Boone's Surrender, Page 4

  Thorn looked away, his gaze following the stream. “I was a coward, not getting out of the service and coming back to the ranch to help you when the folks died. I know Del’s work as a deputy kept him busy, which left you alone to run the ranch. You deserved better than me ignoring what you had to deal with back here. You were too damn young to have to handle it all alone.”

  Boone waved his hand in the air. “I made it fine.”

  “Did you? If I’d been here, would you have felt free to explore your feelings for Willow instead of spending time with various women, never forming any real relationships?”

  “They were good women,” Boone protested.

  “Never said they weren’t. But you never had the time for a personal life. Maybe when you and Willow did get together, you didn’t know how to handle your feelings for her. You’d spent so much time on one-night stands with women you cared nothing about, you didn’t know how to have a real relationship. Then you learned she was pregnant.”

  “I screwed it all up.”

  “What happened wasn’t your fault, Boone. The drunk driver is the one to blame. My guess is you would’ve thought about it for a day or two, then gone to Willow and told her you loved her.”

  “You think so? Because I’m not sure.”

  “I know you, maybe better than you know yourself. You needed a little time to process it all. But yes, you would’ve asked her to marry you because you loved her, not because you felt obligated to do what was right.”

  Scrubbing both hands down his face. “If she’d just talk to me.”

  “Don’t give her a choice.”

  Boone’s brows furrowed, looking at Thorn as if he’d lost his mind.

  “How badly do you want her?”

  “It may have taken me a while, but I love her.”

  “Then do what’s needed. Think about any time in your life when you wanted something bad enough to fight for it. What did you do?”

  “Whatever it took.”

  Thorn settled an arm around Boone’s shoulders. “Then there’s your answer. Do whatever it takes to get her to talk to you. It can’t be any more difficult than breaking a wild horse, right?”

  Chapter Four

  Willow bagged the items, handing them and the change to the customer. “Thanks. Hope to see you again soon.”

  “A new customer?” Deputy Bobby Baker stepped up to the counter, looking over his shoulder at the couple walking out the front door. The youngest of Del’s deputies, he made it a point to stop in at Robinson’s after lunch on Fridays.

  Willow nodded. “Moved from California. I get a few new people each month. They don’t buy much, but every dollar helps. Are you looking for anything specific today, Bobby?”

  Crossing her arms, she leaned against the counter, her gaze moving to Tony Coletti in the tack section. From a longtime local ranching family, he was a Marine and one of Thorn’s partners in Scorpion Custom Motorcycles. Even though the single women in town thought of him as a player, Tony was a genuinely nice guy, someone you could depend upon. He’d asked her out a couple times. She’d turned him down, and now regretted it.

  Bobby rested a hand on his buckle, fidgeting with it. “Have you heard of the new dinner place in Falls Cave?”

  Pulling her attention away from Tony, she shook her head. “Not a word. Have you been there?”

  “Not yet. I was thinking of going this Saturday and wondered if you’d like to go with me.”

  Her eyes widened, a brow lifting. “Are you asking me on a date, Bobby Baker?”

  Straightening, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I guess I am.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “You guess?” Her eyes darted to the front door, her breath catching when she spotted Boone walking inside. He headed straight toward Tony, not sparing her a glance.

  “Willow, would you care to join me for dinner Saturday night?”

  She didn’t know much about Bobby, other than Del thought well of him…and the deputy was three or four years younger than her. If she ever planned to get her life back, stop staying home every night, she had to start somewhere.

  “Yes, I think I would.” Her smile grew when she saw the look of surprise on Bobby’s face.

  “Well, that’s great. I’ll, uh…how about I pick you up at seven?”

  Picking up a pen and a piece of paper, she started to jot down her address.

  “I know where you live, Willow.” He shrugged at her pointed stare. “It’s a small town. Being in law enforcement, I make it a point to know where most of the locals live.”

