Secretary and the Cowboy, page 1
SECRETARY AND THE COWBOY
ELLA GOODE
Once upon a time, the five Justice cousins were beset by the Justice Curse. Falling in love would doom your beloved to an early death. Collectively, they decided that it was better to live alone than to love, but fate had other plans. One by one they succumbed to the power of love. All of them but one.
Blake Justice. Happily single, Blake spends his days trying to avoid his matchmaking sisters-in-law. Until he found her. But every time he opens his mouth to Reese, he puts his boot right in it.
Reese thought moving to Edison, Texas would be a fresh start. After losing her grandma and finding her sister in bed with her boyfriend, she figures it was just what she needed. Her new friends the Sew Be It sewing circle ladies might be three times her age, but they insist the best way to get over a man is to get under another.
That might be true, but the fact is Reese has never been under any man and her heart wasn’t broken by her ex. It was her sister who did the real damage. Too bad the Sew Be It ladies think they’ve found her perfect match.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Also by Ella Goode
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CHAPTER 1
BLAKE
“Blake, come over here. I want you to meet Winter Kasparov. Her daddy owns a big media conglomerate in Europe,” Birdie—my cousin’s wife—beckons me with a jewel-laden hand. I try to pretend I don’t see her even though the ten-carat ruby ring Calder gave her after the birth of their son is practically blinding me.
“Oh no, you don’t,” exclaims Cameron Hyde-Franklin-Justice, aka cousin-in-law number two. She married the second oldest, Tucker Justice, and most of the time, they hide out at his private home on the south edge of the property except for the times that Cam pops out to host a big bash here at the main house or they jet off to Monaco or Lake Como to visit friends. Cam knows everyone there is to know and for some reason is intent on introducing all of them to me. “You can’t leave yet. I invited Melissa Wright for you. She’s smart, accomplished, gorgeous—"
“Cam, I love you, but—"
“Blake! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Astor hops over and takes my other arm. “Cane and I have found the perfect woman for you.”
I try to smile, but even my ghost of an attempt slides off when I see Princess Maria peeking at me from behind my baby cousin, Sterling. I can’t believe those two kids got married. I also can’t believe I’m the only single Justice left, although that status won’t last much longer if my cousins’ wives have anything to say about it.
It’s self-preservation that makes me shrug out of the grip of Cam and Astor, dodge Princess Maria, and just flat-out flee from Birdie. Out on the back deck, Calder and Tucker look up from their cigars at me in surprise.
“Join us?” Calder dips his head toward an empty Adirondack chair.
“No thanks.” I hurry down the steps and toward the garages. These days you can’t trust the Justice men. The women they’ve married hold too much power. I think it’s the estrogen. All their estrogen has linked up together to create this force field, and they want me in it. A single man is in want of a wife, etc. etc.
I climb into my Maserati and take off down the drive, kicking up a big cloud of dust behind me like it has some sort of protective power. I love my cousins. I love my cousins’ wives. I’m just not interested in that kind of life.
Off County Road 45, I pull into the gravel drive of Coffee’s Bar & Grill. The inside of the bar is dark, lit up by a few naked bulbs and spotlights over a run-down stage that hasn’t seen a live act as long as I’ve been here. Ron, the bartender and owner, gives me a silent nod of acknowledgment as I slide onto a stool.
“Little early for you,” Miller Pearson remarks from the end of the bar.
“Not for you, though?”
“Nah. Someone’s gotta keep Coffee in business, so I show up as soon as the doors open.”
Ron rolls his eyes. “Miller got kicked out of his house today because his wife’s having a baby shower.” He slides a full beer glass down the lacquered bartop. I catch it in my hand. “What’s your excuse?” he asks.
“Birdie’s having a party.”
“Sounds like a good time,” Miller says. “You Justices put on a good spread. After the last shindig Birdie had where she was showing off her summer clothes, the wife couldn’t stop talking about how great everything was. Wanted me to buy one of Birdie’s outfits too, but then I saw the price. She charging by the thread or what?”
“No idea,” I admit. Birdie’s a fashion designer, and all I know is that every woman who has ever had my number uses it for two reasons—to ask when I’m going to be ready for marriage and if I can get her a Birdie J original. The answer is never and no.
“Can’t believe all you Justices fell off your saddles so quick. You’re the last holdout, Blake. How does it feel?”
“Good.”
Neither of them look convinced. I don’t know if I am either. My cousins have never been happier, and if it weren’t for the matchmaking that my new cousins-in-law had in mind, I would’ve been enjoying the party, too. Food was good, company was fine, seeing people I care about enjoying life is always positive.
But there’s a weird feeling that sits awkwardly on the back of my neck. A discomfort when I’m sitting at the dining room table watching everyone beam and coo at each other. I can’t rightly pinpoint the cause of this odd sensation. All I know is it’s growing stronger and only fades when there’s some distance between me and the main house.
