“If we decided to get married, how soon do you think…?”

Dana didn’t need to finish the sentence. Jared had already thought through their marriage of convenience.

“As soon as possible,” he said firmly. “I don’t receive the money from the trust fund until I have a marriage certificate.”

“Of course, it wouldn’t be a real marriage.” Dana gave him a questioning look. “I mean, you can’t expect me—us…”

Jared bit back a groan. Oh, he wanted her all right, and if she were honest, she’d admit she wanted him, too. The two times they’d kissed diminished any doubt of that. They’d been nothing less than explosive. “To consummate the marriage,” he finished for her.

She nodded as a blush covered her cheeks.

“Dana, if you’re worried I’m going to jump you, I’m not. If you want to take the relationship further, I’ll leave that up to you.”

Jared’s Texas Homecoming
Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Tyler

My buddy, I’ll miss sharing my office with you.

To Hence,

Your knowledge is invaluable to me; so is your friendship.

PATRICIA THAYER

has been writing for the past sixteen years and has published seventeen books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion and a prestigious RITA® Award. In 1997 Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty-two years, Steve, and her three grown sons and two grandsons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251, or check her Web site at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Prologue

He only came back because of his brother.

Jared Trager Hastings stepped into his father’s office. The musty-smelling room looked dull and gloomy with its dark-stained paneling and opaque drapes. The heavy oak desk and chairs were the same pieces his grandfather had used years ago.

With his brother, Marshall’s, death, Jared knew that he had just moved to the head of the line to take over the family business, Hastings Development. That was never going to happen. Jared had always been a major disappointment to his father, unable to live up to Graham Hastings’s high standards. Marsh had been the perfect son. Now he was gone, dead at thirty-one from leukemia.

A strange numbness claimed Jared. Two brothers couldn’t have been more different—one doing everything to please his father, the other doing whatever possible to alienate the man, including running off at twenty. The one regret Jared had was that he’d missed knowing his brother. Now it was too late.

Jared checked his watch. He needed to get on the road. It was a long drive to Nevada. Suddenly the door opened and Graham walked in, along with Marsh’s wife, Jocelyn. She was slender to the point of looking frail. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a bun and her eyes seemed too big for her face, but she appeared to be the one helping GH into the room.

“I thought you’d be gone by now,” his father said.

Graham had aged rapidly. At fifty-nine, he easily looked an extra ten years older with his deeply lined face and thinning gray hair. Today, his back was bent and his gait shaky.

Jared refused to let the man rile him. “You asked me to stay so we could talk.”

“Since when did you care what I wanted?”

“Like you ever wanted me around,” Jared threw back.

“Please, no fighting today,” Jocelyn pleaded. “Marsh wouldn’t have wanted this.”

Jared felt ashamed. “I’m sorry, Jocelyn.”

She nodded her appreciation. “I’m the one who wanted you to stay, Jared. To tell you how grateful I am you could be here today. If we could have gotten word to you sooner—”

“Hell, boy,” Graham snapped. “Your own brother was dying and no one knew where the hell you were.”

Jared clenched his fists to keep from saying anything. He turned to his brother’s widow. “You were saying, Jocelyn?”

She looked at her father-in-law. “If you’ll excuse us, Graham…”

“As if anyone here cares what I want….” the older man grumbled as he walked around his desk and collapsed into the chair.

Jocelyn went to a far corner of the room and Jared followed. “I need to give you something.” She spoke in a hushed voice as she reached inside her purse and drew out an envelope. “Marsh wrote you a letter just days ago.” Her dark eyes filled with tears. “Jared, your brother struggled with himself for a long time, but he felt you deserved to know some things.”

Jared tensed. “Know what?” He took the envelope from her and began to open it.

Jocelyn stopped him and glanced at his father. “Not here. When you’re alone, read it.” She released a long breath as if a weight had been lifted off her. “Marsh wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes like all of us, but I loved him.” She brushed the tears from her cheek. “And I know it gave him comfort to be able to say what he had in his heart. He did love you, Jared.”

Jared took the letter, then he pulled his sister-in-law into a tight parting embrace. Unable to speak, he nodded his goodbye and left.

Later, sitting in his truck, Jared opened the envelope. There were several papers clipped together. On top was Marsh’s letter.

Jared,

I know it has to be strange to hear from me like this. It’s been a long time, and no one is sorrier than I that we lost touch. I used to think if things were different, maybe if Mother had lived, you wouldn’t have left home.

I’ve always envied you, Jared. You never felt the need to live up to the rigid Hastings standards. You set your own. Of course it’s easy now to look back and see our mistakes. And I’ve made many, which leads me to what I have to say.

Nearly six years ago, while going through Mother’s things, I discovered a picture and an old letter that led me to San Angelo, Texas, searching for a man named Jack Randell. A man that our mother once loved. I never found Randell. I located his family, but decided not to pursue it any further. I regret that, because in my search I discovered things…many things you have a right to know. Please, Jared, read the letter.

There’s more to the story. While I was in Texas, I fell in love with Dana Shayne. I didn’t stay because I was to marry Jocelyn, a choice I’ve never regretted. But I recently learned I’d fathered a child. I’m thrilled, but I regret that I’ll never be able to see my son, Evan. So I’m asking you to go in my place. I’ve set up a trust for the boy so he’ll be taken care of. But he needs to know his family.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but please, Jared, don’t let Father in Evan’s life. I’m afraid of what he might try to do if he learns about him. You can’t let GH ruin another Hastings.

