Stay With Me: BWWM Interracial Cowboy/Western Romance (Westbury Ranch Book 2) (4 page)

Now it was her turn to laugh. The man sure did have a devious mind. She quite liked it. “I promise not to tell her. Although I have to admit that she would be delighted and might even invite you to cook with her one day. She also doesn’t mind trying out other people’s food. It’s just that she doesn’t get the opportunity all that much.”

“I’ll keep that in mind then,” he said.

As they neared the farm, she saw the light in the kitchen window and Shayne was reminded of the time when they were young and did farm chores with their father. It always felt comforting to come back home and even now, she felt the same way. The only difference was—the man who walked beside her made her insides curl with desire. It became difficult to keep her fingers from reaching out to him.

He opened the door for her.

She expected him to take the opportunity to touch her, perhaps kiss her, but he merely smiled. It was enough to make her heart lurch. After she went inside, he walked away, and for a moment, she watched him. Shayne jumped when her mother cleared her throat. “Hi, mom.”

“How was your day?” Jackie asked with a gleam in her eyes.

“It was tiring, but good. I had fun.” Shayne expected her mother to ask a few questions, but Jackie only offered her dinner. She washed up and sat to eat. It felt good to be back home, but much to her consternation, her heart was still with the guy who sauntered off without a backward glance.

What the hell am I going to do about this situation?

Shayne didn’t have a clue.

Chapter Four

J
uston didn’t quite know what to do with the feelings congealing in his heart. He backed away easily when she asked him to, but he wanted more than anything to be with her…to kiss her again. Of course, he promised to be her friend, and now he regretted that decision more than anything. The good news was that Graeme had returned and he could ask the man for some advice. Over the past few days, he’d developed an admiration for Graeme. The man knew his work, and he respected the land.

Yet, when he approached Graeme, he was busy talking to Cullen—no way would Juston discuss his feelings in front of her. “Welcome back,” Juston greeted them. “How was the trip?”

Cullen's smile was easy, warm.

He admired how she treated a man as if he were the most important thing at the moment. She wasn’t as beautiful as Shayne—and on that, perhaps Graeme wouldn't agree with him—but she did have the same quiet strength and that same spine of steel.

“Not very successful, I’m afraid. I wasn’t very happy with the quality. We’ll have to keep looking.”

“It’s an important decision. Are you planning to start building the barn for them?”

“We’ve finalized a location, and work will begin soon,” she replied. “Why do I have a feeling that you’re here to give me some bad news?”

He’d decided to give her news as soon as he saw her. “Well, actually…” He filled her in on Blade’s observation that the fences were being broken deliberately. “I can’t think of a reason why they would do that. If the cows go onto their land, we would have to round them up but they would lose their pasture.”

Graeme’s face tightened. “I can think of a few reasons why that asshole would do such a thing.”

He’d never heard Graeme use such language. Maybe there was more to this than what met the eye. “What’s going on?”

“Max hates my guts, but I don’t think he would do that just to spite me,” Cullen answered. Her gaze flickered to Graeme. “I think he’s trying to close our farm, so that we’ll agree to sell to the developers he has lined up.”

“The bastard!” Juston exclaimed. “How could he even think about giving this land to developers? What the hell are they planning?”

“From what little I’ve heard, they want to build a resort here.” Graeme made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “The place is perfect. There are three towns within driving distance, and look at those mountains…anyone would want a piece of that.”

“We can’t let him get away with this,” Juston stated.

Cullen smiled. “I’m glad you agree with us. Don’t worry, we’ll think of a plan. He believes he can drive us out with silly tactics, but we’re made of sterner stuff.”

“We sure are,” Graeme agreed.

Juston didn’t think they were taking Max seriously. The man was capable of doing some serious damage if he put his mind to it. “We need to be really careful.””