  She blew out a breath, her stomach churning. She’d just made a commitment to go out on a date. “Then I’ll see you on Saturday.” Willow almost laughed at the way Bobby tripped over himself getting out of the store. It might not be her ideal date, but it was a start.

  “Sonofa…” Tony’s voice trailed off, his body going rigid when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

  “Something bothering you, man?” Boone stood next to him, looking at what Tony held in his hand. “You don’t like the brand, you can pick another.”

  “It’s got nothing to do with this.” He slid the item back onto the shelf. “I’ve been trying to get Willow to go out with me for months, with no luck. I just overheard her accepting a date with Bobby Baker.”

  A stab of jealousy ripped through Boone, knowing Tony had an interest in Willow and learning she’d accepted a date. “Del’s deputy?”

  “That’s the one.”

  Boone’s jaw clenched. “Bobby’s still a kid. He must be four or five years younger than her.”

  Tony gave a disgusted nod. “That’s what I figure. I gotta get back to the shop and regroup. Could be she’s decided to start dating and Bobby asked first.”

  Boone glanced at Willow. “Yeah, maybe.”

  Tony shook his head, whatever he’d come in to buy forgotten. “See you later, Boone.”

  “See you, Tony.” Boone didn’t move, forcing himself to remember the reason he’d come into Robinson’s. Thorn’s words about doing whatever it took to get her to talk danced through his mind. If she was important enough to him, he had to make it happen.

  Grabbing a couple items he didn’t need from the shelf, he headed for the counter. For an instant, he felt certain she’d turn away, call someone from the back to ring him up. Instead, she lifted her chin, her hands gripping the edge of the counter.

  “Hello, Boone.”

  Setting the items down, he reminded himself to relax. “Hi, Willow. Are you in here alone this afternoon?” He glanced around, aware of how quiet the store had become after Tony and Bobby left.

  “It’s almost closing, so I sent the guys home.” Scanning the items, she gave him a total. “Do you want me to put this on your monthly tab?”

  Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out his wallet. “I’ll pay with cash.”

  He took his time counting out the money, then handed it to her. That was when he noticed her shaky hand. Glancing up, he saw the drawn lines around her eyes and mouth, the wary expression.

  “Here you go.” She placed the change into his hand, and Boone swore he felt a surge of desire pulse through him.

  Taking a quick look around, Boone forged ahead. “I’ve been thinking of taking Ty fishing this weekend. Maybe Sunday.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’m sure he’d like that. He’s five, right?”

  “Six. We went one other time before his mom died and he caught on real fast.”

  Her face softened. “I’ve always loved to fish.”

  “Yeah, I remember. Any chance you’d want to come with us?” He held his breath as he watched a parade of emotions cross her face. Within seconds, he already knew she’d refuse.

  Clearing her throat, Willow shook her head. “I’ll be visiting my parents and Carly most of Sunday.”

  It wasn’t a complete no. “How’s Carly doing?”

  “Good. She misses her dad. Greg calls when he can. He’s supposed to be back in a few weeks.”

 
Boone couldn’t bring himself to give up and walk away. “How old is she now?”

  The corners of Willow’s mouth turned up. “Fourteen, going on twenty. She’s started babysitting to earn extra money.”

  “Is that a fact? Maybe she’d want to watch Ty for me sometime.” He noticed Willow stiffen the instant the words left his mouth.

  “Must be hard for a bachelor like you to be tied down with a little boy on Saturday nights. It’s got to mess with your sex life.”

  Feeling a prickle of irritation, he shook his head. “Being with Ty isn’t a hardship, Willow. Once in a while, I’d like to meet Thorn and Grace or Del and Amy for dinner.” He rubbed his chin, glancing down at the bag in his hand. “I can’t remember the last time I had a date.”

  Biting her lip, she nodded. “Obviously before Jenny died.”

  Did she think he and Jenny had been in a relationship? Surely everyone in town knew they had just been friends.

  “Jenny and I never dated. We hung out with Ty, kept each other company. Nothing more.”

