If he was a betting man, Jack would have bet he'd never have Lisa Stillman in his truck again, but as he closed the door for her, he couldn't help but smile, very pleasantly surprised at the afternoon's turn of events. Here, he'd been working away in the barn, had come out to put Lisa's jerk of a husband in his place for speaking to Amy as he had, and Jack had come away finding out this woman, this intriguing and very attractive woman, was indeed, very much single, and that just made his day. Trying to contain his excitement at this development, Jack schooled his features and took a deep breath before opening the driver side truck door. He had been given this second chance, and he didn't want to blow it. A woman like Lisa was rare; he knew that much and based on the feelings he had been sifting through the last few weeks, Jack needed to do something.
In fact, it reminded him a little of fly fishing, his favorite activity. Fly fishing had taught him to have patience, A LOT of patience. One could go an entire day without snagging a thing, but the wait was always worth it; the best things come to those who wait. He was really good at being patient while fly fishing. He'd not considered his lack of dating in the same manner, not until maybe now, but maybe it was a lot more similar than he'd ever considered. Jack had never been active in trying to date but had always told himself that he was content with his memories of Lyndy, and should someone ever intrigue him enough, well, he'd consider pursuing that. He'd been patient. He hadn't 'played the field' so to speak, going around Hudson dating single women, not at all. He'd never found anyone who even piqued his interest, until now, and that beautiful woman was in his truck, almost daring him to take a chance on her. Jack was aware she was interested. Only an idiot would be so unaware of her interest. He was no idiot, just a cautious, guarded, widower, who was now most definitely interested.
Before he spooked Lisa any more with his odd behavior, Jack took a deep breath.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered to himself. He'd not been this nervous yesterday, going to the auction because initially, he'd convinced himself he was a friend helping a friend. Today, though, after what had transpired over the last 24 hours, he was certain Lisa was interested in him and that he was interested in her. He opened the door, met Lisa's gaze, and he smiled at her as he situated himself in the truck.
"I'll have you home in no time," he nodded to her, his smile softening even more.
"As I said earlier," she shifted slightly in the truck, "I'm in no rush."
Jack nodded at her as he backed up and turned the truck around, heading up the driveway. As they passed the barn, Lisa commented on Gallant Prince.
"I am just so amazed at the progress with Prince."
"He really has come a long way, a different horse. So," Jack glanced her way, "you co-own Gallant Prince?"
"Yes," Lisa nodded as she shifted in the truck to sit almost facing him. "Dan and I own several racehorses jointly. He has his stable; I have mine, but we still are joint owners of quite a few. It's been a good business venture. Racehorses are a very expensive undertaking often requiring a lot of investors. Dan was a lousy husband, but we've done okay, pretty well in fact," she nodded to herself, "working together. After all these years, I know where we are going to disagree, but it's worked for us."
"Not too many can work with an ex," Jack glanced at her with almost an admiring nod.
"No, they can't," she smiled softly, "but we found that's what works for us. Neither could afford to buy out the other regarding the horses we jointly own, and we didn't want to divide them between us. We know all the secrets and tricks of each horse. We agreed we aren't going to buy any additional horses jointly, and as we sell off any we currently own, that partnership will just shrink until we dissolve it."
"So, the auction yesterday," Jack asked, gesturing with a hand, "you were both there, but you weren't buying horses for your partnership?"
"No," she said with pursed lips and a small smile at him. "We both do buy racehorses, and yes, that means we are often at the same auctions or even in France at the same events, seeing as that's just how our circuit works. One thing I can say after knowing Dan as long as I have, we have very different preferences in our racehorses, which has led to some major arguments, and ultimately, that has us interested in usually very different horses at these auctions. To be honest, I'm very glad we are no longer buying horses together."
If you don't mind my asking," Jack glanced at her, "how long have you been divorced?"
She tilted her head with a smile, "I don't mind your asking. It shows you're interested," Lisa's smiled widened to a grin, and Jack felt his face flushing. He didn't comment but let her continue.
