First Kiss with a Cowboy: Includes a bonus novella Read online

  Chapter Seven

  Toby lined up the nail and pounded it into the siding, ignoring the pinch in his shoulder. The doc said it would pull like that for a while. The surgeon had tried to repair the tendon as well as he could, but it would still take some time to heal. Waiting was something Toby had never been good at.

  He stepped back to inspect the job he’d done. Shoulder injury or not, he could side a building with the best of them. The boathouse was the last facility on the entire ranch that needed a face-lift. An old, shedlike structure, it housed the many kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards they kept around for the guests to use.

  He knew it wasn’t the most important building at the ranch, but it still made an impression…just like the gate. Especially down here on the beach. You could stand in the sand and take in the picturesque view of the mountain peaks reflected in the turquoise-blue, glacial-fed waters of Silverado Lake, the pointed pines lining the other side of the shoreline. Maybe, if you were lucky, you’d spot one of the bald eagles that made this area their home. And you could also take in the view of the dilapidated boathouse with its warped siding and chipped paint. Now at least it wouldn’t stand out. He’d chosen forest-green siding so it would blend in with the surroundings, and so you’d hardly notice it when you were enjoying a day on the lake.

  “Careful or you might make this place look like a five-star resort.” Jane’s older brother Wes strode down to where Toby stood and greeted him with a handshake.

  “Well, well, well. Look who came home.” Toby could hardly believe his eyes. As far as he’d heard Wes had a busier schedule than he did these days. That was what happened when you were as good at your job as Wes. The guy was the most important person in the arena. People thought you had to be crazy to climb onto the back of a bucking bull, but in Toby’s humble opinion you had to be even crazier to provoke that bucking bull into chasing you down.

  Toby tossed his hammer back into his toolbox. “First Jane, now you.” The Hardings were having a genuine family reunion. “How’d you manage to break away from the excitement?”

  “I found myself with a two-week lull, so here I am.” The man lifted his cowboy hat off his head and wiped away sweat. “I couldn’t let my little sister have all the glory. Mom’s been after me to visit.”

  “It’s good to see you.” Not quite as good as it had been to see Jane, but he couldn’t tell her brother that. He couldn’t tell Wes how something in his chest shifted when he looked at the woman, how he’d been thinking about her since their conversation at the café earlier this afternoon…

  “It’s good to see you too. I was worried about you. Heard about your wipeout.” Wes eyed him as though looking for evidence of the injury. “It was a bad tear, huh?”

  The doctors had called it “catastrophic” at first. Before the surgery, they’d warned he might never fully recover. But thanks to his father, he’d been seeing the best orthopedic specialist in Denver. Of course, that also meant more lectures about his career since Toby’s doctor was a friend of his father’s, but he’d take it. He decided not to tell Wes any of that. “It was rough, but they think the surgery was successful.” He wouldn’t know for sure until he had another MRI in a few weeks. “I’m doing all my rehab stuff.” He was trying not to overdo the strain on his shoulder, but he couldn’t sit still either. Unfortunately, he was running out of buildings to side.

  “So, you think you’ll be back out there this season?” Wes asked. “Maybe we’ll run into each other. After the next two weeks I’m booked out through the fall.”

  Jealousy riffled through him. He’d give anything to be back out there in two weeks. “I’m hoping I’ll be back by August.” The doctors had refused to give him a specific timetable for when he could expect to be back on a bull, but he was aiming for the end of summer.

  “Nice.” Wes slipped his hat back onto his head. “After my break, I’m headed up to Montana for a couple of events.” The man continued talking about the specifics, but Toby had stopped listening. Jane was walking along the lodge’s extensive deck with her mother. He thought about the spark that had lit in her eyes when he’d offered his suggestions for the shower earlier. He’d forgotten how much he liked provoking her—seeing her face come alive, watching her rise to a challenge.

  Jane looked up now and her eyes seemed to meet his, even across the distance. He could only grin. She’d totally caught him checking her out. Mara noticed him too, and obviously she noticed Wes.

