Heart Of A Texan

“No luck on that job interview, I’m afraid,” Bella told her, grabbing a few blocks and starting to build again. “I won’t be the new sous chef at the Onion Slice.”

“Did you do as I said?”

She shook her head. “No, I didn’t cover up my bruises with makeup. It wouldn’t have worked anyway. They would’ve seen right through it. Literally.”

“I bet you didn’t tell them the truth, either. That you got those scrapes from saving a man’s life two days ago.”

“The subject didn’t come up.”

“You’re too modest.”

“I just don’t see how telling them about the accident has anything to do with my culinary skills. If they don’t think I’m qualified for the job, then I’ll find someplace that does. I have another interview tomorrow.” She placed a pink block over Sienna’s lavender one.

“Good for you. With Christmas coming, I’m sure the restaurants are busier than usual. You’ll find something. But you know you can stay here as long as you like. I love having Sienna and you here for as long as it takes. Makes this big place feel more homey.”

“I do know that. You’ve been wonderful. But I need a job. I need to get back on my feet.” What she really wanted was to open a restaurant of her own. She’d worked toward that goal for a while. Now that dream had to be put on hold until she could make sense of her life.

“Have you heard any news of your father at all?”

“No, thank goodness. I didn’t leave a forwarding address with anyone I know in San Francisco and I have a new cell number. Your place is so brand-new that even if he wanted to find me through you, he wouldn’t be able to. He’s a stubborn old mule. And Yvonne is no help. She’s probably grinning from ear to ear that we’re out of Marco’s life now.”

“The evil stepmother.”

“Hardly a mother. She’s only thirty-eight, ten years older than me. The thought of that woman ever raising my daughter makes me sick to my stomach.”

“Your dad would never take Sienna away from you,” Amy said. “It’s an idle threat, Bella.”

“I don’t know that for sure. He was eager to accuse me of having a mental breakdown when Paul died. I did my best to hang tough, but it was difficult for me.”

“You were grieving. That doesn’t make you unstable,” Amy said. “And you bounced back, for Sienna’s sake.”

A sigh blew from Bella’s lips. “We’re better off now. Starting fresh. Starting over. At least I won’t have to worry about Dad announcing my engagement in the society page to a man I’d barely dated. That was the last straw.”

“That was pretty underhanded,” Amy said, lifting up the Dallas Tribune. “But it seems like you made the newspapers again, Bella. I found this last night on page three and thought maybe you’d like to see it.”

Amy handed her the newspaper. The black-and-white photo of the accident scene jumped out at her first. It pictured what was left of the hot red Lamborghini and next to it was an image of Jared Stone. She skimmed the article, learning that the victim was an entrepreneur and rancher who lived on Stone Ridge Ranch quite a few miles outside the city limits. It went on to say that Jared Stone had multiple holdings and companies in and around the Dallas area and shared his ranching business with his brother, Cooper. The piece hinted at a privileged lifestyle, portraying a man who courted danger with fast cars, racing boats and motorcycles.

“Seems like your guy has a need for speed,” Amy said, grinning.

“Yeah, well. Hopefully he’s learned his lesson. When I think about what could’ve happened to him, I get flustered.”

“Oh, yeah, that was a pretty gruesome scene. But you pulled it off. That guy doesn’t know how darn lucky he was that you were driving on that road at that exact moment. There’s a mention of you in there, but they didn’t print your name. You’re the brave mysterious woman who pulled him to safety and saved his life.”

“Yeah, well, I ducked out of the hospital before the news crew arrived, I guess.” She tossed the newspaper aside. “I don’t want to think about it anymore. I have enough trouble sleeping at night.”

“Oh, man, Bella. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was keeping you up.”

“It’s nothing new. I’m a terrible sleeper. I envy people who can lay their heads down and fall asleep. That’s so not me.”

She helped Sienna put the princess block on the very top of the castle and this time it didn’t topple over. “Yay! You did it!” She clapped her hands and Sienna mimicked her.

“I did it, Mommy!”

She hugged the baby to her chest. Sienna was growing up way too fast. She deserved a good life in a place she could call home, with a dog or a cat or a goldfish, and a backyard instead of a high-rise elevator.

But for now, they had to make do living in Dallas.