"Just about 12 years now," Lisa nodded. "It was right after my 30th birthday, a year after my dad has passed away, which means," she said patting his arm, "I'm 42. Dan and I got married when I was 24, my dad got sick and passed away when I was 28, separated by the time I was 29 and divorced at 30. It was a lot. We continued buying horses jointly for a few years after that, but by the time I was 40, we'd agreed to stop buying joint horses."
"Sounds like an interesting partnership," Jack commented.
Lisa met his gaze with a small nod, "That's all it is, and the more and more I focus on my own stable, the more I'm glad to be independent of Dan. Going forward, I will have less and less involvement with him as we sell off different horses. Some we keep for breeding, and others are still racing."
"Quite an operation," Jack nodded as he continued to drive. He slowed the truck as they approached the long, almost intimidating driveway for Fairfield. Jack gestured to it and glanced at Lisa, "I've never been to Fairfield before."
Lisa grinned, "Well, it's about time then. If you want to pull toward the right where the driveways split, that goes to the house, while continuing straight takes you to the stables, which is where I have my office. Should you ever come here during my work hours," she flashed a smile, "you are welcome to park right up by the stable office. I don't let many park there."
Jack gave her an appreciative nod, "I'll remember that." He pulled around to the front of the house, taking it all in. It was a grand house, about as opposite from Heartland as a house could be. The entire operation at Fairfield was a lot to take in, and while he knew Lisa was very well off, there was just something about her that grounded her, something that he found ver attractive and needed to pursue. He realized he'd regret it if he didn't. Their worlds were very different, but he liked her a lot.
Putting the truck in park, he turned slightly toward Lisa and was greeted with a warm smile.
"I'm impressed," she flashed a grin at Jack, and when he gave her a quizzical glance, she continued, "We managed a ride in your truck without it breaking down." Jack broke into a laugh as he nodded.
"Yeah, this truck and I have a special relationship."
"So I can tell," she grinned again. She smiled a lot, something that he loved seeing. She had a beautiful smile. "Ahh," she gestured outside, "would you like to see the stables? It's late in the day now, and most should have left. I can give you a private tour."
"I'd like that," he offered his own smile and a nod. Both got out of the truck, and Jack joined her where they started walking across her grounds.
"My dad started this place in the early 1950's. He and my mom ran it together until she passed away when I was a teenager, so," she glanced up at him, her hands in her back pockets, "I do understand a lot of what Amy especially is going through."
"I didn't realize," Jack shook his head.
"Why would you?" Lisa looked up with a shrug and small smile. "We are just getting to know each other, ehh? I grew up then with my dad. My sister, Beth, Ben's mom, is eight years older than I am, so she'd already left home. After I went to college, I started working with my dad, met Dan, got married, moved to the Midwest, and I came back home to take care of my dad when he got sick. My marriage was already rocky, looking back on that now, but as I cared for my dad, I realized I was pretty unhappy with a lot of things. Anyway," she sighed, "after my dad passed away, I took over Fairfield, and Dan didn't want that. We divorced, and I've been here. Ironically, he moved back here even after he said he didn't want any part of Fairfield, which really became he didn't want me. It is what it is, and I've been building up Fairfield for over the last decade."
Jack listened intently, nodding as she told him a little about her past. They'd reached the stables, after walking along some of the fence line, and he gestured around them, "It's quite an impressive operation here."
"Thank you," she said with a warm, genuine smile up at him. "I do love it here. Come on inside," she said, opening the door. "I expect this time of the day, most have left. Harry, my stable manager, is more than likely still around, but you can see some of the fabulous horses I have."
Jack nodded, and he moved to hold the door to her office area, allowing her to go first. The two walked inside, and he spent the next 20 minutes discussing her horses as she showed him her operation. It was quite grand, bigger than any operation he'd seen with someone like Val, and Lisa appeared to be quite the businesswoman. Jack could tell she had a keen business sense, and just the little he'd been around her to this point, he could tell she was a fierce negotiator. It hadn't gone unnoticed that she'd almost tried to negotiate dating with him back at the ranch.
