Читать книгу The Rebel Returns: The Return of the Rebel / Her Irresistible Protector / Why Resist a Rebel? - Leah Ashton - Страница 17

CHAPTER ELEVEN

BY THE END of the week, Cleo had promised she’d call her mother if he’d just quit pestering her.

Now the moment of truth had arrived. She stared at the disposable cell phone the same way she would a rattler—one false move and she’d be in a world of regret. Whatever made her think calling home was a good idea? Oh, yes, Jax. He seemed to be full of all sorts of advice these days.

And the part she hated most was knowing he was right. She missed her family. After fighting to follow her own path in life and to be able to make her own choices, she still didn’t feel complete. There was a gap in her life—her mother and brothers.

Jax’s voice echoed in her mind. Deep down she still loves you. What do you have to lose?

Inhaling a steadying breath, Cleo picked up the phone. She didn’t know if she was strong enough to do as Jax suggested, but she could do the next best thing. She dialed an old, familiar number. Her stomach quivered like a dried leaf on a blustery fall day. What if—

“Hello?”

She knew the deep timbre of the male voice. “Kurt, it’s Cleo.”

“Cleo?” Her oldest brother said her name as if he was talking to a ghost. “What are you doing calling? Is something wrong?”

It was not exactly the greeting she’d been hoping for. This was nothing like the cheerful calls she’d used to make from college. But then again that was another lifetime. Things had changed irrevocably since then.

“I—I— How are things there?”

“Not so good. I’ve been putting off telling Mom about the mess with the bank, but I need to do it soon.”

“You know Mom has no head for business. That’s why Dad left you in charge. If you tell her, she’ll just worry.” And have one more thing to hold against Cleo.

“And if we don’t come up with some money soon, there won’t be a business for any of us to worry about.”

Cleo worried the inside of her lip, wondering if she should mention her promotion. After her accident and now with her missing work, she didn’t know if she’d still have a job when she returned. Although Jax seemed certain that her job was protected. Maybe he was right.

“I got a big promotion at work.” Then in her excitement, she forgot that she hadn’t told her family about her job at the casino.

“That’s nice, sis. But we need more than a bump in your paycheck to cover the arrears on this loan.” He sighed. “I should tell you that I’ve had to sell off some of the stock, including Buttercup.”

Cleo gasped. She loved and missed the even-tempered mare. The backs of her eyes started to burn. It was the last gift her father had given her—no, it wasn’t. There was the horse her father had bought for her as a bribe to move home. But the horse had died in the same accident that snuffed out her father’s life. With that sobering thought in mind, she knew she had no right to complain about her brother’s actions.

“I’m sorry, Cleo. I’ve had to drastically reduce the overhead.”

She swiped at her eyes and sniffled. “I—I understand.”

Maybe Jax was right. Maybe now was the time to be up front with her family about her choices. It was time to quit sneaking around and pretending to be the person they wanted her to be instead of showing them the real Cleo.

Taking a calming breath, she gripped the phone tightly. “Kurt, this promotion is a lot more than a bump in my check. I’m now working as a casino host.”

“What?” There was a pause as though he were letting the news sink in. “You mean you wear slinky outfits and flirt with men to get them to gamble more?”

“No. I wear really nice clothes. In fact, I design and make my own clothes.”

She considered mentioning that Jax was one of her clients so her brother wouldn’t worry so much, but under the circumstances, she realized that it was best to keep Jax and this mess with ape man to herself. It would be safest for everyone—especially Jax. And she didn’t want to jeopardize Jax’s friendship with her brother, if Kurt decided to act all protective of his little sister.

Without giving her brother an opportunity to hassle her about her career choice, she hurried on. “I’ll forward you some money as soon as I get paid.” And now for the real reason she’d called. “How are Joe, Stephen and Cassidy?”

“They’re fine. Cleo, what is it you really want to know?”

Kurt always knew when she was hedging around something. “And how’s Mom doing?”

“You know, same as always. Busy with this and that. But the arthritis in her fingers is getting worse. If you’re really curious to know how she’s doing, you should call her.”

Her chest tightened at the thought of being rejected by her mother again. She didn’t know if she could open herself up to the potential for that kind of pain.

“I—I don’t think that’s a good idea. I tried calling her after the funeral. She told me not to call back and hung up.”

“I’m sorry, sis.” He expelled a weary sigh. “Mom wasn’t herself after Dad died. She was angry with everyone for a long time. Most of all I think she was angry with Dad for leaving her. She’s been lost without him.”

“I remember how in love they were after so many years. I always dreamed of having a marriage like theirs.”

“You can still have that, if you want it.”

“Listen to who’s talking. You’re older than me and you have yet to settle down and start a family.”

“I have a lot of responsibilities. I don’t have time for that stuff.”

