CHAPTER 25

RJ Steele was a surprise. Maybe Georgie had expected some version of J. R. Ewing because of his initials and the Dallas connection. Instead she discovered an easygoing guy who was nice to look at but not strikingly handsome. Still, he had a presence about him, a quiet confidence that was very appealing.

He wore a white dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, jeans, and loafers. She couldn’t tell designer from discount, so they could have been wildly expensive and she’d never know. His dark-brown hair had been cut in a salon, but plenty of men who weren’t rich had similar haircuts.

In short, if no one had told her he was fabulously wealthy, she never would have guessed. She thought he might want it that way. His gray eyes were friendly, not piercing as she would have expected from a wheeler-dealer. She liked him.

So did everyone else who came into the saloon. Sadie’s was doing a good business this evening, obviously because the word was out that the rich dude was in town. Most of the residents had wandered in and out of Sadie’s in the past hour, with the exception of Vince. Georgie hadn’t seen him at all. It was the dinner hour, and she couldn’t believe he’d eaten and left.

RJ sat at a table with Charmaine on his right and Georgie on his left. They had drinks and fries while they waited for their order. They tried to hold a spot across from RJ for Anastasia, who was working on the mural, but people kept dropping into her designated seat to chat with RJ.

“I apologize,” Charmaine said during a break in the parade. “Bickford is a small town so of course everyone knows who you are and they want to meet you.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I do, though. I don’t want you to get a bad impression of the place.” Charmaine was certainly holding up her end. She was easily the most beautiful woman in the room and maybe in the county.

She’d styled her hair so most of it was on top of her head but little curls hung artfully over her temples and dangled down her graceful neck. Her low-cut purple tee showed off her cleavage without being trashy, and her jeans were snug without looking painted on. Georgie tried to get a fix on whether RJ was dazzled by Charmaine. No telling what it took to impress someone like him. He might be pretty jaded by now.

If he was dazzled, he was playing his cards close to his vest. He seemed perfectly relaxed as he sipped his draft. He hadn’t even requested an imported beer. “I like talking to everybody,” he said. “I grew up in a small town, so I know how exciting a newcomer can be.”

“Which small town?” Georgie liked the idea that he hadn’t always been a big-city guy. That might explain why he fit into the atmosphere of Sadie’s so easily. “Was it in Texas?”

“Yes, but you wouldn’t have heard of it. It’s gone, now. I was too late to save it.”

Georgie turned in her chair. It was a subject dear to her heart. “Why too late?”

“By the time I had enough money to make a difference, it was too far gone. The most historic buildings had either burned down or been hopelessly trashed by vagrants.” He glanced around Sadie’s. “This hotel and saloon remind me of the one they had there. I was hoping it would.”

“Hoping what would?” Ida plopped into Anastasia’s vacant chair. “Pleased to meet you, by the way. Ida Harrington, at your service.”

“RJ Steele.” He shook her hand.

“I know who you are. We all do. So what were you hoping for when you came to Bickford, Mr. Steele?”

“Please call me RJ.”

He’d told everybody that, which made Georgie smile. Apparently he considered everyone his friend until proven not to be. She liked that, too.

“RJ, then,” Ida said.

“I was hoping to find exactly what is here,” he said. “A town full of good people in bad financial circumstances through no fault of their own. But more than that, it’s a town with a plan. That’s important. You’re not sitting around moaning about your lousy luck.”

“Oh, but we used to,” Ida said. “You should have been here before the cowboys showed up, specifically one certain cowboy.” She winked at Georgie.

“Oh?” His eyebrows lifted. “Maybe I need to hear about these cowboys.”

Ida related the story with far more drama than it required, in Georgie’s opinion, although she was pleased that Ida gave Vince so much credit. He became the hero of Ida’s tale, but she couldn’t resist casting Georgie as the heroine. “Between the two of them, they kicked this plan into high gear,” Ida said. “And furthermore, I look to see them get hitched one of these days.”

Georgie panicked. “Ida, that’s not—”

“Really?” Charmaine turned a startled glance on Georgie.

“No, not really. We’re not even dating.” Technically they never had. Meeting for sex every night wasn’t her idea of dating.

“But he’s here, right? I mean he has to be in town if he’s the trail boss. But where is he? Except for RJ and Ike, all I’ve seen are old . . . I mean, older guys.”

“I don’t know,” Georgie said. “Like I mentioned, we’re not dating, so I don’t keep track of his activities.”

Ida gave her a hard stare. “You two had a fight, didn’t you?”

“No! We’re perfectly friendly . . . friends.” Her cheeks felt hot, which wasn’t helping.

Ida reached over and patted her hand. “It’ll work itself out, honey. You’re both under pressure because the first trail ride is this weekend. Once you get past that, you’ll be fine.”

“Ida . . . Never mind.” She could see that she’d only make things worse if she kept protesting. Ida hadn’t lived to be ninety-four without learning a bit about human nature. She knew that Georgie was more than friends with Vince, whether she had any real evidence or not.

