Texas Temptation (Making a Family #1)

Chapter Eight

By six o’clock Jordan wanted to go back to the hotel, take a hot bath, and go to sleep for twelve hours. Cade was incredible. He knew more than she could ever remember, from employees’ names and family situations, to the sales figures for the last several years, to the labor disputes and settlements that had been part of the company’s history going back to its inception. She tried to keep up, but was lost more than half the time.

And what really annoyed her was Cade looked as fresh and raring to go this late in the day as he had that morning. He had almost as much energy as Caleb.

She slipped away from the round of farewells and placed a quick call to the ranch. It was two hours later there, and she wanted to catch Caleb before he went to bed. Chatting briefly with Amelia, she then spoke to her son. Reassured he was happy and well looked after, she reluctantly severed the connection sometime later. She missed him so much, but he was doing fine.

“Any problems?”

Cade joined her at the reception station. Closed for the day, Jordan had used that area for her phone call.

“None. Caleb’s been up and around. Amelia said they were keeping him from bending over, or doing too much, but he’s glad to be out of bed. Are we ready to leave?”

“I told Jim to let the Wilsons know we’ll meet them all at seven thirty at Zorro’s Mark. Will that give you enough time to change?”

She nodded, the dream of the hot bath fading. They’d dash back to the hotel. She’d change from the suit to that darling black dress, and then it’d be back to business.

“Don’t you ever get tired?” she grumbled as she picked up her purse and the file folder of notes and reports she was keeping for Cade.

“Rarely. Are you tired?”

She straightened up and headed for the elevators.

“Not a bit,” she fibbed. “But I don’t keep up this pace all the time. I think I’d be exhausted if I did.”

“I rest when I’m at the ranch.”

She smiled at that. Some rest, riding the range, checking on the fencing, mustering cattle, not to mention fielding all the calls and emails that routinely arrived. Still making decisions that impacted every aspect of his myriad business interests.

“Something funny?”

Jordan shook her head.

“I was just wondering what you call relaxing. What would you do at the beach, organize volleyball tournaments and swim meets?”

“I don’t go to the beach often.”

“Too restful, huh?”

“Too far.”

“Don’t you take some time off from time to time? Surely you took vacations with your family.”

“When my wife and daughter were alive, we went camping, and to theme parks. We even flew to the Calgary Stampede one year.”

“But not the beach. Come visit us sometime. We’ll see how long you can relax on the hot sand.”

Jordan almost held her breath after the words were out. Would he suspect how much she wanted to keep in touch? How much she yearned for a relationship that would go beyond boss-secretary and maybe even develop into something lasting?

But Cade didn’t seem unduly suspicious about her comment, merely saying maybe. Which was a non-answer if she ever heard one.

When they arrived at the trendy restaurant later that evening, Jordan felt she was entering a dreamworld. The decor was lovely, expensive, with plenty of space around each table, not crowded together like at Joe’s Fish Tacos to accommodate as many customers at one time as possible.

There was even a dance floor at one end and a soft combo playing in the background.

When one of the men began to speak of work, Cade raised an eyebrow.

“Since we have our partners with us, who probably would be bored to tears with business discussions, let’s keep the topics of general interest.”

Jordan was surprised at his courtesy. She herself had thought it a business meeting. She enjoyed the evening, even more so when she and the others discussed Florida beaches versus Southern California ones. That led to friendly banter about all the amenities in the two states.

Only when the talk veered to children did Jordan glance at Cade, wondering if she should deflect the conversation. She knew how much he ached for his own daughter. Would a discussion of soccer and dolls be too distressing?

He surprised her by relating an episode with Caleb and the dogs at the ranch which had everyone chuckling. He didn’t look devastated, didn’t look as if he was going to leave the table if the conversation didn’t change. She watched warily and was startled when he gave her a wink. Blushing, she looked away. Cade could fully handle his own emotions, she admitted. If he didn’t like the topic, he’d change it.

When the meal was finished, Cade ordered after dinner brandy and coffee for everyone.

“Since the music is so appealing, I think it’s time for some dancing.”

“Oh, man, do you know how much I hate to dance?” Bart Wilson groaned.

