Predestined: Nathan McCoy's Story (Hell Yeah! Book 37) Read online

  Once she felt rested, Clare made her way to the barn. Due to her lack of strength, she didn’t ride with a heavy saddle that would have to be lifted over her head. Rather, she rode her beautiful palomino bareback. Wanting to get this trip over with, she pulled herself atop Luna’s back and took off down the mountain.

  About a half mile away, Nathan rode the fence line. He wasn’t only checking the structural integrity of the fence, he was also learning the lay of the land. After leaving Romy’s cabin, he’d continued up the mountain and now he was descending from another angle. He was glad this was a chore he could accomplish with his mind full of what just happened. Nathan felt like he’d just stepped off a rollercoaster ride. First the shock of seeing her picture, then the letdown of their meeting. Looking back, he had to wonder what he’d been thinking – to walk up on a woman alone out of nowhere. Hell, he was lucky she hadn’t shot him. He didn’t blame her a bit for asking him to leave. Living apart from her family, she probably didn’t even know he’d been hired on. Plus, he needed to remember that she didn’t share his dream experience. He was a stranger to her. She knew Joseph, but she didn’t know him from Adam.

  Still – it hurt like hell to have to walk away from her.

  If he could just talk to Romy, spend some time with her – maybe he could make her understand. “You’re dreaming again, bud,” he whispered to himself. What he had to say would sound like a fairy-tale. She was going to think he was certifiable. “But what choice do I have?” Nathan argued with himself. “I can’t give up.”

  Coming to a small stream, Nathan found the best place for Buck to cross, then urged him into the gently flowing water. “I know you don’t appreciate a bath, but this isn’t deep. Think of it as a wading pool.” Buck obeyed – albeit reluctantly. A few steps later, Nathan realized the current was stronger than it looked. “Steady, Buck. Just keep going. I know this isn’t the Guadalupe. Things are different out here.”

  As he guided his mount to dry ground, Nathan realized he was speaking truth. Things were different than he’d anticipated. Romy… “No, Clare. Her name is Clare.” Clare didn’t know him, not like he knew her. Or thought he did. Was the Romy of his dream the same woman as Clare Connelly? Oh, he didn’t think it was a case of mistaken identity. What crossed his mind was the possibility that his subconscious created a character, a personality that existed nowhere but in his own mind. “No.” Everything within Nathan rejected the idea. “That’s not true.” He believed this, but the only way to know for sure was to spend time with her. Get to know her. Let her get to know him.

  As the ranch house came into view, Nathan made a decision. Everything had happened so fast that he didn’t get a chance to think things through. His plan to tell Romy/Clare his dream was a flawed one. He might scare her far worse than his surprise visit already had. No, he needed to approach this situation with a bit more finesse. He needed to treat her like he would any other woman he was interested in. Make overtures. Flirt. Prove himself to be irresistible. Nathan chuckled at the thought. That seemed like a tough row to hoe, he was pretty sure he was very resistible. Still, what other choice did he have? Only fools rush in. Wasn’t that the old saying? With a sigh, he admitted that his resolve made sense, but his heart was very impatient.

  Galloping down the mountain trail, Clare wondered if Nathan might still be nearby – but no, he would keep his word. Clare knew him well…she’d asked him to leave, and he’d left. If one were to ask her how she knew Nathan, she’d be embarrassed to say. No one would believe her.

  Holding onto the reins, she flexed her hands, then turned one over to look at her palm. No wonder they were sore. While speaking to Nathan, she’d made such a tight fist that her fingernails left marks on her palm. It was a wonder she hadn’t thrown herself at him.

  As she approached the ranch complex, Clare slowed Luna to a walk. Her eyes darted around, taking in the activity of cowboys going about their work. She didn’t expect Nathan to be following her, but she didn’t want to run into him accidentally either. “I have enough trouble with my heart as it is.”

  Riding up to the kitchen door, she tied Luna’s reins to a hitching post. Sliding to the ground, she ventured up the stairs and into the warm kitchen. “Ms. Robbins?”

