Devil in Texas (Rugged and Risque 1)

Tears stung Liza’s eyes. No one had made such a big fuss over her in New York. Wouldn’t throw her a “welcome back” party if she returned home tomorrow. Not that she intended to. Her heart was most definitely in Wilder.

The party got underway and Ruby presented her with her own apron—a red, lacy number, no saying needed. Jeannette from the bakery in town set out a beautiful cake that also said, “Welcome Back”.

Liza turned to Jack. While the others talked amongst themselves, she said, “I never meant to come between you and Lydia.”

Jack shook his head. “You didn’t. Things have been strained between us for some time. It occurred to me when she was here that morning you came in that we’d never be friends the way we once were. And that’s okay. She’s got her cross to bear. I’ve got my life to live.”

“That sounds very mature, Jack Wade.”

He grinned at her. “And what about you, Miss Manhattan? You keeping that unexpected hand Fate dealt you?”

“Oh hell, yes,” she said excitedly.

“Sounds like you’re going to have your hands full, what with Jess’ shop, Ginger’s website and my campaign. That’s not too much for you, darlin’?”

A deaf man wouldn?

??t miss her enthusiasm, she was sure. “Are you kidding me? I’m thrilled to be a part of all of this. Oh!” She smacked her hands together as a thought tickled her brain. “I totally forgot to tell you my idea for keeping the saloon open on Sundays! Well, it’s not that I forgot. Lydia was here when I came in to tell you and then—”

“Stay focused, darlin’,” he said, obviously not wanting to rehash what had led to the mayhem in town just a week ago.

“Right. So, here’s what I’m thinking. All-you-can-eat Sunday brunch!”

This caught the attention of the people around her. The conversation dimmed and all eyes turned to Liza. She realized this was her true forte. She was an idea girl. One who knew how to execute as much as she did brainstorm.

Carefully slipping from her barstool, with a slight protest from Jack, she stepped over to an empty table in the center of the room.

“Picture, if you will,” she said as she held her audience captive, “white linen table clothes covering all the tables. Matching napkins folded in fancy styles. Silverware at each place setting—not that cheap plastic crap you serve with the bar food,” she said to Jack, who rolled his eyes, albeit playfully. Continuing on, she gestured to the table, pointing out items that weren’t actually there. “Crystal goblets for the ice water. Tall glasses for the iced tea. A pretty vase in the center of the table with fresh blooms from Jess’ shop.”

Jess clapped her hands together, excitedly. “Eat your heart out, everyone. She works for me!”

Liza smiled and moved on. Turning to the east wall where the banner hung, she said, “The buffet table could go against this wall.” It was split in half by the tall fireplace, trimmed in river rock. She pointed to the far corner. “A made-to-order omelet station over there and, next to it, a buffet table of pastries, muffins and Danishes from Jeannette’s bakery.” She turned back to the crowd. “Inviting ambience for a lovely Texas afternoon. Golden light from the chandeliers. Soft jazz music flowing from the speakers—”

“Jazz?” Jack interjected, his dark brow crooked, making her think of the first time she’d met him, when he’d challenged her limited beer knowledge.

“Okay, country-western,” she said on a sigh. “Suit yourself. Just keep it down so people can carry on their conversations.”

She hobbled back over to where he stood. “When you get a seat on the Council and there’s a revote on the booze issue and the ban on Sundays is repealed, you can serve Mimosas and Bloody Marys.” She flashed a smile Ruby’s way and said, “Because it’s a buffet, there’s no need to print up menus.”

“That’ll save ya plenty,” she lamented.

Jack nodded. “And I already have a contract with a laundry service for linen for when we have receptions here.” He was obviously warming to the idea.

Liza said, “You could open at nine a.m. for the non-church goers. Stay open ‘til two for those who attend the late service and want to eat afterward. Charge $9.95 a person. Very reasonable. Children under six eat free.”

He frowned. “Five.”

“Okay,” she said with a shrug. “Children under five eat free.” She plopped down on her stool, adding, “And if you’ll get me one of those fancy podiums Ruby has, I’ll be your hostess.” She smiled up at him.

Jack chuckled. “Is that so?”

“We do make a good team.”

He grinned, dimple and all. “Yeah,” he said. “We do.” His head bent to hers and he kissed her again, making everything inside her go warm and molten.

It’d been a week since they’d made love, what with the immediate recovery time she’d needed for her cracked rib. Jack had insisted on taking care of her at the cottage. He’d initially invited her to stay at the house, but had retracted that invitation due to the difficulty in her getting up and down the stairs. Still, he’d been by her side all this time. And didn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

“What do you think?” she asked when he finally broke the kiss.