His wife laughed in delight. “Hey, I hear an order from the big boss man. Up and at ’em, Bart.”

The man made a show of reluctance, but his grin let everyone there know he was teasing her.

When Jim and his wife rose, Cade turned to Jordan. “Shall we?”

She could no more refuse him than she could refuse a request from Caleb. To be held in his arms while they danced would be the best part of the evening. Feeling daring, she nodded. She’d enjoy it as long as she didn’t give herself away. She couldn’t let Cade know how much she enjoyed being with him.

His hand on her back was warm, sending tendrils of awareness shivering through her. Pulling her close, he held her like a precious, fragile object, one to be cherished. For a long moment, Jordan closed her eyes, savoring every aspect of being held in Cade’s arms.

The music was slow and dreamy. They moved in time with the rhythm, brushing thighs, pressing chest to breast, caught up in a world of two. Jordan felt as if she were on full alert, catching every nuance of the evening, from Cade’s heady scent to the warmth of his hand against her back.

This is what life should be, she thought, two people who loved each other taking delight in being together. The quiet times alone were the best. She spared a moment of thought for Marissa and Vicki. She’d never know them, but she could feel them in Cade. Could he ever forget them and move on? Or not forget, but still make a new life—different, but just as good?

“I’m ready to head for the hotel,” he whispered in her ear. “How about you?”

“If you want.”

Disappointment crashed down. He’d only done a duty dance. Now that it ended, he wanted to leave. She’d been fooling herself for too long. Time for a reality check.

Cade urged the others to stay. With a few last-minute instructions to his colleagues, they said goodbye. In the morning, Cade and Jordan would return to Texas.

To Jordan’s surprise, when they reached the hotel, Cade stopped her as she headed for the elevator.

“They have a dance floor in the lower level bar of the hotel. Care to have a nightcap and dance a little longer?”

“I thought you were tired.”

Jordan couldn’t hide her surprise. Or the sudden surge of happiness that swept through her.

“Actually, I wanted to ditch the others and thought that excuse was a diplomatic way to handle it—and hopefully not give rise to gossip.”

“Why would there be gossip?”

“Anyone looking at us dancing together would immediately suspect we are something more than boss and PA.”

“They would?” Her heart kicked into high speed. “Why?”

“Because there is something more, and only a blind man would miss it. Dance?”

“Yes, please.”

The dance floor in the hotel bar was almost empty. Only two other couples took advantage of the hotel’s ensemble. When Cade swept her into his arms, Jordan knew she never wanted the night to end. Caleb and her job and her life in Florida seemed to fade into the background. The evening had taken a surreal aspect, as if she were new and free and floating on gossamer wings. Cade filled her senses, setting her aflame with what could be, what might be.

She loved Cade Everett. It differed from anything she’d ever experienced. And much stronger and more mature than the feelings she once thought she had for Caleb’s father.

She loved dancing with Cade. Every brush of his body put hers on high alert. Every caress with his fingertips on the bare skin of her back had erotic images dancing in her mind and cranked up the awareness another notch.

She loved talking with him, hearing his views on issues, feeling the soft laughter when something stuck him funny—which was rare. He more often had a lurking sadness in his eyes. She cherished the amusement when she saw it, happy she could put it there.

She loved being with him, to savor the moments, to explore the scant time they had together before it all ended.

She felt like Cinderella at the ball, only there would be no magic glass slipper, no happily ever after ending. Her prince wasn’t searching for a wife, but mourning one.

And she didn’t have a fairy tale godmother. One look at her situation would convince anyone of that.

But like Cinderella must have done at the ball, Jordan cherished every second. At least she’d have the memories to last all her days.

It was late when they finally moved to the elevators. Jordan felt wrapped in a time warp, almost afraid to say anything lest the mood shatter and she had to face reality. A few more moments until she was in bed and she could relive each moment of the evening, imprinting it on her mind to remember forever.

“I had such a wonderful time,” she said dreamily as the elevator doors closed. “I think I love LA”

He pulled her against him in the empty elevator, his arm on her shoulder, his fingers rubbing light circles on her shoulder.

“Better than Tumbleweed?” he asked.

