Southern Hearts (Southern Love Series) (3 page)

Rebecca lifted her hands up in the air and looked at Austin
in the mirror. "I thought you were kidding when you mentioned the
ranch."

"You thought I was kidding?" Austin stared at her
in disbelief. "I think we should go to a marriage counselor. We're getting
married in a few months and still don't have a clear idea about where we are
going to live."

"You want me to be lonely here on the ranch, while
you're touring around in a big-ass bus headed from city to city. Meanwhile I'm
stuck at home away from my family and friends, not to mention being barefoot
and pregnant!"

Austin sat down in the chair and looked at Rebecca. "I
love you, Rebecca, and I wish you could see that. My family comes first no
matter what city or country I'm in. We can live bicoastal. We'll spend six
months in New York City and six months at the ranch."

"I guess," she said in a tight voice and
continued doing her nightly beauty routine.

Austin took one last look at Rebecca before heading into
the bathroom. Stripping his clothes off, Austin stepped under the hot water as
Farrah's remark about love came to haunt him. Was this a sign telling him to
leave Rebecca? Maybe Rebecca's attitude was just due to the wedding, he told
himself; sometimes things had to get worse before they got better. Was marrying
this woman a blessing or a curse?

He pushed the thoughts about his relationship with Rebecca
to the back of his mind. They were easily replaced with Farrah, whom he hadn't
seen or heard from in a few days. Closing his eyes, he tried to concentrate on
Rebecca. Maybe they should take a pre-wedding vacation, so they could get back
to where they used to be.

Drying off from his hot shower, he put on a pair of
drawstring pants and walked into the bedroom where Rebecca lay in bed.

"Rebecca, you know I'm throwing a party for the guys
on the ranch. We're going to need fish. I was thinking we could go to Lake
Lewisville and take the boat out like we used to do," he said as he
cuddled next to Rebecca in bed.

Rebecca moved out of Austin's arms and looked at him.
"I hate fishing, Austin. I don't want to be near any of those stinky
fish." She shuddered.

"Come on, baby," he said, his voice singsong as
he flipped Rebecca on her back. "I was going to take Farrah, but I think
this getaway would be good for us."

Rebecca leaned forward and kissed Austin. "I don't
want to go," she said between kisses. "You should take the
chef."

Austin moved away from Rebecca and lay on his back with one
arm across his face. "I'm convinced you don't want to spend time with
me."

"Austin, I'm leaving for New York for another dress
fitting. How about going to the Bahamas instead?"

"Rebecca, you know that I'm going to be in the
studio," he said softly. "Don't worry about it," he said as he
turned the lights off.

Austin pulled Rebecca close to him to cuddle, but within
twenty minutes, she moved away from him.

"I can't sleep with you all over me."

Austin looked at Rebecca's back. Yeah, all the wedding
planning was changing his Rebecca. Or was this what their marriage would be
like? He remembered how his dad used to play the Beatles song "All You
Need Is Love." But it was obvious that he needed more than love. Farrah's
comment about marrying for more than love was beginning to make sense. He
wanted the elements of a strong marriage that his parents had. Communication,
trust, and respect.

Closing his eyes, Austin tried to go to sleep.

Austin waited until the last customer had left before he
walked into Southern Rose. He wore sunglasses and his cowboy hat in an attempt
to conceal himself from the people walking on the street. The door chimed as he
walked into the restaurant. Austin wondered if Farrah knew how beautiful she
was even when she just wore blue jeans and a black t-shirt with
Southern
Rose
printed on it.

"Welcome to Southern Rose." Farrah looked up at
him and smiled.

"I would like to order today's special, darling,"
he said as he stood at the counter and read the menu.

"Austin?" Farrah asked. She was looking closely
at the man standing before her and, when he smiled at her, she knew it was him.

"Yes, sweetheart."

"You didn't have to come here to make adjustments to
the menu. You could just call or notify Megan."

"Why couldn't I just show up here and order some of
your delicious cooking?" Austin took off his hat and smiled.

"Austin McBride, I'm pretty sure that you have a cook
on that massive ranch of yours," she teased.

Austin laughed. Farrah was absolutely right, he did have a
cook on the ranch. He didn't come to Southern Rose for food, but to see her and
just talk. He needed someone who was going to be open and honest and not just
tell him what he wanted to hear.

"I'm in the middle of closing," Farrah started to
say when the restaurant door dinged, letting her know there was another customer.
Looking back at Austin, she said, "You can go in my office and I'll bring
you something after I get this customer situated."

Austin nodded his head. When he looked back at Farrah, he
noticed that the customer was a suspicious looking man who seemed jittery. He
stood in the hallway, not wanting to leave Farrah alone with the customer.

He wondered why she should be alone in the restaurant. His
cellphone rang. Picking it up, he answered it but kept his eyes glued to
Farrah.

"McBride," he answered.

"Hey, cousin, whatcha up to?"

His cousin Texas Ranger Shane McBride couldn't call at a
better time. "I'm at Southern Rose Eatery, I need you to get over here as
soon as possible."

"I know that place. They make the best liver and
onions." Shane whistled.

