Ranch's Retreat (River's End Ranch Book 6) Read online

  “Sounds fine.” Kaya hated the idea, but she wouldn’t tell him that. She wanted him all to herself every single night. Why should she have to share him with Kelsi and the sheriff?

  Once at his house, he left her in the kitchen. “Will you start on the sandwiches while I get my shower?” he asked.

  Kaya nodded, watching him walk away. He hadn’t even kissed her today. Was he already losing interest?

  She set the oven on warm and made six sandwiches, figuring each of the men would eat a couple, and she and Kelsi could each have one. That with the chili should be enough.

  Glen was still back showering when there was a knock at the door, and feeling uncomfortable, Kaya opened it. Kelsi yelled out, “Boobie bump!” and the two women hugged, laughing.

  Shane shook his head. “Did you have to teach her that?”

  Kaya shrugged. “It’s fun!”

  “Do you realize she’s now trying to make friends at the obstetrician’s office, so she’ll have people to belly bump with in a few months?”

  Kaya’s eyes met Kelsi’s. “You’ve chosen a worthy endeavor. I’m proud of you.”

  Kelsi giggled, stepping into the house. Shane carried a crockpot over to the counter to plug in. “I figured it would just be easier to bring the whole thing. Then I can take it home and wash it when I’m done,” Kelsi explained. “What game are we playing?”

  “No idea!” Kaya said. “I didn’t even know we were hanging out with you guys tonight until Glen came and got me a little while ago.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Glen asked, walking into the room. He’d changed into a pair of shorts and a tight T-shirt, and Kaya was all but salivating as she looked at him.

  “Kelsi was wondering what game you wanted to play, and I have no idea!”

  “I was thinking hearts. Everyone know how to play?” he asked, walking over and put his hand on Kaya’s shoulder. He needed to touch her.

  Kaya nodded, leaning a bit into his touch. “I played in college. Spades was more popular, but we played some hearts too.”

  “We both play,” Kelsi said. “Shane’s not very good, of course, but he knows how.”

  “He’s not good? Kelsi, are you competitive by any chance?” Kaya asked, one eyebrow raised in question.

  “I’m so competitive. I have five siblings and a cousling! Of course I’m competitive!”

  “What on earth is a cousling?” Kaya put her hands on her hips, as if challenging the smaller woman.

  “A cousin who was raised as a sibling, of course. Aren’t you a writer? You’re supposed to get context clues.” Kelsi rolled her eyes, heading toward the kitchen. “I’m starving. Let’s eat so I can wipe the floor with Kaya.”

  Kaya looked at Glen with a gleam in her eye. “She has no idea what she’s in for, does she?”

  Glen swallowed hard. “Sheriff? Please tell me you brought some form of crowd control.”

  “I have a handgun on me. Unless they get too out of control, we should be good.”

  Kelsi glared at Shane. “Don’t make me spice this to my taste!” She scooped out some chili and put it into a bowl.

  Shane shook his head. “I think I’m going to have to get quiet now…”

  * * *

  Kaya and Glen swam together the following morning. He couldn’t quit staring at her in her one-piece suit, which she’d actually chosen for its modesty. His gaze made her blush. “Would you stop gawking and put some sunscreen on me?” She turned her back to him so he could apply it. She’d thought about asking one of the girls to do it before leaving the cabin, but she liked the idea of his hands on her in an acceptable way in public.

  When he finished, she took the bottle from him. “Turn around, and I’ll do your back.”

  “I’m not going to burn, Kaya. My skin is olive-toned, and I really don’t burn easily.”

  Kaya leaned forward, until her lips were at his ear. “Are you telling me you’re going to refuse to let me rub my hands all over your back? You got to touch mine, and it’s just not fair!”

  Glen gave her a look that made her heart beat faster before turning around. She carefully rubbed the sunscreen into his skin, enjoying the feel of his muscles under her fingers. When she finished, she put the cap back on and set the bottle down.