* * *

Jared leaned against Cooper, his brother bracing him under the arm as they strode into the house. He was banged up pretty badly, but after two days in the hospital, he refused to enter his home in a wheelchair. He’d make it under his own power, with a little help from Coop, and that was that.

“Man, I wish like hell you would’ve let me take you to my place,” Cooper said for the tenth time. “Lauren is a great nurse.”

“Your new bride is also pregnant. She doesn’t need me underfoot and neither do you. Besides, I’ll be more comfortable here.” The last thing he wanted was to be a burden to the honeymooners.

Jared’s home was on Stone Ridge land, a good half mile from Cooper’s place. They shared the stables and pastures and got along that way just fine. They were brothers and business partners, but they both needed their own space. “You can barely walk. And even if Marie could help you around the house, she’s getting too old to keep up with everything. It’s not fair to her.”

“Don’t argue with me, Coop. It’s hard enough just to breathe with these cracked ribs, much less get in a pissing match with you.”

“Fine, but think about Marie.”

Their housekeeper shared duties between the two houses, splitting her time between both. Jared’s injuries would make it much harder for her to keep up. “Don’t worry. I won’t let Marie tax herself. I’ll think of something.”

They left the foyer and Jared gestured toward the great room, wincing slightly. “Just help me to the chair.”

His favorite leather armchair faced the back window, where he had a view of the vast amount of land he called his backyard. His home was modern in most respects, but this room with throw rugs over hardwood flooring and a massive flat-screen television was more lived in, a place he could unwind and not worry about disrupting the fine order of things.

With Cooper still supporting him, Jared slowly lowered himself into the chair. He felt a sharp jolt in his chest and it took a good few seconds before the ache subsided. “I’m...okay,” he said breathlessly.

Cooper’s lips pulled down in a stern expression.

“You look like Dad when you do that,” Jared whispered.

“And you look like a man who’s...in pain.”

“Good observation. Sit a minute, will you?”

Cooper took a seat on a matching leather sofa facing him.

“Tell me about the woman.” The angel, whose voice calmed him, whose touch gave him solace when he might’ve panicked. The angel who’d risked her life to save his.

Cooper immediately knew what he was asking. “The nurses told me her name is Bella Reid. She was driving on the interstate with her friend and saw the car catch on fire. Her friend called 9-1-1 and Bella rushed over to get you out of the car before...” Cooper let out a noisy breath. “You know.”

Jared gave a tiny nod. He was aware of his limitations right now, what he could and couldn’t do. Mostly, he couldn’t do anything, but a nod he could manage. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Are you having nightmares?”

Jared blinked. “No. I can’t remember anything about the crash. Or after, really. Except that Bella was there, holding my hand, saying all the right things to keep me calm. I need to thank her properly. See how she’s doing.”

“She slipped out of the hospital after I showed up, Jared. I didn’t get her number. I have no way to find her. Maybe you should let it go.”

“No,” he said forcefully enough for Cooper’s eyes to snap up to meet his. “I need to see her, Coop. My God, that woman saved my life. I need to talk to her. Just once. I can’t let it go.”

“What do you want me to do, ask the sheriff to give me private information. Or how about I hire a detective?”

Jared’s lips quirked up. “Nothing that drastic. You have a wife. And she’s a nurse. And if she happened to see Bella Reid’s medical chart...”

“I can’t ask Lauren to do that.”

“You don’t have to. I will. She owes me a favor.”

* * *

“Paul, what am I going to do?” Bella mumbled under her breath, staring at the phone in her hand. She’d just hung up with the Beaumont Club. They’d needed a chef and she’d been a day late and a dollar short. They’d just called to inform her the job she hadn’t even had a chance to interview for had been filled.

Whenever she needed guidance, she’d talk to her husband. If anyone heard her, they would understand. She was a widow with a beautiful child to raise, a woman whose heart was broken the day that helicopter crashed, and she liked to think that Paul was listening to her. That he would somehow see how hard she was trying.

Her dream of working as a chef in some capacity was slowly fading.

Yesterday she’d seen an ad online for a dental receptionist. Maybe she should apply for that. The salary wouldn’t buy her a house, or rent her an apartment, but it would allow her some financial independence.

Her shoulders sagging, she walked in to check on Sienna. Her baby was napping peacefully, her little olive-skinned cheeks rosy at the moment. Bella was ready to slide in next to her child on the tiny bed and try to catch a nap.

