Kissed by a Rancher Page 8

  “My plane is waiting. I’ll check out and be on my way. Do you have enough help for dinner tonight?”

  “Sure,” she answered, wishing she didn’t feel a loss, but certain she’d get over it soon. “Nearly everyone has checked out. One family will still be here tonight, plus Mr. Hickman.”

  “Good. You’ll have a quiet night. I have to pack my things. I’ll tell you when I’m ready to check out.”

  She nodded, feeling an emptiness and hating to see him go. She couldn’t recall feeling the same way about anyone who had ever stayed at the inn. Ideally by tomorrow she wouldn’t feel this way. Josh hadn’t been in her life long enough to make any giant difference. As quickly as the thought came, she considered the trip to New York. That trip might make a giant difference.

  Once again, common sense said to back out of going with him. It wasn’t like anything she had ever done in her life. She had to tell her family, and she suspected all of them would try to talk her out of going. As small a town as Beckett was, everyone knew what everyone else was doing most of the time. Particularly if someone left town. Her absence would be conspicuous because of where she had gone and whom she had gone with. She knew she’d better break the news to her mother and grandmother first.

  Then again, would Josh really come back to get her on Friday and take her to New York?

  For the first time, she realized that once he returned home to the world he was accustomed to, he might back out of the trip. With a sigh, she bent over the books open in front of her and tried to concentrate.

  It was only a few minutes until he knocked again. “Hate to interrupt you, but I’m ready to check out.”

  Abby stood, a hollow feeling in her chest. “Since you worked constantly, I’m not charging you for your stay. You’ve earned it totally, and I really appreciate what you did.”

  He smiled and dropped the bag he carried, walking closer. “I didn’t do that much, and I want to pay, so just give me the bill. C’mon, I insist.”

  “Josh, this is ridiculous when you worked the whole time.”

  “No, it’s not. Now that’s settled, there’s something else—I’ll call you about when I’ll be back Friday to get you. I’ll bring you home Sunday—or Monday. I suspect you’ll get to the city and decide you want to stay maybe one more night.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m beginning to wonder about going, and I imagine you are, too. Here’s your chance—I’ll let you off the hook if you want. I will understand absolutely.”

  “No way. I’m looking forward to it and have already started making plans.” He walked up to her and placed his hands on her waist. “I’m not backing out and I don’t want you to, either. I’m going to do everything I can to see to it that you have a great time and don’t regret going. Now, until Friday,” he said and paused.

  He slid an arm around her waist and drew her against him as he leaned close to kiss her. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly, pressing against his solid length. She kissed him as if she would never see him again.

  His arms tightened and he leaned over her, kissing her until all thought stopped. The only awareness she had was of Josh’s kisses. Her heartbeat raced and desire enveloped her, making her tremble and want so much more with him. She wished she could keep him from going for just a while longer.

  He raised his head slightly. “I won’t ever forget this time here.”

  “Yes, you will, but that’s nice to say,” she whispered and stepped away from him.

  “I’ll call you about arrangements Friday.”

  She nodded. “Ready to go?”

  “Sure,” he said, his dark eyes intent on her. He walked with her to the front desk.

  “I feel ridiculous charging you,” she said.

  “Go ahead. I meant it. Besides, I didn’t really do that much or work that hard.”

  “We won’t keep arguing that one,” she said, typing in the figures, showing him the amount and printing out his bill after he had paid. “Here you are,” she said. “Paid in full.”

  He smiled. “I’ll call.”

  She walked around the counter to go with him to the door. The cab waited at the foot of the porch steps, and she waved at the driver. “Have a good flight, Josh.”

  “Bye, Abby,” he said and hurried to climb into the cab. He waved again as they drove away. She had a sinking feeling that she had seen the last of him in spite of all his talk about going to New York. When she walked back inside, she met Mr. Hickman, who had just come from the dining room.

  “Josh just left. He’s invited me to go to New York with him this weekend for a new hotel opening he wants to attend.”

  “I hope you’re going.”

  “I am, because it may be the only time I’ll ever see New York.”

  “I hope you have a better reason than that. He’s a special fellow, Abby.”

  “Yes, he is. I’ve told Lamont we ought to go out with other people for a while because we’ve never done that since high school.”

  “I think that’s an excellent idea. Marriage for someone like you would be a lifetime bond. You should meet others now, while you’re young. I’m glad Josh was snowbound here. Very glad, since I get a fishing trip out of his stay,” he said, smiling. “You go to New York and have the time of your life.”

  “Mr. Hickman, I’m going to Mom’s house. While I’m gone, I’m closing the front desk. Will you be downstairs?”

  “Yes. I’ll watch. If anyone comes in, I’ll see what they want, and I can call you.”

  “I won’t be gone long. Everyone has checked out except the Taylors, who aren’t leaving until tomorrow, so it should be very quiet. Thanks for sitting here. I’ll be home soon.”

  “Don’t rush,” Mr. Hickman said as she walked away to get her coat and gloves.

  She needed to tell her mother about New York, even though she would believe it when it happened. She knew Josh would be back for Mr. Hickman’s fishing trip, but would Josh really come back this Friday for her?

