Page 69 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

Jace nodded and waited.

“You never told her that this was her home.”

“Yeah, but then she would’ve stayed from guilt or comfort or whatever.”

“Are you really that stupid? You have to stop expecting women to leave you, Jace, just because three women who weren’t right for you to begin with did.”

Begrudgingly, Jace admitted he’d fucked up. He left them too open-ended, allowing too much room for interpretation. She didn't know how he felt any more than he knew how she felt. Sure, he had told her with his hands and body, but that just made the feelings all the more confusing. Basically, he'd deserted her. Jace repeatedly tapped his hand against the post, struggling with the emotions that came with acknowledging he was indeed an imbecile and he alone was responsible for pushing her out the door. She’d be a fool to want a horse’s ass like him. She was right. He didn’t deserve her. Though he desperately wanted her.

“What are you going to do?” Sabrina came to rest against the post, her voice softer and, dare he hope, offering help?

“I dunno.” Honesty was the way to go forward with this. That, at least, he knew.

“I suppose you should ask yourself—do you want to wait to see if she comes back, or do you want to go after her and find out how she feels? Which works better for you?”

Jace hopped off the fence, his side screaming with the sudden movement. “Where do I find her?” He was ready to go now. Without a doubt. He’d rather her turn him away and know for sure than always wonder what could have been.

“Funny you should ask that. I happen to know where she’llbe tonight.” Sabrina started walking to the house, but he quickly outpaced her.

One flight and six hours later, he was dressed in his best suit, the one he’d worn when he married Meredith, and stood outside an art gallery in Dallas. Sabrina slapped him on the back and wished him luck, then disappeared into the building, leaving him to figure the rest out on his own. Inside, a low buzz of chatter filled the space, and an attendant handed him a program. A quick glance at the paper told him he was at a silent auction for a veteran's home. Jace spotted a bar in the center of the room and figured there was a good place to start. He was out of his element and needed to get his bearings before he spoke with Meredith. He had one shot and wanted it to be perfect.

The ambience was cold, the glass structure of the building and angled lines partly to blame for the unfriendliness and insincerity of the place. The people only exemplified it. The men were in tuxedos, the women in whatever sexy gown they could pull off and sporting jewels that glistened brighter than the chandeliers.

31

Meredith tossed back a brandy and fought back the headache, stepping closer to the shade of the fake potted plant she was using for cover.

She and her father had come to mutually agreeable terms and were beginning their new relationship like Jace had wanted, and to be honest, she did as well. Not without some reservation, her father was giving her the freedom to fly, even offered to buy her a house, in his neighborhood, of course. All-in-all, it was a good start. Her act of good faith was to attend this one event. Though, knowing it had been her mother's favorite charity fundraiser hadn't helped to stave off her anger at the excessiveness of it all. Why couldn't people just give money to the veterans? Why did they need to get a material object in exchange? Shouldn't the selfless act of giving be enough? She wholly regretted coming. The chitchat was inane, the auction items excessive, and the food over processed.

Meredith snorted. She'd become a new sort of snob, the kind that knew there was more out there, better living, and it had nothing to do with socioeconomic status symbols. She wasspoiled from eating fresh from her garden, a reward from her hard work. From witnessing Mother Nature's glory as the seasons changed, and experiencing the touch of a man who found her breathtaking. The ass! He'd ruined everything. Thanksgiving was coming. Thoughts of the holiday made her wonder how it would be spent on the ranch, a holiday she’d been looking forward to. Would it be like one of those in a Hallmark movie? Fun and full of family love and cheer?

Darn that Jace Shepard and his stubborn ways! She wanted to clock him for his stupidity. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but in reality was too scared to go to him. A second rejection would devastate her. She wanted him back desperately.

“You look like you lost your best friend.”

Meredith jumped and slowly faced Sabrina. “I’m sure you have a whole lot of things to say to me, but I don’t want to hear them.” For emphasis, Meredith waved her hand as if pushing away the impending conversation. “If you’re here for your money since I didn’t stay a year, ask your friend. He’s the one who told me to leave.”

“You’ll be surprised because I actually have nothing to say.” Sabrina handed her a champagne glass.

“Nothing? Really?” Meredith scanned the crowd. She had to keep her eye on Lyle Brady. He’d already tried to get close to her earlier, and she feared his wandering hands would result in her slapping his face. A scene she did not want. She spotted him a few clusters of people away.

“Well, not really. I mean, I might ask you what you plan on doing once you figure out what it is you want. But I’m guessing you haven’t gotten there yet.”

Meredith snorted and honed her focus on Sabrina. “I’m there. It’s your fool friend who’s clueless.”

Sabrina raised a brow. “Oh, is that so? Are you doing something about it then?”

Anger shot through Meredith. “What can I do? He asked me to leave. He basically said he didn’t want me anymore.”

Sabrina grimaced. “Did he really, or did you think that’s what he was implying? I’m sure you’ve figured out that men really suck at communication.”

Meredith rubbed her temple. “I don’t know Sabrina. It's all so confusing.”

“You could try going for what you want.” Sabrina tapped her glass to Meredith’s. Then said, “Just a thought,” before walking away in a swoosh of her skirt.

Meredith sighed and chugged back her champagne. Sabrina was right. She did need to go for what she wanted instead of hiding behind a plant feeling sorry for herself. Hell, she’d killed a grizzly bear. Conquering Jace Shepard had to be easier.

Someone ran their hand down Meredith’s backside, causing her to gasp with surprise. She swung around and found Mr. Brady leering at her.

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