“Short of patrolling the fences day and night, there isn’t much we can do,” Cullen told him. “We don’t have the manpower to do it and even if we did, it’s a waste of our time and resources. The only thing we can do is to make sure our cattle is monitored at all times, so that they don’t step through any broken fences and trespass on his land.”

He ran a hand through his hair, feeling frustrated. There was more that he wanted to do, but of course, she was right. They could thwart Max’s plans by doing their jobs well, and that would be the perfect revenge. “Okay. For now, that will have to suffice. I should go then. Got work to do.”

Graeme waved. “See ya!”

“Wait a minute, Juston. I just want a moment of your time.” Cullen fell into step beside him. “How has your experience been at Westbury Ranch up until now?”

“It’s been great. I like working here.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Her smile was warm. “Why don’t you come up for dinner tonight at the farmhouse?”

He’d been aware of how she always made an effort to include the ranch hands in the family. Very different from the other ranches he worked at. He liked the warm welcome and the family atmosphere. “Sure, I would love to come by. Only an idiot would say no to Jackie’s cooking.”

She laughed. “Great then, I’ll see you. Around seven?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

After she left, he went off to do his chores. Juston loved everything about ranches. He loved the smell of horses and cattle, the daily grind of work, and the atmosphere. It was hard work but it paid well enough, and he just plain loved it. One day, he hoped to have his own ranch, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for the responsibility. When he passed by the barn, he saw Shayne deep in conversation with another ranch hand. He bit on his bottom lip, unsure if he should approach her. Sure, they decided to be friends after the kiss, but he wanted more. She didn’t want that. Maybe he should leave her alone. But if he did, he would never get to peel back the layers of her personality and figure out the secrets that coiled in her eyes.

She waved at the guy and turned.

He felt amused to see how her eyes glazed over at the sight of him. So, she wasn’t as unaffected as she pretended to be. The knowledge gave him some comfort.

“Hi.” She recovered quickly and gave him a smile. “How are you doing?”

“Good. What about you? Settled into your new office already?”

“Yes, actually, it’s going well.” She tried to step past him.

Juston then angled his body, so she couldn’t walk away so easily.

“What?”

“I was just wondering if you would like to go out with me.”

“We agreed to be friends.”

“And friends can have dinner together.” he countered.

As if she felt panicked, her hand flew to her chest.

He could understand her reasons; he was coming on too strongly, but with this woman, Juston felt the need to do so. If he didn’t do it, she would brush him away and he just didn’t want to let go. If she needed a friend, he was willing to be one until she sorted out her issues. But she had to give him a chance.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Scared?”

Her eyes widened when she heard the challenge in his voice. “I’m not scared, only cautious.”

“I see, well. In that case, I’ll see you tonight.”

“Why?”

“Cullen invited me for dinner at the farmhouse. Good day to you, Shayne.” Whistling, he walked away. Juston wasn’t as immune to her rejection as he pretended to be. She was a tough nut to crack, but he was patient and willing to take his time. She wouldn’t go far. He wouldn’t let her. There was a vulnerability in her eyes that called out to him. This woman was special. He just knew it in his gut, and Juston was ready to fight tooth and nail to win her trust.

When he rounded a corner around the barn, Graeme stood there. From the expression on the man’s face, it was easy to see that he’d overheard his conversation with Shayne.

Juston could have walked away, but in all honesty, he could use some help. After taking off his hat, he ran a hand through his hair. “You heard that?”

“Every word,” Graeme confirmed.

“I want to take her out.”

“I get that. Why?”

That was an unexpected question. Juston jammed his hat back on. “For the same reason a man takes a woman out; I like her and want to get to know her better.”

Graeme rubbed his cheek as he considered Juston’s words.

Up until now, Juston had shared a good relationship with Graeme. Was that about to change?

“Look, I’m a little invested in this emotional drama because Shayne is my girlfriend’s sister. Naturally, I feel it is my duty to warn you that should you do anything to hurt Shayne, both Cullen and I would take it very seriously.”

