Her Texan to Tame

She wandered around the formal room, looking at beautiful china and sparkling etched crystal in his fruitwood china cabinet.

They moved on to a large room that had to be the most occupied room next to the kitchen and the living area there.

The large family room overlooked the patio and pool. It held a big-screen television, a stone fireplace flanked by bookshelves, family pictures on the walls, comfortable leather furniture. She circled the room and paused in front of a picture box with a large gilt frame. Inside, against black velvet, was what she guessed was an antique pistol. Ryan came to stand beside her.

“That’s an old family heirloom. It’s a Colt revolver in an antique picture box.”

“My dad would be impressed by this.”

“Maybe he’ll see it someday.”

Laughing, she shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Let’s move back to the patio and watch the sun go down.”

“I should go unpack,” she said, her smile disappearing.

“Come sit with me. You can unpack later,” he said, seeing a flicker in her eyes and realizing she was trying to avoid him. That realization might mean she was as aware of him as he was of her. The thought brought another tight clutch to his insides. Both of them were trying to remain professional. If she hadn’t been so hurt, he would toss aside this determination and just have fun.

As they walked toward the patio, she stopped short. “I almost forgot. I have a chocolate icebox pie for dessert.”

He inhaled. “Let’s save it for later unless you want a piece now.”

“Waiting is fine. You sit here on the patio and let me clear the table.”

“I’ll help you in a minute. I want to call Jeb first and tell him to come get some leftovers.”

“You call and I’ll clear,” she said, going into the kitchen.

Ryan pulled out his cell phone to call, watching her as she worked.

“Jeb. We’ve finished dinner, but there’s plenty here. Come get some leftovers and try Jessica’s cooking. You can eat here at the house or take it with you. We’ll be happy to have you stay.”

He listened to Jeb question the “we” part. “That’s right,” Ryan said, trying to avoid letting Jessica know about Jeb’s questions. He listened to his foreman and finally put away his phone. He went inside and gathered dishes from the table to help her. “Jeb’s coming up to get dinner.”

“You’re close with your employees.”

“I suppose I am. I’ve known all of them a long time.” He tilted his head to study her. “You know, you’re not at all like I guessed you’d be when you drove up looking for a job.”

“Neither are you, Ryan. And you’re not who I was hoping to find either, but I know I’m not who you hoped would apply.”

He heard a knock and headed to the door to find Jeb waiting. “You must have jogged all the way here.”

“Ran. I’m hungry. I’ll fill my plate and take it with me.”

“You can sit with us.”

“Evidently you have a new cook.”

“Oh, yes. Wait until you sink your teeth into the roast and the rolls she made from scratch. That’s why I called you, so you can see for yourself.”

“Do tell.” He gave Ryan a sly smile. “This ought to be interesting in the next few weeks.”

“Nothing’s changed. She’s still on the mend and you might as well put out the word about her.”

“Already have. I figured she’d get hired whether she could boil water or not. Howdy, Ms. Upton,” Jeb said as they entered the kitchen.

Jessica smiled at him. “Hi, Jeb. Unless you want me to call you Mr. White, please just call me Jessica.”