  * * *

  “Thanks for picking me up, Benny,” Josh said as the cab pulled away from the curb, snow crunching beneath the tires.

  “It’s been a slow day. A lot of people are still not getting out because that snow is deep and the town’s streets are covered and slick. How’d it go at the inn?”

  “Great. Abby is nice, and it’s been a good place to stay. The food is the best,” he said, realizing it had been. “Abby is a good cook.” He thought about her biscuits, which were the lightest he had ever eaten. Until Abby, he’d thought his cook and his mother made the best possible. Also, Abby’s salmon cakes would be worth driving from Dallas back to Beckett.

  “We have a town picnic in the summer. People come from all around, and whatever Abby cooks and brings is gone first,” Benny said. “She’s even better than her grandmother was when she ran the inn, and that’s saying a lot.”

  Josh nodded. “Benny, have you ever thought of moving away from Beckett?”

  “Move out of Beckett? Nah, I don’t think so.”

  “Abby mentioned that you’ve worked in construction. I can get you on a construction crew. It would mean moving, though. Same thing with my brother, who has an energy business in Dallas. He might have a place for you in the oil field if you want to go talk to him.”

  “That’s nice, thanks. I’ll take his name. I’ve never even thought about moving away from here.”

  “It’s still in Texas,” Josh said, smiling as Benny glanced at him in the rearview mirror and gave him a thumbs-up.

  “That’s important. Doubt if my wife would leave Texas.”

  “When I get out, I’ll give you my business card, and I’ll put his name and number on it,” he said, writing Jake’s name on the back of a card.

  “That’s great. Thanks.”

>   “Sure. You helped me.” As they left the last houses in Beckett, Josh looked at the white world stretching all around him.

  He listened to Benny talking, but his mind was on what he needed to do before the weekend trip to New York. He was amazed Abby had agreed to go with him, but glad. After meeting Lamont, he didn’t think she would spend ten seconds worrying about Lamont’s reaction to her going to New York with another man.

  Sending a text to his secretary, Josh asked her to find the best possible French restaurant in New York and make reservations for two for Friday night. He called a private club he belonged to and made reservations for Saturday night.

  He couldn’t wait for Friday. He wanted Abby to have the time of her life, and he wanted her in his arms, in his bed, to make love to her for hours. Was it possible for that to happen?

  * * *

  Next door, Abby found her mother in the kitchen putting a meat loaf in the oven.

  “Can’t I help with anything?” Abby asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee and sitting at the table.

  “Just sit. I imagine you’ve been worked to pieces the past few days with the inn overflowing.”

  “I had a lot of help from one of the guests. I’ll be glad to help you now.”

  “No, I’m almost ready for a break. I’ll get some tea and sit with you. Grandma is napping, and if she doesn’t get up in a little while, I’ll wake her, because she’ll want to see you while you’re here. She said you might know who shoveled our drive and porch steps this morning.”

  Surprised, Abby looked out the window. “Mom, that was probably my guest. He was very helpful all the time he was here.”

  “That was really nice. Did he know I’m your mom?”

  “Yes. And he probably knew you needed your drive cleared. You don’t have any customers to get their hair or nails done today?”

  “Heavens, no. Everyone canceled when snow began to fall a few days ago. I’m glad they did, because I’ve enjoyed the lull.”

  Having had a break, maybe her mother wouldn’t mind covering for her at the inn while she was in New York. “Mom, can you cover for me this weekend? Justin and Arden said they can help if they get home by then.”

  “Sure, I’ll cover. What’s going on? Lamont is in tax season, so you’re not doing anything with him.”

  “No, I’m not. Besides, I’ve talked to Lamont, and we’re going to date other people for a while.”

  “That’s a big change in your life,” her mother said, her eyebrows arching in surprise. “What are you doing this weekend that I need to cover for you?”

  “Josh Calhoun—he’s the one who helped and shoveled the drives—has invited me to go out this weekend. Josh is from Dallas and Verity. He has his own hotel business with the headquarters in Dallas. Mom, he asked me to go with him to a new hotel he’s opening this Friday in New York, and I said I would.”

  “New York City? My, oh, my,” she said, her blue eyes widening. “Are you in love with him?”

  “No, but I like being with him. I think part of it is, he feels sorry for me because I’ve never been out of Texas. And part of it is gratitude because I let him stay at the inn so he could get out of the blizzard.”

  “A trip to New York. That’s a big deal. He must be important. I just don’t want you hurt. He sounds a bit like your father, except wealthier.”

  Abby smiled. “I’ll take care, but it’s something I may never have a chance to do again. He’s very nice. He’s coming back in April or May and taking Edwin Hickman fishing in Colorado.”

  “I can’t imagine. Have you checked on his background?”

  “Yes, and Mr. Hickman has. He owns Calhoun Hotels and he’s a rancher. He said I could call the sheriff of Verity, Texas, if I want a reference, because he’s known him all his life.”

  Her mother gazed at her for a few moments and then nodded. “You’re young, but a grown, intelligent woman, so go and have a wonderful time. Call me, will you?”

  “I will. And I’ll be careful. I’ll tell Grandma about the trip.”

