Travis Comes Home, page 12
“I’m not sure I’m cut out for the job,” he said, honestly. “I’m a computer nerd. Byron was the one who handled promoting our services. I just kept the computers up and running.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit.” Her eyes met his. “I watched you charm the crowd today. I think you can do anything you set your mind to.”
His pulse sped up. “So you think I’m charming?”
She bit her lip. “I think you’re fishing for a compliment.”
“Nope, just fishing for a kiss.” He leaned closer, trying to control his hunger. “Think you can give me one?”
That was Josie’s problem. She ached to give Travis what he was asking for. “I’m sure there are dozens of women who would be willing to accommodate you. Why me?”
Travis couldn’t believe that she had no idea how beautiful she was, inside and out. He reached for her; his hand cupped the back of her neck and tilted her face to his. “Let me see…perhaps it’s your incredible eyes, that seem to change color with your mood. Right now they’re a sexy green. Or maybe it’s your cute nose.” His gaze moved lower. “No, it’s definitely your mouth,” he said huskily as his finger slid along her lower lip. “It’s just too inviting. Makes me hungry just to look at you.”
Josie was unable to breathe and was getting light-headed. “Oh, Travis. You shouldn’t say that.”
“Why? It’s true. I want you, all of you, Josie.” His head dipped and he captured her mouth. He wanted nothing more than to devour her, but instead he fought to keep the kiss light, so as not to frighten her. He could wait. He could be patient awhile longer, until Josie could trust him. But hearing her soft whimper was his undoing. He deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue inside to taste and stroke her.
A band started to play outside, but all Travis was tuned in to was Josie. Finally he broke off the kiss as a twangy ballad filled the room. Silently, he removed the plate from Josie’s lap, then he stood and drew her into his arms.
“What are you doing?”
He looked hurt. “If you can’t recognize my fancy footwork, Ella is going to be so sad when she finds out her dance lessons were a waste.”
She looked down at his black Roper boots. “Ella taught you to dance?”
“She taught all of us.”
Travis drew Josie into his arms and held her close. He shuddered when her soft curves molded against his body, as if she were sculpted for him. He closed his eyes and reveled in the feeling of her nearness. He wanted Josie more than just physically. He wanted all of her—body and soul.
Without breaking his hold, he whispered in her ear. “Josie, I know you’ve been hurt in the past, but I promise to stay by your side. I want to be a part of your life and your baby’s.”
She looked up at him. “Travis—”
He placed a finger over her lips. “I know, it’s too soon. But just so you know, I’m going to be there for you. So just take your time to think about us. I told you earlier that I wouldn’t press you.”
He placed a kiss against her lips. It didn’t take long before things intensified. The dance forgotten, his arms tightened around her, pulling her against him. Then unable to take the torture any longer, he released her.
He pressed his forehead against Josie’s. “Maybe it would be a good idea to go outside and be with the family,” he suggested.
“You should spend time with Hank.”
“Not without you. Josie, how can I make you understand that I want to be with you?”
Her gaze darted away. “It’s not a good idea, Travis. People will think—”
“What will people think? That I care about you? I do care, Josie, a lot.”
“But I’m pregnant, and people will know soon enough,” she said. “They might think that you’re…”
A strange feeling settled in his gut at the thought of fathering her child. He found he liked the idea. “That I’m the father? Would that be so bad? Unless it bothers you that my own life has been splashed across all the Houston papers?” He stepped back. “I’m sorry Josie, I didn’t think…” For years he’d run from the shame his daddy had brought the Randell name. Twenty years later, he’d done it, too.
“Oh, no, Travis, it’s not that,” she said, placing her hand on his arm, stopping him from leaving her. “I’m trying to protect you. You don’t need me or my baggage.”
There was a strange stirring in his chest as the realization hit him. He wanted it all, Josie and the baby. Whatever she was willing to give him he would take. He drew her close again. “Don’t say that, Josie. God, I’d feel proud if people thought I was your little one’s father.” His hand moved to cover her stomach as he realized how much he meant the words.
Josie closed her eyes against the onslaught of emotions that threatened her resolve. “Oh, Travis, you can’t mean that.” She didn’t want to love this man.
“Why? It’s true.”
“Because I can’t handle it. Not now.”
“I don’t want you to handle anything, Josie. I just want you to be happy, and to trust me not to hurt you.”
“I want to believe you, but life has proved me wrong too many times.”
He smiled. “Give me time, sweet lady, I’m going to change your mind.” His head dipped toward her and he captured her mouth in a kiss that held the promise of all her dreams.
Oh, how Josie wanted to believe him.
The next morning Travis and his brothers awoke early to help clean up after the rodeo. That was all right with Travis; he needed to stay busy. Josie had him so confused he couldn’t sleep. He understood how she might be gun-shy about a relationship, but he knew she cared about him.
He and Chance had finished storing the tables in the shed and watched the rental company truck pull away with the extra tables and chairs. Things were getting back to normal again.
“Well, looks like we’re about finished,” Chance said. “I should head home. Joy and I were up most of the night with Katie. She’s cutting a tooth.”
