Honoring Freedom (Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose #3)

Chapter Three

“I’m not working with him. It’s out of the question,” Freedom crossed her arms and glared at the arrogant Keller slouching nonchalantly in the corner chair of the barn office. His gaze looked dark underneath his lowered Stetson.

“I swear I left that invoice for the drone right here. Where is it?” Sam moaned as he shuffled through stacks of paperwork on his desk.

She continued to stare at Keller.

Why did he have to be so handsome? So masculine? Why did his eyes have to be deep blue and his silver black hair so thick? The old blue flannel he wore hugged his broad shoulders, while his worn jeans fit his lean, muscular frame. She traced every detail with her eyes, wishing she could detest him. However, her body's reaction was anything but disdainful, which only fueled her frustration.

She steadied her gaze on her daddy who wore a perplexed expression.

Sam took off his reading glasses, rubbed his weary eyes, and glanced across the messy desk at Freedom. Despite appearing fatigued, he had been looking after himself better lately—shaving, getting regular haircuts, and buying new clothes in blues and reds instead of the usual grey and black. Freedom didn’t necessarily like the fact that he was dating a much younger woman, but at least he seemed happier.

“Daddy, did you hear me?”

“Honey, it’s your responsibility. You go to the auctions, and the veterinarian checks the livestock beforehand to ensure they’re suitable.”

“It’s no longer acceptable.”

“And what in heaven’s name is wrong? You and Vanhoose worked well together.” He gave his glasses a toss onto the desk.

“Exactly. Miloh and I made an effective team.” She anxiously tapped her boot. “Keller and I don’t have the same energy.”

A long sigh warned that Sam was reaching his limit with the conversation and the fact that he couldn’t find the invoices.

Keller’s smile made her growl. “What did I do that made you so angry?” he asked with a slow drawl.

“You exist.”

"Ouch!" He clutched his chest dramatically. “Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that problem.”

“Freedom let’s not allow this to get out of hand—” Sam started but Freedom cut him off.

“I’m dead serious, Daddy! I refuse to go to the auction—any auction—with him. We’ll kill each other. I’ll toss him down the mountain.”

Keller raised his eyebrows over twinkling eyes. He was getting a kick out of her turmoil. “Exaggerating a bit, aren’t you?”

Sam anchored his elbows on the edge of the desk. “Look, I know there’s history between you two, but how long has it been? Ten years?”

“Fifteen,” she muttered.

“Don’t you think it’s time to bury the hatchet and stay focused,” Sam said gently. “Keep the past out of the present.”

“Easy for you to say.” She narrowed her gaze. “You don’t have to work closely with the most infuriating man to have ever graced the planet. Anyway, he’s busy here on the ranch teaching the crew new techniques.”

“So is everyone else, honey. We’re all busy,” Sam said patiently.

“What about Jinx? He knows his horses.”

If Keller had daggers for eyes Freedom would be Swiss cheese. “Take Jinx. No skin off my bones. Taking a trip out of town, or even downtown, doesn’t entice me either.”

She raised her chin, sensing some stress beyond the situation at hand. “I don’t get why you hired him, Daddy. His attitude is seriously lacking.”

“Now if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle back.” Keller chuckled.

“I feel like I need a referee whistle when it comes to you two.” Sam steepled his fingers and took a deep breath, clearly reaching deep for patience.

“Sir, maybe me staying behind would be what’s best given the circumstances,” Keller said.

“It’s my ranch and I’m still running the show. Sagebrush Rose is lucky to have Keller.” Sam stuck to his guns. “You should give this trip a try before you start poking holes in the situation. I’d like you and Keller to work together on other projects. He’s got great ideas about breeding that you could use—”

“Are you implying that my methods aren’t acceptable?”

“I’d always be happy to show her the ropes,” Keller said slickly.

Her fingers itched to smack the smug grin right off his face. “I’d rather run naked through a briar patch.”

“Such anger for a girl.” Keller’s grin erupted into a full-blown smile. He was getting a kick out of this.

“That’s where you’re mistaken. I’m not a girl. I’m all woman, one who intimidates you because you came to complain to Daddy that I’m being difficult.”

“Whatever you say, ma’am.” The mischievous glint in Keller’s eye as he tipped his hat rubbed her ten different ways. She had an idea he enjoyed baiting her then sitting back and watching her spin like a top.

“Freedom, calm down. He didn’t complain. He only stated that he didn’t want to cause ripples,” Sam told her.

She blinked. “That figures. He wants to make it look like he’s such a true gentleman,” she snapped.

“You’re never happy, are you?” Keller said in a surprisingly calm tone.