Once they'd toured the stables, the two found themselves on the backside of the building where Lisa had more training rings, and there, they found, who he assumed to be, Harry exercising a horse. Lisa had been right; the rest of her staff had gone home for the night, but as the two walked up to the fence, Jack narrowed his gaze, watching Harry.
"That's your horse, Promise, the one Amy worked with, correct?" Jack asked her as he put his foot up on the fence and rested his arms on it. Lisa, waving at Harry, turned and grinned, nodding at him.
"Yes, it is, and I'm so impressed with Amy. She worked wonders. Promise is doing great. Oh, and that is Harry," she nodded to him working with the horse, "and he's managed this place since my dad was alive. He's great at his job and very trustworthy. I'm very lucky to have him here." As Lisa told Jack about Harry, he walked toward them, and Lisa waved at him again.
"Hey Boss," he smiled and nodded at them as he approached. He gestured over his shoulder," Promise is doing really well."
"I'm so happy to hear that," she nodded, gesturing to Jack. "Harry, have you met Jack Bartlett? His granddaughter, Amy, is the one who worked with Promise."
"No," he raised and eyebrow, extending his hand. Jack reached over the fence to shake his hand as well. "Nice to meet you, and wow, your granddaughter must be very talented. I haven't seen a horse turned around like Promise has been. Your daughter was Marion Fleming, correct? I occasionally spoke to her in town. She knew a lot about horses."
"Yes, Marion was my daughter" Jack said, nodding with a sad smile as he gripped the fence again. "And yes," he let a low chuckle escape, thinking about his daughter fondly, "she loved horses and was very talented working with them."
"I'm very sorry for your loss," Harry told him, meeting Jack's gaze. "She was a good lady. That's impressive your granddaughter has the same gift as Marion. She will have quite a future with horses."
"Thank you," Jack nodded. "She's got a lot to learn, but she's doing great things."
"Harry," Lisa added, "you won't believe the difference in Gallant Prince. It's remarkable. I know he hasn't been stabled here in some time, but you saw what he was like after the accident. Amy has been working with him, and he's a completely different horse, back to much of his old self."
Harry's eyebrows rose in admiration, and he nodded, "Oh, I know how that horse has been. I look forward to seeing what Amy has done with him."
"It's quite something," Jack added.
"I'll leave you two here, and I'm going to put Promise back inside. Need anything else before I leave, Boss?"
"No, Harry, thank you," Lisa smiled warmly. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Nice to meet you, Jack. Looking forward to working with you and your granddaughter in the future."
"It's all Amy," Jack shook his head with a bashful drop of his head. "Nice to meet you." At that, they watched Harry collect Promise and start toward the barn. Lisa leaned up against the fence, turning her head to Jack.
"Well, that's it," Lisa spread her arms in a gesture.
Jack now, shifting to lean sideways against the fence to talk to Lisa, started to laugh, nodding at the place, "Lisa, this is a remarkable stable. You should be very proud of what you've done with the place. I suppose we have that in common, both inheriting our homes from our parents."
"Oh yeah?" She grinned up at him, nodding. "We're not so different after all."
"I don't know about that," Jack chuckled, glancing her way and locking eyes with her. She was just beautiful, and he knew he had to tell her-now or never. "So," Jack said, definitely a question in his voice, as he continued to lock eyes with her.
"So?" Lisa's reply was definitely a question, and she stood there, back against the fence, arms now crossed, as she looked at him in wonder, her eyes sparkling.
