Country Frost (King Creek Cowboys #8)

Chapter 2

2

P orter drove home, his thoughts landing squarely on Leeann McLeod. She was beautiful as hell with coffee-colored hair and eyes a warm shade of whiskey. And hell, but she had a nice figure.

The woman had asked him more questions than he’d been comfortable with, but in all honesty, he hadn’t minded her asking. He usually liked to work alone, and folks normally let him be. But Leeann had hung around, and he’d enjoyed it.

As for the stain remover, he could have offered to buy her another bottle, but truth was, he wanted to see her again. He liked her quick grin, her keen intellect, and the fearless way she spoke with him. He knew he intimidated a lot of women of her caliber, but Leeann had been entirely at ease with him.

His thoughts turned to his kid sister, and he sighed. Leeann had been right about going from being single and alone to having a twelve-year-old kid in his life. He hadn’t known Ashley well, since he’d mostly been on the road and hadn’t visited their folks often enough. Now that he’d spent some time with her, he’d grown used to having her around and he enjoyed it.

When he reached his new ranch, he pulled up to the house that was too large for him and Ashley. But he liked it, and the rest of the property, and King Creek was a good place to raise a kid.

Porter grabbed the bottle of cleaner, left his truck, strode to the front door, and used the key to open it. He’d insisted that Ashley keep the doors locked. Folks had told him it was a safe community, but she was young, and he couldn’t trust that every person would have good intentions.

“Ash?” He headed for the kitchen, where he found her at the stove, the scent of Italian red sauce filling his nostrils. “Something smells good.”

“I’m making spaghetti.” She turned and smiled. “It’s almost done.”

The girl had the kind of smile that could melt an old codger’s heart. So that went to say she’d certainly softened his own.

He set the cleaner on the counter. “Leeann says to follow the directions on the bottle, and it’ll take the stain out.”

“I’m so glad.” She turned away from the stove and scanned the instructions on the bottle before setting it down. “I’ll do it after dinner.” She tipped her head to the side, her long dark braid flopping over her shoulder. A sharp pang went through his heart—with her new treatment, would all that hair fall out? “Who is Leeann?” she asked.

A sexy, beautiful woman, he thought to himself. Out loud, he said, “I reshod her palomino—the prettiest gold coat and white mane and tail that I’ve ever seen.”

Eyes sparkling, Ashley perked up—she loved horses. “Can I see it?”

Porter shrugged. “Maybe one day.”

He got out pasta bowls and silverware, and then Ashley loaded the bowls with spaghetti and sauce.

Ashley drilled him on what he’d seen at the ranch, and he did his best to engage with her. Bringing a kid into his previously lonely life had been tough. It had forced him out of his comfort zone, but he’d do anything for her.

After dinner, and once they’d cleaned the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher, he helped her clean her hoodie. It took minimal effort to get the stain out, and Porter relaxed. That was one catastrophe averted.

“I want to meet Leeann.” Ashley closed the lid on the washer.

“I’m taking the bottle to her tomorrow.” He followed Ashley out of the laundry room and into the kitchen. “Do you want to come with me?”

“Yes.” She turned and nodded vigorously. “I’m so bored here at home.”

He pushed his fingers through his hair. “Won’t be long until you start school after the holidays.”

She plopped onto a chair at the table, and her Ragdoll cat, Enya, came into the room and jumped onto her lap. Ashley stroked it, looking thoughtful. “We need to get a tree and decorations.”

He hadn’t even thought about that. He’d never had one while living alone. “We’ll make a trip into Phoenix if we can’t find what we need locally.”

“What are we doing for Christmas?” She hugged Enya.

“We could find a place in Phoenix that serves dinner on the holidays.” He shrugged. “I heard about a pasta place that’ll be open—you love pasta.”

“For Christmas?” Ashley scrunched her nose.

He slid into the chair opposite her. “We’ll figure something out.”

“I hope so.” Ashley sighed as she settled the cat in her lap. “Thanksgiving was a little lonely with just the two of us.”

“I know, kiddo.” Porter gave her a smile, wanting to cheer her up, but he didn’t know how. “We’ll get that tree and decorations and do it right.”

She nodded. “Deal.”

He looked at the copper kitchen clock that came with the place. “Time to hit the hay.”

Ashley groaned. “Can I stay up and watch TV in my room for another hour?”

“Since we don’t have to worry about it being a school night, that’ll be fine.” He wondered if he was being too lenient or too strict. “But then lights out. Got it?”

“Got it.” The girl pushed back her chair, and Enya jumped out of her lap. Ashley stood as he did, and she hugged him around the middle. “I love you, Porter.”

