Cowboy Dreaming

Cody wrapped his strong fingers around her arm and yanked her out of the room. He quietly closed the door before ushering her back to the kitchen. She wrenched her arm out of his grasp and fixed him with an angry stare.

“Just what do you think you’re doing? I told you I didn’t want Buck disturbed. He needs his rest.” He saw the golden flecks ignite in her eyes. The little girl who had been quietly standing at the door of the parlor had vanished and the female wildcat had reappeared. “The last thing he needs is the type of aggravation you represent. Now, stay out of his room. At least until I’ve had an opportunity to prepare him for this little surprise.” Surprise, indeed. That was certainly the biggest understatement of the century.

“I’ve really had quite enough of this and quite enough of you! Now, get out of my way. I’m going to—”

He grabbed her around the waist and sat her up on the countertop. He leaned in very close to her, as he had done before. “You’re going to do exactly what I tell you to do.” Cody glanced back over his shoulder toward the kitchen door, then turned toward Mel again. “And try to show a little consideration. Keep your voice down. I don’t want your yelling to wake Buck.”

As much as Mel hated to agree with this obnoxious bully, he was probably right about waking her father. She might have disagreed with him a little while ago, but as soon as she saw her father she knew Cody had been honest about the condition of his health.

Melanie shoved Cody away and slid off the counter to the floor. She glared at him, hands on hips in as much of a physical challenge as a verbal one. She did make a concerted effort to keep her voice low. “Stop manhandling me as if I were some sort of a round peg you were trying to fit into a square hole.”

He laughed. For the first time she actually saw something on his face other than a stern expression or a scowl. It was a nice laugh and an absolutely devastating smile.

“You said it, kid—not me.”

Her anger exploded again. “I am not a kid! I’m twenty-eight years old and have traveled in fifteen different countries on five of the seven continents. My photos and articles have appeared in some of the most prestigious and popular magazines in the world. I haven’t spent my life stagnating out here—” she waved toward the window in a broad, sweeping gesture “—in the middle of nowhere.”

The smile faded from Cody’s face. He leveled a cool gaze at her, then spoke in a very controlled voice, showing no emotion. “I’m thirty-seven years old. I have a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in philosophy. I’ve done my share of world traveling. I’m fluent in both German and French and can get by in Spanish. Now, if we’re through comparing résumés perhaps we can return to the problem at hand. Namely, your sudden reappearance—for whatever the reason—and how it can be handled so as not to upset Buck any more than need be.”

This man standing in front of her wearing scuffed cowboy boots, worn jeans and a denim work shirt had a master’s degree in philosophy and was fluent in both French and German? She hoped her face didn’t give her away. Didn’t tell him how shocked and at the same time impressed she was with what he had told her. “Well, if those are indeed your credentials, then what are you doing stuck out here in the boonies working on a ranch?”

“I like it here.” It was a flat statement that said to one and all that the topic was closed to further discussion. He had been that route before—the society parties, being seen with the right people, only going to the in places—and was not interested in traveling over that road again. He wanted his feet planted firmly on real ground, not moving blindly through a world of big-city skyscrapers populated with plastic people.

“Cody?” The voice came from the direction of the parlor. It was not the booming voice of authority it had once been. It grew louder as its owner progressed toward the kitchen. “Is there some problem out there?”

Melanie saw the anger in Cody’s eyes and heard the warning in his tone of voice.

“Don’t you even hint at the possibility that there might have been the slightest disagreement spoken here this morning. Seeing you is going to be shock enough for Buck without the stress of an unpleasant confrontation.”

“Cody—” Buck paused at the kitchen door and blinked several times. He removed his glasses from his shirt pocket and put them on. His expression showed his confusion and uncertainty. His voice was hesitant. “Melanie?” His expression changed as he continued to speak. “Is that you, Mel, honey?”