His fingers clenched for the briefest of moments, and then he released them. He couldn’t fault a man if he was looking out for someone. “I have no intention of hurting her.”

Graeme grinned. He clapped a hand on Juston’s shoulder. “In that case, I suggest you give her some time and keep up the effort. These sisters…they’re not easy to get hold of, but once they’re yours, they give you their heart and soul. Shayne is a great person. She’s—um, just having a tough time right now, and I think you might be the very reason she’ll spring back on her feet. But you have to be willing to put in the effort.”

Juston realized why he liked Graeme. The man didn’t mince words…a straight shooter when it came to giving his opinion. “Thanks, man.” He strolled away. Now he had some more planning to do. After his chores were completed, Juston went home to take a shower. He changed his clothes and then prepared the dessert he was planning to take over to the farmhouse. Once he was finished, he walked out to cut some flowers from the back garden. Right on the dot, he strolled towards the farmhouse.

When Shayne opened the door, he offered her the flowers. “For you.”

Her stare was incredulous.

He could tell she hadn’t been prepared for such a move.
Good.
He liked to keep her off balance. Not everything had to be done by the book. “I picked them from the back garden.”

Her hand clasped around the bouquet. “Thank you.”

Grinning, Juston walked in.

“So… nothing for me?” Jackie teased as she walked out.

“For you, a coffee cheese cake.” He presented his offering. “I thought you might appreciate something baked by someone else.”

Jackie took off the lid and observed the cake. “Juston, you have been holding out on us. I can see that I underestimated your culinary skills!”

He laughed. “I hoped it doesn’t mean I won’t be invited to your table anymore?”

“You’re more than welcome to drop in anytime, dear boy. Come inside.” She turned to her daughter. ‘Shayne, are you going to just stand there? Those flowers will wilt. Go put them in a vase in your room.”

It was funny to see how she leapt to do her mother’s bidding. Yep, she intended to run away. He knew she wouldn’t get far though. Suppressing a smile, he walked behind Jackie into the formal dining room. “Are there more people coming?”

“Graeme is joining us,” she answered. “So Juston, you like my daughter?”

He could have made a hundred excuses, but Juston didn’t believe in them. “Yes, ma'am. And I’m going to do whatever I can to win her heart.”

He expected that she wouldn’t like such a bold statement. After all, he was a ranch hand whereas Shayne is an educated, well-traveled, successful woman. She could end up with a much better man.

Instead, Jackie surprised him when she patted his arm. “You have my blessing. It won’t be easy. She has had a rough time lately, but I bet if anyone could change her mind, it’s you.”

Pleased by her approval, he turned and was amused to see Shayne glaring at them.

Jackie didn’t seem to mind. She smiled at her daughter and went into the kitchen, leaving him alone to face the fire.

A lesser man would have run, but Juston never gave up without a fight. “I hope you were happy with the flowers.”

She pointed a finger at him. “I can’t believe you told my mother that.”

“She asked me, and I told her the truth.”

He saw the hot fire of a temper simmering in her eyes. Somehow, it made her more appealing. He liked it better than the calm, studied Shayne who was determined to keep everything on an even keel.

“And you’re so naïve, you would go about blurting such things to anyone who asks about it?”

Juston didn’t want to beat around the bush anymore. For some reason he had the feeling that this was the right time to say things in black and white. He felt the significance of this moment and decided to take advantage of it. Stepping forward, he took her hands in his. The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin and bolstered his courage. “No, I’m just that honest when it comes to matters of the heart. You’re important. I wanted her to know that. There’s no harm in it, is there?”

Her expression showed her shock. “No—not—I, um…” she sputtered.

He bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. “Good. That’s settled.”

“What’s settled?”

“That we’re going to give this a try. How about I pick you up for dinner?”

“I—uh…”

“Shayne, just say yes,” Jackie piped in as she bustled in with a dish in her hand.