by Debra Holt
The realization shocked and frightened her. Annie was certainly in no position to be the woman he needed in his life. He deserved someone who didn’t have to hide behind a fictitious identity and keep looking over her shoulder for some unseen danger. But it was all conjecture unless she laid the truth on the table. It was a gamble, but she had to find the courage to take the chance.
Adding a bit more blush to her cheeks to cover the paleness, she dropped the lip gloss in her small bag, and checked her reflection one more time in the full-length mirror. Unsure of what to wear to a country dance, she had placed her faith the day before in the hands of Dorrie Wagner, owner of Dorrie’s Dezigns, a small boutique down the block from The Gallery. Melba had introduced her to Dorrie one morning over a cup of coffee, and the two had soon begun chatting as if they had known each other months instead of minutes.
Dorrie had found the perfect outfit for her, and she had to agree with the woman’s choice. She really was pleased with it. The peacock-blue blouse with its boat neck and long sleeves in a soft knit molded to her figure nicely and the full, three-tiered skirt fell to mid-calf. Silver was the color of her accessories from the wide belt at her waist to the chunky silver discs of her bracelet and earrings down to her open-toed sandals. Annie had caught her hair up on top of her head and anchored it with a pair of filigree silver combs that added just the right touch. Dorrie had pronounced the outfit “perfect” for her.
The look in Truitt’s eyes as she descended the staircase a few minutes later told her she just might have achieved the “perfect” designation. Bless you, Dorrie. Annie was simply thankful she had made it to the bottom step without tripping, given the warmth radiating from the steady blue-eyed gaze upon her. She kept her eyes averted from his as she searched the wide entry hall.
“Where are Sal and Jessie?”
Stepping forward, Truitt bent and retrieved the matching shawl of blues and greens and browns in a geometric pattern shot through with silver threads, from the chair beside the staircase. He held her wrap in his hands. “They’ve gone ahead of us. Something about Sal needing to check on things with the committee and Jessie wanting to meet her friends before the dance began. That leaves me to escort the prettiest girl in Drake County to the dance.”
He was still patiently holding the shawl in place. Annie didn’t meet his eyes as she stepped forward, quickly drawing the material around her shoulders and then stepping away to avoid as much contact as possible. “Thank you. We don’t want to be late.”
“And there is the skittish colt again…wary of each sound and movement around her. You aren’t a colt, so I have to wonder what it is that’s making you so nervous this evening? Or is it something I’ve done? I did apologize at the rodeo. Is it…”
“It’s not you. It’s just I’ve never been to a country dance before and there will be quite a crowd of people I’m sure. I don’t want to embarrass you or your family.”
The blue eyes softened into a warm and calming sea. His tone washed over her in a wave of tenderness. “You will do just fine. There isn’t anything you can’t do once you put your mind to it. If I’ve learned nothing else about you, Annie, it’s that you are one incredible woman who should never be underestimated. I’m proud to have you on my arm tonight…and any other time.”
She didn’t trust herself to respond, so she turned back to the door and he followed.
“I haven’t been to a dance in ages. I’m not a dancer,” she confessed. “I enjoy watching though.”
He was quiet for a couple long moments before he responded, reaching around her to open the front door for her to precede him. “Don’t worry. I can guarantee you won’t do much watching this evening. Every single man there will be lining up to ask you to dance.”
Annie didn’t know exactly how to respond to that, so she kept quiet as they moved toward the vehicle waiting at the curbside. In the place of the usual ranch truck, sat the polished, black luxury car. Truitt opened the door for her, and the rich smell of deep leather and a hint of fine cologne drifted out to her as she slid into the seat and he closed the door. Truitt moved around the hood and then slid into the driver’s side seat, settling his black hat on the console.
She was very much aware of the potent effect he was having on her senses. Dressed in dark, starched jeans, a crimson long-sleeved shirt, and a black leather jacket, he was gorgeous and dangerous and desirable all rolled into one sexy male package. If there were any lines at the dance, it would be the single women clamoring for his attention.