"There’s this strange guy who appeared to be casing
the restaurant before I got here," Austin said as he continued to watch
Farrah. He could tell by her body language that she was nervous.

"I'll be there in five minutes," Shane said and
hung up.

"Sweetheart," Austin said as he walked back up
front. Farrah looked up at him. "My cousin Ranger McBride wants to pick up
a plate in five minutes. I told him the restaurant is closing, but he said he
can't get enough of your liver and onions with bacon."

"Goddamn! Let me count my lucky stars. You're Austin
McBride." The man smiled, revealing missing teeth.

"The one and only." Austin stepped behind Farrah."Were
you going to order something?"

The man ordered a chocolate chip cookie that cost only
fifty cents and left.

"Is your cousin still coming for that liver and
onions?"

"Yes," Austin said as he looked up from his
Blackberry. "Why are you the only one in the restaurant?"

Farrah could feel Austin's eyes reprimanding her as she
went to lock the front doors. "You can keep an eye out for him."

"You didn't answer my question."

"To be honest, I can't really afford it, so I let my
staff go thirty minutes before closing time." Farrah turned her attention
to the beef. Austin watched Farrah attentively until someone knocked on the
front door.

"Well, if isn't the good old Texas Ranger Shane
McBride," Austin said as he walked to the door and opened it for his
cousin.

Farrah turned around for a quick second to catch a glimpse
of Shane McBride. Her first thought about Shane McBride was that he was a
Casanova wearing a black cowboy hat. He was the same height as Austin and
medium built. His body was defined.

"I checked out the guy who just left and let's just
say he has a very extensive criminal record." Shane had a southern accent
that any woman would want to listen to all day and night.

Austin turned and looked at Farrah. "Did you hear what
Ranger Shane just said?" He nudged her shoulder.

"I heard Ranger Shane. I will revise the
schedule." Farrah looked at Shane. "Hi, I'm Farrah Rue."

Shane's eyes roamed over Farrah's face and body.
"Shane McBride. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call
me," he said, placing his card in her hand.

Austin watched in horror as his cousin flirted with Farrah.
"Don't you have a ticket to write, Ranger Shane?"

"I didn't know you owned Southern Rose. I try to eat
here every chance I get. I think I will make it my business to eat here every
day just for the view," Shane said, completely ignoring Austin.

Farrah blushed. "Are you going to eat here? Or do you
want to take it home?"

"He's a busy man, Farrah. Better make his meal to
go." Austin looked around the kitchen for the carryout trays.

"I have a few minutes to waste, plus I think I just
found a date for my cousin's wedding."

"She is catering the wedding," Austin informed
him. "She won't have time to be your date."

"Why don't you guys go out there and talk and I'll
bring the food out." Farrah needed a break from Shane's flirtatious ways.

Austin sat across the table from Shane. He watched as Shane
observed Farrah's every move around the kitchen. "She's not your
type."

Shane roared with laughter. "Damn, cousin, you are
funny, but that doesn't mean you should stop writing those country songs and go
jump on a comedy tour."

"I'm serious, Shane. She is not your type. She doesn't
go for womanizers."

"I believe you're hurting my feelings, Austin."
Shane licked his lips as he watched Farrah bend over. "I do love a pretty,
smart, sophisticated, intelligent woman."

Austin snorted. "Save it. Stay away from Farrah."

"Why, cousin? Is it because you're smitten by the
beauty in the kitchen?" Shane winked.

"No," he stuttered. "I just don't want her
to be heartbroken. Farrah is catering a couple of events for me, not to mention
the wedding. It would be awkward having her cry over the food if you guys
didn't work out."

Yeah, right, McBride, is that what you're telling
yourself? You like Farrah; face it,
he thought to himself.

"Okay, guys," Farrah said, interrupting their
conversation. She placed the plates in front of them; fried liver and onions
sautéed with bacon strips and mushrooms.

"Can we go on a date?" Shane asked after the
first bite.

Austin was happy that Shane's phone rang at that moment.
Shane excused himself from the table and walked to a private area. Farrah took
the liberty of grabbing a take-away box and putting Shane's food in it.

"Darling, I have to go, but look out for my call. We
will be going out on a date." Shane thanked Farrah for the meal. He
shocked both Austin and Farrah by kissing her directly on the lips.

"McBride," Austin warned.

"McBride," Shane mimicked. "Tell Rebecca I
said hello."

Austin knew that was a low blow; he ignored Shane and was
happy his cousin left so he could enjoy the rest of the evening talking to
Farrah.

"Do you like him?" Austin asked after a few
minutes ticked by.

"What? He has potential, but no." Farrah smiled
and touched her lips. "Shane will be in for a rude awakening when the
right one comes along."

"How do you know he's not the right one?"

"He's not, and I'm not the one for him."

Austin saw hurt in Farrah's eyes just for a second.
"Who hurt you?"

"Let's just say I had my share of heartache."

"Farrah, I know you're hiding something inside. I'm
here for you if you need someone to talk to."

"Tell me, Austin, what made you become a country
singer?" Farrah asked, desperately trying to change the topic.

