The Cowboy's Fate (The Govain Cowboys Book 1) Read online

  Bobby slapped Caleb's palm. "It is?"

  Caleb nodded and put the truck in gear. "It sure as hell is."

  AT DINNER, CALEB FIDGETED, checking his watch every few minutes.

  Millie said, "Have you heard from Eve about the flowers?"

  He grinned. "She loved them. Sent me a picture."

  Millie smiled. "And?"

  "She said more later in her text. I guess she was busy at work when she got them."

  Millie nodded. "So, you're on pins and needles waiting to hear from her."

  Roy spoke up. "Love's hell, boy. I can tell you that."

  Millie laughed. "I had to give your dad plenty of hell to snare him. If he'd only known I loved him from the minute I laid eyes on him."

  Roy snorted. "She made me miserable, that's for sure. But I won out in the end. You hang in there, son. That young woman is worth it."

  Caleb checked his watch again. "I plan on it. Don't worry."

  After dinner, he headed into the office to work. He was still in the middle of implementing some of the changes Eve had suggested. Tonight, he couldn't bear sitting around the family room with his parents, visiting, having a drink, or, God forbid, watching TV. He'd climb the walls.

  He was deep into his future projections when Bad to the Bone sounded loud in the quiet office. Grabbing his cell, he sucked in a breath. Eve had texted him:

  PH, sorry I was in such a rush today. Had people in my office when the flowers came. My assistant wants to marry you, by the way. She saw the open card on my desk and read it, the nosey girl. She's a friend, so I guess it was okay. Your note ... Caleb, I don't have words to express how special you are. I don't deserve your love. I'm selfish, encouraging you, addressing you as PH and signing as PW. I promise myself I won't. I won't encourage you. I won't say things that will hurt you in the end and then I do. I can't seem to help myself. Your words fill me with joy, with warmth, and I can forget that my work is my life, that I'm here in Dallas planning my next job. When I read your texts, I'm back in your arms, making love to you, feeling you caress me, kiss me, claim me as your own. Then I don't care about anything but having more of you. I read your words over and over, I fall asleep with my phone over my heart, I dream happy dreams of you and only you. Caleb, I'm lost. What have we done? Only Your PW

  He read it all again, then one more time.

  Millie walked into the office. "Have you heard from her yet?"

  He nodded.

  Noticing his phone and the open text, she asked, "May I?"

  He hesitated, then nodded again.

  She picked up the phone and read. She was beaming by the time she finished. "That girl loves you, boy."

  He stared down at the desk. "She does. But what our answer is, I just don't know."

  Millie cupped his cheek and tilted his head so that he looked into her eyes. "Honey, do you remember the old saying, love conquers all? It's true. You and that beautiful girl will be together. I'm praying for that." She chucked his chin. "You'd better be, too."

  Grinning, he said, "Yes, ma'am."

  "Come eat some dessert. Annie made a pineapple upside-down cake. You didn't have any for dinner."

  "I'll be out in a little while."

  He texted Eve back:

  You're not lost. I know where you are, who you are, and what you are. You're my beloved, and nothing you do hurts me more than I love you. This is a terrible choice for you. I know you love me. I know you love your work, your business in Dallas, everything that you've worked for that makes you you. I'm patient. I'm here for the long haul, and some way, somehow, we will find an answer to this problem we face. While we wait, and work on it, don't despair, my love—my PW. Learn to fly, meet with your clients, live the life you earned by such hard work. I'm here, working this damn ranch, and loving you with all my heart. I'm not giving up. And don't you. Your PH

  Thrusting his phone in his shirt pocket, he rose and headed for the kitchen. Tonight, he would sleep.

  EVE SAT ON HER BACK porch, sipping tea, wishing she could see the stars. The big city lights precluded that. A siren wailed in the distance. A dog barked somewhere in the neighborhood. Both reminded her that she was far away from the man with a poet's soul who occupied her mind tonight.

