Page 36 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

“The food here is amazing. Rosita is the best cook,” Willa said.

“Yes, I agree.” Presley noticed the staff taking the food from the buffet. She’d obviously just made it.

“She also runs housekeeping. I don’t know how she does it all. I get run ragged working up the itinerary. Don’t get me wrong though, I love it.”

“I can tell. You said you and Devin just got married last month?”

“We did. I came here in June with Rocky, and I left with Rocky.” Willa laughed. “Devin came after me. I had this hang-up about our age difference. I’m nine years older than he is.”

“Nine years? You don’t look it. I mean, I’m not going to try to blow smoke, I thought you were older but I was thinking about four or five years.”

Willa beamed a smile at her. “Thanks. He thought that too, and when I told him I was nine years older, he got this wicked grin on his face and said, ‘sexy’.”

Presley laughed. “He seems like a great guy.”

“They both are. You know they’re twins, right?”

“Yes.”

“Jaxon is always calling Devin his little brother. Jax is older by four minutes.” Willatilted her head. “Do you and Jax have something going on?”

Presley choked on her coffee. Setting the cup down, she wiped at the tears in her eyes as she looked at Willa.

“You don’t pull any punches, do you?”

Willa smiled at her. “Devin mentioned it, and I thought I’d ask you myself.”

“Devin mentioned it?”

“Don’t get angry with Jaxon. He didn’t say anything to Devin about it. Devin saw you two talking a little close, and it surprised him. Me too, since Jaxon hasn’t shown an interest in anyone and a lot of beautiful women come through here.”

“Oh, dear God.” Presley put her hands over her face.

“Hey, don’t be embarrassed. I’m sure Devin teased him about it, and Jaxon told Devin to fuck off.” She shrugged. “Simple as that.”

“It is in no way simple. He’s not supposed to be fraternizing with the guests.”

Willa snorted. “Oh please, what’s he going to do, fire himself? And for another thing, Devin fraternized with me.”

“That’s true.” Sucking in a breath, Presley blew it out.

“Nothing you say to me goes past this table. I love Devin, but I also know how tight he is with Jaxon. I’d never tell him anythingyou’d tell me. Of course, you don’t have to say a thing.”

“I came here to make a decision about a job,” Presley said. “It’s a great position. I’ve been an ER nurse in Idaho Falls for years and the hours are killers. I have a chance to work in the Recovery Unit. I’ve been offered the job, but something is holding me back. I don’t know why I’m even hesitating. More money, fewer hours. Why am I hesitating?” She stabbed her fork into her scrambled eggs.

“Have you talked to Jaxon about it?”

“I mentioned it, but he’s also told me he’s not interested in a relationship. So I’d be wasting my time by staying here when he doesn’t want me.”

“You have to make the decision yourself, Presley. You’ve worked long and hard for your career. I loved my job, but I also wanted to settle down. My first marriage was a disaster, but I know this one will last forever.” She picked up her coffee cup. “Is a job worth leaving the man you love?”

“He doesn’t want me to stay…”

“Give him time. When Devin told me about Jaxon and Bethany, it broke my heart. Not only did he have to leave the career he loved, but he also lost his wife.”

Presley blinked tears away. “I know.”

“I think you should take each day as it comes. Jaxon loved her, and I’m sure he still does but I think he’s afraid to move on without her.” Willa placed her hand over Presley’s. “I’m not being a bitch here. I’m just being honest and if you ever need to talk, just call me. I need to get going.” She pushed her chair back, stood, and handed Presley a card with her number on it then walked off.

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