Her words startled him. She’d never told him that before.

“Love you, too, kiddo.” He patted her shoulder.

She looked up and gave him one of her radiant smiles. “Good night.” She whirled and headed off to bed.

He pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger before raising his head and sighing. He was stumbling through this parenting business. Sometimes, he seemed to get it right. Other times, he flat-out missed the target.

That girl had him twisted around her little finger. He’d do anything for her.

What would Leeann think of dating a man with a kid? With all her flirting, she hadn’t seemed to think twice about it. Women mostly mystified him, but she was interested, if he read her right.

When it came down to it, he and Ashley were a package deal. So, she would be a part of his future plans for some time to come. He just prayed the specialist would have a treatment that would send the cancer into remission.

He headed off to bed, keenly interested in what would happen tomorrow when he and Ashley saw Leeann .

The afternoon following meeting Porter, Leeann sat at the kitchen table with her laptop and pored over her social media accounts. She did her best to focus on her new career rather than the man who had set her world on fire. It had been quick and unexpected, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.

She didn’t have readers or much of a following yet, but she’d been doing her best to create a presence on all the major social media platforms and promote. Thanks to Ellie, she’d been working on it since she got her contract. She even had a newsletter list that had grown with a lot of effort on her part and her cousin’s.

Leeann found Ellie’s name in her favorites and made the call.

“Good morning.” Ellie’s cheery voice came over the connection. “How are your numbers on Instagram?”

“How did you know I’m working on it?” Leeann sighed. “This is not my favorite thing to do—I’d much rather talk with people in person.”

“Well, you can’t meet everyone who reads your novel, but you can communicate with thousands online.” Ellie always sounded so positive. “You’re doing great, Leeann. Keep it up, and you’ll have a hell of a start to your writing career.”

“I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Leeann played with loose strands of her hair. “I had a personal Facebook account I never interacted with, and now I’m on five other platforms with author accounts. How does a person keep up with it all and write?”

“That’s why you’ll eventually need to hire a personal assistant,” Ellie said. “A PA can do all the work that you can’t fit in. You need time to get pen to paper to build your career. ”

“It’s too early to think of a PA. What if I don’t get another contract?” Leeann groaned. “Besides, I just want to write.”

“Then get to it.” Ellie could be a bit assertive to her cousins and siblings, but Leeann didn’t mind. She loved her cousin to pieces.

“As soon as I finish liking all the comments, I’ll start working on book three.”

“I can’t wait to read your first novel.” Ellie spoke with enthusiasm. “I’ve always enjoyed women’s fiction. Are there cowboys in yours?”

“Not a one.” Leeann laughed. “Heaven help me when it comes to that breed.” Her thoughts turned to Porter, and her belly fluttered. “Speaking of cowboys, I met the hottest one alive yesterday. His name is Porter Gann.”

“Oh, do tell.” Ellie sounded just like she had when they’d been teenagers, talking about guys they’d had crushes on. “The last thing I want in my life is another cowboy, but I’m intrigued.”

“He’s Mr. Stoic.” Leeann grinned. “Applejack needed to be reshod, so Carter called a farrier that Tyson recommended. O.M.G., Porter’s hot. I sat and watched while I did my best to get him to talk while he worked on my horse. I actually got to know him a bit—not a lot, but it’s a start.”

“Did you give him your number?” Ellie asked.

“Better than that,” Leeann said. “I sent home some cleaner for his little sister’s shirt, and he said he’d bring the bottle back to me today. He gave me his number, and I texted him my address.” She looked at her watch and saw that it was after 1:00 p.m. “He said early afternoon, so I imagine he’ll show up soon.”

“Awesome,” Ellie said.

The doorbell chimed, and Leeann straightened in her chair. “I think he might be here now.”

“Go get him.”

Leeann laughed. “Talk with your later.” She disconnected the call, scooted back, and rose from her chair. She closed the lid of her laptop and headed toward the front door.

A decorative mirror hung on the wall, and Leeann paused to look at her reflection. Her dark hair was in a messy bun, with strands of loose hair around her face. She’d put on a little makeup but had done her best to make it look natural, and she didn’t think she looked too bad.

She hurried to the front door, wrapped her hand around the knob, and took a deep breath before opening it. Cool fall air swept in, and she smiled when she saw Porter and a young girl on the other side of the screen door.

Leeann pushed it open. “Hi, Porter.” She looked at the girl. “You must be Ashley. Why don’t you both come on in?”

Porter touched the brim of his hat. “Good afternoon, Leeann.”

She nearly sighed with pleasure, hearing him say her name.