“Is it possible that you two can put your differences aside so that we can get the job done?” Sam said hastily. “There are ten different things on my plate to tend to. You two acting like children squabbling in the sandbox isn’t one of them.”

“Daddy, why can’t you go? You and Keller can manage this trip.”

“I have other priorities now. I hired Keller to take over Vanhoose’s job. He trusted Keller and so do I.” Sam picked up a cigar from the case on his desk but didn’t light it. After his heart attack Doc Lafferty had warned him to quit smoking, and his daughters had been reminding him too. He didn’t like them sticking their nose into his habits though.

Freedom paced the length of the office to work off the restless energy building inside her. “You might trust his opinion, but does it even matter that I don’t want to work with him? Does it matter that I don’t trust him?” She was giving up her position at the library to take on more responsibility at the ranch, but unless she started being heard by her daddy and her sisters, she would quit the ranch and go back to the library where she was respected. Being the youngest of a family of opinionated, stubborn women sometimes made her want to run away but only Liberty had the luxury of disappearing when it suited her. Being Daddy’s favorite had always weighed heavily in her favor. At times Freedom didn’t think she could even be a blip on his radar.

Sam squinted. “Did he harm you?”

Freedom stopped, fully aware that Keller was also watching her. If she gave any indication that Keller had done anything wrong, her daddy would be playing a different tune, but she wasn’t a liar. Never would be. He had broken her heart at eighteen, but that would be irrelevant to the situation. “No, he hasn’t.”

“Then what’s this all about?” Sam scratched his temple as if he was trying hard to follow along. “Keller is a fine veterinarian. He’s respected. He’s a friend of the family.”

Gritting her teeth, she felt her argument was losing traction. Telling her daddy that she hated Keller for cheating on her before wouldn’t have any influence. And she didn’t want to reveal just how heartbroken she’d been over him. How many nights she’d cried herself to sleep, feeling foolish that she’d trusted and cared for him. She’d fallen for his innocent charm and how much fun they’d had. The nights they spent awake just so they could talk about nothing and everything. The excitement of being near him had been her weakness. He’d been her first…love, lover, and boyfriend. He’d taught her the intricacies of her body and desire. All the walls she’d built had been chiseled away by his brilliance, even now. Thinking of being alone with him warred with every ounce of her logic.

She had no choice but to protect herself.

“Then Mr. Wonderful can go by himself.” She refused to look Keller’s direction.

Sam pressed his palms into the desk. “Have a seat. You’re putting a worn spot on the floor with all that pacing.”

“I’d rather stand, thank you,” she said willfully.

“Suit yourself.” Sam chose his battles. “I need you both there. And I’m still the boss. That’s something I know you and your sisters forget at times.”

“Daddy, this is unfair.”

He stood. Sam Rose was a tall man, broad shouldered, and had a presence about him. Not cocky, but self-assured. “What’s unfair is that you’re taking up my time over something as frivolous as a misunderstanding.” He rounded the desk and strolled to the door, swiping his gaze over his shoulder. “Here’s the solution. Neither one of you better cross this threshold until you’ve worked this situation out like adults. One of you either quits the ranch or you decide to put the ranch first and do what is required of you.”

“Daddy—”

Sam held up a hand to stop her. “You heard me, young lady.” He shook his head, opened the office door and slammed it shut behind him.

Freedom stared at the closed door for four solid heartbeats. She heard rustling of clothing and turned in time to see Keller settling himself on the corner of the desk, still wearing that mind-altering grin that sent pulses of awareness through her. “Family politics,” he said smoothly, and far too casually.

He looked as regal as a reincarnated John Wayne. His smile, his movements, his self-confidence both intrigued and infuriated her. Having him on the ranch had kept her on her toes and the work of controlling her emotions had become exhausting. Every turn she took he seemed to be there, offering her a satisfied grin that wreaked havoc on her nerves.

Just yesterday, he’d been examining one of the horse’s gaits in the arena, and she’d been fascinated with how well he worked with the thoroughbred. Even as a teenager he’d been quite a horse whisperer, but he’d polished his talents since. She might not agree with him, but she appreciated how much care he put into each animal. She’d watched him give the same attention to a goat as he did to a prized thoroughbred.

She was also fascinated by his modern techniques in medicine. While change could be intimidating, it could also help push Sagebrush Rose into embracing modern methods that have shown success. He used specialized ear tags, drones in conjunction with smartphone apps to help the hands keep better track of the herd. The family could also watch the activity on the ranch from the comfort of home or the office. Daddy must have liked the idea because he was moving forward in setting up the technology.

The history between Freedom and Keller couldn’t be ignored though.

