Chapter 9
Brady whistled a cheery tune as he headed toward the barn, Lady bounding ahead of him. The sun shone between breaks in the clouds—it was going to be a hot one, but it was starting out as a gorgeous day. It was still monsoon season, so it might even rain in the afternoon, which was always more than welcome in the desert.
Caesar walked into view from the direction of the bunkhouse, where an unfamiliar little white Mitsubishi was parked. His foreman and Charlene must have a visitor. Brady changed his direction and met up with the older man.
“Morning,” Brady said with a grin.
The old man eyed him for a long moment. “Okay, son. What are you so damned cheerful about this morning?”
Brady wasn’t ready to explore the true reason for his upbeat mood. All right, it was Abby, but he wasn’t going any farther than that. Not yet, anyway. And he wasn’t about to share his feelings with anyone else.
He shrugged. “Beautiful day.”
Caesar continued to study him. “Uh-huh,” he said, obviously not buying it. He shifted his stance, and his expression grew shadowed. Something was clearly bothering him.
“I’ve got something to tell you, and I don’t think you’re gonna be happy about it,” the man said.
Brady frowned. “What’s up, Caesar?”
The bunkhouse door slammed open behind them and a pained look crossed Caesar’s face as he looked in that direction.
Alarm bells prickled at the back of Brady’s mind and hair rose at his nape. He slowly rotated and saw the last person on earth he wanted back in his life.
Elena.
The young woman he’d once thought was the loveliest thing he’d ever seen, gave him a brilliant smile and hurried her steps. “Brady,” she said breathlessly when she reached him. Her dark brown eyes sparkled and long, dark, glossy hair swung away from her face as she tipped her head back to look up at him. “I’m so excited to see you.”
Brady had no words. Over the past year he’d thought of many that he’d say to her if he ever came face to face with her again. But right now, nothing.
“Doesn’t your mother need your help?” Caesar asked in a gruff voice.
“I wanted to say hi to Brady, Papá.” Elena gave her father an overly sweet smile. “Mamá can spare me for a few minutes.”
Brady met Caesar’s troubled eyes. “This will only take a moment, Caesar.”
The old man gave a nod. “I’ll be in the barn.” He paused and studied his petite daughter, as if wanting to say something else to her, but turned and headed away.
Brady waited until Caesar was out of earshot before he turned his hard gaze on Elena.
She rested her small hand on Brady’s arm and pleaded with her big eyes. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”
Brady flinched from the endearment. He moved his arm, dislodging her hand, and he stepped back. “Elena, I don’t know what you’re playing at, but you know good and well there’s nothing between us, not anymore. You made your choice and left me at the altar to run off with another man.”
She reached for him again, but he brushed her away. “Brady, please, don’t be angry—it was a mistake. Let’s start over. You know we were so wonderful together.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “It hurt when you left me like you did. But it’s been a year, and when it comes down to it, your leaving was the best thing that could have happened.”
Her eyes widened. “How can you say that? We truly belong to each other.”
He gave a single shake of his head. “I think I was in love with the idea of being in love. When it comes down to it, we had nothing in common and we never did belong together. I loved your mom and dad. I thought I loved you.”
Her lower lip trembled. “You don’t mean that, Brady.”
He studied her treacherous face. “I say what I mean.”
Elena’s eyes filled with tears. “But Brady?—”
He took a step back. “You’re welcome to be on my ranch to spend time with your parents. You are not welcome around me or in my home.”
Brady didn’t wait to see anymore waterworks. He turned and walked away with long strides toward the barn, not looking back.
He entered the dimness of the barn and let out his breath in a long exhale. His heart beat faster from the brief confrontation, but one thing surprised him. He wasn’t angry with her anymore. He wasn’t hurt anymore. He’d just wanted to make it clear to her that she had no right walking back into his life and expecting anything out of him.
“You all right, son?” Caesar came out of the tack room. “Didn’t get a chance to tell you before she came out of the bunkhouse.”
Brady gave a slow nod. “All’s good, Caesar.”
The old man paused. “Charlene and I would have liked to have you for a son-in-law. Truth be told, we spoiled that young lady.”
Brady offered him a small smile. “You and Char did just fine. Elena’s a full-grown woman and made her own choices. What’s happened is in the past and I’ve moved on. I hope she can, too.”
Caesar looked out the barn door at the sky that had grown cloudier. “Think it’ll rain?”
“Good chance,” Brady said.
“Feel it in my bones.” Caesar took his hat off and slapped it against his thigh. “I’ll ride Windstorm out to the south pasture and check the fence line to see how it’s holding up.”
“I’ve decided to get new fencing with Buchanan Fencing,” Brady said. “Abby is coming out Monday to work through the details.”
“Good to hear.” Caesar looked at Brady a long moment. “Saw her Ford here yesterday. You seem to be seeing a lot of her for a fencing rep.”
Brady grinned. “Invited her fishing. She kicked my ass, and I lost a bet. Had to wash dishes after the cookout thanks to her.”