  Her face flushed pink, which contrasted against her deep auburn hair. “I guess I thought, well…since you became Ty’s guardian, I thought you and Jenny…” She looked away, unable to say more.

  “Nope. Not ever.”

  She glanced at the front door at the sound of someone entering. “I’d better see to this customer. Thanks for the invitation to go fishing. Maybe some other time.”

  Definitely not a complete no. “Then you won’t mind if I ask you again.”

  “I can’t guarantee I can go, but you’re welcome to ask.”

  Boone nodded, glancing at the clock on the wall behind Willow. “I’d better get going. Ty doesn’t like it when I’m late picking him up. Have a good weekend.”

  “You, too.” Watching him leave, she wished her feelings were different.

  She didn’t hate him. It would be easier if she did. Willow accepted she’d probably always be in love with him. She’d also accepted he’d never be in love with her. The worst part was, deep down, she knew being friends, spending time together, wouldn’t make the ache in her heart go away.

  They had so much in common, yet so little. She’d trust Boone with her life, but she’d never again offer him her heart. He’d already proven it wasn’t of any interest to him at all.

  Willow sat with her elbow on the table, chin in her hand, listening to Bobby talk about his job. He’d been going on for about fifteen minutes, unaware of her growing disinterest. The enthusiasm he had for his work and his respect for Del were obvious. And he had a good sense of humor. Unfortunately, her mind couldn’t focus on the man across from her when it was filled with images of Boone.

  She’d put off calling him all week, not knowing how to begin after so much time cutting him out of her life. Then she’d tossed aside the perfect opportunity to talk with her lame excuse of being with her parents and Carly. She did have plans to meet with them mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to fish afterward or even before church. Willow still didn’t understand why she hadn’t seized the opportunity.

  At least she’d gotten dressed up and out of the house. A good-looking young man, Bobby kept her entertained with stories from his high school days and working as a deputy. Too bad she simply couldn’t stay engaged in the conversation.

  Her mind couldn’t let go of the brief moment speaking with Boone for the first time in what seemed forever. Although she’d felt a stab of pain when he walked up, the hurt had lessened as they spoke. Maybe that was what happened when enough time passed.

  “Would either of you care for dessert?” The waiter handed them menus, listing the options.

  Willow shook her head. “Nothing for me, thank you.”

  “I’ll have a coffee and the check, please.” Bobby looked at her. “You seem distracted. Is everything all right?”

  She felt a pang of regret at Bobby’s comment. He deserved to spend his time and money on a woman with a real interest in him, not a woman trying to get her social life back on track.

  “I’m sorry, Bobby. I guess I haven’t been the best of company.”

  He nodded at the waiter when he set down the coffee. “You’ve been fine, Willow. You just seem troubled by something.”

  “Not troubled. There’s just a lot on my mind.” Picking up her water glass, she took a sip, thinking of all she had to do. “I need to hire a couple more people, decide on a few new vendors, and sales aren’t what they were a year ago. Nothing extraordinary. The usual problems faced by small businesses. And maybe the fact I haven’t been on a date in a long, long time.”

  Bobby chuckled. “How long?”

  She settled her hands in her lap, her brows scrunched together. “Close to three years. Sad, isn’t it?”

  “Hey, who am I to say? What’s sad is a beautiful woman like you not getting out more. I know you’ve had plenty of offers.”

  Shifting in her chair, Willow shrugged. “I’ve been asked out. I just wasn’t ready.”

  Taking a sip of coffee, he leaned forward. “I won’t ask why. When you’re ready, maybe someday you’ll tell me.”

  “How do you know something happened?”

  He lifted a shoulder. “A hunch.”

  Tilting her head to the side, she studied him. “It’s what makes you a good deputy.”

  Bobby chuckled. “It’s what will make me a good deputy. And learning from Del. He’s a heck of a sheriff.”

  “I know. We’re lucky to have him.” Putting a hand over her mouth, she did her best to stifle a yawn.