  He turned back to look at her, his expression unreadable. “Are you a good swimmer?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not awful, but I wouldn’t say I’m good.”

  “Race me?”

  Kaya contemplated for a moment before nodding. They were alone at the pool except for the lifeguards. It was his day off, and she’d chosen to stay up and meet him early, rather than have her sleep interrupted again.

  They were at one end of the pool, and she said, “Go!” He was still a few feet behind her, so she dove in quickly, knowing she was cheating, but who cared about cheating if it gave her the advantage she needed to win!

  She put everything into the swim, her breaststroke perfect form. She could feel him closing in on her, feel the ripples his body made beside hers. And just as she reached out to touch the wall, his hand was there first. She came out of the water, a grumpy look on her face. “I can’t believe you won.”

  He laughed. “Even with you cheating!”

  “If I hadn’t cheated, would you have let me win?”

  “Kaya Cheyenne, you are something else, you know that?”

  She shrugged. “I have issues. I never denied it.”

  “I think that’s what I love most about you. You don’t deny your faults, and you accept them for what they are.” His hand cupped her cheek. “You’ve brought a whole new dimension to my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the time we have.”

  Kaya said nothing as they found a beach ball and began batting it back and forth. She wasn’t entirely certain how grateful she could be.

  They decided to have lunch together in the café before she went to sleep. She was yawning, but happy to have the time with him. She would get her sleep in a little while.

  He held the door as they went into the café. She had pulled on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt over her bathing suit. After her boobie bump with Kelsi, they were led to a booth off to one side, and she noticed the sheriff in a booth as she walked past. “Sorry you lost so badly last night, Sheriff.”

  Shane laughed. “Don’t apologize to me. It’s my wife who got upset when she lost.”

  Kaya looked at Kelsi over her shoulder. “Is that so?”

  “My husband has the biggest mouth in all of Idaho,” Kelsi said, grinning as she gave them both menus. “Bob’s special today is a BELT with this special spicy mayo he whips up himself. Really yummy.”

  “What’s the E?” Kaya asked, intrigued. She’d always enjoyed a good BLT.

  “Egg. He says there’s no point in cooking something that needs initials unless it spells a word, so he added the egg in.”

  Kaya grinned. “I’ll take it. And I really need to meet Bob. He seems like he’s a special kinda man.”

  “Oh, he’s special all right.” Kelsi rolled her eyes. “He’s been whipping up this great drink for me in the mornings to help with my morning sickness. It’s the nastiest thing you’ve ever tasted, but I’m throwing up a lot less.”

  Glen made a face. “Do we have to talk about vomit as I’m about to order my lunch?”

  Kelsi shrugged. “It’s my job to keep everyone informed about my pregnancy.”

  Kaya smiled at her friend. “I think you’re a little bigger than you were when I got here. I definitely see a bigger tummy.”

  Kelsi patted her belly happily. “I can’t wait for her to get here. Little Shania is going to set this ranch on its ear!”

  When someone walked into the café a moment later, Kaya squinted. “That girl looks just like you.”

  Kelsi looked over her shoulder. “Oh, yeah. That’s my twin sister Dani. We were identical until I started to lighten my hair, and she cut hers short.”

  “Who’s that man with her?” Kaya asked, staring unashamedly. She
’d heard about Dani, but this was the first time she’d actually seen her out and about.

  “Oh, just the local banker. He feeds Dani information about the changes our parents want before we hear it from them. It’s kind of cheating, but Mom and Dad are not playing fair!” Kelsi quickly jotted down Glen’s order, and then hurried off to get them both filled.

  “Not playing fair?”

  “You know there are six Weston siblings that run the ranch together, right?” Glen asked.

  Kaya nodded. “Yeah. I think everyone who stays here knows that. I’ve only really met Kelsi and Wyatt, but I’ve sure heard about the others.”

