by Debra Holt
Truitt gently deposited her on the seat of one of the rockers. “Is it too bright in this spot for you? Is the room too chilly?” His questions caught her off guard. The look of genuine concern in his eyes made her pulse react strangely. He was still bent over her chair, his eyes much too close to her own. If she moved forward just an inch or so, his lips might touch hers. Would that be a bad thing? Annie’s brain tried to grasp a reply that was not forthcoming.
“I think she’ll be just fine, Truitt. We won’t keep you from the rest of your work.” Aunt Sal’s voice brought them back to the reality that they weren’t alone. Truitt quickly stepped away, and Annie took a few moments longer to straighten the folds of her robe around her while she reined in her ridiculous thoughts. When she did raise her eyes, she caught a strange smile on Aunt Sal’s face as she looked over at her nephew. It was the type of look one might have if they had come upon a delicious secret of some sort.
“I have some paperwork in the office. When you’re ready to go back upstairs, just call me.” The sound of his booted feet on the hall flooring receded into the quiet depths of the house.
“Don’t you just love this room? Truitt let me have some of his books from the big library down the hall and I sit in here and read them. Then Aunt Sal and I have lemonade and cookies for a snack in here, too.” Jessie’s eyes were livelier than Annie had seen them in a long while. That both pleased and saddened her. It wouldn’t do for Jessie to get too attached to this place or the people in it. The same went for herself. This was just a brief detour on their journey.
“That’s very nice of him. I hope you thanked the both of them and aren’t making a nuisance of yourself.”
“Yes, I did. He’s taken me to visit Sheba each evening after dinner, too. I can’t wait until you see her puppies. They’re so cute and I can’t wait to hold one.”
“I made some hot cocoa since Jessie tells me that’s what you both like to drink.” Aunt Sal produced a tray with three mugs—one of which was loaded with a mound of marshmallows. That cup went to Jessie, who accepted it with a wide smile on her face before settling into her own chair.
Annie smiled her thanks as she took hers. “Really? I see she also told you about the marshmallows for her drink.”
Aunt Sal grinned as she took a seat opposite the pair. “Of course, you can’t ever have enough marshmallows for a good cup of cocoa. My niece, Tori, who I hope you get to meet one day, loves her cocoa the same way. So how does it feel to get out of that room upstairs? You tell me when you begin to tire, and we’ll get you back to bed. We don’t want to overdo it on the first day.”
“This is so nice. Don’t get me wrong,” Annie hastened to add, “the bedroom is quite lovely, but I’ve never been the sort to laze about as much as I’ve had to do in the past few days.”
“Recuperating from a serious illness is not exactly ‘lazing about.’” The woman paused to take a sip from her mug. “Jessie told me that the two of you are on your way to San Antonio when you leave here. Do you have relatives there? Friends?”
She knew the woman wasn’t prying. Annie felt it was a natural question to ask in a conversational sort of way…particularly when you have opened your home to complete strangers. She just didn’t know how to best reply. She detested lying in general and in particular to people who had been so good to the both of them. “No, I have a job offer there. One of my coworkers moved to the city not long ago, and she contacted me about an opening. It seemed a good time to make a change. The climate’s good, the schools are highly rated, and it has a much slower pace even though it’s a major city. We visited once when I was just out of college. I loved the old-world feel of the place combined with the modern city, also.”
“It’s a long way from California, that’s for certain. I was only in California once. I flew into San Francisco to visit some old college friends for a couple of days, but that was ages ago. Where did you live?”
“We came from the central part. Did I overhear someone say upon our arrival that our car would be moved from the road to the ranch?” Annie hadn’t really lied. They did come from central California. That was where they had purchased the car from a friend’s mother after heading across the border from Nevada. Hopefully, the change of topic would end the personal questions.
“Truitt brought your car in the very next morning after he found you. There was a problem with one of your tire rims I think, and something about a cracked something. I really don’t pay much attention to mechanical things. But don’t worry,” Sal hastened to add when she saw the sudden look of panic in the girl’s eyes, “Truitt had a very dependable mechanic from town look it over, and it will be good as new before long.”
“Oh dear. I really wish he hadn’t gone to so much trouble on our account.” Annie’s brain was calculating the meager amount left in their traveling fund. How would she be able to cover more auto repairs?
Aunt Sal’s gaze softened. “Don’t worry, Annie. The mechanic owes us some favors, and he’s doing the work free of charge.”
Annie eyed the woman. She had a funny feeling that a big favor had been called in on their behalf. And even if there were any charges, she doubted she would get it out of the woman. She would wait and speak to the mechanic herself. She and Jessie didn’t want to be indebted to anyone. The fewer people they drew into their realm, the better it was. Another shadow crossed her mind. These were good people and they certainly would not appreciate being inadvertently drawn into a possibly dangerous situation. That was the most important reason she and Jessie needed to be on their way as soon as possible. Aunt Sal carried on with the conversation.