“I couldn’t help note this week how much this one event seems to draw such a crowd to Faris. It’s all anyone seemed to talk about wherever I went.” She grasped for a safe subject.
“It’s become very popular over the years, especially since J.D. Sterling, the country superstar, returned to buy a ranch not far from here. He began donating his time as the main entertainer. Do you like his music?”
“Very much. I’ve really come to appreciate country music since we’ve been in Texas.”
“I’ll see that you and Jessie are introduced to him. He married his high school sweetheart a couple of years back. His wife Mandy will be with him. She’s a sweet lady. They have a little girl about a year old.”
“Jessie will be thrilled…meeting a real celebrity.”
“Jessie’s making some friends here. That’s very good. The ones she has met are all decent kids.”
“Yes, she’s told me about one in particular. A young man.”
“Abel Martin.” Truitt nodded. “His parents, Abel Senior and Patricia, have a cattle ranch to the east of town. They’re good, hardworking people. Abel’s oldest brother, Joseph, was killed in Afghanistan. His sister, Mary Beth, is enrolled in law school at Texas Tech. Abel Junior plans to become a veterinarian along with taking over the cattle ranch one day. He’ll do it, too.”
“They sound very nice, although it’s sad about their eldest son. I can’t imagine that kind of loss to a parent. Any loss is difficult, but losing a child is the hardest I would imagine.”
Truitt was silent for a few moments and did not respond. She ventured a side glance and saw his silent countenance highlighted by the glow of the dashboard lights. She remembered the first time she had seen him in such light. It was the night of the storm when he had rescued them and brought them to his home. It seemed so long ago. She had thought him dangerous that night. Now, she knew better. Truitt Tremayne was only dangerous to those who might cross him or his land or hurt the people he cared about.
“Looks like quite a crowd have gathered already.” His unexpected comment drew her attention to the festival area as they turned off the highway and into the reserved lot for festival dignitaries and supporters. A steady stream of cars could be seen filing into the adjoining lots. Off to the side of the exhibition area, three large private coaches sat. She guessed those belonged to the entertainment for the evening. One of the opening bands for the event could be heard as they left the vehicle and headed toward the lights, Truitt’s hand on her elbow, guiding her over the uneven terrain.
“In case we get separated this evening, just remember to save me the last dance.” His words were whispered, but she heard them plain enough as they entered the building, greetings assailing them from different patrons.
Glancing up, she caught the wink that went with the words and the look that stole her breath. Why did she suddenly want the dance to be at its conclusion even before it started?
Chapter Thirteen
“Oh, Annie,” Jessie breathed in a whisper as she ran up to her not long after Annie arrived. “What do I do? Abel asked me to dance the next dance, but I don’t know how. What if he dances with someone else?”
“I don’t think he’ll do that,” she replied, trying to find the right words to assure her sister that her heart would not be broken. Annie didn’t know what to do as she hadn’t prepared herself for this eventuality in her sister’s life…at least not yet. This was one of those times when the loss of their mother was acute o
nce more. She would know what to say to her daughter.
“Pardon me, ladies. I couldn’t help but overhear.” Truitt arrived beside them at that moment. “I have it on good authority that the next dance will be a fairly slow one…much like the one playing right now. So, I suggest you and I give this one a go, and you’ll be ready to dance with Abel during the next song. That is if you don’t mind dancing with this old man?”
The smile Jessie shown upon Truitt was an indication she had elevated him once again to a lofty pedestal. She eagerly placed her hand in his. Truitt gave a slight nod in Annie’s direction as the pair moved to the dance floor. Annie watched in amazement as Truitt made his steps smaller and spoke coaxingly to Jessie as they moved around the outside of the dance floor. Something clutched in the center of Annie’s chest as she watched the pair. Tears threatened soon after, and she was grateful when Dorrie and a couple of her friends came up to join her.
“Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?” Dorrie said, her gaze on Truitt and Jessie. “Truitt has certainly come out of his shell of late. It’s about time. He’s a good man. Any woman would be lucky to have him.” The look she tossed in Annie’s direction was not lost on her. She wisely kept her mouth shut. She was tired of everyone telling her something she was well aware of…Truitt Tremayne was indeed a good man and a perfect catch for any woman…just not ever for her. The pain only increased each time that realization was driven home. That and the memory of his words from the ride over to the dance. There was a growing need within her to tell the man the truth. The whole truth and nothing but and let the chips fall where they may. He deserved no less…neither did Sal. And if she did decide to stay in Faris, and to forget about San Antonio, then that would have to be the first hurdle. Total truth.
As the pair neared the bandstand on the far side of the floor, Annie noted that Truitt stopped for a moment and said something to the leader of the group. The man nodded and continued playing. A few moments later, the tune ended, and Jessie and Truitt made their way back to Annie’s side. Jessie’s eyes were glowing.
“Did you see me? I really danced!”
“I saw. You were wonderful out there.”
“Hi, Jessie,” Abel said, coming to stand next to her. He nodded at Truitt and shook the hand the older man extended. “Hello, Miss Sims. I’m Abel Martin. Is it okay if Jessie dances with me?”
“Hello, Abel. It’s very nice to meet you. That’s up to my sister if she’d care to dance or not.”
“Want to dance, Jessie?” He turned to the beaming girl.
“I guess so.” Jessie tried to not bubble over with too much enthusiasm, and Annie had to work to hide her amusement.
The young couple moved to the dance floor as the first bars of the next song began. Just as Truitt predicted, it was another slow one.
“Thank you.”
Truitt’s eyes slid to Annie’s at her words. “For what?”
“For making Jessie feel more confident in dancing with Abel. You knew what she needed just now. I also think you made certain this dance would be a slow one for that reason, as well. Ever consider a career as a fairy godfather?” She finished with a sincere smile.
His well-chiseled mouth curved upward at the corners, and there was a soft gleam in his eyes as they fell back on the pair. “Maybe there’s a heart in this chest after all. Wouldn’t that surprise people? Besides, who can resist young love?”
“Young love?” Annie almost choked on the words. She looked closer at her sister and her dance partner as they moved across the floor in small, tentative steps. “They’re way too young for that.”
Truitt grinned at her, and Annie gave him a knowing look. “Nice one. You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“I thought you females were all about romance, no matter what the age?”
“Really? Well, when it involves my little sister, that’s where I draw the line on romance…at least until she’s twenty-one…or thirty-two…or…”
“Let’s dance, so you’ll stop being a mother hen.” He drew her into his arms easily enough, their steps falling into unison. He drew her in close enough that she fit nicely against his shoulder, the top of her head just below his chin. “That’s much better.”
Much, much better. Truitt’s arms were undeniably the most perfect place in the world she had ever found. If the dance could go on forever, it wouldn’t be long enough for her. Nothing was wrong, nothing was threatening, and nothing mattered. She closed her eyes and prayed the song was a long one.
Annie didn’t know if it was planned or not, but the next song just happened to be another slow one. A prayer was answered. Truitt didn’t hesitate but led them around the floor again. She couldn’t help the smile that stayed on her lips throughout the second song. The band did finally end their set, much to her dismay. Truitt released her but didn’t move far from her side.
He turned to her with a question in his eyes as her steps slowed beside him, and he finally stopped and narrowed his gaze on her. “Is something wrong? I thought we’d get some refreshment before we try out the dance floor again. If you…”
“I think we need to talk. Not here, but maybe when we get back to the ranch? I think it’s important that we do that. I need to tell you a lot of things. Some I should have when we first came. Others…well, we can talk about those, too.”
