Page 9 of Texas Temptation

“Though he did have a Texas drawl,” she murmured as she succumbed to sleep.

“Well, blast it,” Cade said softly as he watched her fall asleep.

Once Rosita had the room ready, Cade would rouse his uninvited guest, or carry her, let her sleep the night. If she wasn’t better by morning, he’d call Paul again and have his friend come out.

But what in the meantime was he going to do with the boy?

He’d buried his wife and daughter. He’d never planned to be around children again. And he’d avoided family gatherings and made it clear to his sister and cousins he wasn’t in the mood for company.

Amelia wanted them to stay. Let her entertain the child. She’d have her work cut out trying to amuse a young boy. But she was on her own. He would not become involved.

Maybe Jack Murray’s wife could take charge of Caleb, if he proved too much for Amelia. The foreman’s wife had raised three boys of her own, all out working on their own, now. She’d know what to do with one little boy.

And she’d relish the opportunity, while to him it’d cause only anguish.

He turned and strode from the room, angry at fate for interrupting his routine. He didn’t need Penny going off. Didn’t need Jordan Carhart or her cute little boy invading his life. And he sure didn’t need to know someone had been impersonating him five years ago!

Chapter Two

Jordan awoke slowly and stretched beneath the covers. For the first time in ages, her headache was finally gone. She opened her eyes slowly, then sat up. A strange bed in a strange room. Where was she? This wasn’t her bedroom, nor one of the anonymous motel rooms they’d stayed in on their way to Texas.

The sun shone from a clear sky. Through the tall windows dressed in crisp white Priscilla curtains, she could see the rolling Texas hills dotted with cattle.

Memory returned. She was at the Circle E Ranch. Vaguely she remembered talking with Cade Cullen Everett—only not her Cade Cullen Everett, some man they called Cade who looked nothing like the carefree college student whom she’d once loved.

She remembered Amelia and Caleb talking about horses and a stranger taking her temperature. Hadn’t there also been an injection? It was all blurred. Had it been a dream?

Gingerly, she pushed back the light covers and rose, grabbing the headboard. She felt shaky. How sick was she? Her chest no longer hurt, her cough seemed gone.

The door opened and Rosita peeked in.

“Ah, you are awake. And getting up? That’s good. I will tell Señorita Amelia and then bring breakfast.”

Before Jordan could respond, she’d shut the door.

Jordan sat on the edge of the bed and looked around. Where was Caleb? How long had they been here? She seemed to remember various people popping in and out, but was that real or some dream? She saw her suitcase on a stand near the door. Rising again, she crossed over and found a clean set of clothes. Spying the en suite bathroom, she headed for it to shower and dress. She couldn’t believe she’d stayed in a stranger’s home.

Taking a deep breath, she felt relief. Her chest no longer hurt. Thank goodness for that. She’d dress, find Caleb, and be on their way. The trip had been for nothing. She still hadn’t found the man she was searching for. The disappointment threatened to overwhelm her. Not only wouldn’t they get the funds needed for the operation, she’d used several hundred dollars from the operation savings for this futile trip.

By the time she finished dressing, Jordan wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep another twenty-four hours. But Rosita had set up a lovely breakfast at the small round table by the tall windows. A light omelet was centered on the plate, fresh fruit beside it. A tall glass of orange juice and a cup of fragrant coffee completed the meal. She didn’t know where to begin.

Where was Caleb? She sipped the orange juice and wondered if she should take the time to eat before seeking her son. She’d relinquished his care to Rosita yesterday, certainly a few more minutes might not hurt. And she was famished.

She ate slowly, savoring each delicious bite. A delightful omelet, she thought, enjoying the blend of unknown spices and peppers. She’d ask for the recipe before she left.

They needed to get moving. Her week’s vacation would be over before they returned home at the rate they were going. Though she hoped to make better time returning. Fingers crossed the car didn’t break down again.

She could ill afford to keep it repaired. Every dollar she spent on the trip meant that much taken from their operation account. She was farther behind than when they’d started. She’d been so sure she’d find Caleb’s father. Now what was she going to do?

A soft knock on the door presaged Amelia’s arrival. Today she wore a soft rose dress, lace at the neck and on the cuffs of the sheer, long sleeves. Ballet slippers completed the ensemble, and she seemed to float along as she crossed the room to the table.

“Oh, you are awake at last. I’m so glad. How are you feeling? We’ve been so worried about you. But Paul said you’d be fine, just needed lots of rest and nourishment. And he gave you a shot since you couldn’t take a pill with all your coughing. But the broth Rosita kept fixing didn’t seem like enough food and you wouldn’t ever drink it all. I think a nice poached egg would have been divine, but Cade said the broth would have to do.”

Amelia took the chair opposite and beamed at Jordan.

“And Caleb is such a treasure. He brings so much delight. It’s been too long since this house had a child in it. Of course, we all miss Vicki dreadfully, but she’s been gone two years. And I think a big house deserves lots of children running through it, don’t you? We had seven in our family. Mama said that was six too many sometimes, but she loved us all dearly. And we all loved her and Papa dearly. My younger sister married Bradley Everett. They’re Cade’s parents. The ranch belongs to Bradley, of course, though Cade runs it now that his parents are traveling. It’s been in their family for generations. I have a small cottage in the back. Isn’t Rosita’s omelet delicious? I do like a spicy omelet. But of course, I cook for myself most of the time, only coming over to join Cade when he’s here. Or when he travels if Rosita has made something special for dinner.”

Jordan tried to follow the conversation, feeling her head spin at the rapid pace of Amelia’s change of topics. When the woman took a breath, Jordan interrupted.

---