  “Appears it’s time to get you home.” Finishing the coffee, Bobby signaled the waiter, paying their bill. “Thanks for agreeing to have dinner with me.”

  “Thanks for inviting me. I did have a good time.”

  “So did I. Maybe you’ll let me take you out again sometime.”

  Looking at him, a smile played across her face. “Maybe I will, Deputy Baker.”

  “Are we still going fishing tomorrow, Daddy?” Tyler sat cross-legged on the floor in front of Boone, who sat in a chair, working on a troublesome reel.

  “We will if I can get this thing to work.” Boone fiddled with the reel, then set it down. “I think it’s good.” Looking at the time, he stood. “Better get you to bed, buddy. We’re going to start early.”

  Tyler jumped up, a smile on his face. “Are we going to miss church?” The hopeful look on the boy’s face almost made Boone laugh.

  “Afraid not. We’ll be done in time to make the later service.”

  Tyler hung his head as he walked toward the stairs. “Oh.”

  Boone remembered feeling the same way when his parents herded him and his brothers into the truck every Sunday morning. Looking back now, it didn’t seem as bad as what he thought when he was younger. Or maybe he’d mellowed over the years.

  To his surprise, Tyler fell asleep after just one story. Boone knew he should head to bed himself, get a decent night’s sleep. Walking downstairs, he made a cup of coffee, looking out the kitchen window.

  He wondered how Willow’s date with Bobby went and if they’d made plans to see each other again. The thought of her with someone else caused his throat to tighten, his chest to squeeze. It had taken him much too long to realize his feelings for Willow, refusing to believe he’d lost his opportunity.

  Lowering himself into his favorite chair, Boone pulled out his phone. The impulse to call Willow, ask about her and Bobby, overwhelmed him. He’d dealt with the same urge for months after the accident.

  He remembered feeling powerless when she refused to speak with him. After one short visit in the hospital, she’d asked him not to return. He’d honored her request, even though every instinct drove him to go back, do whatever was needed to get her to talk about what happened. Boone had shoved his own desires away. A week later, he learned she’d been released to go home.

  No longer could he afford the luxury of giving her time. With her decision to date came an urgency he couldn’t ignore.

  His finger hover
ing over her number, he closed his eyes and touched it. After the fifth ring, her voice message came on. Boone hesitated a moment before ending the call and setting the phone down.

  Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, he let out a frustrated breath. He’d made progress with her, more than he dared hope. The fact she’d gone out with Bobby meant nothing.

  If the look in her eyes and the flush of her cheeks when they spoke gave any indication, she still had feelings for him. Boone had no intention of giving up. He refused to let a future with Willow slip through his grasp a second time.

  Chapter Five

  Willow read the pages again, her eyes crossing. For the third time, she tried to complete another chapter in the mystery novel, unable to get past the first few pages. Setting the book down, she reached over, turned off the light, and pulled the covers under her chin.

  She never needed warm milk, an herbal aid, or the television to get to sleep. Reading relaxed her, providing a gateway into peaceful slumber every night. The book failed her tonight.

  Tomorrow, she’d go to church, return home to change, then drive to see her parents and Carly. The Sunday routine had become habit, one she looked forward to, until tonight. Boone’s invitation to join them fishing added a twist to what had become a monotonous end to each weekend.

  Willow loved her family, enjoyed spending time with them. She always came home in a good mood, selecting a movie to watch before reading her way to sleep.

  So why couldn’t she stop thinking about holding a fishing pole while spending time with Boone and Tyler? She already knew the answer. Being with Boone was toxic to her heart. For her own peace of mind, Willow needed to stick with her original plan, which meant never going out with him again.

  Until yesterday, she never considered it a problem. He’d stayed away, giving her the space she insisted on after the accident. When he’d walked right up to her yesterday, spoken as if nothing of significance had happened between them, her defenses weakened. The invitation had caught her by surprise. At least she had the sense to turn him down. No good could come from an attempt at friendship, no matter the compelling assertions from her heart.