Charmaine glanced toward the outside door of the saloon and drew in a sharp breath. “Is your cowboy tall, with broad shoulders and really blue eyes?”

“Um, yeah.” She didn’t bother to correct the your cowboy part of that. It seemed that Vince had just walked in. Her heart began to pound.

“Georgie, if you’re not dating him, then you have rocks for brains. He’s . . . perfect for you.” She glanced quickly at RJ. “Not my type, but my sister likes rugged, and this guy is rugged.”

“No, I don’t.” She wondered where Charmaine was getting this. She’d never discussed her preferences with her stepsister.

“Yes, you do. I distinctly remember you saying that you like rugged cowboy types when you frog-marched me home from Sadie’s that night.”

“I didn’t, either.” She was developing a headache.

“Yes, you did. I think it was because you’d had some wine and people say stuff they wouldn’t normally say when they’re a little sloshed, right, RJ?”

He smiled. “Right.”

Georgie wanted to crawl under the table. “Listen, could we drop the subject, please? I’m sure RJ doesn’t want to hear about any of this old history.”

“On the contrary. I’m highly entertained.”

“Me, too.” Ida settled back with a wide grin. “Do go on.”

Charmaine leaned toward RJ. “See, they used to have live music in Sadie’s, and I was slightly underage but I sneaked in, hoping Georgie wouldn’t notice me. She was dancing with someone, and on the way home she said that guy turned her on but she wished he didn’t. And he was rugged, like the cowboy who just came in.”

“Charmaine, I’m begging you. Stop.”

“Okay, but that’s what happened, which is why I know your type.” She glanced over toward the bar where Vince had perched on a stool. “In fact, he looked a lot like . . . wait . . . that’s him. It’s the same darned guy you were dancing with that night!” She lowered her voice. “That’s Vince.”

Apparently she’d said it loud enough that he heard, because to Georgie’s horror, he glanced over his shoulder.

The humiliation wasn’t going to end, either, because Ida called out to him. “We’re talking about you, Vince. Come on over and say hello to Charmaine and RJ.”

Georgie sat like a rabbit trying to blend into its surroundings. She yearned to be invisible. She’d totally lost control of the situation, and she was going to kill her sister the minute they got home. She didn’t remember spilling her secrets to Charmaine, but she’d been a little tipsy from wine and high on the thrill of dancing with Vince. She’d probably done it and now she was paying the price.

Vince slowly unfolded his long legs and stood. As he ambled over to the table, he adjusted the tilt of his Stetson. He must have just finished working with the horses, because he was sweaty and dusty. And unshaven. From the looks of him, he hadn’t shaved since . . . since right before midnight.

Heat sluiced through her veins and warmed her skin. She tried to blame it on embarrassment, but it was more than that. Watching this sexy cowboy walk toward them, his blue eyes more brilliant than ever in contrast to his beard and a thin layer of dust, made her squirm in her seat.

Rugged didn’t begin to describe Vince Durant. He was the hard, strong, yet vulnerable man of her dreams. She longed for him to throw her over his shoulder and carry her off into the sunset, then make love to her until dawn. She didn’t give a damn about the stubble, either. Some men were worth a little razor burn.

RJ stood and offered his seat. “Won’t you join us? I can get another chair.”

“No, thanks. I came straight from the stable and I didn’t expect to be socializing.” His gaze flicked briefly to Georgie. “I’ll just grab a quick beer at the bar and go upstairs to shower.”

RJ took the rejection in stride. “Then I’ll just introduce myself. I’m RJ Steele. And I guess you know Charmaine. And of course Ida and Georgie.”

“Good to meet you, Steele.” Vince clasped his hand. The men were about the same height, but Vince’s hat gave him an advantage. He nodded at Ida and Georgie in turn. “Glad to see you both.”

Georgie tried not to be irritated that he’d given exactly the same greeting to Ida that he had to her.

Then his gaze settled on Charmaine. “It’s been a few years, Charmaine. I hear you’re coming out with us on Saturday.”

“I am. I didn’t think you’d remember me. I was only a senior in high school that night I snuck into Sadie’s.”

Vince smiled. “A mighty pretty senior, as I recall.”

“Thank you.” Charmaine flushed with pleasure. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“You made an impression. But I think that’s the only time I saw you.”

“Mama had a hissy-fit over me coming down here, so I promised to keep away from Sadie’s. Come August, she shipped me off to college.” If Georgie hadn’t spent so much time with Vince, she would have thought he was flirting with Charmaine. But she knew him well enough to see the automatic charm being turned on for the benefit of a woman who would appreciate it. It was a sweet gesture.

“A lot of guys were upset that Georgie dragged you out of Sadie’s that night. My friend Mac, in particular.”

“I’m sorry.” Charmaine sounded genuinely distressed. “I’m afraid I don’t remember which one he was.”

“He remembered you. Wondered where you were now.”

“That’s very flattering. I’m working in Dallas as a personal shopper.”