  “Let me tell her gently. I don’t want her to have a heart attack.”

  “You’re kidding me, aren’t you? I hate to leave without saying hello to Grandma, but I’d better get back to the inn.”

  “I’m glad you came over and told me. My friend Marilee goes to Dallas a lot. Care if I ask her if she knows who Josh Calhoun is?”

  “Of course not. Ask any of your friends or customers,” she said, getting her coat and pulling it on again. “He’s nice, Mom.”

  “Just don’t fall in love with him. Men who have private planes and hotel chains do not fall in love with inn owners from places like Beckett, Texas. It would be heartbreak.”

  “I know. I’m going to see New York while I have a chance. At least as much as you can see in the blink of an eye. We’ll just have a full day on Saturday. Fly in on Friday and out on Sunday.”

  “That’s long enough to fall in love. You take care of yourself.”

  They hugged lightly, and Abby jammed her cap over her ponytail and left, calling over her shoulder, “Tell Grandma hi for me.”

  She walked through new snow back to the inn, thinking about what she would pack to wear for a weekend in New York City. Her wardrobe was simple.

  By eight that evening, the only guests watched a movie and Mr. Hickman had disappeared upstairs, so she had the first chance to look at her clothes and lay things out to pack, aware that she might have to put them all back if Josh canceled.

  Shortly after ten that night, Josh called, and they talked on the phone until past midnight. After the connection was broken, she stared at the phone, still wondering if she would regret going with him for the weekend, if her mother was right about it leading to heartbreak.

  She couldn’t back out. This trip to New York might be the one time in her life that she could step out and do something exciting, unforgettable, something she had never expected to do.

  She was surprised that Josh had called and that they’d talked so long. Sure, they’d talked for hours at a time when he had been here, but he had been snowbound. Now he was in Dallas, home where his friends lived, where he knew lots of people, so it surprised her that he called at all.

  Would she come back from New York in love with him? He wasn’t going to make any commitment—he had made that more than clear. And soon, he would want her in his bed, although she had told him plainly to not expect that.

  What did he look forward to? Seduction? Maybe just a fun weekend together. She knew better than that, but she had warned him that was all she intended to do. Now she just had to resist him.

  Six

  At noon Wednesday when Josh walked into a restaurant for lunch, Lindsay and Jake were already waiting. He shook hands with Jake and hugged Lindsay. “Hey, this is good. Lindsay, you should come to Dallas more often.”

  “Heaven forbid,” she said, smiling at him. “I come only when I absolutely have to.” She turned to Jake. “You should have brought Madison.”

  “She had an appointment with a gallery in Fort Worth, and she’s having lunch with the owner, so business first. Mike has an excuse for not making the Calhoun sibling lunch because of his honeymoon. Let’s get our table.”

  After they were seated and had ordered, Jake turned to Josh. “You were snowbound for the weekend in some little town. I’ll bet you went stir-crazy.”

  “Did you have trouble finding a place to stay?” Lindsay asked.

  “Yes, I did. I was afraid I’d have to sleep in the park in Beckett. A very nice B and B owner let me have the front room of her personal suite—”

  “Let me guess,” Jake said. “She’s single.”

  “As a matter of fact, she is. She had four others who were on the floor or sofas. That inn was packed. Be glad the storm veered north.”

 
“We got a few flurries, some sleet and then rain,” Lindsay said, “but nothing that would strand anyone, thank goodness. We’ve already had enough of that. I’m ready for spring.”

  “How’re the horses?” Josh asked her.

  “Beautiful. You’ll have to see my new foal. He’s perfect.”

  “Here comes the picture of her baby,” Jake teased.

  Lindsay stuck her tongue out at him as she pulled out her phone and handed it to Josh. “How’s that? Isn’t he adorable?”

  “He is adorable,” Josh agreed, smiling as he handed her phone back. The waiter came with their orders and placed burgers in front of Jake and Josh, while Lindsay had a tossed salad.

  Jake sipped a tall glass of iced tea. “If Mike and Savannah get back this week, Madison and I’ll have everybody for dinner Saturday night—how’ll that work with both of you?”

  “I’m out,” Josh said instantly.

  “I can’t, either. I’ve already made arrangements to go to Austin to a horse sale this weekend,” Lindsay said.

  “And I’m going to a hotel opening in New York.”

  Jake turned to look at Josh. “You don’t go to hotel openings. Not in a long, long time. In New York?”

  “I’m going to this one,” Josh said, looking at Jake’s disbelieving brown eyes.

  “So you’re taking someone, is my guess. I’ll bet it’s someone who was staying at that B and B. Give you three days shut up somewhere if there is a single woman who is appealing, you’ll have a date with her, although someone from Beckett, Texas, isn’t your style.”

  “So it’s one of the guests?” Lindsay asked, her blue eyes twinkling.

  “You’re so far off.”

  “I don’t think I am. I’ll buy lunch for us all if I’m wrong.”

  Josh grinned. “Okay. I’m taking the owner of the B and B.”

  “You wasted no time this past weekend,” Jake said. “She’s going with you to New York? I won’t say what I’m thinking in front of Lindsay’s delicate ears, but that’s fast work.”