  Picking up her phone, she read his earlier text again, slowly, letting each word sink into her heart. The gentle motion of the glider swing took her back to the time she and Caleb spent in the wooden swing on his veranda. She closed her eyes and could feel his arm gently encircling her shoulders. Tiny shivers ran down her spine. She wished it were real—that he were here right now, holding her.

  Turning on her phone’s flashlight, she picked up the card from her roses and read:

  Beloved, each rose is a kiss I would place on your sweet lips if I were there. I miss you. I want you. I love you. You're the woman I've dreamed of all my life. The woman I've waited for. My one. My heart is yours, forever. Come to me when you're ready. Your PH

  She slipped the note inside her bra, against her heart. She'd never felt so torn, so confused. She desperately wanted to take the very next flight to El Paso. It felt right, like the only, best option for her. Then she thought of losing her life here—leaving her office behind, her business, her clients, and she couldn't bear it. If she didn't go, her heart would be destroyed. If she did go, her life as she knew it would be destroyed. And what about learning to fly? She'd lose that, too.

  Thrusting herself from the swing, she grabbed her glass and strode to the fridge, filling her glass with tea and wishing it were three fingers of straight whiskey. Taking long swallows of the cold liquid, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Why did her life have to be so difficult? If she'd only fallen for someone like David, it would all be easy.

  Heading to the bedroom, she stripped, slinging her clothes on the bed, and stepped into the bathroom. After starting the shower, she took a scrunchy from the vanity for her hair, catching sight of her naked body in the mirror. An awful thought struck her. Standing sideways, she examined her tummy in profile. Did it pooch out? She peered intently at it. Did it? No. It still look trim and flat, as it always did. Dammit, that had scared the shit out of her.

  After her shower, she glanced at the clock—nine fifteen. Her mom would probably still be up so she called her. "Hi, Mom. How are you?"

  "Honey, I'm fine. How are you doing? Are you still working your fingers to the bone?"

  Eve smiled. "I'm still really busy. I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while. What's been going on at the ranch?"

  Her mom filled Eve in on a herd bull they'd bought, a new filly from Eve's old cutting mare, and a few other things, then said, "So, what's on my daughter's mind. I know you called for something at this time of night."

  "I was just wondering ... how did you know you were pregnant when you had us kids?"

  Her mom hesitated. "Honey, do you think you're pregnant?"

  "No, no, oh, no." Shit. "I'm not getting any younger. I'll be thirty next year. It just got me to thinking about having children."

  "Well, as you know, I've never had regular periods, so I didn't miss periods, per se. I never once had morning sickness—not with any of you. The only way I knew I was pregnant was my belly started pooching out. I went to the doctor and found out I was pregnant with your brother, Lance." She laughed. "After that, every time my tummy looked a tiny bit distended, I thought I had a baby in there."

  Eve's heart fell. If she didn't get morning sickness, she could be in the same boat as her mother. She'd never know if she was pregnant. Shit fits and dammit to hell.

  "Thanks, Mom. I love you, and I'll try to come visit soon."

  When she hung up, she couldn't help it. She stood before the mirror and examined her belly again. It still appeared lean and mean, though. Thank God. This problem wouldn't stay tucked in the back of her mind anymore. In fact, she'd have a hard time not fixating on it from now on. Damn.

  EVE ARRIVED AT THE FBO a little before seven the next morning, and Jet was waiting outside for
her, hands on his hips. As she walked up, she swore he had on the same outfit as before, except he smelled clean. And like Brut, of course. He was an old geezer, after all.

  He grunted. "Early. Make that a habit, why don't you."

  She nodded and followed him over to the Cessna 152. Today Jet had said she'd be working on touch and goes again. This was an exercise where she flew figure-eight patterns in the air, within a mile either way of the airport, then dropped down like she would land the plane. Instead, her wheels would touch and then she'd take to the air again. She couldn't wait to get her hands on the yoke.

