Her Billionaire in Hiding (Texas Ranch Romance Book 3) Page 4

  They were all the same. Her in different poses with Jim Woods, whoever he was. She recognized some of the pictures from her tour. But some talented photoshopping had included this new man.

  She asked the pharmacist if he could remove the magazines. “Please, they aren’t true.”

  “Sorry, Jessie, I can’t. We have agreements with them.”

  She took three of the magazines and went home. When she drove into the driveway, her father came out of the house. “Jessie how can they do this? Your mother has been getting calls from everyone in town one right after the other.”

  “Apparently they have a lot of power, and I bucked the system, so I get burned.”

  Her father clenched his fists.

  “The people in town believe these lies, Dad. I could see it in their faces. Even the pastor canceled my concert at the bazaar.” She headed toward the house. “I have to get out of here for a week or so until things calm down.”

  Jessie went up to her room and checked the internet for someplace she could get away. Choking on her tears, she flipped through one location after another. All too public, she risked being recognized. She needed something truly private, under the radar, and comfortable. When she saw the advertisement for the Rio Lago Ranch, she liked it. They advertised private vacations. She could sure use one of those. And they allowed dogs. As she packed her bags, Patch started whining. “Don’t worry, Patch. This time, you’re coming with me.”

  Chapter 7

  Coop shot more pigs than anyone else at the hunt. The other hunters, along with Henry and Carson, were amazed at his skill with a rifle.

  Daniel, the feed store owner wiped his forehead; the night was sticky and warm. “Your long shots are the best I’ve ever seen, Where’d you learn to shoot like that?”

  “Thanks,” Coop said. “It’s just practice. Where I come from, most of what I’m aiming for is far. Some of the stations in Australia are almost two million acres. If you see a dingo going after a newborn, you get pretty good at shooting from a distance.”

  One of the neighbor’s ranch hands whistled. “Whooee, now that is big. I would hate to have to round up cattle spread out that far.”

  “That’s why we have dogs. You send out your dogs, and they bring the cattle back into the corrals for you. The Australian Shepherd is one of the best for that kind of work.”

  Cooper put his gun in the case and gave it to Carson, who said, “I’ve seen Coop’s dog work, and I can tell you I want one for Christmas.” All the men chuckled as they loaded their gear into their trucks.

  Coop rode with Henry and Carson back to the ranch. “You’re making a name for yourself in these parts.” Henry said. “We may have to put your picture up at the feed store with your numbers. I think, overall, you shot the most boars of any hunt this summer.” Henry said he couldn’t get over some of his shots, one right after the other.

  “Thanks, I’ve been thinking, do you need another ranch hand around here? I need someplace to park for a while, and I would be more than willing to work cheap.”

  Carson spoke up. “I don’t know what Henry thinks, but I can always use more help. The guests who come for working-ranch vacations aren’t always that helpful. I will tell you one thing for sure, I would pay good money for your dog.”

  “You’d get two for the price of one if you hire me on. But I could never let him go, we are a lifetime package.”

  Henry looked over at Coop. “Does your situation have anything to do with the law?”

  “No, sir, I’m square here and at home. There’s just a family situation I need to wait out.”

  Coop loved the atmosphere at the ranch, and he loved ranching. This was a place he could lay low and still be useful. He also wanted the chance to pick Carson’s brain. And he had a few ideas that might improve how Carson managed the ranch as well.

  Henry nodded. “I like the idea. Business slows down in the fall, and Carson will need help. Do you come from a ranching background?”

  “Yes, sir, I have ranched all my life.” Coop smiled.

  “Okay then, it’s a deal.”

  Coop sat up in the seat, happy and excited. “Thank you. I will move into the bunkhouse first thing in the morning. I do have one question. Does this mean I can’t have any more of Mary’s cookies?”

  They all laughed. “Well,” Henry said, “it’s downright mean to give a man one of her cookies and then tell him he can’t have more. One more thing, the staff here doesn’t fraternize with the guests.”

