Читать онлайн книгу «Laredo′s Sassy Sweetheart» автора Tina Leonard
Laredo's Sassy Sweetheart
Tina Leonard
Laredo Jefferson was eight seconds from shaking the dust of Union Junction, Texas, from his boots. Eight seconds from discovering the Something Big he was destined to do.He couldn't reckon how he'd promised those eight seconds to sweet filly Katy Goodnight, but he sure as shootin' knew why. He wanted to be her hero. And that meant riding the beast Bloodthirsty Black.Laredo was a lover, not a bull rider. Still, he craved a challengeand so, it seemed, did Katy. For this gun-shy Lonely Hearts gal handpicked him to unsaddle her of her virginity. Suddenly, where Katy was concerned, eight seconds could never be enough.
Whats wrong, sweetheart? he asked
Ive never been kissed like that before, she said on a gasp.
He smiled. Then lets do it again and go for two.
Im sorry, she said quickly. LaredoIm not the girl for you.
And then she ran into the Lonely Hearts Salon.
Not the girl for him? Of course she wasnt the girl for him. He wasnt looking for a girl. He was passing through town on his way to Something Big.
But he liked Katy, liked her an awful lot. Wouldnt want to hurt her.
Katy was rightshe wasnt the woman for him. There would never be a woman for him.
He should never have kissed her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tina Leonard loves to laugh, which is one of the many reasons she loves writing for Harlequin American Romance. In another lifetime, Tina thought shed be single and an East Coast fashion buyer forever. The unexpected happened when Tina met Tim again after many yearsshe hadnt seen him since theyd attended school together from first through eighth grade. They married, and now Tina keeps a close eye on her school-age childrens friends! Lisa and Dean keep their mother busy with soccer, gymnastics and horseback riding. They are proud of their moms kissy books and eagerly help her any way they can. Tina hopes readers will enjoy the love of family she writes about in her books. Recently a reviewer wrote, Leonard had a wonderful sense of the ridiculous, which Tina loved so much she wants it for her epitaph. Right now, however, shes focusing on her wonderful life and writing a lot more romance!
Laredos Sassy Sweetheart
Tina Leonard
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Many thanks to my readers! There is never enough I can say to thank you for your support and your generosity. This series is for you. Here also I wish to extend special mention to the following wonderful people: LaJoyce Doran, Shadin Quran, Nicole Christoph, Jeanette Bowman and Beth Reimer.
More than ever, my gratitude goes to the editor angels at Harlequin who watch over my careerthank you to Melissa Jeglinski for your many kindnesses and Stacy Boyd for your calm guidance and patience!
And extra-sloppy, noisy kisses to Lisa and Dean. I adore you and need the light you bring to my life~~Mumzie.
THE JEFFERSON BROTHERS OF MALFUNCTION JUNCTION
Mason (37)He valiantly keeps the ranch and the family together.
Frisco Joe (36)Newly married, he lives in Texas wine country with his wife and daughter.
Fannin (35)Should he pack up and head out to find their long-lost father, Maverick?
Laredo (34), twin to TexHis one passion: to go east and do Something Big with his life.
Tex (34), twin to LaredoDetermined to prove hes settled, he cross-pollinates roses, but cant seem to get them to bloom.
Calhoun (33)Hes been thinking of hitting the rodeo circuit.
Ranger (32), twin to ArcherNo one believes him, but hes serious about joining the military.
Archer (32), twin to RangerHell do anything to keep his mind off his brothers restlessnesseven write poetry to his lady pen pal in Australia.
Crockett (30), twin to NavarroHes an artist who loves to paint portraitsof nudes.
Navarro (30), twin to CrockettHe may join Calhoun in the bull-riding game.
Bandera (26)He spouts poetry like Whitmanand sometimes nonsense.
Last (25)Never least, he loves to dispense advice, especially to his brothers.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter One
A man only fights for the good, boys, not to impose his will on others. Believe in yourself. No one can do that for you. But a real man learns to fight with his brain, not his fists.
Maverick Jefferson to his sons when they asked him if they could give Sammy Wickle a black eye in kindergarten.
Laredo Jefferson had seen a lot of madness in the past month. The neighbor the twelve Jefferson brothers had known all their lives, Mimi, had become engaged, a startling situation in itself, since the engagement was to someone other than his big brother, Mason. Mason hadnt pulled his head out in time to realize he was going to lose someone who mattered a lot to himor, at least, Laredo was pretty certain Mimi and Mason meant a lot to each other. Sometimes it was hard to tell if all the preening and poppycock was prideful love or just the wear and tear of a brother-sister relationship.
Frisco Joe had married a fine woman, another surprising development, since, of all twelve brothers, Frisco was the darkest horse, being possessed of an ornerier-than-most nature. Amazingly, Annabelle had certainly sugared him up a bit, and baby Emmie kept Frisco in a constant state of cockeyed grinnyness. It had been a pleasure to watch his sour brother get mowed down by a little mama and her no-bigger-than-a-chickpea baby.
But he was not about to be caught in the same net.
After all the years of drought on their ranch near Union Junction, theyd had a veritable shower of charming female visitors. And it was all he could do to resist paying court to every one of them! Nine new women had come to town from Lonely Hearts Station, a neighboring town. After helping out during last months terrible storm, the women had decided they would stay.
A lot of bachelors in Union Junction, Texas, had been real happy about that.
Laredo hadnt asked any of the women out on a date. Fidelity was something to be avoided, at least in his opinion. If you were dying of thirst, and someone offered you a huge jug of water, wouldnt you drink as long as you could? hed reasoned to Mason.
Mason had grunted and told him to go fill the water troughs for the horses. Laredo thought the house was going to be plenty empty without Frisco, and plenty full of Mason and his bad temper. Without Frisco Joe, life wouldnt be the same! Mason had ridden Frisco, Frisco had bucked Masonwithout Frisco, Laredo might be next in line to be ridden, and he didnt have Friscos ability to deal with Mason. Laredos brothers called him a dreamer, but they usually gave him a pass and picked on his twin, Texas, more, since Texs passion was growing roses that never bloomed. Budus-interruptus, Frisco had told Tex, that was his problem. Tex had been really steamed, but Laredo had snickered under his sleeve, his face turned from his twin.
Maybe his brothers were getting on his nerves. Maybe theyd lived together too long. Which got him thinking about traveling eastsomething hed been thinking about long before the madness of love had hit the ranch. He was in the mood for adventure, a change of pace. Love wasnt going to hit him, he vowed, and picked up his packed duffel bag. He was not about to settle down.
He wanted to do something big.
Without another glance back he left the only home hed ever known to venture out into the warm March morning. First stop: paying a visit to the Lonely Hearts Beauty Salon, just long enough to say hello to some ladies whod made his life a little more fun last month. There was a place for a troubled man to find a sympathetic ear.
Three hours later he was standing outside the salon, amazed by the hubbub insideit sounded more like a general meeting placewhen suddenly the door flung open. His sleeve firmly grasped in two desperate female hands, he was hauled inside.
He remembered Katy Goodnight, the woman who now had him in her determined grip. He remembered thinking that a man could spend many good nights with a girl like her.
This is him! Katy announced to the room at large, which was filled with elderly men, a lot of women and even a pet chicken in a cage on one of the back counters. This is the man we can enter in the rodeo as the champion for Lonely Hearts Station, Texas. If anyone can ride Bloodthirsty Black, its Laredo Jefferson. Ladies and gentlemen, pay homage to your champion, and the man who can whup the daylights out of our rival, the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls and their bull, Bad-Ass Blue!
Voices huzzahed, hands clapped, Katy released his shirt so she could clap, too, and even the chicken uttered a startled squawk. But no one was more startled than Laredo to be picked as some kind of bull-riding savior.
Hed never ridden a bull in his life.
Katy whispered, You got here just in the nick of time. Youre my hero!
He swallowed, and decided to keep his mouth shut. After all, hed been looking for a little adventureand it wasnt every day a man got to be a hero to a woman named Goodnight.
KATY KNEW that desperation had just opened the door and sent her a mana man who looked as if he could solve her problem. Laredo was big enough to hang on to an ornery, few thousand pounds of irritated horns-and-hooves. He was strong, judging by the muscles in his forearms and the biceps not covered by a short-sleeved red T-shirt. That area below the leather belt and covered by nicely fitted blue jeans looked healthy, as wellguaranteed to fit in a saddle and keep a seat well past the eight-second horn.
He was sexy as all get-out, tooa strong chin, square face and simmering dark eyes under a summer-weight western hat set her heart to jumping just like mad Bloodthirsty Black when he shook off lesser handlers. But sex appeal had nothing to do with her mission.
All she needed was a man who could hang on for eight seconds. Was that so much to ask?
Maybe hanging on wasnt what Laredo wantedby the look on his face, shed completely startled him with her announcementbut matters being what they were, shed have to take the chance that his gentlemanly instincts would overcome his shock.
Their last bull rider had backed out after the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls sank their claws into him, filling his ears with stories. Katy had a vague idea what stories might be told in the salon across the street. Remembering her ex-fianc, Stanley, wrapped around her ex-best friend, Becky, in the bridal changing room in the church, she had an inkling they were bedtime stories.
She eyed Laredo with eyes that missed nothing, and realized that if the Never Lonely girls had set an all-out campaign for the previous rider the Lonely Hearts girls had sent into the arena, Laredo had about a sixty-minute shelf life before he was discovered by the enemy.
And lured away.
Temptation must be avoided at all costs.
Because Miss Delilah, the owner of the Lonely Hearts Salon, really, really needed a champion. Katys bossand rescuerDelilah, was looking for something big, something miraculous to happen for her salon. It housed the closest thing to real family Katy had ever known. So unless he turned her down, something big and miraculous was what Laredo Jefferson was going to be, Katy determined, staring up at him as he stared down at her, apparently rooted to the floor in his big boots. If she werent so desperate, shed have time to appreciate the scenery, but as it was, time was limited.
Please let him say yes, she prayed, gazing up into those beautiful, stunned eyes.
Or at least dont let him shrug her off like the crazy woman she knew she must seem to be. Shed never had much luck with menin fact, her ex-fianc was right now enjoying her ex-best friends thong in the south of France on a honeymoon Katy had plannedbut, she wasnt really frigid. She was certain her heart was warmer than an ice cube, no matter what Stanley said. Being a virgin wasnt a crimenaivet was unfortunate, perhaps, but it wasnt prissy, uncaring virtue shed been wearing like a steel-plated hymen. It was justinnocence.
Or maybe, she thought suddenly, as she dimly realized Laredo had gorgeous dark-coffee-colored eyes that were dilated and focused on her with a heat matched only by the sun outside, maybe it was uncertainty that had kept her a virgin.
Uncertainty may have frozen her once, but today was a new day, and Laredo was not Stanley. She took a deep breath and forced her best cajoling tone. So, what do you say, cowboy? she asked softly.
Little lady, he finally said, finding the voice shed shocked out of him. We have a problem.
Her throat dried out. A problem. That didnt sound like a yes, did it? She could feel all her sister stylists watching them, could feel their breath held as tightly in their chests as hers was. Problem?
His eyes softened as he nodded. Would you care to talk about it, maybe outside? he asked.
Slowly she released his sleeve, which shed been clutching since shed dragged him inside the salon. All right, Laredo. She glanced around at everyone in the salon. Ill be right back.
Not towing a hero, maybe, and minus her paltry self-confidence. Not that her self-confidence was the main thing, of course. If Laredo couldnt be the hero they were looking for, then time was paramount. Theyd have to find another hero.
The rodeo was in four days, and someone had to ride their bull. Lord only knew shed fantasized about riding it herself, to save Delilah from her sister, Marvella, who owned the competing salon across the street. Marvellas salon had just about finished off Miss Delilahs honest way of work.
Because, rumor had it, it wasnt just a close shave being sold across the street by the Never Lonely girls, which left Miss Delilah with very few clients indeed. Shed had to let half her staff go last month. Fortunately, Union Junction had welcomed the nine newcomers. Yet, how cruel of Marvella to deliberately set out to ruin her own sister!
Not yet, Katy told herself, as Laredo closed the salon door behind them. Not if she had anything to do with it.
Outside, the sun shone brightly on the pavement. If it was possible, Laredo looked even more handsome in bright light.
Flirting skills. Enticement. Clearly, she was lacking in some womanly fundamentals, she decided. Because Becky, her ex-best friend, who even now was no doubt having her thong removed by the apparently lusty Stanley Katy had never known, would have roped, tied and thrown Laredo to the ground, all without doing much more than smiling. Rolling her hips. Showing pretty knees beneath her daily miniskirt parade.
Becky would have had a yes out of Laredo before hed even drawn another breath.
That didnt mean she was sexless or frigid, Katy assured herself. It just meant she hadnt ever tried flirting. She didnt get an F just because she didnt take the course.
She took a deep breath, marshaled up her best Barbie smile, widened her eyes and sucked in her stomach so her breasts would at least marginally appear through her linen ankle-length dressa move she was copying straight from the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurl handbook. Her posture thrown off by the sudden stiffness, Katy placed a hand on Laredos forearm for support, which he gallantly covered with his other hand, as if she truly were a doll worth holding! Maybe Becky had been onto something with all that gooey a-man-is-made-to-be-adored stuff. You were going to tell me about a teensy little ol problem, Laredo? she asked, so sweetly she was certain sugar drizzled out of her mouth. Im just positive a man like you never lets a little ol bump in the road stop him.
He nodded, frowning, seemingly flustered by her full-force display of flirt-go-ditz.
Ive never ridden a bull, Laredo said.
THE EXPRESSION on Katys face was no longer hero worship, and Laredo felt as if all the air had been let out of him. Bam! Just like that, he was an ordinary mortal again. And here hed been dreaming of doing something big with his life.
Never ridden a bull, Katy murmured, as if she couldnt believe her ears. But you live at the Malfunction Junction Ranch. All your brothers bull ride. I saw the ribbons and trophies. There must have been hundreds.
He shook his head. Not me, though. Mason figured I was the one most likely to have a wandering foot thatd take to the rodeo lifestyle permanently. Its one of the very few things I would admit that my brother guessed right about me. And Last never has, either, but thats because he was the baby and Mason didnt have time to teach him to ride much of anything except a horse. Actually, Last never really did learn to ride a horse very well. He realized he was babbling, trying to fill in space so he wouldnt have to finish letting Katy down.
Wandering foot? Katy repeated. What does that have to do with staying on a bull?