  Two and a half hours later, exultant after her second successful lesson, she headed to work. She had a lot of details to go over that her next client had sent to her and research to complete before flying out Sunday at noon. The big ranch was in East Texas, and the rancher sounded excited to have her consult with him.

  At the office, after collecting her messages from her assistant, she settled in at her desk. Opening the file for her client, she dove in.

  The next thing she knew, it was one thirty, and her tummy rumbled so loudly it brought her out of her examination of the figures in front of her. She called out, "Tammy?"

  "Yes?"

  Good, her assistant was back from lunch. "Can you order me a sandwich? My fav, please?"

  "Sure, anything to drink?"

  "No, I'll drink water."

  Eve's mouth was already watering. Her favorite sandwich shop made a chicken avocado bacon sandwich on their own homemade bread that was to die for. She stood and walked to her window, loving the view which overlooked a small park and young mothers swinging their toddlers or pushing them in strollers as they visited with each other.

  She suddenly imagined herself as one of the women, her own baby in a stroller and her pulse began to race. Turning from the window, she strode out into the hall and to the restroom. The broken condom problem really was haunting her. She resisted the temptation to look at her belly in the mirror.

  When she got back to the office, she had a message from David and called him back. "Hey, friend, let me tell you again how sorry I am that I bailed on you when you were so sweet to bring dinner over."

  "No problem, honey."

  "So, what's going on?"

  "I have a business proposal I'd like to speak with you about. It's been on my mind for a while, and I finally had my team put some numbers behind it. Do you have time to see me late this afternoon? I'd love to take you to dinner afterwards, as well."

  She glanced at the clock. David seldom made demands on her time. "I'm not dressed for dinner. I had a flying lesson this morning, so I'm pretty casual."

  "We'll go someplace casual then. Don't worry."

  "Okay, does five thirty sound all right to you?"

  "That's perfect."

  She hung up, curious as to what kind of business proposition David could possibly have for her. Their businesses couldn't be more different. Thrusting all thoughts of the evening from her mind, she returned to her study, only stopping to eat her sandwich when it arrived.

  Tammy popped her head in to say bye at five fifteen.

  Eve rubbed her eyes then grabbed her personal kit from the desk drawer and headed into the restroom to freshen up. As she brushed her teeth, her gaze dropped to her belly. Dammit! Enough, already. She had nothing to worry about. Didn't a woman need to be ovulating to get pregnant? With her crazy period schedule, there was no telling when, or if, she ovulated.

  She got back to her office and straightened her desk, locking her files safely inside. She never left client information unsecured.

  Just then, David strode in, holding two folders. "Eve, you look lovely."

  She stood to accept his hug. He appeared particularly handsome today in a black suit, grey shirt and elegant tie. "Thank you. You always make me feel beautiful."

  He sat in a chair. "Why don't you sit beside me while we go over my proposal."

  Intrigued, she moved to the chair next to him.

  Handing her a folder, he said, "Eve, I want to suggest that we become business partners. I'd be a silent partner, don't worry. You're the one who knows your business. Hear me out. I have an idea I think will blow your mind."

  As he opened his folder, she opened hers and read, "Ranching for Profit with Eve Owen."

  Underneath was her picture from her website, and she stood in front of a large, commercial metal building in the countryside."

  She looked up at him, confused.

  He said, "You're opening your own ranching for profit school. I'll build the building on land we find that suits you, here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area somewhere, and your students will come to you from all over the country. No more of this flying to hell and back for an individual rancher. My team did the research and found a model for this out there already. But you'll be better, smarter, and, of course," he grinned, "more beautiful."

  Smiling, she said, "I can't believe this. You said you've been thinking of this proposal for a while. Why bring it to me now?"

  His eyes darkened as he met her gaze, and he seemed to be searching for something. "Let's just say, this felt like the perfect time."

  She drew her brows together. What did he mean by that?