  As the miles passed, driving toward central Texas, Jessie replayed her trip to LA over and over in her mind. She wondered how many innocent girls like her they’d taken advantage of. Looking back, she could see the signals that she’d missed. She would never sign a contract again until she and her lawyers went completely through it.

  She drove up toward the ranch’s turn off. After the eight-hour drive, she wasn’t sure she was at the right place. The ranch looked pretty run-down. The barn behind the ranch house was peeling paint and looked like a stiff breeze might knock it over. The stables looked solid, but very old. She took another look at her map to make sure she didn’t take a wrong turn.

  She pulled up the navigation on her phone. Jessie sighed, it looked like this was the place. She drove on in. She was starting to think she was totally incapable of making any good decisions. The shade of the big live oak looked like a good place to park her dad’s truck. Patch jumped out and ran over to the grass. Jessie put her hat and sunglasses on and got out of the truck. She hoped she wouldn’t be recognized by anyone.

  A woman came out and directed the bellboys to get her luggage. Jessie liked her immediately. She had such a kind and understanding face. She reminded Jessie of her aunt Mable, who was always ready for a friendly chat and quick with a compliment. A dog that looked a lot like Patch pranced over to greet them. They even had the same coloring.

  The woman introduced herself as Mary, one of the owners of the ranch. She pointed toward Patch. “Is that an English Setter you have there? He’s so beautiful.”

  Jessie warmed to this kind woman. “Yes, he is part Setter, but we think there might be some Lab blood in there somewhere. His name is Patch.”

  “He’s getting along with Freckles very well. That’s a good beginning. Freck can show him the ropes around here.” Mary reached down to pet Patch and got a lot of licks in return. “Oh, we are going to be friends I see.”

  Jessie laughed and petted Freckles. “She definitely looks purebred.”

  “Yes, she’s getting old now, but she is as pure as they come. I saw you looking around when you first got out of the truck. Don’t let the looks from the road worry you. It looks pretty rundown on purpose. Once you are settled, I’ll give you a tour of the place. I think you will be very happy.”

  The security of Mary’s motherly attention wrapped Jessie in an embrace. She went up to her room and gasped as she saw how lovely it was. Wow, they weren’t kidding. This is better than that five-star hotel I stayed in. The room was all done in shades of lavender. The table had fresh lavender flowers, and the bathroom had dried lavender in vases on both sides of a sink with brushed-gold fixtures. The bed was piled high with luxurious pillows of every hue of lavender and cream.

  She looked over in the corner and grinned. “Patch, you are going to love it here.” She showed him an upholstered dog bed, also piled high with pillows. Two dog dishes were inset into a small table, containing water and delicious food, judging by the way Patch was going at it. She opened the French doors to the deck and stepped out to look at the lake and forest beyond. This is great.

  She realized this was probably one of the last times in her life that she could be this extravagant. Avoiding all the news media frenzy was worth every penny, however. In a couple weeks, it would all blow over, and some other unfortunate celebrity would be in the news.

  Jessie pulled her ponytail through her baseball cap, put on her sunglasses, and headed downstairs to walk around the lake.

  Patch jumped aro
und, looking expectantly at Jessie as they headed out. Freckles got up at the door and joined them. The lake was muddy brown, typical of Texas, but she didn’t plan to swim in it. The outdoor and indoor pools would be more than adequate for that. Jessie picked up a stick and threw it for the dogs to fetch. They both ran to get the stick, but neither one would bring it back. Typical of Patch, for sure.

  She did think canoeing would be fun, though, and started making mental notes of ways she would fill her time. At the halfway mark around the lake, she sat down on a bench. Patch and Freckles roamed around in the woods behind her. She took out the soda she had brought with her and was just about to take a drink when a dog ran up to her and tried to jump in her lap.

  “Whoa, boy, get down.” He sat back down and put his paw in her lap.

