Rebecca Winters - Made For The Rancher

“He definitely saved our lives by knowing where to put us down. I need to let his parents know what has happened.”

“I’m positive the police have already informed his family. The news will go out over the airwaves soon enough.”

One of the female technicians came in with some juice and checked Jasmine’s vital signs. “Are you hungry?”

“Not yet, but this tastes good.”

“Let me know if you need anything.”

“Do you know how Mr. Farnsworth is doing?”

“They’re still running tests on him. I’ll tell the doctor to give you an update when he can.”

“Thank you.”

She noticed the other woman check out Wymon Clayton before she walked out. In truth, Jasmine had been doing the same thing and had observed that he didn’t wear any rings. She found herself wanting to know more about him.

“How did you happen to be in the mountains this morning?”

“I was on my way to meet up with some rangers on business, which reminds me I need to contact them and let them know why I didn’t make it. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

She wanted to tell him she didn’t expect him to come back. He’d done more than enough for them, but he’d slipped behind the curtain before she could stop him. Once he’d gone, the doctor came back in and checked on her again.

“You’re free to get up, use the bathroom, get dressed. Then you can go see Mr. Farnsworth if you like. If you’re still feeling well in another hour, I’ll release you.”

“That’s good. I’m anxious to move around now.”

When she came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, Wymon Clayton was waiting for her. It shouldn’t have excited her, but it did. His glance took in the jeans and knit top she’d pulled from her suitcase to wear, sending a slow burn through her body.

He stood there with his hat on. “The doctor told me you’re free to walk around. Why don’t you and I go to the cafeteria for a late lunch while we wait for Mr. Farnsworth to come back from his CAT scan?”

It was an innocent invitation offered by the man who’d come along in time to help save their lives, but she felt guilty when she said, “That sounds good. I think I’m getting hungry at last.”

All she took with her was her phone from the bedside table before leaving the ER with him. He seemed to know exactly where to go. She noticed that women young and old eyed him up as they made their way to the cafeteria at the other end of the building. Jasmine was five foot seven, but she felt small compared to Wymon. He had to be over six feet and was taller than Rob.

She felt wrong comparing him with Rob, but she supposed it was natural that she’d notice the differences between the two men.

Jasmine and Wymon each took a tray and went through the line picking out what they felt like eating. He paid for their food and led them to a table in the corner.

“I’ll pay you back when we get back to the room,” she said.

He helped her settle into her chair before sitting down opposite her. “I’m the one who asked you to eat with me.”

So he had. He had a quiet air of authority when he spoke, which had come across on TV. Again she got the sensation that she was doing something wrong. The first time it had happened, she didn’t know why, but this time she knew exactly what was disturbing her.

She felt an attraction to this man that was so much stronger than anything she’d ever felt before. Pure chemistry, hormones, whatever it was, it was powerful.

Keep it casual, Jasmine. Just be grateful for his help, that’s all. Remember the man you’ve been dating is getting a CAT scan right now—the man who wants to marry you and is still waiting for the right answer you can’t give him.

“Where were you headed when the hawk flew into you?”

She’d just swallowed another bite of her grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich. “Seattle.”

“That’s tough luck. At least insurance will pay for a new plane because it was an accident. Unfortunately, I’m sure that’s small comfort for him at the moment.”

“You’re right. He just bought this plane.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me, too.” Sorry she’d hurt Rob so terribly right before the accident happened. He had to be suffering for a myriad of reasons. Her greatest hope was that nothing truly serious had happened to him except the concussion. You could recover fully from a concussion.

“More coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

Wymon poured her some from the carafe. “I know he’s an influential representative.”

“A very dedicated one as I’m sure you’ve found out, being on the other side of the grizzly bear issue. How about you? Did you always want to be a rancher?”

He finished the rest of his coffee. “It’s my life.”

She felt the passion of that statement travel through her body, and then it dawned on her. “Toly Clayton. Your brother is the tie-roping state champion!”

Something flickered in the depths of his gray eyes. “That’s right. Toly’s my baby brother.”

“Philipsburg is on the pro rodeo circuit for July 2. I’m a big fan of his. Wouldn’t it be something if he wins the championship in December?”

“That’s his dream.”

“We’ll be rooting for him.”

“Who’s we?”

“My parents and I.”

His half smile turned her heart over. “He’s the famous one in our family.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

“Three brothers.”

“What are your other brothers’ names?”

“Roce and Eli.”

“Those are good English names.”

He nodded. “Wymon and Elias Clayton, two brothers who were immigrants from Lancashire, England, came to Montana in the mid-1800s. The names got handed down.”

“No girls in your family?”

Another smile broke the corner of his compelling mouth. “My brother Eli got married recently. Now my mother has a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. That helps.”

So the other three brothers weren’t married. That included the gorgeous male seated across from her.

He finished off another roll. “What about you? Do you have siblings?”

“No. My parents had almost given up on having children when I came along. You’re lucky to have come from a big family.”

“It has its moments, but I wouldn’t trade any one of them.” She heard love in his voice before he said, “If you’re through eating, I’ll walk you back. I know you’re anxious to find out how Mr. Farnsworth is doing.”

Of course she was worried, but she’d also enjoyed talking to Wymon and suffered more guilt for admitting it to herself. “I hope they don’t find anything else wrong with him.”

“He seemed to be all right, and the concussion will heal. As for you, from where I’m sitting, no one would guess that a few hours ago you barely escaped a plane crash.”

“This whole day has been surreal.”

“I can only imagine. After your experience, you’re going to feel aches and pains and need rest, even if you’re fighting it now.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

They got up and went back to the ER. He entered the cubicle with her. “Why don’t you lie on top of the bed and relax? I’ll see what I can find out about Mr. Farnsworth.”

She watched him disappear. The man had a way of being in charge without doing anything overt. He was intrinsically kind. Solid. She knew she could trust him. He was a person she imagined other people leaned on. And you’re thinking about him way too much.

Suddenly exhausted, Jasmine got on the bed and lay down on her side. Poor Rob. This day had turned into a nightmare for him. The only kind of comfort he would want was to hear that she would marry him.

Tears trickled from her eyes because she couldn’t tell him something she didn’t feel. Restless, she turned on her other side.