If only.

She was still debating that, watching Sienna’s chest rise and fall rhythmically, when someone buzzed from the lobby. She pushed the button before it buzzed twice. “Yes?”

“It’s Cooper Stone. I’d like to speak to Bella Reid.”

“This is Bella.”

“May I come up to see you?”

Bella leaned her shoulder against the door. “What is it? Is everything all right with your brother?”

“That’s what I want to speak to you about. I promise it’ll only take a minute.”

Her curiosity more than anything had her beeping him in. “Come up.”

“Thanks,” he said.

And just a few minutes later she was showing Cooper Stone to the sofa in Amy’s living room.

“Hi,” he said, taking off his black cowboy hat as soon as he sat down. Bella sort of loved that about Texans. They wore hats like other people wore shoes. And only took them off when absolutely necessary.

“Hello, Cooper.” She sat, too. “I have to admit I’m a little bit shocked that you’re here. How did you find me?”

“Don’t be frightened,” Cooper said sincerely. “It’s nothing bad. It’s just that my brother—”

“What about Jared?” She had a vested interest in his well-being and was anxious to hear about his recovery. It was sort of strange how she’d bonded with the person whose life she’d saved. She’d only been with him a few short hours, yet images of that night popped in and out of her mind at all times of the day and night. Thoughts of his health nagged at her.

“He’s doing as well as can be expected,” his brother said. “He’s young and strong and he’ll heal eventually.”

“I see. That’s good news. So then why are you here?”

“It’s just that—” Cooper scrubbed a hand over his jaw “—he can’t seem to get you off his mind. He wasn’t all too coherent that first night and he can barely remember you at the hospital and...well...I think he needs to see you and thank you personally. It’s important to him.”

“I, uh, understand, but that’s not really necessary.”

“It is to him,” Cooper said, his face somber. “Believe me, if it wasn’t I wouldn’t be here right now.”

“You still haven’t told me how you found me.”

Cooper’s mouth twisted and he let out a deep sigh, making it obvious he didn’t want to divulge the information. “My wife...is a nurse.”

He didn’t have to say more. Though she was surprised that her personal contact information had been breached, she wasn’t angry. She should be, but she just plain wasn’t. Cooper wasn’t there for nefarious reasons. He was there on behalf of his brother, who could’ve died a few days ago.

“Lauren, my wife, is a good woman,” he began, “and she loves Jared, too. It took a lot of arm-twisting, if that makes you feel any better. I hope you’ll consider coming to the ranch to see my brother. I can drive you myself or I can send a car for you.”

Suddenly, Sienna ambled into the room, her soft black hair mussed. She clutched her stuffed bunny rabbit in one hand and rubbed her eyes with the other. “Hi, baby girl. Did you have a nice nap?”

Her child eyed the stranger cautiously, making a wide berth around him to get to her mommy. Bella knew the look; her daughter was wary and shy of strangers. She considered that a good thing and picked her up. Immediately, Sienna buried her face in her chest. “Sorry, she’s a bit shy.”

“She’s adorable,” Cooper said, a twinkle in his eye. “My wife, Lauren, is pregnant. Our baby is due in early spring.”

Lauren, the wife who’d rifled through her personal files. “Congratulations. It’s exciting. Is this your first?”

He nodded. “Yep, it’s our first. How about you? Do you have any other children?”

“No, my husband died last year. It’s just the two of us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Must be hard being a single mother.”

“It is. But I have great friends who help out. Amy, the woman who was with me the night of the accident, is letting us stay here until I can find employment. She’s been wonderful.”

“So this isn’t your home?”

“It’s where we live, for the time being.”

His head slanting to the right, he studied her as if puzzling something out. “What kind of work do you do?”

I’m the disowned heiress of Forte Foods. “I’m a cook. Well, a chef really, but right now, I’d sling hash in the local diner if it would pay my bills.” She smiled to wipe away Cooper’s concerned expression and furrowed brow. That’s all she’d say on the subject.

“Mommy, I hungry.” The tiny voice echoed against her chest.

“Okay, sweetie. I’ll make you something to eat.”

Cooper rose from his seat and grabbed his hat.

She stood and gestured to Sienna. “So now you see why I can’t just pick up and come to your ranch today?”