He ran a gentle finger along the curve of her chin. God, how he hated disappointing her. She really was a cute little thing in her sandals and long dress, just like a girl playing dress-up in her mothers clothes. He liked the fact that she had little or no makeup on. Her hair was a bit ruffled, which he wouldnt have expected for someone who worked in a beauty salon. Everything about her seemed somehow fresh and innocent, from her big blue eyes to the dark bangs that framed them. Mason was determined to keep our family together. Its a long story, but it has to do with the fact that our father left when most of us were young and Mason got stuck with the details of parenting. He made decisions the best he could. Sometimes he was wrong. But most of the time, he was dead-on.
So youre a restless type.
Thats right.
She pulled her chin away from his finger. I wouldnt know the feeling.
He eyed her, knowing that she wouldnt find that adjective attractive in a man. But that was okay, because he wasnt trying to suit himself up to be attractive to her. I dont suspect you would.
So you never got to ride a bull?
I could have sneaked around. Last wasnt supposed to, either, but he did just the same. Mason didnt want the baby of the family busting himself up.
Of course not, she murmured.
But Last has always done whatever he pleased.
She glanced up at him. But you obeyed your brother.
He shrugged. I couldnt quibble with his logic. I didnt want the family separated myself, and I wouldnt have been the one to do it. No one else seemed to have a hankering to leave the ranch like I did.
Youve left now, she said.
Yes.
Hope flared in her eyes. Maybe now is the time to disobey Mason about bull riding!
He laughed. I dont have to obey him anymore. But I wouldnt be any good at riding, Katy. I never learned. And theres more to it than getting on.
She looked as if she might cry any second.
Here, he said gently, lets take a walk. Tell me whats going on, and maybe I can help you resolve your situation.
I need a hero, she said stubbornly.
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. I promise I think better than I ride. Come on. Walk and talk.
She sighed, not liking his offer one bit, but clearly seeing no way to refuse. Theres a lot at stake.
You dont look like the kind of girl who hangs around rodeos, Katy. He eyed her curves underneath her long dress with appreciation. Shed look mighty fine in blue jeans
Im not, she said as they began to walk side by side. She glanced up, almost catching him eyeing those curves. Until last week, Id never even seen a bull up close.
What happened last week? He couldnt resist asking since her head had drooped, her pretty sable-colored hair swinging forward as she spoke. Tell Uncle Laredo.
She shot him a wry look. You are not my uncle, cowboy.
Oh, thats right. Im supposed to be the hero. Only I got shot off my horse.
Bull, not horse. She sighed. Every year Miss Delilah buys a bull from one of the local FFA kids. The kids raise their bulls, usually from the time they were born, until they auction them at the fair. This pays for college and other expenses. Then Delilah enters her bull in certain events, such as riding, and best hoof painting.
Hoof painting? He put out a hand to slow her determined gait. You act like youre marching on the enemy yourself. Whats best hoof painting?
Its sort of a paint-your-nails-for-bulls event. Only its the hooves that get painted as pretty as they can possibly be. Flowers, doodles, Indian sunsets, you name it. On an animal that wont stay still. Its a mental and physical challenge.
Ive never heard of that.
Miss Delilah thought it up.
Of course. It sounded like a beauty salon owners idea.
Dont sound so snickery. Miss Delilah raises a lot of money for charity with her contests. People come from miles around to enter. And then, when the fair comes to town the following year, she sells the bull to the restaurant in Texas that bids the most for it. By then, everybodys seen her bull for that year, in several events, and they bid it pretty high. With this money, shes been able to keep her salon open. Katy shook her head sadly. Everyone wins, you know. The student who raised the bull, Lonely Hearts Station charities, a lucky restaurant and Miss Delilahs favorite charity, taking in women who need a helping hand. But not since the Never Lonely girls opened up their salon.
She tossed her head in the direction of a business no one could missalmost the red-light establishment of beauty salons with a neon sign sure to light up a dark sky and all manner of lip prints painted on the windows. Rivals, huh?
Delilahs sister, Marvella, runs that shop, and she wants nothing more than to put Delilah out of business. And her weapon of the moment is a bull named Bad-Ass Blue.
Laredo would have laughed, except, by the serious stiffness in Katys back, he knew hed better swallow the laughter fast. So, how does a bull ruin Miss Delilahs shop?
By getting more attention. By having a rider that knows how to showboat. By luring our rider into missing his ride, Katy said bitterly. Bloodthirsty Black never even got out of the chute because we didnt have a rider.
Laredo was afraid to ask, but he had to know. And the best-hoof-painting contest? How did Bloodthirsty Black fare in that?
Not at all, Katy said. Someone slipped a baby mouse into his stall and he darn near broke it down trying to crush the poor thing. After that no one dared get near him.
Laredo shook his head. No one plants a mouse. They just hang around livestock areas.
Not this one. It still had the price tag on it.
He couldnt help a chuckle now, which earned him a rebuking stare from Katy. They dont put price tags on mice, Katy.
This one was wearing a red price tag on his back. Two dollars and ninety-eight cents, she said definitively.
Laredo was positive she was giving him a tall tale. A marked-down mouse, I guess.
She instantly halted, putting her fists on her hips. It was a gesture he kind of thought looked good on her, even though any sane man shied away from a ticked-off female. There is nothing funny about Miss Delilahs dilemma. If you were truly my hero, you would know that this is a serious matter.
That stung, far worse than it should have. So much for doing something bighe couldnt even pass a small heros test like not laughing at a story aimed to make him look like a patsy. Im sorry, he said earnestly.
You certainly should be. Its not gentlemanly to laugh at peoples livelihoods.
He hadnt thought of it that way, and Katy was right. In silence they began to walk again, more companionably now since hed proffered an apology. Okay, say the price tag on the mouse was a coincidence. Maybe it had run through a bag and picked it up accidentally.
Maybe, but I dont think so. It was from a store in Dallas.
But it could have been something someone brought to the rodeo, he insisted. Whats the purpose of leaving a price tag on a mouse? It basically alerts you to the fact that theres been cheating and sabotage.
But thats the intimidation factor. They have never cared that we know what theyre doing. Whos to stop them? All the younger men in this town go to that salon, including the sheriff. We get the wives, who want no part of what goes on over there.
And thats another thing. Have you ever been inside the salon? Tried their services?
No.
So how do you know that this is all deliberate?
They lured our cowboy into their salon, they got him drunkand possibly moreon the day he was supposed to ride. What assumption would you draw from that?
That he was a lazy cowboy, and maybe not even a real bull rider, Katy. Did you ever think of that?
He had a buckle and all kinds of pictures of him with other trophies.
Laredo sighed, knowing any of that could have been bought or finagled. Katy, as earnest as she was, seemed the type people might take advantage of. She was so sweet and trusting and open. A marked-down mouse, indeed. Why would a rival salon go to the trouble of bringing in a mouse with a red tag when they could have spooked the bull any number of ways? So, if the rodeo is already over, why do you need another rider?
Because Miss Delilah raised a huge stink and called Marvella and told her that she knew shed cheated and that if there wasnt a rematch, she was going to burn the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls Salon to the ground.
She did that? This didnt sound like the woman who had come out to Malfunction Junction with twenty women and one baby, who had taken care of eleven cowboys and a truck driver during one of winters worst storms. That woman had seemed very sane and practical. Im having trouble with Miss Delilah being a lawbreaker and an arsonist.
Well never know, because her sister agreed to a rematch. The thing is, though, I think its a setup, Katy whispered, stopping to gaze up into his eyes. Laredo felt his heart go thud and then boom as he tried to inhale. Then exhale. Katys eyes widened, drawing him in. I think a red-lined mouse was childs play to Marvella. Call me gullible if you will, and trusting, but I was recently duped by a girl who was just like a sister to me.
You dont say, Laredo breathed, trying real hard to sound surprised.
She nodded. So I know what women are capable of.
Im sure you do.
And I know Miss Delilahs getting set up on this.
What could Marvella do?
Katys gaze swept over his shoulders and then across his chest. I dont know. But she will send her girls to steal my hero.
His mouth dried out at the thought of a bunch of women coming after him with their feminine lures. It wasnt an altogether unhappy vision.
But the words from Katys mouth had perked up his heart. He could be her hero. He could do it. He was not the kind of guy to make a promise and then cut and run.
You can count on me, he said.
Youll ride Bloodthirsty Black? she asked on a gasp.
Ill probably get stomped by his brightly painted hooves, but then at least everybody will know about the hard-wired bull Miss Delilahs got for sale. Then the charities will be happy, and a restaurant will be happy, and some FFA kids will be happy
Ill be happy. She threw her arms around his neck by launching her small body up against his chest, leaving about twelve inches dangling between her feet and the sidewalk. Thank you, Laredo. I knew I could count on you!
He would call Mason tomorrow, he thought, and get some tips on how to stay on a beast from hell. Right now he was just going to stand here and smell Katy Goodnights perfume, and try not to think about how sweet a girl like her would be in his bed.
And then again, maybe thinking about how sweet shed be in his bed was exactly why hed said hed ride her darn bull. He hadnt been kidding when he said hed probably get stomped.
So, he said into her hair as he held her against him, what happened to the mouse?
I rescued her, Katy murmured. When Bloodthirsty kicked in the stall, she ran out, and I scooped her up before she could run into another stall to get crushed by a different bull.
Her?
There are only girls in our salon. We named her Rose, and she sleeps in a little box beside my bed.
Oh, boy. Lucky mouse, he muttered.
What?
Nothing, he said quickly. I just cant wait to ride that bull, he fibbed.
Think you can stay on eight seconds?
He squeezed her to him, breathing in deeply. Im positive I have much longer than eight seconds in me.
Really?
Well, he said hastily, switching gears from sexual to realistic, I dont expect Ill be that good.
She smiled at him luminously. Since its your first time and all.
He swallowed, his Adams apple jerking in his neck like a double knot on a childs tennis shoe. Yeah.
Do you have a place to stay for the night, Laredo?
His throat tightened. Was he about to receive an invitation of the best sort? No.
Then you can sleep in my room.
Heaven! Hallelujah! Doing something big in his life was turning out to be so easy. Why hadnt he been adventuresome sooner?
And Ill sleep with Miss Delilah, she continued.
His enthusiasm withered like day-old soda pop. He set her down on the concrete. Id hate to put you out.
Its the least I can do for the man whos going to single-handedly save our salon.
He nodded jerkily, trying to look appreciative.
And were fixing wilted lettuce and greens for dinner.
He pasted a smile on his face, thinking that if the menu was always so green and healthy, he wouldnt have to ride Bloodthirsty Black. Hed just gnaw the steak-on-the-hoof to death and chalk up an easy win that way. Thank you, he repeated.
Lets go back and tell everyone what youve decided, Katy said, delighted.
Oh, yes. By all means, he agreed reluctantly. Longingly he glanced across the street, where a stunning blonde was deliberately trying to catch his gaze through the window. She was wearing a red shirt tied at the waist, and, even at this distance, he could tell she was a very healthy girl. To his surprise, she held a sign to the window that read Free Meal to Travelers in bold red, glittery letters.
Beside him Katy floated along, oblivious to the exchange. To be politebecause hed only heard one side of the story, after allhe tipped his straw western hat to the blonde and then shook his head in the negative.
Fair was fair, and no matter how bright the invitation across the wayeven if they served steak and mashed potatoeshe was going to be a man Katy could trust.
Chapter Two
So what exactly was the big problem? Hannah Hotchkiss asked as she walked into Katys bedroom.
Problem? Katy asked, eyeing her best friend and companion stylist warily.
The one Laredo mentioned. By the time the two of you returned from your walk, you had a yes out of him, and he was wearing a distinctly cattywhumpussed expression.
A minor detail, Katy murmured. Nothing that was truly a problem. She wasnt about to share the worrisome detail that their knight in shining armor lacked experience in the saddle.
I think youve caught that mans eye.
Katy glanced up, horrified. Do not say that. He is not my type at all.
What is your type?
Stanley came to mind, but Katy tossed that thought violently out of her brain. I havent figured it out yet. But Im certain Ill know it when I see it. She blew her bangs away from her forehead. These bangs will not grow fast enough to suit me.
Why are you letting them grow out? They suit your face and showcase your eyes.
I look like a little girl. I dont want to look like that anymore. She handed a picture to her friend of a model dressed like a ballerina, her hair pulled away from her face in a severe topknot. Thats the way I want to look.
Like you havent had a good meal in a month?
Katy snatched the paper back. Elegant. Sophisticated.
Like you dont give a damn.
Exactly. Katy nodded. I dont.
Now you just have to convince yourself.
Right.
What a bozo that Stanley must have been. Hannah sighed and got to her feet. Listen, pulling your hair back until you look like a scarecrow isnt going to give you the mature edge youre looking for.
You have a suggestion for maturing a permanent baby face?
No. The baby face is not the problemand, by the way, its called a cute face. Theres nothing baby about you. Your challenge is to become more daring. Daring. Remember that word.
Katy raised a brow.
Youre masking your real worry by making it a hair issue, something all women do, and sometimes men, as well. The key is to face the issue dead-on, and pin it on the body part where it actually belongs. Its never a hair issue. Could be the brain, could be the breasts, could be your
I dont need a body catalogue, Katy interrupted.
So, wheres your real issue?
My heart.
Not possible. Choosing the heart is a stall tactic. It means youre still transposing and referring your denial. The heart is not part of the equation, as it is only a label for peoples emotions. A visual, if you will.
I dont know if I will or not. Katy groaned, unwilling to go down the path. My womanhood, she finally said. If Id been more of a woman, even Becky couldnt have gotten Stanley away from me.
Thats a myth, you know. Women successfully steal men all the time. It doesnt take much effort.
I will never believe that. There are a few men out there who have antitheft devices on their hearts.
Yes, but were not talking about their hearts, and I have it on good authority that antitheft devices do not fit on a mans p
All right! Katy interrupted. So any man is ripe for the picking. Then whats the point of me trying to overcome my issue if their issue is unsolvable?
Because once you develop more confidence, your chance of a man ever straying from you is dramatically diminished. You put a certain amount of color on a ladys hair to diminish her gray, dont you?
Yes, Katy said uncertainly.
Well, you have to wear confidence to attract and keep someone you love. Become a bright, new color. Remember our new worddaring.
Lack of confidence was not why Stanley married Becky.
He did that because he was already at the church, the guests had flown in, his mother was wearing Bob Mackie, and you, my sweet gullible angel, had footed the bill as the bride. Plus, he still had a smile on his face from what had occurred in the bridal changing room. Strategically, if he couldnt wait another five minutes or so to enjoy your virginity, Im thinking he didnt have much staying power for the long haul. Not that Im judging him, exactly, since I have never met him. However, sometimes actions speak louder than words, and I sincerely believe your wedding day was one of those loud action moments. Hannah examined her nails casually. By the way, you are going to send his parents a bill for the wedding.
Katy gasped. Maybe Stanley and Becky, but not his parents!