  “Yes, dear?”

  The older lady came bustling over. “You’re not dressed warm enough. Where’s your big coat? The weather’s going to turn bad in the next few days, I can feel it in my bones.”

  “I’m good. The frigid air keeps my blood circulating.” In spite of her brave words, she did gravitate to the woodstove. “Thanks for the cookies. You really shouldn’t have…” Clare pinned her with a stare. “And I mean that, Ms. Robbins, you really shouldn’t have.”

  The housekeeper laughed. “He seems like a nice boy.”

  “He is a nice boy, but you know how I feel about this. I don’t need you trying to fix me up.”

  “Who me?” She shrugged. “Would I do something like that?”

  “You did. Dating is not for me, you know my situation.”

  “Pshaw.”

  “Pshaw?” Clare echoed her old friend.

  “That’s right.” Ms. Robbins shook her finger at her. “No one but the Lord knows the future.”

  “True. That’s why I’m living every day like it’s my last.” The moment she said the words, Clare realized they weren’t true.

  Live every day like it’s your last.

  An epiphany began to dawn on her…then her focus was changed as her brothers came into the room.

  “Clare, we thought we heard your voice.” Storm came forward to give her a hug. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine.”

  “Good.” Mad claimed his hug also. “I’m glad you’re here. Can you stay for lunch?”

  She hadn’t thought about lunch. “I’m not hungry. I need to talk to the two of you.” She glanced at Ms. Robbins. “In private.”

  The housekeeper rolled her eyes. “Harumph. Like there’s anything that goes on in this house I don’t know.”

  Clare rolled her eyes right back at her, then glanced at her brothers. “Please.”

  “Of course.” Storm offered her his arm, leading her to what Mad referred to as ‘the conference room.’ “Now, what’s up?”

  Waiting until the door was closed and she had both of their attentions, Clare let out a long breath – then just plunged in. “I need you to let Nathan McCoy go.”

  “Go where?” Mad asked innocently in response.

  “Go…home.” Clare said simply. “I don’t want him working here.”

  “Why ever not?” Storm looked completely confused “He’s full of ideas. He’s a good worker.”

  She shrugged, not knowing how to put it. “I…I…” Hell. Frustrated with herself, she resorted to stomping her foot. “Because I don’t want him here. Do I have to say more?”

  “Why, yes. You do.” Mad sat on the edge of the table, his arms crossed.

  “Well…” She hesitated again. “I can’t. I would just rather he didn’t work here, that’s all.”

  Storm frowned. “You have to have a better reason than that.” Narrowing his eyes, he asked a hard question. “Has something happened? Has he hurt you? Scared you?”

  Unable to lie or do something that would hurt Nathan, she bowed her head, shoulders slumped. “No, he hasn’t done anything of the kind.”

  “Then…?” Mad spread his hands. “What are you getting at?”

  Storm looked at his sister with concern. “It’s not like you to be this unreasonable.”

  “I’m not…” She began, then wondered if he was right. “Look, this is a girl thing. Okay?”

  “Ah.” Mad smiled as if what she said explained everything. “Well, I think if you give it some time and give Nathan a chance – you’ll see he’s an asset to our organization.”

  Storm wasn’t so quick to come to a conclusion. “Is there something going on between the two of you?”

  Clare made a face. “How could there be? We’ve
never been formally introduced.”

  More sensitive than his brother, Storm looked deep into Clare’s eyes. “You don’t have to be afraid to care for somebody, sis.”

  “It’s not that,” Clare protested loudly. “I just would rather he be anywhere else than here!” Lie. Lie. Lie. She was such a coward.

  “Sorry.” Storm stood by his brother. “He’s a good man. He’s from a good family. Plus, he possesses information and skills that we need at the moment. If you don’t want to be around him, I’m sure you can find a way not to be in the same places at the same time.”

  Clare closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. “Great. Thanks for nothing.” She started to walk away but looked back. “Just don’t volunteer any information about me. Please. I want to keep my business private. Understand?”

