The Rodeo Man's Daughter

“Really? C’mon.” She pushed open the screened door to let him in, then she turned and raced through the foyer. “Hey, guys,” she yelled at a level that could quiet an arena without a bullhorn. “You won’t believe who’s here!”

He stepped into the foyer.

And found Tess staring at him.

She looked good in a tight-fitting Western shirt, almost a twin to his own, but more feminine in pink with a rose at each shoulder. He couldn’t resist getting a full look at her snug jeans and brown cowboy boots.

Eventually, he worked his way up again to confront her unblinking gaze. He had frozen in the act of removing his Stetson. Dang. He was here to impress the woman, not stand gawking at her. Hurriedly, he swept his arm across his waist and bowed. “Well, hey. Didn’t see you standing there, ma’am.” He gestured between them. “The way we’re dressed, we might almost be related.”

Her mouth taut, she said nothing.

He frowned. “Aren’t you going to welcome me in?”

She took a deep breath and let it out in an exasperated sigh. “I think someone already did.”

CONSCIOUS OF Caleb behind her, Tess hurried across the foyer and into the dining room. She had deliberately steered him away from the opposite side of the house, where Nate and her friends had claimed the living room. That was the last place she wanted him to go, and Nate was the last person she wanted him to see.

“Why don’t we take a look at what I’ve pulled together,” she said over her shoulder, “and then we can be on our way.”

Or with luck, Caleb could leave on his own.

If she took care of all their business here and now, they might skip going out altogether. And if that didn’t work, maybe she could at least avoid a tour of the town with him until absolutely necessary.

Still shaken by his greeting, she plopped down into a chair at the long central dining table and waved at the empty seats. Her briefcase rested on the chair beside hers, where she felt thankful to have it as a barricade. “I didn’t expect you to stop in,” she said. “I thought we would just hit the road.”

Let him think she hadn’t a worry in the world about going out alone with him.

“Seems like your daughter had different ideas. She’s got the notion of Southern hospitality down pat.”

She froze, a file folder half out of her case. “Meaning, I haven’t?”

He considered. “Your welcome was on the cold side, wouldn’t you say?”

“I’m not used to having people in my home, uninvited.” That was rude. And so untrue. Sort of.

“Thought we settled the invitation part of it.” He eyed the smaller tables scattered in various parts of the room. “And looks to me like you’re used to feeding a herd. I saw the sign outside. How’s business?”

“Fine. But it’s not my concern.” He’d sounded surprised about the house’s transformation and looked at her now with his eyebrows raised. “My mother owns the bed-and-breakfast. I just happen to live here.”

“With Nate.”

“Yes, of course, with Nate.” She fought not to grind her teeth.

“And with your mother, of course. And your granddaddy.”

“No, my grandfather passed away a couple of years ago.” She had no idea why he would care, but he seemed oddly surprised by the news.

“Well,” he said, “surely you know if there are guests around the house or not.”

She shrugged. “I’m too busy working to pay much attention.”

“The real estate business keeps you hopping, huh? Never would have thought that, myself.” He gave her a piercing glance. “Guess I was right—things have changed around town.”

An even more touchy subject. “Some things,” she said tightly. Years ago, she could never have let him into this house. Would never have been able to face the consequences. She only wished he wasn’t here now. Part of her did, anyway.

Another part of her felt remorse. For Nate’s sake, she wished she could be nicer to him, could forgive him for the past. At the thought, she hardened her heart. Would Caleb feel any remorse for the way he had treated her?

“How many years has it been?” he asked. “About nine? Ten?”

With his questions, all thoughts of forgiveness fled her mind.

“About,” she muttered. She could tell him how long it had been since they’d last seen each other, down to the day. To the hour.

She folded her arms across her chest as if that could protect her. Too late. His questions had already triggered a whole list of thoughts she wanted—needed—to stay away from.

“This place never was an inn before,” he said thoughtfully. “What made your mother go into business for herself?”

“As I told you, my grandfather died. He left the house to her, and she decided to start the bed-and-breakfast.” Short and sweet and all he needed to know. She needed to get him out of here. “Now, if you don’t mind, we’ll concentrate on your business. I’ve got—”

Nate and her friends rushed into the room, their sneakers screeching on the polished floor as the girls skidded to a stop beside the table.

Tess’s heart sank.

“Caleb—” Nate shot a glance at Tess. “He said I can call him that, Mom.” She turned back. “Can you stay and have supper with us?”

“No, I don’t think—” Tess began.

“C’mon, Caleb,” Nate urged, her unblinking gaze on him showing she obviously hadn’t even heard Tess’s words. “We’re having a sleepover. We’re gonna grill hot dogs and burgers, and Gram’s making potato salad.”

“Yes, I am. The best red-potato salad you’ll find this side of the Mississippi.”

At the sound of her mother’s voice, Tess swallowed a groan and looked across the room.

Just inside the doorway stood Roselynn and Aunt Ellamae, wearing smiles as alike as rows of kernels on a corncob. Tess eyed them warily. With those two, you could never know what to expect next. Just like Nate, as a matter of fact. “Caleb and I have some paperwork to take care of,” she told them.

“Oh, sugar.” Southern sweetness dripped from Roselynn’s words. “You worked hard all day. Surely that can wait.”

“Yeah,” Ellamae added. “At least till after the fresh-made pecan pie.”

Caleb grinned, and he glanced from one eager face to another—all six of them. With great effort, only Tess kept her expression carefully neutral.

“Ladies,” he said, “I don’t see how I can rightly refuse an invitation like that one.”

Nate took him by the hand, and he rose to his feet.

Tess’s eyes stung. Her heart sank even lower.

“C’mon,” her daughter said. “Let’s go out back by the grill.” As she led him away, she added in a hoarse whisper, “Maybe you can do the burgers. Mom always burns ’em.”