“I do see. But please consider driving out. Soon. And bring the little one. I bet she’d love to see the horses. We’re at Stone Ridge Ranch. Here’s my brother’s card. It has his address and phone number on it.” Cooper walked over to place the card in her hand. “And thanks for not freaking out about how I found you. It went against every shred of Lauren’s sense of propriety, but at the same time she agreed that the only way Jared can heal mentally from the accident is to speak to you.”

“That’s putting a bit of pressure on me.”

Cooper’s brows lifted, his face the picture of innocence. “Is it working?”

She tilted her head and admitted, “Maybe.”

* * *

You’ve got to go. I know you’re dying to. Just go and satisfy your curiosity, Bella. See the man whose life you saved.

Amy’s words burned in her ears as she stood on the doorstep of Jared Stone’s home. There was a chill in the air and she cradled her bundled-up daughter even tighter. Mesquite trees surrounding the property were strung with big colorful ornaments. The door she’d just knocked on a moment ago was bedecked with twin pinecone wreaths reminding her that Christmas was just weeks away.

Funny, it didn’t seem like Christmas. When Paul was alive it used to be such a fun time of year. Those four Christmases she’d shared with him had been the best. Now it was something she’d have to get through. But for Sienna’s sake, she was going to make it special.

Her little girl was taking in the decorations in wide-eyed wonder. She pointed at an old-fashioned red buckboard wagon decorating the grassy portion of the front yard. The bed of the wagon was filled with buckets of thriving poinsettias. “Want ride, Mommy.”

“Oh, sweetie, I don’t think that wagon works.”

“Why?” Everything lately required an explanation. Her little one was a curious soul.

“It’s kind of old.”

“O-kay. Is pretty,” she said, still fascinated by the wagon.

“Yes, the flowers are pretty.”

So was Jared’s house, which was accented with thick beams of light wood and beautiful stone siding. It was modern with rustic flair. As she’d come upon it, passing stables and barns, horses and cattle along the way, somehow she could picture Jared living here. It fit. Which was a weird thing to think, since she didn’t know the man. At all.

The door opened and a sixtysomething woman greeted them. “Why, you must be Bella Reid. Come in. We’ve been expecting you. I’m Marie, Mr. Stone’s housekeeper.”

Last night, after she’d made the decision to come by, she’d called Jared but the phone call had gone straight to voice mail. At least, she’d given him fair warning she was coming and was glad the message had been received. “Hello, Marie. Nice to meet you.”

“And who is this little darlin’?”

“This is my daughter, Sienna.”

“She’s a beautiful child.” Marie didn’t waste time. “Please come inside. Jared’s in the other room, waiting for you. He’s very glad you came by.” The affection in Marie’s voice was unmistakable. “And I’m tickled to meet you. You saved his life. The entire family is in your debt.”

Marie stopped outside a closed door and suddenly wrapped her arms around her and Sienna and gave them a hug. “Thank you.” She pulled away quickly. “Don’t mind me, I’m a silly woman,” she said, wiping an unshed tear from her eye. “But I just had to do that.”

“No, it’s fine,” Bella said. “It’s obvious you care about Jared.”

“Since he was a boy.”

“Marie?” an impatient male voice called out.

“They’re here, Jared.” Marie swept an arm toward the door. “You’d best go inside. I left a pitcher of lemonade and a plate of cookies on the table. I sure hope you like chocolate chip,” she said to Sienna. The toddler grinned at the mention of cookies. “If you need anything else, please let me know.”

“Thank you.”

Marie walked off slowly and Bella caught her grimacing, placing a hand to her back as she exited.

With a bit of trepidation, she entered the room to find the tall man slowly, carefully, unbending his body and rising from his chair, his expression etched with sheer determination. But there was no masking the pain he was in. “Bella Reid?”

“Hello, Jared. Please sit down,” she said softly.

His face seemed to mellow, some of the strain melting away as soon as the words were out of her mouth. He wore comfortable clothes, black sweats and a T-shirt with Stone Corp printed over a graphic of a rugged mountain peak. Their company logo, she assumed.

“After you,” he said. Texas manners being what they were, she wouldn’t argue. She took a seat, holding her shy daughter on her lap.