  “Fine. Whatever.” Storm looked perturbed. “One of these days you’re going to have to start trusting someone.”

  “I trust the two of you! So, don’t make me sorry that I do.” Turning, she made for the door, threw it open, and walked right into Nathan McCoy’s broad chest.

  “Hold on. I’ve got you.” Nathan sought to steady her as she tried to quickly move away from him.

  “Nathan, have you met Clare?” Mad spoke tongue in cheek, knowing he was going to piss his sister off further. “Clare, this is Nathan McCoy.”

  Nathan tipped his hat. “Ma’am.”

  “Oh, please.” She pushed by him.

  “Excuse me a moment.” Nathan nodded at the brothers, then took off after Romy. “Wait. Just a moment. Please.”

  It was the please that did it. She stopped in her tracks, but she didn’t turn around to face him.

  “I’m sorry, but I overheard what you said.”

  “Perfect.” She stood her ground. “So, if you know how I feel – why don’t you just go?”

  Nathan frowned and swallowed the hurt. “I can’t. I’ve got a lot riding on this.” He was telling the truth. He’d made such a big deal about doing something on his own, there was no way he could tuck his tail and run back to Texas. Plus, as long as there was a chance in hell that he could make Romy his – he had to take it. “I’m sorry…but… Can I just ask you why?”

  His question surprised her in a way. What could she say? A half dozen lies danced on her lips, but she couldn’t voice them. All she could do was give him a brief synopsis of the truth. “Because we’re going to end up hurting each other, that’s why.”

  Chapter 8

  Because we’re going to end up hurting each other, that’s why.

  “I would never hurt you. Never.” Nathan spoke with conviction. “I’d rather cut off my right arm first.”

  “Hurt can go both ways, you know.”

  Stepping closer to her, he tentatively touched her arm. “I’m willing to take a chance.”

  “Well, I’m not.” She moved on down the hall with him hot on her heels.

  “Romy…I mean, Clare. Wait.”

  Coming to a standstill, she wheeled around to look at him. “Where did you hear the name Romy? How do you know that’s my name?”

  “Is it?” Nathan was encouraged. As far as he was concerned, that was further proof the dream meant something.

  “A nickname, but you didn’t answer my question.”

  Frankly, Nathan didn’t know how to answer her question without totally spilling the beans. “I don’t know. I heard it from Joseph, I suppose.”

  “I don’t think so.” She glared at him, her eyes softening as the moments passed. “Look, if you’re going to stay…can we just keep out of each other’s way?”

  He searched her face, trying to read the emotions he saw displayed there. Suddenly, he realized that he couldn’t read her thoughts. At all. Reaching his hand out again, he clasped hers – just to be sure. Nope. Nothing. Hallelujah! When she didn’t pull away, he wove their fingers together – glorying in the rightness of her touch. “I don’t want to do anything to make you unhappy, but I have to be honest.”

  “Please do,” she whispered, unable to turn her attention away from their joined hands.

  “There’s something between us. I can feel it,” Nathan whispered. “Something wonderful. I just want a chance to see where that might take us.”

  Clare felt her heart flip over. Placing a habitual protective hand to her chest, she let out a long breath. “I already know where it’ll take us, Nathan – and it’s somewhere you don’t want to go.”

  With those cryptic words, she left him standing alone.

  Nathan wasn’t deterred, however. “Good thing I don’t give up easy.”

  Two days later…

  Clare stood at the doctor’s receptionist desk and waited for the appointment card she knew was coming.

  “We’ll see you in a month, Ms. Connelly.”

  She sighed and smiled. “Can’t wait.”

  “Your prescription refill is waiting for you at your regular drug store.”

  “Thanks.” She tucked the card in her purse, then turned on her heels to escape the clinical atmosphere.

