The Best of Both Worlds

By C. A. O'Donnell

Jake McAllister is just a teenager when he loses his father in a tragic accident. As grief overwhelms his daily life, he finds solace in nightly dreams graced by a beautiful girl who comforts him and quickly captures his heart. But as Jake matures into manhood and attains success as a cowboy boot-wearing CEO, no one ever imagines that he and his stunning guardian angel could ever become a reality.

When widowed single mother Yvette Corvelle buys a ranch in Arizona, all she wants is to leave her past behind and raise her four-year-old daughter, Brandi, in a peaceful, safe environment. But when a tire blows on her Jeep one day near the McAllister ranch, her path suddenly intertwines with Jakes. After Jake realizes Yvette is the girl from his dreams, neither can deny their powerful attraction. As Jake attempts to convince her that he is not the womanizer she believes him to be, a mystery unfolds that soon leads them down a dangerous path where nothing is certaineven their undeniable bond.

The Best of Both Worlds shares the tale of a cowboy CEO and his beautiful guardian angel as fate brings them together in the Arizona desert and leaves the possibility of a forever romance hanging in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491796283

C. A. O'Donnell

C.A. O’Donnell has written her first book and looks forward to writing many more as she enjoys life with her husband, their children and six grandchildren.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

T HE TWO FRIENDS SAT TOGETHER in the parlor of the McAllister ranch. They had been friends for a long time, brought together by Carl McAllister. Elise, Carl's widow, and Buck, Carl's childhood friend, sat together in silence. Their thoughts on the boy upstairs. It had been three weeks since Carl's death. It was a tragic accident, and everyone was still in shock. Especially fourteen year-old Jacob. Carl was not only his father, but also his best friend and Jake was taking it so hard that he wasn't getting much sleep. He had hardly spoken to anyone since the accident. He was having a very difficult time dealing with his grief. The two were worried, neither knowing how to help the boy.

Jake was afraid to go to sleep the dreams would come again. Those awful dreams where he relived the accident. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see his father pinned under one of their stock cars as the train derailed. So he set himself up for another night of no sleep.

Sometime around dawn he finally fell asleep, and just as that awful dream was beginning again, it was suddenly different. The next thing he knew, he was looking into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. He couldn't quite make out the other features of the face, however. It couldn't be his father his father had green eyes. Soon more came into view. It was a girl with the strangest looking hair he had ever seen. It was red and brown mixed together a very odd color.

As Jake looked into her eyes once again, he felt like crying, very strange since he didn't cry--he was a man, after all. Suddenly he was crying releasing all the grief and pain he had bottled up inside of him. The whole time, he could feel her eyes on him, and he was comforted. When the tears ended, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

To the relief of Elise and Buck, Jake slept for the next thirty hours. They were both relieved when Jacob woke up hungry and in the mood to talk.

He was nonstop eating and talking, talking and eating. All of the sudden he was very serious as he told Elise that he met this girl in his dreams. He talked about how much better he felt about missing his dad and all.

Elise, thanking God that the healing process had begun, explained about guardian angels and how they can protect you, comfort you, and guide you as you grow up.

Never did she consider the idea that they could become a reality...

CHAPTER 1

O H YVETTE, I STILL CAN'T believe you and Brandi are moving! You're not only my sister you're the best friend I've ever had. What am I going to do without you?"

Please, Courtney, try to understand. After all these years, everywhere I look, and everywhere I go reminds me of Joe. We grew up around here, went to high school together, went to college in Boulder, got married and had Brandi. It's all just too much, too painful. I can't even drive on Interstate 25 without thinking about that horrible day. I still can't believe that bus driver was so drunk. It's really amazing that Joe's the only person who was killed out of that five-car pile-up.

I know, and I'm very sorry about all of that but it's been more than six months. I thought you were doing OK with all of it.

So did I, but when some seventh grader in the school up the street got caught with a gun in his locker, it was just too much. I want a small community, and a real quiet life in which to raise my daughter.

I can understand that but with your insurance money, and the money from the bus company, you could move to any area. Why one so far away--I mean Avon Park, Arizona--where is that? It sounds like some cow-town right out of the 1800's.

It is. You should see it! It's rough, but quiet and the ranch I bought is going to be great! I can hardly wait for Brandi to get a little older or can you put a four-year old on a horse?

I can't believe how serious you are about all of this. You don't know anything about running a ranch! Yvette laughed at this. Her sister was right but for Brandi, she was willing to learn.

Still smiling, Yvette said, You know what else, the house is pitiful. It has to be torn down, and we'll be living in a trailer while they build our new one. It may be a small town, but I want all of the modern conveniences, so it will be a while until they're finished.

Laughing also, Courtney hugged her sister. I really do wish you all the luck and happiness in the world. I was just feeling a bit sorry for myself. I'm going to miss you so much! As Yvette hugged her back, she said, I'll miss you too but we have the telephone, and I'm keeping the whole west wing just for you and Charles and your brood!