  “Well, they don’t own the ranch yet. It’s been in the family for generations, but their parents are kind of testing them. They’re trying to see if they have what it takes to run this place. So they are on the road in their RV. Last I heard they were in Florida, visiting the giant rodent who lives there. Anyway, every few weeks they call and say something else has to be done. You’ve noticed all the construction going on around the ranch?” At Kaya’s nod, he continued. “That’s all the parents’ doing. They’re making their kids crazy.”

  “And the banker is involved how?”

  “He’s the one tipping off the kids. The demands seem to go to the bank first, but I’m not sure why. It’s all very strange.”

  “Sounds like it. I think the ranch is wonderful, and whoever is running it is doing a marvelous job!”

  “I love it here. I have no complaints,” Glen said with a smile.

  “Is there something going on between the banker and Dani?” Kaya asked, her eyes trained on the other couple.

  He laughed. “Absolutely not. Dani is so focused on Search and Rescue. I haven’t heard of her dating anyone.”

  * * *

  On Wednesday, Kaya stayed up late again to join Glen on his day off. They took four-wheelers up into the mountains, exploring the area early on Wednesday morning. It was the first time they’d really been alone since Sunday.

  They went to a different spot this time, and she got to see the ranch from a completely different angle. “Why don’t we go golfing?” she asked, looking down at the beautiful grounds the family took care of so well.

  “Do you golf?” he asked, surprised.

  “Well, no, but I didn’t ride horseback ’til this trip either. Or hunt for Bigfoot. Or kiss tall, incredibly sexy cowboys. So many new things I’ve done since I’ve come to Idaho!”

  He grinned at her. “We can golf if you want to, but I personally don’t enjoy it.”

  She shrugged. “No golfing then. How about kissing? It feels like it’s been three months since you’ve kissed me.”

  He smiled, shaking his head at her. “Three months huh? And we’ve known each other for what? Nine days now?”

  She nodded. “Sounds about right. So, you haven’t kissed me since we met. You’d better rectify that soon.”

  He walked to her, gripping her waist with his hands. “I guess I can do that.”

  She made a face, wrenching away from him. “Don’t let me force you!”

  “Get back here.”

  Kaya walked back and stood in front of him, her hands on her hips. “Because you like kissing me, right?”

  He sighed. “I could write my entire doctoral thesis on kissing you.” It was something he now knew a great deal about, and he was definitely interested!

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Sounds like a plan to me.” When his lips came down on hers, they seemed different to her. Almost like he was holding back. She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder and just hugging him tightly. What was she going to do when he wasn’t there to touch and hold every day?

  “How’s your book coming?” he asked, trying to bring some normality back to the situation.

  “Good. I should finish it tonight, and then comes the long process of edits. I’ll have it ready to send to my editor by the time I leave on Monday, though. So, goal will be accomplished. That’s all that matters, right?”

  “I guess so. Are you happy with the book?”

  She nodded. “It’s more angsty than I usually write, but it kind of suits my mood. It took an odd turn, but I think my fans will be happy with something a little different from me.” She didn’t tell him that he was the reason it was different. She didn’t need to. She could see that he understood by the look on his face.

  He smiled, stroking his hands over her back. “Wow. I’m dating a girl who has fans. I feel like a rock star!”

  She ignored that, knowing he was just being silly. “Let’s go look for Bigfoot. I promised Kelsi.”

  Glen sighed. “Looking for Bigfoot is my favorite thing to do with you!”

  “Really?” Kaya asked. “I’d rather just sit around kissing all day.”

  “Maybe someone needs to teach you about sarcasm…”

  “I think I have it down!” She blew him a kiss as she started through the brush, looking for clues that pointed to the mythical beast.

  Chapter Nine

  That night, when Kaya sat down to write with her friends, May asked her how it was going with Glen. “Are you two still doing well?”

  Kaya studied May for a minute and finally responded in the only way she could. “I don’t think I want to talk about Glen. I think I’ll be better off just working when I need to work, and seeing him when I see him. I don’t need to talk about him the rest of the time too.” She had no idea how defeated her voice sounded until she saw the look on Liz’s face.

