounded by doll clothes, a pile of Barbies in various states of undress, a Barbie car, Barbie’s dream house and an old stuffed horse with one eye missing and a stirrup ripped off its plastic saddle. Her heart melted. She would bet money that old horse was Rafe’s when he was a boy. Molly lay on her stomach and held her Barbie doll in one hand. “Yes. Can we go get some ice cream?”

Rafe lay on his side, his long legs spread out, socks on his feet. The jeans showcased his sexy rear end. His shoulders were broad and appeared strong, as if they could hold the weight of the world. He rested his head in one palm and with the other he held a Ken doll in his big, work-roughened hand. He moved the doll back and forth as if he were walking and shifted him closer to the Barbie Molly held. “Sure thing, Barbie. I know this great ice cream place.”

“Do you like sprinkles on your ice cream, Ken?”

“I love sprinkles. Dollar does too.”

Molly laughed. “Silly. Horses don’t eat ice cream.”

“Dollar does.”

JC laughed. “I like ice cream with sprinkles too.”

Two pairs of eyes fixed on her.

Molly grinned. “We’re playing Barbies.”

Heat burned up Rafe’s neck and over his cheeks until even his ears turned red.

JC smiled enjoying herself. “Yes, it looks like fun.”

Rafe avoided her gaze. She was fascinated by this other side of Rafe. She would never have imagined this rough, tough cowboy playing dolls with his little girl. “Can I play too?”

“Sure,” Molly said. She dug a doll out of the pile. “This is Chandra, Barbie’s friend. You can be her.” The doll’s long dark hair was in a tangle, the lower part of her body was twisted to the right and the upper part to the left. She was dressed in black pants and a bright pink top with a plastic silver necklace around her neck.

JC sat down behind the couch and took the doll. She straightened the doll’s body and held it so the doll’s bare feet touched the floor. “Can I go for ice cream too? If it’s okay with Ken, of course.”

Rafe cleared his throat straightening from his position on the floor. “I’ve got stuff to do.” He tossed the doll to the side and started to rise from the floor.

“Daddy, don’t go. We haven’t gone for ice cream yet.” Molly dug through a plastic bin filled with little plates, glasses and silver ware. She scrounged around for a minute and pulled out two tiny ice cream cones. “Please, Daddy. We got to get ice cream.”

JC couldn’t resist teasing him. “Yeah, Daddy, we’ve got to get ice cream.”

He swung his gaze to hers with an I’m-going-to-get-you-for-this look on his face. But his lips twitched and his blue eyes glinted. And for one crazy second, she wanted to lean down and give him a kiss. “Dollar can’t carry three people.”

“Barbie’s car is a four door. We can leave Dollar here and go in her car. What do you say?” JC suggested.

“Okay.”

They settled the dolls in the car with Barbie in the driver’s seat and together the three of them crawled over the hardwood floor with Molly in front, pushing the car along. Rafe glanced at JC. “Don’t even think about telling Linc you watched me playing dolls with Molly,” he said in a soft voice only she could hear.

JC batted her eyes. “Why, Ken, I wouldn’t dream of such a thing.”

Rafe’s gaze lowered to her lips for a moment then back to her eyes. “See that you don’t or there’ll be major payback.”

He could lick the red off her candy any day. Instinctively, she knew whatever retribution Rafe had in mind, would probably be the slow, sensual kind of punishment.

The three of them continued around the side of the sofa and over to the coffee table, resting on a beautiful rug with southwestern designs. Molly stopped the car under the table. “What kind of ice cream do you want, Ken?”

“I want chocolate with chocolate sprinkles.”

Molly put one of the tiny cones filled with fake ice cream to Ken’s plastic lips. “Taste it.”

Rafe licked his lips and made an mmmm sound deep in his throat which caused heat to rush to a lot of secret, hidden places in JC’s body.

“What flavor do you want, Chandra?”

JC pulled herself out of her haze and said, “I’ll take anything.” Molly handed JC the cone. JC held it to the doll’s lips. “Nice and creamy. What about you, Barbie?”

“I want vanilla with different colored sprinkles.”

Rafe said in a low voice, “My flavor is chocolate. What flavor is yours?”

For a second, JC couldn’t speak. She was dumbfounded thinking about what it would be like to taste ice cream on Rafe’s lips. “Strawberry.”

“Hey, where is everybody?”

At the sound of Linc’s voice, Rafe’s eyes widened. He dropped the doll, snatched up the newspaper from the coffee table and plopped on the sofa with the paper held upside down. In a moment, Linc strolled into the room and took in the scene. Ken lay flopped over the hood of Barbie’s car and JC couldn’t help laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“Me and Daddy and JC were playing dollies,” Molly said.

Linc grinned as he walked over to Rafe and examined the upside down newspaper. He crunched the top of the paper with his hand. “Playing dollies were we?”

Rafe jerked the paper back up in front of his face. “JC was playing. I was just watching,” he said from behind the paper.

“Daddy was Ken, I was Barbie and JC was Chandra,” Molly piped in.

Linc’s mouth twitched and JC could tell he was trying hard not to laugh. “Daddy was Ken, huh. Interesting, sorry I missed it. I’ve never played dolls before, Rafe. Maybe you could show me how to play sometime?”

Rafe slapped the paper down on top of the sofa cushion, stood and closed in on his brother until their noses were almost touching. Linc grinned from ear to ear and Rafe scowled. “If you breathe one word of this to anybody your days on the bench are over,” he said in a quiet voice.

“Are you threatening a judge?” Linc said with mock seriousness.

“You’re damn right I am.” Rafe leaned closer to Linc’s ear and whispered something JC couldn’t hear. Whatever Rafe said to him, Linc’s cheeks grew red. “You wouldn’t?” he said.

“Faster than a cow can flick a fly, brother.”