A Marriage of Benefits
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Makenna Lee
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HarlequinChapter One
“Ten miles to your destination,” announced the monotone GPS voice.
Warm spring wind whipped strands of hair from Jessica Talbot’s long braid, and the earthy scent of rain-dampened soil and sweet aroma of wildflowers evoked memories of her teenage summers spent in Oak Hollow.
“Oliver, you are going to love our new home. You’ll have so much room to chase squirrels and sleep in the sun.”
The big orange cat meowed and rubbed his head against the door of his carrier.
“I know you don’t like being in there, Ollie, but it keeps you safe. It won’t be long until you can get out.”
Over the next hill she took in the view and released a long slow breath through a wide smile. The tree-lined road was flanked with a river of bluebonnets, a sprinkle of red and yellow flowers mixed in like colored stones. In the distance, the Welcome to Oak Hollow sign marked the finish line of her marathon from Hollywood. Old memories waited to be intertwined with new experiences, and once she crossed into the city limits, she’d start a new chapter with so much to look forward to.
Jessica still couldn’t believe she owned the Williams ranch. She had wanted the one-hundred-acre paradise ever since the first summer vacation there with her father. When it had gone on the market, she hadn’t thought twice about making an offer, even though it was above her price range by way more than a little bit. She’d now need to dip deeper than usual into her trust fund to open her veterinary practice. But moving to the Texas Hill Country was worth it.
“Ollie, I have a feeling we’ve left all of our bad luck behind. Apartment floods, scheming coworkers and all the Tinsel Town hustle and bustle.”
The words had no sooner left her lips when her front right tire blew out, with a chorus of banging, flapping and her pulse keeping a rapid beat against her eardrums. The steering wheel jerked in her hands, making her swerve. She hit gravel along the road’s edge and came to a shuddering stop with her heart in her throat.
“For the love of burned toast.” She rested her forehead on the steering wheel and waited for her heart rate to normalize. “I should have known better than to say that aloud.”
She rolled down all the windows for Oliver, climbed out to assess the damage and put an extra bit of force into slamming the door. She was thankful she’d checked her spare tire and replenished the must-carry essentials her father had always insisted on, especially before starting on a long journey.
Changing a tire had not been on today’s schedule, but there would be no using a can of Fix-a-Flat for this mangled bit of rubber. It had probably been twelve years since her father had taught her to do this job, but his voice played clearly in her head, going through the steps of roadside tire changes in excruciating detail. More than once during this drive, she’d teared up when something reminded her of her father. This area of the country had been his favorite, and she missed him more than ever.
After getting out the jack, tire iron and spare, she worked up a sweat while loosening the tight lug nuts. Needing to apply extra muscle to get the tire off ended up landing her on her backside. And if that wasn’t enough, she tore a hole in the knee of her blue jeans. With a few colorful phrases she’d never say in front of anyone, the tire was changed, and she was lowering the jack when the roar of an engine interrupted the birdsong. A black-and-white truck came over the hill in front of her and then pulled to a stop on the opposite shoulder of the road. Apparently, the local police drove big trucks with empty horse trailers.
She was still on her knees beside the front tire when an officer crossed the road. The sun was in her eyes as he approached, and she couldn’t see his face until impressively broad shoulders blocked out the late-afternoon sun.
And what a wonderful face it was.
He lifted mirrored sunglasses to rest on his rich brown hair, revealing eyes the color of the ocean. His lips curved into a friendly smile.
A familiar smile. Her belly did a quick backflip.
“Would you like some help with that?” he asked.
His voice was another clue, and a glance at the nameplate on his breast pocket confirmed it. Her teenage crush, Jake Carter, was all grown up. The cute boy who had barely known she existed had become a very handsome adult.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” One of his eyebrows arched as his assessing gaze swept over her.
He doesn’t recognize me. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for the offer, but I just finished and was about to put everything away.”
Why did she have to be windblown, makeup free and wearing a baggy T-shirt with tire grease and half of her morning coffee decorating the front like abstract art? Jessica picked up the tools and headed for the back of her SUV, hoping he’d leave before he remembered her. If only she had a magic rewind button, she’d go all the way back to this morning when she should’ve put on her makeup. Mascara at the very least.
He followed her with the blown-out tire and put it where she indicated beside a stack of boxes. “Are you just passing through?”
“I’m actually your newest resident.” Metal clanged as she put the jack into its compartment. “I’m moving into my new house today.”
He glanced at the two suitcases, sleeping bags and four boxes. “Traveling light?”
“The moving truck arrives tomorrow with the rest of my stuff.”
His radio beeped. “Betty to 25,” a woman’s voice said in a jovial tone.