Cody saw the surprise settle on Buck’s face and the shaky movement of his hand as he gripped the doorjamb in an effort to steady himself, and was immediately at his side. He offered Buck a gentle smile as he discreetly cupped his elbow and assisted the older man to the kitchen table without making it appear that the help was needed. “We have an early-morning visitor, Buck. She showed up at the door just a bit ago. Quite a surprise for me. I didn’t recognize her from the picture you have.”

Buck’s face lit up with a warmth Mel had never associated with her father during the entire eighteen years she had lived in the same house with him. His eyes glistened.

“Have you come home, Melanie? Have you finally come home?”

Two

For perhaps the first time in her adult life Melanie Winslow was at a total loss for words. She stole a glance at Cody and caught the stern look he directed toward her. She looked again at her father’s deteriorated condition and understood the wisdom of Cody’s admonition. Her once hearty and robust father had been reduced to this frail man who appeared at least ten years older than he really was.

“Yes, Father. It’s me. I…” She swallowed in an attempt to lessen the lump that had begun to form in her throat. She covered her uneasiness by picking up her cup of coffee and carrying it to the table. She sat down across from her father, forcing a smile that she did not really feel. “I just wrapped up an assignment in this area. I…I’ve been working as a photojournalist for several years now and I was shooting a story in Rocky Mountain National Park.”

Buck’s voice was soft, as if the simple task of talking required an extra effort on his part. “I know all about your work, honey. I’ve seen your magazine articles.” He paused, taking time to catch his breath. “You’ve done very well for yourself. I’m real proud of you, Mel—we all are.” He glanced over at Cody. “Isn’t that right?”

“It sure is, Buck.” Cody gave his friend a comforting smile as he placed a cup of hot coffee in front of him. “We’re all real proud.”

To all outward appearances Melanie Winslow and Cody Chandler had been engaged in amiable conversation prior to Buck’s arrival. There was nothing in Cody’s voice or his expression that would indicate anything to the contrary. Melanie tried her best to be equally diligent in perpetuating the deception, at least until she had a chance to think things through and get a better handle on what was happening.

There would be ample opportunity later for her to let Cody know exactly what she thought about all of this and determine whether she wanted to continue with the charade. First she would need to know exactly what was wrong with her father and the prognosis for his recovery. But for now, she sipped her coffee and tried to pretend that what she had just said was the truth. This was certainly far removed from what she’d had in mind when she started driving from Los Angeles. Actually, she was not sure exactly what she’d had in mind. It was a series of disjointed ideas that had not yet formed into a solid plan.

Melanie was startled out of her thoughts by the feel of a cold hand covering hers—an icy-cold hand. She looked up into the warmth emanating from her father’s face. She did not know if it was her imagination, but his color seemed much better than when he first entered the kitchen. There seemed to be a bit of sparkle in his eyes. He did not look as drawn and withered as when she had observed him in his sleep.

She tried not to jerk her hand away but did manage to tactfully withdraw it from his reach. She took another sip of her coffee, her mind frantically trying to produce some sort of basis for polite conversation. “I didn’t have an opportunity to see the ranch when I arrived. Even with the full moon it was still too dark. But, from what I could see along the entrance drive, it looks like you’ve made several changes.”

“You can credit Cody with that.” Buck glanced over at his friend and ranch foreman. The genuine affection he felt for the man was obvious. “He’s really been an asset. I’m afraid the place was getting a little run-down. Then Cody came on the scene and things really turned around. Now it’s quite a showplace in addition to being a model of efficiency. We’ve almost doubled our productivity and increased our profit margin substantially. It’s really something to be proud of.”

“Well, that’s nice.” She heard the strain in her voice and wished she had better control of it.

“You’re going to be real surprised by what you see, honey.” He continued, then stopped as if a thought had struck him. “Are you all settled in okay? Did you put your things in your old bedroom? I’ve kept it for you, honey, just the way you left it.” Again he reached across the table and covered her hand with his in a loving gesture. “I knew you’d come back home someday.”

