The Rancher and the Event Planner - By Cheryl Gorman Page 0,33
had nothing to do with the feelings he felt growing inside him.
“JC has this great idea about removing the back porch and building a first class spa,” Linc said. “I’m sure we can integrate it into the overall design with no problem.”
At least she’d agreed with him about this room and if Linc agreed the end result would integrate well, the spa might turn out okay. “Let’s go for it.”
Jennifer had a soft yet teasing look in her eyes. “That wasn’t so hard was it? You and I agreeing on something, I mean. Careful or you might start to actually see how well we link up together.”
They did, he realized as a wave of panic knocked around his good sense. How did it happen? Maybe it began the first time he saw her again in his office, an old friend who has blossomed into a beautiful, intelligent woman loaded with sex appeal. Dancing with her at the Round Up hadn’t helped because they’d both relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. Not to mention the kiss they’d shared on the dance floor. And what about the kisses they’d shared since then? What man wouldn’t be drawn to her?
He looked at Molly standing close to Jennifer, with one hand resting on Jennifer’s shoulder. His little girl obviously loved her and that made goose-bumps pebble his hide. He had started to think about Jennifer beyond the boundaries of friendship but that only strengthened his worry that he might hurt her. She had a hard time trusting people and if she trusted him that meant her heart would be susceptible to kindness, her feelings an open book and it was up to him to protect her.
He pushed his worries temporarily to the side and focused again on the project. “What do you think about adding a retaining wall and expanding the front porch to surround the house?” He asked the question to no one in particular, but he hoped Jennifer would argue the point because her disagreement would make him feel a whole lot better.
“Terrific idea,” Jennifer said, “It will add a new dimension to the house, and I think the guests will love the porch. We’ll add some ceiling fans, gliders and rocking chairs.”
“If everything goes well, we could have a grand opening by Thanksgiving,” Linc said.
“Will you be here when it opens?” Molly asked.
Jennifer smoothed her hand over Molly’s head. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Molly smiled and flung her arms around Jennifer’s neck.
A sick dread rose in Rafe’s chest. He was putting his heart at risk. He wasn’t worried about Molly because she had family and friends close around her. She would be happy of course when Jennifer came to town to visit and miss her at first when she left but kids bounced back so quickly. Would he be able to bounce back each time Jennifer came for a visit and left again?
***
“Your home is lovely,” JC said.
Ellie Blakely beamed. “We’re so glad you could join us for the barbecue. Garrett’s supervising the pig roast as usual.” She looked in the direction where the food preparation had been set up, and JC followed her line of sight where Mr. Blakeley, wearing casual slacks and a short-sleeved shirt, instructed one of the cooks.
“Just mingle. You know most everybody anyway. I need to speak to Garrett about the drinks supply. Toodle-loo,” she said, with a wave of her manicured fingers. She walked away, her wide hips shifting from side to side, in her floral capris, matching top, and bright pink sandals.
JC grabbed a glass of lemonade and chatted with some people she hadn’t seen since she arrived in town. Her gaze skimmed the crowd, for a glimpse of Rafe and Molly, but she didn’t see them. They had offered to pick her up, but she decided to drive her own car in case she wanted to leave early.
White tents covered the tables in case of inclement weather and there was a large kidney-shaped pool filled to the brim with laughing, ebullient kids. Elm, pine and sweet gum sprouted in clusters over the property with a stream meandering at the back. Gorgeous. It was nice to be out in the fresh air. Because she’d been cooped up in Cade’s cabin most of the day, making phone calls and setting things in motion for the town’s first big event. She had two weeks left in Salvation before she headed back to Shreveport and there was still so much to do. She had to