No way. His parents are filthy rich and worried about impressions. You got the shaft and theyll be anxious to make certain you dont pay for their sons cruel indiscretion, lest you tell someone important likeDear Abby. Oprah, even. The whole matter sounds very Jerry Springer to me. Thatll hit Stanleys parents where they panic, and theyll certainly cough up what youre owed.
Katy flushed, hating the humiliation shed suffered that day. I want to keep it quiet. Forget about it. Move on.
You are not as confident as you could be, Katy, Hannah said softly. And under the circumstances, I understand. But by the time Im finished with you, confidence will radiate from you!
She wondered what Laredo saw radiating from her. Messy ponytail and no lipstickprobably all he saw was a dull aura. Okay, do your darnedest. I guess.
Hannah lifted Katys ponytail and ran it through her hand; Katy could practically hear her friends creative brain whirring away.
Sighing, she reminded herself that shed come to work at the Lonely Hearts Salon for just this reason. She needed the emotional support of women to help her get over her deepest fear: that she was sexually dysfunctional. Truth was, it hadnt been all that hard to keep her virginity. She had never felt a point-of-no-return reason to surrender it. But her best friend was talking about men as if they were as easy to pick as a dessert from a menu, and for Katy that would never be the case. It would take a kind and gentle man eons to teach her any differently. Im like Rapunzel. Locked in my own ivory tower.
I think you should experiment on Laredo Jefferson, Katy. I believe romancing that man could knock a few bricks out of your tower. Rattle the foundation a bit.
Katy shook her head. The last person who could ever save me from myself would be the freewheeling Laredo Jefferson. Ive been to his home at the Malfunction Junction Ranch, and his family is wild and woolly. Fun, but too much for a girl like me. She shrugged. Anyway, someone once told me that an ivory tower is really a phallic symbolin Laredos case, Id believe it! And right now, this is just a stop on his eastward hunt for adventure, so Id never dream of allowing him to scale my walls. Even if he wanted to.
See, there you go again. If. Of course he does!
Do you really think so? Katy asked doubtfully.
A man does not agree to ride a bull unless hes fairly sure theres a helluva prize waiting for him once hes hit the dirt, honey.
Katy straightened. I dont think of myself in those terms.
Wait till Im done with you. Youll be thinking Scarlet OHara by Saturday. I promise.
Scarlet OHara was a flirt, a maneater, Katy protested.
Exactly.
YOURE DOING WHAT? Mason shouted in Laredos ear over the phone. Have you clean lost your mind?
Laredo pictured Katys concerned face. Not lost it, just temporarily misplaced it, maybe. Mason, I need some tips.
You want a phone course in killing yourself by stupidity.
Someone has to do this, and its going to be me.
Obviously, Mason muttered. This is not what I thought you meant when you said you were heading back east for adventure. Youve barely left the county!
You know what they say about ones own backyard.
Oh, hell. There was an audible sigh from the other end of the line. I guess Ill send Tex over with the gear youre going to need.
Tex wont want to be torn away from his roses right now, Laredo warned. Hes right in the middle of preparing for the oncoming spring season.
Ill hire Martha Stewart to baby-sit his buds, Mason growled. In the meantime, Tex can come out there and share his vast knowledge with you.
Somehow, the idea of his twin coming out and spending time around Katy wasnt altogether appealing. Well
I cant give you pointers by phone, if youre determined to do this. Whats the name of the bull, by the way?
Bloodthirsty Black.
Is he a first-night bull or a marquee bull?
Laredo scratched his head. Hes an unknown quantity. The last cowboy who was supposed to ride him had a change of plans.
Maybe he was smart.
Any man who chose having sex over bull riding probably had some sense. Laredo squinted around Katys room. Her bed was unrumpled and covered with a clean, white cotton bedspread. There were white lace curtains floating at the open window. Beside her bed, Rose the mouse stared up at Laredo, her pink-flesh ears and tiny paws quivering. She was smaller than his little finger, and for a mouse, quite adorable. Her red price tag was stuck on the side of her wire-covered box as a pretend welcome mat. Katy had drawn a door above the welcome mat, and placed paper lace cutouts around fake windows. Laredo sighed to himself, then sat straight up as he realized something white and lacy was poking out from under Katys pillow.
Gingerly, he tugged the lace. It left its hiding place with a smooth, gliding flash of froth. Holding it up, he realized it was sheer, it was very short, and Katy slept in this at night. His pulse raced as he glanced toward the door. He was pretty certain Katy wouldnt appreciate walking in and finding him with her nightgown in his hands and very little room left in his jeans.
Laredo? Masons voice asked in his ear. Laredo!
Having sex or riding a bull.
He hadnt been offered sex. But occasionally a lucky hero got gifted with such a prize. Shoving the nightgown back under the pillow, he said, Im riding that bull, Mason, come hell or high water.
DID YOU GIRLS NOTICE the new man in town? Marvella asked as she stared out at her sisters salon.
Did we ever! her girls chorused.
Looked like a real cowboy to me, Marvella said. I so love cowboys! I do wonder how Delilah keeps coming up with these timely miracles.
Ive got first dibs, a stylish brunette called. Its my turn for a new customer.
Honey, hes not a customer till you convince him he is, someone corrected her. And alls fair in love until the moment one of us closes the bedroom door.
I wouldnt say its over just because the door closes, someone said. If I recall, one of you managed to be in the bed waiting, while you had a fake phone call downstairs for the girl he thought he was going to be spending the night with.
A few giggles went round the room, and a redhead in the corner blushed uncomfortably. I should have known it was a trick. Extra points for creativity, especially since he didnt seem to mind the switch, she said.
Well, this cowboy isnt going to get his eight seconds onboard Bloodthirsty Black. If Delilah wants to be humiliated twice, we can accommodate her, Marvella said. But we cant be obvious, because I can guarantee you, hes been told in detail how truly mean, unkind and positively sex-starved we are. Delilah will be extracautious this time. She tapped long fingernails against the windowsill. In four days. I dont want him to even lay a leg over Bloodthirsty Black. This calls for sweetness and light, and dainty coincidence.
Dainty?
Did you see that he was escorting Katy Goodnight on a walk? Thats dainty as powdered sugar on a doughnut, Marvella pointed out.
If her fianc ditched her at the altar and married her best friend, shes got something missing in her sugar bowl, someone suggested. Dainty is not always delightful.
Okay, Marvella said with a snap of her fingers. Ive got just the plan.
Is it dainty?
She smiled as she watched the lights coming on inside her sisters salon. No, she said. Its a doozy.
Chapter Three
The next morning Laredo met his brothers at the arena so they could get an eyeful of Bloodthirsty Black in his holding pen. The bull looked as if he had only ten more seconds before he busted out another perfectly good stall. Stepping back so they wouldnt irritate the bull more, Tex and Ranger shook their heads in unison.
Youre a nut, Ranger said. Youre going to need spine replacement if you ride him.
Laredo glared at him. Tex is the one whos coaching me. You just came along for the laugh.
Tex shrugged. He came along to keep me company on the ride, and mainly to try to help me talk you out of getting yourself killed. Hows your health insurance, by the way? Both physical and mental? Maybe you should see a head shrink before you do this, cause I think you may have left your brains back in puberty.
Twin or no, Laredo was duty-bound to argue. If I was deranged, I wouldnt be calling for reinforcement. Now, shut up and start coaching.
Let me ride him for you, Ranger offered. The Lonely Hearts girls just need a champion. They dont care who it is.
Its gonna be me, Laredo said stubbornly.
Why? Tex demanded. Ranger has the most wins besides me.
Hes too old. That was ten years ago.
Excuse me? Ranger said. Im thirty-two. You are thirty-four. How am I too old?
Because youve always been old. Me, Im just now trying to find myself. This is my midlife crisis, Laredo said proudly, staring at Bloodthirsty Black. All two to three thousand pounds of it.
Sheesh. Other men want a pretty woman. My twin wants a head-and-neck rearrangement from an animal born to hate him. Makes perfect sense to me.
Ranger chuckled. If Laredos suffering a crisis, does that mean you are too, Tex?
Just because Archers spending all his time writing to a Nicole Kidman look-alike in Australia, does that mean youre burning up the stationery with Byronic sonnets? Tex jutted his chin. Pull your head out, Ranger. Being twins does not mean were split halves of the same person, as you very well know!
Bicker, bitch, battle. For a moment Laredo thought his whole big fantasy of being a hero might go flushing downstream, until Katy Goodnight rounded the corner, bearing a basket with a cherry-printed cloth napkin inside. Instantly his whole day brightened. Hi, Katy, he said with a big grin he couldnt control.
Hi, Laredo, she said with a smile, before turning to his brothers. And another Laredo, she said to Tex. Im sorry, I shouldnt have forgotten your name since I met you only a month ago, but I do remember your face, she said to Ranger.
Well, thats all thats important, he said gallantly. If a pretty gal just remembers my face
Howdy, fellas, said another female voice.
They all turned as Hannah Hotchkiss came into view, carrying a basket decorated with blueberry sprigs. This is Hannah, Laredo began, then ceased his introduction when he realized Ranger had nearly swallowed his teeth as she smiled up into his face. Ranger, Laredo said sternly, this is Katys best friend.
We brought you a snack, Hannah said. We didnt know you had company, Laredo. But we have plenty.
Ranger took the basket from her and peeked inside. Mmm. Cookies and strawberries. My favorite. He pulled Hannah with him until they were off by themselves.
Laredo rolled his eyes at Tex. Did you have to bring him?
Oh, well. He can amuse himself now. Tex smiled at Katy. Howve you been, anyway?
Just busy. What brings you to Lonely Hearts Station?
We came to give Laredo some tip
They just stopped by to say hello, Laredo said.
Its nice of you to check on your twin. Is it true that twins are really close? Katy asked.
No, Laredo said.
Tex laughed. Were fraternal in mind-set, you might say. Im the settled one, Laredo is the wild one. If one of us was ever in a fistfight at school, the teachers didnt bother to check which one of us it was. They just automatically called Mason and said, Come get Laredo.
It wasnt quite like that, Laredo said, getting more annoyed with his twin by the second. I wasnt a hooligan.
I grow roses, Tex said.
Oh, I love roses, Katy replied.
The dreamy tone in her voice as she stared into his twins eyes was almost more than Laredo could stomach. Her reaction was the same as every other womans when Tex mentioned those stupid roses. Clearly, the roses were a conversational prop Tex employed just to get a womans attentionhe probably grew the stupid things just to get on womens good sides. Okay, enough with the flowery stuff. Can we get on with the lesson?
Lesson? Katy repeated.
Yeah, Im teaching Tex everything I know about bulls.
I thought you didnt know anything, Katy said, her voice innocent.
Tex snickered, and Laredo made a mental note to punch him later. I know a few things, he said, trying to hang on to his bravado. Something about Katy just got him so mixed up and confused! He wanted to brag in front of her, wanted to strut his stuff just a little, but somehow he kept goofing it up.
What Laredo means, Hannah said, as she and Ranger moved back to the circle, is that he knows more about Bloodthirsty Black. Hes filling Tex in on the history.
Thats right. Laredo straightened with a grateful glance at Hannah. Historys important.
Yeah, we all remember your report card, Ranger said.
Silence descended. Excuse me, Tex said. Im going to go find a gents.
He left, and the conversational void stretched. Laredo frowned at Ranger, who sighed.
Now, just what is it about this bull we need to know? Ranger said, clearly deciding to leave off the sibling rivalry and let Laredo get his neck broken if he was determined to do so.
He pulls to the left, a voice said. And then, just when you lean, he jerks to the right with a mean midair kick. Every time.
All four of them whirled to look at the woman whod spoken. Laredo felt his jaw go slack, and heard Rangers jaw hit the pavement with a resounding thunk.
This woman was simply stunning. As fresh and cute as Katy was, as punky-funky cute as Hannah was, this woman would set records for head-snapping stares.
Beside him, he could feel Katy stiffen.
Hell-oo, there, Ranger said. Thanks for the tip. He tipped his hat to her, and grinned.
The woman smiled back, one hand on her hip, the other casually resting against Bloodthirsty Blacks stall. Youre welcome.
Laredo glanced at Katy for an intro. Hannah didnt seem too happy about the womans presence, either, especially since she and Ranger had just spent a cozy five-minute chat together.
The woman ignored the female frostiness and extended a delicate hand to Ranger. Staying in town long? she asked softly, her voice full of hints.
Hes leaving in a couple of hours, actually, Laredo replied.
And you? she asked smoothly, looking back to Laredo.
He probably shouldnt tell what he was up to, Laredo thought. Katy probably wanted him to be the surprise weapon. Uh, a guy cant hang around beautiful women in a quaint town forever, I guess.
Thats too bad. Were real nice to strangers here in Lonely Hearts Station. The woman smiled, and imperceptibly tightened her posture so that her breasts thrust forward in an invitation even the greenest male could understand.
Laredo thought he could see Rangers eyes spinning around in their sockets. Wow! He didnt think hed ever seen his hard-edged brother sosoftened up.
This is Cissy Kisserton, Katy said reluctantly. Cissy, meet Ranger and Laredo Jefferson.
Real cowboys? Cissy asked.
Born and bred, maam, Ranger said. Hannah rolled her eyes, which Laredo thought was appropriate.
Well, I dont want to keep you, Cissy said. Just wanted to be friendly to the visitors in town. You send them over our way for a cup of cocoa, Katy. Well make sure theyre well taken care of.
Its a bit chilly in here, after all, isnt it? Ranger said. Ill take you up on that cup of cocoa right now, Miss Cissy, he said, following after the beautiful woman like a lovestruck puppy.
The two of them disappeared around the corner, but not before Laredo saw Ranger slip his arm around her. Laughter floated over the stalls to them. Laredo groaned to himself. Ranger was the most steadfast of the brothers! Certainly he had his share of wild hairshed been bluffing about going to do some military service for nearly a year nowof course, hed never leave Malfunction Junction Ranch, but hed sure been trying to put action where his big mouth was. Hed actually started hanging around the police station, trying to act civilized.
But nothing like a beautiful woman to make a mans mouth run away from him. Laredo looked at Katy, who appeared dumbfounded; Hannah seemed disappointed down to her very orange toenails, peeping out of cut-open tennis shoes.
The expression on Hannahs face told Laredo that Cissy wasnt the only woman around who thought Ranger was a hunk.
Oh, boy.
Wheres Ranger? Tex asked, coming back to join them.
He went off with a woman, Laredo said. Cissy Kisserton. You should have seen her.
You should have seen him, Hannah said. It was like watching a giant tree get felled by one termite.
Oh. I apologize for my brothers behavior, Tex said.
Is Cissy a Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurl? Laredo asked.
Obviously, Katy said.
