Ann entered Dixie's Cuppa Joe with Sarah and stood in line waiting to order. A large glass case showcased luscious pastries.
Sarah sighed, "I adore bear claws and they adore my thighs. But what the hell, I'm forever dieting. I might as well make it worthwhile. What would you like, Ann?"
Ann eyed the apple strudel. "I'm a sucker for anything with apples."
The customer in front of them moved on and Sarah ordered their pastries. "You want a fancy or regular coffee?"
"Just regular, and please, let me pay."
"No way, girlfriend, I invited you." Sarah ordered a house blend coffee and a caramel one for herself.
Ann spotted a vacated table in the busy coffee shop. "You want me to grab that table?"
"Yes. Put our claim on it and I'll bring our order."
After settling into their seats with a view of Main Street's two-lane traffic and cars parked at angles to the sidewalk, Ann opened little packets of hazelnut creamer and poured them into her coffee. Sarah sank her teeth into her bear claw, closed her eyes, and moaned.
Ann grinned at her friend and followed suit with her strudel. "Delicious," she mumbled. Feeling lighthearted and happy to be spending time with Sarah, she said, "Thanks for inviting me."
Sarah sipped her coffee. "We need to do this more often. It's fun to chill."
Ann nodded because her mouth was too full to reply.
Between bites, Sarah asked, "Did Jacob or Julie call you about leaving for Alaska next Sunday?"
Ann dusted crumbs off her lap. "Yes, Jacob said Sage hired one of Jackson's ranch hands to work at the Lazy M until they get back. It's all happening so fast. I'm going to miss them, but I know how much they're looking forward to spending the summer with Maude and Clyde."
Sarah said, "I called Miles to let him know their house is available. He's arriving a week after they leave. He said he's been working like a madman trying to make deadlines and he's looking forward to the change of scenery."
Ann replied, "I just bought his book. If I give it to you, would you ask him to autograph it for me?"
"Of course, but hopefully you'll be able to ask him yourself."
"I don't know. He's kind of intimidating. I'd probably lose my courage."
"I understand where you're coming from. But since I've known him for years, I see a side of him others don't." She looked sad. "He lost the use of his legs in a car accident when he was a teenager and from what I've gleaned, I think he was very athletic and in line for a football scholarship. I met his sister once and she privately told me that he wouldn't leave the house for a couple of years after the accident. Even though he's done well for himself, sometimes I sense his bitterness. But on a happier note, I think every book he's written has been a New York Times Best Seller. His last two novels were made into movies and I understand the one he's working on now is also headed for the big screen."
"How did you meet him?"
"He's friends with Charles and Sissy Johansen. They own Imaginings Publishing and although they only publish Romance novels, the industry is well connected—seems somebody knows somebody, who knows somebody, who knows…somebody." She laughed. "Anyway, I met him at a party at the Johansens. I sat next to him during dinner and I guess I had stars in my eyes because of all the famous authors. In his no nonsense manner he leaned over, raised an eyebrow, and said, 'They put their pants on one leg at a time.' Of course, I was embarrassed by being so transparent, but when I thought about what he'd said, I quickly got over being awe struck. After that, he called to ask my advice on a romance scene he was writing and we've kept in touch."
"I don't think I've read anything about his family. Is he married?"
"No. Although, I think he came close once. He mentioned something in passing but didn't elaborate. Are you interested, Ann?"
Ann felt herself blush. "Goodness, no. Believe me, I don't want to get involved with a man ever again." Images of Jackson laughing, riding his horse, sitting behind his computer, pouring a cup of coffee, filled her mind.
Sarah said, "Hey, there's Dixie. Now you can meet her. Excuse me a sec." She walked to the counter and Ann heard her call Dixie's name. A pretty woman with bouncing sable hair tied back with a scrunchie turned and grinned. A few minutes later, carrying a cup of coffee, Dixie followed Sarah to meet Ann. As soon as introductions were made, Ann instantly knew Dixie was sweet and likeable, nothing like Pritzy.
Dixie said, "I'm happy we're finally meeting. Jacob and Julie come in often and say wonderful things about you. And so does Sarah."
"Thank you. I've heard great things about you, too." Ann's heart sank. She had a feeling Dixie would be perfect for Jackson.
"Looks like business is booming," said Sarah.
"Yes, it always picks up during summer with tourists on their way to sightseeing at the Anasazi ruins. So tell me the latest, Sarah. We haven't talked in ages."
Sarah munched on her bear claw and filled Dixie in about Jacob and Julie trekking off to Alaska. She didn't mention anything about Miles Brightman arriving, however. After that, she said, "Ann is working at Triple T overseeing the main house."
Dixie looked interested. "Jackson was in earlier. He's always so nice." She leaned in. "And sexy as hell."
Ann smiled but felt her heart sink again. It looked like Dixie was interested in him.
On the drive back to Lazy M, Sarah asked, "So, what do you think about Dixie? Should I invite her to dinner with Jackson?"
Ann gazed out the window at cows munching in pastures. "Definitely. She's a lovely person, inside and out."
