Country Lightning

Chapter 1

The clerk scanned the form and handed it back to Jillian McLeod. “You filled it out incorrectly.” She pushed another paper across the counter. “Go sit over there, fill out this one, and get back in line when you’re finished.” She leaned to the side and called out, “Next.”

Jillian’s scalp prickled, and she ground her teeth. This was the same woman who had “helped” her out when she’d filled out the licensing form when she first started getting ready to open her shop. Now, here it was, close to opening her dream business, and she’d been told her papers were not in good order.

She turned away, new form clenched in one hand, a stack of papers in her opposite arm. She was so angry, so focused, that she slammed into an immovable force and staggered backward, her papers flying out of her grip and floating toward the linoleum floor.

Strong arms caught her by her upper arms, keeping her from falling on her backside. She shot her gaze up to see warm, sable eyes and light brown hair peeking from beneath a dark brown cowboy hat.

Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.

He looked at her with a concerned gaze. “Are you all right, miss?”

Warmth crept up her neck. “S-sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“To be honest, I wasn’t either.” He smiled, and her belly quivered at the genuine interest she saw there.

Jillian ducked down to pick up her papers, but he crouched and reached them first. He stood, and she rose, and she had to tip her head back to meet his gaze. At five-four, she was the shortest of the McBride family, but she was used to tall men, and this one must have been at least a foot taller than her.

She took the papers he offered her. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Miss.” He held out his hand. “I’m James C. Jameson. Friends call me CJ.” The name sounded familiar, but she was at an Arizona tax licensing office over fifty miles from home, so she had no idea why she thought she’d heard it before.

She took his hand, and tingles raced through her body. Holy crap. It really happened, just like the romance novels she’d read since she was a teenager. Heat flushed over her from head to toe. “I’m Jillian. Family calls me Jill, but to everyone else, I’m Jillian.”

“Jillian is a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” His smile did crazy things to her belly.

She pulled her hand away and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’d better figure this out and get this license form resubmitted before they close. I have a new business that hinges on it.”

“Let me see if I can help you.” He nodded toward the papers. “I have some experience with tax licensing.”

“I’d love some help.” She handed him the papers, glad for a few minutes more to talk to this sexy cowboy. “Thank you.”

She had to hurry to keep up as he took the few long strides to reach the blue plastic chairs along one wall. He waited for her to sit before he eased into the chair next to her.

His body heat radiated from where their shoulders touched. She shifted in her seat and straightened her skirt that hit just above her knees.

“You’re a McLeod from King Creek?” He looked up from the papers and met her gaze. “I think you were just a kid last time I saw you.”

Surprise caught her off guard. “How do you know me and my family?”

“I grew up with your older brothers—I went to school with Colt and Carter. Colt and I rodeoed together as juniors and seniors.” He smiled. “What were you? Ten years old when Colt and I graduated?”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re an old man?” At his amused look, she was afraid she’d just stuck her foot in her mouth like she did sometimes. “I’m sorry. My sisters and I call our oldest brothers that. You must be eight years older than me.”

He gave her another sexy smile that made her toes curl. He had such beautiful eyes and was built long, lean, and muscular. “And now you’re all grown up.”

The look he gave her was one of a man appreciating a beautiful woman, and her face had to be cherry-red. She didn’t think of herself as beautiful, but right then, she felt like it.

Before she could respond, he looked back at the paperwork. “I’d better help you with this before the place closes.” He glanced up at her. “Got a pen?”

“Somewhere in here.” She dug in her purse and finally found one. She handed it to him, and their fingers brushed. A little shiver went through her. Did he feel the same jolt that she had?

“I don’t know why they’re giving you a hard time.” He went through the forms in no time. “You only missed a couple of things.”

She pointed to the stack. “And she said I had to fill out that other form.”

He looked at the form and shook his head. “It’s a form to correct the other form. Just more red tape.” He reviewed it, checked a couple more boxes, and handed them to her. “Sign the bottom of that one, and you should be good to go.”

Jillian blew out her breath. “Thank you.” She got to her feet, and he joined her.