  “There’s my boy!” The woman came running down the hill to the beach with her arms outstretched. Jane trailed along behind her.

  “When did you get here?” Mara demanded, pulling her son in for a hug.

  “Just now.” He stepped back. “Saw Toby here working his ass off and thought I’d come give him a hand.”

  Wes hadn’t offered to give him a hand, but Toby didn’t say so.

  “Of course you did.” The woman beamed. “You’re always so helpful.”

  “Hey, sis.” Wes moved past his mother and gave his sister a hug. It occurred to Toby that the two of them didn’t look much alike. Wes took after their mother while Jane took after their father. Or at least, that’s what he seemed to remember about Jane’s dad. He couldn’t remember what her oldest brother August looked like, and from what he’d heard around town, he wouldn’t be seeing him back at the ranch anytime soon.

  “I didn’t hear you were coming home.” Jane wore a genuine look of happiness at the sight of her brother.

  “All Mom could talk about was you coming home.” Wes smirked. “Couldn’t be outdone by my sis. Besides, I haven’t seen you in forever. Had to see for myself that you were actually stepping foot in Silverado Lake for more than a few days.”

  “She’s happy to be back, right, Jane?” Mara elbowed her.

  “It’s good to be home. It looks beautiful.” She directed the compliment to Toby. “The improvements you’ve worked on around here really make a difference.”

  Was she saying that for the benefit of her mom? At the moment Jane’s face was a mask of detachment. “Glad to hear you think so.” The compliment affected him more than it probably should’ve, but he couldn’t remember Jane ever offering him one before.

  “I love what you’re doing with the boathouse.” Mara admired his work. “Make sure you keep track of all your overtime hours.”

  “Will do.” He wouldn’t, but with Mara it was best to keep up appearances. She was always trying to offer him more money, but truthfully, he didn’t want it, didn’t need it. She’d worked hard over the years and he had no intention of cutting into her profits.

  “Two of my kids home together at last.” The woman threw one arm around Wes and one around Jane. “Now if we could get August to come home too…”

  “I wouldn’t count on that.” Wes rolled his eyes. From the way people in town talked, it sounded like August had become some big-shot wine executive out in Napa Valley and wanted little to do with his family’s modest ranch.

  “Well, at least you two are here.” She squeezed Jane and Wes once more before letting them go. “I have to meet with a prospective bride this evening, but we’ll all enjoy breakfast together tomorrow morning. How does that sound?”

  “As long as Louise makes her quiche, I’m in,” Wes said.

  “I can probably do breakfast.” Jane hesitated. “I’ll have to see in the morning.”

  Toby studied her. What could she possibly be so busy with that she couldn’t eat breakfast with her mom and brother? Or maybe it was Toby she was avoiding. The entire staff usually hung out in the dining room to load up on Louise’s mouthwatering concoctions before heading outside to work. Jane knew he’d be there, and maybe that’s why she didn’t want to come. It was just as well since he was supposed to be on his best behavior, but still…

  “Okay, I’m off!” Mara walked away. “You’ll join us for breakfast in the morning too Toby.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” he called, trying to gauge Jane’s reaction. How t
he woman managed to stay so straight-faced all the time was beyond him. He didn’t have that gift. Anyone who looked at him right this second could probably see he was taking her indifference as a challenge.

  With a wave, Mara disappeared into the lodge, leaving him standing with Wes and Jane.

  “So, this is fun, huh?” Wes looked back and forth between them before settling his amused gaze on Toby. “After what you did to my sister in high school, I thought she’d never talk to you again, but here we are.”

  After what he did? “Ummm…”

  “It wasn’t a big deal.” Jane’s face turned stony. “It was a long time ago.”

  Toby watched her face carefully. Had her cheeks flushed? “It was a long time ago. But I’d say it was also kind of a big deal.” Although, according to Jane back then, it had been a stupid kiss.

