Rope My Heart A cowboy second chance romance

Chapter 21

Lily Mae

It's been a couple of days since we were all at Foxy's which was a blast, especially watching my bestie and Wes bitching at one another all night. For sure I bet they like each other but whenever I say anything to Harley she denies it. Although she did admit that Wes is cute looking and can charm the panties off any cowgirl, if they were that way inclined but it would never be her.

I'm not holding my breath because every time she's near him, she blushes and gets real snippety with him. "Lily Mae what time is your boss arriving?" Mom calls out from downstairs. "Will she be having lunch with us."

I almost choke, my boss having lunch with us would never happen. That woman only eats in Michelin star restaurants and wouldn't know what a home cooked meal with rowdy brothers would be like. Maybe it is just what she needs to bring her down a peg or two.

I'm already nervous in the pit of my stomach since we are nowhere near ready to show her everything that we will be achieving for the event here in Whispering Pines. I have to admit that Jax and his guys have been working non-stop the last few days to get the paddocks ready, the horses are practically gleaming and my momma has been working hard in the garden to make sure it looks immaculate. Everything is looking pretty at our ranch but will it be enough for Eleanor Walden? That remains to be seen. Let's face it she wasn't even too happy that I'd decided to come back to Whispering Pines to organize a charity rodeo, if she had her way I'd be doing yet another wedding.

Weddings aren't so bad for those that love them, but they're just not really my thing. I mean maybe one day I'll get married but I'm not in a rush over it. I want to build my career and who knows maybe I can branch out on my own. So for now aside from this charity rodeo event, wedding planning it is. But honestly, what happens to brides when they start planning? Now I know where the term Bridezilla comes from.

Finishing up writing in my journal I clasp it and place it on my night stand along with the four books I've got on the go that I am reading. Don't ask. I can't help myself, I am a binge reader given the opportunity and always have at least four books on the go. I usually flick between romance books, thriller books and fantasy and of course I love audiobooks.

"Just a sec, Mom," I call downstairs and grab my pink college hoodie and throw it over. Mom is in the kitchen finishing off the touches to a lemon drizzle cake. "It smells like heaven in here, Mom. Honestly though, I am pretty sure that Eleanor will not be visiting the house."

"Of course she will, dear, why wouldn't she?" My mom definitely doesn't know Eleanor who is as stuck up as they come. Let me try to give you a better idea of what Eleanor is like. Have you ever seen the movie The Devil Wears Prada? You got it, that is Eleanor the boss that wants more and more and treats her staff with contempt.

"Because she's only coming for an hour, Mom to check out what the plans are for the event. She'll want a brief tour of Eagle ranch, a walk through of the booths, how the stage will look and where it will be, what music I've got line up or band, you know that kind of thing." Mom raises her eyebrows at me.

"And then you can bring her into the big house and we'll have coffee and cake then if you don't think she'll want lunch. What time does this Eleanor arrive? I'm looking forward to meeting the woman who drives you so hard." Oh, God this doesn't sound good. I hope my mom isn't going to get in my corner and give Eleanor Walden a dressing down. See my mom when she gets defensive and into Lion Mom mode, then you had better watch out.

"She'll be here at eleven which is in, shit ninety minutes. I have to get hold of Jax and have him finish the lights in the barn, they're only half done. He'll need to get someone to finish off the bunting around the fencing out front of the barn and the stage needs to finished."

"Honestly, Lily Mae does it all need to be done before she arrives? The rodeo isn't for another three weeks, there is plenty of time for all of that. You've sent her designs haven't you."

"Yes of course," I take the coffee mom passes to me, and watch as she places the cake on a pretty, flowered serving plate then places the netting, domed cover over it.

"Something smells good in here, Honey," dad says as he comes in and goes to the sink to wash his hands. Mom gives him a peck on the cheek, these two are like teenagers, it's heartwarming to see and maybe I'll have this one day. It was going to be with Jax but I had other ideas to make it in the city and well, Jax wasn't ever going to leave the ranch.

My mind briefly flits back to Foxy's the way he was looking at me, making me all warm and tingly and catching my breath every time he sat back in his chair, his legs spread wide. It was all I could do to not look at his junk, and since I know what he packs, it was kind of difficult.

"You are bringing Walden to the house, right?" Dad asks as he dries his hands and I let out a groan. I'm thinking I need a few coffees to get me through the morning since I didn't sleep much last night with the knowledge that my boss was coming to Whispering Pines for her first visit today.

"No, Daddy she won't have time," I reply. He chuckles.

"Lily Mae, she's going to have to find the time." He gives me a kiss on the had, pats mom's ass and strides out of the kitchen a man on a mission. To do what I have no idea but that's my daddy for you. He always has something he needs to do and with a ranch this size and the amount of people he hires, he's a buy fella.

There's a knock on the door, "go see who that is will you please, darling," mom says as she tackles emptying the dishwasher.

I open the door to find one very gorgeous Jax McCoy standing on the porch in very tight jeans that showcase those muscular thighs of his. I'm conscious I am staring at his lower regions and bring my eyes up to meet his. Jax winks at me, taps the tip of his cowboy hat and says, "good mornin' Sunset. We're all about ready for your haughty toighty boss to come and visit us today. We've finished the stage even though we're going to have to cover it since there is a storm heading this way apparently in a day or so."

Great all we need. "And the bunting is up so your boss and see how pretty everything will look. Not as pretty as you though, Lily Mae." His voice is smooth, it makes me warm inside and causes butterflies to swarm in my stomach. I need to get over myself.

"Thanks Jax, you want to come inside for a coffee? Mom's put the pot on."

"I don't mind if I do," he removes his hat, steps inside and places his hat on one of the cooks on the wall. "Your mom been baking again?"

"Yeah, she has high designs that Eleanor is coming to vist the house."

He chuckles, it's deep and throaty, tingles run up my arm causing the hairs to stand on end. This is ridiculous feeling like this all the time around Jax. Honestly, I thought I was more adult than this.

"Jax McCoy just the man I need to see. We've got some wood needs moving out the back don't suppose you could help out with that could you?" My momma asks.

"For you anything," he says. Mom smiles as if he's handed her the moon, damn Jax is one big flirt and now he's flirting with my momma.

She hands him a coffee in an oversized red mug with the Eagle Ranch logo on it. He drinks from it, I can't help notice the veins popping in his forearms and that is only from taking in coffee. "Lily Mae are you staring at me?" he asks and I bite my lower lip.

"Oh, you two are such a dream together. I can't wait for you both to finally get things sorted and Jax can start dating you again, Lily Mae," my mom says all wistfully.

"Momma, stop already. I don't have time for this right now. I've got to get ready. Jax, thanks for getting everything ready for us, I really appreciate it. You guys must have been up night after night."

"We have Lily Mae but for you anything. If you want the sun I'd go and get it for you even though it'd mean I'd burn." I place my hand on my heart, he's sure not forgotten his smooth lines has he?