Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch Book 3) Page 2

  “Are you tired, baby girl?” Knox smoothed her hair back, then kissed the top of her head.

  Ruby gave a solemn nod. He loved that about her. She was always true to her feelings.

  “Let’s get you inside, then,” he said. “You napping at Grandpa’s house?”

  Ruby had the entire extended family wrapped around her little fingers, but especially her grandpa, Rex Prosper, who happened to also be the mayor of the city founded by his great-grandad.

  Ruby nodded again, and since she was looking so small and her eyes seemed so heavy, he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the house.

  Everything about the house was familiar. His mom hadn’t changed much in the way of décor over the years. The same afghan was thrown over the back of the couch, the leather recliner sat where it always sat, and in the kitchen, everything was the same, too.

  There, Macie sat at the table, with her bracelet-making equipment spread across it. He knew she had plenty of room at his brother’s house, but Ruby loved the ranch. Knox guessed that Holt was keeping to the barn during the visit, which was just as well. Although peace had been made between them as far as Macie marrying Holt, it wasn’t like they were going to hang out together. Not unless it was necessary.

  Macie looked up as he carried Ruby toward the hallway where the bedrooms were.

  “You ready for your nap, sweetie?” she asked, rising from the table.

  “I’ve got her,” Knox said. “Evie’s room, right?”

  Macie nodded, her gaze tracking him and cataloging the toys gripped in Ruby’s arms.

  Knox didn’t explain anything but continued walking until he reached his sister Evie’s room. She was living in San Antonio now and working for a newspaper. Her boyfriend was there, too, and Knox supposed Carson Hunt was a nice enough kid.

  The room was dim since the curtains were half-closed, and Ruby’s eyes remained half-open as Knox set her down on the bed. She refused to let go of her toys, and instead, clutched them to her chest as Knox unfolded a blanket, then draped it over her small form.

  “Sleep tight, baby girl,” he whispered as Ruby’s eyelids drifted closed. He pressed a kiss to her temple, then stood for a moment, watching his miracle sleep.

  A miracle because she’d been unexpected. That first night Knox had met Macie at the rodeo so many years ago, they’d danced, then gone for a drive in his truck about Prosper. It was her first time in the town, and he was glad for a break from seeing Jana Harris with her friends—laughing and dancing with whoever asked them to dance.

  Jana hadn’t even cared that he’d come looking for her before the bull-riding. No, when he’d approached where she was sitting with her group, everyone acknowledged him but her. She never once looked up from her phone.

  He’d kept silent for long enough, but it was time to finally hear why she’d betrayed him in her own words. He’d let things fester for months. But no more.

  But Jana had ignored him. Acted like he didn’t exist. Like he wasn’t even good enough to wipe her boots on.

  So Knox had left her little circle of friends and joined up with his fellow bull-riders. No bull could have thrown him that night, and Knox ended up winning the championship. So, he’d celebrated by dancing with a pretty girl from out of town. Macie had been completely different from Jana. Macie had listened to his stories; her laugh was soft and her smile sweet.

  Yeah, things had gone too far, too fast that night. And when Macie told him she was pregnant, there wasn’t even a question in Knox’s mind. He proposed marriage on the spot to her, and provided a home for his new wife and kid.

  Until he didn’t. Until he could never seem to get a break. Never get both feet under him. Never have a decent night’s sleep. Never stop being bothered by Jana’s betrayal. On one level, he knew that Macie was different. That she’d never do such a thing. But what did he know about women, truly know about them?

  He’d hit rock bottom, hard, and Macie and Ruby were the ones to pay the dearest price.

  By the time he realized what he’d lost and given up, it was too late to turn things around.

  Macie had moved on. Completely.

  Knox knew it was over, totally, but moments like this… watching his baby girl sleeping made him wish he wasn’t only stopping in for a few moments. He released a slow breath, then turned to the door. He stepped out into the hall, and closed the door with a soft click.

  “She’s asleep?” Macie asked quietly.

  Knox looked over to see her standing at the end of the hall, arms folded, as she leaned against the wall.

