Iron Cowboy [Erotically Yours 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 5

  She got out of the car and approached the steps leading to the front porch, wiping her damp palms on her ankle length, navy-blue sundress as she went up the steps and crossed to the front door.

  She hadn’t started out as early as she’d wanted to, needing time to clear away all signs of her sleepless night and nightmare before seeing him again.

  She had a feeling he saw way too much for her peace of mind.

  Pressing a hand to her stomach and pulling her cardigan more firmly around herself, Lana took a deep breath before lifting her hand to knock on the door.

  To her surprise, an older woman answered, her wide smile and twinkling eyes easing some of Lana’s nervousness. “Good morning. Can I help you?”

  Shifting restlessly, Lana smiled in return, hoping she didn’t look as nervous as she was. “Good morning. I’m Lana Davies. I came to see J.W. Is he home?”

  The older woman frowned and shook her head. “He’s out, I’m afraid. He’s usually out of the house before six.” The older woman opened the door wider. “I’m Alice, J.W.’s housekeeper. You’re Carolyn’s daughter. Come on in and have a cup of coffee. Sometimes he stops in for a cup of coffee if he’s close by, but he usually eats lunch with the other men.”

  Lana smiled and started to turn away. “No, thank you. I’m sure you’re busy. I’ll stop by later.”

  “Nonsense. Come on in.” Waving an arm in front of her face, the older woman grimaced. “Whew, it’s hot out there today. Looks like we might be having an early summer. Come on in. I just made some lemonade.”

  She turned away, leaving the door open for Lana to follow her.

  Knowing it would be rude to walk away, and anxious to get out of the heat, Lana went inside, closing the door behind her. “It feels a lot better in here.” Making her way down the hall, Lana glanced into the living room on her way to the kitchen.

  The solid masculine furniture looked comfortable, but the room appeared as if it had never been used.

  Two dark brown recliners flanked a beige sofa that all looked brand-new. The heavy wooden side tables were bare except for lamps, the large coffee table surface also bare.

  As she entered the kitchen, she looked to the right and down a small hallway to what appeared to be a study.

  Although she couldn’t see much of it, she instinctively knew that it was the room J.W. spent most of his time in.

  Books lined the shelves, some of them appearing worn. Even from the back, the leather sofa appeared soft with use, worn in some places.

  Drawn to the room by J.W.’s lingering presence, she forced herself to turn away and accept the glass of lemonade Alice offered. “Thank you.”

  Her cardigan kept her a little too warm, even in the air-conditioning, but the long sleeves hid the scar at her wrist.

  “Please sit. I could use a little break. How about some cookies? I just made them yesterday. J.W. has a sweet tooth.” Alice’s short dark curls, streaked with gray, bounced as the short, slightly heavyset woman bustled around the kitchen with so much energy that Lana got tired just watching her.

  Bustling around the kitchen, Alice fixed a plate of cookies and grabbed a handful of napkins before sitting at the table across from Lana. “I’ve known your family for a long time. I heard that you were coming home.” Pushing the plate of cookies toward Lana, she smiled. “So tell me what it’s like to be a model.”

  It seemed impossible that, an hour later, Lana found herself still answering questions about her career and the places she’d travelled while helping Alice make an apple pie.

  They’d bonded while slicing apples and making dough, and before she knew it, Lana found herself laughing with Alice and answering her questions, their friendly rapport easing the rest of Lana’s tension.

  “Yes, I had to ride a camel. Very uncomfortable in a bikini, especially when he took off.” Lana smiled to downplay the horror of the incident.

  After sliding the pie into the oven, Alice turned to her, her eyes wide. “Yikes.”

  Lana laughed at that. “Yeah. Yikes.” She’d eventually fallen off and had almost been trampled.

  Wiping her hands, Alice smiled. “It sounds like you’ve lived an adventurous life.”

  Lana’s smile fell at the reminder of just how much adventure she’d endured. “Yeah, well, I think I’d better go.”

  Alice frowned and came forward, her eyes filled with concern. “Did I say something wrong?”