Also, San Angelo just may have some answers for you, too. I’m sorry I’m not around to help, but read Mother’s letter. It explains a lot of things.

Always,

Your brother,

Marsh

Jared couldn’t believe what he’d read. He ran his hand over his face, not surprised to find tears. Marsh had a son. A child he would never know. With a shaky hand, he reached for the yellowed envelope addressed to Audrey Trager, opened the flap and took out the single sheet of stationery along with a picture. It was a younger version of his mother.

Dressed in brightly colored Western clothes, Audrey Trager wore a rhinestone crown on top of her blond hair. The white ribbon draped across her had the bold lettering, Western Days Rodeo Queen 1971. Next to her stood a tall man dressed in jeans and a Western-tooled shirt. He had dark hair, partly covered by a large black Stetson. Grinning at the camera, he had Audrey pressed against his side.

On the back of the photo, was written, “Audrey Trager, Western Days Rodeo Queen, and Jack Randell, bull-riding champion.” Jared then unfolded the single piece of paper that had only one paragraph.

Audrey,

I’m sorry to hear your news, but I told you from the beginning that all I could give you was a few good times. Now it’s time I move on. As for the baby, you’re on your own. Guess I forgot to mention I’m already married. So you might want to get rid of the kid.

Jack Randell

Jared’s heart pounded in his chest as he reread the paragraph that suddenly changed everything. He checked the postmark, six months before his birth date. Damn, he wasn’t Graham Hastings’s son. That explained so much. The man’s anger, the resentment…the hatred. Jared glanced down at his fisted hand and the crumpled letter inside it.

So he’d been passed off to one bastard by another. To another man who didn’t want him. As if he had a choice about who his father was. It didn’t sound like Jack Randell was any better at the job.

But that didn’t stop Jared from wanting to find out the truth.

Chapter One

She was doing this for Evan’s sake.

Dana Shayne dreaded the trip into town, but it had to be done. She closed the door to the house and walked down the porch steps with her four-year-old son in tow. Evan’s dark, wavy hair was neatly combed for a change, and his best jeans and striped T-shirt had been freshly laundered. On his quickly growing feet, he wore his black-tooled cowboy boots that Bert had taught him—to her dismay—to spit-shine.

Her son looked up at her. “I saved my ’lowance, Mom. Can we get ice cream?” he asked, using his best, how-can-you-resist-my-face? look. Then he added a few blinks over his chocolate-brown eyes.

Dana doubted they’d have anything to celebrate today, but she wouldn’t deny him the simple pleasure of an ice-cream cone. “Sure we can, honey. That sounds good.”

She opened the door to her daddy’s old 1970 Ford crew cab truck and helped Evan into the safety seat in the back, then went around to the other side. She checked her gathered print skirt and white short-sleeve cotton top. Already the late-spring weather caused her to perspire, and today of all days she needed to look cool and confident. The last thing she wanted was for Mr. Wilson at the bank to see her sweat.

Dana started up the truck and headed toward San Angelo. Passing the Lazy S Ranch sign that her granddaddy had put up years ago when he’d settled in West Texas, she suddenly felt sad. How much longer would a Shayne own this land? This had been her and Evan’s only home. How could she leave it? But since her father’s death, she and the sixty-five-year-old foreman, Bert, couldn’t handle the place alone, and not many ranch hands would work for what she could afford to pay.

Dana had hoped to expand the cattle operation. Maybe if she had done it a year ago, she’d be able to pay the upcoming balloon mortgage payment. But there wasn’t enough money. As if on cue, the truck hit a rut in the road and she groaned. So many things around the ranch needed fixing, not just the road, but the roof on the house and barn, along with most of the fencing.

Dana sighed. Somehow she had to convince the bank that if they lent her more money, she could make a go of it.

“Hey, Mom,” Evan called from the back seat. “I’m gonna get pep’mint.”

Dana smiled and turned to her son. “Peppermint sounds good. I think I’ll have that, too.” She couldn’t believe how fast her baby had grown. He’d soon turn five, and this fall he’d be heading off to kindergarten. No doubt the separation would be tougher on her than her son.

A horn sounded and Dana turned back to the road only to discover she had wandered into the path of another vehicle. With a gasp, she jerked the wheel to pull the truck back on her side. Overcompensating, she ended up going off the shoulder and into the high grass. The truck bumped and bounced but she managed to keep it under control until it finally stopped. That’s when she heard the screech of tires, followed by a crash.

With her heart beating like a drum, Dana managed to put the truck in Park and unbuckle her seat belt. She turned around to Evan. “Are you okay?” Her hands were shaking as she reached for him. She caressed his face, trying to soothe his fears.

“Mom, that was scary.”

She saw the fear in his eyes and his trembling lip. She stroked his arm soothingly. “I know, honey, but we’re okay.” She didn’t want to remove him from his safety seat, not until she checked on the other vehicle. “Mom needs to check on the people in the other truck. So you have to stay here.”

The child nodded. “Hurry, Mom.”

“I will,” she promised as she climbed out of the cab. Her legs were weak, threatening to give out, but she gathered her strength, knowing someone could be seriously hurt. She raced across the deserted two-lane road to the late-model Chevy extended cab with Nevada plates. With the new highway, hardly anyone used this road, not unless they were coming to the Lazy S. Seeing the bent hood and hearing the sound of steam from the radiator, she knew there could be serious injuries.