West wing! How large is this house anyway?

It's going to be a surprise you'll just have to wait and see, was all Yvette would say.

CHAPTER 2

J ACOB MCALLISTER LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE who just stepped out of GQ magazine, with his double-breasted, gray pinstriped suit, tailored in London especially for him. Along with his paisley silk tie and white linen shirt, he positively looked like a young man who has the world by the tail. Being the CEO and president of the board of McAllister, Inc., he was indeed a man on top. Jacob, at 35, is right at home in the board room a workaholic to the core. In just ten years under his guidance, he has tripled the size of McAllister Oil, and made the company a nation-wide success. He moved the oil company, and all his other acquisitions, under the McAllister, Inc. logo, to make him one of the wealthiest men in America. From his 6'2", dark brown hair that tends to curl at the top of his collar, to his deep set brown eyes. Making Jacob one of the most sought after bachelors in the world.

He never lacks for feminine companionship--from heiresses and starlets, to cocktail waitresses and secretaries.

The truth of the matter, however, is Jacob was bored. He hasn't had a vacation in three years, so after today's board meeting, he is taking one month off. He is going home no suits, no ties, nothing but Levi's, cowboy boots, and his Stetson. He just couldn't wait to get out to the ranch in Arizona.

Remember, if you have any trouble or need assistance, just get a hold of Steve Tomlingson or my secretary Maggie. They should be able to handle most problems, or you know how to get a hold of me. If there is nothing else, this meeting is adjourned and I'll see you all in a month.

Robert Johnson, head of the land acquisition department said, So Boss, are you going to come back married. Is that what's behind this sudden vacation?

Carol Jorgenson, head of public relations said, If this is true, Jacob, shouldn't we be setting up a press conference for you and Ms. Carstairs upon your return. Where are you two going anyway?

I'm not sure where all this is coming from. I'm not getting married. This is strictly a vacation. My first trip in three years where business isn't the prime directive, replied Jacob.

As the staff members filed out with wishes for a good vacation, Jacob asked Steve to hang around as Maggie came in with the last minute details.

Your mother called this morning to confirm your arrival time. Her driver will meet you at the gate. Your plane will be ready at four. Ms. Carstairs called saying she was running late and will meet you at the restaurant a half hour later than planned. The tickets for the Benefit Dinner on the fifteenth in Phoenix are in your briefcase. That seems to be it, Jake. Any last minute items for me?

No, as usual, you've been your very efficient self, Maggie and I thank you for all you do. Try to remember to cut your hours while I'm gone. Have a bit of a break yourself, leave before dark for a change. Steve, see to it, won't you?"

Sure, Boss, no problem, answered Steve. I sure do envy you, Jake, a whole month at the ranch. It's been so long, I don't think I remember how to ride a horse.

Steve, you'll never forget how to ride you were the best, after all. It wasn't your fault that bull stomped you, just because you decided to play clown instead of getting out of the arena. Maggie, laughing at this asked, Did you really take a swing at a bull?

Well, what do you expect. He threw me on my head after I won. I was embarrassed when Jake started laughing, so I took a swing at the son-of-a-gun. He knocked me down and stomped me but good. replied a blushing Steve. Now, Jake, that wasn't very nice, laughing at your best friend, said Maggie still chuckling.

I couldn't help it, laughed Jake. Here he was the Champion, and instead of saluting the crowd like he normally did he was dumped on his head. Funniest darn thing I ever saw! Maggie and Jake were both laughing now. Shaking his head, poor old Steve just left with a Have a good trip, Boss.

Maggie and Jake just watched Steve leave and as soon as the door closed, they burst into laughter once again. That really was awful of us, to goad him so, laughed Maggie.

Don't worry about Steve, if we started being serious around him, he'd really get worried, replied Jake.

I suppose you're right at that. Are you ready to leave should I send for Buck?

Why don't you wait about thirty minutes, since you said Elizabeth was running behind schedule. I have a few things to collect around here before I leave.

As he packed his briefcase, Jake's thoughts drifted towards Elizabeth Carstairs. She was a very beautiful woman. Tall, thin, with long blonde hair, big blue eyes she was a little too large on top to be a perfect model, but he didn't care. He liked it that way. She was not an airhead either, she graduated with top honors at the University of Missouri. They had been dating off and on since her divorce with Senator Carstairs three years ago. He thought that maybe he loved her he just wasn't so sure about her feelings. Sometimes she seemed more interested in his money and position than in him as a man. Part he knows it is her upbringing, when daddy calls you his princess, you expect it.

For Jake something was leaving him just a bit unsettled where she's concerned, and it has kept him from proposing. Jake mentally shrugged, perhaps he was just looking for something perfect in an imperfect world. Maybe he'd ask her after his vacation. Maybe...