“You got a minute?” Travis asked.
“Sure. What’s on your mind?” Chance tipped his hat back, and his sandy hair fell across his forehead. The once serious oldest brother now looked happy and easygoing. Travis credited his better mood to Joy.
“I got a problem.”
Chance frowned. “I thought you said your lawyer was handling everything.”
“He is. That’s not the problem.” He looked around the deserted area. The nearest people were two hands busy working in the corral. “It’s Josie,” Travis blurted out.
A smile creased Chance’s face. “So, you’re finally admitting you have feelings for the woman.”
Travis blew out a long breath. “Has everyone around here been watching us?”
“Well the family has noticed how much attention you pay to her. You spent the evening with her last night, danced every dance. You wouldn’t let another man near her.”
“Would you let anyone near Joy?”
“Hell, no.” Chance laughed. “You’re as bad as Cade and I were. We both pretty much made fools of ourselves before we admitted our feelings.” His expression grew serious. “But let me give you some advice. If you care about Josie don’t waste any time. We Randells seem to fall hard and fast.”
“I’ve already made one mistake,” Travis said. “How do I know if I’m about to make another?”
“You don’t.” His brother sighed and pushed back his hat. “Now, I’ve never met this Lisa you were engaged to, but from what you told me, I have a feeling she’s nothing like us. I think you would have discovered that sooner or later.”
Travis thought back to a year ago and the aggressive woman who had walked into his office. Not only had she gotten a job, but within weeks she was in his bed. Lisa had manipulated the situation to get everything she wanted. He was just a stepping stone.
“No, she never wanted a family,” Travis said, unable to believe he went along with it. “Kids weren’t even up for discussion.”
“She must have been a hell of a looker to get you to change your way of thinking so drastically.”
Travis nodded. “She was good,” he admitted. “So good, she was able to play me off against Byron.” He let out a long breath. “Boy, I’m lucky I got out of that mess.”
“You were lucky, but it’s still keeping you from moving on with your life…with Josie. If it’s of any help, both Joy and Abby think she’s pretty special and perfect for you.”
“Jeez, it’s nice to have everyone’s approval.”
Chance smiled. “Sorry, that’s what happens when you’re part of a family. We love you, and want you to be happy.”
Travis felt his throat tighten. “There was a time I didn’t think I needed that.” He looked his brother in the eyes. “I’ve learned a lot the past few months, and without the family, I don’t think I could have gotten through this.”
Chance smacked him on the back. “If you don’t know by now, I’m here to tell you, we’re proud of you, Travis. And we’ll be lucky if you decide to manage the Mustang Valley Guest Ranch.”
Travis had been thinking about it, too. He wanted to come home. But he had reservations. “You’re not just making up this job so I’ll stay?”
Chance grinned. “You always were suspicious. Wait a few weeks after we’ve put you to work. You’re family so we can abuse you. And since I’m the oldest, I get to boss you around.”
Travis grinned at his brother’s teasing. “Like hell. I believe in your family Joy is the boss now.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” the oldest Randell stated.
There was no doubt both his brothers were happy and settled, and Travis wanted the same. “I think I’d like to try it,” he said.
“That’s great.” Chance grabbed him in a tight embrace. A few years ago, the show of affection would have bothered Travis; now he reveled in it.
Chance pulled away. “Now go and convince Josie that you can’t live without her.” Then this brother paused as his brows drew together. “Your hesitation doesn’t have anything to do with the baby, does it?”
Travis shook his head. He was actually excited. “As far as I’m concerned the baby is a bonus. I think we’ve all learned the hard way that blood doesn’t make you good parents.”
His brother agreed.
“It’s Josie who’s shying away. I’m not sure she’ll ever let herself depend on another man.”
“Then you better get busy and convince her you’re not going to walk out on her because the brochure is nearly finished. That means so is her job.”
“I know,” Travis said as he walked his brother to the truck. “Somehow, I’m going to find a way to keep her here until she admits we have a future together.” He only wished he felt as confident as he sounded.
After a day off, Josie arrived at the ranch house the next afternoon to really work. She’d been a little surprised that she hadn’t heard from or seen Travis yesterday. But after the rodeo, he’d told her she needed sleep and ordered her not to do anything but relax. Josie hadn’t slept late in years. All her life she had worked, and the diner had been open every day of the week, so Josie was there. Then when her mother got sick, Josie ran things by herself. She wasn’t used to taking it easy, but she quickly discovered a few extra hours of sleep was heavenly—that was, after she got Travis Randell out of her thoughts.
Josie entered the empty kitchen and called out. No one answered. She walked through the familiar house to the den where she was to meet Travis. Her heart rate sped up in anticipation of seeing him. She couldn’t deny she missed him and was more than a little disappointed he hadn’t stopped by the cabin. Maybe if she’d invited him, he would have come.
No, she didn’t need to encourage him. As she reached the den music drifted through the doors. Someone was singing a country song.