Cody noticed the grimace that crossed her face at the mention of the ranch being her home and the way her body stiffened when Buck covered her hand. He felt his insides tighten. He did not have time for this nonsense—catering to Buck’s wayward daughter. As far as he was concerned, she could get back into her car and head west until she reached the ocean. The only thing that kept him from telling her to do just that was his very real affection for Buck and his concern for the old man’s health. She seemed to be having a positive effect on him.

“No, I haven’t unpacked yet. My things are still in the car.”

Buck twisted around in his chair until he faced Cody. “Would you bring in Mel’s things for me and put them in her room?”

“Sure thing, Buck.” Move the little ingrate into the house, as though I have nothing better to do.

“And, Cody, as soon as we finish breakfast, why don’t you take Mel and show her around the ranch? Reacquaint her with her home,” Buck suggested.

Cody glanced at the wall clock. It would be sunrise very soon now. The ranch hands would have finished breakfast and started on the day’s work. Now that the snow had disappeared from all but the highest elevations of the ranch property, there were fences to mend and outbuildings to be checked. Spring also meant roundup, which created lots of extra work. He really did not have the time to spare, but if that was what it took to keep her from upsetting Buck, then that was what he would do. “Sure thing, boss.”

Melanie could see it in Cody’s face. He was no more happy with the prospect of giving her a guided tour than she was of having him do it. It would, however, allow them the opportunity to talk in private so she could gather some information and they could get a few things settled between them. Beyond that, she had no thoughts about what she would do or any clear-cut plans for the future.

“I’ll start something for breakfast.” It was not the type of thing Mel would normally have volunteered for, but anything was better than sitting at the table trying to think of something pleasant to say. She opened the refrigerator door and stared at the contents. She may have been accomplished at many things, but cooking was not one of them. Since she was out on assignment more often than she was home she usually ate in restaurants. When she was home, opening a carton of yogurt and making coffee for breakfast or popping a frozen entrée into the microwave or having pizza delivered for dinner were about the most difficult cooking tasks she ever attempted.

“You don’t need to bother.” Cody reached past her, placed his hand on the refrigerator door and shoved it closed. “Edna will be here in a few minutes. She’ll take care of making breakfast.”

“Edna?” Cody’s arm had actually brushed against her shoulder when he leaned past her. He smelled of soap and mint mouthwash. The memory of his body covering hers on the living-room floor was still very fresh in her mind.

“Edna Powers is our cook and housekeeper.”

Buck’s voice interrupted her thoughts about Cody.

“She’s worked for me for almost ten years, ever since…” His voice, not strong at best, trailed off as the emotion clouded his face and choked his words. “Ever…ever since I lost your mother and you.”

It’s a real pity you wouldn’t hire some help before my mother worked herself to death. Maybe if you had she’d still be alive today. The words had popped into her head, uninvited and too strident even to Mel’s own ears.

Cody watched her face contort in anger. A glance at the other side of the table told him that Buck had not noticed. He wondered what was going through her mind. Exactly what had happened between Buck and his daughter? He had never really understood why Melanie Winslow left home and left her father at a time when he most needed the closeness of family, especially his only child. Buck had said very little about it and had never uttered a harsh word about his daughter.

“Where’s your stuff? In the trunk of your car?” Cody held out his hand toward Mel. “Give me your car keys.”

She quickly jumped to her feet. “I’ll help you. I have my camera equipment and notebook computer as well as my luggage.” She was not yet ready to be alone with her father. Everything she had anticipated and prepared for had refused to materialize. This man was very far removed from the cold, unfeeling monster of a person she had carried in her memory for all these years—that man she had been prepared to do battle with. But now that she saw him…

She followed Cody out of the house. When they reached the front porch, he came to an abrupt halt and whirled around. Melanie bumped into him before she could stop herself. His rock-hard body made it seem as if she’d run into a stone wall. He grabbed her shoulders to keep her from falling at the same moment that she put her hands against his chest to steady her balance. Even though she wanted to believe it was so, she knew it was more than the accidental collision that had knocked the breath from her. Once again his body was pressed against hers. Once again she felt the stimulating warmth caused by his touch.