“You know, this area of Texas is really quite beautiful. The people are good, salt of the earth types, and most have lived on their land for generations. Faris is small compared to most, but there’s Kerrville, which is a lovely town about half an hour away for shopping and good schools and medical facilities. Fredericksburg is beautiful and close by but has become quite a tourist magnet. Both have a much slower pace than a city like San Antonio. However, we’re close enough that one can spend the day in the big city easily enough…either San Antonio or Austin. What type of employment will you be doing in the city?”
“I’m an event planner. One of my college friends and I began a small business when we graduated. Then she left to begin a family. I sold my interest to another group, and that brings us pretty much to where we are. Our mother passed away and there wasn’t any reason not to bring Jessie to a new change of scenery, begin fresh, that sort of thing.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother. But that’s marvelous about your career. How incredibly fortunate you landed on my doorstep. I would say that it just might be the fickle hand of fate. When you feel stronger, you and I will have to have a longer talk about your work experience.” The woman was fairly beaming at that point. Annie had no idea why, but she sensed once Aunt Sal got an idea in her head, she was a full-steam-ahead type of person. She would indeed need her strength to match her.
Annie had to admit she favored a small-town atmosphere, but in their particular circumstances, a city the size of San Antonio was much better suited for them to get lost in. Staying in a smaller community, and being strangers in town, would only make them stand out. Anonymity was the wisest course.
“Jessie tells me she’s in the fourth grade in school. We have a wonderful school in Faris. I believe Katie Timberlake teaches that grade. I could introduce you to her when you are able to get out and about.”
Annie looked over at Jessie, and the little girl kept her eyes on the hot chocolate. “Yes, Jessie is very smart. I know she’ll do well in whatever San Antonio school district we find ourselves in.”
“Don’t let this lady talk your ear off.” The voice came from the doorway, and Annie looked up to find Truitt standing there, one shoulder against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest. How long had he been there? There was that darn zip in her pulse again.
“Watch it, young man. You’re outnumbered no
w…three to one,” his aunt replied with a cheeky grin. “Did you hear from Tori yet? I hope they made it to Wyoming before those storms hit.” Aunt Sal looked over at Annie. “She’s on a bull-buying trip. That’s her passion.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is a bull buyer.”
Truitt pushed away from the doorway and moved closer. Annie studied the contents of her mug. She was quite aware of the fact that he came to stand just behind her chair. She was also aware that Aunt Sal was regarding her with a smile which seemed to hold another of those little secrets. Annie felt tiredness seep into her limbs all of a sudden and a soft sigh escaped her.
“I think it’s time to get you back upstairs.” Truitt didn’t wait for anyone to agree with him. The mug was taken from her hands and set on the coffee table. Then, just as gently and easily as before, he lifted her into his arms. “You ladies can gossip some more later. The patient will be taking a nap now.” The words were for the benefit of the other two females who rose to follow them. They stilled their steps. Aunt Sal placed a gentle hand on Jessie’s shoulder as they watched Truitt carry Annie up the stairs and disappear from sight.
Annie felt very vulnerable and she needed to say something, but what? “Your aunt told me you took my car to your mechanic. That was very kind of you. If you’ll let me know the charges for it, I can—”
“There are none.” Truitt continued down the hall.
“I hope Jessie isn’t making a pest of herself with your library and with having to take her to visit the puppies each evening.”
“She isn’t.” He turned into the bedroom.
“You’re certainly a man of few words.” Annie bit her lower lip as she realized she had actually spoken the words out loud.
Truitt stopped. He didn’t let her go…not right away. He was so close to her that when he spoke, his warm breath feathered across her cheek, and the soft shivers that it sent through her body both thrilled and scared her. Annie’s gaze moved over the fine crinkle lines that emanated from the corners of both eyes…eyes that had incredibly long lashes. What was the term? Bedroom eyes? She had never seen such eyes before, but the thought certainly suited him, and she dashed it away before it could take root.
“I prefer action to a lot of wasted talk.” Those cobalt-blue eyes moved slowly to focus on her soft pink, slightly parted lips. “What about you?”
Annie was mesmerized as she watched him watch her. Had he asked a question? Would he kiss her? Did she want him to? “Yes.”
The seconds moved like hours. His gaze moved back to hers. “Yes, what?”
Annie worked to focus on the question, and it was enough to pull her back to the edge of sanity. “My brain is still a bit woozy. I think I’m really tired. A nap sounds good.”
Truitt’s expression hardened for a moment but then smoothed into his usual inscrutable countenance. His thoughts were carefully guarded secrets once more.
He placed her on the bed and stepped back. In fact, he moved to the doorway before he turned and finally spoke again. “Sweet dreams, Annie Sims.”
*
“I hear from Tori that you called and told her that Mike Yancy will be taking over the rest of the rodeo tour in your place? She was a bit surprised and wanted to know if I knew what was up with that. I couldn’t help her out since I hadn’t heard anything about it myself.”