  This dog looked familiar. “Wait, I know you. What are you doing here, Chase?” She looked out toward the stable, but she couldn’t see anyone else. Could the man from the bus station actually be here? This was just too much of a coincidence. She remembered his face, his eyes, like they were meeting all over again. Her heart raced.

  She petted Chase, giving him some love, and drank her soda before continuing her walk around the lake. The dogs ran ahead toward the stable. When she arrived at the stable, she stepped in. “Hello, anyone in here?”

  A grizzled old cowboy poked his head out of the grain closet. “Howdy, ma’am, what can I do for you?”

  “I was wondering about this dog. Do you own him?” She walked in a little farther.

  “No, his owner is in the back pasture, fixing fences. I’m sorry, did he bother you?” The cowboy walked over with a bag of grain, concern on his face.

  “Oh, no. He’s a wonderful dog and so friendly.”

  Carson looked at her strange. “I don’t know how friendly he is. He seems to keep to himself generally.” He held out his hand. “I’m Carson, the do-it-all ranch hand around here.”

  She introduced herself, really enjoying Carson. Then she turned toward the door. “Hm, anyway, thanks for the information.” Jessie walked back toward the ranch house and headed in for dinner. The dogs followed her and then all lay down on the front porch as if they’d known each other for years.

  What were the chances that she would meet this man again? She just couldn’t believe it. What if he read the articles about her? She was mortified. How am I going to keep him from seeing me? After dinner, she sat in the lounge to read while Patch hung out on the porch with Freckles. But it was difficult to concentrate with half an eye ready for the man to walk in any minute.

  When she was about to give up and relax somewhere more private, the stranger from the bus station came walking in. In a sudden move of panic, she ducked down behind her book, holding it up over her face. She peered out over the top as he walked by. He was even better looking than she remembered. He went into the kitchen and came out with a cookie. As he went back out the door, he tipped his hat to her. “Good evening.”

  “Good evening,” she replied quietly. He hadn’t recognized her. That wasn’t so bad; with her face in a book, she doubted her own father would have recognized her. She laughed. She’d just have to keep a book over her face the rest of her time on the ranch. Maybe she could figure out how to get in touch with him later, when all the press died down.

  She called Patch in and went up to bed.

  That night, Jessie could not go to sleep. She kept seeing his face. She got out her guitar and quietly sang her new song. She closed her eyes as she sang, remembering how she’d felt when she’d first seen him. And here he was again. Fate must be playing a hand in all of this.

  Chapter 8

  Cooper got up early the next morning and headed out back to finish repairing the fence. Carson said one of their bulls, Curly, had broken through four times in the last three weeks. That bull needed to learn some manners.

  Coop was bending over to tack down the bottom edge of the new fencing when he heard a snort and fast hoofbeats coming up behind him. He had no intention of ending up like his father, who had been gored to death by a protective bull. He jumped to the side.

  Chase was quick and headed off the bull. “Chase, head him back up top.” Chase took off, snapping at Curly from behind, moving him up toward the front pasture. He was in his glory. Coop stopped to watch him work. It was a sight to see. Curly didn’t like it much, but learned fast who was in charge.

  “I wonder what is back here that Curly is after.” Coop walked along the river until he came to a small bridge. He walked through the gate and over the bridge. He could see cattle on the other side.

  “These folks must be friendly with each other.” The bridge was relatively new, and the dirt looked like small vehicles had been going back and forth. Then he saw a bull hanging his head over the fence toward the Rio Lago Ranch. “Ah, so that’s the problem. Have you been looking at Curly’s tigerstripes?” A young bull like Curly really should be careful who he challenged. The neighbor’s bull looked twice his size.

  Charolaise must be territorial. Coop figured when Curly got to his full size, he could walk through that fence any time he wanted. Something needed to be done to make it more sturdy.

  Coop got his tools and started walking back up toward the barn to tell Carson.

