Texas Temptation (Making a Family #1)

Chapter Two

Jordan awoke slowly and stretched beneath the covers. For the first time in ages, her headache was finally gone. She opened her eyes slowly, then sat up. A strange bed in a strange room. Where was she? This wasn’t her bedroom, nor one of the anonymous motel rooms they’d stayed in on their way to Texas.

The sun shone from a clear sky. Through the tall windows dressed in crisp white Priscilla curtains, she could see the rolling Texas hills dotted with cattle.

Memory returned. She was at the Circle E Ranch. Vaguely she remembered talking with Cade Cullen Everett—only not her Cade Cullen Everett, some man they called Cade who looked nothing like the carefree college student whom she’d once loved.

She remembered Amelia and Caleb talking about horses and a stranger taking her temperature. Hadn’t there also been an injection? It was all blurred. Had it been a dream?

Gingerly, she pushed back the light covers and rose, grabbing the headboard. She felt shaky. How sick was she? Her chest no longer hurt, her cough seemed gone.

The door opened and Rosita peeked in.

“Ah, you are awake. And getting up? That’s good. I will tell Se?orita Amelia and then bring breakfast.”

Before Jordan could respond, she’d shut the door.

Jordan sat on the edge of the bed and looked around. Where was Caleb? How long had they been here? She seemed to remember various people popping in and out, but was that real or some dream? She saw her suitcase on a stand near the door. Rising again, she crossed over and found a clean set of clothes. Spying the en suite bathroom, she headed for it to shower and dress. She couldn’t believe she’d stayed in a stranger’s home.

Taking a deep breath, she felt relief. Her chest no longer hurt. Thank goodness for that. She’d dress, find Caleb, and be on their way. The trip had been for nothing. She still hadn’t found the man she was searching for. The disappointment threatened to overwhelm her. Not only wouldn’t they get the funds needed for the operation, she’d used several hundred dollars from the operation savings for this futile trip.

By the time she finished dressing, Jordan wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep another twenty-four hours. But Rosita had set up a lovely breakfast at the small round table by the tall windows. A light omelet was centered on the plate, fresh fruit beside it. A tall glass of orange juice and a cup of fragrant coffee completed the meal. She didn’t know where to begin.

Where was Caleb? She sipped the orange juice and wondered if she should take the time to eat before seeking her son. She’d relinquished his care to Rosita yesterday, certainly a few more minutes might not hurt. And she was famished.

She ate slowly, savoring each delicious bite. A delightful omelet, she thought, enjoying the blend of unknown spices and peppers. She’d ask for the recipe before she left.

They needed to get moving. Her week’s vacation would be over before they returned home at the rate they were going. Though she hoped to make better time returning. Fingers crossed the car didn’t break down again.

She could ill afford to keep it repaired. Every dollar she spent on the trip meant that much taken from their operation account. She was farther behind than when they’d started. She’d been so sure she’d find Caleb’s father. Now what was she going to do?

A soft knock on the door presaged Amelia’s arrival. Today she wore a soft rose dress, lace at the neck and on the cuffs of the sheer, long sleeves. Ballet slippers completed the ensemble, and she seemed to float along as she crossed the room to the table.

“Oh, you are awake at last. I’m so glad. How are you feeling? We’ve been so worried about you. But Paul said you’d be fine, just needed lots of rest and nourishment. And he gave you a shot since you couldn’t take a pill with all your coughing. But the broth Rosita kept fixing didn’t seem like enough food and you wouldn’t ever drink it all. I think a nice poached egg would have been divine, but Cade said the broth would have to do.”

Amelia took the chair opposite and beamed at Jordan.

“And Caleb is such a treasure. He brings so much delight. It’s been too long since this house had a child in it. Of course, we all miss Vicki dreadfully, but she’s been gone two years. And I think a big house deserves lots of children running through it, don’t you? We had seven in our family. Mama said that was six too many sometimes, but she loved us all dearly. And we all loved her and Papa dearly. My younger sister married Bradley Everett. They’re Cade’s parents. The ranch belongs to Bradley, of course, though Cade runs it now that his parents are traveling. It’s been in their family for generations. I have a small cottage in the back. Isn’t Rosita’s omelet delicious? I do like a spicy omelet. But of course, I cook for myself most of the time, only coming over to join Cade when he’s here. Or when he travels if Rosita has made something special for dinner.”

