The Cowboy's Secret Read online

  “Thanks.” He shook Stu’s hand again. “I appreciate you giving me the job.”

  “Here’s your key.” And with that, Stu left.

  Dylan looked around the cabin. It was tiny. Ancient. The opposite of luxurious.

  And it was the best lodging he’d had in over a year because he had a job. A purpose. He was officially a cowboy.

  Yeehaw!

  * * *

  Gabby could use some motherly advice and a woman to lean on. Sometimes she resented the fact her mother showed no interest in her life and had moved on with a stranger down in Laramie. At least Gabby had Babs O’Rourke. Her redheaded, seventy-one-year-old boss was the closest thing to a mom she had here in Rendezvous, or anywhere for that matter.

  Their weekly Monday afternoon business meeting in Babs’s office at the inn was almost wrapped up. Yesterday Gabby had filled her in briefly about Dylan coming to town, which meant as soon as the meeting ended, Babs would have a laundry list of questions for her about him. Her boss had been the town busybody for years and wouldn’t give up the title anytime soon. Gabby didn’t hold her gossipy ways against her. She had a heart of gold.

  “Now that we have business out of the way, tell me more about this mystery uncle. Stella told me he’s hotter than a batch of fries fresh out of the deep fryer. Is he tempting you to change your mind about cowboys?” Babs leaned forward over the desk with her fingers splayed, revealing long red nails. Her short hair had been curled, teased and sprayed, and she wore heavy eyeliner, thick mascara and crimson lipstick.

  “No.” Gabby held herself primly.

  “Give him time, sugar. So what’s he going to do? Just sit around town counting down the minutes until he can see you and the baby?” She tapped one of her red talons on the desk.

  “No, and so we’re clear, he’s here to see the baby. Not me.” She’d been surprised when she’d gotten Dylan’s call yesterday afternoon telling her Stu had hired him. She hadn’t expected him to talk to Stu so quickly. She’d figured he’d linger around town until he deemed it absolutely necessary to get the job. “Stu Miller hired him.”

  “Oh, good. That poor man has had tough times lately. Cade getting married and moving out of state was bad enough, but then Josiah dying...well, it’s hard to lose your best friend.” She made a clicking sound with her tongue and shook her head. “Isn’t he down to two ranch hands? I told Jimmy Ball to send over a few of those high school boys, but you know how it is. Jobs, sports and their own chores leave them little time to work for someone else.”

  “I do know. I hope Dylan will be a help to Stu.”

  “Why wouldn’t he be?” Babs gave her a questioning look. “You don’t think too highly of him, do you?”

  She sighed. It wasn’t fair for her to project her concerns about cowboys onto him. At least not until he proved her correct. “I don’t know him. I’m sure Stu will be happy to have an extra set of hands.”

  “Don’t sound so enthusiastic,” Babs said almost under her breath. “Okay, so what do you know about him? He’s tall, dark and handsome—I got that from Stella. You say he’s from Texas, right? And he’s been traveling since his daddy and stepbrother died. Sounds like he needs a place to settle. Maybe Rendezvous will feel like home.”

  “I hope not.” An involuntary shudder rippled down her back.

  “Gabby.” Babs stared at her hard. “You’re concerning me. Now tell me the truth. Is this about your grudge against cowboys or is Dylan a risk to the baby? I will not let my little Phoebekins be put in danger, uncle or not.”

  “I can’t imagine he’d be a risk to the baby. He doesn’t seem the type.” Guilt nibbled at her. “He wants to get to know her and be part of her life.”

  “See? That’s not so bad. An uncle to dote on her is a good thing.”

  “I guess.”

  “When will you see him again?”

  “I’m not sure. I expect he’ll want to get settled at the ranch. He’s staying in one of the cabins there.”

  “You’ll have to let me know next time he comes around. I’ll just happen to stop by.” Babs raised her eyebrows, her green eyes sparkling. “I need to see this hunk for myself.”