CJ nodded toward the window, where two women now stood. “I’ll help you make sure everything is taken care of.”

She got to her feet, and he joined her. “I’m sure you have more important things to do, CJ.”

“Nah.” He patted his back pocket where some rolled-up papers stuck out. “Already taken care of.” They fell into step as they walked to the clerk’s window. “I had to get my mom’s ranch licenses put into my name.”

They reached the back of the line, and she cocked her head. “I haven’t seen you around town.” She definitely would have remembered him.

“I’ve been in the service for the past twelve years.” He shook his head and let out a long sigh. “Shattered both legs the day before my mom passed away, so I wasn’t even able to make it to her funeral. Ended up being in rehab for nearly six months before I could get here.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She rested her hand on his forearm, his flesh warm beneath her touch. “Your mom must have been Mitsey Jameson.”

He nodded. “Dad died a few years back, so it’s just me.”

Jillian let her hand drift away. “So, now the ranch is yours.”

“Yep.” He gestured for her to go forward. “You’re up.”

CJ accompanied her to the window. The woman looked sourly at her. “Did you get it right this time?”

Jillian was taken aback by her attitude. Something very rude nearly came out, but she bit it back in time. CJ gave the woman a winning smile. “I’m sure everything’s in order now.”

The woman turned her gaze on him. “And who are you?”

CJ settled his arm around her shoulders. “I’m Miss McLeod’s fiancé.”

Jillian shot her gaze to CJ, but he took the papers from her and presented them to the clerk.

The woman sniffed and reviewed the papers. She reached into her drawer, pulled out a stamp, and attacked each form with it. “One moment.” The clerk slid off her stool and waddled to a copy machine, where she fed the pages through.

She lumbered back, handed the copies to Jillian then looked over her shoulder at the clock that said exactly 5:00 p.m.

Jillian sagged against CJ, then straightened in a hurry, his arm still around her shoulders. “Sorry.” She stepped away from his casual hold. “Thank you.”

He grinned at her. “Come on. I’ll take you out for a burger.”

Her belly flipped. “I, well, okay.” She let him guide her out the door, which an employee locked behind them.

When they stood out on the sidewalk in front of the state office building, a strong breeze caught Jillian’s long, dark hair, sending it into her face. She pushed it over her shoulders and stood facing CJ.

“I know of a great place in Tempe by the university.” He inclined his head in that direction. “As for baseball, there are no spring training games tonight, and it’s Arizona State University’s spring break, so the place will probably not be crowded. It’s called Home Plate.”

“I’ve heard of it.” She pulled out her phone and brought it up in her GPS. “Fifteen minutes to get there.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “See you in a few.”

Her heart skipped a beat as she strode toward her electric blue Ford Escape. She’d traded in her car for the SUV once she started working on opening her new business. She glanced over her shoulder and saw him at the door of a big yellow Dodge Ram truck. He cast a look at her and grinned, and she hurried to get into her own vehicle.

Once she was in the Escape, she followed CJ’s truck out of downtown Phoenix and onto the freeway. She was able to keep up with him all the way to Tempe and Home Plate, so she didn’t need her GPS. Parking wasn’t too bad, which was unusual for the college town. She pulled her vehicle next to his in the lot behind the building and killed the engine.

It occurred to her that she didn’t really know this man. She didn’t remember him, which wasn’t surprising. He was much older than her, and she’d been so young when he would have hung around with her oldest brothers.

During those days, she’d had her own little kid concerns, which revolved around Pretty Ponies and Barbie dolls. She hadn’t been a tomboy like her sister, Haylee. She hadn’t been athletic and a barrel racer like Leann. She’d been right in the middle.

Before Jillian even had a chance to open the door to her SUV, CJ was there, opening it for her. She grabbed her purse and took the hand he offered as he assisted her in climbing out of the vehicle.

She smiled at him. “Thank you.”

He put his fingertips at the base of her spine, causing tingles where his touch pressed against her top. He escorted her around the building to the front door.

Spring weather in Phoenix was in the mid-to-high seventies, and today felt lovely. Cooler air swept over her when he opened the door to the restaurant, and they stepped inside.