Jordan tried to follow the conversation, feeling her head spin at the rapid pace of Amelia’s change of topics. When the woman took a breath, Jordan interrupted.

“Where’s Caleb?”

“He’s out with the horses. The child is crazy for them. If he were staying, I’d bet he’d be riding before you knew it. Vicki rode when she was only three. Of course, Cade got her a safe pony. He gave it away after her death. But he would never take a chance with a child, so if you were to stay, I’m sure he’d get another quiet pony for Caleb. Not that he’s had much to do with the child. He has closed his heart to most things, living for work alone. He’s increased the family coffers substantially, so none of us are complaining, but it would be nice to see him settled again. And not so driven.”

Jordan assumed the Vicki she spoke of was the daughter who had died. Hearing about her made her even more real. She couldn’t even imagine the full anguish of losing a child. It had to be the greatest heartache there was.

“There,” Amelia said, beaming as Jordan ate the last bite of omelet. “It was delicious, wasn’t it? I’m so glad to see you eating at last.”

Jordan looked at her. “At last?”

“Four days with nothing but broth makes a person very weak, don’t you think?” Amelia tilted her head as she looked at Jordan.

“ Four days? I’ve been here four days?”

Jordan was horrified. She couldn’t have imposed on total strangers for four whole days!

Cade couldn’t believe one slightly snide comment would cause tears, histrionics and a slammed door. The temp had left in a flurry, leaving him alone in the front office, trying to make some sense of Penny’s filing process. He pulled out another folder, glanced inside, and replaced it. Maybe he should pull in one man off the ranch. They at least wouldn’t take offense at the slightest thing.

His secretary hadn’t called to give him an estimated return date. He was growing impatient with the temps the sole agency in town was sending. Two in three days. Couldn’t they find the right person—someone competent enough to do routine office tasks? Or if not that, at least someone who wouldn’t take off at the first hint of complaint?

A small sound alerted him he was no longer alone. Cade glanced up and saw Caleb Carhart standing in the doorway.

“Kids aren’t allowed in the office,” Cade said.

He had a conference call in ten minutes and hoped he could find the Montgomery folder before then.

“The lady was saying bad words,” Caleb said, walking in.

“I heard,” Cade said.

Maybe he shouldn’t have asked if she knew the alphabet in such a sarcastic manner. But blast it all, that folder was important and she hadn’t been able to find it. Not that he was having much better luck.

Maybe his remark had been made in haste.

“Mommy never says bad words. She says we can be more creative and show we’re smarter than people who copy other people to say bad words,” he said solemnly.

Cade looked at Caleb. Hadn’t he told the boy no kids allowed in the office?

“Is Mommy going to get better today?” Caleb asked, coming closer.

“I don’t know. Probably.”

Ah, the folder he’d wanted. Cade pulled it free and returned to his desk. He opened it, then looked at Caleb, who had moved to press against his side, peering in curiosity at the things on the wide surface of his desk.

“Look, kid, I have work to do. We have a policy against children being in the office.”

“Mr. Murray said since my mommy is sick, I have to ask you if I can ride. I really want to be a cowboy. Can I ride one of your horses?”

Cade shook his head. “No.”

Caleb didn’t pester him like Vicki would have at the refusal. He merely hitched his shoulders a little and looked disappointed.

Cade studied him covertly. The kid was well behaved and not a pest. Jack said he ate up every word any of the cowboys said, and hung for hours on the corral fence talking to the horses and petting any that ambled his way.

Darn shame about his eyes. What was his mother going to do about that? It wasn’t fair to the kid to have that kind of problem and not have the adults in his life take care of it.

Just then, Jordan Carhart rushed into the office.

“Mr. Everett, I didn’t know I’ve been here this long,” she said.

“Mommy!”