Whoa. Hed have to be very careful to avoid that Venus fly trap. There was a real sensitive issue between the two salons for certain, and it clearly wasnt all about who gave the better haircut. By the way, Tex, Cissy was awfully helpful. She says Bloodthirsty Black pulls to the left. And when you lean, he jerks to the right with a midair kick every time.
Does he, now? Tex eyed the bull speculatively. And why was the competition being so helpful?
Laredo looked at Katy and Hannah. I guess she just wanted to be nice to the strangers in town.
Katy and Hannah made disgusted sounds, gathered up their baskets with the food in them and marched off without a word.
The parting looks they shot the men spoke loudly, however.
You just blew it, Tex told his twin.
What did I say?
First rule of girlhuntingnever let a woman you like believe another woman has anything to offer you. Anyway, Im supposed to be giving you tips on Mr. Bloodthirsty, here, not love. Its unseemly for a brother to have to coach his twin in things any freshly minted teenage boy knows.
Laredos heart sank. Cissy was awfully friendly. I thought she was nice. And she didnt have to tell us about the trick this old bull plays.
True.
Ranger stuck on her like glue. He didnt see anything wrong with her, either.
There, then. You dont have anything to worry about.
Laredo frowned. Nothing to worry about except hed upset Katy, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
Pulls to the left, huh? Tex said. When I went to the gents, I noticed the arena was empty. Theres no one around. Lets sit you up on Bloodthirsty and see exactly how hard he kicks.
Have you lost your mind? Im not getting up on him. Laredo eyed the bull, who was pawing at something in his stall as if he were sharpening his hooves for the kill. Dont we need about four other men helping us hold him?
If we were loading him in a chute, yeah. But youre just gonna get up on top of this bull and get used to the feel of him underneath you.
Laredo shook his head. Ill wait till Saturday.
Tex sighed. Look. Its not that hard. Watch me.
He pulled on his glove and looped a rope around the bulls neck. The animal snorted, demonstrating his displeasure by slinging his head. Tex jumped up on the top rail, squared himself up, jumped and landed briefly on the bulls back.
There was silence for an infinitesimally split second, and then all hell broke loose.
I DONT THINK the Jefferson boys are the men we thought they were, Katy said to Hannah as they walked home. Laredo brags, Tex is a ladies man and Rangers off with the enemy.
Hannah nodded. For a minute I thought Ranger might have liked me. He sure seemed to.
Katys heart melted at the sound of sadness in Hannahs voice. Its just that darn Cissy Kisserton. She knocks men down at their kneecaps.
But if hed really liked me, he wouldnt have even seen her, Hannah said. You notice Laredo didnt so much as shake her hand.
Katy brightened a little. I suppose he didnt. Then she faded again. But hes still a braggart. If I were to fall for another man, I know Id want one whose actions match his words.
That may be the impossible holy grail, Katy. All men pad their rsums. So do women.
I dont.
You do, Hannah insisted. Ive noticed that since Laredo hit town, youre trying to stand like our competition does. Tush out and breasts stuck forward.
Together, they walked up the back-stair entrance of the salon and went upstairs to Katys room. Its true, Katy said. Thats exactly what I was doing. But if I dont shift things around, Ill never stand a chance against a girl like Cissy. Shes got all the moves. And its only a matter of time before those girls set their aim on Laredo. I just dont want to be around when they score a bulls-eye.
Now, now. Hannah sank onto the bed and stared down at Rose the mouse. Courage. Laredo seems loftier in morals than most men.
I dont know. I noticed a marked decrease in loftiness when Cissy came by. We brought picnic baskets, and Cissy brought a tight skirt and high heels.
Hannah frowned slightly. I thought I might like Ranger, but it was one of those moments where you look at someone and see someone theyre not because you want them to be something else. I must be in a needy phase. Ill have to be more careful.
Katy sat beside her, and patted Hannahs hand. What happened to daring?
Thats you, not me. Hannah perked up. Katy, stand up, she said.
Katy complied, her eyes widening when she saw the scissors Hannah picked up from the table. Not my hair, Hannah, Katy protested. I know youve been itching to cut it for a long time, but its unwise to give up an inch for a man. Truly, short and sassy isnt me.
It is when youve got nice legs you never show, Hannah said, picking up the hem of Katys long dress. She decisively cut up to Katys knee.
Hannah!
Hold still, Im gauging your siren potential. I think another two inches, Hannah murmured, continuing to cut.
Im too short for short dresses, Katy protested. Ill look even more like a baby-faced doll than I do!
Hannah tossed the red fabric aside. Nope, she said happily. Now thats enough to give Laredo whiplash.
Hannah. Katy knelt down to look into her friends eyes. Listen to me. Laredo Jefferson is the last man I need. He doesnt fit the description. In fact, in some ways he reminds me of Stanley.
Hannah cocked a wry brow. In what ways? Stand back up so I can gauge the hem length.
Laredos ogle-meter. And thats enough to tell me that hes not even remotely close todate material.
Did Stanley ogle Becky before the two of them met like ships passing in the bridal chamber?
Katy wrinkled her nose. Not that I ever noticed. I think that was why I was so shocked.
Something doesnt add up about that. What made those two suddenly jump in each others arms?
My virginity.
No. Hannah sighed, pulled out a needle from a drawer in Katys nightstand and threaded it with red thread. Industriously, she went to work turning up the hem of Katys dress by an eighth of an inch. Linens hard to sew by hand, she murmured. Im going to take tiny stitches, so stand very still.
Dont you need a chalk or tape?
This will do for the lunch hour. I need you to concentrate. Did you ever tell Becky anything about Stanley?
I told her everything! She was my best friend, my maid of honor.
Did you tell her anything personal? Like, oh, that you two hadnt slept together?
Everybody knew that, even my mother. We had a nine-month proper engagement. Stanley used to say he was proud to be marrying a virgin. She wrinkled her forehead.
Dont do that. Your face will look like a race track, Hannah instructed.
I told Becky everything a girl tells her best friend. Just like I tell you. She also knew that Stanley didnt like to kiss me.
Hannah stopped sewing. What?
Stanley didnt like to kiss me. Why are you looking at me like that?
Hannah shook her head. Why didnt he?
He said it was too much temptation, since we couldntum, you know.
And Stanleys family is wealthy?
Right. Stanley Peter St. Collin III, of St. Collin Faucets and Hinges.
Oh, of course. Naturally. Hannah grimaced. And Beckys family was where on the social register?
Well, way below ours, if you must use social register terms. Her mom and dad divorced a long time ago, when she was a child. And her mom worked as a waitress at night to make ends meet. Becky worked two jobs, too, after we graduated from high school.
And your parents were the Goodnights of Goodnight Protective Arms, starting with well-heeled British immigrant parents and going back three pedigreed generations in your hometown. And you dutifully and impressively went to college and obtained a degree in chemistry.
Well, it was the easiest thing to do, Katy said. Chemistry is much easier than economics or something. She shuddered. Columns of figures and business principles, or putting cool stuff like hydrogen chloride into test tubes and seeing what blows up. Protons. Dissection. No contest there, huh?
Oh, yeah. I can see where chemistry is the easy answer. Miles and miles of chemical configurations. Hannah went back to sewing.
After I sort myself outand Im just about done, thanks to Miss DelilahIm going to teach chemistry at Duke in North Carolina in the fall. Of course, my original plan was to marry Stanley and become a perfectly manicured, Mrs. St. Collin III. Luckily, Id sent out lots of applications after I graduated from college and before Stanley proposed. He didnt like me interviewing at Duke. Did I tell you that I was invited to interview at Cornell, too?
Peachy. Turn. Hannah moved the needle in and out without glancing up. These pretty legs are wasted on a chem prof.
So, Duke in the fall.
Yes. Katy sighed. I should never have given up chemical calculations for a man.
Not Stanley, anyway. But you cant throw marriage overboard and closet yourself in a lab.
Look at me, Hannah, please.
Hannah complied, and Katy smiled at her friend.
You have all been wonderful to me. But its time for me to strike out on my own and realize my true potential. Im not man savvy. Im not sophisticated. I spent too many years studying while my girlfriends were hanging out at frat houses to have learned the feminine ropes. If life is based on sexual chemistry, I got an F in the sexual and an A plus in the chemistry. But being smart means I can take care of myself. I think I might have gotten a little nervous about my life, and when Stanley proposed, I jumped at it. Maybe I didnt want to be the smartest virgin spinster. She sighed, looking down for just a moment. In a way, Stanley dumping me at the altar was the best thing that could have happened. It made me realize Im much safer if I just rely on myself.
Hannah shook her head. I think if you hadnt told Becky that Stanley didnt like to kiss you, she still would have stolen him. She needed a way out of her life, and you only thought you did. I think you subconsciously gave her the invitation to steal him.
Katy stared into the mirror, seeing the miracle Hannah had wrought with her dress. She looked like a different person. Sexier. Hipper. Maybe I had some unconscious motive I didnt recognize, but I wouldnt have picked my wedding day to be dumped.
That was unfortunate, but she was probably plagued by guilt, which caused her to wait until the last minute to act. Shes probably not enjoying her honeymoon at all, thinking about you crying your eyes out. Hannah stood. I havent seen you cry at all, Katy. And I think all this talk of sexual dysfunction is a cover-up. Maybe you just wanted to keep men on the periphery of your life.
If I didnt then, I do now. Its humiliating when the maid of honor marries your fianc, wearing the hot pink dress you picked out for her. Its like, heres hot and sexy and heres plain and virginal. Which do you think most guys want? I dont know, Katy murmured. You sure have a lot of insight into people, Hannah. How did you develop that?
Im a hairdresser. Ive heard lots of stories over the years. Be still. Gently she took hold of Katys below-shoulder-length hair, slicked it into a smooth, high ponytail, then took one strand which she wound around the rubber band and pinned down. Now a touch of red lipstick, she said, applying it to Katy as she spoke, and whammo! Instant femme fatale.
Katy inspected herself in the mirror. Maybe its fatal femininity.
Think confident. Be confident. Im confident that youre a woman not to be overlooked. Anyway, the plain-vanilla you is all but a memory. Satisfied, Hannah put away the needle and thread and the hair-brush and lipstick, glancing with cool smugness at Katys dress. See how easy it is to be daring?
This is daring?
For you? Yes. Its a start. Lets go have lunch at the cafeteria, Virginity Barbie. All this thinkings made me hungry.
LAREDO HESITATED outside the door of the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls Salon. If Katy saw him going in here, he was toast. Unfortunately, he needed Ranger, and he needed him now.
Glancing guiltily across the street at the Lonely Hearts Salon, he pushed open the door.
KATY GASPED as she saw Laredo go inside the enemy camp. She and Hannah stepped back inside the door quickly, staring at each other in surprise.
Whoa, Hannah said. I have to admit to being caught off guard.
Katys heart felt as if it bled a drop as red as her newly short dress. I told you. Its a dysfunctional thing. Those girls have allureand I do not. Why should she even care? she asked herself. She didnt like him anyway.
Did she?
Boys will be boys, I suppose, Hannah said. You could go rescue him from himself.
Id rather join Marvellas payroll. Come on. Lets go eat at the cafeteria. Only, were taking the back door. I wouldnt dream of allowing Mr. Ill-Ride-That-Bull-For-You to know we saw him slinking into the competitions bunker.
Chapter Four
Hold still, Tex, Ranger said, his teeth gritted, slightly annoyed at being dragged away from Cissy to tend his brother in Delilahs barn. Tex was writhing a bit dramatically on the hay-covered floor, and Ranger had been far more impressed with the shoulder-massage Cissy had been giving him back at the salon atop a satin-covered chaise lounge. Ive got to check your shoulder good because if its broken, itll set crooked. What were you thinking, anyway?
Tex tried his hardest to lie still while Ranger none too gently probed his back and shoulder. I wanted to test this bull and see if what Cissy said was true.
Laredo stared at his prone twin. You couldnt tell a darn thing with that bull in a pen.
I can tell you hes got a helluva liftoff. But I dont think he cranks left. No, I dont.
Ranger stopped what he was doing to look at his brother. You dont think he cranks left?
Tex shook his head. I dont.
The three men studied the bull through the rails. Bloodthirsty seemed satisfied to have flung Tex into the stall across the aisle. For the moment he was quite a bit calmer.
He does have a spring-loaded midair jump, though, Tex said. Either this bulls changed his mind about how he tries to kill people or you were getting set up, Laredo.
Ranger shook his head. Cissys a nice girl. She wouldnt deliberately tell someone wrong.
And bulls dont change their mind, Tex said stubbornly. If they start out kicking left, thats usually the way they always go. Bloodthirsty didnt hesitate. Then he bunched himself up in the air and tossed me over the pen.
Laredo wasnt certain what to think. Why would Cissy give me a bad tip?
So youd lose, dummy, Tex told him. Shes a woman, and shes a rival, and shes sucking Rangers face to make certain all her bases are covered.
She didnt suck my face! Ranger protested.
Your lips are pink, Laredo pointed out. Did you borrow some tinted chapstick, maybe? Drink a strawberry pop? Borrow a sun lamp and use it on your lips?
It was just a friendly peck, Ranger said. Nothing more. But his face and neck turned as pink as the lipstick, and Laredo frowned.
Why are you lying?
Im not. Ranger shrugged and gently helped Tex to his feet. I think your shoulders fine. Just dont test him again anytime soon.
Why? So we wont interrupt your friendly pecking with Cissy? Tex asked. Whats gotten into you?
Whats gotten into you? Ranger shot back. Since when have you cared who I talked to?
Since were supposed to be here helping out a woman who rescued us last month, Ranger, Laredo stated. Have you forgotten whose girls helped us and Union Junction through the big storm? Who helped with sandbagging, and cooking, and mopping up a creeks worth of water? Who hung curtains in our house and cleaned and generally kept the town from getting washed under?
Ranger stared at his brothers, speechless. He shook his head as if his ears were buzzing. Then his shoulders drooped. I dont know what came over me, he said, his tone apologetic. It was likeit was like the call of the wild, and I couldnt shut it off. Like being in a dream I didnt want to wake up from. He looked at them sheepishly. For a minute there, I was almost totally hypnotized by a woman. Whew!
Oh, boy. Tex shook his head. Listen, weve got to keep our heads on straight. Our brother has signed on to ride one of the worst bulls Ive ever come in contact with, and he has no idea what hes doing. Weve gotta have a plan.
My plan is to get on and stay on, Laredo said. Im going to be more stubborn than this bull.
Bloodthirsty Black cared little for Laredos announcement. He gave a round-nostriled snort, reminding everyone he was in the business of tossing cowboys as if they were hay.
Maybe you should just give money to Miss Delilahs charity, Ranger said doubtfully.
Its a man thing. Laredo glanced toward the barn exit. In Spain, they run from bulls. Malfunction Junction Ranch cowboys laugh in the face of danger.