  “No. Of course not.” Lana forced a smile. “I’d better go.” She hated to leave, enjoying staying busy and Alice’s company.

  Wringing her hands, Alice shook her head. “Oh! I’m so sorry. Please don’t go. I’m so sorry if I said the wrong thing.”

  Smiling to reassure her, Lana wrapped her arms around herself. “You didn’t say or do anything wrong. I’m just tired. I’ve spent the last few months…recovering, and I don’t quite have the stamina that I used to have.”

  “Oh, dear! I’m so sorry. And here you are helping me.”

  Desperate to reassure her, Lana smiled, liking Alice immensely. “Please don’t be. I’ve enjoyed this very much. I need to get my strength back.”

  “Well.” Clearly disbelieving her, Alice led her to the table. “It sounds like you’ve been working too hard for a long time. No wonder you need a vacation. Why don’t you just sit here while I go upstairs to gather the laundry?”

  Lana rose again. “I’ll help you.”

  “No. You sit. I won’t be a minute.”

  Tired, but restless with anticipation at seeing J.W. again, Lana moved to the window to look out, her gaze immediately drawn to the man in the distance.

  She picked J.W. out with ease.

  Head and shoulders above the others, his cowboy hat protecting his face from the sun, J.W. drew her gaze almost immediately. The other men looked often in his direction, making it clear to anyone watching that he was in charge.

  His commanding presence was apparent, even across the wide yard.

  He rode as if part of the horse, his back straight and his head held high.

  He looked around, his gaze always moving.

  She would bet he didn’t miss a thing.

  He stilled suddenly, the tension in his body a tangible thing.

  Turning slowly, he looked toward the house.

  Although the distance and the brim of his hat kept her from seeing his eyes, she felt his gaze as if he stood two feet away, the rush of warmth through her nothing short of alarming.

  Her breath hitched, her heart pounding furiously, and holding her breath, she waited expectantly to see what he would do.

  He couldn’t possibly see her at the window.

  He turned away abruptly, breaking the spell, and with a deep shuddering breath, she slumped, pressing a hand to either side of the sink to brace herself.

  J.W.’s impact on her senses, even from a hundred yards away, was enough to make her question her determination to face him, but she wouldn’t be able to relax until she talked to him.

  “Are you okay?”

  With a gasp, Lana spun, her hand over her heart that felt as if would burst from her chest. “Oh! Alice, you startled me.”

  To her surprise, Alice grinned at her. “You looked deep in thought while you stared out the window. You wouldn’t by chance be watching a big cowboy, would you?”

  Lana’s face burned. “I was just looking out.”

  Alice adjusted the armful of sheets and towels she held to reach out and pat Lana’s arm. “J.W.’s a good man. We’d all like to see him settle down, and his momma’s losing hope that he’ll ever give her grandchildren.”

  Lana smiled and nodded. “I met him briefly at the party last night. I’m afraid I didn’t make a very good impression. He startled me, and I screamed for help.”

  Alice waved her hand, jostling the laundry covering her arm. “Little thing like that wouldn’t faze J.W. at all. He doesn’t much care what people think. If anything, I’m sure he was upset that he scared you. Did you enjoy the party?”


  “Yes. It was very nice. It was nice to meet Lenore Brant, too.” Grinning, she gathered her small purse. “She and my mother seem to be thick as thieves. Do you think they made enough to build the maternity wing?”

  Alice smiled and continued to the laundry room, urging Lana to follow her. “The maternity wing is almost complete. The benefit last night was to equip it.”

  She started separating linens for the washer. “J.W. had a lot to do with getting that hospital built in the first place. It started when his daddy has his first heart attack. The drive to the hospital in the city took over an hour, and Mr. Brant almost didn’t make it. J.W. decided then that the town needed a hospital closer, so he donated several acres on the outskirts of the ranch and got the ball rolling, even while taking over the ranch.”