Caleb brightened instantly and ran to her.

The phone rang.

“Caleb.”

She swung him up into her arms, hugging him close.

“Are you all better?” he asked.

“Everett,” Cade said into the phone, watching Jordan and her son. The images blurred and he saw Marissa swing up their daughter. She’d adored Vicki. He’d loved them both so much. Missed them every day.

He turned away, forcing his gaze to move to the folder, ignoring the scene unfolding near the office door. He had work to do and the sooner he became involved, the sooner the piercing pain would fade.

“Cade says I can’t ride. Can you get me a horse?” Caleb asked his mother.

Conscious of her reluctant host on the phone, she stepped into the outer office.

“Shh, he’s busy. No, we can’t get a horse. We need to get back home. Joe’s going to be mad as it is. I’m already late returning to work and haven’t even let him know we’re still in Texas.”

“I like it here.”

“Home is best,” Jordan said, relishing the feel of her little boy.

He struggled to get down. She never got to hold him as long as she wanted anymore. He was growing up too fast.

Glancing around, Jordan was amazed at the high-tech feel to the office. Amelia’s rambles had included information about Cade, and every other person in a twenty-five-mile radius, she suspected.

But it was the newly gained knowledge that Cade ran the family holdings that had fascinated her. She’d thought he was a rancher, and while Amelia assured her he lived for part of the year on the ranch, he also had penthouse apartments in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. According to Amelia, it was nothing unusual for Cade and his personal assistant to take off on short notice for one or the other city when business demanded.

“Want to come see the horses, Mommy?” Caleb asked, struggling to be let down.

She put him on his feet and brushed his cheek. Leaning against the desk, she shook her head.

“Not just yet. I want to talk to Mr. Everett.”

She glanced through the opened door and wondered how long he’d be on the phone. She felt embarrassed to have stayed so long in his house. While she still felt a little shaky, she knew she’d infringed on his hospitality long enough. After thanking him, she’d pack Caleb’s things and head back for Florida. Her suitcase was all ready to go.

“Can I go see the horses?” Caleb asked. “Mr. Murray said it’s okay as long as I stay out of the corral. I just climb up the fence. I never go inside the corral.”

“Is that what you’ve been doing while I was sick?” Jordan asked, brushing back his hair.

How could she have been unaware of the passage of four days?

He nodded, his eyes shining.

“Okay, then, if it’s all right with those in charge. But we aren’t staying long. We have to get back home. As soon as I speak with Mr. Everett, we’ll be on our way.”

His face fell. “Do we have to? I love it here. They’ve got horses and cows and dogs and even a cat in the barn, but I can’t pat her because she doesn’t much cotton to people.”

Jordan almost laughed at Caleb’s phrasing. Who had he been talking to?

“Then run along and say your goodbyes.”

Jordan watched Caleb scamper away. Hearing Cade’s voice in the background, she suspected his call would last a few minutes. Tired, she moved to sit in the chair behind the desk. She still felt weak.

And mortified that she’d been four days imposing on these kind people. How could she have been so sick?

According to Amelia, the doctor had said it was borderline pneumonia. They must think her crazy to show up at their front door so ill. But she’d truly thought it was a cold.

She’d offer to reimburse Cade for their expenses. It’d take even more from the operation fund, but that couldn’t be helped. She wouldn’t be beholden to anyone. Her aunt Maggie had harped on that all the years Jordan lived with her.

Closing her eyes, she rested her head on the back of the chair. As soon as she’d finished with Cade Everett, she’d find a motel in Tumbleweed and stay another day to rest up. By then, she’d be ready for the drive home.

She’d better call Joe and make sure he knew she hadn’t disappeared off the face of the earth. And a quick call to her friend Julie, too. She’d be eager to know the outcome of the trip.

Thinking of all she had to do, Jordan slowly drifted off to sleep.

Cade hung up the phone, satisfied with the conversation. If Jim followed up as he’d promised, Cade wouldn’t have to take a trip to LA anytime soon.