.
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Tina Leonard
Laredo Jefferson was eight seconds from shaking the dust of Union Junction, Texas, from his boots. Eight seconds from discovering the Something Big he was destined to do.He couldn't reckon how he'd promised those eight seconds to sweet filly Katy Goodnight, but he sure as shootin' knew why. He wanted to be her hero. And that meant riding the beast Bloodthirsty Black.Laredo was a lover, not a bull rider. Still, he craved a challengeand so, it seemed, did Katy. For this gun-shy Lonely Hearts gal handpicked him to unsaddle her of her virginity. Suddenly, where Katy was concerned, eight seconds could never be enough.
Whats wrong, sweetheart? he asked
Ive never been kissed like that before, she said on a gasp.
He smiled. Then lets do it again and go for two.
Im sorry, she said quickly. LaredoIm not the girl for you.
And then she ran into the Lonely Hearts Salon.
Not the girl for him? Of course she wasnt the girl for him. He wasnt looking for a girl. He was passing through town on his way to Something Big.
But he liked Katy, liked her an awful lot. Wouldnt want to hurt her.
Katy was rightshe wasnt the woman for him. There would never be a woman for him.
He should never have kissed her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tina Leonard loves to laugh, which is one of the many reasons she loves writing for Harlequin American Romance. In another lifetime, Tina thought shed be single and an East Coast fashion buyer forever. The unexpected happened when Tina met Tim again after many yearsshe hadnt seen him since theyd attended school together from first through eighth grade. They married, and now Tina keeps a close eye on her school-age childrens friends! Lisa and Dean keep their mother busy with soccer, gymnastics and horseback riding. They are proud of their moms kissy books and eagerly help her any way they can. Tina hopes readers will enjoy the love of family she writes about in her books. Recently a reviewer wrote, Leonard had a wonderful sense of the ridiculous, which Tina loved so much she wants it for her epitaph. Right now, however, shes focusing on her wonderful life and writing a lot more romance!
Laredos Sassy Sweetheart
Tina Leonard
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Many thanks to my readers! There is never enough I can say to thank you for your support and your generosity. This series is for you. Here also I wish to extend special mention to the following wonderful people: LaJoyce Doran, Shadin Quran, Nicole Christoph, Jeanette Bowman and Beth Reimer.
More than ever, my gratitude goes to the editor angels at Harlequin who watch over my careerthank you to Melissa Jeglinski for your many kindnesses and Stacy Boyd for your calm guidance and patience!
And extra-sloppy, noisy kisses to Lisa and Dean. I adore you and need the light you bring to my life~~Mumzie.
THE JEFFERSON BROTHERS OF MALFUNCTION JUNCTION
Mason (37)He valiantly keeps the ranch and the family together.
Frisco Joe (36)Newly married, he lives in Texas wine country with his wife and daughter.
Fannin (35)Should he pack up and head out to find their long-lost father, Maverick?
Laredo (34), twin to TexHis one passion: to go east and do Something Big with his life.
Tex (34), twin to LaredoDetermined to prove hes settled, he cross-pollinates roses, but cant seem to get them to bloom.
Calhoun (33)Hes been thinking of hitting the rodeo circuit.
Ranger (32), twin to ArcherNo one believes him, but hes serious about joining the military.
Archer (32), twin to RangerHell do anything to keep his mind off his brothers restlessnesseven write poetry to his lady pen pal in Australia.
Crockett (30), twin to NavarroHes an artist who loves to paint portraitsof nudes.
Navarro (30), twin to CrockettHe may join Calhoun in the bull-riding game.
Bandera (26)He spouts poetry like Whitmanand sometimes nonsense.
Last (25)Never least, he loves to dispense advice, especially to his brothers.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter One
A man only fights for the good, boys, not to impose his will on others. Believe in yourself. No one can do that for you. But a real man learns to fight with his brain, not his fists.
Maverick Jefferson to his sons when they asked him if they could give Sammy Wickle a black eye in kindergarten.
Laredo Jefferson had seen a lot of madness in the past month. The neighbor the twelve Jefferson brothers had known all their lives, Mimi, had become engaged, a startling situation in itself, since the engagement was to someone other than his big brother, Mason. Mason hadnt pulled his head out in time to realize he was going to lose someone who mattered a lot to himor, at least, Laredo was pretty certain Mimi and Mason meant a lot to each other. Sometimes it was hard to tell if all the preening and poppycock was prideful love or just the wear and tear of a brother-sister relationship.
Frisco Joe had married a fine woman, another surprising development, since, of all twelve brothers, Frisco was the darkest horse, being possessed of an ornerier-than-most nature. Amazingly, Annabelle had certainly sugared him up a bit, and baby Emmie kept Frisco in a constant state of cockeyed grinnyness. It had been a pleasure to watch his sour brother get mowed down by a little mama and her no-bigger-than-a-chickpea baby.
But he was not about to be caught in the same net.
After all the years of drought on their ranch near Union Junction, theyd had a veritable shower of charming female visitors. And it was all he could do to resist paying court to every one of them! Nine new women had come to town from Lonely Hearts Station, a neighboring town. After helping out during last months terrible storm, the women had decided they would stay.
A lot of bachelors in Union Junction, Texas, had been real happy about that.
Laredo hadnt asked any of the women out on a date. Fidelity was something to be avoided, at least in his opinion. If you were dying of thirst, and someone offered you a huge jug of water, wouldnt you drink as long as you could? hed reasoned to Mason.
Mason had grunted and told him to go fill the water troughs for the horses. Laredo thought the house was going to be plenty empty without Frisco, and plenty full of Mason and his bad temper. Without Frisco Joe, life wouldnt be the same! Mason had ridden Frisco, Frisco had bucked Masonwithout Frisco, Laredo might be next in line to be ridden, and he didnt have Friscos ability to deal with Mason. Laredos brothers called him a dreamer, but they usually gave him a pass and picked on his twin, Texas, more, since Texs passion was growing roses that never bloomed. Budus-interruptus, Frisco had told Tex, that was his problem. Tex had been really steamed, but Laredo had snickered under his sleeve, his face turned from his twin.
Maybe his brothers were getting on his nerves. Maybe theyd lived together too long. Which got him thinking about traveling eastsomething hed been thinking about long before the madness of love had hit the ranch. He was in the mood for adventure, a change of pace. Love wasnt going to hit him, he vowed, and picked up his packed duffel bag. He was not about to settle down.
He wanted to do something big.
Without another glance back he left the only home hed ever known to venture out into the warm March morning. First stop: paying a visit to the Lonely Hearts Beauty Salon, just long enough to say hello to some ladies whod made his life a little more fun last month. There was a place for a troubled man to find a sympathetic ear.
Three hours later he was standing outside the salon, amazed by the hubbub insideit sounded more like a general meeting placewhen suddenly the door flung open. His sleeve firmly grasped in two desperate female hands, he was hauled inside.
He remembered Katy Goodnight, the woman who now had him in her determined grip. He remembered thinking that a man could spend many good nights with a girl like her.
This is him! Katy announced to the room at large, which was filled with elderly men, a lot of women and even a pet chicken in a cage on one of the back counters. This is the man we can enter in the rodeo as the champion for Lonely Hearts Station, Texas. If anyone can ride Bloodthirsty Black, its Laredo Jefferson. Ladies and gentlemen, pay homage to your champion, and the man who can whup the daylights out of our rival, the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls and their bull, Bad-Ass Blue!
Voices huzzahed, hands clapped, Katy released his shirt so she could clap, too, and even the chicken uttered a startled squawk. But no one was more startled than Laredo to be picked as some kind of bull-riding savior.
Hed never ridden a bull in his life.
Katy whispered, You got here just in the nick of time. Youre my hero!
He swallowed, and decided to keep his mouth shut. After all, hed been looking for a little adventureand it wasnt every day a man got to be a hero to a woman named Goodnight.
KATY KNEW that desperation had just opened the door and sent her a mana man who looked as if he could solve her problem. Laredo was big enough to hang on to an ornery, few thousand pounds of irritated horns-and-hooves. He was strong, judging by the muscles in his forearms and the biceps not covered by a short-sleeved red T-shirt. That area below the leather belt and covered by nicely fitted blue jeans looked healthy, as wellguaranteed to fit in a saddle and keep a seat well past the eight-second horn.
He was sexy as all get-out, tooa strong chin, square face and simmering dark eyes under a summer-weight western hat set her heart to jumping just like mad Bloodthirsty Black when he shook off lesser handlers. But sex appeal had nothing to do with her mission.
All she needed was a man who could hang on for eight seconds. Was that so much to ask?
Maybe hanging on wasnt what Laredo wantedby the look on his face, shed completely startled him with her announcementbut matters being what they were, shed have to take the chance that his gentlemanly instincts would overcome his shock.
Their last bull rider had backed out after the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls sank their claws into him, filling his ears with stories. Katy had a vague idea what stories might be told in the salon across the street. Remembering her ex-fianc, Stanley, wrapped around her ex-best friend, Becky, in the bridal changing room in the church, she had an inkling they were bedtime stories.
She eyed Laredo with eyes that missed nothing, and realized that if the Never Lonely girls had set an all-out campaign for the previous rider the Lonely Hearts girls had sent into the arena, Laredo had about a sixty-minute shelf life before he was discovered by the enemy.
And lured away.
Temptation must be avoided at all costs.
Because Miss Delilah, the owner of the Lonely Hearts Salon, really, really needed a champion. Katys bossand rescuerDelilah, was looking for something big, something miraculous to happen for her salon. It housed the closest thing to real family Katy had ever known. So unless he turned her down, something big and miraculous was what Laredo Jefferson was going to be, Katy determined, staring up at him as he stared down at her, apparently rooted to the floor in his big boots. If she werent so desperate, shed have time to appreciate the scenery, but as it was, time was limited.
Please let him say yes, she prayed, gazing up into those beautiful, stunned eyes.
Or at least dont let him shrug her off like the crazy woman she knew she must seem to be. Shed never had much luck with menin fact, her ex-fianc was right now enjoying her ex-best friends thong in the south of France on a honeymoon Katy had plannedbut, she wasnt really frigid. She was certain her heart was warmer than an ice cube, no matter what Stanley said. Being a virgin wasnt a crimenaivet was unfortunate, perhaps, but it wasnt prissy, uncaring virtue shed been wearing like a steel-plated hymen. It was justinnocence.
Or maybe, she thought suddenly, as she dimly realized Laredo had gorgeous dark-coffee-colored eyes that were dilated and focused on her with a heat matched only by the sun outside, maybe it was uncertainty that had kept her a virgin.
Uncertainty may have frozen her once, but today was a new day, and Laredo was not Stanley. She took a deep breath and forced her best cajoling tone. So, what do you say, cowboy? she asked softly.
Little lady, he finally said, finding the voice shed shocked out of him. We have a problem.
Her throat dried out. A problem. That didnt sound like a yes, did it? She could feel all her sister stylists watching them, could feel their breath held as tightly in their chests as hers was. Problem?
His eyes softened as he nodded. Would you care to talk about it, maybe outside? he asked.
Slowly she released his sleeve, which shed been clutching since shed dragged him inside the salon. All right, Laredo. She glanced around at everyone in the salon. Ill be right back.
Not towing a hero, maybe, and minus her paltry self-confidence. Not that her self-confidence was the main thing, of course. If Laredo couldnt be the hero they were looking for, then time was paramount. Theyd have to find another hero.
The rodeo was in four days, and someone had to ride their bull. Lord only knew shed fantasized about riding it herself, to save Delilah from her sister, Marvella, who owned the competing salon across the street. Marvellas salon had just about finished off Miss Delilahs honest way of work.
Because, rumor had it, it wasnt just a close shave being sold across the street by the Never Lonely girls, which left Miss Delilah with very few clients indeed. Shed had to let half her staff go last month. Fortunately, Union Junction had welcomed the nine newcomers. Yet, how cruel of Marvella to deliberately set out to ruin her own sister!
Not yet, Katy told herself, as Laredo closed the salon door behind them. Not if she had anything to do with it.
Outside, the sun shone brightly on the pavement. If it was possible, Laredo looked even more handsome in bright light.
Flirting skills. Enticement. Clearly, she was lacking in some womanly fundamentals, she decided. Because Becky, her ex-best friend, who even now was no doubt having her thong removed by the apparently lusty Stanley Katy had never known, would have roped, tied and thrown Laredo to the ground, all without doing much more than smiling. Rolling her hips. Showing pretty knees beneath her daily miniskirt parade.
Becky would have had a yes out of Laredo before hed even drawn another breath.
That didnt mean she was sexless or frigid, Katy assured herself. It just meant she hadnt ever tried flirting. She didnt get an F just because she didnt take the course.
She took a deep breath, marshaled up her best Barbie smile, widened her eyes and sucked in her stomach so her breasts would at least marginally appear through her linen ankle-length dressa move she was copying straight from the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurl handbook. Her posture thrown off by the sudden stiffness, Katy placed a hand on Laredos forearm for support, which he gallantly covered with his other hand, as if she truly were a doll worth holding! Maybe Becky had been onto something with all that gooey a-man-is-made-to-be-adored stuff. You were going to tell me about a teensy little ol problem, Laredo? she asked, so sweetly she was certain sugar drizzled out of her mouth. Im just positive a man like you never lets a little ol bump in the road stop him.
He nodded, frowning, seemingly flustered by her full-force display of flirt-go-ditz.
Ive never ridden a bull, Laredo said.
THE EXPRESSION on Katys face was no longer hero worship, and Laredo felt as if all the air had been let out of him. Bam! Just like that, he was an ordinary mortal again. And here hed been dreaming of doing something big with his life.
Never ridden a bull, Katy murmured, as if she couldnt believe her ears. But you live at the Malfunction Junction Ranch. All your brothers bull ride. I saw the ribbons and trophies. There must have been hundreds.
He shook his head. Not me, though. Mason figured I was the one most likely to have a wandering foot thatd take to the rodeo lifestyle permanently. Its one of the very few things I would admit that my brother guessed right about me. And Last never has, either, but thats because he was the baby and Mason didnt have time to teach him to ride much of anything except a horse. Actually, Last never really did learn to ride a horse very well. He realized he was babbling, trying to fill in space so he wouldnt have to finish letting Katy down.
Wandering foot? Katy repeated. What does that have to do with staying on a bull?
He ran a gentle finger along the curve of her chin. God, how he hated disappointing her. She really was a cute little thing in her sandals and long dress, just like a girl playing dress-up in her mothers clothes. He liked the fact that she had little or no makeup on. Her hair was a bit ruffled, which he wouldnt have expected for someone who worked in a beauty salon. Everything about her seemed somehow fresh and innocent, from her big blue eyes to the dark bangs that framed them. Mason was determined to keep our family together. Its a long story, but it has to do with the fact that our father left when most of us were young and Mason got stuck with the details of parenting. He made decisions the best he could. Sometimes he was wrong. But most of the time, he was dead-on.