  She’d always been beautiful, but it seemed wrong to appreciate it any longer. So much time had passed, so many hurtful words, and even more hurtful feelings… She was no longer his to notice such things as her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders, the soft pink of her cheeks…

  “Yeah,” he said. “Ruby went out quick.”

  Macie’s smile was gentle, and Knox pushed away that pang in his chest.

  He walked down the hall, nearing her before he paused. “I got her a few presents. I’m sorry again for missing her birthday.”

  He’d seen the hurt expression on Macie’s face plenty of times in the past, but not today. Her face remained relaxed, her gaze understanding. “I’m glad you came today, Knox. Ruby was so excited, and when she wakes up, she’ll probably demand to call you.”

  Knox smiled at this. “She’s got my number, sugar.” He nearly bit his tongue at the old endearment he used to call Macie.

  But she let it slide, thank goodness.

  “Well, I should be going,” he said. “Lots to prepare for.” He moved past her. Macie didn’t step away from the wall, but watched him leave.

  Once on the porch, he retrieved his cowboy hat from the porch swing.

  He strode down the driveway to where he’d parked his beat-up truck in the shade. Was Macie watching him leave? Was Holt, from wherever he was in the barn?

  If only Knox had kept his head screwed on straight that night he’d met Macie. She’d been talking to Holt first, but when Knox approached, he was seething at Jana’s rejection. Once again. So he’d asked Macie to the dirt dance, if only to show Jana that he wasn’t sitting around waiting for an apology.

  And now, his entire life had become one apology after another.

  There was no reason to think that Knox Prosper would be at Racoons tonight, so why Jana was taking twice as long to get ready, she didn’t know. Her dark red hair was less curly than it had been when she was a kid. She’d spent time every day during her teen years straightening her hair. But now, she’d embraced the curly again. Fortunately, she didn’t have to deal with frizz, but rather coaxed the waves into submission.

  She touched up her makeup, which was already perfect, but it was her shield between everyone out there and her heart. Another layer of plum lipstick went on, then she stepped back from the mirror to survey the rest of her. Her dress was a navy print wrap-around, and she decided on the heeled sandals that weren’t her favorite to dance in, but she loved them nonetheless.

  A horn honked outside, undoubtedly Barb.

  Yep. Sure enough, a text chimed in a second later. We’re here.

  Jana turned off the lights as she left the house, then locked the door. Not that the town of Prosper was crime ridden, but fresh homemade jam might be a draw for some.

  Jana climbed into the back seat of Barb’s Cadillac since Patsy was in the front seat already.

  “You’re smokin’ hot, Jana,” Barb said with a laugh. Her platinum blonde hair fell about her shoulders like a waterfall, and her silver dress hugged every toned curve. Barb was perfection in itself. “Anyone special coming tonight?”

  Jana fought back a blush. “Not that I know of.”

  “Ohhh, did you hear?” Patsy said, twisting in her seat as Barb started driving. Patsy’s short dark hair was spiked up on one side, and her dark, cat-like eyes were rounded with anticipation. “Knox Prosper is in town. I saw him at the gas station today.”

&n
bsp; Barb’s gaze met Jana’s in the rearview mirror. Barb winked, and Jana rolled her eyes.

  “I appreciate all the updates on Knox, but really, I don’t care,” Jana said in perhaps too sharp of a tone. “We were over a long time ago.”

  “I know, babe, but he’s single again.”

  “Mm-hmm,” Barb said, her smile a grin.

  “I don’t want another woman’s leftovers,” Jana said.

  “Oooo!” Patsy squealed. “Someone is feisty tonight.”

  Barb laughed and turned up the music, a welcome reprieve from talking about Knox Prosper. If he did show up at Racoons tonight, then he’d be the last person she’d talk to.

  The place was packed. New blood in town from all the cowboys arriving for the rodeo, which meant all the ladies had shown up in full force. Jana headed to the bar with her friends, and while they waited for their drinks, she checked out the place. The dance floor was hopping, and most of the tables were full of groups of men and women chatting and flirting.