He nodded. “Sounds like a serious talk. And I agree that it’s time for one of those between us. When we get back to the ranch…it’s a date.”
Jessie and Aunt Sal waited for them to join them at the table. Jessie was still beaming. Annie had to admit she knew the feeling. Truitt held her chair for her and then asked if anyone would like something to drink. He headed toward the bar not long after with their drink orders.
“I think you both like our country dance if I’m not mistaken,” Aunt Sal observed, her gaze moving from Jessie to Annie.
“It’s the best ever,” Jessie replied quickly. “Do you have a lot of dances here?” she asked with obvious hopefulness in her tone.
“Well, let’s see.” Aunt Sal gave it a thought or two. “We have this dance, of course. Then we have a big New Year’s Eve Ball at the Cattleman’s Club. After that, there’s the Spring Fling and the Fourth of July Rodeo and Dance. And there are usually dances on some of the ranches around the county whenever they hold auctions or parties for special reasons. So, there are certainly opportunities for people to dance with each other.”
“Here you are ladies, two lemonades and one cherry cola.” He handed around the refreshments.
“Well, you’ve both taken to ranch life like ducks to water,” Aunt Sal commented out of the blue, before taking a long sip of her lemonade. “You’ve got spunk and that’s what a rancher’s family needs.”
Annie almost choked on the sip she had just taken of her drink. Truitt shot a long look at his aunt and Annie noted it. She rifled through her mind to think of something to say in the silence. She didn’t have to say anything. Truitt’s cell phone beeped, and he took it from his pocket, a frown creasing his brow as he read the caller ID. “Excuse me ladies, I need to take this.” He left the table before anyone could speak.
“When Truitt gets back, we’ll have something from the buffet lines. The food is usually very good at this event. J.D. will be onstage after dinner.”
Truitt returned to the table at that moment, but it was clear he wasn’t joining them. “Sorry, but I need to get back to the ranch. Aunt Sal, you’ll be okay getting everyone back home?”
“Of course,” the woman replied. “Should we go back with you now? What’s wrong?”
“No,” Truitt answered quickly. “There’s no need of that. Nothing to worry about.”
Annie felt a twinge of something in her gut. Was Truitt being evasive?
“You ladies stay and have fun. There’s a chance I can get back before the end of the evening. If I can, I will. Hopefully, before the last dance.” He sent a look in Annie’s direction. Then he was gone without a backward glance.
>
Annie felt the evening deflate for her. Aunt Sal did her best to keep up a lively conversation and took her around and made more introductions of people she had yet to meet. The dinner was as good as she promised, but Annie’s appetite was not that great. She had to admit J.D.’s performance was wonderful, and it was nice meeting both him and his wife when they joined Aunt Sal’s table afterward. There was nothing pretentious about either one of them, and Annie couldn’t help noticing how much in love they seemed, holding hands and sharing special looks. Annie envied them that closeness. Her mind went to wherever Truitt was at that moment. She missed looking around the room and seeing his familiar tall figure. She could only hope that their talk would go well later that evening. Did she dare hope for one of those fairy-tale moments?
She wondered what the emergency was and if he would make it back for their last dance. Her eyes kept straying to the doorway throughout the remainder of the evening, but no tall figure appeared. She danced a few more dances with very nice men, but none could compare to her first partner. Annie was relieved when Aunt Sal said it was time they should head back to the ranch. Annie hoped they would still have some time, she and Truitt, to have their talk once they reached the ranch. She was more determined than ever that all the lies and pretenses be done away with. She owed him and Aunt Sal that. Hopefully, Truitt would understand why she had done the things she did. No matter what, the truth would be set free.
*
“What is going on? What is all this cloak and dagger business? You pulled me away from dancing with Annie and…”
“You mean Samantha,” Gray said, his words dropping like stones into a stream and sinking to the bottom immediately. Truitt’s words cut off and he stood watching the lawman for a few long moments, his brain running to catch up with whatever was going on with those strange words.