“Oh, God, please, don’t let anyone be hurt,” she chanted as she ran to the driver’s door and found a man slumped against the wheel. When she jerked the door open, he started to lift his head and groaned. That was a good sign, wasn’t it?

“Wait! Don’t move, you could be hurt.”

“If a devil of a headache counts, I’m dying.”

Dana watched as the man raised his head all the way and turned toward her. He had thick, raven-black hair and deep blue eyes. He had at least a day’s growth of beard, but not enough to hide the cleft in his chin. She didn’t see any sign of injury or blood.

“Do you hurt anywhere other than your head?” She examined his broad shoulders and his chest covered by a denim shirt. Her gaze moved down over long, muscular legs encased in faded jeans. On his feet he wore crepe-soled work shoes, instead of the area’s standard cowboy boots.

“No, and if the air bag hadn’t gone off, I’d have been fine.”

Somewhat relieved, she finally noticed the evidence of the deflated bag hanging from the steering wheel. “It probably saved your life.”

The man looked toward the front of his truck. “At least I’m better off than Blackie.”

“Blackie. Who’s Blackie?”

He did it then. He smiled. “Blackie is my truck.” He started to climb down.

“Wait, you shouldn’t move.”

“I’m just going to stretch my legs and try to clear my head.” He managed to get out of the truck and stood. She reached out to assist him, gripped his large forearms, then quickly released him when she realized he was doing better without her help.

“I think you should sit down.” When he ignored her suggestion, she watched vigilantly for any sign that he might pass out. He seemed pale, but that could be the powder from the air bag. He didn’t appear to have any visible bumps or bruises on his head, but she couldn’t take any chances. “Do you want me to drive you to the doctor?”

He stared at her. “Why?”

“Because, you could be hurt and…I was the one who ran you off the road.”

“You did kind of take your half out of the middle.”

“I only glanced at my son, and when I turned back there you were. This is the main road to my ranch. No one comes this way, unless they have business at the Lazy S.” She paused, knowing she caused the accident and couldn’t afford to upset this man. “I know that’s no excuse….” She brushed her hair from her face. “I’m sorry. I’m Dana Shayne. My ranch is the Lazy S and it’s just over the rise.”

He hesitated as he looked her over. “I’m Jared Trager.”

She didn’t recognize the name and she’d lived all her life outside San Angelo. No doubt he was a drifter. “Are you sure you’re okay, Mr. Trager?”

He nodded. “It’s Jared. I could use something for this headache.”

“Then let me take you back to the house. You can also call for a tow truck from there.”

“If it’s not too much trouble.”

“No, of course not,” she said. She watched as he took a duffel bag from behind the seat then reached into the bed of the truck and took out a toolbox.

“You can leave that.”

“Not on your life. These tools are my livelihood.”

She’d known men who felt that way, but usually about their horses and saddles.

They started to walk across the road. At about six-two, with a sturdy build, Jared Trager didn’t have any trouble carrying his belongings. When they reached her truck, he dropped his things in the bed then went around to the passenger side and climbed in. Dana hurried to her side and got in her seat.

“Mom, who is he?”

Dana twisted around toward her son. “This is Mr. Trager, Evan. Mr. Trager, this is my son, Evan.”

Dana couldn’t help but notice the close scrutiny the stranger was giving Evan. Then the man grinned.

“It’s nice to meet you, Evan. Just call me Jared,” he said as he reached back to shake the boy’s hand.

Her son’s eyes lit up. “Your truck got smashed up.”

“Yeah, Blackie is a little banged up.”

His eyes widened. “You call your truck…Blackie? I got to pick a name for my pony. Sammy.”

“That’s a good name.”

“But I want a real horse. Mom says I’m too little. But when I’m six, I’ll be big enough.”

Jared Trager gave Evan the once-over. “I’d say by then you’ll be about the right size for a horse. But your mom is the one who decides that.”

Dana started the engine, before her son talked the man to death. “You didn’t tell me why you’re on this road.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “I was coming to see you.”

Jared wasn’t prepared for this. He’d only arrived in San Angelo yesterday. After discovering the Shaynes and the Randells were conveniently neighbors, he’d asked around for directions to both ranches. Not sure yet if he was ready, if ever, to conquer the Randells, he’d decided to come to the Lazy S first.

More than likely this was how Marsh had first met Dana Shayne. Jared stole another look at her. Damn, she sure wasn’t what he’d expected. Tall and willowy, she had a head full of wild auburn hair, green eyes that drew you in, while hinting at secrets. He had to admit that she’d taken him by surprise. Although pretty, Ms. Shayne didn’t seem his brother’s type. Hell, he didn’t even know Marsh’s type, or why he should care. He was here to fulfill a dying request, and that was all.

Jared blew out a tired breath. All the way from town he’d been rehearsing his speech to Ms. Shayne. How to relay Marsh’s wishes for her and the boy. His strategy had been just to walk up to her door, say what he needed to say as he handed her the information about the boy’s trust, then with a quick goodbye, he’d hit the road. What did he know about playing uncle? Family had never been his thing.

Now his plans had to change. How could he predict that Dana Shayne would run into him…literally? He gripped the edge of the torn bench seat as the truck bounced over a pothole. Hell, later he’d tell her who he was.