“Mmmm, maybe not. I like the ranch, Amelia, Rosita.”

She stopped before she said too much.

When they reached the suite, Cade opened the door. The lights had been turned off, only the sparkling lights beyond the window illuminated the room.

“How pretty,” Jordan exclaimed at the sweep of lights as far as the eye could see.

“As pretty as you are,” Cade said, closing the door behind them and turning her in his arms.

When his mouth covered hers, Jordan gave herself up to his kiss. She yearned for him, craved his touch, longed for more. She’d been lonely, but he filled the void and brought happiness. She’d been alone, but with him felt as if two parts of a whole had come together.

Winding her arms around his neck, she opened her mouth when his tongue caressed her lips and danced with his when he swept in. She was glad for his strong arms as her bones seemed to soften and melt. If he wasn’t holding her, she’d probably collapse on shaky knees.

Time spun away. There was only this moment, only the surging sensations that built and built. Jordan reveled in them, awed by the power of passion as it grew, amazed at the desire that rose with each second. Oh, if only it could last a lifetime.

“I want you, Jordan,” he murmured, kissing her cheek, trailing nibbling kisses along her jaw, tilting back her head to lick and kiss down her neck to that rapid pulse point at the base of her throat.

“Stay with me tonight.”

Her heart leapt at his words. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. Had he gotten over his wife? Was he ready to move on—with her?

“I want you, too, Cade,” she said, burning with desire and longing. She tightened her own hold, drawing him closer.

He bent and lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

“I don’t believe it,” she murmured, reaching up to kiss him along the jaw. “This only happens in movies.”

He captured her lips with his as he walked easily into his bedroom. The lights from outside allowed him to see the shape and location of the bed. Gently settling her on the mattress, he slipped off her shoes, kneeling on the floor in front of her.

Jordan wished she could see him, see what his eyes said, see his expression. Lacking sight, she relied on touch. His fingertips trailed up her leg, slipping beneath the skirt of the dress, trailing fire and ice in their wake. His voice was raspy when he spoke.

“No regrets, Jordan.”

It felt like a dash of cold water.

This wasn’t her dream come true. It was one night out of time. A special night for just the two of them. But it wasn’t a vow for the future, nor a promise she could hold on to. He’d never even hinted before that he was interested in her as a woman.

“None,” she replied, leaning over to frame his face in her palms, and kissed him again.

“But I decline.”

With determination, she rose and circled around him, making her way quickly to her bedroom and firmly closing the door behind her. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t taken him up on his suggestion. She’d love to spend the night with him, and the afternoon and early morning. But not like this.

She had experience with someone who said he loved her and left. Cade was clear there was no love involved. There was no future.

Jordan got ready for bed, wishing she had some way to contact Penny to see when the woman was returning. The sooner Caleb and she could return to Florida, the better.

Daylight poured into the bedroom when Cade opened his eyes. He stacked his hands behind his head and gazed at the ceiling. Last night, he had made a mess of things. He hoped Jordan would speak to him today.

His wife had been dead for two years. The first time he’d taken a woman out after Marissa’s death, he’d been consumed with guilt. The few dates he’d tried had been disasters. He had compared everyone to Marissa.

He’d insisted Jordan accompany him to Los Angeles as an experiment. He found her appealing and fascinating. But he wasn’t sure he was ready to move on from his wife.

Had last night been another test? Had he wanted to see how he felt sleeping with another woman? Or had he really wanted to become intimate with Jordan for herself?

Surprised, he realized he wanted her. He’d love to make love to her in the sunshine that was spilling into the room. He’d look into her eyes and see all the emotions she felt as they explored this new step.

And then what?

He shied away from thinking about the future.

No regrets, Cade had said last night. But as Jordan stood by the window in her room, later, she had a boatload of regrets. She tried to tell herself she hadn’t expected a declaration of undying devotion. That she hadn’t expected him to fall madly in love with her.

But she had lied to herself.

She wanted his love. She ached with her own love for him. Wished she was free to tell him, to touch him when she wished, to close the door when just the two of them were in a room and kiss him silly.

But that was the fantasy. He never gave a hint he wanted anything beyond a one-night stand.