Caesar looked amused. “’Bout time.”
“My family agrees,” Brady said with a laugh.
The older man left to check on the fence line. Brady needed to get to work mucking out stalls. He planned to find a kid to hire to do it for him. Maybe one in 4-H or FFA.
His phone dinged that he had a message, so he pulled it out of his side holster. He smiled when he recognized the phone number.
Abby.
He went to the message and scanned through it.
I had a great time yesterday and I enjoyed spending time with you and your family. Thank you again for inviting me.
Brady smiled and typed a response.
It was great having you, even if you did kick my ass.
Abby responded with a laughing emoji.
He wanted to see her again more than anything, and not to spend much time ordering fencing from her. He sent another text.
What are your plans for tomorrow after lunch?
She replied, None, other than us meeting later that afternoon.
He typed fast, as if not wanting to give himself too much time to think about it.
Why don’t you drop by and we’ll go for a ride in the UTV? I’ll cook you dinner.
It took a moment, then she texted, Sounds like fun. What time?
He grinned and typed, Two.
I’ll be there.
He didn’t mind shoveling manure so much after that.
Smiling, Abby settled back in the chair in the B B’s dining room, and she set her phone on the table beside her iced tea. Outside the large window the clouds gathered.
Irene Vasquez, the place’s owner, swept up to her table bearing a clear pitcher of tea and she topped off Abby’s drink.
“You got a lot of sun yesterday,” she said in her heavy Hispanic accent. “You’re red as a tomato.”
Abby groaned. “Nothing like a redhead who looks like she should be hanging off a vine.”
Irene smiled and took the seat across from her. “You look happy today. Have you found yourself a man?”
Abby couldn’t help a smile. “I did meet someone I’m very attracted to, and he seems interested in me.” Her smile faltered. “I probably shouldn’t pursue it. I have a career that requires a lot of traveling. He’s a family man and a cowboy, so if anything did come of it, he’d likely expect me to settle down.” She waved that away. “I really should listen to that nagging voice that keeps telling me that I’m getting way ahead of myself.”
Irene cocked her head. “You couldn’t get a different job?”
Abby sighed. “It’s the family business and I love what I do. I don’t think I can give that up.”
Irene relaxed in her chair. “Don’t be too hasty about pushing the possibility of love aside. True love doesn’t come around that often.”
Abby laughed. “Okay, now you’re getting way ahead.”
Irene tilted her head. “So, who is this young man, this cowboy?”
Abby hesitated. Strangely, she felt like she could confide in this woman, as if she was her own mother.
“Don’t worry.” Irene gave her a conspiratorial look. “It will be between us girls.”
“Well…” Abby swallowed and felt herself go redder. “Brady McLeod.”
Irene’s features shifted into surprise, then what looked like concern, and then into a broad smile. “Brady is a fine young man. You couldn’t ask for better.”
Confusion made Abby’s own smile falter. “Is there something wrong? You looked like there might be.”
Irene waved that away. “Of course, not. You couldn’t find a nicer young man than Brady. I’ve known him since he was young, and he helps me out sometimes when my handyman isn’t available.”
“That’s nice of him.” Abby relaxed. Irene had probably just been surprised.
“Tía Irene,” a female voice called out from the front door. “I’m here.”
Irene looked uncomfortable but smiled and said cheerily, “In the dining room, sobrina.”
A young woman about Abby’s age sailed into the room. “It’s been such a trying day.” She plopped into the chair between Irene and Abby. “I need a margarita.”
“I have wine.” Irene patted her hand. “I’d like you to meet my other guest, Abby Buchanan.” She turned to Abby. “This is Elena Garcia, my niece.”
“Hi.” Abby smiled and offered her hand to the petite and beautiful Elena. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh, hi.” Elena acted surprised that someone she hadn’t noticed was in the room. Her hand was small and limp in Abby’s. She withdrew her fingers quickly and turned to Irene. “I saw him today.” Her lips pouted. “He wasn’t happy to see me.”
Irene raised an eyebrow. “And that surprises you?”
Abby wondered if she should leave, but she found herself intrigued—why, she wasn’t sure. But what the hell. What else did she have to do?
Elena flopped back in her seat. “You mentioned wine?”
“Give me a moment, love.” Irene got up. “Would you like a glass, Abby?”
Abby smiled. “I’d love one, thank you.”
Irene nodded and headed to the kitchen, her colorful caftan swirling around her.
Abby turned her attention to Elena. “Are you from here?”
Elena looked bored. “I grew up here. A year ago, I traveled to Europe and stayed there until a week ago, when I returned to the States.”
“A year in Europe sounds like fun.” Abby cocked her head. “What countries?”
Elena shrugged. “Austria to start out with. After that I traveled to pretty much every country in the EU.”
Who had mentioned Austria recently? It nagged at the back of Abby’s mind, but she couldn’t place it. Whatever it was seemed significant. She’d probably think of it later.