As they drove through the ranch’s gate, Jared got a good look at the place. The Lazy S had obviously once been a showcase, but it had seen better days. The faded red barn and the once-white two-story house were both in need of paint. The corral fencing needed repair, as did the barn doors. He could spend weeks here and have plenty to keep him busy.

Wait, what was he thinking? He didn’t need a job. He had one waiting for him in Nevada.

Dana drove up to the back door and turned off the engine. She climbed out and went to assist her son.

“You want to come see my pony?” the boy asked, his dark eyes wide. Jared hadn’t missed the strong resemblance to Marsh. The same features and coloring. Surprisingly, finding this little version of his brother didn’t make him sad.

“Not now, Evan,” his mother said. “Mr. Trager’s head hurts.”

Jared noted the boy’s disappointment. “Maybe later, son.”

Dana and Evan led the way up the steps to the door. The wooden slats needed to be replaced, as did many of the boards in the porch. Inside, there was a mudroom with a washer and dryer and several pairs of boots lined against one wall. The temperature dropped when they entered a big peach-colored kitchen with floral curtains at the windows. An oval table surrounded by six chairs was the center focus, and on top, a big bowl of fruit. The place was so homey, it caused an ache in his gut for what he’d never had.

“You sure you’re okay?” she asked.

He nodded as he leaned against the counter.

Looking unconvinced, Dana went to the phone on the wall and dialed a number. She walked into the other room and talked in muffled tones. In a few minutes she returned.

“Can I get you something cool to drink?” she asked.

“If you have some iced tea, that would be nice.”

“I do.” She went to the refrigerator where several pieces of artwork were on display. No doubt the boy’s handiwork.

Evan pointed out one of the pictures, an abstract figure. “See, that’s my pony. That’s Sammy.”

“He looks like a fine animal.”

The boy nodded. “My grandpa got him for me for my birthday. I was three years old.” He held up five chubby little fingers. “I’m almost five.”

Jared frowned, finding he was curious about Dana’s father. “Did he teach you to ride?”

Again the child nodded. “Then he got sick and went to live in heaven.” He looked so sad. “I miss him.”

Jared was happy the kid had been loved. “I bet you do.”

Dana returned to the table with a glass of tea and one of lemonade. She handed the tea to Jared and set the lemonade on the table for her son. After the boy took a long drink, she said, “Evan, go change out of your good clothes.”

“We’re not going into town?” he asked. “What about my ice cream?”

“We’ll go get some another time. We need to take care of Mr. Trager.”

“Oh.” That seemed to interest Evan more. “Is he gonna stay until he gets all better?”

“For a little while,” his mother said. “Stop asking so many questions and go change.”

“’Kay.” Evan shot off, his footsteps sounding as he scurried down the hall and up the stairs.

“Sorry, my son is very inquisitive.”

“He’s not a bother,” Jared assured her. Which was true. “Besides, I’m the one who’s intruding on you.”

“And I’m the one who ran you off the road.”

He shrugged. “No one was hurt.”

“Your truck didn’t fare too well. And I’m not convinced you’re completely all right. Your face is all red.”

“It does itch. It’s the air bag.” He tried to make light of the situation. “I should have ducked to get out of the way.”

She went to a drawer and took out a kitchen towel, wet it, then brought it to him. “Sit down.”

When he did, she pressed the cooling cloth to his face. He was taken aback by her casual manner. But it wasn’t so casual for him. Her gentle touch definitely was causing a reaction.

“You could have been seriously hurt,” she said.

“But I wasn’t. So no need to worry.” He took the cloth from her, but she didn’t pull away. She was close. So close he breathed in her scent, a freshness he couldn’t describe, but knew he could quickly become addicted to it. He raised his gaze to hers. Her eyes were a liquid green with tiny golden flecks in the center. His body began to heat up and he’d be lying if he told himself it had anything to do with the Texas weather. Finally he diverted his gaze.

She also pulled back. “I—I called Doc Turner anyway. He’s going to stop by just to check you out.”

Before Jared could argue that a doctor’s visit wasn’t necessary, he heard the door open and an older man walked into the kitchen. “Hey, you’re back from the bank already? They give you the loan?” Just then the man noticed they weren’t alone and his face reddened. “Sorry, Dana, I didn’t know you had company.”

“Bert, this is Jared Trager. Jared Trager, Bert Marley. We nearly collided on old Parker Road. I managed to get out of the way, but Jared’s truck hit a tree.”

Bert winced. “Well, jumpin’ jackrabbits. Ain’t that all we need. How bad?”

“His truck isn’t drivable,” Dana said. “But I’m more worried about Mr. Trager. The air bag went off.”

Bert limped over and examined Jared through his wire-rimmed glasses. “Looks like you got a nasty rash.”

“I heard that’s one of the drawbacks,” Jared said. “I was hoping I’d never find out, but I’ll survive.”

“Doc Turner’s coming out,” Dana said.

“What were you doin’ out on our road?” Bert scrutinized him. “Take a wrong turn?”

Jared didn’t miss the hostility in the man’s eyes. This was the opening he needed. But how do you just blurt out that you’re the brother of the man who left you pregnant? “No. I was headed this way.”

“Why?”

Jared felt the beads of sweat on his forehead. “I wanted to talk with Ms. Shayne.”

A grin spread across the old man’s weathered face. “So you come about the job.”

Jared was caught off guard by the question. He meant to say no, and tell the truth, but his answer didn’t come out that way. “I guess I could use the work.”

