Rustlers and Romance [Saddle Creek 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read online

  The tension was as thick as the morning fog on the mountaintops. Chase hadn’t said a word, hadn’t even looked her way. She squirmed on the bench seat. She hadn’t felt comfortable since breakfast when he’d kissed her and then made a quick getaway, as if burned by her touch. She didn’t know what it was, but something felt wrong between them. She stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye and wondered what she may have said or done that would make him react this way.

  She didn’t know him very well and still wasn’t sure what to expect. One thing she didn’t expect was to be riding to town with the quiet, brooding man he’d suddenly become.

  She turned her focus to something more pleasant. The magnificent view overwhelmed her. Snowcapped mountains in the distance, lush new green growths on the trees, and wide-open space in between.

  But, after a few minutes and all the beautiful scenery, she was suffocating in the silence. “This is such a beautiful part of the country.” She forced a cheerful tone into voice.

  “Sure is.”

  “I take it you were born and raised here?” She looked at him, but he appeared to be engrossed on the straight open road and deep in thought. She waited for him to respond.

  “Nope.”

  “Where then?”

  “Milwaukee.”

  Her eyes widened. “Wisconsin? If you don’t mind my asking, how in the world did you end up on a ranch in Wyoming then?”

  “Same way you did, I suppose.”

  “How’s that?”

  “Running away from home. I found a ranch and worked hard, learned everything I could about ranching. When I realized I had a way with horses, I saved up my money and bought the Jack.”

  She smiled. “I always appreciate a happy ending to a sad story. Why did you run away from home?”

  “Same as you.”

  She felt like she was pulling teeth from a hen with his one or two words of response, but she continued. “How so?”

  “Lauren, you’re not the only one to be on the receiving end of abuse, even if it isn’t the kind that ends with black eyes. Words can cut just as deep,” he said, peeling his gaze from the road to look over at her.

  She looked out the window at the passing vistas to keep his blue eyes from slicing straight through her. “I–I had no idea. How old were you when you ran away?”

  “Oh, about ten.”

  “Have you ever gone back?”

  “Nope. I don’t have time for bad trips down memory lane.”

  “Do you ever talk to your folks?”

  “They call to check on me now and then,” he said, but he didn’t elaborate.

  The truck slowed as it reached the outskirts of town. She glanced around at the shops and stores along the wooden boardwalk. Chase parked in front of a clothing store.

  “I called ahead and told them to put whatever you pick out on my tab.”

  “But, I didn’t intend for you to pay for my—”

  He held up his callused hand to cut her off. “Consider it a gift, payback for taking your time to go to the dance with me.”

  “Thanks, but I want to pay—”

  He held up his hand again to stop her. “No need to pay anybody back for a gift.”

  She ran her hands across her face. When he opened his door and got out, she followed suit.

  “I’m heading to Tractor Supply down the street, then on down to Rosie’s. Meet me back at the truck in an hour or so. Sound good?”

  She checked her watch. “Sounds good to me.” She turned to say something else to him, but he’d already walked down the street. She turned and headed for the dress shop.

  Chase watched Lauren as she walked toward the store. That woman not only invaded his sleep, but his waking moments. He could think of nothing but her sweet smile or the graceful sway of her lithe body as she walked away from him. His irrational mood hadn’t changed her sunny disposition. She must have a heart of gold.

  She’d leave him as soon as it was safe. Why would she want to stay at a ranch where she had to work? For the promise of nights in his arms? It wouldn’t be enough. The thought only made him angrier, and a sick nausea built in his belly.

  He placed his order at the Tractor Supply store and then hurried to the diner. He and Elliott had agreed to meet at eleven a.m. and he didn’t want to be late.

  Elliott was one of his three best friends from high school, and even though Elliott had gone away to college and now had his own Outfitter business in Jackson, they tried to stay in touch and see each other as much as possible.

  Chase took his hat off as he entered the restaurant and looked around. He caught Elliott’s wave from a side booth and headed in his direction.