"Yeah, she's got that girl-next-door look with her freckles and big brown eyes. My only question: How can she be around all those pastries and stay so slim?" Sarah sighed. "Okay, I'll tell Sage you gave her a thumbs-up."
Ann forced a smile.
* * *
Ann nervously rubbed her hands together. The day before had been her one month anniversary at Triple T and she hadn't seen Jackson. Since today was Tuesday, she'd prepared dinner for him. She wondered if he'd tell her she'd passed her trial period or ask her to find other employment. He'd seemed happy with her work, although she'd learned years ago with her husband that she couldn't count on anything. If Jackson didn't bring the topic up, she was going to ask because she loved working at the ranch and needed to know her fate. The buzzer on the oven distracted her thoughts.
She was setting out place mats on the patio table and had her back to the open terrace doors when she heard, "Hello, Annie." Jackson's voice startled her and she whirled around with her hand over her heart.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." He stretched. "The house smells wonderful. I'll take a quick shower."
"Okay." She watched his retreating back and bit her bottom lip. She was such a weenie sometimes. Her grandmother Molly had often lovingly chastised her for being so timid. She'd say, "What the hell, Ann, stand up for yourself." Ann smiled at fond memories, and then chuckled. She'd called Molly a few days earlier and said a hasty goodbye when her grandmother informed her Newt was on the other line.
Ann returned to the kitchen and set the food out buffet style on the island so they could dish their plates and take them to the terrace.
"I'm so hungry my stomach is touching my backbone," Jackson said from the doorway.
"Well, help yourself."
"No, you first."
Jackson was always gentlemanly. On the patio, he set his plate down and then pulled her chair out. She sat and watched a flock of cowbirds land in the pasture.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Oh, quite lovely. I ordered a new light fixture for the mud room and some extra shelving. I got a really good deal at the Ace Hardware."
"Annie, you're a fabulous shopper…and cook," Jackson said between bites.
"Thank you. I enjoy finding sales and cooking. In fact, I've baked cookies for you to take to the men tomorrow. I asked Jim Bob if it was okay and he said they'd love it."
"The hands are still raving about that chocolate cake."
"Uh, Jackson?"
He reached for his iced tea.
"I…ah…was wondering."
He sipped his tea and set it down.
Ann heard Molly's voice in her head. Spit it out, girl.
In a rush, she said, "Yesterday was the end of my one month trial period and I was wondering if you wanted to keep me on. You know, offer the job on a permanent basis if I was a good fit?" She gnawed her bottom lip and looked at her plate.
* * *
Jackson watched Annie chew on her lip. She wanted to know if she was a good fit. The woman was driving him crazy. Everything about her turned him on. She was as timid as a mouse and yet it suited her. He reached across the table and touched his index finger to her hand wrapped tightly around her glass. "Annie, I'm such an idiot. The day you interviewed for the job, I knew it was yours. I just figured you did, too. Yes, the job is yours for as long as you want." He withdrew his hand.
Annie lifted her eyes to his and the smile she gave him practically turned him to ash.
After dinner, he quickly helped clear the dishes and then high-tailed it to his office. He needed to get away from Annie. If he didn't, she'd probably catch on to how aroused she made him and then he'd be up shit creek. Heaven only knew how much she'd had to endure from that low-life husband of hers. The thought of that jerk touching sweet Annie made him sick to his stomach. He switched on his computer to check his latest venture, but mostly to distract his thoughts from Annie's slim curves.
His investment was looking great. Next, he sorted through his emails and read his monthly report from Mitchell Brokerage. He'd made a crap load of money. Good, now he could start remodeling the ranch hands' quarters. He'd wanted to enlarge the game room and add another pool table and card table, maybe even some video games, and now he could.
He checked his calendar and noted his dinner engagement with Sage and Sarah that Friday.
* * *
Ann hated the fact that she was attending the same dinner Sage and Sarah had conspired to get Jackson and Dixie better acquainted at. At first she'd refused when Sarah called begging her to come because they didn't want the dinner to look like what it was—a set up. But, because Ann was wont to deny her friends anything, she had finally agreed and now rode to the Lazy M with Jackson in his big pickup.
He popped a CD in the stereo and George Strait sang I Just Want to Dance with You. He said, "I really like what you've done to the guest room. I think Alligator will feel more comfortable when he visits."
Ann laughed, "Alligator?"
Jackson turned the music down. "Yep, Alligator. His real name is Al Kosky. He's a friend who lives in New York. He was born in the Bronx and he's built like a tank. Nicest guy you'll ever meet, but he scares the crap out of most people because of his size."
"Will he be visiting anytime soon? I'm glad you warned me." Ann chuckled.
"Maybe. He vacations once or twice a year and usually ends up at Triple T for a week." Jackson laughed, "He says that's all the time he can stand bein' around horseshit; excuse my French." The song ended when he pulled into the long drive leading to the Lazy M Ranch. He said softly, "I like that song, Annie."
Ann didn't trust her voice and nodded.
Jackson said, "I'm glad you're coming to dinner, too."
"Thanks." She felt suddenly shy. She wondered if he knew Dixie was going to be there. She got her answer when they pulled in front of the main house and he said, "I wonder whose car that is? Looks like it's not just us for dinner."