So youre a restless type.
Thats right.
She pulled her chin away from his finger. I wouldnt know the feeling.
He eyed her, knowing that she wouldnt find that adjective attractive in a man. But that was okay, because he wasnt trying to suit himself up to be attractive to her. I dont suspect you would.
So you never got to ride a bull?
I could have sneaked around. Last wasnt supposed to, either, but he did just the same. Mason didnt want the baby of the family busting himself up.
Of course not, she murmured.
But Last has always done whatever he pleased.
She glanced up at him. But you obeyed your brother.
He shrugged. I couldnt quibble with his logic. I didnt want the family separated myself, and I wouldnt have been the one to do it. No one else seemed to have a hankering to leave the ranch like I did.
Youve left now, she said.
Yes.
Hope flared in her eyes. Maybe now is the time to disobey Mason about bull riding!
He laughed. I dont have to obey him anymore. But I wouldnt be any good at riding, Katy. I never learned. And theres more to it than getting on.
She looked as if she might cry any second.
Here, he said gently, lets take a walk. Tell me whats going on, and maybe I can help you resolve your situation.
I need a hero, she said stubbornly.
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. I promise I think better than I ride. Come on. Walk and talk.
She sighed, not liking his offer one bit, but clearly seeing no way to refuse. Theres a lot at stake.
You dont look like the kind of girl who hangs around rodeos, Katy. He eyed her curves underneath her long dress with appreciation. Shed look mighty fine in blue jeans
Im not, she said as they began to walk side by side. She glanced up, almost catching him eyeing those curves. Until last week, Id never even seen a bull up close.
What happened last week? He couldnt resist asking since her head had drooped, her pretty sable-colored hair swinging forward as she spoke. Tell Uncle Laredo.
She shot him a wry look. You are not my uncle, cowboy.
Oh, thats right. Im supposed to be the hero. Only I got shot off my horse.
Bull, not horse. She sighed. Every year Miss Delilah buys a bull from one of the local FFA kids. The kids raise their bulls, usually from the time they were born, until they auction them at the fair. This pays for college and other expenses. Then Delilah enters her bull in certain events, such as riding, and best hoof painting.
Hoof painting? He put out a hand to slow her determined gait. You act like youre marching on the enemy yourself. Whats best hoof painting?
Its sort of a paint-your-nails-for-bulls event. Only its the hooves that get painted as pretty as they can possibly be. Flowers, doodles, Indian sunsets, you name it. On an animal that wont stay still. Its a mental and physical challenge.
Ive never heard of that.
Miss Delilah thought it up.
Of course. It sounded like a beauty salon owners idea.
Dont sound so snickery. Miss Delilah raises a lot of money for charity with her contests. People come from miles around to enter. And then, when the fair comes to town the following year, she sells the bull to the restaurant in Texas that bids the most for it. By then, everybodys seen her bull for that year, in several events, and they bid it pretty high. With this money, shes been able to keep her salon open. Katy shook her head sadly. Everyone wins, you know. The student who raised the bull, Lonely Hearts Station charities, a lucky restaurant and Miss Delilahs favorite charity, taking in women who need a helping hand. But not since the Never Lonely girls opened up their salon.
She tossed her head in the direction of a business no one could missalmost the red-light establishment of beauty salons with a neon sign sure to light up a dark sky and all manner of lip prints painted on the windows. Rivals, huh?
Delilahs sister, Marvella, runs that shop, and she wants nothing more than to put Delilah out of business. And her weapon of the moment is a bull named Bad-Ass Blue.
Laredo would have laughed, except, by the serious stiffness in Katys back, he knew hed better swallow the laughter fast. So, how does a bull ruin Miss Delilahs shop?
By getting more attention. By having a rider that knows how to showboat. By luring our rider into missing his ride, Katy said bitterly. Bloodthirsty Black never even got out of the chute because we didnt have a rider.
Laredo was afraid to ask, but he had to know. And the best-hoof-painting contest? How did Bloodthirsty Black fare in that?
Not at all, Katy said. Someone slipped a baby mouse into his stall and he darn near broke it down trying to crush the poor thing. After that no one dared get near him.
Laredo shook his head. No one plants a mouse. They just hang around livestock areas.
Not this one. It still had the price tag on it.
He couldnt help a chuckle now, which earned him a rebuking stare from Katy. They dont put price tags on mice, Katy.
This one was wearing a red price tag on his back. Two dollars and ninety-eight cents, she said definitively.
Laredo was positive she was giving him a tall tale. A marked-down mouse, I guess.
She instantly halted, putting her fists on her hips. It was a gesture he kind of thought looked good on her, even though any sane man shied away from a ticked-off female. There is nothing funny about Miss Delilahs dilemma. If you were truly my hero, you would know that this is a serious matter.
That stung, far worse than it should have. So much for doing something bighe couldnt even pass a small heros test like not laughing at a story aimed to make him look like a patsy. Im sorry, he said earnestly.
You certainly should be. Its not gentlemanly to laugh at peoples livelihoods.
He hadnt thought of it that way, and Katy was right. In silence they began to walk again, more companionably now since hed proffered an apology. Okay, say the price tag on the mouse was a coincidence. Maybe it had run through a bag and picked it up accidentally.
Maybe, but I dont think so. It was from a store in Dallas.
But it could have been something someone brought to the rodeo, he insisted. Whats the purpose of leaving a price tag on a mouse? It basically alerts you to the fact that theres been cheating and sabotage.
But thats the intimidation factor. They have never cared that we know what theyre doing. Whos to stop them? All the younger men in this town go to that salon, including the sheriff. We get the wives, who want no part of what goes on over there.
And thats another thing. Have you ever been inside the salon? Tried their services?
No.
So how do you know that this is all deliberate?
They lured our cowboy into their salon, they got him drunkand possibly moreon the day he was supposed to ride. What assumption would you draw from that?
That he was a lazy cowboy, and maybe not even a real bull rider, Katy. Did you ever think of that?
He had a buckle and all kinds of pictures of him with other trophies.
Laredo sighed, knowing any of that could have been bought or finagled. Katy, as earnest as she was, seemed the type people might take advantage of. She was so sweet and trusting and open. A marked-down mouse, indeed. Why would a rival salon go to the trouble of bringing in a mouse with a red tag when they could have spooked the bull any number of ways? So, if the rodeo is already over, why do you need another rider?
Because Miss Delilah raised a huge stink and called Marvella and told her that she knew shed cheated and that if there wasnt a rematch, she was going to burn the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls Salon to the ground.
She did that? This didnt sound like the woman who had come out to Malfunction Junction with twenty women and one baby, who had taken care of eleven cowboys and a truck driver during one of winters worst storms. That woman had seemed very sane and practical. Im having trouble with Miss Delilah being a lawbreaker and an arsonist.
Well never know, because her sister agreed to a rematch. The thing is, though, I think its a setup, Katy whispered, stopping to gaze up into his eyes. Laredo felt his heart go thud and then boom as he tried to inhale. Then exhale. Katys eyes widened, drawing him in. I think a red-lined mouse was childs play to Marvella. Call me gullible if you will, and trusting, but I was recently duped by a girl who was just like a sister to me.
You dont say, Laredo breathed, trying real hard to sound surprised.
She nodded. So I know what women are capable of.
Im sure you do.
And I know Miss Delilahs getting set up on this.
What could Marvella do?
Katys gaze swept over his shoulders and then across his chest. I dont know. But she will send her girls to steal my hero.
His mouth dried out at the thought of a bunch of women coming after him with their feminine lures. It wasnt an altogether unhappy vision.
But the words from Katys mouth had perked up his heart. He could be her hero. He could do it. He was not the kind of guy to make a promise and then cut and run.
You can count on me, he said.
Youll ride Bloodthirsty Black? she asked on a gasp.
Ill probably get stomped by his brightly painted hooves, but then at least everybody will know about the hard-wired bull Miss Delilahs got for sale. Then the charities will be happy, and a restaurant will be happy, and some FFA kids will be happy
Ill be happy. She threw her arms around his neck by launching her small body up against his chest, leaving about twelve inches dangling between her feet and the sidewalk. Thank you, Laredo. I knew I could count on you!
He would call Mason tomorrow, he thought, and get some tips on how to stay on a beast from hell. Right now he was just going to stand here and smell Katy Goodnights perfume, and try not to think about how sweet a girl like her would be in his bed.
And then again, maybe thinking about how sweet shed be in his bed was exactly why hed said hed ride her darn bull. He hadnt been kidding when he said hed probably get stomped.
So, he said into her hair as he held her against him, what happened to the mouse?
I rescued her, Katy murmured. When Bloodthirsty kicked in the stall, she ran out, and I scooped her up before she could run into another stall to get crushed by a different bull.
Her?
There are only girls in our salon. We named her Rose, and she sleeps in a little box beside my bed.
Oh, boy. Lucky mouse, he muttered.
What?
Nothing, he said quickly. I just cant wait to ride that bull, he fibbed.
Think you can stay on eight seconds?
He squeezed her to him, breathing in deeply. Im positive I have much longer than eight seconds in me.
Really?
Well, he said hastily, switching gears from sexual to realistic, I dont expect Ill be that good.
She smiled at him luminously. Since its your first time and all.
He swallowed, his Adams apple jerking in his neck like a double knot on a childs tennis shoe. Yeah.
Do you have a place to stay for the night, Laredo?
His throat tightened. Was he about to receive an invitation of the best sort? No.
Then you can sleep in my room.
Heaven! Hallelujah! Doing something big in his life was turning out to be so easy. Why hadnt he been adventuresome sooner?
And Ill sleep with Miss Delilah, she continued.
His enthusiasm withered like day-old soda pop. He set her down on the concrete. Id hate to put you out.
Its the least I can do for the man whos going to single-handedly save our salon.
He nodded jerkily, trying to look appreciative.
And were fixing wilted lettuce and greens for dinner.
He pasted a smile on his face, thinking that if the menu was always so green and healthy, he wouldnt have to ride Bloodthirsty Black. Hed just gnaw the steak-on-the-hoof to death and chalk up an easy win that way. Thank you, he repeated.
Lets go back and tell everyone what youve decided, Katy said, delighted.
Oh, yes. By all means, he agreed reluctantly. Longingly he glanced across the street, where a stunning blonde was deliberately trying to catch his gaze through the window. She was wearing a red shirt tied at the waist, and, even at this distance, he could tell she was a very healthy girl. To his surprise, she held a sign to the window that read Free Meal to Travelers in bold red, glittery letters.
Beside him Katy floated along, oblivious to the exchange. To be politebecause hed only heard one side of the story, after allhe tipped his straw western hat to the blonde and then shook his head in the negative.
Fair was fair, and no matter how bright the invitation across the wayeven if they served steak and mashed potatoeshe was going to be a man Katy could trust.
Chapter Two
So what exactly was the big problem? Hannah Hotchkiss asked as she walked into Katys bedroom.
Problem? Katy asked, eyeing her best friend and companion stylist warily.
The one Laredo mentioned. By the time the two of you returned from your walk, you had a yes out of him, and he was wearing a distinctly cattywhumpussed expression.
A minor detail, Katy murmured. Nothing that was truly a problem. She wasnt about to share the worrisome detail that their knight in shining armor lacked experience in the saddle.
I think youve caught that mans eye.
Katy glanced up, horrified. Do not say that. He is not my type at all.
What is your type?
Stanley came to mind, but Katy tossed that thought violently out of her brain. I havent figured it out yet. But Im certain Ill know it when I see it. She blew her bangs away from her forehead. These bangs will not grow fast enough to suit me.
Why are you letting them grow out? They suit your face and showcase your eyes.
I look like a little girl. I dont want to look like that anymore. She handed a picture to her friend of a model dressed like a ballerina, her hair pulled away from her face in a severe topknot. Thats the way I want to look.
Like you havent had a good meal in a month?
Katy snatched the paper back. Elegant. Sophisticated.
Like you dont give a damn.
Exactly. Katy nodded. I dont.
Now you just have to convince yourself.
Right.
What a bozo that Stanley must have been. Hannah sighed and got to her feet. Listen, pulling your hair back until you look like a scarecrow isnt going to give you the mature edge youre looking for.
You have a suggestion for maturing a permanent baby face?
No. The baby face is not the problemand, by the way, its called a cute face. Theres nothing baby about you. Your challenge is to become more daring. Daring. Remember that word.
Katy raised a brow.
Youre masking your real worry by making it a hair issue, something all women do, and sometimes men, as well. The key is to face the issue dead-on, and pin it on the body part where it actually belongs. Its never a hair issue. Could be the brain, could be the breasts, could be your
I dont need a body catalogue, Katy interrupted.
So, wheres your real issue?
My heart.
Not possible. Choosing the heart is a stall tactic. It means youre still transposing and referring your denial. The heart is not part of the equation, as it is only a label for peoples emotions. A visual, if you will.
I dont know if I will or not. Katy groaned, unwilling to go down the path. My womanhood, she finally said. If Id been more of a woman, even Becky couldnt have gotten Stanley away from me.
Thats a myth, you know. Women successfully steal men all the time. It doesnt take much effort.
I will never believe that. There are a few men out there who have antitheft devices on their hearts.
Yes, but were not talking about their hearts, and I have it on good authority that antitheft devices do not fit on a mans p
All right! Katy interrupted. So any man is ripe for the picking. Then whats the point of me trying to overcome my issue if their issue is unsolvable?
Because once you develop more confidence, your chance of a man ever straying from you is dramatically diminished. You put a certain amount of color on a ladys hair to diminish her gray, dont you?
Yes, Katy said uncertainly.
Well, you have to wear confidence to attract and keep someone you love. Become a bright, new color. Remember our new worddaring.
Lack of confidence was not why Stanley married Becky.
He did that because he was already at the church, the guests had flown in, his mother was wearing Bob Mackie, and you, my sweet gullible angel, had footed the bill as the bride. Plus, he still had a smile on his face from what had occurred in the bridal changing room. Strategically, if he couldnt wait another five minutes or so to enjoy your virginity, Im thinking he didnt have much staying power for the long haul. Not that Im judging him, exactly, since I have never met him. However, sometimes actions speak louder than words, and I sincerely believe your wedding day was one of those loud action moments. Hannah examined her nails casually. By the way, you are going to send his parents a bill for the wedding.
Katy gasped. Maybe Stanley and Becky, but not his parents!