  May nodded, reaching out and squeezing Kaya’s hand from her spot on the other side of the couch. “I understand. I won’t bring him up again, but if you need to talk, I’m here.”

  “Thanks.”

  Liz and May exchanged looks, but Kaya pretended not to notice. “Now, I need to get my couple to the point where they can declare their love. Think I can do it in less than four thousand words?”

  * * *

  The rest of the week went by quickly. It felt as if Kaya had barely arrived, while at the same time, it felt as if she’d known Glen forever. On her last day on the ranch, she went to see Jaclyn. She had to say goodbye. Why she felt so much kindship with the crazy bunny lady, she had no idea.

  Jaclyn wasn’t outside when she arrived, so Kaya marched to the door and knocked, knowing the older woman rarely left her home. She could see a brown bunny poking its head under the curtain as if to see who was there.

  The door opened, and all Kaya could see was Jaclyn walking away. “Well come in! I’m getting our tea and cookies.”

  Kaya walked in and picked up a bunny, so she could sit in the same chair she’d been in before. The bunny rubbed against her hand, so she kept him on her lap, stroking him. She was amazed at how soothing holding the bunny was.

  “Fairies told me you’d be here, but I was busy with other things and didn’t have it all ready like I should have.” Jaclyn came back into the room, carrying a tea tray. “Are you going to be all right?”

  “I have to be, don’t I? I leave to go home in the morning. I’ll leave my heart here in Idaho, scattered around in little pieces.”

  “Sure can tell you’re a writer,” Jaclyn commented, handing Kaya her glass of milk and a plate of cookies. “You have to over-dramatize everything. I’m surprised you didn’t describe each little piece of your heart in gory detail!”

  Kaya smiled. “I’m not that kind of writer.”

  “I read your book. It was good. I could tell you’d never had a broken heart before though. That kind of thing shows in your writing. I think this is going to be good for you in the long run.”

  “You do?” Kaya swiped at a tear trickling down her face with the back of her hand.

  “I do. I know you can’t see it now, but it’s for the best.” Jaclyn smiled sweetly. “The fairies told me you’re going to marry someone and be very happy. So, don’t spend all your time pining for that man!”

  Kaya couldn’t imagine that she’d meet anyone else. How could she? “I’ll do my best.”

&
nbsp; “I want you to take something with you when you go. Something to remember me by.”

  “There’s no way I could ever forget you!”

  Jaclyn leaned over and held something out to Kaya, who took it automatically. She looked down and saw it was a kitchen towel with a fairy embroidered on one side. “I make them sometimes, and the fairies said you should get one.” Jaclyn seemed almost embarrassed by her generosity.

  Kaya smiled, clutching it to her chest. “I’ll treasure it!”

  * * *

  That evening, the last one they’d spend together, Glen took Kaya for a drive up into the mountains. “I didn’t plan a meal. I figured we could just get something after you see some of the views.”

  “I’d like that.” Kaya said, her eyes memorizing his face. It was the last time she’d see him. She had pictures, but it wouldn’t be the same. How could it?

  When he got to the lookout he’d had in mind, he grabbed a pair of binoculars from the glove compartment and got out of the truck. “Come on. You’re going to be amazed!”

  Kaya followed him out of the truck, taking the binoculars and training them on the ranch. It seemed both vast and small at the same time, something that surprised her. They’d done so much on that piece of land, but here they were, on a mountain that was taller with a better vantage point, and she felt her heart ache. She loved the land. She loved the state, but more than anything, she loved Glen. And she was never going to see him again. “Where’s your ranch?” she finally asked, realizing she’d been quiet for way too long.

  She followed the direction he pointed with the binoculars, and she looked down at the house where she would imagine him for a long time to come. After handing the binoculars back to him, she dug her hands deep into her pockets, finding the piece of paper with her information on it. Her phone number and her email address. She’d be able to have hope, knowing he had a way to get in touch with her.

  He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her forehead. “This has been the most amazing two weeks of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to me.”