Later after supper, Dana went to her father’s office. What a day it had been. She hadn’t gotten to the bank to talk to Mr. Wilson about the mortgage. Instead, she ended up causing bodily injury to a stranger.

She was so grateful when Doc examined Jared and declared the man fit, then gave him cream for the rash. And by mealtime his headache was gone, too. All she had to do was send the drifter on his way. But something stopped her. Being a woman alone, she didn’t like hiring somebody she didn’t know. But thanks to her, the man was stranded. His truck would take nearly two weeks to repair so Trager couldn’t leave for the time being. She knew that he might get work somewhere else, but she owed him.

It felt like she owed everyone, including the bank. Dana shook the worrisome thought from her head. Not tonight. Nighttime was for Evan. She walked into the living room and found Jared sitting in her father’s chair with her son next to him as he read a story.

Dana’s chest tightened. The picture of the two seemed so perfect. Father and son. But in an imperfect world, Dana knew she couldn’t give Evan what he wanted the most. A father.

Jared raised his head and smiled at her.

Her son looked happy, too. “Jared was reading me a story, Mom. He’s good, and he don’t even have kids.”

Jared shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable.

“I guess it’s just a talent,” Dana said. The man probably had many other talents. “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, Evan.”

Evan started to argue but looked at Jared, who nodded. To her surprise her son said, “’Kay, Mom.” Then he climbed out of the big chair and came to her, giving her a hug and kiss.

Dana called to her son as he climbed the stairs. “I’ll be up in a few minutes to say good-night.” She then turned her attention back to Jared.

“I appreciate you spending time with Evan. He really misses his grandfather and…his father isn’t in the picture.” Why did she tell him all that? “About the job, if you’re serious about working for me, you need to know I can’t afford to pay you much.” She quoted him the wages. “But I’ll cook all your meals and you can stay in the bunkhouse.”

“Are you saying you want to hire me? I’m not an experienced ranch hand. I’m a carpenter by trade, but I can ride pretty well and I’ve spent time on a ranch.”

Dana hesitated, not needing any complications in her life…or her heart. But she had no choice. She did need a man. “That’s what I’m saying.”

He stood. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me just yet. Around here our day starts at five-thirty. Breakfast is at six-thirty and you’ll be in the saddle by seven. And the day doesn’t end until everything gets done. Think you can handle that, Mr. Trager?”

He reached out his hand and took hers. “The name is Jared. And yes, I can handle it.”

Dana placed her hand into his callused one. Immediately she felt heat shoot up her arm, warming her entire body. Maybe he could handle the work but suddenly she had doubts about her ability to handle Jared Trager.

Chapter Two

He had to be crazy.

Jared tossed his duffel bag on the first bed in the bunkhouse. He’d had the perfect opening to tell her who he was, and he blew it. He puffed out a tired breath. Now what? He’d hang around a few days, help her out a little, make a few repairs. Maybe spend some time with the boy, then hand over the trust fund information and leave for Las Vegas.

“Damn.” Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, he punched in Stan Burke’s number. With the time difference, it was still early enough to catch him at the office.

The familiar voice came over the line. “Burke Construction.”

“Stan, it’s Jared.”

“Hey, Jared. Where the hell are you?”

“I’m afraid I’m not in Nevada. And I won’t be there for a while.”

“What’s the problem?”

“A couple of things,” Jared began. “I need to do some things for my brother and it’s going to take a little longer than I expected. Especially since my new truck met up with a tree.”

“Are you okay?” The sound of concern in Stan’s voice touched Jared.

“Just a headache and a little air-bag rash. I’ll be fine.”

There was a long pause. “How long will you be there? We have a tight deadline on the Black Knight Casino.”

“A few weeks. I’ll call a friend of mine—Nate Peterson. We’ve worked together before. He’s a good guy and a top-notch carpenter. He can be there late tomorrow and help out until I get out of there.”

“Sounds good.”

“Thanks, Stan. I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”

“All I want is my best carpenter back.”

Jared laughed. He’d been working for Burke Construction for the past three years. He liked Stan a lot. His friend was getting older and wanted to retire soon. Stan had offered to sell him the business. And Jared wanted to buy the profitable company. He’d have the money, but not until he’d receive his inheritance from his mother when he turned thirty-five or married. He doubted he’d ever marry, so that meant two more years of waiting.

“It’s nice to know I’m missed.”

“Always,” Stan said. “Besides, you’re going to help me reach those golden years of retirement.” There was laughter, then a long pause. “Is everything okay with you, Jared?”

No, everything wasn’t okay, but Jared had never been one to share his problems. “Yeah, just some family business. I need to be in Texas for a while.”

“Well, take the all time you need. Family is important.”

Too bad Jared didn’t know who his family was. He gave Stan the phone number of the ranch. Next, Jared dialed Nate. Luckily the carpenter was in between jobs, and was excited about spending time in Vegas.

After a quick goodbye, Jared hung up and turned to find Dana standing in the doorway. She had on the same print skirt and white top as earlier. Her hair was down, curls brushed against her shoulders. She looked wholesome and sexy at the same time.

“Sorry to disturb you. I just came out to make up your bed.” She walked inside, set sheets and blankets on the chair next to the single bunk, then began to make up the bed.

“You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I’m capable of making my bed.”