“Thank you for coming,” he said, his voice low and deep and much more commanding than when he’d been in the hospital. He winced as he lowered himself down. There was a bandage draped over his left eyebrow; some reddish scrapes peeked through his dark blond stubble. His longish straight hair seemed to fall in a natural part, Brad Pitt–style. His eyes were alert, deep blue and mesmerizing, the kind of eyes it was hard to turn away from. “Is this your child?”

“Yes, this is Sienna.” Her daughter wouldn’t look at Jared. But it was okay. She wouldn’t force the issue. “She’s in a clingy stage right now.”

Jared smiled. His entire face brightened and she could see the man beneath the pain now. “How old is she?”

“She’s twenty-two months.”

“She looks like you. And that’s a compliment.”

“Thank you. How are you feeling, Jared?”

“I’m breathing and alive, getting by okay. I’ll probably be laid up for a couple of weeks.”

“You look...much better than the last time I saw you.”

“I suppose I do.” Again, he smiled. “I, uh, wanted to thank you properly for what you did. No, that’s not entirely true. I needed to thank you. You dragging me out of the car and bringing me to safety saved my life. I can’t thank you enough. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

“Heavens, you don’t need to,” she said on a breath. “I’m just glad we were coming down that road at that particular time.”

“So am I. It was a lucky day for me. All I remember of that night was a soft hand covering mine, giving me comfort and soothing the panic that was building up inside. And then you spoke and the sound of your voice was like a gentle balm, an angel’s call telling me I was going to be all right.”

He inhaled and his face wrinkled up in pain.

“Does it hurt to talk?”

“No. Just to breathe,” he said, his eyes half twinkling.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m Texan. You know how we are.”

She smiled.

“Cooper filled me in a little about you. You’re a widow. I’m sorry for your loss, Bella.” He spoke with reserved respect that made it seem less like prying, less like opening up old wounds.

“Thank you. It’s been a bit tough, but Sienna and I are managing.”

“That’s good. I understand you’re between jobs right now. Is that by choice?”

“Heavens no. I’ve been interviewing but...well, it’s not going—” She paused and shook her head. “It’s not important.”

“I think it is.”

She blinked, gazing at his solemn face. “You do?”

“Of course I do.” His gaze traveled over to Sienna, who’d begun to warm up a little. She was peeking at him through her spread little fingers.

“You don’t owe me anything, Jared. Honestly.” God, if he wrote her out a check, she’d be mortified. She hadn’t saved his life for a reward.

“Well, the truth is, I’m thinking you can help me and I can help you.”

“How?”

“You met Marie. She’s a sweetheart, but she’s getting on in age and my present condition is taking a toll on her with all the extra work she has to do. For years, she’s worked part-time here and part-time at Cooper’s place. Now I’m afraid the chores are too much for her.”

“What are you saying to me? How can I help?”

“I understand you’re good in the kitchen and it just so happens I’m in need of a personal chef.”

She gulped air, totally surprised. “You need a personal chef?”

“Yes. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. Marie’s got too many chores around here as it is. She could use the break and...well, I’m offering you the job.”

“To...be...your...personal...chef?”

He smiled, his eyes lighting up again, as if he was glad she was catching on. Oh, yeah, she was. He was indebted to her and this was how he was going to repay her. “Yes.”

“But, you don’t even know if I’m qualified.”

“You can send me a résumé at your convenience. But I don’t need one. I trust you’re up to speed on your cooking skills.”

“Oh, yeah? And how would you know that?”

“Because...I already know what kind of person you are. Besides, I’m not fussy. Just put a burger and fries in my face and I’m happy.”

She laughed. “I’ll remember that.”

“So you’ll take the job?”

“I didn’t say that. There’s a lot to consider.”

“You need a job and I need a cook. What’s to consider?”

“You’re forgetting that you live way out here, miles away from Dallas. Working out babysitting arrangements would be difficult, if not impossible. I don’t want to be gone from Sienna for too long during the day.”

“That’s the beauty of this great big ranch house.” He spread his arms wide. The gesture cost him physically. Her heart went out to him, seeing him so bravely mask his pain. “You can have your own wing of the ranch house, two rooms just for you and Sienna upstairs. I’m basically living down here right now anyway since climbing the stairs is like a Ninja Warrior obstacle for me. You’d have all the privacy you’ll need.”