Jules Bennett - Claimed By The Rancher

“This is a nice store. Good location, too.”

The old two-story brick building had belonged to her grandparents decades ago. They’d never sold it and her free-spirited, nomadic parents had no interest in staying. Granted, she didn’t necessarily want the building, either, but with her funds at an all-time low, she had no choice.

“I assume you’re in need of flowers? Or were you here to look at the paintings?” she asked, hoping to move this process along because having Nolan this close, where she could see him, inhale all that tantalizing masculinity...it brought back an onslaught of feelings she just couldn’t handle right now.

“Flowers,” he replied easily, as if he wasn’t torn up on the inside. Clearly the memories weren’t threatening to strangle him like they were her. He’d pushed her away and obviously moved on without a second thought. “But this artwork is exceptional. I remember how much you loved painting.”

He should remember because she’d tried to teach him...and that had ended up a disaster with paint all over them, which led to the best shower sex of her life. Well, the only shower sex, but regardless, the experience had been epic.

Nolan examined another canvas with bright flowers before bringing that heavy-lidded blue gaze back to her. He tipped up his black cowboy hat, a familiar move she’d seen him do countless times. Only he wasn’t the same cowboy he’d been when she left. Now he was a big, broody, powerfully built man, hotter than she’d ever thought possible.

Being a member of the prestigious Elliott clan didn’t hurt him, either. Gorgeous and wealthy were a lethal combination. He’d been both of those when she’d loved him before, but that had nothing to do with how fast and hard she’d fallen for him. He’d been so much more than her boyfriend, her lover. He’d been her very best friend and she’d thought her soul mate.

After she left, she’d wondered if it was all real, if her emotions were just those of a guileless young woman who hadn’t any life experience yet. Unfortunately, she’d done too much thinking since she’d been gone.

Pepper wasn’t sure what all he’d done in the past few years—she’d purposely distanced herself to keep the pain at bay. She did know that, despite his privileged upbringing, Nolan had wanted more out of life than ranching. He’d been determined to help others. And it was that damn career goal that had ultimately been the catalyst that ripped them apart.

Nolan’s lifelong dream had wedged its way between them and had him choosing his unknown future over her. Over their family.

The Elliotts were one of the wealthiest families in Texas, probably the country. Pepper had loved their home on Pebblebrook Ranch. She’d once envisioned a life there, a life with Nolan and their baby. The two of them had even designed a home together and she’d thought for sure they’d live happily ever after surrounded by puppy dogs and rainbows. That was how naive she’d been, because she’d never once considered that something could rip them apart.

But something had and all of those dreams had been stripped away, leaving her with nothing but a shattered heart.

Nolan moved back to the display of roses, giving her a full visual of those tight jeans over slim hips. Pepper closed her eyes, took several deep, calming breaths and willed the memories to go away. She was trying to rebuild her life, not get swept up in the darkest moments of her past.

She’d known she’d come face-to-face with him eventually. Heck, she’d even played out the scene in her mind. But nothing had prepared her for the crushing reality of the actual moment.

“Roses are too typical for a first date.”

Pepper swallowed. Of course he’d be shopping for a lady... Why else would a man come into her shop? And she wasn’t stupid. Nolan was a very attractive man, a rich rancher to boot—what woman wouldn’t want to go out with him?

Still, why did she have to be privy to his wooing tactics? That was just more salt in the wound that had never healed.

But she’d opened this business for a much-needed fresh start, and she needed it to be a success. Which meant she had to cater to all clientele so she could start making money. No matter who walked through her door.

Pepper pulled on her professional panties and squared her shoulders. “What type of lady is she? Does she have hobbies? That can tell me quite a bit about a person, if I know her interests.”

And if this faceless woman had an interest in Nolan, Pepper already knew enough...and she hated her with a fiery passion.

Nolan turned toward her once again. “She works at the hospital with me. I’m not sure what she does outside of that.”

Her heart hitched in her throat. So he had fulfilled that dream of becoming a doctor after all. He’d followed through and now had everything he’d ever wanted. Nolan was the type of man to never let any obstacle get in his way...no matter who he hurt in the process.

“I assumed you’d still be ranching at Pebblebrook.” She hadn’t meant to let that thought slip out.

“I help out when I can. That’s definitely Colt’s area of expertise.” Nolan crossed his arms over that powerfully broad chest, and Pepper had to force her eyes to remain on his. “I’m a surgeon at Mercy Hospital, so my schedule can be crazy at times.”

A cowboy and a doctor? Did he have to up that sex appeal by telling her this? No doubt this woman was a cute little perky nurse. She probably also had a perfect waistline and could fasten a pair of size-two jeans.

Drawing in a deep breath, Pepper smoothed her tank over her round abdomen. The most comfortable things for her these days were her long flowy skirts and her tanks. Anything that stretched along with her belly.

“Okay, then. Let’s not do roses,” she suggested. “What about a variety of colors in a bouquet? I have a few options over here with some tulips or some with daisies. Tulips are classy. Daisies are more fun.”

She moved from behind the counter and started for the front of her shop. But she’d taken only a few steps when she heard Nolan’s swift intake of breath.

That past she’d hoped to never face again had officially hit her square in the face.

* * *

Nolan prided himself on control and the ability to think on his feet and hide his emotions. For a rancher and skilled surgeon, there was no other way to live.

But seeing Pepper Manning with a baby bump had knocked the air right out of him...as if seeing her after ten years wasn’t enough. She was still just as breathtaking as he remembered. Then again, their sizzling physical attraction and sexual compatibility had never been the issue.

No...those aspects of their relationship were beyond compare. He exhaled roughly, rubbing a hand across his stubbled jaw, as the memories assailed him. His fear of commitment at such a young age and the pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage were what had ultimately torn them apart. It had all been too much, too soon, and to say he hadn’t handled things well would be a vast understatement.

But he’d been afraid. That fear had spawned his actions and he’d been too prideful to admit it. Ultimately, he’d let everything go in an attempt to save himself. He’d never forgiven himself, but he sure as hell didn’t want to dredge up all of that now. He’d moved on, and it was obvious Pepper had, too.

Even so, having her so close yet being unable to reach out and touch her was difficult. She personified beauty, and she’d captured his heart once, so long ago...but he wasn’t sure that man existed anymore. The miscarriage had broken something inside him that had never fully healed.

Pepper was clearly stronger than she’d been years ago. Her beauty was just one of the things he’d loved about her. Her inner strength was definitely another. But seeing her now, ready to move forward with a child, only proved she’d handled the situation better than he had.