When she didn’t stop the task, Jared joined in. Accidentally their hands collided and Dana jerked back. Jared, too, felt the jolt, but continued to fit the pristine-white sheets and blanket over the lumpy mattress.

When finished, Dana glanced around the long room with five other empty bunks. “I think that’s everything. I put towels in the bathroom down the hall.” Her gaze shifted to his. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you just turn down a job? I thought you came here for a job.”

Jared froze. He could end this now if he told her the truth. Tell her the truth, then you can leave. “I couldn’t make it to Nevada in time. Had a family emergency.” He shrugged. “So I decided to stay in Texas for a few weeks. It’s okay. I can catch another job when I get there. There’s plenty of work in Las Vegas, especially in the construction business.”

Dana seemed relieved. “It’s not like that here. The small ranchers have been struggling for a while. I’m not going to lie to you. Most ranch hands want to work for the larger operations. They pay better.”

“You trying to get rid of me?”

“No. I need an extra hand now. I just wanted you to know that I can’t pay the kind of money you’re used to.”

“Let’s not worry about that. I don’t need much right now.” He raised an eyebrow, wondering how she could manage with only Bert. “How large is the Lazy S?”

“Ten sections now. Landwise I can handle more cattle, but we’re in a drought and it costs a lot for feed. And I had to sell off quite a few head last year….”

“Sounds like it’s been rough on you and Evan.”

“That’s what it’s like for most ranchers. Feast or famine.”

“Why stay in?”

Dana smiled and his heart tripped in his chest. “Ranching is all I know, and the Lazy S is the only home I’ve ever known. I don’t know if I could handle city life.” Those green eyes rose to meet his. “What about you?”

He hesitated. He hadn’t been ready for her question. “I’ve lived a lot a places over the last dozen years. Mostly large cities. Working in construction, I haven’t spent much time in the country.”

“We move at a pretty slow pace here,” she said. “After Las Vegas, think you can handle it?”

At the moment Jared couldn’t think of anywhere else he wanted to be. “Yeah, I can handle it,” he assured her. “And I’m used to getting an early start. Like in Nevada. It’s wise to start work before the sun gets too hot.”

Dana checked her watch. “We both should be getting to bed….” Color flamed in her cheeks. “Well…I should leave and let you get some sleep.”

He nodded, trying to distract himself from the picture she had alluded to. No, he couldn’t think about her that way—about wanting her. “You’re right. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.”

“Good night.” Dana turned around and Jared couldn’t ignore the soft sway of her rounded hips. Desire shot through him. He knew the last thing he could do was get involved with Dana. She was off-limits, in more ways than one.

Jared sat on the bed, unlaced his work boots and pulled them off. Stretching out on the mattress, he stared up at the wooden slats in the ceiling. What had possessed him to take the job? He had no business being here. Well, what business he had wouldn’t take more than an hour. He needed to forget what Marsh told him about their mother and just get the hell out of Dodge.

Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out the crumpled letter from Jack Randell. Hell, why couldn’t he just let it go? The last thing he wanted to do was find out he didn’t fit in somewhere else. He doubted the three Randell brothers wanted a bastard brother showing up.

But, damn, he had to know where he belonged.

Dana walked through the back door of the house. She couldn’t believe she had flirted with Jared Trager. And worse, she knew better. There was danger written all over the man, from his slow, easy saunter to his sexy grin. Besides, he had a home in Las Vegas. And probably a woman waiting for him.

As her father used to say, drifters come and go as fast as the seasons. If only she’d heeded those words when she’d met Marshall Hastings.

At twenty-three, Dana had had yet to experience love…until she’d met Marsh. A good-looking stranger who had come to the ranch, asking for directions. He gave her the attention she craved, but in the end he took off. Marsh hadn’t cared that he’d taken her innocence. But he’d left her a gift. Evan. Because of her son she would never regret what had happened between them.

Now, at twenty-eight, Dana had given up on finding what her parents had. Although their time together had been short, Kathryn and Drew Shayne had truly loved each other. But their daughter would never risk her heart again. Dana never wanted to feel that kind of pain for the second time.

If she ever got married, she was definitely going to play it safe. Look for a nice, safe guy…like Hal Parks. The local deputy sheriff was nice enough, not bad-looking, either. She’d known him all her life. He still came around to the ranch and it was easy to see that, with some encouragement, the shy deputy might ask her out. Was that what she wanted?

Maybe. She had Evan to think about. He was getting older, and he needed a father figure. Hal liked kids, even coached Little League.

“If there were just a few sparks,” she murmured, wishing she could get up some enthusiasm.

A warm shiver slid down her spine as her attention turned to her new ranch hand. Jared Trager sent off sparks with just a look from those bedroom eyes. What would his touch be like?

“Stop it,” she chided herself, shutting off lights as she walked through the quiet house. On the stairs, not wanting to wake Evan, Dana skipped the fifth step to avoid the squeaky loose board.

Once in her bedroom, she closed the door and turned on the lamp on the night table. A soft glow illuminated the room she’d slept in all her life. It was still painted a light pink, but she had exchanged the twin bed for a double. After her father’s death, she hadn’t seen any reason to move into the master suite.

She went to the window and glanced down at the barn. Everything looked peaceful. Just the way she liked it. But for how long? How long could she hold on? How long would this ranch belong to a Shayne? The place was mortgaged and the payment was due soon.