"My granddaddy used to play Johnny Cash. I remember
all those times as a young boy sitting on the fishing creek singing with him. I
went to Nashville when I was eighteen years old and got my first break."

"You must be talented."

"You've never listened to any of my songs?" He
put his hands to his heart. "I think I'm hurt and disappointed!"

Farrah laughed at Austin's antics. "Sing something for
me, right now."

A few minutes passed before Austin started to sing. She
loved his accent as he sang about losing love. She marveled at his soft,
crooning vocal skills.

"Bravo!" She clapped when he finished the song.
"I might have to go get your album."

"I could give you a copy," he said, looking at
her.

"No, I want to buy your CD." Farrah stood up as
she was becoming uncomfortable. She took the dishes off the table and walked to
the kitchen.

"Well, ma'am, I think it's my turn to wash dishes."

Farrah turned around and watched as Austin rolled up his
sleeves. "Shouldn't you be heading home?"

"My momma would be ashamed of me if she knew that the
last time you cooked, I left without helping you with the dishes." He
kindly moved her aside and opened the tap to wash the dishes.

"Well, McBride, I thought you would have forgotten how
to do the dishes." Farrah laughed when he splashed her with water.

"Sugar, I promise you I know how to wash dishes."
His grey eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at her. Farrah cleared her
throat and began to wipe down the counter, trying to ignore Austin's heated
stare.

They finished cleaning the kitchen and remained silent.
When they were done, Farrah walked Austin to the front door.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you I hired a fisherman,"
she said.

Austin wanted to kiss her badly as she smiled up at him.
"Actually, I was thinking I could teach you how to fish. We could make a
day out of it. It's sad that a southern woman like you doesn't know how to
fish."

"It's not sad, Austin. For fresh fish, I go to the
fish market early in the morning."

"Well, don't make any Saturday plans, because we're
going to take
Charlene
out on the water." Austin put his cowboy hat
on.

"What's next?" she asked. "You going to take
me hunting?"

Austin laughed. "It's too hot right now, but I could
see you out in the woods hunting with me."

Farrah couldn't help but laugh. "Goodnight,
Austin."

Austin kissed Farrah's cheek. "Text me your address so
I can pick you up early on Saturday morning. Now lock up."

"Okay." Farrah closed the door and locked it.

Austin sat in his truck; he watched as the lights turned
off in the restaurant.

***

Farrah walked out the door and jumped when she saw Austin
standing next to her blue Mini Cooper. "I thought you left," she
sighed.

"I wanted to make sure you got to your car
safely."

"That's sweet, but I can handle myself." She held
her key chain up for him to see the pepper spray.

"That doesn't mean anything." He chuckled and
opened her car door. "I'll see you on Saturday. Buckle up."

"Saturday, but not too early." She started her
car and waved to Austin as she pulled out of the parking lot.

Farrah's smile fell when she realized that she would be
spending a whole day on a boat with Austin McBride. He made her nervous,
especially the way he looked at her. Staying away from Austin was becoming
harder and harder by the minute.

***

Austin talked to Shadow while he brushed the horse's mane.

"I will be leaving in a few days, Shadow, but I will
be back in a few weeks."

Austin was trying to get Farrah off his mind. It took every
ounce of control not to touch or kiss her.

"If you brush Shadow any longer, he'll be the cleanest
horse in the stable." Hank approached Austin with a grin on his face.

"I'm trying to spend all my time with him before I
leave."

"I'm told you've been spending all your time at
Southern Rose."

Austin put the brush down. "Ms. Rue is the chef who
will be cooking at the appreciation dinner next week."

"I heard she is a looker," Hank said with a grin.

"I guess, but I wasn't paying attention," Austin lied.
"The food is to die for."

"That's where we have our Sunday dinners," Hank
said.

"Who?" Austin asked. This was his first time ever
hearing about Hank going to Southern Rose.

"The ranch hands and myself." Hank shrugged.

"I didn't know," he replied.

"You wouldn't since Rebecca doesn't want you spending
a lot of time with us country folks." Hank smirked.

Hank wasn't lying. Every time Austin brought Rebecca to the
ranch, she would find an excuse not to ride the horse he'd bought her, or she
would spend a few days on the ranch and leave.

"Leave Rebecca alone. She's still trying to adjust to
ranch life." Austin shook his head as he continued to brush Shadow.

Hank chuckled. "You guys have been steady for three
years and Rebecca still hasn't adjusted to ranch life. Face it, Austin, your
woman doesn't like this lifestyle."

"How is Natalie?" Austin wasn't in the mood to
defend Rebecca to his family. "I can take a hint; no more talking about Rebecca."
Hank threw his hands up.

"I'm going to turn in early. I'm taking Farrah fishing
at Lake Lewisville," Austin said as he tried to hide his smile.

"Gotcha!" Hank started to walk away and stopped
in his tracks. "Shane said he met a girl tonight. I'm happy that everyone
is settling down."

Austin didn't reply to Hank. He knew that Shane had the
hots for Farrah, and he was going to make him cool down a couple notches.