Betting on Texas (11 page)

Ever since he first laid eyes on Miranda, it was as if she
carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. With Lone Star, she was as
free as a bird. Sure, she’s in a little pain now but he was certain the more she
rode, the more she would fall in love with it.

This was good and bad. Jesse always loved to share his passion
for horses with anyone who would listen. When a tenderfoot finds the trust in
themselves and the animal, a beautiful relationship begins. Nothing beat the
feeling of riding across a wide-open field astride a powerful animal. He could
only compare it to an eagle in flight.

The question remained. Did he really want Miranda to become
addicted to the sense of freedom? He had seriously mixed emotions about all of
this. He felt Miranda needed some happiness in her life. It was rare she smiled
unless it followed something sarcastic that shot from her mouth. When she did
smile, her eyes betrayed her. There was always a sense of sadness and longing
behind them. While he wanted her to be happy, he didn’t want her to be happy on
his ranch.

The barbeque was ready and still no sign of Miranda. Curiosity
got the best of him, and he took the kitchen stairs two at a time. The bedroom
door was open a crack. He peeked in.

“Miranda?”

No answer.

But then he heard the sound of her steady, even breathing.
There she was, sound asleep on her back, half on the bed, half off. She looked
so sweet and almost childlike. One sock was on and the other still clutched in
her hand. Jesse enjoyed the moment. She couldn’t argue with him when she was
asleep. He hated to be mean, but the only way he would win the bet was to play a
little dirty. He closed the door all the way and pounded on it.

“Miranda!” he shouted. “Supper time. You awake in there?”

Jesse kept up the thunderous pounding until the door flew open.
A splash of water hit his face and then the door slammed shut.

Jesse stared at it. Water dripped from his face and down his
shirt.
I didn’t see that one coming.
In the past,
women had thrown an alcoholic beverage or two at him. This was the first time it
was water. He opened the door and let himself in.

“Thanks, darlin’. I needed to clean up a bit. It was dusty out
there today.”

Miranda curled up on the bed, with her back to him. He stood
near the edge and poked her with his finger.

“Get out of here! You’re filthy!” she yelled as she rolled
over. “I did what you wanted me to do. Now leave me alone.”

“Sugar, you look like you’ve been ridden hard and put away
wet.”

Miranda grabbed a throw pillow and used it literally.

Jesse ducked. “Now, now.” He swatted her rump as she turned her
back on him once again. “Mable’s worked hard on that barbeque down there. Plus,
it’s Friday night.”

“Who cares?” Miranda said, her voice muffled by the pillow.

“I care.” Jesse exaggerated the words. “Everyone’s going down
to Slater’s Mill for some dancing.”

“Have fun.”

“Come on.” Jesse tried to pull the pillow away from her. “Don’t
tell me you’re going to wimp out and not go. Everyone in town will be
there.”

“Tell them I said hello.”

“All right, but you’re never going to make it in this town if
you don’t come out and dance with the rest of us.”

If anything, that would get her attention. He knew how much she
wanted to fit in. Sure enough, she turned over and faced him. “You really know
what buttons to push, don’t you?”

“Come on. Let’s eat. I’ll clean up and we’ll head into
town.”

* * *

S
LATER
’
S
M
ILL
WAS
WALL
-
TO
-
WALL
people, most in jeans and
cowboy boots, women included. Others wore outrageous square dancing outfits.
Certainly not something, you would find on the rack at Neiman Marcus. Miranda
watched as they twirled around the pine floor with ease and grace. As
complicated as the steps were, she thought it looked like fun.

Jesse spotted some friends across the room. The casual way he
took Miranda’s hand and led her to their table seemed so natural it surprised
him when he realized what he was doing.

“Miranda, this here is my cousin Brandon Slater and his wife,
Vicki. My uncle owns this place.”

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Vicki said.

She was a petite blonde with bright blue eyes in sharp contrast
to her husband’s brawny build, dark hair and dark eyes. Brandon stood and tipped
his hat toward Miranda. Miranda saw a resemblance between the two cousins.

“I’d stand up, but as you can see—” she pointed to her very
pregnant belly “—my feet are killing me today.”