And that was not who Jordan was.

Last night had been a magical evening out of time. But reality resumed. They had a flight to Dallas to catch, and would be back at the ranch before dinner.

She’d called a few moments ago and spoken with Caleb. He was her primary concern. Love for her son filled her heart. She’d cherish her memories of Los Angeles, but move on as she had when she’d discovered Caleb’s father’s perfidy.

How soon before Penny returned? Before she’d leave and never see Cade Everett again? How would she bear walking away without a backward look?

But it beat being around him and knowing he was not for her.

Why couldn’t he love her as she loved him?

Yet how could she ever compete with a dead woman? The perfection of that relationship couldn’t compare with her and the baggage of her past.

Ready at the designated time, Jordan wore her new suit, as if donning armor to aid in her defenses. She wouldn’t hint at the turmoil that roiled inside her. She was his temporary secretary and would act the role. Determined to carry it off, she stepped into the sitting room.

Cade stood near the window, studying the view. The famous Los Angeles smog had returned, the hazy air shimmering in the early morning heat. He turned when she entered, and Jordan was glad she’d dressed in her new role when she saw the remote expression on his face.

“Ready?” he asked.

At her nod, he lifted the phone and called for a bellman and requested a cab.

“I called Caleb,” she said as they waited awkwardly. Fiddling with the strap on her handbag, she glanced out the window, finding that easier than facing him.

“He’s doing well. Says nothing hurts anymore, and he wants to go riding.”

“Once the doctor gives the go ahead, we’ll see about putting him up on a gentle mount.”

She nodded, wondering if they’d still be at the ranch when the bandages came off. She mustn’t forget their stay there was so temporary.

“Jordan—”

A knock at the door interrupted Cade’s statement. The bellman had arrived to take their luggage.

Any private conversation was impossible from then on. In no time, they were dropped off at the curb at Los Angeles International Airport. Once they were through the security checks, Cade suggested they get something to eat, since their flight departure was still more than an hour away.

Jordan had no appetite, but since they hadn’t eaten since dinner last night, she knew she had to give the appearance at least.

The trip home seemed endless. Jordan took two magazines on the plane with her and read them from cover to cover. Cade seemed no more eager to talk about last night than she did, engulfing himself in work, using the in-flight phone to touch base with the Dallas office and reaffirm some decisions made in Los Angeles.

Once in his car, she feigned sleep to avoid any conversation. She knew it was cowardice, but she couldn’t help it. She needed to gain some distance before she could deal with the situation.

Of course, she’d feel totally different if he gave the slightest sign that she was someone special to him. But from his demeanor today, she deduced he had regrets at suggesting the liaison. His remote attitude drove her crazy, and she refused to open the discussion for fear of what she might say or hear.

Once home, she almost ran to Caleb’s bedroom. Hugging him when she dashed into the room, she felt her world stabilize. Here was her reality. Not some fairy tale dream come true with Cade, but her precious son who needed her and whom she loved so much.

“I missed you, Mommy,” Caleb said.

“I missed you, too, sweetheart.”

She shrugged out of her suit jacket and tossed it over the end of the bed, perching beside Caleb.

“Tell me all you did.”

“Hi, Cade,” Caleb said.

Jordan looked at the man leaning casually against the doorjamb. Her heart caught as it normally did every time she saw him. She hadn’t expected him to follow her.

“Hi Caleb. How are you doing?”

“I’m almost all better. Aunt Amelia said if I had any more energy, they’d have to bottle it to sell.” He almost bounced on the bed. “Rosita has games we played. Candyland is my favorite—only you don’t get any real candy. And there’s Chutes and Ladders. Her grandchildren play them and so I got to, too. And Aunt Amelia taught me how to play Go Fish. Can we play cards, Mommy? I’m really good. Aunt Amelia said I’m a natural.”

Jordan nodded and laughed at his exuberance, all the while conscious of Cade’s brooding presence in the doorway. She flicked a glance at him from time to time, wondering what he was thinking. She hadn’t expected him to stay through Caleb’s recitation. And his expression was anything but comfortable. But he didn’t leave.

