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He left her there, her mouth open while she stared at Jesse. He was in love with her? He turned at that moment, her newly purchased clothes wrapped in brown paper, the hat in his hand. He smiled as he walked her way, Isaac’s words playing on repeat inside her head.
Was Issac right? Was Jesse in love with her? Could that handsome, swaggering, irritating, pain in her backside man possibly be in love with her?
“Here you go, darlin’, everything you need for your trip home.” He sat the hat on her head, tilted the front down a bit, then pulled it completely over her eyes.
Alex pushed the hat back up, his “darlin’” reference meant to irritate her if the look in his eyes was any indication. It didn’t work, though. Not this time.
Isaac’s words were still whispering through her head on repeat. A lifetime of moments with Jesse flitted through her mind and she tried to examine them all in the short span of time they stood there staring at one another and she was reminded of what Betsey had said back in the school house. Her saying Jesse had always been sweet on her had sounded ridiculous then but now that Isaac had said it, maybe she was right.
Whether it was true or not she still had to sweet talk him into letting her stay so she couldn’t afford to be hateful now. She smiled and wrapped her arms around the package. “Thanks for these, Jesse,” she said. “I appreciate you replacing my lost gear.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Uh, you’re welcome.” He opened the door and motioned her outside, his brows drawn in confusion.
She followed, trying to figure out a way to use the knowledge she had to her advantage. A woman in a red dress crossed their path and Jesse stopped, tipped his hat at her and smiled, his head turning to watch her walk away as she passed in front of them. Alex watched him admire her and snorted unladylike.
“What?”
Alex rolled her eyes and started down the sidewalk. “Nothing.”
“Don’t give me that.” He matched her steps and laughed. “That was definitely not a nothing look.”
“I didn’t look at you in any particular way.”
“Yes, you did.”
“Whatever.”
“I was just being friendly.”
“And I care why?”
“Because you like me more than you’re willing to admit.”
Alex stumbled and she wasn’t sure it was the uneven sidewalk that made her do so. That was the second time in the past ten minutes someone had said such to her.
She took in his smiling face and wondered if what everyone was saying was true. She’d admit to a schoolgirl crush once upon a time but that was so long ago it didn’t bear mentioning now.
Then why had her heart raced so fast when she saw him back in Willow Creek? Why did him seeing her in a ruined dress, looking a total mess, bring tears to her eyes?
Was she in love with him and just too stubborn to realize it?
Ben and Isaac were at the end of the street, the dreaded stagecoach sitting there next to the station. She sighed and slowed her steps. “Why can’t I stay?”
“Lord, not again.” He stopped and turned to face her. “I’ve told you, repeatedly why, so stop trying to get me to change my mind. You’re going home.”
“But why? And don’t you dare say for my protection. You know good and well I can take care of myself.”
He looked toward Isaac and Ben as if asking for help but neither men moved. “It’s just best if you go home, Alex. I don’t have time to worry about you, the cattle and the crew.”
“Then don’t worry about me. I’m more than capable of working my shifts with the rest of those old cowboys.”
He rubbed a hand over his face, his brows scrunching. She was getting to him. “Come on, Jesse, I won’t be any trouble.”
He laughed. “You’ve been more trouble and aggravation than any one man ever needs.”
The stagecoach driver yelled last call. Jesse straightened and looked more determined than ever. “Let’s go.” He took her by the arm and walked her the remaining distance. “Did you buy the tickets, Ben?”
Ben nodded and patted his shirt pocket. “Got them right here.” He looked at Alex and said, “You’re not going to cause a problem are you?”