True to CJ’s statement, the place wasn’t too busy for 5:30 on a Friday evening, with just a few other patrons in the main room and only two seated at the bar. Likely more people would show up as the hour grew later.

The relaxed atmosphere made it look like a great way to unwind after a long day—especially after spending time with a disagreeable county clerk.

He looked down at her as they waited for a hostess. “Would you like to sit at the bar or one of the high-tops?”

She considered his question. Sitting at the bar would be less intimate, which might be a good idea since she’d more-or-less just met him. She nodded in that direction. “The bar sounds good.”

CJ took her hand and led her to the barstools. She climbed onto one of the black leather-covered stools, careful not to let her skirt slide up.

She crossed her legs at her knees as he seated himself. No more than a few inches separated them, and she was incredibly aware of his presence, and her belly fluttered.

He handed her one of the small menus set on the bar top. She took it and perused the limited offerings.

The bartender approached, a beefy woman with her hair thrown up in a messy ponytail. “What’ll you have?”

Jillian pointed to the burger section on the menu. “I’d like the Arizona burger with cheese, curly fries, a glass of Riesling, and ice water.”

“All right.” The bartender turned to CJ. “And you?”

He set his menu on top of Jillian’s. “Same, but with whatever domestic you have on tap.”

“You’ve got it.” The woman turned and entered their orders onto a tablet screen, which presumably sent them to the back.

Jillian turned her gaze to CJ, who was studying her. “So, Desert Blooms.”

The warmth in his eyes eased her nervousness a bit—for a moment she wondered how he knew the name of her new business, then she realized he’d just helped her with her license—duh.

Excitement bubbled up inside her as she thought about her new business. “I officially open my shop and become a florist in a week, just in time for Easter.”

The bartender returned with their drinks and plopped them down before retreating.

“Thanks.” CJ picked up his mug and turned back to Jillian. “What did you do before?”

“I was an accountant for years but got laid off.” She slid her fingers along the stem of her wine glass. “At first, I was worried about the future, but with encouragement from family and friends, I decided to pursue my dream of owning my own business. I cashed out half my 401K and got a business loan, and here I am, almost ready to open my doors.”

He took a swallow of his beer and lowered it to the bar top. “That’s admirable. Why a flower shop?”

“I’ve always had a green thumb.” She paused to sip her wine and continued to hold the glass. “I was in horticulture in 4-H and grew dozens of house plants and had a rose garden.” She sighed as she considered the future. “Next goal is to make enough money to buy my own house and have a rose garden like I did on my parents’ ranch.”

He picked up his mug again. “Why did you decide to be an accountant?”

“I was always into academics in high school.” She shrugged. “I thought one day I’d like to have my own store, so I majored in business. I was fresh out of college and looking for a job when I applied for the accounting position.” She blew out her breath. “Before I knew it, I had been there for years, and I guess it was comfortable working for someone else. Every now and then, I thought about owning my own business, like Haylee, but I guess I didn’t have the courage to go it on my own until I lost my job.”

“Takes a lot of guts to do what you’re doing.” He gave a slow nod. “Not many people have that kind of courage.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Do you live alone, or do you have a roommate?” he asked before taking a swallow of his beer.

“I live with my sister, Leeann.” Jillian shifted on her seat and tugged her dress closer to her knee. “Haylee lived with us until she married her husband, Tyson Donovan.”

CJ lowered his mug and flashed a grin. “Tyson ran around with the younger McLeod boys.”

“Yeah.” She tapped her nails on the bar top. “Brady and Bear.”

“A guy would have to watch his step dating a McLeod woman.” He looked amused. “Facing five older brothers could be intimidating to a man.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “Let’s just say they chased off a lot of boys while we were growing up.”

His eyes seemed to darken a bit, a smoldering brown. “Just know that I’m not easily intimidated.”

A full-scale flush swept over her, and she looked away, relieved to see the bartender arriving with their food. “Oh, good. I’m starving.”