Sage opened the door to Jackson's knock. "Hello, Jackson, Ann. Come on in and take a load off. Sarah and Dixie are on the terrace watching a beautiful sunset."
Jackson handed him the bottle of wine he'd brought. "Smells wonderful in here."
Ann agreed, "It certainly does."
"Thanks. Sarah's a great cook." Sage accepted the wine, looked at the label, and quirked an eyebrow. "Niiiccceee." He motioned with the bottle for them to follow him. "Let's join the ladies."
When they entered the terrace through the kitchen, Dixie and Sarah stood to greet them. "Howdy, Ann, Jackson," Dixie greeted warmly.
"Grab a seat," said Sarah.
Ann's heart twisted when she saw how perfect Jackson and Dixie looked together. He'd removed his hat and his golden hair glistened in the fading light. Dixie's pale complexion contrasted strikingly with his dark one, and she was tall and beautifully proportioned. The top of her head reached Jackson's chin, whereas the top of Ann's head barely met his lower chest. Sage motioned Jackson to a chair beside Dixie. Sarah patted the one between her and Sage for Ann.
Ann asked, "Where are the boys?"
Sarah said, "Jacob and Julie wanted to do something with the kids before leaving for Alaska, so they took them to the movies to see the latest 3-D animation flick. It's about a flying horse; something the twins will be talking about from morning 'til night for weeks to come. I suppose we'll have to buy the flying horse toy and all his cohort toys." She glanced at her husband and laughed.
Sage joined her laughter. "I'm preparing myself for the onslaught."
For the next hour, the small group discussed the weather, ranch issues, coffee shop issues, children issues, and a mish mash of other topics. Sarah got up a few times to check on their meal and when she called from the back door that supper would be served in ten minutes, Ann jumped up to help her. While Sarah removed a pot roast simmering with potatoes, carrots, and onions from the oven, Ann tossed the salad.
"What do you think?" Sarah whispered. "Did I do good in matching them up?"
Ann forced a smile. "You did great. They look wonderful together."
"Thanks for coming. I didn't want it to look like a set up, although I think they know it is."
Ann poured some more dressing on the salad. "I wonder if he'll ask her out?"
"Let's hope so," Sarah said with enthusiasm.
"Yeah, let's hope." Ann tried to sound just as enthused, but it came out kind of flat.
"Well, looks like we're ready," Sarah gushed.
* * *
After their guests left, Sage and Sarah washed dishes and discussed the evening. While drying the wine glass Sarah had rinsed and handed him, Sage said, "I'm not sure what our next step should be. It's obvious they've got a hankerin' for each other."
"I know. Every time I looked at Jackson, he was looking at Ann. And she kept trying to appear happy thinking we were matching him up with Dixie. Believe me, I know how she feels. When Chrissy Cabot showed up that first summer, I thought I'd die of jealousy. It didn't help that she was tall, curvy, and gorgeous."
Sage stopped drying the wine glass. "You want to know what I thought when I saw her at the door?"
Sarah nodded.
"I thought, 'What the fuck have I done to deserve this'?"
"Sage!"
"It's the truth. I had been on cloud nine because of our developing relationship—that's a nice way of saying I was on cloud nine because we were sleeping together and you weren't looking at me with daggers anymore."
Sarah reached a wet hand to caress her husband's cheek. "I love you."
Sage tossed his towel down. "What do you say we forego the dishes and do something we're really good at?"
Sarah stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his lips. "I'm always striving to improve myself."
Turning the kiss into a passionate one, Sage said, "Baby, I love you so much."
* * *
Ann needed to get her mind on anything other than how well Dixie and Jackson fit together. As far as set-ups go, the night had been a success. Jackson had laughed and joked in such an easy manner with Dixie that it made Ann green with envy and she hated the feeling. The only good thing was that Dixie was much better suited to him than Pritzy.
Reaching for the book on her nightstand, she decided to lose herself in Honey Kisses.
Fannie ran wildly through the woods. Seeing Johnson with Priscilla speared her heart worse than any physical pain could have accomplished. Inadvertently, while performing her daily task of collecting eggs from the hen house, she had heard voices inside the barn and gone to check it out. Oh, the torment of finding Priscilla with her lips pressed against Johnson's.
"Fannie, wait!" Johnson yelled.
His voice only made her run faster. If he saw her tears, he would realize how deeply she cared for him.
"Please Fannie, stop and listen to me!"
The tree root protruding from the soft soil accomplished what Johnson's pleading could not. She fell roughly on the ground and wind whooshed from her lungs. For seconds she struggled to inhale.
Johnson went down on his knees in front of her. "Don't move until I can make sure nothing is broken." He circled his hands first around one ankle and then the other. In a burst of adrenaline she attempted to jump to her feet and run again.
Capturing her waist in his hands, he dragged her back to his body. With a tortured voice, he said, "Nothing happened with Priscilla. She cornered me in the barn. I don't desire her!"
Fannie stopped struggling against his iron grasp and turned to look into his smoky eyes.
He rasped, barely above a whisper, "I desire you."
Ann fell asleep with the book cradled in her hands.