  “Excuse me.” She eased past a couple who was coming in off the street. She just wanted out in the open air so she could breathe. Once she made it out, Clare looked upward toward the mountains and wished she was home already. Telluride was a beautiful place, but she hated crowds. Walking slowly, she admired the beautifully decorated shop window. Two of the shops on this street carried her wares. Clare wasn’t even tempted to stop and see how they were selling. She let Storm worry about such things. Her needs were few. What money could buy didn’t bother her very much.

  Making her way to the drug store on the corner, she lifted her face to smell the mountain air. If she wasn’t mistaken, she could smell snow. Maybe Ms. Robbins was right about the weather. Clutching her coat a bit tighter around the middle, she stayed on her prescribed path. She’d pick up the prescription, then head back to the ranch.

  …Inside the drug store, Nathan stood in line at the counter, a bottle of CBD oil in his hand. He wasn’t completely out, but he thought he’d pick some up while he was in town. Lately, he hadn’t used as much as usual. Working outdoors and not being around his family, the need wasn’t as great. Again, he marveled at the fact that he couldn’t read Romy. What a blessing that would be. She was only the second person he’d come across where there was no jumble of thoughts to filter through. The other individual was Cady, of course. For a second, he considered why that would be true.

  “Anything else?”

  The checker’s question brought a halt to his musings. “No, this is all.”

  She told him the amount and he handed her his credit card. When the transaction was complete, she returned his card with the receipt. “Come back to see us.”

  “Thanks.” He stepped away – and right into somebody.

  “Oh, sorry.”

  He knew that voice. “Ro…Clare?” Nathan grinned as he realized who he’d run into. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

  “Tell me about it,” she muttered dryly.

  Nathan was heartened by the touch of humor in her voice. “Well, now that we’re here…together…would you let me buy you a soda?”

  Clare desperately tried to think of a reason to say no. When she couldn’t come up with a good one she sighed. “All right. Let me get my prescription. Where will you be?”

  “Right here. Waiting on you.” He gave her a wink as they moved up to the counter. “Since you’re so enthusiastic and all. I wouldn’t want you to skip out on our date.”

  “This isn’t a date.”

  “Well, it could be.” Seeing her look of warning, he held up a hand of acquiescence. “Whatever it is – it’s good. I’m just glad to see you.”

  “Hmmm.” Clare rang the small bell for service. “Prescription for Clare Connelly please.”

  “Be right with you, Ms. Connelly.” He turned to his assistant. “Furosemide and the ACE inhibitors, they’re already bagged up.”

  Clare winced as the pharmacist announced what
drugs she was taking. Risking a glance at Nathan, she was relieved to see that he didn’t appear to have noticed. “What are you doing in town?”

  “Picking up fencing supplies.”

  “Don’t we have hired hands to send on those errands?”

  “What do you think I am?”

  “A McCoy.”

  “You got me there. Although, I’m not sure what you mean.”

  She didn’t answer right away, stopping to pay for her medicine. When the pharmacist started to give her the usual speech about the dosage and precautions, she stopped him. “I’ve got it. Thanks.” After paying her bill, she turned to Nathan. “I mean you’re a McCoy. You have hired hands of your own.”

  He gave her a wry glance. “Actually, that was my job title on Tebow. Even worse, it was without pay.”

  “I’m not sure I believe you.”

  “Well, you can.” He put a protective hand on her lower back. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here. I wanted to prove myself in a place where my last name wasn’t over the gate.”

  “I thought TEBOW was over the gate.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t tell me you paid a visit to my house, and I missed you?”

  “No. I guess I saw a picture or something.” She didn’t want to tell him that she subscribed to his hometown newspaper.

  “Possible. I know Joseph visits here a lot.”

  “Right.” She took a seat in the chair he pulled out for her at a small café table. “Thanks.”

  “Welcome.” Nathan joined her, his finger reaching to touch the white bag she’d placed next to her napkin. “You’re taking medicine?”

  Clare moved the bag off the table quickly and stuffed it in her purse. “Female stuff.”

  “Why do I get the idea that’s what women say when they just want to throw us guys off the scent?”

  She couldn’t contain a giggle. “And it works too, doesn’t it?”