Maybe I gotta do what Tucker has done and build myself a retreat, but that doesn’t sound appealing either.
“Maybe I’ll go on a trip.” I blurt out.
“Where to?” Ron asks, his hands busy cleaning out beer mugs.
“Place where there’s a lot of sun and some horses.”
“Middle East then? Doesn’t your cousin Cane do a lot of horse business over there?”
I nod. “It’s a good market. They’ve got some solid thoroughbreds that are good for breeding and a lot of cash for our stock.” But that doesn’t sound appealing now that I think of it. Sad to say, nothing really interests me much these days.
“You need a woman,” Miller announces with a slap on the bartop. “The cure for that kind of boredom is a woman. They’re always causing a ruckus.”
“If they’re so interesting, why you hiding out here, Miller?” Ron asks.
“Cuz they are so interesting. My life is full of interesting shit, so I got to take a break now and then. Keeps the excitement alive,” he bullshits.
I smile into my mug. Sitting here shooting the breeze with Miller and Ron is nice. Contrary to what everyone says, I don’t need a woman. No, sir. I’m a happy single man.
CHAPTER 2
REESE
I’m starting to wonder if I’ve made a mistake. I don’t only mean the dating app I signed up for either. The town of Edison is turning out like nothing I thought it was going to be.
Then again, nothing in life has for me. I always think I know where I’m going but end up in the wrong places with the wrong people. It’s the same old story this time but a different location.
I reach up and run my fingers along the pearl necklace I have on. It doesn’t go with the jean shorts and blouse I’m wearing, but I’ve had them on since I found them in Grams’ jewelry box. Every time I see them, I think of her, and it calms me. She always had that effect on me.
“Meow.” Henry jumps up onto the bathroom counter, nudging me for a pet.
I give his white fluffy head one. I actually think Henry is Henry the second, who my grandmother replaced in hopes I wouldn’t notice. Henry has been around since I could remember. At the age of twenty-two, I’m thinking this can’t be the original Henry.
I’m guessing he was swapped out when I was around sixteen. Not that I ever called Grams out on it. I always spent six weeks of my summer with her growing up. I miss her something fierce. It was always a nice change of pace from the city where I lived with my mom.
My mom and stepfather Jacob would always go on a trip during that time, taking Angel, my half-sister, with them. Grams was my birth father’s mom. I don’t have any memories of him. He died when I was still a baby. What I know of him was all through Grams. Jacob is the only father figure I could ever recall, but he did marry my mom when I was three, and Angel came along quickly after.
I thought coming back here to Edison was a good idea to try to start over—or I suppose at twenty-two, it might not count as starting over. I guess I’d consider it more of a reboot. My whole world was already falling apart before I got the call that I’d lost Grams too. I packed what I could in a few suitcases and left immediately. I hadn’t even told my mom until I was already gone. I haven't been back since. That was seven months ago now.
Henry the second lets out another meow. “I miss her too.” I kiss the top of his head before I go in search o
How I let Linda talk me into signing up for one of those dating apps I’ll never know. She has a vast knowledge of all the different dating apps out there. She even has a few accounts of her own. All the Sew Be It ladies do. Since moving here they’ve all tucked me right in under their godmotherly wings. All of them were friends with my grams. It might be weird for me to have best friends almost four times my age, but those ladies know how to have a good time.
I slip on my strappy sandals and change out my purse before I head out the door. Growing up in the city, I never really needed to know how to drive. The Sew Be It ladies took the time to teach me. Living in a country town, you have to drive if you want to get around.
The duplex my grams left me is close to town so I could walk to work, but a vehicle is a must if you plan on sticking around. I finally got my license a few months ago, but it still can be a bit overwhelming at times when I get behind the wheel. Especially with driving Grams’ fancy convertible. She loved this car. I have so many fond memories of her taking us into town with it.
The drive to Coffee’s Bar & Grill isn’t a long one, since it sits right off County Road 45. It’s probably a good thing so I don’t chicken out. I haven't dated since I left the city. Not since I walked in on my boyfriend and sister having sex. The first words out of my sister's mouth had been her begging me not to tell our parents. No I’m sorry or any sort of apology. I shake the thoughts from my head. That’s the last headspace I want to be in before I go on this date.
The Sew Be It ladies swear that to get over one man you need to get under another. Not sure if that works if you were never really under the first to begin with. A small fact maybe I should have told them. Plus, I was heartbroken over my sister's betrayal. Not Robert’s. I honestly couldn’t care less about him.
I pull my phone out to look at the picture of Justin again so I’ll be able to recognize him. Probably not a good thing if I keep forgetting what he looks like. I see a handful of texts from the group chat I’m in with the ladies.
