Country Lightning

Chapter 11

CJ stopped at the gas station to tank up for the trip to Phoenix. He smiled to himself as he pumped the gasoline, thinking about Jillian and his planned day with her.

A red sports car pulled in behind him as he glanced at the fuel dispenser, the numbers whirring by. His vehicle’s big tank always took a while to fill, but its mpg wasn’t too bad for a truck.

“CJ.” A woman’s voice caught his attention.

He turned to face the gorgeous blonde. “Hey, Mindy.”

She walked over and hugged him, then pulled away and shook her finger. “You haven’t called me.” She stuck out her lower lip. “I’ve been dying to get together with you, but I don’t have your number.”

He never did like to see a grown woman pout or whine.

“Been busy working on the ranch.” He glanced at the number of gallons on the display, his tank almost full.

“I heard you’re selling your ranch to a corporation,” she said.

He almost dropped the nozzle. He shot his gaze back to her. “Where’d you hear that?”

She shrugged. “I have connections, and a good friend mentioned it. The company has big plans, but I didn’t get all the details.” She tilted her head. “So, it’s true?”

CJ clenched his jaw, then forced himself to relax. “I haven’t decided.”

Mindy moved closer to him and rested her hand on his arm. “Bet you’ll be selling it for a pretty penny.”

“It’s not a done deal.” As the lever on the handle clicked and stopped the fuel, he stepped away from her touch. He pulled out the nozzle and put it back in the gasoline dispenser.

She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Just think what you could do with the money.” She waved her hand around them as if to encompass King Creek. “You could get away from this hick town and travel and do whatever you want.”

Heat burned the back of his neck. He’d never considered it a hick town, but the rest of her statement hit close to home.

He pulled his keys out of his pocket as he met her gaze. “I haven’t made up my mind. Keep this between you and me, please.”

Mindy gave him a sly look. “I take it you haven’t told Jillian McLeod?”

His scalp prickled. “It’s none of your concern, Mindy.”

“She’d never leave this place.” Mindy leaned up against his truck. “She’s got that new store and so many relatives you can’t sneeze without bumping into one of them.”

“I’ve got to go.” His voice came out tight and controlled.

“Now me, I can’t wait to get out of here.” She moved closer. “Give me a call, and we can talk it over.”

He gripped his door handle, but she was much too close to open the door. “I’ll see you around.”

She gave her stunning smile, but at that moment, he didn’t know what he’d ever seen in her. He’d forgotten just how conniving she was. “Give me your number, and I’ll call you when I’m looking at my calendar.”

He didn’t know how to get his door open without hitting her with it. “Excuse me, Mindy. I’ve got a date with Jillian, and I’m running behind.”

Mindy narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly. “What do you see in her? She’s plain and happy to be stuck here.”

Anger weighted CJ’s gut like hot lead, but he kept his voice low. “Jillian is one of the most beautiful, kind, caring, and intelligent women that I’ve ever met.” He didn’t add “unlike you,” but it was probably in his tone.

Mindy’s eyes flashed with fire. She knew he’d inferred it and hadn’t taken it kindly. She stepped back, her hands clenched at her sides. “You’ll regret pushing me away.”

She spun and stalked to the sportscar.

CJ closed his eyes a moment and pinched the bridge of his nose. When he opened them again, she backed her car up and zipped to another pump.

He blew out his breath and climbed into his truck, determined to put the woman out of his head. He had more important things to think about, namely the woman he cared about more than anything.

The tension he’d felt from the encounter drained away during the drive, and once again, he was looking forward to spending the day with Jillian.

On Saturday, Jillian had vacillated from the desire to run to the store to ensure everything was running smoothly to being glad to be home and having a day to herself. She hadn’t had a pedicure or manicure in ages, and it was the perfect day for both. She also ordered tickets for the Chicago musical, which she had access to via an app on her phone.

She did check in at her shop once, but her assistant manager, Kristen, assured her she had everything under control.