They walked into her living room, and she closed the doors. She gestured to the couch and chairs. “Have a seat.”

“We can’t stay long.” Porter dug in his pocket and pulled out a new bottle of the cleaner. “Stopped at the grocery store to replace the one you gave us yesterday.”

The brush of his fingers against hers electrified her as she took it from him. Their eyes locked, and her belly swooped.

“Porter said you’re an author.” Ashley plopped down on the couch. “I’ve never met a real author before.”

Being called an author was weird, and it felt strange that anyone would be impressed. She wondered if she’d ever get used to it.

“My first novel comes out the week after Christmas.” Leeann smiled and sat in the chair opposite Ashley.

Porter took the recliner to her right, apparently realizing he wasn’t going to be able to run off without spending a little time chatting .

“That’s so cool.” Ashley leaned forward. “What kinds of books do you write?”

“It’s a genre called women’s fiction.” Leeann crossed her legs at her knees. “My first one is about a woman and her adopted daughter.”

“I’m adopted.” Ashley glanced at Porter and back at Leeann. “Porter’s my older brother, but he’s more like a dad.”

Porter shot a look at Ashley, surprise written on his features.

Leeann smiled. “Sounds like you’re lucky to have each other.”

Ashley nodded. “We are.”

Porter looked like he could have been knocked over with a feather, but then he nodded his agreement. “That’s true for both of us.”

“He said you have a palomino named Applejack.” Ashley clasped her hands. “I’d love to meet him.”

“I’d be happy to introduce you to my horse. I board him at my brother’s ranch.” She thought about it a moment. “I’m at the hospital during the week, but I’m off Saturdays and Sundays. Would one of those days work for you?” She prayed Porter would say yes.

“Saturday would be fine.” Porter studied her. “We’re on the other side of King Creek from your brother. How about we pick you up on the way?”

“I’d like that,” Leeann said.

“You two could go out to dinner after we see Applejack.” Ashley had a mischievous expression as Leeann felt herself go red. “You could drop me off first.”

At first, Leeann was afraid to look at Porter, but she pulled herself together and met his gaze. “I’d enjoy going to dinner with you.” She turned to Ashley. “You, too.”

Ashley shook her head. “Nope. Just the two of you. ”

The corner of Porter’s mouth quirked as Leeann locked gazes with him. “I do think my kid sister is trying to set us up.”

“Is it working?” Ashley grinned.

Leeann still felt warm, but she laughed.

Porter continued to watch her. “I think that’s a fine idea. Where’s a good place to go in King Creek?”

“Mickey’s Bar and Grill is popular.” She listed places off with her fingers. “There’s Gus’s Pizza, King Creek Café, Black Bear BBQ, and Ricardo’s is a nice little hole-in-the-wall. Oh, and there’s a new place I haven’t had a chance to try out—it’s called the Steak-Out Restaurant.”

Porter’s gaze never left her face. “Your choice.”

The way he focused on her made her feel like he appreciated her and was very interested, maybe even as much as she was.

“I’d like to try the Steak-Out.” She linked her fingers in her lap. “It might be quieter.” She grinned.” It’s likely to have fewer McLeods to run into than Mickey’s.”

“Steak-Out it is.” He looked at his kid sister. “Are you ready to go, kiddo? You wanted to go for a ride this afternoon.”

“I’m ready.” She stood, as did Porter, and Leeann joined them. Ashley turned to Leeann. “Porter promised that we could ride to the Superstitions.”

“Just to the foothills,” he said. “It’ll be too late in the day to go far.”

“Maybe you can bring over Applejack someday.” Ashley looked up at Leeann. She was short for her age. “We could have a picnic in the mountains.”

“I’d like that.” Leeann smiled. “Can I give you a hug? I’m a hugger.”

“Me, too.” Ashley hugged Leeann before stepping back, smiling.

Porter opened the door and the screen, and she stood on the threshold. She shivered as a chill wind swept over her .

“Get on inside,” he said. “You’re not wearing a jacket.”

“I’m all for that.” She nodded to Ashley, then Porter. “See you Saturday.”

“I’ll text you this week, and we can arrange a time to pick you up,” he said.

“Perfect.” Leeann gave them both a little wave before she stepped inside and closed the doors behind her.

Leeann felt giddy with excitement at seeing him again and thrilled that they had a date planned for Saturday night. Ashley certainly was a sweetheart, clearly interested in seeing her brother happy. Apparently, she had liked Leeann as much as Leeann enjoyed the twelve-year-old.

She went back to her laptop, this time to open a new document and get started on that third novel. Maybe she’d even throw in a love interest, who happened to be a cowboy.