Their whirlwind of a relationship had left an indelible mark on her soul. Keller had taken a job at Sagebrush Rose during the summer that year. He’d physically changed from the last time she saw him. He’d grown at least three inches, filled out his Wranglers, and had even grown whiskers. Back then he’d had some premature greys threading through his beard which had made him even more enticing. They hit it off right away, and what started as a fun night at the lake quickly became a sizzling summer romance. She fell for him in a way she couldn't fully explain. Like the universe had blazed a path for them.

Until she caught him kissing Lanah. Freedom still couldn’t look at the woman without seeing her pressed against Keller.

It was just a kiss, and others had been forgiven for far worse, but she let her pride interfere. She’d trusted him. She’d been enthralled by his desire and zest for life.

That’s why being around him now made their work relationship so volatile. She couldn’t find forgiveness because she’d never fully moved on.

“I’m not quitting. This is my ranch. My home,” she stated firmly.

“I figured as much. I’m not quitting either. I made that clear the day you burst into my kitchen and wielded the skillet. We need to move on from the past and start fresh. Think that’s possible?” When she didn’t answer right away, he said, “We both know horses. We could make a great team. Sam is right.”

She swallowed against the tension in her throat. Although she wanted to argue the point, she knew better. No doubt Keller knew his way around equestrian meds. He’d proven that. And Freedom, she could ride before she could walk. She wasn’t the award-winning barrel racer like Honor and Liberty, but Freedom had used riding as therapy for many years. To escape the family drama and turmoil, she’d jump in the saddle and ride unfettered across the sun kissed land.

When she didn’t respond, he rubbed his hands down his blue-jean-clad thighs. “Hell, I didn’t want to get into this, but I see there’s no way of working around it. I didn’t cheat on you.”

She laughed. “Is that what you think this is all about?”

“Isn’t it?”

Freedom had no desire to dig through all the manure to get to the root of the problem. “It doesn’t matter now. I’m sure you and Lanah have a lot in common.” Even she heard the bitterness in her tone and wished she would have avoided any mention of the woman.

One corner of his mouth played with a smile. “Yeah, your attitude has everything to do with how you think I betrayed you. I want to clear that up, something you didn’t allow me to do back then.”

“Save your breath. It’s a moot point now.” She dropped down into the leather chair and crossed her legs.

“Lanah said you two haven’t spoken since that day.”

She had to play and replay her response in her head before she spoke. “Oh, did she?”

“I guess I was hoping time would erase the misunderstanding,” he said grimly.

“Time had done its part until you came strolling back into Sagebrush Pine.” She strummed her nails on the arm of the chair. “I guess I was hoping you’d left this small town in the rear view a long time ago.”

“It’s been fifteen years, Free. How long will you hold this over my head?”

“Until I die,” she said quietly.

“See, what happened that night is the issue and I’m telling you what you think happened is clearly wrong.” Agitation shown in the harsh set of his jaw. “That’s a case of too much pride.”

“I saw you two kissing with my own eyes, Keller.” She hated carrying around all this anger and hurt, but she’d never found closure. After she’d witnessed the kiss between Keller and Lanah, he’d chased after her, and she’d refused to hear him. Then he left, and instead of going back to veterinary school, he joined the military. That had made her anger worse so when he came to say goodbye, she’d pretended that he had meant nothing to her, even as she was breaking more inside.

“What you saw was Lanah drunk and throwing herself at me. If you would have listened to me from the start, I could have explained the situation.” His eyes became a shade darker.

“And yet, you two continued to hang out until you left for Basic Training, and from what I’ve heard, you two still enjoy each other’s company.” God, her words made her sound like a jealous idiot. Maybe she was because he still affected her in all the ways she didn’t want him too.

“She didn’t mean to cause trouble between us. She’s a good woman.” Keller adjusted himself on the desk.

“I’m glad for you. Good people are hard to find these days,” she said smartly.

“Lanah and I are not a couple.”

“It’s none of my business.” She pushed up from the chair wishing she could close the internal door to the rush of feelings flowing in.

“I’m making it your business.” He unfurled his tall, lean body off the desk. “We’re going to have to agree to disagree.”

She felt a chill race up her spine. "So, do you think we can handle going to the auction together?"

He grimaced. “I don’t see that we have any other option. I’m not quitting, and I don’t want fired. You’re not quitting, and I’m sure you don’t want fired.”

“Daddy would never fire me,” she said in defiance, yet she didn’t feel the confidence all the way into her bones. Obviously, Daddy had respect for Keller and had put a lot of faith in him. The heart attack had changed Sam though, made him unpredictable. Just like his new relationship with Trinity. She heaved a sigh. “Fine, but I’m setting some ground rules.”