  Gabby was more than ready to steer the conversation in another direction. “Have you thought more about what you told me on Friday? Are you still set on selling the inn?”

  She lost some of her sparkle. “I am. I know you aren’t keen on it, but I can’t help it. I’ve unloaded the other properties, and this is the final one.”

  “But it’s your livelihood. Your pride and joy.”

  Her face fell. “It was. I kept going full-steam ahead after Herb died, but now...”

  “I wish you’d reconsider.” If she could get Babs to keep the inn, her life wouldn’t be so up in the air. “I’ll take on more responsibilities—anything.”

  “You already run the place, Gabby. It’s not the money or the work.”

  “Then what is it?” She hadn’t considered there might be a personal reason—a bad reason—for Babs to want to sell the inn. “You’re not sick or anything, are you?”

  “No, honey.” She shook her head. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  “Then what?”

  “I’m ready to retire for good. I might travel or winter down in Florida or... I don’t know. I’ve been feeling it in my bones. I need to be free. And as long as I own this inn, I’m not free.”

  Gabby wanted to plead with her, tell her she’d run it single-handedly, but she was being selfish. If Babs wanted to retire and be free, Gabby wouldn’t be so heartless as to try to stop her. Besides, she probably needed the money from the sale of the inn to do the things she wanted.

  Babs sniffed. “I hate to get you worked up, but there’s been some interest in it.”

  “But it’s not even on the market yet.” Her heart sank. She thought there would be more time—months preferably.

  “I know, but I’m partnering with a real estate agent this time instead of selling it on my own, and Dorothy Wendall put the feelers out.”

  Gabby took a deep breath. Putting out feelers and getting interest might amount to nothing. She shouldn’t let herself get all worked up even if Dorothy Wendall was the best real estate agent in town.

  “Do you know who’s interested in it?” Gabby asked. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. A local could be buying it—they’d know how hard she worked and want to keep her.

  “Nolan Hummel.” Babs made a production out of straightening the papers on her desk.

  Nolan Hummel? The arrogant jerk who’d asked her out more than once and hadn’t taken being rejected well? He always looked her up and down like he was evaluating a porterhouse steak. Gabby would rather scrub toilets than work for him.

  “Why would he want an inn?” Gabby tilted her head. “His family specializes in shipping. Didn’t he get promoted to vice president last year?”

  “He did, and I don’t know why he wants it, hon. I’m just trying to keep you in the loop. I guess we can ask him when he tours the place.”

  “He’s touring it. When?” She scooted to the edge of her seat.

  “I’m not sure. He’ll be in town this week, and I’d imagine he’d want to schedule a visit soon.”

  She gagged a little. There was no way he was buying the inn. He didn’t even live in Rendezvous. As far as she knew, Nolan resided almost an hour south where Hummel Freight’s headquarters were located. He came to Rendezvous only every few months to check in with his vendors.

  What if Nolan moved here? She’d have to see him all the time. And possibly work for him. A dull ache formed behind her temples.

  “You said some interest. Is anyone else, by chance, interested in buying the inn at this point?” At Babs’s shake of the head, she sighed.

  “When Dorothy Wendall lists it next week, I’m sure we’ll have more prospects. I’m not a big f
an of Nolan, either, sugar. He talks to me like I’m ninety-nine years old and as stupid as a skunk crossing a busy highway. But the Hummels can afford the place, and I know they wouldn’t run it into the ground. They know business.”

  Gabby couldn’t argue with that. They did know business, and they’d likely be good owners of the inn.

  Too bad she couldn’t see herself working for their son. Life was too short to spend it working for someone she loathed. If Nolan Hummel was a serious buyer, she’d have to put feelers around town and find out if anyone was hiring.

  But how would she find a job she loved as much as this one? And could she afford to work somewhere else? Good-paying jobs were few and far between in this town.

  “Would you at least give me some warning when Nolan schedules his tour?”