Another pang of guilt assaulted her. If she hadn’t been arguing with her father that day, he wouldn’t have died. Her mother wouldn’t have melted down. And her brother wouldn’t be devoting his every waking hour to keeping the ranch afloat. Kurt might be happily married by now with a baby on the way.

“I should go.” She didn’t know what else to say. There were no words to repair the damage that had been done.

“Cleo, call Mom. Enough time has passed. I think she’d want to hear from you.”

After promising to think it over, Cleo disconnected the call. She still wasn’t sure about calling her mother. After all, her mother was right. The tragedy of her father’s death was her fault—no matter what Jax said. Why should her mother forgive her? If the roles were reversed, she didn’t honestly know how she’d deal with such a profound loss.

The phone buzzed, startling her. She glanced at the screen, but didn’t recognize the number.

“Jax! Jax! Phone.”

She didn’t know where he’d been but he entered the family room at a dead run, grabbed the phone and punched the talk button. “Yes.” A pause. “Yes, it is.”

He strolled out of the room.

That was strange. She thought that it was dangerous to let people have their phone number because of the GPS tracking system. So who did Jax trust enough with their location? The police? And why was his face creased with worry lines?

* * *

Jax’s entire body tensed as he waited for the doctor to come on the line. He paced back and forth on the veranda. The afternoon sun was hot, but his need for privacy trumped being comfortable. He didn’t normally pray, but in this instance if he had any points with God, he could use some help now.

“Jax, this is Dr. Collins. How are you doing?”

Did he mean besides the stress of knowing that his clients were up in arms because the funds in his investment accounts had been seized as evidence until this trial was over? Apart from the fact some thug attacked the woman that he...that he considered a close friend? Or aside from the fact that he was secluded in a ritzy home with a woman who could make him want her with just a look?

“I’m doing good,” he lied.

“That’s what I like to hear from my patients. But something tells me even if you weren’t feeling like your old self yet, you wouldn’t say anything. Don’t push yourself too hard, too fast. And if you won’t listen to me, at least listen to your body. It’ll tell you what it needs.”

Enough of this, he needed to know where he stood. “Doc, what did the tests reveal?”

“Nothing. That is to say there’s nothing wrong with you. At this point, you are fit and healthy.”

“Really?” His legs felt like jelly. He sank down on a chair. “You’re absolutely positive?”

“I am. You can relax now. There’s no reason you can’t continue with a normal, healthy life.”

Immediately Cleo’s face came to mind. “But the cancer, it can come back, can’t it?”

There was a distinct pause. “I won’t lie to you. It can. For the next couple of years we’ll keep a close eye on you. If anything develops, we’ll catch it early. But I would think positive.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

They talked a few more minutes and Jax promised to schedule a follow-up appointment in six months. By the time he got off the phone, he was so relieved, he pumped his fists and yelled, “Yes!” like a pro football player after scoring the winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game.

This was the game of his life. After months of tests and treatments, the endless wonder and worry, he could at last relax. For the moment, he was healthy.

He let himself back in the house, eager to seek out Cleo. She was curled up again with her pencils and sketch pad. She glanced up when he entered the room.

“Is everything okay?”

“Um, yes.” Had she heard him cheering? He doubted it. The house was far too big for voices to carry that far. “I actually got some good news.”

“You did? That’s great.” She smiled and patted the spot on the couch next to her. “Come sit down. You can tell me your good news, and I need your opinion on something.”

For the first time since he had found the lump under his arm, he had energy and felt as if he could run a marathon. Okay, maybe not a marathon but at least around the block.

The invitation to sit next to the most gorgeous woman in the world was just too tempting to resist. However, he forced himself to leave a comfortable distance between them.

Charlie lifted his head from where he was sleeping on the opposite side of Cleo, eyed him up and then promptly went back to sleep. He was going to miss Charlie. Every time he opened the fridge and grabbed for the bag of lunch meat, the cat knew it and made a beeline for the kitchen so he could have some, too.

Needing a moment or two to sort out what to say to her, Jax said, “First, tell me how the conversation with your mother went.”

“It didn’t.”

He turned to look directly at her. “What do you mean, it didn’t?”

“I didn’t call her.”

“But I thought that’s why you borrowed the phone.”

She went on to tell him how she called her brother instead. Jax’s body tensed as he wondered if this thing between Cleo and himself could ruin a lifetime friendship with Kurt. He hated the thought of losing yet another person from his life.

“Did you mention anything about us?” He braced himself for the answer.

“No, I didn’t.” Cleo’s eyes filled with compassion. “I didn’t feel it was my place. I know how protective Kurt can be, and I know he made you promise to stay away from me.”

“You do?”

She smiled at him. “Let’s just say that a little sister can have big ears when the need arises. I figure if there’s ever anything to tell him about us, you’ll find a way to tell him. After all, it isn’t like I’m a teenager any longer.”

“Maybe you’re right.” He desperately wanted to believe her. But he knew he was jumping too far ahead. It wasn’t as if they had a future. “And right now Kurt has enough on his mind.”