  Everyone was checking everyone else out, and for some reason, Jana was annoyed. It wasn’t any surprise, of course, since it was par for the course with a bar scene. But Jana hated that she’d gotten her hopes up. Knox Prosper wasn’t here, and that shouldn’t matter one way or another to her. Yet, it did.

  “I’m going outside for a bit,” Jana told Barb.

  “What? Why?”

  “Have a headache coming on.” And it was true. Jana weaved her way through the patrons, only to be stopped twice and asked for a dance. She turned both cowboys down and continued outside. Others had congregated outside, talking and joking loudly in their groups, but Jana bypassed them all.

  She headed into the back parking lot, which was filled, and leaned against someone’s truck as she gazed up at the summer night sky.

  The stars twinkled down at her as if oblivious to the turmoil her heart and mind were going through.

  She couldn’t live like this anymore. Couldn’t look around every corner for Knox when she knew he was in town. Couldn’t keep comparing the men she dated to what she and Knox used to have. It had been a long time since there’d been anything between them, and everything she’d heard about him since should have sent her running.

  Yet, here she was, by herself at the back of Racoons. Avoiding, once again.

  There were plenty of men inside, ones who might be a great match for her. Yet, she’d turned down their invitations to dance. Why? Because she wanted to sit in a corner and wait for Knox to show up? What if he did? What would she do?

  Nothing, that’s what. At least, that’s what she’d always done. Whenever he came around, she pointedly ignored him. Just like that night at the rodeo years ago—the night he’d apparently met Macie. Everyone knew it was a shotgun wedding, but that didn’t mean Jana hadn’t felt hurt that Knox had pledged himself to another woman. Which was ridiculous, since they’d been broken up for months.

  Why?

  That was the question that had haunted her for years. And she was sick of it. She wanted answers, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable the conversation. She wanted to know, once and for all, why Knox Prosper had so thoroughly ghosted her.

  Until that night at the rodeo… She knew he’d wanted to talk to her. But she’d panicked, shut down, and instead of looking up at him and greeting him, giving him an inch, she’d not looked at him once. At least not until he’d walked away.

  Jana pulled out her phone and texted Barb. Not feeling so great. Can you take me home really quick?

  Barb replied, Ah, sorry. I’ll be out soon.

  Jana couldn’t explain the relief she felt on the drive back to her place. Even if Knox did show up at Racoons, it wasn’t really the ideal place to get her answers. She’d figure out a different way, even if she had to go so far as to get his number from his mom.

  “Are you sure you’re gonna be okay, hon?” Barb asked as she pulled up in front of Jana’s house.

  “I just need to go to bed early,” she said. “Always the magic cure for a headache.”

  Barb’s made-up face looked almost comically sad. “Is this about Knox not showing up tonight? You know the night is still young.”

  “No, it’s nothing like that,” Jana said quickly. She opened her door. “Thanks again, and sorry for being a party pooper.”

  “Feel better,” Barb said. “But know that you owe me one.”

  Jana smiled, then shut the door and headed to the dark house. She didn’t flip on lights as she made her way to the bathroom to undo what she’d done up just an hour earlier. Why she’d even bothered sometimes, she didn’t know.

  Her phone chimed with an incoming email to her column. She touched her phone screen and read the message.

  Dear Miss Jewel,

  I’m hung up on my high school boyfriend still. It’s been two years, and we’ve both moved on. But I keep checking his social media. Help?

  Bryan, lost in Austin

  “You and me, both, honey,” Jana murmured to herself. Her advice should be to stop following the guy’s social media. To avoid places that reminded her of her ex. To find a new hobby to keep her busy…

  All things that Jana had done. All things that hadn’t worked. Because here she was, her heart tied up in knots, just knowing that Knox Prosper was in the same town. He could be out there, anywhere.

  Jana would answer in the morning. Then she’d get back to the novel she’d been working on. And she’d finish the raspberry jam batch. She’d do all the things. But tonight, she’d crash and sleep.