His grin had returned. “Let’s hear them.”

“First, we do not discuss the past. It’s off limits. If we’re ever going to make this business relationship work, Lanah must be off the table.”

He nodded. “I agree.”

“That brings me to the biggest rule. This is a business arrangement only. No flirting. No kisses. Hugs, or accidental touching.”

“Why? Don’t think you can handle the pressure?” His eyes glittered with unspoken challenge.

Freedom gulped. “Trust me, I can handle myself.”

“I just remember how you used to enjoy teasing me.”

“You broke rule number one already,” she said.

“I get it.” He laughed. “No talk of the past, especially not about what we shared. Or the way you squirmed and begged—"

“I got the message.” A shiver raced through her.

Over the years she’d convinced herself that the feelings for Keller had been simply those of a young girl crushing over her first sexual partner. What they’d shared had been romanticized. So, then why did she crave his arms wrapped around her and his lips pressed against her own? Why did she long to feel his hands on her body? She’d matured, dated plenty of men, had a couple of sexual partners…she was definitely no longer a na?ve teenager.

"We don't need to be friends, just stay focused on the task. Select the finest livestock and arrange their delivery. Simple," he said.

“Nothing is simple when it comes to you.” Freedom flipped the ends of her hair over one shoulder.

“Now that’s an interesting take coming from a Rose.” A smirk appeared on his face.

“I’ve always been the rose and you the thorn. Or a rattlesnake in a Stetson and boots,” she retorted.

“Still as sassy as ever. I handled it once. I think I can manage it again.” He winked roguishly.

“You’re not here to manage me. You just worry your pretty head about the horses and livestock.”

He arched an eyebrow. “I’m only saying that I can handle this…arrangement. In fact, I look forward to a short trip to Catskills. It’ll be like old times. I once visited a cabin that belonged to this pretty little—”

“You can stop right there. That’s where we will be staying again. This time in separate rooms.”

“There goes all the fun,” he teased.

Remembering how they snuck off to the Rose family cabin one weekend, and how he’d made the experience very romantic, left her warm. The temperature rose in the apex of her thighs and her body trembled. “Let’s just make sure you don’t accidentally fall with your tongue down my throat like you’ve been known to do.”

“Rule number two is now broken.” He took the distance between them and his gaze competed with the heat boiling inside her. “Trust me when I say, if I mean to kiss anyone, she’ll know that she’s been kissed.”

“Is that so?” She straightened her shoulders, stood to her full five-foot-seven inches, and kept her gaze steady with his. She wouldn’t allow him to weaken her knees or cause her torment.

“Somewhere deep inside of that stubborn brain of yours I think you realize I never cheated.” Anger flashed in his blue eyes and her heart lurched against her ribcage. She could feel the desire between them that still held the weight of a runaway train barreling down on her.

She slammed her hands to her hips. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

“Then you should have abided by your own rules. Now the Band-Aid has been ripped off. This entire argument is your fault.”

“Of course it’s my fault.”

“You are the one refusing to work with me, princess.” His upper lip curled.

Gritting her teeth, she leaned in like a charging bull. “I said we could work together. I’m quickly changing my mind.”

“You do that often. Do you think this is fun for me? That I’m getting some excitement or thrill working with you? I’m not fond of getting my balls busted every time I turn around,” he said quietly.

“Now you’re just talking to hear yourself. I’ll steer clear of you, and your balls.”

“But giving me dirty looks from across the yard isn't really keeping your distance, is it?” He let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging a bit. “Look, we’re not going to settle this argument. We both can’t have all the control. Do you love Sagebrush Rose?” When she kept staring silently, he muttered under his breath. “It’s a question.”

“Yes, of course.” She slanted her gaze on him.

“So do I. I’m here for all the right reasons. If you really love this ranch like you say, then you should want me here. You won’t find just any vet who’ll come here and invest all his loyalty and hard work. But, I guess, if you and I are going to rehash all the hurt and anger every few days, it’s best I cut my losses and head somewhere else.”

She opened her mouth but slammed it shut. Freedom needed to tread carefully. Although a part of her didn’t want to see him every day and be reminded of the past, he was an asset to the ranch. Running a ranch the size of Sagebrush Rose wasn’t easy and good workers were hard to find. What she knew of him, professionally, she knew he would benefit the ranch. Her emotions were personal.

“We should have a seat and discuss the details,” she said.

Keller Abbott was the most infuriating, cocky, egotistical, overbearing man she’d ever encountered, but he was also the most handsome, intelligent, hardworking, interesting man. She didn’t want to admit it, but he might bring life back to the ranch.