“Sounds like so much fun. We’ll have to get cards to take home with us,” she said, wondering where she could also find the games. Maybe at a store in town. Otherwise, she’d have to wait until they returned to South Beach.

“I’m sure we have a few decks lying around. Caleb can have a couple,” Cade said.

Jordan looked at him, struck by how lonely he looked. Standing in the doorway as if looking in on something, he couldn’t quite join.

She longed to ask him to come sit on the bed, to tell Caleb about their trip, but dare she? If she did, what would he think? That she was trying to make more of their relationship than there was? Or did he just want to be included?

“Come in and tell Caleb about card games you played as a child,” she said, daring to try.

For a moment she thought he’d join them. Then he straightened.

“I have work to do,” he said, turning to leave.

Jordan’s heart sank. She had hoped.

“Mommy, I got to play with a dog. Mr. Murray brought him in. Rosita didn’t like it, but Aunt Amelia said it was all right. He didn’t have a tail, but he wiggled all the time, and licked me.”

“I wish I had been here. Did you like the dog?”

She tried to focus on Caleb’s animated descriptions of the cattle dog who had visited, but part of her wondered about Cade. Had he gone to change? Would he head for the office? Or just close himself away in the study?

Already the trip to Los Angeles was fading.

Amelia waited for Jordan to join her in the dining room before beginning dinner. Jordan still wore the skirt and blouse from the flight and was pleased Amelia liked it.

“Not as feminine and flowery as the dresses you like,” Jordan said, slipping into her place at the table.

“Ah, I do like my frilly dresses,” Amelia said with a satisfied smile. “But they’re not for everyone. That outfit suits you and makes you look older, more mature. How did you fare in Los Angeles? It’s been an age since I was there. If we had all gone, we could have taken Caleb to an amusement park while Cade worked.”

“I went to help Cade,” Jordan reminded her gently.

When Rosita entered carrying a platter of roast beef surrounded by new potatoes, Jordan smiled at her.

“I hear I have you to thank for hours of fun Caleb had playing board games.”

“He’s a delightful child. If he’s here when my grandchildren come to visit, they will play well together.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Amelia asked. “And as soon as the bandages come off and they make sure his eye set, he’ll be rearing to go. Jack said he could help groom one of the gentler horses, if that is okay with you, Jordan. I don’t see why not. Vicki had her own pony by this age, though she didn’t take care of it all by herself. That would be too much for a child, only four. But she could ride with a lead and loved to visit and talk with that pony. And feed it carrots. Remember, Rosita?”

“Indeed, I do, Se?orita. I will bring the rolls.”

Cade’s place had been set, but he hadn’t arrived.

“Caleb said you taught him how to play Go Fish,” Jordan said as they ate.

“Vicki loved to play card games on a rainy day. She and Marissa or she and Cade or all three of them. Especially in the wintertime when Cade didn’t work outside, or have to go into Dallas. They’d fix popcorn and spend the afternoon in front of the fire.”

The older woman grew pensive.

“I shall always miss them. They went far before their time.”

Jordan nodded, wondering if that was what Cade had seen at Caleb’s bedroom door—an echo of the times he and his wife played cards with their daughter. No wonder he hadn’t wanted to come in and join them.

It was obvious he didn’t plan to join them for dinner, either. Jordan tried to ignore the empty place, tried to focus on what Amelia was saying, but in her mind she felt sadness for the man. If there was only something she could do to ease the pain of his loss.

The next morning, Jordan dressed in her usual jeans and pullover top. She had work to do. She refused to dwell on fantasies that remained out of reach.

When she entered the office, she stopped in surprise. An immaculately groomed woman sat behind her desk. She looked up when Jordan entered.

“You must be Jordan Carhart.”

“And you’re Penny.”

Jordan’s heart dropped. There had been no warning. Penny had returned as unexpectedly as she’d left.

“Cade rode out early this morning. I arrived just before he left,” Penny said.

She glanced around the desk.

“You have done adequately in my absence. Of course, he told me you weren’t trained in secretarial work, which explains a lot.”

Jordan flushed with embarrassment. She’d done her best. Cade had no complaints once she mastered the computer and phone. But she knew she’d never achieve all his paragons of a personal assistant had. And now Penny had returned.