Tossing the folder to the corner of the desk, he reached for the phone to call the temp agency. Tumbleweed wasn’t large enough to support more than one agency, and their selection of potential employees was slim. Too bad. They’d just have to find someone else. The two they’d sent hadn’t worked out.

He heard a chair squeak. Curious, he rose and crossed to the outer office. Jordan Carhart was asleep in Penny’s chair. She was listing slightly to the left, and if she continued her slow slide, she’d fall over.

He reached out and shook her shoulder lightly. When she opened her eyes and looked up at him in sleepy confusion, he felt an odd unfurling deep within.

She looked young, innocent, and unaware of where she was. Her hair was a soft cloud of gold around her face, soft and silky. Her eyes shimmered in silvery lights.

For a moment Cade yearned to touch that hair, to sift it through his fingers and feel its silken weight, let it flow around his hand like gossamer. To stare into the silvery pools of her eyes and forget all of yesterday’s heartaches.

He frowned and jerked his hand away. What was he thinking? She was a troublesome visitor, nothing more. And he wanted nothing to do with any woman. He’d loved his wife. Her death had devastated him. He refused to become involved again, even superficially. Death was too final, a parting too painful.

“I’m sorry,” she said, standing abruptly. “I fell asleep again. You must think I’m crazy. Usually I have tons of energy.”

“You’ve been very sick. Should you even be up today?” he asked, studying her closely.

“I’m fine. Actually, we’ll be leaving soon. I wanted to thank you for all your help. I’m, um, I wanted to reimburse you for any—”

He shook his head and stepped away before her light fragrance muddled his brain.

“No need. I hope you have a pleasant journey home.”

She smiled uncertainly.

“Thank you. If you ever hear of another Cade Cullen Everett, would you let me know? I’ll leave my address and phone number.”

He looked at her for a long moment. What were the chances of there really being another Cade Cullen Everett? Had she come to attempt a scam? If so, why hadn’t she followed through? Nothing had been said, nothing even hinted.

If she was trying to run a con, she sure had a long way to go. Caleb had mentioned getting money for his eyes, but Jordan Carhart had never raised the subject.

Maybe she was just what she said she was, a young mother searching for her child’s father.

“If I ever hear of another man with my name, I’ll let you know.”

Jordan held out her hand.

“Thank you again, Mr. Everett. I appreciate all your hospitality.”

He shook her hand, surprised at the sensation he experienced when he touched her. Her hand was cool, firm in his. She didn’t hold on, never tried to flirt, but the jolt of awareness was real.

“Tell me why you came here, Jordan Carhart,” he said on a impulse. “Caleb said something about an operation for his eyes.”

She nodded, raising her chin slightly.

“I know you’ve seen how they are crossed. The insurance I have doesn’t cover the cost for the operation, so I have been saving almost since he was born to pay for it.” She shrugged. “When I saw the article in the newspaper about your family donating money to the Last Wish Foundation, I thought I’d found Caleb’s father. I thought—”

He waited a moment when she went silent.

“Thought you’d hit him up for it,” he finished for her.

She flushed slightly.

Cade stared. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a woman blush. It didn’t go with the image he’d formed, of a swinging single woman partying at the beach who had gotten caught with a baby.

“I’m only a couple of thousand short, I thought if he, you…I mean, I thought it was Caleb’s father who donated so much. And if he had that much to donate, then he could surely spare two thousand dollars for his own son.” She ended all in a rush. “Caleb’s really a great little boy. And I hate for him to start school with the problem.”

Cade rubbed the back of his neck. The few times he’d seen Caleb, the kid had been upbeat and enthusiastic. He’d worried about his mother, then scampered off and been captivated by the horses. Jack reported he was no trouble, and was, in fact, soaking up everything he learned.

Cade could understand Jordan’s determination. If Vicki had needed anything, he would have moved heaven and earth to get it for her. He turned and went to the door, looking out over the spread.

He hadn’t been able to do anything for his daughter. By the time he’d heard of the drunken driver crashing into his wife’s car, both Marissa and Vicki had been dead for several hours.

But maybe he could help another child.

He turned and glanced around the room.

“Do you know anything about office work?” he asked.