  “Of course. And don’t feel like you need to keep the fact I’m selling the place a secret. The entire town knows. I figured spreading the word might flush out a buyer.” Babs pushed her chair back and stood. “Am I still babysitting Phoebe tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, please.” Tomorrow was Tuesday. Gabby was blessed that Babs loved babysitting Phoebe for her while her support group met in one of the inn’s conference rooms. “Thanks for being such a wonderful grandma to her.”

  “Don’t you mean Glam-ma?” Babs preened and laughed. “I’m tickled you let me help out.”

  She stood and rounded the desk, pulling Babs in for a hug. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. I don’t blame you for wanting to retire and enjoy life. You deserve it.”

  Babs gave her a squeeze before stepping back. “I enjoy life plenty. I’m just...well...going through some things. Thanks for understanding. It will all turn out all right. Don’t you worry.”

  “I won’t.” She pasted on a smile. But the worries were already kicking up in the back of her mind. It hit her that if Babs was retiring and traveling, she wouldn’t be around for Gabby or Phoebe. There went Glam-ma...and Gabby’s mom away from mom. What would she do without Babs?

  * * *

  He’d never been this sore in his life.

  Wincing, Dylan eased his body onto a park bench at the entrance of Riverwalk Park in downtown Rendezvous Monday evening. When he’d called Gabby this afternoon, she’d tried to blow him off about seeing Phoebe today, but he’d gotten her to agree to a walk on the river trail after she finished supper.

  He didn’t know what model car she drove, so every now and then, he looked back to scan the narrow parking lot for a pretty brunette.

  Today had been exhausting. Draining. Somewhat embarrassing. And absolutely fantastic. He had a whole new respect for the cowboys he’d always admired. Until today, he’d never ridden a horse for more than a couple of hours, and he couldn’t remember a time he’d done any hard, manual labor. His parents had hired people to do the heavy lifting. Now he knew why.

  A long soak in a Jacuzzi would do him a world of good. But he’d have to settle for another sweltering night in his cabin instead. The place didn’t exactly have the amenities he was accustomed to. The shoebox with no air-conditioning felt like a sauna. Maybe he could pick up a fan here in town.

  “Hey there,” a woman called. Gabby pushed a stroller toward him. Her hair was pulled back into a bouncy ponytail, and she wore black leggings ending at her calves, a long turquoise T-shirt and running shoes. “Hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

  “I haven’t.” He stood, trying not to flinch. Every nerve ending twitched. Every muscle spasmed.

  “What’s wrong?” She stopped the stroller as soon as she reached him.

  “Nothing.” He couldn’t help smiling as Phoebe grabbed both her bare feet and grinned at him. He bent his index finger to wave to her. “Hey there, smiley. You sure are happy today, aren’t you?”

  The baby replied by sticking her toes in her mouth. He wished he was that flexible. It sure would make ranch work easier.

  Straightening, he met Gabby’s eyes, and a burst of anticipation chased away all thoughts of sore muscles. With her flushed cheeks, she had a glow about her, one he could almost reach out and touch.

  “Thanks for meeting me,” he said. “I know you’re probably tired from work.”

  “A girl needs to exercise.” She raised her eyebrows as she shrugged, smiling.

  Her trim figure made no argument with that. He extended his arm for them to start walking. “Which way?”

  “Hang a right. We’ll take the scenic route.”

  “Want me to push the princess?” He hoped she’d agree. There was something about watching Phoebe’s cute face that melted away his worries.

  “Go for it.” She took her hands off the handles, and he began pushing. They fell into a brisk pace. The warm, sunny evening lured people outside. Several couples and families were on the paved trail. Gabby glanced his way. “What did you do today?”

  Where to begin? It had been the longest day of his life, but the time had passed by as quickly as a blink of an eye.

  “I helped Stu feed the cattle, then we moved part of the herd to a new pasture.” He hadn’t been good at moving cattle. Hadn’t been comfortable being around them at all. The other ranch hands, Jim and Spud, were seasoned pros, and even the high school kids, Cody and Austin, had known what to do more than him. He’d kind of lagged along, doing whatever Stu told him to do. He hoped his boss wasn’t disappointed.