Aunt Sal chopped the rest of the carrots and onions to go into the pot of stew she was preparing for their dinner. She kept her gaze on the job at hand, but Truitt knew full well her mind was front and center and about to give him the third degree. He continued to pour the glass of tea, replaced the pitcher in the refrigerator, and closed the door, before leaning his hips against the cabinet behind him. Then he responded.
“And your point is?”
“My point is that no one knew you planned to do this until today. And you’ve rarely taken time away from the circuit in recent memories. Are you feeling well?” She paused with knife in hand, her gaze locked on him.
“I’m feeling fine. I have some work I want to oversee on the new stallion barn. I wanted to talk over some of the plans with Gray, since he is seriously considering joining in the venture with me. And since we have unexpected guests in the house, I thought it prudent to stay close by in case you needed anything. Not a big deal.”
The knife was placed on the cutting board, and Aunt Sal reached for another bowl beneath the cabinet. Then she returned to her nephew. “You have a great foreman, and experienced hands who are more than capable of getting another barn raised. A sick young woman and a small child are certainly not a threat, nor more guests than I can handle. I think we both know I am a little too old to fall for your brand of horse manure, Truitt Tremayne. And I couldn’t be more delighted that you’ve taken such an interest in being a homebody for a while. It might just do you a world of good.” She went back to chopping vegetables, humming a little song to herself.
Truitt took his exit, walking through the downstairs to the office he kept off the den. He shut the door behind him and settled into the deep leather chair behind his desk. But his mind was not on the paperwork in front of him. His gaze went to the photograph of the family that once was…the entire Tremayne group…before the flood took four of them. And then his gaze fell on the photo of the young, smiling blond woman in the frame next to it. Skylar on her twenty-fourth birthday. The day he had placed his ring on her finger.
He often thought about what their lives might have been if she hadn’t taken the ride into town with him and his family that day. If she had stayed home and waited for them to return. She had wanted to do just that with so many details she was busy with at her home. They had planned a small garden wedding on that following Saturday with just the two families in attendance. They were young and in love, and they were ready to take the world by storm. Would they have made it? Would they have been parents by now?
He would never know. She’d reluctantly agreed to go with them, and she never had a chance to come home, to marry him, to have his children. It had taken a long time for him to stop playing what-if games. Truitt shook his head to clear away the past. If he wanted to be on the ranch and take care of a barn or the purchase of a new horse or anything else, then he would do it. He didn’t need a specific reason or explanation. Even if others might think so.
Their two guests would be leaving soon and life would get back to normal. He pushed aside the stab of disappointment. Annie Sims was determined to get to San Antonio. And yet he couldn’t help trying to figure out what was the niggling doubt in his mind in believing there was something else involved with the pair…something he couldn’t put his finger on. There was something about the whole situation that had set off his inner antenna. It had nothing to do with emerald eyes that took hold of something deep within him each time they locked with his. Heartbreak was not a destination he needed to ever visit again. So maybe it was best that the pair leave as soon as possible.
*
Two days later, Annie had progressed to walking down the steps on her own. She moved at a snail’s pace, but at least she didn’t have to endure Truitt’s carrying her. Of course, endure might be too strong a word. Or at least one that should not be misinterpreted in a negative way. It had to be the meds still making her mind foggy and causing her thoughts to ramble where the man was concerned. Shaking her head to clear the thought of his arms around her body from her mind for the umpteenth time, she needed to concentrate. A woman could get used to such strong, protective arms around her. The feeling beneath her palms as they slowly moved over those broad shoulders that she had wanted to linger across far more than she wanted to admit.
It was just another reason that would make leaving this place and the people all the more difficult. Jessie was becoming far too attached to Aunt Sal and Truitt and the pups and everything else. Annie had a funny feeling that if she let her guard down for a moment, she would find herself in the same precarious position…becoming too attached.
Truth be told, she h
ad found herself actually taking more relaxed breaths, and not being constantly on guard for strangers and any sign of danger. The urge to bolt had become a thing of the past over the last few days. Annie was now dealing with another concern that was growing by leaps and bounds. She had tried to call Sandy on three different occasions. There had been no response to the messages she had left for her. Then that morning, she had called the company that had hired her. She received no response there. Annie was trying to reassure herself that there were plausible reasons for all of that, but it was harder by the moment to keep from allowing that old feeling of panic to overtake her sane reasoning skills. What would she and Jessie do if she had no job lined up? No steady income.
She knew it would be dangerous to become complacent. It would also be dangerous to become too used to having Truitt Tremayne near. He was definitely not the same danger as her step aunt’s machinations, but he was a different kind of danger. A danger that could affect her heart and all her efforts to keep herself and Jessie free of any entanglements or obstacles to finding a safe place to call home once and for all.
“There you are, Annie.” Aunt Sal smiled as she saw her come into the kitchen. “I knew you’d be along shortly, so I have a couple of slices of freshly baked apple pie plated for us. It’s up to us to taste test it for this evening’s dessert before the others try it.”
“That’s an interesting excuse if I ever heard one.”