That evening, she felt relaxed and rather proud of herself for letting go and allowing herself a day off. She’d had her nails and toenails painted a daring lipstick red. She’d selected a slimming black dress with a princess neckline and red heels for her trip to the musical and dinner with CJ. She picked out yellow gold hoops, a heart necklace, and her gold Movado watch. She had a nice, clear purse with a dainty gold strap, where she could keep her phone, ID, and a small wallet since most venues now required see-through bags and purses.

She wandered into the living room fifteen minutes before CJ was due to arrive. Leeann reclined sideways in an armchair, her legs draped over one arm of the chair, her nose in a book.

On the coffee table sat a short crystal vase with a bright bouquet of star lilies, roses, snapdragons, and sunflowers from her shop. She never tired of beautiful flowers.

Jillian plopped in the chair across from Leeann. “What are you reading?”

Leeann lowered the book to her lap. “It’s an assassin novel by David Baldacci. His books are a great way to escape.”

“You loaned one to me a year or so ago.” Jillian sank into the chair. “I enjoyed it. When I can find the time, I need to start reading more often.”

“How are things going with you and CJ?” Leeann shifted in her seat. “Between me working at the hospital and then on my novel in my spare time and you being at work six days a week, we really haven’t had time to chat.”

“He’s everything I ever dreamed of, Leeann.” Jillian couldn’t help but smile. “I have to pinch myself sometimes because I never thought a guy like him could be interested in me.”

“You have got to realize you are beautiful, and you deserve a good man.” Leeann shook her head. “You dated that loser far too long—he didn’t begin to appreciate you enough.”

Jillian waved away the thought of Carl. “He’s history.” She tried to put into words how CJ made her feel. “CJ is so different. He’s loving, caring, considerate, intelligent…”

“All the things the idiot wasn’t.” Leeann smiled.

“CJ thinks I’m beautiful and tells me that all the time.” Jillian nodded slowly. “No one has ever made me feel that way.”

With a huff, Leeann swung her legs down and straightened in her chair. She leaned forward. “You are beautiful, and we’ve all told you that.”

“You have, and I appreciate it.” Jillian brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “But you’re family, and you love me. What else are you going to say?”

Leeann rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Heaven, help me.” She leaned forward again, her forearms braced on her thighs. “I’m glad CJ is telling you that, and you’re listening.”

“He’s said it enough times that it’s starting to stick.” Jillian gave a little smile when her sister rolled her eyes again. “But seriously, Leeann, I think he’s the one.”

“You’re in love with him.” Leeann sat up straight. “I guessed, but I wasn’t sure.”

Warmth spread up Jillian’s neck. “Yes, head over heels.”

“I’m so glad.” Leeann grinned. “But if he hurts you, I’m gonna cloud up and rain all over him.”

Jillian giggled. “Grandma used to say that when we were kids.”

Leeann laughed, too. “I think I’m channeling her. I’ve never said that before.” Then her face turned stern. “But I’m serious. He’d better treat you right and not stomp all over your heart ’cause I’ll stomp on him.”

With all her heart Jillian hoped that CJ did and would continue to care for her, but she didn’t want to voice that thought aloud.

“I won’t be the only one.” Leeann brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. “Our brothers would probably have a thing or two to say to him.”

“I do hope he cares for me like I care for him.” Jillian hesitated. “But if he doesn’t, I’ll move on, and I’ll get over it.” It would probably take a good long while, but she’d survive.

“You’re dressed nicely for a small town.” Leeann cocked her head. “What are you doing today?”

Her insides warm, Jillian smiled. “CJ is taking me to Phoenix. We’re going to the musical Chicago and having dinner at a nice restaurant.”

“I adored the movie.” Leeann brightened. “I would never have taken CJ for a musical kind of guy.”

Jillian shrugged. “He said we could do anything today in the Phoenix area or Tucson, and I told him I’d like to see Chicago at the Arizona Broadway Theatre. He didn’t bat an eyelash and seemed all for it.” She thought about it. “He traveled the world in the Air Force and seems to have enjoyed his travels. He was probably exposed to more in his field than the average cowboy.”