No way. His parents are filthy rich and worried about impressions. You got the shaft and theyll be anxious to make certain you dont pay for their sons cruel indiscretion, lest you tell someone important likeDear Abby. Oprah, even. The whole matter sounds very Jerry Springer to me. Thatll hit Stanleys parents where they panic, and theyll certainly cough up what youre owed.
Katy flushed, hating the humiliation shed suffered that day. I want to keep it quiet. Forget about it. Move on.
You are not as confident as you could be, Katy, Hannah said softly. And under the circumstances, I understand. But by the time Im finished with you, confidence will radiate from you!
She wondered what Laredo saw radiating from her. Messy ponytail and no lipstickprobably all he saw was a dull aura. Okay, do your darnedest. I guess.
Hannah lifted Katys ponytail and ran it through her hand; Katy could practically hear her friends creative brain whirring away.
Sighing, she reminded herself that shed come to work at the Lonely Hearts Salon for just this reason. She needed the emotional support of women to help her get over her deepest fear: that she was sexually dysfunctional. Truth was, it hadnt been all that hard to keep her virginity. She had never felt a point-of-no-return reason to surrender it. But her best friend was talking about men as if they were as easy to pick as a dessert from a menu, and for Katy that would never be the case. It would take a kind and gentle man eons to teach her any differently. Im like Rapunzel. Locked in my own ivory tower.
I think you should experiment on Laredo Jefferson, Katy. I believe romancing that man could knock a few bricks out of your tower. Rattle the foundation a bit.
Katy shook her head. The last person who could ever save me from myself would be the freewheeling Laredo Jefferson. Ive been to his home at the Malfunction Junction Ranch, and his family is wild and woolly. Fun, but too much for a girl like me. She shrugged. Anyway, someone once told me that an ivory tower is really a phallic symbolin Laredos case, Id believe it! And right now, this is just a stop on his eastward hunt for adventure, so Id never dream of allowing him to scale my walls. Even if he wanted to.
See, there you go again. If. Of course he does!
Do you really think so? Katy asked doubtfully.
A man does not agree to ride a bull unless hes fairly sure theres a helluva prize waiting for him once hes hit the dirt, honey.
Katy straightened. I dont think of myself in those terms.
Wait till Im done with you. Youll be thinking Scarlet OHara by Saturday. I promise.
Scarlet OHara was a flirt, a maneater, Katy protested.
Exactly.
YOURE DOING WHAT? Mason shouted in Laredos ear over the phone. Have you clean lost your mind?
Laredo pictured Katys concerned face. Not lost it, just temporarily misplaced it, maybe. Mason, I need some tips.
You want a phone course in killing yourself by stupidity.
Someone has to do this, and its going to be me.
Obviously, Mason muttered. This is not what I thought you meant when you said you were heading back east for adventure. Youve barely left the county!
You know what they say about ones own backyard.
Oh, hell. There was an audible sigh from the other end of the line. I guess Ill send Tex over with the gear youre going to need.
Tex wont want to be torn away from his roses right now, Laredo warned. Hes right in the middle of preparing for the oncoming spring season.
Ill hire Martha Stewart to baby-sit his buds, Mason growled. In the meantime, Tex can come out there and share his vast knowledge with you.
Somehow, the idea of his twin coming out and spending time around Katy wasnt altogether appealing. Well
I cant give you pointers by phone, if youre determined to do this. Whats the name of the bull, by the way?
Bloodthirsty Black.
Is he a first-night bull or a marquee bull?
Laredo scratched his head. Hes an unknown quantity. The last cowboy who was supposed to ride him had a change of plans.
Maybe he was smart.
Any man who chose having sex over bull riding probably had some sense. Laredo squinted around Katys room. Her bed was unrumpled and covered with a clean, white cotton bedspread. There were white lace curtains floating at the open window. Beside her bed, Rose the mouse stared up at Laredo, her pink-flesh ears and tiny paws quivering. She was smaller than his little finger, and for a mouse, quite adorable. Her red price tag was stuck on the side of her wire-covered box as a pretend welcome mat. Katy had drawn a door above the welcome mat, and placed paper lace cutouts around fake windows. Laredo sighed to himself, then sat straight up as he realized something white and lacy was poking out from under Katys pillow.
Gingerly, he tugged the lace. It left its hiding place with a smooth, gliding flash of froth. Holding it up, he realized it was sheer, it was very short, and Katy slept in this at night. His pulse raced as he glanced toward the door. He was pretty certain Katy wouldnt appreciate walking in and finding him with her nightgown in his hands and very little room left in his jeans.
Laredo? Masons voice asked in his ear. Laredo!
Having sex or riding a bull.
He hadnt been offered sex. But occasionally a lucky hero got gifted with such a prize. Shoving the nightgown back under the pillow, he said, Im riding that bull, Mason, come hell or high water.
DID YOU GIRLS NOTICE the new man in town? Marvella asked as she stared out at her sisters salon.
Did we ever! her girls chorused.
Looked like a real cowboy to me, Marvella said. I so love cowboys! I do wonder how Delilah keeps coming up with these timely miracles.
Ive got first dibs, a stylish brunette called. Its my turn for a new customer.
Honey, hes not a customer till you convince him he is, someone corrected her. And alls fair in love until the moment one of us closes the bedroom door.
I wouldnt say its over just because the door closes, someone said. If I recall, one of you managed to be in the bed waiting, while you had a fake phone call downstairs for the girl he thought he was going to be spending the night with.
A few giggles went round the room, and a redhead in the corner blushed uncomfortably. I should have known it was a trick. Extra points for creativity, especially since he didnt seem to mind the switch, she said.
Well, this cowboy isnt going to get his eight seconds onboard Bloodthirsty Black. If Delilah wants to be humiliated twice, we can accommodate her, Marvella said. But we cant be obvious, because I can guarantee you, hes been told in detail how truly mean, unkind and positively sex-starved we are. Delilah will be extracautious this time. She tapped long fingernails against the windowsill. In four days. I dont want him to even lay a leg over Bloodthirsty Black. This calls for sweetness and light, and dainty coincidence.
Dainty?
Did you see that he was escorting Katy Goodnight on a walk? Thats dainty as powdered sugar on a doughnut, Marvella pointed out.
If her fianc ditched her at the altar and married her best friend, shes got something missing in her sugar bowl, someone suggested. Dainty is not always delightful.
Okay, Marvella said with a snap of her fingers. Ive got just the plan.
Is it dainty?
She smiled as she watched the lights coming on inside her sisters salon. No, she said. Its a doozy.
Chapter Three
The next morning Laredo met his brothers at the arena so they could get an eyeful of Bloodthirsty Black in his holding pen. The bull looked as if he had only ten more seconds before he busted out another perfectly good stall. Stepping back so they wouldnt irritate the bull more, Tex and Ranger shook their heads in unison.
Youre a nut, Ranger said. Youre going to need spine replacement if you ride him.
Laredo glared at him. Tex is the one whos coaching me. You just came along for the laugh.
Tex shrugged. He came along to keep me company on the ride, and mainly to try to help me talk you out of getting yourself killed. Hows your health insurance, by the way? Both physical and mental? Maybe you should see a head shrink before you do this, cause I think you may have left your brains back in puberty.
Twin or no, Laredo was duty-bound to argue. If I was deranged, I wouldnt be calling for reinforcement. Now, shut up and start coaching.
Let me ride him for you, Ranger offered. The Lonely Hearts girls just need a champion. They dont care who it is.
Its gonna be me, Laredo said stubbornly.
Why? Tex demanded. Ranger has the most wins besides me.
Hes too old. That was ten years ago.
Excuse me? Ranger said. Im thirty-two. You are thirty-four. How am I too old?
Because youve always been old. Me, Im just now trying to find myself. This is my midlife crisis, Laredo said proudly, staring at Bloodthirsty Black. All two to three thousand pounds of it.
Sheesh. Other men want a pretty woman. My twin wants a head-and-neck rearrangement from an animal born to hate him. Makes perfect sense to me.
Ranger chuckled. If Laredos suffering a crisis, does that mean you are too, Tex?
Just because Archers spending all his time writing to a Nicole Kidman look-alike in Australia, does that mean youre burning up the stationery with Byronic sonnets? Tex jutted his chin. Pull your head out, Ranger. Being twins does not mean were split halves of the same person, as you very well know!
Bicker, bitch, battle. For a moment Laredo thought his whole big fantasy of being a hero might go flushing downstream, until Katy Goodnight rounded the corner, bearing a basket with a cherry-printed cloth napkin inside. Instantly his whole day brightened. Hi, Katy, he said with a big grin he couldnt control.
Hi, Laredo, she said with a smile, before turning to his brothers. And another Laredo, she said to Tex. Im sorry, I shouldnt have forgotten your name since I met you only a month ago, but I do remember your face, she said to Ranger.
Well, thats all thats important, he said gallantly. If a pretty gal just remembers my face
Howdy, fellas, said another female voice.
They all turned as Hannah Hotchkiss came into view, carrying a basket decorated with blueberry sprigs. This is Hannah, Laredo began, then ceased his introduction when he realized Ranger had nearly swallowed his teeth as she smiled up into his face. Ranger, Laredo said sternly, this is Katys best friend.
We brought you a snack, Hannah said. We didnt know you had company, Laredo. But we have plenty.
Ranger took the basket from her and peeked inside. Mmm. Cookies and strawberries. My favorite. He pulled Hannah with him until they were off by themselves.
Laredo rolled his eyes at Tex. Did you have to bring him?
Oh, well. He can amuse himself now. Tex smiled at Katy. Howve you been, anyway?
Just busy. What brings you to Lonely Hearts Station?
We came to give Laredo some tip
They just stopped by to say hello, Laredo said.
Its nice of you to check on your twin. Is it true that twins are really close? Katy asked.
No, Laredo said.
Tex laughed. Were fraternal in mind-set, you might say. Im the settled one, Laredo is the wild one. If one of us was ever in a fistfight at school, the teachers didnt bother to check which one of us it was. They just automatically called Mason and said, Come get Laredo.
It wasnt quite like that, Laredo said, getting more annoyed with his twin by the second. I wasnt a hooligan.
I grow roses, Tex said.
Oh, I love roses, Katy replied.
The dreamy tone in her voice as she stared into his twins eyes was almost more than Laredo could stomach. Her reaction was the same as every other womans when Tex mentioned those stupid roses. Clearly, the roses were a conversational prop Tex employed just to get a womans attentionhe probably grew the stupid things just to get on womens good sides. Okay, enough with the flowery stuff. Can we get on with the lesson?
Lesson? Katy repeated.
Yeah, Im teaching Tex everything I know about bulls.
I thought you didnt know anything, Katy said, her voice innocent.
Tex snickered, and Laredo made a mental note to punch him later. I know a few things, he said, trying to hang on to his bravado. Something about Katy just got him so mixed up and confused! He wanted to brag in front of her, wanted to strut his stuff just a little, but somehow he kept goofing it up.
What Laredo means, Hannah said, as she and Ranger moved back to the circle, is that he knows more about Bloodthirsty Black. Hes filling Tex in on the history.
Thats right. Laredo straightened with a grateful glance at Hannah. Historys important.
Yeah, we all remember your report card, Ranger said.
Silence descended. Excuse me, Tex said. Im going to go find a gents.
He left, and the conversational void stretched. Laredo frowned at Ranger, who sighed.
Now, just what is it about this bull we need to know? Ranger said, clearly deciding to leave off the sibling rivalry and let Laredo get his neck broken if he was determined to do so.
He pulls to the left, a voice said. And then, just when you lean, he jerks to the right with a mean midair kick. Every time.
All four of them whirled to look at the woman whod spoken. Laredo felt his jaw go slack, and heard Rangers jaw hit the pavement with a resounding thunk.
This woman was simply stunning. As fresh and cute as Katy was, as punky-funky cute as Hannah was, this woman would set records for head-snapping stares.
Beside him, he could feel Katy stiffen.
Hell-oo, there, Ranger said. Thanks for the tip. He tipped his hat to her, and grinned.
The woman smiled back, one hand on her hip, the other casually resting against Bloodthirsty Blacks stall. Youre welcome.
Laredo glanced at Katy for an intro. Hannah didnt seem too happy about the womans presence, either, especially since she and Ranger had just spent a cozy five-minute chat together.
The woman ignored the female frostiness and extended a delicate hand to Ranger. Staying in town long? she asked softly, her voice full of hints.
Hes leaving in a couple of hours, actually, Laredo replied.
And you? she asked smoothly, looking back to Laredo.
He probably shouldnt tell what he was up to, Laredo thought. Katy probably wanted him to be the surprise weapon. Uh, a guy cant hang around beautiful women in a quaint town forever, I guess.
Thats too bad. Were real nice to strangers here in Lonely Hearts Station. The woman smiled, and imperceptibly tightened her posture so that her breasts thrust forward in an invitation even the greenest male could understand.
Laredo thought he could see Rangers eyes spinning around in their sockets. Wow! He didnt think hed ever seen his hard-edged brother sosoftened up.
This is Cissy Kisserton, Katy said reluctantly. Cissy, meet Ranger and Laredo Jefferson.
Real cowboys? Cissy asked.
Born and bred, maam, Ranger said. Hannah rolled her eyes, which Laredo thought was appropriate.
Well, I dont want to keep you, Cissy said. Just wanted to be friendly to the visitors in town. You send them over our way for a cup of cocoa, Katy. Well make sure theyre well taken care of.
Its a bit chilly in here, after all, isnt it? Ranger said. Ill take you up on that cup of cocoa right now, Miss Cissy, he said, following after the beautiful woman like a lovestruck puppy.
The two of them disappeared around the corner, but not before Laredo saw Ranger slip his arm around her. Laughter floated over the stalls to them. Laredo groaned to himself. Ranger was the most steadfast of the brothers! Certainly he had his share of wild hairshed been bluffing about going to do some military service for nearly a year nowof course, hed never leave Malfunction Junction Ranch, but hed sure been trying to put action where his big mouth was. Hed actually started hanging around the police station, trying to act civilized.
But nothing like a beautiful woman to make a mans mouth run away from him. Laredo looked at Katy, who appeared dumbfounded; Hannah seemed disappointed down to her very orange toenails, peeping out of cut-open tennis shoes.
The expression on Hannahs face told Laredo that Cissy wasnt the only woman around who thought Ranger was a hunk.
Oh, boy.
Wheres Ranger? Tex asked, coming back to join them.
He went off with a woman, Laredo said. Cissy Kisserton. You should have seen her.
You should have seen him, Hannah said. It was like watching a giant tree get felled by one termite.
Oh. I apologize for my brothers behavior, Tex said.
Is Cissy a Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurl? Laredo asked.
Obviously, Katy said.
Whoa. Hed have to be very careful to avoid that Venus fly trap. There was a real sensitive issue between the two salons for certain, and it clearly wasnt all about who gave the better haircut. By the way, Tex, Cissy was awfully helpful. She says Bloodthirsty Black pulls to the left. And when you lean, he jerks to the right with a midair kick every time.