  “When she called to tell me you asked Aubrey to the dance instead of her, I almost flew home from college to beat you up,” Wes informed him.

  Toby couldn’t respond. He was stuck on why Jane would tell Wes he’d asked Aubrey to the dance instead of her. He turned to Jane. “You said you didn’t like me.” Right to his face, in front of all his friends. But she’d wanted to go to the dance with him?

  “You’re right. I didn’t like you.” Her unwavering glare suggested she didn’t like him much at the moment either. Jane turned to her brother. “I don’t remember calling to tell you anything.” The look on her face told a different story though. It was a change in her expression before she masked it—a twist of her mouth, almost like a wince. And then it was gone as quickly as it had come.

  Wes obviously remembered a phone call though. And there must’ve been a reason she’d called her brother. She must’ve been upset. Toby angled his face to Jane’s, looking directly into her eyes. “I would’ve asked you. If I’d thought you would’ve said yes.” Instead of risking it, he’d tried to save his reputation.

  A stunned expression parted her lips. How could she be surprised? He’d told her that night he liked her.

  Wes gave his sister a questioning look, then slung an arm around her. “Well, anyway, I’m glad to see you guys worked it out. The three of us should hang out tonight.”

  Jane sidestepped him and avoided Toby’s gaze. “I don’t have time to hang out tonight.”

  Not with Toby anyway. The ice in her tone made that abundantly clear.

  “Why not?” Her brother didn’t seem to pick up on the tension crackling between them.

  She crossed her arms, her shoulders tightening. “I have a lot of work to do.”

  “Aren’t you a teacher?” Her brother obviously wasn’t about to let her off the hook. “It’s summer. You have plenty of free time.”

  Toby cleared a laugh out of his throat. How would she argue that?

  “Yeah, well…professors still have a lot to do in the summer.” Jane paused as though she had to think. “There’s…you know…a lot. Plans and research and going over the curriculum.”

  Toby didn’t buy it. She’d told him that her contract wasn’t being renewed in the fall. “But how often are you going to be able to hang out with you brother and an old high school friend?”

  Right. Friend. Jane did not want to be his friend based on the look she gave him. He could take a hint. He almost bailed her out by finding an excuse of his own, but before he could, Wes continued his argument. “Come on, sis. I haven’t seen you since I flew out to Cali two years ago.”

  Jane shrugged. “I’m busy.” She shifted her gaze to Toby. “You’d better be busy too, seeing as how we have a party to plan.”

  “Forget the party for a few hours. You were always busy,” her brother countered. “Hiding in your room and doing homework or reading. It’s time to live a little.” He looked at Toby. “Right?”

  “It’s true. Being a workaholic isn’t good for your health.” He should know. Look where all of his overtraining and extreme competing had gotten him. “Besides, that new brewery I was telling you about is a pretty cool place.”

  Jane’s eyes dulled. “You mean the one with cornhole and wings?”

  “Cornhole and wings? Sounds perfect!” Wes all but shoved his sister in the direction of the parking lot. “We’ll meet you there, Tobster.”

  Chapter Eight

  So, what’s new with you?” Wes drove down the ranch’s winding driveway like the tailpipe of his truck was on fire.

  She’d forgotten how much fun it was to ride with him. Jane braced her hands against the dash and tried to think of something new with her. She and Wes talked every few months, and he always had so many stories to tell about his close calls in the arena. Usually, she did a whole lot more listening than talking.

  Hmmm. There had to be something new she could tell him. And yet nothing came to her. “I took on teaching that extra class last semester. Intro to literary studies.” Which was a level above the classes she’d taught previously, so that was something.

  “That’s not new.” Wes hit the brakes and turned to face her. “Come on. There’s gotta be something else going on in your life. Haven’t you been going out at all? Dating?”

  His obvious disappointment at her lack of a social life raised her defenses. “There was a fund-raiser for the university—” She stopped herself right there. “Fine. I have no social life outside of work. I admit it.” She turned to look out the window. Why was that a problem? Why did everyone else always seem to care so much about her dating habits? She was fine on her own, thank you very much.

