time off since you arrived here The weekend is coming up. You should get out and get to know the area. There’s plenty of wineries to the north of us. Jenny’s husband, Evan, owns the Rafferty Vineyard. And there’s San Antonio.”
“I’m not real social. But if it’s okay with you, I’d like a few hours off today. I might go riding while you’re with your friends.”
Louisa blinked in surprise. “Sloan asked you?”
Here it comes. She nodded. “He’s checking the herd and thought I’d like to see some of the ranch.”
“So he’s taking my advice.” Louisa’s gaze met hers. “I’m glad, because he’s worked too hard this past year.” She waved her hand. “Go, and make sure you both relax.”
“Then since we’re finished here, you should hit the showers.” Jade handed Louisa her cane and followed her out of the gym and down the hall to her bedroom. She went on ahead into the connecting bath and turned on the water in the large walk-in shower. Once she had Louisa situated, she left the woman to her privacy and went into the bedroom.
The phone rang. When it wasn’t answered by Marta on the third ring, Jade picked it up.
“Hello, Merrick residence,” she said.
There was a pause. “Who is this?” a man with a deep, rich voice asked.
“Jade Hamilton.”
“Oh, so you’re the miracle worker I’ve been hearing about.”
“I wouldn’t say I was a miracle worker.” She felt her heart pounding hard against her ribs. “May I ask who is calling?”
“Clay Merrick.”
“Oh, Senator.” She nearly choked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“Why? You’ve never met me. You had no idea who I was.” She heard the smile in his voice. “But I can’t wait to meet you.”
She swallowed back the dryness in her throat. This was her father. “I’ve been looking forward to that, too.”
CHAPTER FIVE
AN HOUR later, Sloan sat atop his gelding, Amigo, watching closely to see how Jade handled her horse, Cally. The small mare was the gentlest mount on the ranch.
Once outside the corral, they headed through the grove of trees and rode along the dry creek bed. Thanks to the recent autumn rains the plains were a rich green, but the trees on the hillside were changing color into bright, golden hues of red and orange. This was his favorite time of year, when all his hard work paid off.
Suddenly his mother’s words came to mind. You lead a boring life, son. He’d always worked hard, especially the last eleven months. He’d never been one to order ranch hands to do anything that he wouldn’t do. Damn, he was turning into a control freak. Maybe he could use some time off.
He stole a glance at Jade. It had been a long time since a woman had distracted him. Not because he didn’t want someone special in his life, but Clay’s public life had made it difficult to have much privacy. He was also suspicious of who his true friends … and lovers … were. As the son of a U.S. senator, people had expectations of him.
He expected to feel a pang of sadness over Crystal. Although she was from San Antonio, he’d thought he knew his former girlfriend better. After being together six months he’d soon discovered that she wanted the Merrick name and money. When they’d broken up she sold her story to the tabloids. He’d learned his lesson the hard way. It just seemed safer to concentrate on his work. The River’s End Ranch.
He heard his name called and looked toward Jade again.
“How am I doing?” she asked.
She sat relaxed in the saddle as she moved easily with the horse. He smiled. “Just fine. In fact you look pretty good, which is better for the horse. Believe me, they can sense an inexperienced rider.”
“So I’m not too bad for a city gal,” she said in an exaggerated twang.
She was a lot better than not bad. “A natural. I think you’ve ridden more than you said.”
“Actually, not so much,” she began. “Once my mother saw the size of the horse I’d been riding, she refused to let me continue the classes.” Jade glanced at him as their horses walked side by side along the trail. “My parents were older when they got me.”
He smiled. “So you were a surprise?”
“Yes and no.”
Jade enjoyed watching Sloan. If anyone was born to ranch life, it was this man. He was impressive astride his roan gelding, and handled the large animal with ease and grace. She quickly shook away any wandering thoughts. Gawking at good-looking cowboys wasn’t why she came here.
“I was always planned, but I didn’t arrive until they were in their late forties.” She wasn’t willing to tell him everything.
“No wonder they were a little overprotective of you.”
“I know. My mother wanted a baby for a long time.” She gave him a bright smile. “So giving up riding wasn’t so bad, not when my mother bribed me with ballet classes.”
“How did you like that?”
She smiled trying to hide her nervousness. “I loved the little outfits better than the dancing. Besides, I soon discovered I had no talent whatsoever, but my friends were in the class so I stuck it out for a few years.”
“From where I sit, you look pretty graceful to me.”
She was taken aback by his compliment. “You didn’t see me at nine when I was all arms and legs. The braces came later.”
She caught him studying her and it did funny things to her insides. She took a slow breath, trying to steady her sudden rapid heart rate.
“Well, everything seemed to turn out good,” he said. “You’re a beautiful woman, Jade Hamilton.”
“Thank you.” She looked toward the trail. No matter how attracted she was to this man, she couldn’t let this go any further.
“So, how far is this herd?”
“I have a turkey and a ham sandwich,” Sloan said as he looked into the lunch bag.
“Whatever. I don’t care which.” Jade sat down on the blanket spread under a big tree beside the creek. Water trickled over the rocky bottom, making a soothing sound. Across on the other side was the free-range herd. Sloan had told her the fence was to keep them in the large pasture where the soil was free of any pesticides or fertilizers.
The wind caught her hair but she barely noticed as she watched the black Angus steers feeding on the tall grass. A calm feeling came over her.
“It’s so peaceful here.” Although a Texan, she hadn’t experienced much of country life.
He sat down beside her and handed her the plastic wrapped
