Page 5 of Blue Moon Cowboy
Jason stopped with his spoon halfway to his mouth, glared at Shaun, then took the bite. If Shaun kept needling him about Lainey, Jason might have to set him straight about more than one matter.
Instead of letting the smile on his son’s face goad him, Jason set his attention on finishing the layered dessert. He could taste lemon bars, the tang of cream cheese mixed with freshly chopped strawberries, and a creamy pudding layer topped by whipped cream and sliced strawberries. The dessert held the flavors of springtime and made him glad Shaun had thought to add a scoop to his plate.
When Lainey got up and gathered a handful of paper plates from those at her table and carried them to the trash before disappearing inside the house, Jason shoveled in the last bite of his dessert and stood.
For once, Shaun wisely held his tongue as Jason took his plate and dropped it in the trash, then headed toward the back door. Before he reached it, Lainey stepped out, carrying a tray full of cookies. Jason watched her set them on the dessert table before she glanced around, as though she was looking for something to keep herself busy.
His gaze roved over the crowd, hoping to catch Andrew or Liz, but they were both deep in conversations, and he didn’t want to disturb them.
Instead, he made his way over to the dessert table, where Lainey used a napkin to clean up a puddle of melted ice cream.
“I heard you made the strawberry lemon thing. It was delicious.”
Lainey’s head lifted, and she stared at him. He saw recognition arrive in her expression. “Thank you. I like to make lush desserts. They’re easy and always taste good.”
“A whatsy?” Jason asked, not well-versed in culinary terms, even if he did know a little about cooking.
“A lush. It’s basically a layered dessert you refrigerate until serving,” she said, throwing away the ice-cream-soaked napkin, then using a clean napkin to wipe her hands before tossing it in the trash. “It always has a crust, a few layers, and a whipped cream topping. I used lemon bars, strawberry cream cheese, and strawberry mousse for this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I certainly did.” He wiped his hand on the leg of his jeans, then held it out to her. “I’m Jason Price.”
“Elaina Collins, but everyone calls me Lainey.” She took his hand and gave it a strong shake, sending warmth coursing from the point where their palms touched all the way up his arm.
“Lainey.” He repeated the word, liking the way it settled just so on his tongue. “Liz’s son was telling me you’ve been here all week, taking photos for a project.”
“That’s right.” Lainey nodded and picked up a chocolate chip cookie. She broke off a small piece and popped it in her mouth.
“Tell me more about the project,” he said, not meaning it as an order, but hoping she’d take it as a suggestion to keep talking. The woman was intriguing, and her voice was smooth and pleasant. On top of that, she smelled like flowers and something sweet without being sugary. The fragrance wrapped around him like creamy velvet, carrying a hint of roses and something utterly feminine.
To a man used to smelling horses, cattle, and sweaty rodeo competitors, it was an altogether welcome change of pace.
“I’m under contract for a book of portraits about women in the West. The focus is on family matriarchs, and it’s going to be calledPillars of the West,because these women are the pillars that hold up their families, like Liz.”
“Wow. That is incredible, and that title is great. Is this your first book contract?” Jason knew next to nothing about the publishing world.
“No. It will be my sixth published book of portraits.” Lainey stepped away from the table and started walking.
Jason moved beside her and adjusted his longer stride to keep step with her. He liked that she wasn’t too short or too tall. In fact, she seemed just about right for him, since he stood a little over six feet, even when barefoot.
“What were your other books about?” Jason asked as they walked out of the yard and started down the path toward the nearest barn.
“Portraits,” Lainey said, then looked at him and smiled. “I like to focus on faces, with a theme. My first book was calledCoal Countryand showcased American miners. I even went into the mines just to get a better feel for what the workers faced.”
“You’re the Faces lady!” Jason declared, recalling an article he’d read a few years ago about a photographer who had won awards and made all the bestseller lists with her unique perspective of people’s faces.
Lainey blushed, but nodded her head. “All of my books so far have been part of what the publisher named the Faces series. I didProtect and Servewith military members,Under the Hoodwith mechanics,A Life of Colorwith artists,Built to Lastwith construction workers, andFront of the Classabout teachers.”
“My son-in-law is former military, and he has theProtect and Servebook. One of his friends was killed in action, but his photo is in the book. It’s something Tyler cherishes.”
Lainey stopped and offered him a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Please extend my condolences to your son-in-law, and also my gratitude for his service. I know a few of those I photographed are no longer with us. It breaks my heart because those who serve have already sacrificed so much, and what they’ve given so often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. My hope was that my book would shine a light on some of them.”
Jason was touched by the sincerity in her voice and eyes. “I’ll do that. Thank you. My daughter, Lisa, is happy to finally have him home, as is my granddaughter.”
“Do they live near you?”
Jason grinned. “For a while, they lived down the hall from me in the farmhouse I occupy with my brother and dad, but they moved into town when Tyler was honorably discharged. Lisa manages a bank, but Tyler works on the ranch. He’s a great cowhand and pretty handy when it comes to mechanical issues.”
“So, you ranch when you aren’t doing what you did at the rodeo today?” Lainey asked as they resumed their walk.