“Camera…notebook computer…luggage.” He released his hold on her and took a step back, wanting to put a little distance between them. He had not intended for them to come into physical contact again, at least not like this and certainly not here and now. “Does this mean you plan to stay for a while?”

She also took a step back, putting even more distance between them. “I don’t know. I guess I hadn’t really thought that far in advance.” She found his nearness to be irritating, uncomfortable, very disconcerting—and almost unbearably exciting.

“You must have had something in mind when you showed up here. You claim you didn’t know about Buck’s health, so that must not be the reason.” He furrowed his brow as he folded his arms across his chest. “Just what is it you want? Why are you here?”

The gray predawn sky was giving way to streaks of red and gold. The chilly early-morning air cut through her lightweight jacket, causing a shiver to crawl across her skin. Perhaps staying in the kitchen with her father would have been preferable after all. She pulled together more composure than she actually felt. “I don’t owe you any explanations. Now, are you going to help me with my things or do I need to do it myself?” Well, that said it all. Whether it had been her original intention or not, she had just committed to staying at least until the next day.

“Okay, you win this round. But we’re not through with this yet.” He fixed her with a hard stare. “I won’t allow you to upset Buck. Until I know what your game is, I’ll be watching your every move. All you have to do is look over your shoulder and you’ll find me.”

He unfolded his arms and turned toward her car. He was not through with Melanie Winslow, not by a long shot. To create a scene right now would only upset Buck, and that was the last thing Cody wanted to do. He had noticed the way Buck’s color had improved, the way his physical condition seemed to perk up around his daughter.

Neither of them spoke as they unloaded the car and carried her belongings into the house. She preceded him down the hallway toward her old bedroom. She reached out for the doorknob, then hesitated as the sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. What in the name of all that was rational and logical was she doing? When had she lost control of what was happening? How had things suddenly become so twisted around that her overbearing father once again had control of her decisions?

Cody noted the hesitation in her actions, then the frantic look on her face when she turned toward him. He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner. “What’s the matter? Did you leave something in the car?”

“Uh, no, I have everything.” She gathered her courage, opened the bedroom door, flipped on the light switch and stepped three paces inside the room before stopping.

Her gaze traveled around the bedroom, quickly taking in the entire scene, then returning to do a more thorough appraisal. It was just as she had left it. Obviously it had been cleaned on a regular basis, but the same bedspread lay on the bed and the same curtains covered the windows. Her early efforts at photography were still framed and hanging on the walls. Her bookcase still held her schoolbooks. The picture of her mother still rested on the nightstand. A wrenching tightness knotted in the pit of her stomach. All the old memories, all the old feelings—

“Are you going to stand there forever?”

Cody’s interruption startled her. She spun around to face him. “I…it’s been a long time…”

He saw it on her face and in her eyes. It was certainly not what he had expected. It was not the hard, defiant edge of a tough woman that she had tried to project since her arrival. Once again he saw the same little girl who had stood just inside the door of the parlor, looking so confused and in need of comfort.

“Would you rather stay in another room?” He didn’t know exactly where the question had come from. It just sort of popped out of his mouth. He certainly hadn’t been aware of any conscious desire to make things easier for her—not this woman who had caused his good friend so much despair and hurt.

Mel only half heard his question. She walked across the room to the nightstand, set her notebook computer and camera bag on the bed, then picked up the photograph of her mother. She had left the house so quickly that she had packed only one suitcase with the basic necessities and nothing else. When she realized that she had not packed the photograph of her mother she had almost gone back to get it…almost. She’d had to make do with the picture she carried in her memory and in her heart.

Cody carried her three suitcases into the room and placed them next to the closet. He certainly recognized the picture she was holding. It was the same photograph Buck had next to his bed, along with Melanie’s high-school graduation picture. He had not seen it so much then, not from the comparison of two photographs, but now he realized just how much Melanie looked like her mother. He wanted to say something to her, but didn’t know what to say.