“Here you go.” Light glinted off the woman’s silver nameplate that Jillian hadn’t noticed before, which read, Cassie. She set down two rolls of paper napkin-wrapped silverware, then placed a plate in front of Jill.

“Thank you, Cassie.” Jillian set her wine glass down, smiling at the woman while refusing to look in CJ’s direction. “This looks wonderful.”

Cassie set CJ’s plate in front of him. “Holler if you need anything.”

“Will do.” He pushed his beer mug to the side. “This’ll hit the spot.”

Jillian unrolled the silverware and put the napkin in her lap as she eyed the huge hamburger. “It’s too big for my mouth.” She picked it up with both hands. “But I’m always up for a challenge.”

She took a big bite of the juicy and delicious burger. She felt ketchup roll down her chin, and she hurried to put the burger onto her plate as she chewed and swallowed the bite.

Before she could grab her napkin to wipe off the ketchup, CJ dabbed her chin with his own napkin. “There.” He grinned. “Didn’t want you to get ketchup on that pretty white blouse.”

His touch left tingles behind.

She swallowed away a sudden burst of nervousness. “Thanks.” She looked down at her silky button-up blouse, which had the top two buttons undone. It did expose her cleavage, but she didn’t think it was too much. She met his gaze. “I usually don’t wear white for good reason.”

“Happy to be of service.” He smiled and bit into his own burger.

Jillian ate a crisp, hot, curly fry and watched him from beneath her lashes. When his gaze returned to her, she reached for her Riesling.

CJ downed his bite with a healthy swallow of beer, emptying his mug.

The bartender asked him if he’d like another, and he nodded and thanked her.

Jillian ate more of her burger, curiosity about the man churning in her brain. When she had finished chewing, she turned to him. “How did you shatter your legs?” She took another bite.

“In a parachuting accident during a training exercise.” He shook his head. “Ended my military career.”

He ate a fry, and she swallowed her bite. “Which branch of the service were you in?”

“Air Force.” He picked up another fry. “I was a Pararescue Specialist.” He popped the fry into his mouth and accepted the beer the bartender handed him.

“That sounds intriguing.” She cocked her head. “What kind of work did you do in that capacity?”

He swallowed, shrugged, and dabbed a fry in ketchup. “Rescue military personnel, like Airmen who go down in hostile territory. If they’re injured, a Pararescue Specialist treats them.”

“Sounds terrifying to me.” Jillian shook her head. “I’m grateful to our servicemen and women for what you do to protect our country.”

He smiled and studied her for a long moment. “You’re much too beautiful to have been an accountant.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. His sudden switch in conversation, not to mention his compliment, threw her completely off. “Thank you.” That sounded lame, so she followed it with, “What are accountants supposed to look like?”

His smile broadened. “Horn-rimmed glasses, for starters. The ones with neck chains.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “I do wear glasses, sans the chain.”

He smiled. “I bet you look just as gorgeous with them as you do without. Hell, you’d even look great with horned-rimmed specs.”

She had never been complimented in the way CJ had been flattering her. She didn’t consider herself the best judge of character, especially after having dated the world’s biggest loser, Carl. But she didn’t detect any disingenuousness in CJ. He seemed down-to-earth, honest, and sincere.

If CJ wanted to pursue something, she’d have to introduce him to Leeann—she was a fantastic judge of character.

As if reading her thoughts, CJ leaned in closer. “I’d be happy to talk to your big brothers if I have to because I want a chance to get to know you better.”

Jillian’s heart raced. She’d been gun-shy and hadn’t dated anyone since Carl.

“I don’t need my brothers’ approval, and I’m old enough to make up my own mind,” she said slowly. “I am interested in getting to know you better, too.” She hesitated. “But I would like you to meet my sister, Leeann.”

CJ studied her. “I want you to feel comfortable. We just met a couple of hours ago, and you don’t know me well. It’s been a long time since your brothers and I hung out. I’d be happy to meet up with anyone you’d like.”

She decided to dive in. “I’m free tomorrow evening.” Better yet, she didn’t think Leeann had plans.