He pulled it from his belt. “Go for 25.”
“Doc Ty will be ready for you when you get there with the horses.”
“Ten-four. Thanks, Betty,” he replied, then focused on Jessica. “If you’re okay, I should get going.”
“I’m fine. You go—” Her foot caught on something hidden in the thick grass and flowers along the roadside. As if in slow motion, she pitched forward and grabbed his shirtsleeve with enough force to yank him off balance. In an almost choreographed move, they spun until her back was headed for the ground. He slowed her fall enough that she landed softly in the carpet of bluebonnets with him braced above her, one hand cradling the back of her head.
Their gazes caught and held, but so briefly she couldn’t read his mood. Her jolt of surprise gave way to embarrassment that swept over her in a wave of prickly heat. “I am so-o-o sorry,” Jessica said once she had enough air in her lungs. “I’m such a klutz.”
His friendly smile had disappeared, but he looked more confused than upset. “Are you hurt?”
“Only my pride.” She tried to laugh but it came out as more of a whimper.
He had them both on their feet in seconds and frowned at the greasy handprint on his light blue uniform shirt before shifting his curious gaze back to her. “Have you been here before?”
“Yes, I’m...” If she withheld her name, maybe she could continue to be anonymous for a little while longer. Or forever. “I’ve been here a few times.” It wasn’t the ideal moment for a reunion with her old crush. Not when she looked a fright and had just stained his shirt. “Thanks for stopping to help. I’ll be happy to pay for your dry cleaning.” Spotting his sunglasses on the ground, Jessica picked them up and held them out, a new wave of heat flushing her face. “And if these are damaged, I’ll buy you a new pair.”
He took his sunglasses and gave them a quick inspection. “No need.” There was more chatter on his radio. “Sorry. I need to get going.”
“Of course. Hope the rest of your day is better than what I’ve just done to you.”
His mouth kicked up into a grin. “I’ve had worse. Welcome to Oak Hollow. There’s a tire shop on Fourth Street,” he called over his shoulder as he jogged across the road.
Jessica climbed onto the driver’s seat, caught her reflection in the rearview mirror and winced. It was worse than she’d thought. There was even a smudge of grease on her cheek from ear to chin. In a rush to leave this disaster scene behind, she kept her eyes focused straight ahead to avoid any risk of catching him laughing.
“Why was I too lazy to put on cute clothes today? I never do that.” But she knew the answer. When she’d started her drive at four o’clock in the morning, comfort had been her only concern.
Her appearance didn’t matter, or rather it shouldn’t. All her focus needed to be on starting her veterinary practice, not looking for romance or thinking about a guy, even if he was the grown-up and very handsome version of her teen crush. Especially since one of her “rules for love” was never fall for a guy with a dangerous career. Her father’s death had taught that painful lesson. And she could not forget that love had led her to bad choices and cost her a great job. A mistake she would not repeat.
She once again headed toward the city limits sign with Jake in her rearview mirror. She couldn’t avoid him forever, but from now on, she would be sure to take time to look presentable before going out in public.
“Way to make an impression he’ll never forget.”
Jake Carter pulled a wet wipe from the truck’s console and attempted to clean the grime from his sleeve, but he was only making it worse. Then he noticed the mud on his knees and groaned. “Great. Good thing the day is almost over.”
There was a reason the guys teased him with the nickname Mr. Clean. But in his eyes, there was nothing wrong with a man wanting to have clean clothes and neat hair. His mother had taught him that your appearance told the world who you were and what you wanted them to think of you.
When he looked up, she had driven away. He wasn’t sure what to make of Oak Hollow’s newest resident. He hadn’t even asked her name or introduced himself. Something about the woman—who his mom would call a hot mess—had thrown him off. If she’d been walking along the road, he would’ve thought she was a hitchhiker or accident victim in need of rescue. But even with her disheveled appearance, a sense of familiarity tugged on his mind. The spark of a memory he couldn’t quite grasp. Who was this mystery woman? He’d no doubt see her around and could solve that mystery easily enough.
He pulled the department’s truck and trailer up to the Smith farm where the word Sold had been posted across the top of the for-sale sign. The place had been freshened up with a new coat of white paint on the farmhouse and colorful flowers lining the front porch and walkway. Mrs. Smith stood at the fence feeding carrots to three horses. One was chestnut brown, one white and the third horse had a shiny black coat that glistened in the sunshine.
“How are you today, Mrs. Smith?”
“I’m very well.” She pulled a carrot from the pocket of her purple overalls and handed it to Jake like he was still the little boy who liked to feed and ride her horses. “Before I forget, my neighbor Effie asked me to tell you her granddaughter is moving to town in a few weeks. She’s very pretty, about your age and single.”