CHAPTER 3

Y VETTE SURVEYED HER NEW HOME. It had taken six months to complete, but it was beautiful. She was very pleased. It was a wonderful house built after the Spanish style hacienda. It was U-shaped, and a single story high. The front door is in the center of the side that faces east. To the right of the front door is the kitchen and breakfast room which extend the width of the wing beyond that, a two car garage. The kitchen and breakfast room took up the width of the east wing. Off to the left of the front door is a large dining room across the hall is the living room, complete with a big screen television. Around the corner is Yvette's favorite room--sort of a combination office and sewing room. Across the hall is a light and airy music room: Yvette's private domain. Further down the hall is Brandi's bedroom and bathroom. A large pink room complete with canopied bed and princess phone. Spoiling her already, that's what Joe would say if he were here, thought Yvette. Brandi is much too young for a telephone--Oh well! Brandi shares her bath with a guest room. Across the hall is the master suite. Heaven on earth thinks Yvette as she looks through her rooms. They turned out just exactly as she pictured them in her mind. Around the corner to the west wing are guest rooms, just as she told Courtney there would be. Four rooms on each side of the hall, with a bath for every two rooms. Plenty enough room for Rosa and Jose Calderone, Yvette's housekeeper and foreman, and for Courtney and Charles and their five children. The remaining room is to be kept for Rosa and Jose's son and daughter-in-law when they come from California to visit. The inside of the U was a courtyard, tiled to keep the heat to a minimum. It was tastefully decorated with palm trees, cactus plants, and wicker furniture. The entrances to this lovely spot come from the master suite, the music room and the breakfast room. Yes, she thought, she and Brandi could be very happy here. She could hardly wait for next month when Courtney and her family came for a visit.

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Really, Jacob, I so want to be with you this next month. I've been after you forever to take a vacation.

You know, Elizabeth, I thought you were coming along with me. Staying behind is your idea, not mine.

Oh, Jacob, when I said vacation, I meant somewhere chic, not some dusty old ranch in the middle of Arizona in July. I simply hate that place. I think you chose it just to spite me!

Come on Elizabeth, we're not going through this again. I'm going home, and that's all there is to it. We'll do chic next time, but I've neglected the place and really need to recharge my batteries. You could come out for part of the time if you don't want to stay the entire month. Don't forget that benefit on the fifteenth.

No Jacob, I'm afraid that just doesn't work for me. I want to be the center of your life not just a part of it. Therefore, you should be giving me want I want and need.

This turn around was no surprise to Jake as she uses it whenever she's not getting her way, but he said nothing more on the subject. Instead he said, Really Elizabeth, you know I only use Jacob in business all my friends call me Jake. I much prefer it. Why do you insist on calling me Jacob?

What to answer, thought Elizabeth. Should she tell him that Jake sounded like a dumb cowboy--no better not. Well Darling, your mother calls you Jacob, and I think it sounds so much more sophisticated. There, well done, she congratulated herself, only to frown with his next statement.

My mother named me and has always called me Jacob, I simply gave up years ago trying to change her mind, Sweetheart.

If I got half the admiration he bestows on that woman, we would be married by now and I would be spending all that lovely money of his! thought Elizabeth.

All right Darling, you win. I'll try, but it's just that some habits are hard to break.

Jake smiled as he sipped his brandy. As a whole, lunch had been enjoyable, but he was anxious to be on his way. The ranch was calling him home.

Shall we go to my apartment now? Elizabeth said interrupting his reverie.

No Sweetheart, there isn't enough time. My plane leaves in an hour. That's why you should be coming along, not staying here. Come on, I'll take you home.

Time for a new track, thought Elizabeth.

No that won't be necessary as I have my driver since I was shopping earlier and I've decided to return the dress I bought for the benefit on the 15th as I'm not going to go. This relationship is just not working for me anymore. You're going to have to find someone new to take, we are through!!

Elizabeth, honey, we aren't through, you're just a little miffed at me for the moment...we do this all the time. When you've had a moment to calm down you'll remember how good we can be together.

Jacob, I am calm and we are finished, replied Elizabeth.

As Jake looked at her, he thought, she's right she is calm. Usually she's throwing things and screaming and crying, having a total tantrum no matter where we are. Maybe she means it this time? As he continued to watch her, he searched his heart. He was sad but not devastated. Mostly he just wanted to go home.

Well, darling I'm very sorry you feel that way.

With that he was gone without even looking back. That didn't go well, he was supposed to beg her to be with him. Sometimes Elizabeth thought he was a most exasperating man. Once again he did not say he loved her. She just couldn't understand it. She knew he had seen her exclusively for the last nine months. They had sex together often the man was insatiable. She didn't mind it too much, except when he tried to make love in the mornings. She simply hated starting her day that way her hair mussed, and her make-up more under her eyes than on. It was just too difficult to be sexy, looking like a rumpled