The Cowboy's Temptation Page 0,5

through her statement. Finally, he leaned forward and said, “What’s going on with your friend? I thought your vacation wasn’t going to start for another two weeks.”

“I was under that impression as well. But she’s pregnant with twins so it is more difficult to pin down a due date. It was always a high risk pregnancy. I’m just hoping she is able to deliver two healthy babies and I’m going to do anything I can to help her accomplish that.”

Jim nodded with a sophisticated twist. “That’s very noble of you. And very loyal. I’ll allow you to go under two conditions,” he started, staring at her carefully.

“Understood. What are they?” she asked, holding her breath in anxiety over what he might ask of her.

“First, you have to check in with e-mail every day. I don’t want your clients to worry about their projects although I know you’re leaving most of them almost finished as of last night.”

“That’s fair,” she said, angling her head to the side in a mock agreement which was the typical fashion in their world. It was a sort of acknowledgment without an outright agreement. “And the other condition?” she asked, but she already knew. He didn’t disappoint her.

“I want you to consider my proposition from last night,” he said, smiling as if he was some sort of Prince Charming. “Like I said, I think we could provide valuable services to each other,” he continued.

Elise considered his words and tried to shake the feeling that there might be a type of quid pro quo involved. She hated the idea, wanting to be rewarded only for her professional services and not anything she did in the bedroom.

Subduing the need to shiver in revulsion, she pasted a small smile on her face, hoping he would think that was agreement. “Thank you Jim,” she said, and stood up quickly, wanting to leave the man’s office as if it were on fire. She was disgusted! Both with the men and the profession.

What was she doing? Was all this political idiocy and sexual wrangling worth the effort? She knew her bank account was healthy but surely no amount of money could be worth sacrificing one’s sense of self worth and identity.

Rushing back to her office on feet that could not move quickly enough, she only took time to grab her purse and her laptop before leaving the building. Once she was out on the streets of New York, she breathed in the air, only to cough as a large delivery truck drove by, spewing combustion in every direction.

With her shoulders drooping, she pulled her cell phone out and called Veronica, letting her know that she would be on the next plane out of New York and would give her more details as soon as she had a plane reservation.

Hanging up, Elissa smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. At least some things in this world were genuine, she told herself.

Chapter 2

Jake Callahan heard his name come through on the walkie-talkie and responded quickly while keeping his eyes on the road in front of him, maneuvering the truck through the intersection. “Callahan here. What’s up?”

“Jake, it’s Rick. I need to get Ronny to the doctor’s office. Can you pick up her friend at the airport?”

“Sure can. What’s wrong with Ronny?” he asked, his concern coming through in is voice.

“Nothing really. The doctor just wants to see her since she’s been having so many contractions lately.”

Jake nodded even though Rick couldn’t see it through the phone. “I’m almost to town now. What time is this woman’s flight?” he asked.

Rick gave him the flight information and Jake memorized it. “Got it,” he replied.

“One more thing, Jake,” Rick called back. “What’s that?”

“Be nice. This is Ronny’s best friend and from what I understand she’s pretty upset about something.”

“Aren’t I always nice?” Jake replied sarcastically.

Rick chuckled. “Like I said, be nice just once. Be polite too,” he continued. “Remember your momma’s lessons on being a gentleman.”

Jake didn’t respond to his friend’s admonition. “Get Ronny to the doctor. Don’t worry about her friend.”

“Thanks, Jake. I’ll see you back at the ranch.”

“Don’t rush. Hey wait…” he called back.

“What’s up?” Rick came back on the radio.

“What’s this woman’s name again? I don’t think you’ve ever told me,” he said.

“Elissa. Elissa Stone.”

“Got it.”

Jake turned the truck to the right instead of the left, heading towards Amarillo and the airport instead of Main Street in Dumas to pick up supplies.

Once at the airport, Jake parked the SUV and went into the terminal. Amarillo International