  He said, "You'll get the loan two percent below what the Small Business Administration is offering on their loans, on a thirty-one-year mortgage. You won't have payments due the first year of operation so that you can get the school up and running before worrying about a mortgage payment. I've sourced a company to build the building already. They do good work and bid very competitively. You'll be able to determine the size of the building and work with the architect to design it."

  Smiling, he closed his folder. "I know it's a lot to take in right now, but I'm ready to move forward as soon as you decide it's a go. Take some time to think about it and read the figures my team put together." Taking her hand, he covered it with his palm. "Eve, I want to do this for you. You have incredible potential, and this is a very small expenditure for me. You know that. Please, give it every consideration. Promise?"

  Still bowled over by his presentation, she nodded slowly. "I will, David, and thank you."

  He squeezed her fingers and rose. "Time for dinner. You pick a place you feel comfortable."

  Looking down at her clothes she said, "How about that steakhouse you like. I'll fit in just fine there."

  He grinned as she grabbed her purse, then took her arm and escorted her out the door.

  Chapter Eight

  THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY, Caleb cantered Freckles around the arena, hoping the easy rhythm of the horse's movements would calm his agitated mind. Eve had mentioned in her text last night that she was going to some kind of ball with David, her friend whom Caleb was damn sure wanted to be more than just a friend.

  He needed to see her, hold her in his arms. This long-distance texting wasn't enough for him. Not for a second. It galled him that this man would have Eve in his arms tonight. Balls had dancing, didn't they? He frowned. Maybe she hadn't said ball. Was it gala? What the hell was a gala? It was all too high and mighty for him. How could he compete with an extremely wealthy man like this David apparently was? Dammit!

  Turning Freckles into the center of the arena, he nudged him into an all-out run, then pulled him into a sliding stop on his haunches. Patting the horse's neck, he set him to a walk. Caleb's head wasn't into practicing today, anyway. Eve and where she was and who she would be with tonight were the only things his mind seemed to be able to focus on.

  After putting Freckles back in his stall, he headed to the house. He'd left his phone on his desk. It was too easy to lose while he rode a horse. Mixing himself a drink, he walked into the office as he checked his watch. Five thirty. Was Eve getting ready for her big night?

  He texted:

  You home?

  She answered right back:

  Yes. Just trying on this dress. David knows a woman at a shop and has her send me one before I go to an event with him. The women at these things all w
ear expensive gowns, and he doesn't want me spending my own money if he asks me to accompany him.

  Caleb slammed the phone down. Son of a bitch! The man bought her expensive dresses? Heart pounding, he gritted his teeth and picked up the phone and read:

  The woman has my measurements, so they always fit. Still, I like to be sure.

  He clenched the phone tighter.

  My makeup and hair are done. I'm wearing it down—easier. David's picking me up early so we can go for drinks. He says we'll need them because this isn't one of the more exciting events of the social season.

  Drinks first? The social season? Fuck! This just got better and better. If this was the life Eve wanted, there was no chance for him. He laid down the phone without reading the rest. Swallowing the last of his drink, he headed in to make another.

  Millie took one look at his face as he entered the family room and came to join him at the bar. "Make me one of those. I think I'll need it after you tell me what's going on."

  He did and handed her a whiskey, neat. "Eve's going out with this wealthy guy, David, tonight. I'm sure he wants her."

  After she heard all the details, Millie said, "Your girl has a good head on her shoulders. Money won't be a game changer. It'll take more than that. You said they've been friends for a long time, and she's been to these things with him before. I don't think you have anything to worry about, son." She patted his arm. "It's hard, though. Jealousy is part of loving someone. You just need to fight it."

  He took a long swallow of whiskey. He wanted to fight, all right. But not jealousy. He wanted to punch a guy named David.

  Somehow, he made it through dinner. Then he went out on the veranda and sat on the swing, hoping the easy, swaying movement would calm him. All he could think about was Eve and how she'd felt when he held her in this very same swing as he was falling in love with her.