A mortgage that her father had taken out when his only child had developed complications in her pregnancy and had delivered his grandson, Evan Andrew, six weeks early. At less than four pounds, her infant son had had to remain in the hospital for weeks. That had cost money, a lot of money.

When she’d told him of her pregnancy, not once had her father complained or lectured her. He’d never judged her when she said that her baby’s father was not in the picture. And from the day she’d brought Evan home from the hospital, he’d loved the boy.

Now, it was just her and Evan. And as a legacy to her father and her son, she couldn’t lose the Lazy S. She might not know what the future of the ranch would be, but she wasn’t going to give up easily. She would do whatever it took.

The next morning, Dana was putting breakfast on the table when Bert walked in the back door, Jared behind him. His chambray shirt and jeans looked as if they’d already seen plenty of work and it was only 7:00 a.m. If Bert had had anything to do about it, they’d been up well before the sun.

“I hope you’re hungry,” Dana said as she tore her gaze away from her good-looking new employee. “Have a seat.”

“Yeah, Mom made biscuits and her special gravy,” Evan said from his chair at the kitchen table.

Bert hung his hat by the door. Jared also placed a hat on the hook next to the foreman’s. She recognized the familiar battered straw that always hung in the barn. So her new ranch hand didn’t even own a cowboy hat.

“Is it someone’s birthday?” Bert asked as he walked to the table.

“I just felt like making biscuits and gravy,” Dana replied, a little too quickly. “Of course, I’m not going to force you to eat them.”

Bert grinned as he raised his arthritic hands in surrender. “Hey, I’m pleased as a calf in clover. Just surprised.” The older man glanced at Jared. “This girl here is the best cook around these parts.” He patted his rounded stomach. “I should know—been eating it for years. That alone should be enough pay to work here.”

Dana returned to the table with a plate of eggs and a basket of her butter biscuits. “Yeah, too bad that isn’t true. If it were, I’d have ranch hands lined up outside my door.”

“Mom, I’ll work for you,” Evan volunteered as he reached for a biscuit.

She ruffled her son’s dark head. “Thanks, but I’d be happy for you to pick up your room and give me a few kisses.”

He puckered up and Dana leaned down and took his offering. “Bert and Jared need to give you a kiss, too.”

Dana fought the heat flaming in her cheeks. She lost. “Oh, I’m pretty stingy with my kisses. I save them for my best guy. You.” She tickled his ribs, making him giggle.

Jared sat back and watched the exchange between mother and son. Marsh would be happy to see how good they were together. Once again he reminded himself he should leave. It had been a lot of years since he’d worked on a ranch. Just that short time right after he’d left Graham Hastings’s house some dozen years ago. He smiled to himself, recalling another time when he and Marsh were twelve and thirteen and attended a summer ranch camp for wannabe cowboys.

Maybe he’d just finish the week, then go and stay in town until his truck was repaired. While he was here he could replace some of the stall gates in the barn. How long could that take? He knew that Bert was limited to the amount of work he could do. Just feeding stock and keeping the fences repaired and upright was a full-time job.

That’s what they’d been doing since five this morning when Bert had come to get him. Having had a restless night he’d already been awake. He’d been thinking about Dana, and the direction of his thoughts were dangerous. That’s the reason he needed to finish this job and get going. His pretty boss was trouble.

“What ya doin’?” Evan asked.

Jared stopped his hammering and turned to find the boy standing behind him in the wide concrete aisle inside the barn.

“I’m fixing Sammy’s stall. Some of the boards rotted out and I thought I’d replace them. You don’t want your pony to get hurt, do you?”

The boy shook his head. “No, I love Sammy.” He glanced around the barn. “Where’s my pony?”

“I took him outside so the noise wouldn’t scare him.”

Evan gave the situation some thought. “Do you have a horse?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Do you want one?”

He pulled another rusted nail from the rotted wood. “I probably did when I was your age.”

“Do you know how to ride?”

Jared bit back a smile at the artillery of questions. “Probably not as good as you, but I manage.”

“I bet Mom will let you ride Scout. He’s gentle and doesn’t bite or kick.”

“That’s good to know in case, but I’m busy for a while repairing the stall.” Jared replaced his hammer in his tool belt.

“Wow, what’s that?”

“My tool belt.” Jared crouched down to show the boy his different tools and the pouches for nails and screws.

“That’s cool.”

“I’m a carpenter. I need to have a lot of different tools so I can do my work.”

“Can I help you? I know how to use a hammer. Bert showed me one time.”

Jared scratched his head as if thinking about it. “I guess I could use a helper. Maybe you can hand me nails and tools.”

The boy’s dark eyes lit up. “Really?”

“As long as it’s okay with your mother.”

“She went into town. Bert’s watchin’ me.”

“I guess we should ask him. Then maybe you can help me carry some more wood from the side of the barn.”

“I’m strong, I can do it. Come on,” Evan called as he took off to the corral to ask Bert. A smiling Jared walked after him as the boy eagerly chattered with the older man, selling his case. Bert looked toward him. Jared nodded his approval and the foreman gave the child permission. He found he was looking forward to spending time with Evan. He was a great kid.

The next two hours flew by. Surprisingly, Evan didn’t get tired or complain about the work. The boy held tools, handed Jared nails and did just about anything Jared asked of him.

They were working on the third horse stall and Evan was still talking nonstop. The current subject was about some wild mustangs.

“Are there mustangs on the Lazy S?” Jared asked.