“Perfect.” CJ’s eyes lit up with his smile. He held out his hand. “Let me put my name and number in your phone, and you can call or text me your address when you’re ready.”

“All right.” She pulled her cell phone out of her purse, opened her contacts app, and handed it to him.

He took the phone and focused on the screen, using both thumbs to enter the information before returning it to her.

She took it and slid it back into her purse. “You haven’t had a chance to finish your burger.”

He nodded to her plate. “Same goes for you. Curly fries aren’t the best when they’re cold.”

“You have a point.” She smiled and picked up her burger. It wasn’t hot anymore, and it didn’t seem as drippy.

As he ate his burger, she bit into her own and chewed. She picked up the glass of water the bartender had left for her and washed the bite down.

“This is one of the best burgers I’ve had.” She held up a curly fry. “And these are awesome.”

“You’re right about the burgers,” he said. “My fries are good, too.”

They ate in companionable silence, thought after thought tumbling through Jillian’s mind. She’d never met a cowboy as utterly sexy as CJ, and the fact that he was interested in her blew her away. She didn’t think she was nearly as pretty as her beautiful sisters, but he made her feel that way.

Jillian wiped her fingers on her napkin and dabbed her mouth when she finished eating. She sipped her ice water and turned her attention to CJ.

He was watching her, a smile touching his lips. “Do you like baseball?”

“Love it.” Jillian shifted on her barstool. “I’ve loved watching the Diamondbacks since I was a kid. They did awesome last year, making it to the World Series.”

“Would you like to go to a game for our Saturday night date? I might have a couple of tickets.” He smiled. “A friend has spring training season tickets and offered me his two seats for Saturday night since he’ll be out of town. I’m sure they’re great seats.”

“I’d love to.” She sat straighter on her stool. “I haven’t been to a game in ages.”

“Hopefully, they’re still available. I’ll let you know when you text.” The bartender took their plates, and CJ turned his attention back to Jillian. “Are you ready to call it a night?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I’ve had a wonderful time, but I do need to get to work on my shop in the morning. There’s so much to do before opening day.”

The bartender plopped the tab on the counter, and CJ took it before Jillian could.

“I can pay half,” she said.

He looked amused as he met her gaze. “You can’t tell me that you don’t know that a cowboy always pays. My mama raised me right.”

She glanced at the ceiling before looking at CJ again. “Heaven save me from gentleman cowboys.” She sighed and asked, even though she knew the answer, “Are you sure?”

He chuckled. “Darlin’ don’t even ask.”

“All right.” She smiled. “Thank you.” Truth was, it was nice to be treated to dinner. As long as she’d been with Carl, they’d always split the bill. He definitely could have taken a lesson on being a gentleman from the cowboys she’d grown up with.

CJ put cash in the check holder and climbed off his stool. He took Jillian’s hand and helped her to her feet. Her skirt slid up to her upper thighs, and she tugged it down with her free hand. If he did see, he pretended not to notice.

He released her hand, put his fingertips at her lower back again, and escorted her to her SUV. She used the fob to unlock the door, and he opened it for her.

“Thank you for rescuing me at the state office this afternoon and for dinner.” Jillian tipped her head back. “I had a lovely time. At dinner, that is.”

She made to get into her vehicle, and he took her hand and helped her inside. She wanted him to kiss her like crazy, but it was much too soon for that. She stuck the key in the ignition and turned on her SUV, lowering the window as he closed the door.

Jillian rested one hand on the steering wheel. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

“I am, too.” He placed both hands on the doorframe. “Drive home safely.”

“Same for you.” She smiled and buzzed up the window.

He stepped back and slid his hands into his front pockets.

She felt a little flustered as he watched, so she took her time backing up, not wanting to crash into another car with him watching. Not that she wanted to, regardless.

When she was ready to drive out of the parking lot, she gave him a little wave and then pulled onto the street.

It wasn’t until she was out of his sight that she finally relaxed. She felt giddy and had been on edge all night.

After her bad breakup with Carl, she’d been leery about dating for a while, but this cowboy chased away all her fears.

And she couldn’t wait for tomorrow night.