  Yet, sleep didn’t come for a long time, and then when it finally did, her alarm went off only a few hours later. She tried to go back to sleep for another hour, but her mind started to turn over the events of last night. Which were quite uneventful. Lost hopes, really.

  So, she dragged herself out of bed. Showered and changed into a red T-shirt and ratty jeans. Nothing that would be ruined by raspberries or pectin. Texts had come in from Barb and Patsy late last night, telling her that Knox had never showed. Whatever. She didn’t care about that. She’d find a way to track him down on her own. Without a crowd at a bar as witnesses.

  But for now, she had to finish two dozen more jars. Pickup would be later this afternoon, and she needed the jam completely processed and cooled by then. She began to set out the jars, only to find she was four jars short. She recounted, then double-checked the boxes of jars that she’d picked up a few days ago. One of the boxes must have been short.

  Jana sighed. This would put her back about thirty minutes, since she’d now have to run to the grocery store and get four jars. She took off her apron, hung it over a kitchen chair, then tugged on a pair of old cowboy boots. Not bothering to spruce up her appearance, she headed to the small SUV that needed a new paint job and probably new tires.

  Oh, and a CD player would be nice. But she cranked the radio anyway, rolled down the windows, and drove off the property. The summer morning was beautiful, and Jana would never complain about the wide blue Texan sky or the stillness of the countryside. A small town had its advantages—everyone knew each other, and everyone helped each other. Which was why she slowed down when she saw a truck pulled over on the side of the road at an odd angle. That, and the hood was open. Obviously, the truck had broken down, and she caught a glimpse of a man checking out something beneath the hood.

  He probably knew what he was doing, but the walk into town was a ways, so if he needed an auto part…

  Jana braked, then stopped. She backed up until she was closer to the truck. By then, the guy had turned around. The second Jana realized who it was, she wished she would have kept driving.

  Knox Prosper stood there, his shirt off, his jeans slung low, his cowboy hat perched atop his head. In one hand, he held a dirty rag, and the other rested on his hip as he watched her backing up. No, she was pretty sure he didn’t recognize her yet. It wasn’t like she had this little SUV in high school.

  She might have wanted to get the truth out of Knox Prosper, but not this way. Apparently
, the joke was on her.

  Knox had known his truck was surviving on a prayer to even make it as far as his hometown. But he’d brought it regardless, needing to haul his rodeo stuff. He didn’t trust it on a plane—besides, he wasn’t flying back to Montana. He was done with that place, and he’d already been picked up by the pro circuit in Texas.

  What he hadn’t wanted to happen was this exact scenario. Stranded on the roadside just when his time slot for practicing at the rodeo grounds was about to start.

  Maybe the cowboy who’d pulled over on the side of the road could take him into town really quick to get a U-joint—at least, he hoped that was what needed to be fixed. But no cowboy climbed out of the older model SUV. A least not of the male variety. And he couldn’t have been more surprised if five clowns had popped out of the vehicle when he saw that the person now walking toward him was none other than Jana Harris.

  It was like he’d wished her here. Well, not here, exactly, but into a place where he could finally talk to her. Yet, the timing couldn’t be worse.

  Jana was no longer the teenager he remembered—her curves and the sharper definition of her face were that of a grown woman. She wore sunglasses atop her hair, and yeah, he remembered all that red hair. Except it was darker now, almost an auburn. She wore a red T-shirt, black cowboy boots, and body-hugging jeans that would probably cause a car wreck in a bigger city.

  But Knox wasn’t checking her out. Nope. Not at all. Because Jana Harris was one hundred percent off-limits—maybe even two hundred percent. Some things just couldn’t be forgiven.

  Still, his gaze flicked to her left hand, but he didn’t see a wedding ring. Not that it would matter. At least not to him. And there was no sign of her smile—the one that used to make him rewrite every single one of his dreams about leaving Prosper and becoming a rodeo star. That had eventually happened, but in the most backward way possible.

  Jana didn’t look happy; in fact, she looked mad.

  So, why had she stopped in the first place?