Evan shook his head. “They live in Mustang Valley, but that’s really close to here.” He pointed off to the west. “Over by the Circle B that Hank owns. He’s Bert’s friend. But Bert says Hank turned the ranch into a sissy dude ranch.”

Jared couldn’t help but laugh.

“They got a whole bunch of people who go there just to look at the mustangs. They pretend to be cowboys and cowgirls. Bert says it’s plumb crazy. That city people are loco.”

“How big is this place?”

“Real big.” There was a pause as Jared hammered in another nail. Evan handed him another one. “They want Mom to sell them some of her land.” The boy picked up the conversation. “But Mom never will ’cause when I’m growed up, the Lazy S is gonna be mine.”

“So Hank has been after her to sell?”

Evan shook his head. “No. She says it’s Hank’s boys. They aren’t really his boys, they just lived with him.”

Was someone pressuring Dana into selling? “How do you know they aren’t his kids?” Jared asked.

“’Cause Bert said they have a good-for-nothing daddy. Hank took them in and saved them from a life of crime.”

“Who are these boys?”

“The Randells.”

Dana finally had made it back into town. A lot of good it had done her. The bank hadn’t been interested in listening to her idea to expand the cattle operation. Worse, they refused her the additional money she needed, only allowing her a sixty-day extension on her current mortgage. Things didn’t look good. She turned off the highway and headed down the road to the Lazy S.

Why not just give up? She could sell part of the ranch to the Randells. Cade had talked with her several times about wanting the section that was attached to the valley and their property.

Dana wiped way her tears. She didn’t want to think about it now. There was still an outside chance that she could scrape up enough money when she sold off her yearlings. But what would she and Evan live on for the next six months? She could get a job in San Angelo. But what was she qualified to do? Work as a waitress? And besides, Evan would only be in school half days. Bert would probably be able to watch him. But how could she ask her dear sweet godfather to do more?

She pulled the truck up to the back door, disappointed when Evan didn’t come running to greet her. She climbed out and started for the barn, wondering what her son was up to. She was surprised to hear the sound of hammering greet her as she walked into the cool structure. She followed the noise and found her son…and Jared Trager.

The two had their dark heads together as they measured the piece of wood that was going to be a slat for the stall. Dana glanced around and discovered that several of the stalls had new boards and shiny new hinges. So this was what her new hand had been doing all day.

“Evan,” she called.

The boy turned and grinned at her. “Mom, you’re home.” He ran to her and hugged her. Dana relished having her son in her arms. It made her lousy day suddenly brighten.

Evan pulled back. “Look what me and Jared are doing.”

She glanced around at the three stalls with the new wooden boards and gates. “By the looks of things, you both have been busy.” What was Evan doing in here?

Jared stood. “I checked with Bert before I let Evan help me.”

The boy pointed to Jared. “Look at Jared’s tool belt, Mom. It’s cool.”

Dana’s gaze went to the area that had her son so fascinated. There were several kinds of tools that hung from a wide strip of honey-colored leather around Jared’s narrow waist and hips. But her attention lowered to his fitted jeans over long muscular legs. A sudden awareness rushed through her body, catching her off guard with the sensual direction of her thoughts. Her gaze shot upward to catch a knowing look in the man’s eyes.

“Yes it is,” she agreed, a little perturbed that he’d discovered her bold appraisal. “But you shouldn’t have bothered Jared, honey. He has chores to do.”

“I finished everything Bert asked me to do,” Jared assured her. “I don’t like to sit around. So I found a few things to fix.”

Dana stiffened. She didn’t needed him pointing out that the Lazy S was badly in need of work.

“Evan, why don’t you go to the truck and take the bag of groceries into the house?”

“But, Mom, I’m helping Jared.”

Before Dana could say anything, Jared spoke up. “Remember what I said, Evan. You have to do your other chores before you can work for me.”

The child frowned, but he nodded. “Okay. But I’ll be back.” He shot out of the barn, leaving the two alone.

Dana watched him go, then turned back to Jared. “I’d appreciate it if you talked to me before recruiting my son. Besides, I hired you to feed the stock and repair the fences.”

Jared stood there for a long time, then finally spoke. “I checked with Bert. He didn’t have a problem with Evan helping me. I wouldn’t let the boy get hurt. I only let him hand me some nails and help carry wood. I didn’t mean any harm, Dana.” He took a step closer and she fought the urge to back away. “What’s really bothering you? If you don’t want me around your son, just say so and I’ll leave.”

His gaze locked with hers and a warmth erupted in her stomach. She had overreacted. “It’s not that. It’s just…I can’t afford to pay you any extra.”

A smile spread across his face. “I don’t believe I asked. As I said, I finished the jobs you assigned me, and thought I could fix a few things.”

Dana blinked back threatening tears. She was acting silly. Was she jealous of this man because her son was drawn to him?

For so long, it had always been just her and Evan. He’d had a close relationship with his grandfather, but that was different. It wasn’t a secret Evan wanted a father. And as his mother, Dana was terrified her son would get hurt attaching himself to every man who he met. In walked Jared Trager and he was getting the brunt of her wrath just because Evan longed to spend time with him.

“You’re right. I apologize. I appreciate what you’ve done here.” She brushed back her hair. “I guess I just had a bad day.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Any way I can help?”

She released a tired breath and shook her head. “This is something I have to handle on my own. The worst part is, it looks like there’s only one answer.”

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