  The manager passed by him with a pot of coffee. “How’re you doing, Chase?”

  “Just fine, thanks for asking, Susan.” He stopped and held up his hand to Elliott as he took Susan’s elbow and led her to the side. “I have some apologies to make on Lauren’s behalf. She’s real sorry she had to leave you in a crunch and would like to make it up to you some time.”

  “Where is she, Chase? Is she on the run again?”

  “No, she’s not on the run.”

  “Why, what’s going on with her? I knew she was in trouble the first day she came in here looking for a job, especially with all those bruises. I wish she would have confided in me so maybe I could’ve helped her.” Susan sat the coffee pot down on an empty table and wiped her hands on her apron.

  “She’s safe with me, for now. We’re coming to the spring dance and you can see her for yourself, okay? Right now, I’m kind of out of time and I still need to talk to Elliott.”

  “Sure, of course. Have you heard anything from Dillon? I know how close you three have been ever since forever.”

  “No, haven’t heard anything, yet. Just keep hoping he’ll come home soon.” Chase patted her shoulder and then made his way to the booth where Elliott waited.

  “How you doing, man?” Chase asked as he held out his hand. Elliott’s face lit up as he shook his hand, then they side-hugged each other.

  “I’m fine. It’s been a long time. What’s it been, four weeks?”

  Susan appeared with an empty cup, set it down in front of Chase, and filled it with coffee.

  “Yeah, something like that. We need to get together more often. I wish Dillon could be here. He always added to the mix with his moods, changing every time the wind blew. We always have so much fun, a lot of it on account of him.” Elliott chuckled and sat back in the booth.

  “I saw your new office in Jackson when I was coming through from the big Colorado horse sale. It looks great. Hope business is booming for you, too.” Chase took a slow drink of coffee.

  “Business is picking up. In fact, I met someone who I’m chauffeuring around, showing her the sights. She’s a photographer from New York City and wants to open a gallery in Jackson.” Elliott’s face blushed as he gushed about his new acquaintance.

  “Do I hear wedding bells in the future?” Chase studied his friend’s face over the rim of his coffee cup. The guy’s eyes lit up like a sparkler on the Fourth of July. He looked relaxed and happy.

  “Maybe, I don’t know yet. Maybe for someone, but not me. Remember our truce in high school? One of us couldn’t get married without the consent of the other two?” He laughed. “I’m going to hold you and Dillon to the pact. If, or when, Dillon ever gets back here. I can’t imagine why he’d leave and not keep in touch with one of us, anyway.” Elliott stirred his coffee, licked the spoon, and set it down on the table.

  Some of the spark left Elliott’s eyes at the mention of Dillon and where he could be. Shivers ran down Chase’s spine with the thought of something bad happening to their best friend.

  He shook them off. “I can’t wait to meet your new girl. What’s her name, by the way?”

  “It’s the sweetest name I’ve ever heard,” he answered, excited again. “It’s Sam, short for Samantha. Isn’t it just a wonderful name?”

  “You’ve really got it ba
d, man.” Chase laughed. “We’ll have to get together for dinner some night so you can introduce us. I’ve met someone, too, and I’m kind of going crazy, to tell you the truth. Half the time I want to keep her forever and the other half, I want to send her on her way. I don’t know which end is what anymore.” He swirled his coffee cup.

  “And you thought I had it bad.” Elliott laughed. “I think we’re both in the same boat, up the creek without a paddle, man.”

  Chase rolled his eyes and laughed, unable to deny anything Elliott had just said.

  “Where is she?” Elliott glanced around the diner.

  “Why are you looking for someone ya don’t know?” He grinned at his buddy. “She’s at the dress shop picking something out to wear to Saddle Creek’s spring dance. You can meet her then. You are coming, aren’t you?” Chase drank the remainder of his coffee.

  “Not sure yet, man. Maybe.”