“I hope things are all right here. And that your mother has recovered,” Jordan said.

“The filing’s up to date and the correspondence logged. I’ll find my way around. My mother’s recovering. Her sister is going to stay with her. So I’ve returned.”

It was a dismissal, loud and clear.

“I’ll be at the house. Let me know if you can’t find anything,” Jordan said, turning around abruptly and retracing her steps head held high.

There was no reason to remain on the ranch or in Texas beyond tomorrow when Caleb had the bandages removed. Their doctor in Florida could well take care of him over the next few months. Thanks to Cade’s generosity, Jordan still had most of her surgery funds, which should cover medical follow-up expenses.

Of course, there was still the matter of owing him for the operation, but she’d deal with that once she was back home and sure about a job. Maybe she could work out a repayment plan. It’d only take two or three lifetimes at her wages. Still, something might turn up.

After Penny’s comments, however, she might reevaluate her desire for office work. Maybe she wasn’t cut out for that after all.

She entered the house and went up to her room. The lilac room, not the rose room, which might have made her look flushed. She smiled sadly, remembering Amelia’s convoluted conversation that first day. She’d miss her so much.

Drawing her suitcase from the back of the closet, she began to pack. She’d take care of Caleb’s clothes next and they could drive to Dallas in the morning, have the surgeon check him and then head for Florida. With any luck, her old car wouldn’t break down on the return trip and they’d be home within a few days.

She’d have to call Joe and see if she still had a job. Once home, she planned to look into community college courses in business. She enjoyed working in an office. If she could find the time, she’d like to learn more.

Gently folding her business suit, she brushed her fingers over the soft material. It’d be perfect for interviews once she had some skills. Every time she wore it, she’d remember Cade and their whirlwind trip to Los Angeles.

Would Cade give her a reference?

“What are you doing?”

Cade stood in the doorway, holding a Stetson in one hand. His jeans were dusty, his boots muddy. Jordan could smell horses and cattle from where she stood. And her heart flipped over.

“Packing. Penny’s back.”

“I saw her before I went out to check on the bore that’s giving us trouble. She said you had come to the office, but she hadn’t needed help.”

He looked at the opened suitcase. “Leaving?”

“I thought it best. You don’t need me anymore now that Penny’s here. I’ll take Caleb into Dallas tomorrow for the follow-up visit to the surgeon, then head for home.”

He stared at her for a long moment.

Jordan wanted to fidget under his gaze, but held onto her composure. Unable to meet his eyes, however, she resumed folding and packing.

“Don’t go.”

Cade said in such a low voice she thought she had imagined it.

“What?”

She looked up. He was studying the carpet.

“Don’t go. Stay here. We’ll find something for you to do.”

She hadn’t imagined it.

“Like what? I’m no cowboy. And we both know I was a makeshift secretary. I’d need more training if I wanted to do that full time. You don’t need more than Penny here. Each office has a full staff. There’d be nothing for me to do.”

“We’ll find something.”

“I can’t stay. We’ve imposed enough.”

And she didn’t want to feel like a charity case. She hoped she’d pulled her weight at the office. But there was nothing left for her to do.

“You haven’t imposed. Caleb likes it here. Amelia enjoys having him around. He’s almost old enough to have a pony.”

“Which I can’t afford.”

Why was he making it so hard?

“But I can,” Cade said.

She shook her head at his stubbornness and arrogance. Just because he could, didn’t make it right for her to accept.

“We are already in your debt for the operation.”

“You helped me out when I needed it. Consider us even.”

Jordan didn’t consider them anywhere close to even, but she would not argue with him. Once home, she’d figure out how much she could pay each week and send the money.

“You didn’t get to go to college. Stay and take some classes. See if you still want to be an architect. Caleb can start school in Tumbleweed in the fall. Amelia and Rosita could watch him afternoons.”

“Cade, I can’t stay. I don’t have a job, no income. My savings won’t last for long, and I can’t let you foot the bill for my schooling.”

Caleb’s operation was one thing. She’d do anything for her son, even swallow her pride. But Cade was talking about something totally different now.

“You could stay and go to college if you married me.”