Elena didn’t seem inclined to talk, so Abby watched the hummingbirds at the red feeder outside the window.
Irene sailed back into the room carrying a small tray with three wineglasses and a cheeseboard, which she set in the middle of the table.
“You’re amazing.” Abby took the glass of white wine that Irene handed her. “How did you put something together so quickly?”
“I already had the cheeses prepared.” Irene took her seat and her glass. She raised it. “To girl time.”
Abby raised her glass. She needed girl time—she missed her sisters a lot these days. Being around Brady’s had made her want to see her own.
The three clinked their glasses and settled back in their chairs.
“Okay, love.” Irene inclined her head to Elena. “Why don’t you tell me why you left, why you were gone for so long, and what made you decide to come back. I heard part of the story secondhand, but I’d like to hear it all from you.”
Abby took a small chunk of brie and a cracker and ate it as she listened.
Elena’s cheeks darkened in a blush. “I met a man on the Internet. He sent me gifts and kept asking me to join him in Austria and told me he loved me.” The color faded from her face. “When I got there, at first he was sweet and attentive. But after awhile he became abusive.” Her throat worked and she swallowed. “I finally escaped and fled the country. I worked my way through the EU and ended up in Spain.”
Abby’s scalp prickled as she listened to Elena’s story, and she stopped mid-chew. It was horrible—and also familiar, like she’d heard part of it recently. She swallowed and washed the bite down with a drink of wine.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Irene placed her hand over Elena’s. “Why didn’t you come home when you left Austria?”
Elena bowed her head, a curtain of hair falling across her face. “I was too embarrassed.”
Irene leaned over and hugged Elena for a long moment before they parted. “What made you decide to come home now?”
Elena shrugged her delicate shoulders. “I was homesick. I missed my parents.” She straightened in her seat. “I thought maybe he would take me back, too.”
“Why would he do that?” Irene said softly. “You walked out on him, and in one of the worst ways possible.”
The prickling on Abby’s scalp traveled through her body. Was this?—
“I’m going to get Brady back.” Elena sat up, a fierce expression on her lovely features. “We were good together.”
Abby had to keep her jaw from dropping. Instead, she crammed a cracker and cheese in her mouth.
Irene sighed and avoided looking at Abby. “He’s moved on with his life, Elena. You can’t expect him to accept you with open arms after you left him at the altar. That was a cruel thing to do to a man you were supposed to have loved.”
“I did love him.” A fierce light sparked in Elena’s eyes. “I do love him.”
Irene set her glass on the table. “Then why did you leave him?”
Elena shrugged again. “I got caught up with Lukas. He was handsome and rich and sent me expensive gifts. He bought a one-way ticket and begged me to come to him…and for some stupid reason I fell for it all.”
Abby ran her fingers up and down the stem of her wine glass. She felt some sympathy for the young woman. Elena had dumped Brady for some man she didn’t even know, which was cruel and inexcusable on her part. But she’d also been victimized, and for that Abby did feel sorry for her.
Tears rolled down Elena’s cheeks. “I paid the price for what I did. But I can’t let Brady go.”
“He’s not yours to let go.” Irene spoke in a low, soothing voice. “Let him be.”
“No.” Elena shook her head vehemently. “I can’t.”
Irene sighed and took a healthy swallow of wine.
Abby slowly sipped her own wine and nibbled on cheese and crackers. She felt like she was observing a reality show, and not like she played a part in all of this, too.
At least she felt like she did. Brady had seemed attracted to her, and she believed he was. But would he take this dainty, beautiful creature back?
Does it really matter to me? Abby thought. I don’t want my life to change…I love my life. But was there room for a man, too?
Abby let out a long, low breath then took another drink of wine as she listened to Elena go on about getting Brady back while Irene tried to temper her insistence.
Well, this should be interesting. Abby had a “date” to go out for a ride in Brady’s UTV, then dinner at his place tomorrow. If he cancelled, she’d have a good idea why. But if he didn’t, she wasn’t going to let someone who had dumped him put her off.
Irene glanced at Abby and winced, and she shrugged in response.
Abby drained her glass. Yes, this could all get very interesting once Elena found out that Abby might be in her way.
When she finally found a break to insert herself, Abby pushed back her chair and stood. She smiled at Irene. “Thank you for the wine and cheese. Your hospitality is wonderful.”
Abby turned to Elena and smiled, too. She didn’t think of Elena as a rival even though she might be. But she was going for pleasant. “It was nice meeting you, Elena. I’ll probably see you around.”
Elena nodded but said nothing.
Irene sipped her wine during the exchange, clearly not wanting to get in the middle of something that might happen between the two women once Elena found out about Abby’s interest in Brady.
Abby headed back to the room and locked the door behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed and pushed aside thoughts of Elena.
Instead, she focused on Brady and smiled. Whatever happened, she’d been having a wonderful time with him. If he stayed interested, she’d just go from there.