Rough Rider (Hot Cowboy Nights, #2)(43)

“But you like Gram’s chocolate cake, right?”

“Yeah.”

“No peas means no cake. I mean it.” Janice directed the threatening look first to Cody and then to her mother. “You’ve got to stop spoiling him.”

“It’s my right as a grandma to spoil my only grandbaby. You still didn’t explain why you’re dressed like that.”

“Look, Mama, it’s real simple. I’m working in a bar. Most of the patrons are men. Men like to look.” Janice made a small adjustment to her cleavage but wasn’t about to go change. She was already running late. Besides, a small show of flesh meant much bigger tips.

“Well, it ain’t decent.” Her mother huffed. “And I thought you were looking for ranch work.”

“I was and I still am, but no one’s hiring hands right now and we’ve got bills to pay. Look, Mama, I don’t have time to talk about this right now. I’m gonna be late. Be a good boy for Grams, Cody, and I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed the top of his head and grabbed her purse off the kitchen counter but then hesitated at the door, feeling a surge of guilt. Between the moving and her job search, she hadn’t spent much time with her son. “Cody?”

“What, Mama?”

“I was thinking maybe we can do something special together this weekend? I know some great spots to go fishing. Would you like that?”

“Dunno.” He shrugged. “Never been fishing. I got invited to a friend’s house. Can I go?”

“Who’s the friend?” she asked.

“His name’s Caleb Croft. They have horses. I’ve never ridden a horse either.”

Janice bit her lip, searching her memory. “I don’t know any Crofts. Do you, Mama?”

“I do. They moved to town a few years back. Seem like nice enough folks. I think she’s a teacher.”

“Librarian,” Cody corrected. “Caleb’s mama works at the school.”

“Oh?” Janice said. “Then I s’pose it’ll be all right, but I’ll still want to meet them first. Call and ask Caleb when I can bring you out there. I gotta run now, sweetie. Bye, Mama,” Janice flung over her shoulder as she headed out the door.

Arriving at work twenty minutes later, Janice made a face in the mirror as she applied a shade of lipstick she never would have considered ten years ago. It seemed ironic, even laughable, how nothing in town had changed, while nothing about her would ever be the same.

In all truth, the last place Janice wanted to be was back in Twin Bridges, Montana, with her tail between her legs like some beaten-down dog. But that’s exactly what she felt like—as desperate as a starving bitch with whelps to feed. Returning home was not what she’d planned, but as always, Janice did what Janice needed to do. Her family depended on it. They’d always depended on her and she’d never let them down. Not once.

The truth was the only person Janice had ever disappointed in her entire life was herself. Yes, she’d certainly let herself down—or better said—she’d let herself be beaten down. It should have made her happy to come back and make a new start, but she felt like a stranger in her hometown. She’d never been more terrified. Or more alone.

She reminded herself that all that mattered now was making a decent life for Cody, even if that meant aping a Hooters girl. Although they barely skated above the poverty line, at least they had a roof over their heads in a place where Cody could do all the things boys were meant to do—like ride horses and learn to hunt and fish. Hiking her breasts a little higher in her push-up bra, she left the ladies’ room to clock in for her evening shift.

*

It was a slow night, even for a Thursday, when Wade Knowlton walked into the bar. The sight of him took her aback. She’d heard he’d had some trouble with booze following what folks called “the Rachel tragedy.” Janice had still been traveling the bull circuit when it had all happened, but she’d heard plenty of gossip about it. Their world was small—especially when the news concerned the Knowlton brothers. If only Rachel hadn’t played them against each other, everything might have turned out differently. Given time and perspective, the whole situation was nothing short of heartbreaking.

Janice hoped Wade’s appearance in the bar didn’t mean he’d fallen back into old habits. God knew she was familiar enough with that vicious cycle. But contrary to her fears, Wade seemed perfectly at ease with the world, walking in with a grin and a pretty brunette that Janice didn’t recognize.

He tipped his hat to the bartender, and then to several waitresses who lit up at the sight of him. Wade had that effect on lots of women. He was a damned good-looking man and a charmer to boot, but he’d never compared to Dirk in Janice’s book.

Until now, she hadn’t seen either of the Knowlton brothers. She wanted desperately to see Dirk again, but in the weeks since she’d been home, she hadn’t yet worked up enough nerve to take the initiative. She was too uncertain of her reception. He’d been through so much and she feared her appearance would only resurrect bad memories. So she’d waited, banking her hopes that he would come to her, but so far those hopes hadn’t paid off.

Janice’s pulse sped up when Wade settled at a table in her section. Here was her chance at last, but she found her courage faltering. “Buck up, Janice. Who knows when you’ll get another chance,” she mumbled to herself.