  “Seriously?” Her brother nudged her shoulder. “When’s the last time you went on a date, Janie?”

  “There’ve been a few.” She hiked up her shoulders, grasping at pride. “I was seeing a colleague from the math department recently.” If six months ago counted as recent.

  “The math department? Yikes,” her brother muttered. But at least he started to drive again.

  “He was nice.” Just…she didn’t know. Boring? Truthfully no man could hold a candle to the ones she made up in her head. Of course, she hadn’t really made up her last hero completely out of the blue…

  “Anyway, I don’t have time for dating or going out. I’m trying to build a career.” She let him think she was talking about becoming a professor. The last thing she needed was for her brother to read her innermost thoughts and emotions. Besides, she’d still likely have to go back to teach. After she finished rewriting this book, she’d start looking to pick up a few classes. In the meantime, she’d saved plenty to live on for the next several months. “What about you? Who’s the lucky lady of the hour?” She’d discovered turning the questions back on him usually led to a long, drawn-out response.

  “Oh, you know. There’ve been a few.” Wes had mastered the noncommittal, playing-the-field tone.

  “Right. A few.” Over the years, she’d enjoyed giving him a hard time too. She knew for a fact there’d been more than a few women he’d connected with out on the circuit.

  “Can’t settle down when you’re always on the go.” Her brother slowed the truck as they turned onto Main Street with its squared brick buildings and the old west signs that showed traces of the town’s mining history. It was rustic and practical—not showy like the bigger resorts in Vail or Aspen. The people here liked to say the town had character, its own sort of personality embodied in the tough, hardy people who’d lived here since the town had been founded.

  After driving around the corner of the bank, her brother pulled into the parking lot of a new building that was set back off the street. It had a more modern appearance with clean lines and a lot of glass. The brewery equipment was visible through the windows.

  Toby was visible too. He stood outside the main doors playing the part of the alluring cowboy. He wasn’t wearing his hat, but he didn’t need it to look rugged and outdoorsy. His tanned skin, weathered jeans, and well-built frame worked just fine. An electrical current bolted clear to her toes before Jane could lock down her emotions. The man was a smoking hot cowboy. She was simply reacting to him l
ike every other woman would.

  “I’m real glad you came.” Her brother lurched the truck into a parking spot. “You need to get out more, sis. Live life to the fullest. You never know how much time you have. You should live it up while you can.”

  And that was where their philosophies diverged. Their father’s accident had made Jane realize how fragile life was, how easily it could be taken away. She’d begged him not to go on that kayaking trip. She always worried when he went on one of his adventure trips. But he’d gone anyway. He’d hugged her and told her not to worry and then he’d gotten into his truck and driven off.

  She turned to her brother. “So, by live it up you mean risking life and limb every time you go to work?” She didn’t know why she even tried anymore. They’d had this conversation so many times. Since their dad died, Wes had taken every risk he could. She suspected he had fears of his own, fears that kept him in constant motion, not that he ever wanted to talk about that.

  Sure enough, her brother pulled the keys out of the ignition. “All I’m saying is you’ve gotta make the most out of your time here.”

  Jane turned to him. “I do live life to the fullest.” She dreamed up whole worlds and orchestrated adventures and scandals and red-hot romantic fantasies. And she didn’t have to take one risk to do any of that. “You know, maybe you should settle down some.” If he could pick on her lifestyle, she could just as well pick on his.

  Wes blinked at her. “Yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He opened the door and bailed on the conversation before she could get in another word.

  For a few seconds, she watched Toby and Wes from the window. She was surprised to see Toby had changed his clothes. He wore dark jeans and a plaid short-sleeved button-down shirt. It sure looked like he’d made an effort. A distinct stirring sensation rustled through her heart and she shooed it away. He didn’t dress nicer for her. Toby had always put effort into his appearance.