He let out a nervous chuckle as he briefly glanced to the ground and then back to see her sparkling eyes still looking right at him. Those eyes-they about melted him. Lisa," he locked his eyes on her, "I don't know how to do this, but I like being direct. I really like you. I haven't done this, been interested in a woman," he clarified, "for a very, very long time. To be honest, I am a nervous wreck here, which is crazy for a man of my age." At that, Lisa let a small laugh escape, as her smile widened, and her eyes still trained on his. "I am not sure how to do this," he gestured between them, "and am totally clueless in dating etiquette. As I said before, I haven't dated anyone since my wife and certainly don't want to embarrass myself if I am way off base here." Jack found himself shifting his weight from foot to foot, and he paused in his admission to Lisa, trying to read her.
Thankfully, she seemed to take pity on him, turned sideways toward him, and if possible, her smile widened even more. She looked up at him and shook her head, "I don't know why you think you are so bad at this. That was a completely lovely, heartfelt admission, and I am flattered."
"Just flattered?" Jack asked, sensing defeat, especially in how she'd answered. Had he misread their interactions? As bold as she'd been before, he needed to be now as well, seeking a definite answer.
"No," she said, reaching to gently pat his arm. "I'm flattered AND," she emphasized, "interested. I like you too," she nodded, a grin spreading on her face. "A lot. I remember you telling me you speak the truth, and so do I. I prefer to be direct, both personally and professionally."
He chuckled, nodding as he looked to the ground and commenting, "Great, we sound like we are in high school, admitting we are sweet on the other."
Lisa burst out laughing at that, gently smacking at his arm now, and Jack met her lingering gaze as she did. She shook her head at him, "You don't sound nervous or clueless or out of practice. I really am flattered."
Jack looked up, as his eyes had drifted to the ground again, and he decided to be blunt and put it on the table, "I think you are beautiful, incredibly beautiful. I have never felt the way I do when I am around you. I'm not sure what exactly this feeling is, the feeling I have around you, but I can't shake it, and I just want to be around you more and more." He paused, studying Lisa, and she looked stunned, maybe happy, maybe shocked.
"I'm, I'm speechless," Lisa chuckled, grinning at him. "My, you have a way with words."
He chuckled too, shaking his head, "I don't know about that. I feel like a young boy again trying to see if a girl likes him back. I've been trying to wrap my head around what I'm feeling, and I'm still not sure, other than I would really enjoy spending time with you, getting to know you more, that is, if you feel the same way."
"I'd like that very much," she almost blurted out, answering immediately. Her smile grew, if that was possible, and she gestured between them, "If I am being honest, I find you very attractive as well, but I was worried you would see our age difference as a factor, even a deal-breaker. I am aware I am about the same age as your daughter was, and I didn't know if that is too awkward or ever too hard to grasp. I didn't want that to be an issue or something that made you uncomfortable."
"I'm not uncomfortable," he said with a firm shake of his head. "On the contrary, I'm very comfortable around you, and no, I don't have a problem with our difference in age. I wonder how you find anything to like in an old cowboy like me," he winked at her, "but I'll take your word that you have found something in me you like."
"Oh, most definitely," she grinned, putting her hand on his arm again, nodding as she did so.
"Back to not knowing how to do this," he rolled his eyes, and Lisa giggled, "I know I'm out of practice. I also have the girls to consider, Amy, especially. I know Lou is a grown woman, but neither have ever seen me in any relationship since my wife. Honestly," he sighed, meeting her gaze as he dropped his head, "I'm not sure what any of this means other than I'm probably trying to make up excuses if you end up thinking I'm horrible at this, at trying to show interest in you."
"Jack," she put her hand firmly on his arm and waited until their eyes locked, "I hardly think you are or will be horrible at this, and yes, I'd very much like to see about dating you, about what this might be or where it might go."
He raised his eyebrows at that, his smile widening as his confidence grew listening to Lisa. He stood there, realizing he looked like a fool, just nodding his head, grinning like an idiot, and he quickly tried to snap out of it, gesturing at her.
"Well then, would you mind if I kissed you?"
Her eyes sparkled as she grinned and let a small laugh escape. She shook her head at him, answering at the same time, "No, I don't mind. I'm touched you asked."