  “Sounds like a typical day on the ranch.”

  “Yeah, we fixed part of a fence where a bull broke through.” At least he’d redeemed himself with the fence. For years he’d been strength-training and running daily. Digging holes, hauling fence posts and pounding them into the ground had been the easiest part of the day.

  “I guess you feel right at home, huh?” She made it sound like a statement, but when he glanced her way, he noted the curiosity in her eyes.

  “It’s day one.” He wanted to feel at home, but his lack of skills worried him. Stu could fire him at any minute. It had been obvious he didn’t know what he was doing. “We’ll see how it goes. What about you? Was everything smooth at the inn?”

  Her eyebrows drew together, but then her lips curved upward. “It was fine. We’re booked through the first week of July, so that’s good. The town has a big celebration for Independence Day every year. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m glad we’ll be able to draw tourists to it.”

  “I’m assuming the summer months are busiest at the inn.” He glanced at Phoebe, who stared contentedly at him and gurgled, still holding her feet.

  “For the most part. We do get some visitors as well as hunters and fishermen in the fall. And we’re usually busy during the holidays. January through March are the slow months.”

  “I can see that.” The trail wound along the top of the riverbank, and the water below flowed over rocks, kicking up sprays of waves. Between the river, the blue sky, a hawk flying overhead and the mountains in the distance, a sensation of awe and belonging came over him.

  “Oh no,” Gabby said under her breath.

  “What?” He looked around. Besides a few couples strolling their way, a man wearing athletic shorts and a tight T-shirt was talking on a cell phone while power-walking toward them.

  “Nothing.” The word was clipped. She pulled her shoulders back and kept her pace. When the man saw her, his gaze took her in from head to toe, then he ended the call and pocketed his phone.

  Dylan sensed Gabby would have gladly spun on her heel and sprinted in the other direction, but she stood her ground as he approached.

  “Gabrielle.” The way her name rolled off his tongue irritated Dylan. There was something oily about this guy. The man locked eyes with Gabby. “Good to see you.”

  “Nolan.” Her tone was no-nonsense. “I heard you were arriving this week.”

  “Then you must have heard you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.”

  “Rumor has it.” She blinked pleasan
tly.

  He noticed Dylan for the first time.

  Gabby turned to him. “Nolan, this is Dylan Kingsley. Dylan, Nolan Hummel.”

  Dylan held out his hand, and Nolan eyed it for a moment before shaking it. What was his problem? Was he not worth a handshake? It was an odd sensation to be looked down on. He couldn’t remember it ever happening before.

  “I see you’re raising Allison’s child.” Nolan nodded to the stroller.

  At her sister’s name, Gabby stiffened. Dylan longed to touch her shoulder and tell her it was okay. But he didn’t know why she was bothered. Had Gabby dated this guy? Maybe her sister had. Or they could be related somehow.

  “Yes, I am,” she said.

  “Noble.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  “There’s nothing noble about it. I love her.” She widened her eyes and gestured to the trail. “Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy your walk.”

  He cocked his head. “I had cleared my schedule to be at the inn all day tomorrow, but something came up. I’ll see you Friday instead.”

  “Great.” Her tone could have chipped ice. “See you then.”

  Dylan took a long stride to catch up to her. She wasn’t volunteering any information. He wanted to ask her about Nolan, but it wasn’t his place.

  “Do you mind if we stop a minute?” she asked after walking in silence several yards. “There’s a restroom up ahead.”

  “Sure.” A sidewalk cut into the trail, and he followed her to the small building with restrooms. “I’ll wait out here with Phoebe.”

  “Okay.”

  When Gabby disappeared into the building, he made funny faces at Phoebe. She kicked her feet and let out a squeal. After a few moments, though, she started to fuss, arching her back. Was she uncomfortable? He wasn’t sure what to do. As the fussing turned to a cry, he unhooked the straps and lifted her out of the stroller. She grinned at him, clapping her hands.