“When are you due?” Miranda asked as she took a seat.

“Another four weeks.” She patted her front. “Brandon’s more
nervous than I am. I keep telling him it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Go figure. So, tell me about yourself. We’ve heard so much about you.”

Miranda laughed. “I hope you don’t believe everything you
hear.” Miranda shot a glance sideways at Jesse.

“Only the good things, I promise,” Vicki reassured.

“How about a spin on the dance floor?” Brandon helped his wife
up from the chair and spun her around perfectly, pregnant and all.

“Honey, my feet hurt. Later, I promise.”

“One dance. I’ll make it a quick one.”

Vicki nodded and joined her husband on the dance floor. Brandon
held her close, as if the rest of the place didn’t exist.

“What are you having, sugar?” Jesse wrapped his arm around
Miranda’s shoulder.

Her skin prickled at his touch. Nice wasn’t his usual method of
operation around her. Miranda didn’t bother to shrug him off. She wanted to see
how this played out. There was an ulterior motive somewhere. For curiosity’s
sake, she allowed herself to nestle against him, enjoying his warmth.

“A beer’s fine. Thanks. Something light.”

Jesse playfully squeezed her shoulder before he sauntered over
to the bar.

Miranda missed his touch as soon as it broke. A flashback of
their kiss in the motel room came to mind. She felt heat rise to her cheeks and
glanced down before anyone noticed.

“Well, aren’t you the prettiest thing here?” Cole said, and he
came up to Miranda. “My brother sure is the lucky one tonight.”

Miranda blushed more. “Thank you. But I can assure you, your
brother and I are not together.”

“Well, in that case, dance with me, pretty lady.” Cole took her
by the hand and led her onto the dance floor. Everyone was in the midst of a
line dance.

“I don’t know how,” Miranda said as she watched Cole step to
the music.

“You’re about to learn.”

Miranda followed his lead and after a few faulty steps almost
resulting in the loss of Cole’s big toe, she had the hang of it.

Jesse watched her from the side of the dance floor. She smiled
and waved while he gave her a round of applause. She was tired and sore, but she
was enjoying herself.

When the song ended, she was out of breath. How in the world
could people stay out there song after song? When she returned to the table,
Jesse was nowhere in sight.

She sat down beside Vicki and listened to her explain who was
who on the dance floor. Vicki was loaded with gossip and fast became the first
female friend she had in town, next to Mable.

“Now, the one over there, popping out of her shirt.” Vicki
pointed to a short brunette in yellow three-inch heels and an ultrashort mini
skirt. “She’s Shannon Winters. But all the guys call her ‘Radio Station,’
because anyone can pick her up, especially at night.”

Miranda choked on the beer Jesse had left for her.

“I’m not kidding.” Vicki’s face went serious.

Vicki didn’t mince words and Miranda found it very refreshing.
She listened as Vicki continued to fill her in on everyone in town. Her heart
stopped when she looked up to see Jesse on the dance floor. His arms enveloped a
stunning, auburn-haired centerfold. All laughter subsided as she watched Jesse
hold the woman close and whisper in her ear.

“Now, there’s Lexi Lawson.” Vicki shifted in her seat. “She’s
Ramblewood’s equine vet. If you haven’t seen her out at your place yet, you will
soon.”

Miranda hadn’t considered Jesse might be seeing someone. She
assumed since he was leaving town, he wasn’t involved. By the way he held her
and whispered in her ear, they were about as intimate as two people could get
with their clothes on.

“Are they—” The words stuck in Miranda’s throat.

“Together?” Vicki asked as Miranda nodded. “If Lexi had her way
they sure would be. Jesse’s kept his distance all these years. His brother
Shane, on the other hand, has chased after her for as long as I can remember.
She likes a challenge. Shane’s too easy for her.”

“He doesn’t seem to be keeping his distance right now,” Miranda
said before she could stop herself. “Not that I care.”

Vicki laughed. “Sure, you don’t, honey. You always get this
worked up when you see two people dancing close.”

Miranda couldn’t take her eyes off them. They made a handsome
couple. There was no doubt about it. Something in the pit of her stomach felt as
if it was about to turn over. Maybe the barbeque was getting to her.