  Shaking her head, Alice clicked her tongue. “From one day to the next, he was suddenly in charge. His entire world changed overnight. His daddy’s heart attack scared the hell out of him, but he couldn’t show it. He had to be strong, not only to take over running the ranch but also for his mother and father, who suddenly needed him more than ever.”

  Alice’s smiled, her voice filled with pride. “Since he took over, he’s more than quadrupled the size of the ranch, and that’s not including the land he gave for the hospital.”

  Remembering the hard look in J.W.’s eyes the night before, and the arrogance in his steady gaze when he told her he’d been within earshot of her private conversation with her father, she could believe he’d take it upon himself to get a hospital built.

  “He seems like the kind of man who knows how to get things done.”

  Alice started the washer and turned away, leaving Lana to follow. “He is. If J.W. puts his mind to something, it’ll get done. Make no mistake about that. J.W.’s a man who always gets what he wants. When one if his men was gored by a bull, he almost bled to death on the way to the hospital. That made J.W. even more determined. The hospital’s been running coming up on five years now, but they didn’t have a maternity ward. That’s Mrs. Brant’s project, but J.W.’s backing her all the way.”

  Trying to appear nonchalant, Lana walked slowly toward the front door. “I’m surprised J.W.’s not married by now. I guess he didn’t come back out to the party because he stayed inside with his girlfriend.”

  Alice made a face. “Not a chance. J.W.’s a hard man. He’s had to be, but he’s got a heart of gold. Women have been chasing him ever since I met him. He’s actually let himself be caught a time or two, but it never lasts. A lot of women can’t understand the long hours it takes to run this place.”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Alice leaned against the wall. “Truth be told, he hired people so he could make time to help his mother and father, and then when his father died, he spent a lot of time finding a place for his mother to live in town.” Alice smiled, her eyes filled with memories. “She was determined to give him room, but she also wanted to be in town where her friends are.”

  Wondering what it would be like to be married to such a man, Lana forced a smile. “My mother told me. I’m glad Mrs. Brant is keeping busy.”

  Alice grinned. “She’s got to do something with her time since J.W. made it clear that he won’t tolerate any more of her matchmaking.” She looked around as if J.W. might appear at any moment. “The last woman he dated showed up one day with luggage. When he got home and found out she’d moved into the master bedroom, he hit the roof.”

  “Oh, Lord!” Lana could only imagine what J.W. would do when pushed.

  Shove back.

  “What did he do?”

  Alice straightened. “Threw her and her luggage out and told her never to come back.”

  Lana could well imagine it. “He didn’t hurt her, did he?”

  Alice frowned. “Of course not! The last thing J.W. would ever do is hurt a woman. This one was a little hardheaded, though, and he had to tell her off. He tried to let her down easy, but she just wasn’t getting the message.”

  Lana nodded and reached for the door handle. “I’ll try to catch him another time. What time does he usually get home?”

  “You’re not really leaving?”

  Lana smiled at that. “I didn’t plan to stay this long. I’d hoped to catch him, but I don’t want to hang around all day.” She could only imagine what he’d think of that. “I overreacted last night, and I just wanted to apologize to him.”

  The housekeeper didn’t need to know that Lana planned to confront J.W. about his eavesdropping.

  Alice eyed her steadily, her slow smile setting off alarm bells. “I usually leave here about five. Sometimes I see him then, but other times I just leave his dinner in the oven. If you come back then and talk to him, it’ll really help me out. I have to go buy groceries because I don’t really have anything for his dinner, and by the time I get back, I won’t have enough time to put anything together. If you could throw a couple of steaks on the grill for him, it would really help both of us. You can talk to him while you eat. The poor thing eats dinner alone every night. Oh, this is wonderful. I’ll just get my list together, and as soon as the pie’s out of the oven, I can go. Thank you so much.”

  Lana rushed to follow Alice back to the kitchen. “I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy to come home and find me here.”

  “Do you know how to use a gas grill?”