Not another person trying to set me up.
“Is that right?” The town matchmakers had him on their radar, and like it or not, he was their current—and very reluctant—target. He didn’t even bother to say that he wasn’t staying in Oak Hollow. Even though he loved his hometown, bigger job opportunities awaited him elsewhere.
“How’s your dad feeling since he got home from the hospital?”
“He’s doing well, but he’s as ornery as usual. I’m having more trouble keeping him in bed than he is having with his recovery.” He snapped the carrot into three pieces and gave one to each animal. “Giving these horses to the city is very generous.”
She patted Jake’s back. “Our police department needs a mounted division like we used to have back when my Jerry was on the force.”
“I’m all for it,” he said. “You know I like riding.” As if in invitation, the white horse snorted and nosed his shoulder.
“Tourist and residents loved seeing an officer patrolling the town square on horseback instead of a car. It added to the charm of our little town, and it gave people more of a chance to have a conversation with the officers and build a relationship.” Mrs. Smith stroked the brown horse’s neck, and he nuzzled against her touch. “Jerry thought it was important to let everyone know he was there for all of them.”
“He was a wise cop and a great man. I learned a lot from Jerry.” The words about building a relationship swirled in his head. He truly did want to have a good connection with all the citizens. And that included accident-prone women he met on the side of the road.
Mrs. Smith’s smile was wistful, and she wiped a lone tear from her cheek. “I’ll miss these beauties, but I’m looking forward to being close to my grandchildren.”
He put an arm around her frail shoulders for a quick side hug. “That’s understandable. We’ll take good care of your horses. They will be boarded with Doc Ty Jackson until the old stables in town are repaired.”
“How did it go when you talked to the city council about adding a K9 unit to the department?” she asked.
“Not great. They said it’s not a good time, but if I buy a dog, I can be the first to have a canine partner. Specially trained dogs are very expensive, so it’s a good thing I can do the training myself.” But right now, he couldn’t even afford a well-bred puppy.
“I expect so. But if anyone can figure out a way to make it happen, it’s you.”
He chuckled. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“That’s what you did with the force in Dallas? Dog training?”
“Yes, ma’am. I became a master trainer right before Pops had his heart attack.” Jake glanced at his watch. “I should probably get going so I can check on him.”
“I’ve already got their harnesses on. Let me help you get them into the trailer.”
Once Mrs. Smith said her goodbyes and the horses were loaded, Jake drove a few more miles back toward town. The local veterinarian, Dr. Tyrell Jackson, had his practice set up on his own ranch. Past his two-story stone house was his vet office with a large barn and stables tucked behind.
Doc Ty was already standing beside the trailer as Jake got out of the truck. “Howdy, Jake.” The old cowboy shifted his hat.
“Hey, Doc. What’s up?”
“A whole bunch of the usual and new stuff I hadn’t planned on.” He opened the trailer’s sliding gate and stepped inside while Jake untied the horses’ lead ropes from the outside. The veterinarian spoke to the animals in his usual kind way.
“All three look to be in good shape,” Jake said.
“They are. I just gave them a checkup a few weeks ago. Mrs. Smith took real good care of all her animals.”
“With help from several volunteers, we should have the town’s old stables ready for them in a month or so.”
Doc Ty let Jake take the first animal while he led out the other two. “The horses are welcome to board with me until construction starts.”
The inside of the spacious barn was dark, and Jake blinked to adjust his eyes. “What did you say your daughters are turning your ranch into?”
“A destination wedding venue with overnight cabins and all sorts of other stuff. The area behind the barn is being turned into a covered dance floor and bandstand. But I might have to talk them out of turning my surgical bay into a catering kitchen.”
“That might be a good thing to keep around for emergencies. Sounds like a lot of changes.”
“You’re telling me.” He put the black horse into an empty stall. “Also sounds like my retirement might be more work than I thought. Hopefully the new veterinarian will be able to help you out with the horses if the city doesn’t have the stables ready in time. I know there’s a nice horse barn on the place Dr. Talbot bought.”
“Once he moves in, I’ll go out and talk to him about it,” Jake said.
The older man grinned and scratched his curly gray beard. “The new vet is a woman and she’s arriving any day now. And she’s very pretty.”
Jake’s belly whooshed as if he was on a roller coaster, but he wasn’t sure why. “Then I’ll go talk to her.” He closed the last stall gate, and they walked out into the early-evening sunshine.
Did I just meet the new veterinarian on the roadside looking like a weary hitchhiker?
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