“Relax. Lexi’s a great vet. The ultimate professional. She
happens to be very reckless when it comes to her personal life. Not Jesse’s
style.”

That didn’t help the situation any. What if she sweet-talked
Jesse into a reckless roll in the hay?

Aaron stood before her, blocking her view of the dance
floor.

“How about a dance?” Aaron held out his hand.

“She’d love to,” Vicki offered then whispered in Miranda’s ear,
“And make Jesse jealous while you’re at it.”

Aaron led Miranda to the center of the dance floor. A slow
Garth Brooks song played while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“There’s nothing going on between them, you know.”

“So I’ve heard.” Miranda watched Jesse and Lexi out of the
corner of her eye. Aaron spun her around so her back was to them. Then he pulled
her in closer.

They swayed to the music as she closed her eyes to keep from
looking their way. She rested her head on the shoulder of the one man who made
her feel at ease. Maybe he was the one she should be falling for. At least he
cared about her. Only he felt more brotherly to her than romantic.

Aaron kissed the top of Miranda’s head. A platonic gesture she
found most comforting. She sighed as he stroked her back.

“I know he’s a little rough around the edges, but all in all,
he is a pretty good guy.”

“Funny you should say that.” Miranda looked up at Aaron.
“Considering his hatred toward you.”

“Yeah and whenever he gets into trouble, I’m the first person
he calls. Every time. Even before Cole. So pay no mind to what he says.”

Miranda glanced around the dance floor. Still entwined in each
other’s arms, Jesse and Lexi continued to dance. It shouldn’t bother her. She
had no claim to him, but for some reason, her heart ached right now. She closed
her eyes again, in an attempt to block him out of her mind.

* * *

J
ESSE
WATCHED
M
IRANDA
close her eyes and settle
closer to Aaron. He was transported back ten years, to the night he lost Rebecca
Thompson. When Aaron kissed Miranda’s head, his heart missed a few beats.

“When do you want to breed Montana?” Lexi asked.

Jesse kept his gaze focused on Miranda and Aaron. Lexi pulled
back to look at him.

“Earth to Jesse.” She followed his eyes to see what he found so
fascinating.

“I’m sorry, Lexi. What did you say?”

“Listen, if you want to dance with her, then go on over there
and cut in.”

“I don’t want to dance with her.” Lexi didn’t look convinced.
“I’m looking out for her.”

“Sure you are,” Lexi said. “Well, I don’t think you need to
worry. She’s in very capable hands.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Jesse shook his head to erase the
images that came to mind. “What did you ask me before?”

“Montana. When do you want to breed her? She’ll be in heat soon
and you know how much a young filly wants to mate when she’s in heat.”

Jesse stopped dancing. He knew Lexi well enough to know she was
fueling the fire on purpose. He also knew her feelings toward him. It would be
easy to give in. Even though Shane took their father’s side about his working on
the ranch, he wasn’t about to betray his brother and steal the only woman he
ever loved.

Jesse stomped to the table with Lexi right on his heels.

“Admit it. You have it bad for her,” Lexi said as she slid into
the chair beside him.

Cole returned with another round of beers. “Who’s he got it bad
for? Miranda?”

“I don’t have it bad for anyone!”

“The heck you don’t,” Lexi said.

Lexi filled Cole in on the details. Jesse snorted in disgust as
Miranda and Aaron danced to another slow song. They were closer than any two
people had a right to be. Jesse started to stand, his body rigid.

“Take it easy there,” Cole said as he grabbed his brother’s
arm.

Why is this woman getting under my
skin?
He knew no matter how many times he questioned himself, the one
simple fact remained. She
was
under his skin and
there was no getting around it. He had to win this bet and get her out of his
life for his own sanity.

He was torn between working her to death so she would give up
the ranch and making life easy for her so she would stay...with him. But making
her life easy wouldn’t get him the Double Trouble. Now it appeared she made the
decision for him. Aaron was her choice. He couldn’t blame her, at this point.
Jesse was anything but nice to her since the moment she’d arrived. In the back
of his mind, he had brought her here tonight to change all of it.