  “Yes, we had one in—”

  “Good. Good.” Alice peeked in the oven to check her pie. “You come back before five and I’ll have everything ready. All you have to do is throw the steaks on the grill. Oh, thank you so much. You saved me from serving sandwiches for dinner, and at least tonight, J.W. won’t have to eat alone.”

  Lana had no intention of eating dinner with J.W., but she didn’t want to disappoint Alice. After she said what she had to say to him, he wouldn’t want her to stick around either.

  At least she would be able to talk to him alone.

  At a quarter to five, Lana pulled into the long driveway again, the butterflies in her stomach all taking flight at once.

  Bracing herself, she stepped out of the air-conditioned car and into the incredible heat. Almost immediately, her dress clung to her legs and trickles of sweat ran down her back.

  After spending the afternoon shopping with her mother, she was anxious to get home and regretted that she’d promised to come back.

  She’d had the entire day to work herself into a panic at the thought of facing J.W. again, and her nerves had stretched to the breaking point.

  Alice answered the door with a wide smile. “Good. I was getting worried. Come on in.” She closed the door behind Lana and bustled into the kitchen. “The pie’s still cooling on the counter. Don’t let J.W. get into it until after he’s eaten his dinner.”

  Lana raised a brow at that. “What am I supposed to do to stop him?”

  “Tell him that if he stays out of it until after dinner, I’ll fix him a chocolate cake tomorrow.” Alice grabbed her purse from a small closet off the kitchen. “The salad’s in the refrigerator, and the dressings are next to it. The baked potatoes are already on the grill. They should be done in about a half hour or so. The steaks are in the refrigerator, too. You’ll have plenty of time to cook the steaks while he’s in the shower. My daughter and grandson are visiting tonight, and I want to be there waiting for them. Have a nice night, dear, and thanks again.”

  Smiling from ear to ear, Alice rushed out before Lana could say a word.

  Left alone, she blew out a breath, closed the door, and went back to the kitchen. After fixing herself a glass of lemonade, she went to the window and stared out, looking for any sign of J.W.

  She desperately needed to be home before dark.

  Standing there, she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of woman could ever capture the attention of such a man or what it would be like to be the focus of his love.

  To be the center of all that attention.

  Irritated at herself, she turned away from the window to take the steaks out of the refrigerator. Gl
ancing at the clock, she unwrapped and seasoned them, trembling at the thought of facing J.W. again.

  She finished and washed her hands, jolting when her cell phone rang.

  Grateful to have something to distract her from thinking about J.W., she answered without looking at the display, instantly tensing at her brother’s tone.

  “What the hell happened between you and J.W.? He’s supposed to be looking after you! Instead, I find out that he grabbed you and scared you half out of your mind!”

  * * * *

  Removing his hat, J.W. wiped his forehead. “That’s the last of it. I’ll order more fencing first thing in the morning. Free a couple of men to go pick it up.” He and a dozen of his men had spent the day replacing fencing that had been cut, and he was in a miserable mood.

  John, his foreman, nodded grimly. “You think this is the work of the Avery brothers?”

  J.W. had thought of little else all day, except when thoughts of Lana crept in. He’d wanted to check in with her today and make sure she was all right, his rage that someone had cut his fence made even worse by his impatience to see her. “I don’t know, but I’d sure as hell like to catch whoever did this. I want extra patrols at night. I don’t want any strangers on the property. Tell everyone to stay sharp. I want to hear about anything out of the ordinary.”

  Slapping his hat on his thigh, he looked around at the others standing nearby. “Anything!”

  John nodded, his jaw clenched. “Will do, boss.”

  Tired, sweaty, hungry, and mad as hell, J.W. headed for the house, hoping a cold shower and a hot meal would put him in a better frame of mind.

  He’d call Lana and ask her to dinner, and if she refused, he’d go to her house and take her anyway.

  The thought of dragging her out to dinner improved his mood, and smiling, he opened the door to the mudroom and stepped inside. Closing the door behind him, he removed his hat and secured it on a hook by the door before removing his gun belt. Lifting the lid of the bench, he placed it inside and locked it before lowering himself to the bench to remove his boots.