“I can see that.” Leeann gave a slow nod. “Kit was from L.A. and San Francisco, and she has Carter doing things like that, too. And then there’s Tyson and Haylee—they spent a month in Europe.”

“Hard to believe our little sister is going to have a Christmas baby.” Jillian smiled. “As much of a tomboy as she was, I never really thought about her being a mommy.”

“Same here.” Leeann shifted her arms around her knees. “What about you? Do you see yourself as a mom?”

Jillian considered the question. “It’s never been something I’ve given too much thought to.” She waved her hand in the air. “Considering all of the rugrats in our family, maybe I should have, but it always seemed like more of a them thing, not something that I thought about for myself.” She leaned back in her chair. “But when Haylee and Tyson made their announcement, it made me think about my future. Yeah, I do think I want kids someday. How about you?”

“I want a big family like we grew up in.” Leeann’s eyes sparkled.

“Eight kids?” Jillian looked at her, horrified at the thought. “Are you out of your mind?”

Leeann laughed. “Well, maybe not eight, but you never know.”

“Can you imagine our family get-togethers?” Jillian shook her head. “There are already too many kids.”

“By the time I find someone and settle down, I’ll be a full-time novelist.” Leeann looked determined. “I have a three-book contract, and my first book is due out around Christmas. I intend to be able to quit my job within two years.”

“You can do it.” Jillian gave an emphatic nod. “You’ve always been an amazing writer and have what it takes.”

“Thank you.” Leeann smiled. “I appreciate that.”

A knock at the door startled Jillian and Leeann jumped.

Jillian glanced at her watch. “That’s got to be CJ.”

She rose from her chair, hurried to the door, and opened it. CJ stood on the other side of the screen door, his sexy smile rocking her world. She pushed open the screen, and he stepped through the doorway. His dark slacks hugged his thighs and his Western dress shirt molded to his chest and biceps.

“Hi, beautiful.” CJ brushed his lips over hers, then turned to her sister. “How’re you doing today, Leeann?”

She got to her feet. “It’s a beautiful day, and I plan to read for hours. So, it’ll be perfect.” She hugged CJ, surprising Jillian. Although, she shouldn’t be surprised since Leeann was a hugger.

CJ reciprocated and smiled as she stepped back. “Glad to hear it.”

Leeann slid her hands into her back pockets. “I hear you’re going to a musical. Have you gone to many?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve been to a few. Phantom of the Opera in New York City with my mom years ago, and a couple while I was in the Air Force.”

Jillian gave Leeann an “I told you so” look from where she stood, and Leeann smiled impishly back at her.

CJ raised an eyebrow and looked from Leeann to Jillian. “I take it you two don’t think cowboys watch musicals.”

Jillian raised her hands. “Not me.” She nodded in Leeann’s direction. “It’s that girl.”

The corner of CJ’s mouth quirked into a grin. “Glad to disabuse you of the notion.”

“Let’s go.” Jillian hitched her purse strap on her shoulder before hugging her sister.

“Have fun.” Leeann hugged her back. She turned away and faced CJ. “Take care of my big sister.”

“That’s my intention.” He draped his arm around Jillian’s shoulders. “We’ll see you later tonight.”

“Don’t wait up,” Jillian shot at Leeann before stepping through the doorway with CJ.

“Oh, I’ll want to hear all about it,” Leeann said before closing the door behind them.

CJ started down the stairs, which squeaked beneath his boot steps. “Do sisters share everything?”

“Absolutely not.” Jillian shook her head. “But we do share a lot.”

They reached the gate, and CJ held it open for her. “Not having any siblings, I couldn’t tell you anything about it.”

He helped her into his truck, then climbed into the driver’s side. She liked his vehicle”s bright, shiny yellow color but preferred her blue SUV for herself.

CJ gripped the steering wheel and looked over at her. “Are you ready for today’s adventure?”

She nodded. “I’m excited to go to the musical and glad to see it with you.”

“That makes two of us.” He started the engine and headed out of her neighborhood.