  “I’ve got to get going. I’m looking forward to you meeting her at the dance.” He stood and shook Elliott’s hand again then turned and made his way to the front door.

  Lauren opened the door to the dress shop and a bell jingled above. A middle-aged woman walked out from the back. Her blackish-gray hair was pulled up on top of her head in a tight bun and her glasses dangled on her chest by a gold necklace. She was dressed casually in black slacks and a black print top.

  “Good morning, how can I help you today?” Her blue eyes brightened as her gaze traveled from Lauren’s head to her toes.

  “Well, I’ve been invited to your town dance, and I have no idea what would be appropriate to wear. Can you make a recommendation?” Lauren began to look through the racks of clothes.

  “Ah, the spring dance. I remember it well. It’s always so much fun, and I think I’ve got the perfect dress for you. It comes with a matching sweater, which you’ll appreciate come the chilly evening.” The store assistant walked over to a rack and searched for the right size, then pulled out a simple coral sundress. “This looks about right,” she said, holding the dress up next to her. “Go ahead and try it on. The dressing rooms are this way.” The salesclerk led her to the back of the shop, behind a curtained-off area, and pulled the drapery aside for her to enter. She hung the dress on a hook and closed the curtain. “I’ll look around and find some others for you to try on while you’re here. Just let me know if you need another size, dear.”

  “Of course. Thank you,” Lauren answered as she sat on a bench and began to get undressed. After she’d stepped into the dress, she pulled the curtain aside and walked out to the three-way mirror to have a look from all angles. The coral-colored dress fit perfectly, giving her waist the appearance of being small. It felt soft and silky, and flowed with every little movement. She could imagine herself twirling and whirling in it, dancing and swaying in Chase’s arms. She loved everything about it, and she spun around, as if practicing for the dance itself.

  “That color looks great on you. Brings out those pretty green eyes. What do you think?” the saleslady asked as she smiled.

  “I love how it feels. It simply floats around me.” She happily pulled the dress out at both sides with her hands and twirled again in front of the mirror.

  “Looks like a perfect fit ta me,” the salesclerk declared.

  “How much is it?” she asked, turning to go back to the dressing room. When she heard the price, she stopped in her tracks. She could never afford such extravagance.

  What am I thinking? I’ve got no money, no job, no transportation, and the last thing I want is to owe Chase another debt, even if he insists it’s a gift. It’d take forever to pay him back for this. I should have stayed back at the ranch and never agreed to come shopping.

  “Let me put these in here for you to try on. We want to make sure you get the one that’s perfect for you, don’t we?”

  “Sure, I’ll try them.” Lauren looked at the trio of dresses hanging on the hook. She felt the fabric of each one, but none felt as soft and comfortable as the first one. She hurriedly removed the first dress and carefully hung it on a hanger and placed it on another hook. She put on dress after dress and showed each to the salesclerk. They both agreed the first dress was the best by far.

  “Why don’t you try it on again, just to be sure?” the saleslady suggested.

  “Good idea.” Lauren hurried back to the changing room, hoping to be ready to leave by the time Chase came back. She put on the coral-colored dress and went out to look at it in the three-way mirror. She felt like she looked beautiful. What was she going to do?

  Lauren started back to the dressing room when the bell jingled above the door. She looked up to find Chase standing at the threshold. Her heart stopped. The sunlight from the glass door haloed his tall figure and emphasized the broadness of his shoulders.

  Chase slid his gaze from Lauren’s head to her toes and then slowly climbed all the way back again. A tic throbbed in his jaw. He blinked. The salesclerk asked if he needed help, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He couldn’t take his eyes off Lauren, mesmerized by the sight before him. His mouth felt stuffed with cotton balls and he couldn’t swallow to save his life. His lips moved but no words came out. He blinked again, startled by her beauty.

  “Nice.” He took a step toward her and then planted his feet. If he got any closer, he’d sweep her in his arms and carry her to the nearest hotel room. “D–Do you like it?”

  “I love it, and it feels great, but—”

  “But what, babe? You look stunning.”