Cody left the bedroom, left Melanie alone with her thoughts and memories, and returned to the kitchen. Edna had arrived and was busy fixing breakfast while Buck sat at the table. Cody poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down across from Buck.

Edna was a pleasant woman, about sixty years old. She always had a warm smile and a cheery word. Buck had hired her within two weeks of the double tragedy of losing both his wife and daughter. She had been a real blessing to the daily activities of the ranch. Nothing seemed to bother her. She took all emergencies in stride right along with her regular duties. It was through Edna, a little over a year later, that Cody had come to work for Buck.

Buck removed the pack of cigarettes from his pocket, but before he could light one Cody took it away from him. “You know what the doctor said about these.”

“You don’t really think these things could do me any more harm than has already been done, do you?” Buck picked up the cigarette, stared at it for a moment, heaved a sigh of resignation, then put it back in the pack.

“Breakfast is ready.” Edna set a plate in front of Buck and another one in front of Cody. “Now, you eat while it’s good and hot.”

Buck stared at the amount of food on his plate. “What are you trying to do to me, Edna? Look at all of this—eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy—there’s enough here to feed an army. I’ll never be able to eat all of this.”

“You just try your best. I mean to put some meat back on those bones of yours. Lord knows you don’t eat enough to keep a fly going.”

Buck drank his orange juice, crunched on a strip of bacon and ate a bite of scrambled eggs before turning his attention back to Cody. “Well, you haven’t said anything. What do you think?”

Cody took a swallow of his coffee before answering. He knew what Buck was talking about and didn’t really want to get involved in the conversation. “Think about what?”

“You know…about Melanie.” Buck’s face clearly displayed the fatherly pride he felt. “Isn’t she about the prettiest little thing you’ve ever laid eyes on?”

“Sure, Buck. She’s very attractive.” Cody quickly took a bite of toast, then added a forkful of eggs in order to discourage any further conversation. He had tried his best to sound neutral, to express neither enthusiasm nor displeasure. He went over the words in his mind, the edge of sarcasm attaching itself in spite of his good intentions. Sure, Buck. She’s very attractive.

He washed the food down with another large swallow of black coffee, not at all happy with the conflicting thoughts and feelings that suddenly flooded his consciousness. Absolutely, Buck. Very attractive, Buck. Even with tangled hair, rumpled clothes, no sleep and a surly enough attitude to keep most people at bay she still would have no trouble at all in capturing any man’s attention…at least, she sure captured mine.

“I’ve moved my things into my…into the bedroom.”

Cody looked up at the sound of Melanie’s voice. She had removed her jacket, run a brush through her hair and added a touch of color to her lips. His gaze traced the curve of her hip and the swell of her breast beneath the soft sweater she wore, a swell he had almost come to know intimately. Ah, yes…she’s very attractive, Buck. That, she is. His brow inadvertently furrowed into a frown. Very attractive, indeed…dammit. He took another sip of his coffee, hoping it would somehow wash away his totally unacceptable thoughts.

“Come on, Mel, honey. Sit down and have some breakfast.” Buck turned his attention toward Edna, his face beaming with delight. “Edna, I’d like you to meet my daughter. This is Melanie.” He gazed lovingly at his daughter as he continued to talk. “She’s finally come back home.”

The discomfort was almost more than Melanie could bear. The expression on his face, the warmth in his voice…this man was a stranger to her, not the father she had known when she was growing up. She looked toward the woman standing at the stove. Melanie offered her a smile. “Hello, Edna. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, too. Buck has mentioned you so many times.” Edna gathered another place setting and carried it to the table. “You come make yourself comfortable and I’ll have your breakfast ready for you in just a minute.”

“Please don’t go to any trouble. Just some juice and coffee will be fine.” Mel noted the amount of food on both Buck’s and Cody’s plates and spoke up quickly before Edna had a chance to start cooking more. “I’m really not much of a breakfast person.”