With that go-ahead, Jack stepped just ever so slightly toward her and put his hand on her waist as he leaned in toward her. She leaned up, their heigh difference significant, and he leaned down, both catching the other smiling as their lips met in a sweet, soft, almost delicate kiss. Jack's other hand, which had been gripping the fence, moved to gently cup the side of her face, as both seemed to silently decide a second kiss was in order. Jack felt Lisa's hand move to his waist, and he stepped closer, both of their grips tightening. As their lips parted, and the two pulled gently away from the other, Jack smiled down at her.
"You are incredibly beautiful, Lisa. Your eyes just sparkle and radiate your wonderful personality."
She grinned, "If this is you out of practice, oh my. I am in for it." That comment had Jack burst out laughing, and Lisa started laughing too, the two of them putting their foreheads together, enjoying the new intimacy of the moment.
"So, we're going to try this?" Jack asked, hopeful indeed.
She nodded, grinning at him, "We're going to try this. That first kiss has me definitely interested."
"I'd have to agree," he dropped his head in a quiet chuckle, glancing back to her. "I'm a private person, just so you know. I'm not going to be going around Hudson sharing private matters."
"I like your style," she said quietly with a nod.
Well, I then need to ask you out on a proper date."
Alright," Lisa continued smiling, now crossing her arms in preparation for this. "What did you have in mind?"
"I have a fishing cabin a couple hours from here, gorgeous views, quiet, remote, and really, just my favorite place to go. If you are interested and available, would you like to make a day out of it and go fly fishing with me at my cabin on Saturday?"
"Fly fishing?" Lisa grinned with a shake of her head.
"Yes," Jack gestured, nodding. "Aside from being on a horse, fly fishing is what I enjoy most. I'd be honored if you would go with me."
"Well then," she smirked, nodding at him, "I'd love to go. It sounds lovely."
"Then, it's a date," he smacked his hand on the fence as he sealed that date. He raised his hand and sighed at her, "I promise to not leave you stranded."
"Even better," she laughed.
"I'll take care of our meal," he explained, "and," he nodded, "we can even take your car, seeing as how I'd like to reach the cabin and not break down again, twice in a week with you."
She nodded, dropping her crossed arms, "That sounds really lovely. I'm looking forward to it already."
Jack looked around, realizing it was almost dark now, and he gestured toward the stable. "I suppose I need to get going. I've kept you long enough."
"Oh, Jack,' Lisa put her hand on his arm again and smiled warmly at him, "this afternoon turned out better than I ever could have expected. You've kept me from paperwork, and this was much better than anything I would ever do at work. I've had a lovely afternoon."
"Me too," Jack nodded in agreement, the two silently reading the other and slowly turning to walk back toward the stable and Jack's truck. Jack glanced down, both of them with their hands at their sides, and as he was doing so, he caught Lisa looking at him. Jack's eyes trailed to their hands, "Do you mind?"
"No, I don't mind," she said, shaking her head, a wide smile appearing on her face, and with that, Jack clasped her hand in his, amazed at how well their hands seemed to fit together, and he looked at her first, before looking down at their joined hands. She really was beautiful, and she wanted to be with him. Jack wasn't sure how to voice what he was feeling, but it was something that made him feel alive again, but alive and unlike anything he'd felt before. As the two walked hand in hand toward the stable again, Jack couldn't help but notice as the setting sunlight bounced off of Lisa's blonde hair. She was gorgeous, stunningly beautiful. He found himself almost speechless, and it surprised him what did slip out of his mouth.
"So, do you forgive me for being an idiot and leaving you at the auction?" He glanced at her; he glanced down at their joined hands. He then glanced back up at her, hopeful, and as she burst out laughing, he smiled wider than he had in a very long time.
"Oh, Jack," she sighed, turning to face him, a grin on her face, "I most certainly do, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this all takes us. Now, before you go, kiss me again. I don't mind; in fact, I insist."