Does he, now? Tex eyed the bull speculatively. And why was the competition being so helpful?
Laredo looked at Katy and Hannah. I guess she just wanted to be nice to the strangers in town.
Katy and Hannah made disgusted sounds, gathered up their baskets with the food in them and marched off without a word.
The parting looks they shot the men spoke loudly, however.
You just blew it, Tex told his twin.
What did I say?
First rule of girlhuntingnever let a woman you like believe another woman has anything to offer you. Anyway, Im supposed to be giving you tips on Mr. Bloodthirsty, here, not love. Its unseemly for a brother to have to coach his twin in things any freshly minted teenage boy knows.
Laredos heart sank. Cissy was awfully friendly. I thought she was nice. And she didnt have to tell us about the trick this old bull plays.
True.
Ranger stuck on her like glue. He didnt see anything wrong with her, either.
There, then. You dont have anything to worry about.
Laredo frowned. Nothing to worry about except hed upset Katy, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
Pulls to the left, huh? Tex said. When I went to the gents, I noticed the arena was empty. Theres no one around. Lets sit you up on Bloodthirsty and see exactly how hard he kicks.
Have you lost your mind? Im not getting up on him. Laredo eyed the bull, who was pawing at something in his stall as if he were sharpening his hooves for the kill. Dont we need about four other men helping us hold him?
If we were loading him in a chute, yeah. But youre just gonna get up on top of this bull and get used to the feel of him underneath you.
Laredo shook his head. Ill wait till Saturday.
Tex sighed. Look. Its not that hard. Watch me.
He pulled on his glove and looped a rope around the bulls neck. The animal snorted, demonstrating his displeasure by slinging his head. Tex jumped up on the top rail, squared himself up, jumped and landed briefly on the bulls back.
There was silence for an infinitesimally split second, and then all hell broke loose.
I DONT THINK the Jefferson boys are the men we thought they were, Katy said to Hannah as they walked home. Laredo brags, Tex is a ladies man and Rangers off with the enemy.
Hannah nodded. For a minute I thought Ranger might have liked me. He sure seemed to.
Katys heart melted at the sound of sadness in Hannahs voice. Its just that darn Cissy Kisserton. She knocks men down at their kneecaps.
But if hed really liked me, he wouldnt have even seen her, Hannah said. You notice Laredo didnt so much as shake her hand.
Katy brightened a little. I suppose he didnt. Then she faded again. But hes still a braggart. If I were to fall for another man, I know Id want one whose actions match his words.
That may be the impossible holy grail, Katy. All men pad their rsums. So do women.
I dont.
You do, Hannah insisted. Ive noticed that since Laredo hit town, youre trying to stand like our competition does. Tush out and breasts stuck forward.
Together, they walked up the back-stair entrance of the salon and went upstairs to Katys room. Its true, Katy said. Thats exactly what I was doing. But if I dont shift things around, Ill never stand a chance against a girl like Cissy. Shes got all the moves. And its only a matter of time before those girls set their aim on Laredo. I just dont want to be around when they score a bulls-eye.
Now, now. Hannah sank onto the bed and stared down at Rose the mouse. Courage. Laredo seems loftier in morals than most men.
I dont know. I noticed a marked decrease in loftiness when Cissy came by. We brought picnic baskets, and Cissy brought a tight skirt and high heels.
Hannah frowned slightly. I thought I might like Ranger, but it was one of those moments where you look at someone and see someone theyre not because you want them to be something else. I must be in a needy phase. Ill have to be more careful.
Katy sat beside her, and patted Hannahs hand. What happened to daring?
Thats you, not me. Hannah perked up. Katy, stand up, she said.
Katy complied, her eyes widening when she saw the scissors Hannah picked up from the table. Not my hair, Hannah, Katy protested. I know youve been itching to cut it for a long time, but its unwise to give up an inch for a man. Truly, short and sassy isnt me.
It is when youve got nice legs you never show, Hannah said, picking up the hem of Katys long dress. She decisively cut up to Katys knee.
Hannah!
Hold still, Im gauging your siren potential. I think another two inches, Hannah murmured, continuing to cut.
Im too short for short dresses, Katy protested. Ill look even more like a baby-faced doll than I do!
Hannah tossed the red fabric aside. Nope, she said happily. Now thats enough to give Laredo whiplash.
Hannah. Katy knelt down to look into her friends eyes. Listen to me. Laredo Jefferson is the last man I need. He doesnt fit the description. In fact, in some ways he reminds me of Stanley.
Hannah cocked a wry brow. In what ways? Stand back up so I can gauge the hem length.
Laredos ogle-meter. And thats enough to tell me that hes not even remotely close todate material.
Did Stanley ogle Becky before the two of them met like ships passing in the bridal chamber?
Katy wrinkled her nose. Not that I ever noticed. I think that was why I was so shocked.
Something doesnt add up about that. What made those two suddenly jump in each others arms?
My virginity.
No. Hannah sighed, pulled out a needle from a drawer in Katys nightstand and threaded it with red thread. Industriously, she went to work turning up the hem of Katys dress by an eighth of an inch. Linens hard to sew by hand, she murmured. Im going to take tiny stitches, so stand very still.
Dont you need a chalk or tape?
This will do for the lunch hour. I need you to concentrate. Did you ever tell Becky anything about Stanley?
I told her everything! She was my best friend, my maid of honor.
Did you tell her anything personal? Like, oh, that you two hadnt slept together?
Everybody knew that, even my mother. We had a nine-month proper engagement. Stanley used to say he was proud to be marrying a virgin. She wrinkled her forehead.
Dont do that. Your face will look like a race track, Hannah instructed.
I told Becky everything a girl tells her best friend. Just like I tell you. She also knew that Stanley didnt like to kiss me.
Hannah stopped sewing. What?
Stanley didnt like to kiss me. Why are you looking at me like that?
Hannah shook her head. Why didnt he?
He said it was too much temptation, since we couldntum, you know.
And Stanleys family is wealthy?
Right. Stanley Peter St. Collin III, of St. Collin Faucets and Hinges.
Oh, of course. Naturally. Hannah grimaced. And Beckys family was where on the social register?
Well, way below ours, if you must use social register terms. Her mom and dad divorced a long time ago, when she was a child. And her mom worked as a waitress at night to make ends meet. Becky worked two jobs, too, after we graduated from high school.
And your parents were the Goodnights of Goodnight Protective Arms, starting with well-heeled British immigrant parents and going back three pedigreed generations in your hometown. And you dutifully and impressively went to college and obtained a degree in chemistry.
Well, it was the easiest thing to do, Katy said. Chemistry is much easier than economics or something. She shuddered. Columns of figures and business principles, or putting cool stuff like hydrogen chloride into test tubes and seeing what blows up. Protons. Dissection. No contest there, huh?
Oh, yeah. I can see where chemistry is the easy answer. Miles and miles of chemical configurations. Hannah went back to sewing.
After I sort myself outand Im just about done, thanks to Miss DelilahIm going to teach chemistry at Duke in North Carolina in the fall. Of course, my original plan was to marry Stanley and become a perfectly manicured, Mrs. St. Collin III. Luckily, Id sent out lots of applications after I graduated from college and before Stanley proposed. He didnt like me interviewing at Duke. Did I tell you that I was invited to interview at Cornell, too?
Peachy. Turn. Hannah moved the needle in and out without glancing up. These pretty legs are wasted on a chem prof.
So, Duke in the fall.
Yes. Katy sighed. I should never have given up chemical calculations for a man.
Not Stanley, anyway. But you cant throw marriage overboard and closet yourself in a lab.
Look at me, Hannah, please.
Hannah complied, and Katy smiled at her friend.
You have all been wonderful to me. But its time for me to strike out on my own and realize my true potential. Im not man savvy. Im not sophisticated. I spent too many years studying while my girlfriends were hanging out at frat houses to have learned the feminine ropes. If life is based on sexual chemistry, I got an F in the sexual and an A plus in the chemistry. But being smart means I can take care of myself. I think I might have gotten a little nervous about my life, and when Stanley proposed, I jumped at it. Maybe I didnt want to be the smartest virgin spinster. She sighed, looking down for just a moment. In a way, Stanley dumping me at the altar was the best thing that could have happened. It made me realize Im much safer if I just rely on myself.
Hannah shook her head. I think if you hadnt told Becky that Stanley didnt like to kiss you, she still would have stolen him. She needed a way out of her life, and you only thought you did. I think you subconsciously gave her the invitation to steal him.
Katy stared into the mirror, seeing the miracle Hannah had wrought with her dress. She looked like a different person. Sexier. Hipper. Maybe I had some unconscious motive I didnt recognize, but I wouldnt have picked my wedding day to be dumped.
That was unfortunate, but she was probably plagued by guilt, which caused her to wait until the last minute to act. Shes probably not enjoying her honeymoon at all, thinking about you crying your eyes out. Hannah stood. I havent seen you cry at all, Katy. And I think all this talk of sexual dysfunction is a cover-up. Maybe you just wanted to keep men on the periphery of your life.
If I didnt then, I do now. Its humiliating when the maid of honor marries your fianc, wearing the hot pink dress you picked out for her. Its like, heres hot and sexy and heres plain and virginal. Which do you think most guys want? I dont know, Katy murmured. You sure have a lot of insight into people, Hannah. How did you develop that?
Im a hairdresser. Ive heard lots of stories over the years. Be still. Gently she took hold of Katys below-shoulder-length hair, slicked it into a smooth, high ponytail, then took one strand which she wound around the rubber band and pinned down. Now a touch of red lipstick, she said, applying it to Katy as she spoke, and whammo! Instant femme fatale.
Katy inspected herself in the mirror. Maybe its fatal femininity.
Think confident. Be confident. Im confident that youre a woman not to be overlooked. Anyway, the plain-vanilla you is all but a memory. Satisfied, Hannah put away the needle and thread and the hair-brush and lipstick, glancing with cool smugness at Katys dress. See how easy it is to be daring?
This is daring?
For you? Yes. Its a start. Lets go have lunch at the cafeteria, Virginity Barbie. All this thinkings made me hungry.
LAREDO HESITATED outside the door of the Never Lonely Cut-N-Gurls Salon. If Katy saw him going in here, he was toast. Unfortunately, he needed Ranger, and he needed him now.
Glancing guiltily across the street at the Lonely Hearts Salon, he pushed open the door.
KATY GASPED as she saw Laredo go inside the enemy camp. She and Hannah stepped back inside the door quickly, staring at each other in surprise.
Whoa, Hannah said. I have to admit to being caught off guard.
Katys heart felt as if it bled a drop as red as her newly short dress. I told you. Its a dysfunctional thing. Those girls have allureand I do not. Why should she even care? she asked herself. She didnt like him anyway.
Did she?
Boys will be boys, I suppose, Hannah said. You could go rescue him from himself.
Id rather join Marvellas payroll. Come on. Lets go eat at the cafeteria. Only, were taking the back door. I wouldnt dream of allowing Mr. Ill-Ride-That-Bull-For-You to know we saw him slinking into the competitions bunker.
Chapter Four
Hold still, Tex, Ranger said, his teeth gritted, slightly annoyed at being dragged away from Cissy to tend his brother in Delilahs barn. Tex was writhing a bit dramatically on the hay-covered floor, and Ranger had been far more impressed with the shoulder-massage Cissy had been giving him back at the salon atop a satin-covered chaise lounge. Ive got to check your shoulder good because if its broken, itll set crooked. What were you thinking, anyway?
Tex tried his hardest to lie still while Ranger none too gently probed his back and shoulder. I wanted to test this bull and see if what Cissy said was true.
Laredo stared at his prone twin. You couldnt tell a darn thing with that bull in a pen.
I can tell you hes got a helluva liftoff. But I dont think he cranks left. No, I dont.
Ranger stopped what he was doing to look at his brother. You dont think he cranks left?
Tex shook his head. I dont.
The three men studied the bull through the rails. Bloodthirsty seemed satisfied to have flung Tex into the stall across the aisle. For the moment he was quite a bit calmer.
He does have a spring-loaded midair jump, though, Tex said. Either this bulls changed his mind about how he tries to kill people or you were getting set up, Laredo.
Ranger shook his head. Cissys a nice girl. She wouldnt deliberately tell someone wrong.
And bulls dont change their mind, Tex said stubbornly. If they start out kicking left, thats usually the way they always go. Bloodthirsty didnt hesitate. Then he bunched himself up in the air and tossed me over the pen.
Laredo wasnt certain what to think. Why would Cissy give me a bad tip?
So youd lose, dummy, Tex told him. Shes a woman, and shes a rival, and shes sucking Rangers face to make certain all her bases are covered.
She didnt suck my face! Ranger protested.
Your lips are pink, Laredo pointed out. Did you borrow some tinted chapstick, maybe? Drink a strawberry pop? Borrow a sun lamp and use it on your lips?
It was just a friendly peck, Ranger said. Nothing more. But his face and neck turned as pink as the lipstick, and Laredo frowned.
Why are you lying?
Im not. Ranger shrugged and gently helped Tex to his feet. I think your shoulders fine. Just dont test him again anytime soon.
Why? So we wont interrupt your friendly pecking with Cissy? Tex asked. Whats gotten into you?
Whats gotten into you? Ranger shot back. Since when have you cared who I talked to?
Since were supposed to be here helping out a woman who rescued us last month, Ranger, Laredo stated. Have you forgotten whose girls helped us and Union Junction through the big storm? Who helped with sandbagging, and cooking, and mopping up a creeks worth of water? Who hung curtains in our house and cleaned and generally kept the town from getting washed under?
Ranger stared at his brothers, speechless. He shook his head as if his ears were buzzing. Then his shoulders drooped. I dont know what came over me, he said, his tone apologetic. It was likeit was like the call of the wild, and I couldnt shut it off. Like being in a dream I didnt want to wake up from. He looked at them sheepishly. For a minute there, I was almost totally hypnotized by a woman. Whew!
Oh, boy. Tex shook his head. Listen, weve got to keep our heads on straight. Our brother has signed on to ride one of the worst bulls Ive ever come in contact with, and he has no idea what hes doing. Weve gotta have a plan.
My plan is to get on and stay on, Laredo said. Im going to be more stubborn than this bull.
Bloodthirsty Black cared little for Laredos announcement. He gave a round-nostriled snort, reminding everyone he was in the business of tossing cowboys as if they were hay.
Maybe you should just give money to Miss Delilahs charity, Ranger said doubtfully.
Its a man thing. Laredo glanced toward the barn exit. In Spain, they run from bulls. Malfunction Junction Ranch cowboys laugh in the face of danger.
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