“Georgie told us. Mac was sorry he missed you when he was here a few weeks ago. Next time I see him, I’ll tell him you’re prettier than ever.”

“Goodness!” Charmaine waved a hand in front of her face. “You’re making me blush.”

“Then my work here is done.” Vince winked at her. “If y’all will excuse me, I’ll go drink my beer and then get cleaned up.”

“Look for me when you come back down,” RJ said. “I’d like to discuss a few things with you about the trail ride.”

“Absolutely.” Vince tipped his hat. “Ladies.” Then he turned and went back to his barstool.

The minute he was gone, Charmaine grabbed Georgie’s arm. “Are you out of your mind? He’s gorgeous. And so well-mannered. I think it’s fate that he’s back here after all these years.”

Georgie had had about all she could stand. Her head was killing her, so she didn’t have to fake her excuse. “Y’all, I hate to be a party pooper, but I’ve got a massive headache. I’m going to head on home and get some rest.”

“Aw, Georgie, I’m sorry.” Charmaine’s green gaze was filled with sympathy. “I’ll walk you home.”

“No, please. Don’t do that. Stay here and have fun. You and Anastasia can represent the family.”

“Okay.” Charmaine glanced at RJ and Ida. “If y’all don’t mind, I’ll step outside with Georgie. I have a couple of things I wanted to mention to her. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t hurry,” Ida said. “I’ll be happy to entertain our honored guest. Maybe he’ll give me some stock tips.”

Despite the pounding in her head, Georgie got a kick out of that. “I hope he does, Ida.”

Charmaine wrapped an arm around Georgie’s waist as they headed outside. “I’ll bet your headache is my fault for revealing your deep dark secrets.”

“It’s okay. Things between Vince and me are . . . complicated.”

“I can tell, and I should have kept my mouth shut. I’m not always good at that.”

The cool air felt wonderful and Georgie took a deep breath once they were out the door.

“I won’t keep you here because I know you’re hurting,” Charmaine said. “But I wanted to say something and I don’t dare when we’re at the house.”

As Georgie faced her, she couldn’t imagine what was coming next. Charmaine had turned out to be a series of surprises.

“First of all, I know how hard you’re working to keep this family together, and I know a lot of money’s being shoveled in my direction.”

Georgie blinked. She hadn’t expected that. “Well, your mother wants—”

“Not just her. So do I. You’re good at running the store and fixing things around the house, but I’m not good at any of that. I am good at getting men to like me, though, and as I’ve said, I can love a rich man as well as a poor one.”

“Are you absolutely sure about that?”

“I am.” She said it with conviction. “It may take me a while, but I’ll make this work. See, I have a plan. I’ll find a rich husband like Mama wants me to do, but that’s not the end of it.”

“It’s not?”

“No, because I know she’s liable to sell the house and the store out from under you once she doesn’t need that income. Any idiot could see that coming. She doesn’t give two whoops about them, but you do. It’s your heritage.”

Georgie swallowed. “I try not to think about the fact she could do that.”

“You don’t have to, because I’ve got it all figured out. When I find Mr. Right, I’ll make a deal with him that he’ll buy the house and the store, which will delight her. Then we’ll deed both of them over to you.”

Georgie stood openmouthed.

“It’s a good plan, right?”

Tears filled Georgie’s eyes. “It’s a great plan, but if you find the right guy, I can’t ask you to just give me back the—”

“Of course you can. We’re family, and family looks out for each other. You deserve to have those properties. God knows you’ve worked hard enough to earn that right. Now go home and take care of your headache.”

Now it was Georgie’s turn to give Charmaine a big hug. “I had you all wrong, Charmaine. You’re amazing.”

Her sister laughed. “You didn’t have me all wrong. I was a brat when I lived here. But people grow up, you know.”

“Guess so.” Georgie sniffed. “Thank God.”

“No kidding. The way I used to be, I would never have caught a rich husband. I’d better get back in there. I don’t know if RJ is the one, but he’s a nice guy.”

“Yes, he is. But I want you to be in love. Promise me you won’t marry anybody just for the money. That’s wrong.”

“I never intended to do that. I’m not that noble. But I’ve seen Cinderella a million times. I honestly believe that someday my prince will come.”

“Mine already did.”

“You mean Vince. I totally agree with you there. He’s a cutie.”

“No, not Vince. My horse.”

Charmaine started laughing. “That’s so you, Georgie. I never thought of the fact you’d named him Prince.”

“He’s big, he’s strong, and he never lets me down.”

“Yes, but he can’t warm your bed at night. Keep looking for a human prince, okay?”

“If you insist.”

“I do. We both deserve to be happy. Shoot, we all do, including Anastasia.” She gave her another quick hug. “’Night, sis.”

Georgie smiled. “Same to you, sis.” She didn’t know what would happen with Vince, but this sister situation was working out better than she’d ever hoped it would.

As she walked home she gazed up at the night sky. “Thanks, Dad.”