  Jessie loved the breakfast buffet they had each morning. She could have anything she wanted, and someone else cooked it all for you. This was the life she could no longer have, she reminded herself.

  Mary came in, and Jessie thanked her for the breakfast.

  “You are welcome. A good breakfast is the foundation for a good day.” Mary smiled. “How are you doing today? Do you have any plans?”

  “I haven’t decided yet. I met Carson yesterday and made friends with a beautiful Australian Shepherd.”

  “Oh yes, that is Cooper’s dog, Chase. Coop is a newly hired ranch hand. We’re happy to have him here.”

  Jessie nodded, filing that away. “Do you have binoculars I could borrow?”

  “Sure, over on the desk. Some of our guests are birdwatchers, so we keep a good supply.”

  Jessie grabbed some binoculars and headed out the door with a spring in her step.

  So, Cooper was his name. Time for a little more investigation.

  She tried not to think about what people were thinking about her after those articles were published. She just prayed it would all eventually go away. Even here on the ranch, she was wearing her own version of camo, which consisted of big, dark sunglasses and a hat pulled down almost to her eyebrows. Her hair was pulled up and tucked into her cap. She wore a baggie work shirt that hung almost to her knees and some old jeans.

  Both Patch and Freckles were excited to follow her down the porch stairs in the hopes of an adventure. They ran toward the river and then back to her. Patch even ran a few steps into the lake, splashing. As she crossed over the bridge, Chase came running up to greet her as well. “Good morning, Chase, you seem extra excited this morning. Listen puppies, it’s going to be a little hard for me to get a look at Cooper with all three of you tagging along.”

  She walked around to the backside of the lake and looked into the back pasture with her binoculars. After scanning the area, she spotted Cooper and gasped. It looked like he was walking right toward her.

  She ran along the road ahead of him and climbed up into the tree fort alongside the lake. She huddled down as he came closer. He stopped when he got to the dogs standing at the bottom of the tree, wagging their tails.

  “What are you three up to? Have you treed another raccoon?” He looked up. “Howdy, are you okay up there?”

  Jessie peered over, holding her binoculars in front of her face. “I’m just birdwatching. I’m fine.”

  Coop stepped closer to the bottom of the tree. “That’s a great-looking fort; I’ve wanted to climb that tree myself.”

  “Oh, well there’s just room enough for one up here.” Jessie was trying to speak with a low voice, but her nerves made her voice squeak high.

  “Sorry, I didn’t
mean to climb it now—I have work to do. Have a nice day.” He walked away and called to Chase, but he didn’t come. “Okay, after the job you did with Curly, I guess you can spend some time with your new friends.”

  As he walked toward the barn, Jessie wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve and sighed in relief. “I’m going to have to get better at this. That was too close.”

  When the coast was clear, she got down and headed for the spa while the dogs napped on the porch. The spa was glorious. Soft Indian flute music was playing as she walked in. The lights were dim, and she felt her stress flowing off her as she walked into the room. She was given a plush, white bathrobe to wear, and she indulged herself with a hair treatment and a lovely hour-long facial.

  On tour, the hot lights and hairspray had damaged her hair. The employees at the spa were all very professional. Mary had assured her they could be trusted to maintain the guests’ privacy. If any of them recognized her, they didn’t show it. She wished she could just stay at the ranch forever.

  Jessie dreaded the reaction she would get once she did go out in public. The looks from those women at the drug store were bad enough. It broke her heart that even her home town believed the magazine articles. Especially her pastor. She had hoped that at least the people in her town would know it was all a lie.

  That night, Jessie asked to have dinner brought to her room. If Coop made a cookie run every evening, she wanted to make sure they didn’t run into each other.

  Tomorrow was another day, and she would try again. She just wanted to have time to look at him and see if she still felt the same as she had at the bus station. She wanted to study him. Could she really be so fascinated with a complete stranger? Is this what they called love at first sight? She didn’t believe in such a thing, but she didn’t know what else to call these new feelings she had for a man she didn’t even know.