Two V-shaped lines formed between her brows. “Do you think I’ll get paid much for the time I was your casino host? You know, before ape man ruined things?”

“You don’t have anything to worry about. I wagered a sizable fortune while I was at the Glamour. And lost quite a bit. All in all you should get a generous paycheck.”

“Oh, good!” Color immediately rushed to her cheeks and she glanced away. “Sorry. I didn’t mean I was excited about your loss...just that I’d have some money to send home to Kurt. He sounded defeated on the phone.”

“I understand.” Jax wanted to ease the worry on her face, but he still wasn’t sure how to go about it without overstepping. “I’d like to help.”

“You would?”

“Yes. I’ve been doing some thinking about this even before I heard that the Bar S was in trouble.”

“We could definitely use the help.” She looked up at him with a hopeful gleam. “What did you have in mind?”

He wasn’t so sure how Cleo would feel about his idea. In fact, he was hesitant to bring it up. Maybe he should just go directly to Kurt with it. But then again if he couldn’t get it past Cleo, he’d never get her brother to agree.

“I want to buy your grandfather’s ranch.”

Cleo sat back. Her eyes opened wide. “But why?”

“I’m tired of New York. I accomplished what I went there to do.”

“Make yourself into a business success?”

He nodded. “Now I want to try something different.”

“But I would have thought you’d be settled in New York. Won’t you miss it?”

He shrugged. “Some. Certainly the coffee shop down the street from my apartment building. They have the best bagels. But I need something more.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I thought of returning to Hope Springs. I miss the wide-open space.”

“You mean to move there permanently?”

“It’s one possibility. I was planning to explore the idea when the strange phone calls started. I didn’t want to travel to Hope Springs and have trouble follow me there. That would just reinforce some folks’ opinions that I’m still bad news.”

“No one would say that.”

He eyed her, knowing she was lying just to make him feel better. “Your mother might disagree.”

She reached out and squeezed his arm, sending a sensation zinging through his veins and settling in his chest. He stared deep into her eyes, wanting to pull her into his arms. Since he’d talked to the doctor, he felt as though he had a new lease on life.

But before he could move, Cleo’s smile morphed into a frown.

“What is it?” He’d fix it if he could. Right about now, he’d do anything for her.

“I’m just worried about my job at the casino. I can’t lose it.”

At least he could reassure her. “You don’t have to worry. Your job will be there waiting for you as soon as you’re ready.”

“I don’t know. I didn’t complete the one task Mr. Burns gave me.”

“What was that?”

“Keeping you happy.”

“Oh, trust me. You’ve made me very happy.”

“Really?”

He nodded and her eyes twinkled with mischief.

She leaned forward and in a breathy voice said, “Maybe I could make you happier.”

In an instant, her lips pressed to his. His heart slammed into his ribs. Now wasn’t the time for overthinking things. It was a time for decisive action. His hands slipped around her waist, pulling her closer. Every nerve ending sprang to life. He hadn’t felt this free, this alive, in forever.

Cleo smelled like a field of wildflowers. He didn’t know if it was her perfume or shampoo, but there was something about her that had an intoxicating effect on him.

Who’d ever think that the girl who gave him that inexperienced peck all those years ago would grow up to give such passionate kisses? Her lips moved over his in a fervent hunger. And when she moaned, it was his undoing. In that moment, it didn’t matter what she’d ask of him, he’d be helpless to deny her.

Her fingers trailed up his neck. Her nails scraped against his scalp. It was the most stimulating sensation. He couldn’t believe the girl whose ponytails he used to pull and who would flash him a smile lined with braces was now this red-hot siren in his arms setting his whole body on fire.

She pulled back just far enough to murmur, “Let’s move this to the bedroom, where my cast won’t be in the way.”

It was as if she’d dumped a bucket of icy cold mountain water over his head. He...he couldn’t do that, no matter how much he wanted her. He turned his head away, trying to get a grip.

“We can’t.” He couldn’t look her in the face.

She placed her fingers under his chin and attempted to turn his head, but he resisted. He felt like a wild animal that had been caught in a trap. There was no getting away. No pretending that he was the same Jax that he’d been all those years ago.

“You can kiss me, but you can’t even look at me now.” Irritation threaded through her voice. “What’s the matter? Don’t my kisses stack up to the other women you’ve known?”

He swung around and looked at her point-blank. “They aren’t even in the same ballpark. Yours are so much sweeter. You’re amazing.”

“Then I don’t understand. What’s the problem? Why do you keep pulling me close only to shove me away?”

For the lack of anything better, he fell back on a cliché. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

Cleo rolled her eyes. “You’ve got to do better than that. I want to know the truth.”

“Can’t we just forget this happened?”

“No, we can’t. I want you. And you obviously want me. You owe me the truth. What’s holding you back?”

There was no way out of this. He supposed he did owe her the truth, but somehow that didn’t make it any easier to say.