  “I really can’t afford it, Chase. It would take me forever to pay you back.”

  “I already told you not to worry about it. It’s my gift to you for going with me to the dance and for helping out around the ranch.” He looked at the salesclerk, who stood speechless as if waiting to see who would win. “We’ll take it,” he said firmly and then turned and nodded his decision to Lauren.

  She glared at him with her fists on her hips. “Fine. I’ll let you pay for the dress today, just so I’ll have it in time for the dance, but I still want to pay you back.”

  She marched into the changing room and closed the curtain. The dress sure was pretty and fit as if it had been made specifically for her. She wanted it badly. What she didn’t want was anyone’s pity or charity, and she most certainly didn’t want to owe the man a damn thing.

  She changed back into her jeans and handed the dress to the saleslady, who bagged it for her and handed it over the counter.

  “Here, let me carry it for you,” Chase said as he took it from her. He stepped to the door. “You ready, or do you want to look at anything else?” He slung the bagged dress over his shoulder.

  “No, I’m ready.” She turned to the saleslady. “Thank you very much.”

  As they made their way to the truck, Lauren pulled a few windblown strands of hair from her eyes and tucked them behind her right ear. She glanced at Chase. “Thanks for the dress, but I will be paying you back for it. I meant every word I said in there.”

  He smiled at her. “Whatever you want to do, it’s fine with me.” He hung the bag in the backseat of the four-door truck and got inside.

  “Did you get all your supplies?”

  “Yup. Already loaded up. I also stopped at the diner and saw one of my buddies. I’m hoping he’ll bring his date to the dance and I can introduce you. Unless you’ve got something else you need, I’m ready to head back to the ranch.”

  “No, I’ve done enough damage for one day.”

  Chapter 14

  Lauren watched the rolling green hills, painted with wildflowers, rush past the window. She loved the dress, but was ticked off at Chase for insisting on buying it. She wanted to simultaneously kiss him and strangle him. She’d never be able to repay him unless she found a job.

  She had a degree in Criminal Justice and had supported herself as a legal assistant back in Michigan, but that felt like a lifetime ago. Maybe she could find something as fulfilling in Saddle Creek or somewhere close. She’d worry about locating a place to stay a
fter her first paycheck came in. Leaving the ranch—and Chase—would be hard. Her throat tightened as she held back her tears. How could she survive without seeing his face every morning or hearing him whisper her name? She wouldn’t live a day without caressing his bronze body as only a woman could do with a man. She swiped away the moisture in her eyes. The cab of the truck seemed to close in around her. A knot formed in her stomach. She couldn’t think straight with Chase near.

  She needed time alone.

  Time to figure out if this feeling she had for him was gratitude, lust…or love.

  Chase clenched his jaw as tightly as he held the steering wheel. It was a good thing Lauren sat quietly ’cause he wasn’t in the mood for chitchat.

  He concentrated on keeping the truck between the lines. It was damn hard when the beautiful image of Lauren in that coral dress appeared in his mind. Her hair was bed-head tousled from trying on the clothes while the smile on her lips, the perfect curves of her body, and the bright sparkle in her eyes enunciated her femininity. The way she played with her hair, constantly pulling it behind her ear, was such a turnon. Her laughter tinkling on the wind sent shivers through his body. It would have been a crime for her not to have the dress to wear to the dance.

  An image of what she would look like in a wedding dress, wrapped up in pearls, satin, and lace, her long hair pulled up on top of her head, holding a long, white veil in place, flitted through the recesses of his mind. He pictured him standing at the altar watching her walk down the aisle toward him, holding out her hand for him to take, to love, and care for her the rest of their lives, her iridescent eyes like emerald sequins reflecting off the sunlight.

  His body reacted to her appearances in his mind. His groin tightened. Uncomfortable sitting still, he fidgeted in his seat. His palms grew sweaty and heat rushed up his neck and then slipped down his spine like he’d breathed in fire.