I text back letting them know I just got to the coffee bar and it’s too late for me to take a picture of what I’m wearing. That gets me a few grumpy face emojis. Next time I’ll know to send a picture.
When I enter Coffee’s Bar & Grill, I see only two men sitting at the bar and one behind it. The place is dead, but it is a Sunday afternoon. The man behind the bar and the one at the other end turn to glance my way. They’re both older.
I don’t recognize them, but this is a big but small town. Most people know each other, but it has a lot of county land and farms. Plus, I’ve only been here a little under a year.
“Hi.” I lift my hand, giving a small wave.
The one sitting closer to me finally turns to look my way. When my eyes meet his, my stomach gives a flutter at how handsome he is. Way too handsome. The kind that gets you in trouble and breaks your heart. Something about him is vaguely familiar, but I can’t place it. I swear I’ve seen his eyes before.
“Can I get you something to drink?” the man behind the bar asks.
“Coffee with cream and sugar, please.”
“He doesn't have coffee,” the older man at the other end of the bar announces as he lifts his beer and takes a chug.
“I thought—”
“It’s a joke. He hates coffee. About the only thing he doesn’t serve,” the handsome man informs me. “You new around here?” He turns more in his seat to face me. The barstool creaks under his weight. He is built like a tank. He screams cowboy. How have I never seen him around before? I work right in town. I would notice him. He’s hard to miss.
“I suppose. I’m actually supposed to be meeting someone.” I glance toward the back, making sure I didn’t miss anyone.
“A date?” He shifts so he’s all but blocking my view.
“Yeah, we’re supposed to meet here.” I glance at the old clock on the wall. This place doesn’t scream first date, but what do I know? I never really dated. “Now.”
“Blind date?”
“I don’t think it counts as a blind date. It's one of those app things.”
“With who?” the bartender asks, coming closer. Everyone in this town is always wanting to know everything. It’s kind of cute but also annoying at times.
“Justin something.” I reach for my phone to check.
“Justin Marco?” They both speak at the same time.
“Yes! That’s it.” They both make a face. The other man chokes on his beer.
“What are those faces for?” I reach up, touching my necklace.
Before either of them can answer, the bell over the door chimes. I turn to see Justin standing there. He looks like his picture. That’s something at least. Then he opens his mouth.
I understand why they made that face.
CHAPTER 3
BLAKE
“Well, ain’t you a pretty thing,” Justin booms. He only knows one volume—ten. He slides into the barstool next to the beauty and looks her up and down with obvious appreciation. Unexpected anger blooms through me. “That’s quite a rack you got on you. Your mama give you that?”
“Marco, here.” Ron shoves a beer mug in the other man’s hand as if a beer is going to shut him up. I want to put a fist into his face and maybe remove his eyes.
“Thanks. Bottoms up.” Justin chugs half the booze before slamming down the container onto the bartop with enough force that the beer climbs up the sides and splashes the counter, her hand, and I think it even reaches Ron. “Let’s have some coffee next. You up for some java, honey? Ron has some good quality beans.” Justin chortles at his own joke. “Ha ha. Get it? Beans?”
It’s obvious from the confusion on the woman’s pretty face she doesn’t have the first idea what Justin is blathering about.
“His asshole. He’s got beans back there. Farts, woman! Get it now?” Justin slaps the lacquered wood. “Those are the only beans he’s got because he don’t make coffee. Ain’t that the stupidest shit you’ve ever heard? A man named Coffee who doesn’t make coffee? What’s the problem with coffee, Ron? Your mama grind the beans too hard in the morning?” He laughs again.
Ron doesn’t react because he’s heard this before, but the woman is shocked. Her plump lips are parted in surprise. I jerk my gaze away and stare at the ceiling. Happily single, I remind myself. I don’t need a woman. There’s absolutely no reason that my dick is getting hard just by looking at her. I’m a fucking adult and have full control over myself. Still, there is something about her that is utterly appealing to me. I press on the center on my chest, wondering if I’m getting heartburn or something. What else would this feeling inside of me growing be?
“I don’t know what that means,” she says.
Why is her voice so damn sexy? It's not even one of those low, smoky ones but more clear, like a stream of fresh spring water tumbling over rocks—sparkling and bell-like. God, Blake, do you hear yourself? You just compared a woman’s voice to water.
A water nymph, corrects the part of my brain that’s connected to my cock. And she can slither all over us.
I rub my forehead next. Maybe I ate something bad.
Ron comes over and puts a fresh mug of beer in front of me. “Justin will tire out here soon,” he encourages, as if Justin Marco is the cause of my mental disorder and not the woman.
“You working for Novak, huh? And he hasn’t nailed you yet? I don’t want to be stepping on anyone’s toes,” Justin says.
“Actually…” There’s a scrape of wooden legs against the concrete floor. “He has hit it and continues to hit it. We were looking for a third.”