She stopped in the doorway to watch Travis leaning over the computer, belting out the words as if he had sung it many times before. She enjoyed the richness of his voice but not as much as the sight of the man himself. When he stood and reached for a folder, his T-shirt pulled taut over his broad shoulders and back. Her body tingled with awareness, even more so as her gaze moved down to his narrow waist and tight rear end. The way he filled out his jeans was sinful. This was no computer nerd.
As if he sensed her presence, Travis turned around. Still singing along to the song, he walked across the room, drew her into his arms and started dancing. Josie laughed, making it difficult to keep up with the fast two-step.
When the song ended, he relinquished his hold. “Did you rest yesterday?”
She nodded. “And I slept an extra two hours this morning.”
“Good. I got up at five. I was thinking about you, all cozy and warm under the blankets.” He leaned closer and tugged on her long braid. “And wishing I was there with you. But I figured you wouldn’t be getting any sleep if that were the case.”
She backed away. She didn’t need to hear this. “Maybe you should tell me what you want to work on today.”
“Trust.”
She stared at him. “What?”
“I want you to trust me, Josie. I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” she denied.
“But you are. You’re afraid I’m going to hurt you.”
She had to glance away. “We’ve discussed this before. I’m only here for a little while longer.”
“What if I want you to stay?” he asked. “What if I want you and the baby to make the Circle B your home?”
She shook her head. No! She couldn’t stay, not on the ranch with Hank…. “I can’t,” she said. “Maybe in town.”
He folded his arms. “What if I can make it so you can stay here?”
“Travis, the brochure is nearly done. The fact is, you don’t need me now.” He’d been asking for more and more pictures, pictures he didn’t really need.
“Your photos are going to be used. Abby is talking about a calendar. But I had another job in mind.”
“What job?”
He stepped back and sat on the edge of the desk, then folded his arms across his chest. “As the new manager of the guest ranch I can hire whoever I need.”
She gasped. “Oh, Travis, you decided to take the job!”
He smiled as he nodded. “Like I was saying, as the new manager, I’m going to need someone to run the office.”
Hope surged through her. Could she possibly do this? “But…I’ve never run an office. And I’ve had no computer training.”
“We have plenty of time before the spring opening to train you. And there are good health benefits, too. So you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for the hospital when the baby comes.”
Josie felt the tears well in her eyes. Why did Travis have to be so nice to her? It made leaving more difficult, and darn it, she had to leave. “You can’t create a job for me, Travis. I won’t take charity. I’ve taken care of myself all my life, and I certainly will now.”
Travis watched as Josie’s chin came up, and she folded her arms in front of her. She was as stubborn as they came. So what if he did come up with this job? He was going to need help eventually anyway. But he couldn’t lose her. Somehow he had to convince her to stay. He wanted to admit his feelings, but he was afraid she wouldn’t believe him and truly take off. No, he had to try a different strategy.
“Well, I’m going to put an ad in the paper on Monday. If you don’t take the job, someone else will. Better let go of your pride, Josie. Think about your baby.”
“I do think about my baby.” She blinked at the tears in her eyes. “That’s all I think about. You don’t know what it’s like to have a life inside you and know that you have to feed and protect her.”
“No, but I’m trying to help,” he said. “It’s not charity. Truly it isn’t. You’ll be answering phones, taking reservations, hiring housekeepers and overseeing the cottages. And not just here, for Abby and Cade, but for Chance and Joy when the camping area opens on their property. It’ll be too much work for one person. I need someone who can handle people, and I thought that with your experience at the diner you’d be perfect. But if you don’t want the job…”
“I want it,” she nearly shouted, then glanced away. “I’m sorry. I thought that you were—”
“Trying to get you to stay.” He grinned. “You’re right, I am. I’m not going to lie, Josie. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m crazy about you.”
He watched her eyes darken and knew she had feelings for him, too. Somehow he had to convince her that they would be great together. He stepped closer and lowered his head. “I’m going to wear you down, Josie.” Just then another country song filled the room. And Travis drew her into his arms.
“Don’t argue anymore, Josie, just feel what’s between us. I’m going to persuade you that we belong together. Trust me.” His mouth closed over hers, shutting off any more protest. At least for now.
Chapter Ten
The past two days had been hell. Travis gripped the steering wheel tighter as he drove down the highway toward Mustang Valley. He wasn’t about to wait any longer to talk to Josie. She said she was staying, but for how long? She probably would find some excuse to leave, and if so, he was prepared to argue the point. There was no way he was going to let her go back to El Paso. Alone and pregnant. There was no one who cared about her. Not like he did.
Travis didn’t know how or when it happened, and as much as he had tried not to let Josie matter to him, she did. A lot. Now, he couldn’t let her walk out of his life.
He turned off onto the new road to the valley. The drive took him between rows of tall trees with bright sunlight filtering through the branches. He couldn’t help but think about the first day he’d seen Josie. Although he’d fought it, he’d been attracted to her even then, but pure stubbornness kept him from seeing she was the best thing that had happened to him. He knew now, and he couldn’t let her go. He pulled to a stop at the gravel parking area about two hundred yards back from the valley and a hundred yards from the cabins. He would have to make the rest of the journey on foot. That was probably a good thing because he needed time to think about what to say to Josie.
