by S. E. Smith
Chapter 14
“Wow! Allie, you go girl! And under mom and dad’s roof,” a voice said from the door to the bedroom. “I don’t even have that much nerve.”
Allie blinked and frowned in annoyance. She struggled to sit up, but there was an arm around her waist holding her down. Turning her head, she blinked again when she realized that she wasn’t in her bedroom. Her room was blue, not white, yellow and…
Her eyes snapped from her brother, Taylor’s amused ones, to the face lying on the pillow beside her. Brilliant blue eyes stared back at her. Her eyes flew back to her brother who was lounging against the door frame with a huge grin on his face.
“How… what…” Her eyes widened and filled with tears as memories from last night rushed through her mind.
“Oh shit, I won’t say nothin’, Allie,” Taylor said in surprise at the tears in her eyes. “I swear! I don’t care who you sleep with, I mean I do, but I won’t… oh, hell.”
“Taylor, get out and shut the door,” Jacob ordered as he pulled Allie into his arms. “And keep your damn mouth shut or I’ll shut it for you.”
“Sure, no problem,” Taylor said in a hasty voice as he grabbed the doorknob. “Sorry, Allie.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Jacob murmured as he pulled Allie against him. He brushed a kiss against her temple. “Everything will be alright. I’ve got you.”
“How… How the hell… did… I… get here?” Allie mumbled between her tears.
Jacob chuckled at the slightly outraged tone in her voice. He might have believed she was truly upset if not for the fact that she was snuggling even closer to his body. Brushing her hair back, he released a sigh and relaxed back against the pillow.
“You fell asleep in my arms out in the big red building. You were shivering from cold and shock. I knew the best thing for both was to get you warm,” he murmured, tenderly running his hand down along her back.
“You could have just put me in my bed and covered me up,” she retorted in a muffled voice. “Now, Taylor is going to think we slept together.”
“We did,” Jacob teased. “Let me tell you, that was a first for me.”
Allie stiffened and pulled away from him with a glare. Jacob grimaced as he ran what he had just said back through his mind. He groaned when she rolled out of the bed.
Another groan escaped him when he caught a glimpse of her lacy black panties under the hem of the dark blue shirt that she still wore as she turned and grabbed her pants off the chair where he had thrown them last night. She turned to glare at him as she stepped into the blue pants and pulled them up. He could see the fury in her eyes, but he could also see the hurt.
“I’m not some hard up widow needing a quick fix,” Allie bit out in a furious voice. “You want a one night stand, go back to where you came from. I’m not interested.”
“Allie,” Jacob said, sitting up.
He watched as she grabbed her boots in one hand and the doorknob with the other. A moment later, he was staring at the closed door. Falling back against the pillows, he threw his left arm over his eyes and groaned.
He could deal with an angry Allie. He could deal with a frustrating, teasing, stubborn Allie. But the one thing he couldn’t deal with was a hurt Allie.
Jacob moved his arm away from his eyes and under his head so he could stare up at the ceiling. She was hurting, both from the death of the man she had loved and from him. What he needed to do was get her away from here. Hell, what he needed to do was get her away from everyone and everything.
A picture of his remote cabin in the mountains flashed through his mind. It was the one place he called his own. He liked to go there when he wanted to be alone.
“It’s perfect,” he murmured to the ceiling. “Now, I just need to figure out how to get her through the Pass.”
A smile curved his lips as a plan began to form in his mind. Something simple, something unique, something suggested by someone else…
*.*.*
Four days later, Allie glanced down the hallway as laughter burst from her little brother again. Taylor had been locked in the office all afternoon with Jacob and Jonathan. What really kept drawing her, Indy, and Aleaha’s attention was the hoarse shouts and curses from the two brothers.
“What on Earth is Taylor showing them that is that shocking?” Aleaha mumbled as she looked up from the book she was reading.
Allie rolled her eyes and looked back down at the laptop. She and Indy were ordering items for Indy to take back with her when she, Jonathan, and Jacob left in a couple of weeks. Allie glanced over at her cell phone when it vibrated.
“Are you okay?” Indy asked as Allie pressed the button to silence it.
“Yes,” Allie replied, not looking up at Indy or her sister, who were studying her with concern.
Allie mumbled that she needed a drink. Rising from where she was sitting on the couch next to Indy, she walked through the dining room into the kitchen. Everyone was walking on eggshells around her since Chris’s funeral yesterday.
She picked up a glass out of the drainer and filled it from the tap. Draining it, she set the glass down in the sink and stared out the window at the mountains in the distance. Maybe Indy had the right idea after all. Maybe she should just pack up some supplies and disappear for a while.
“What are you thinking?” A deep voice asked from behind her.
Allie didn’t bother turning around, she knew the moment Jacob had walked into the room. It was like her body was ultra-aware of his. She continued to stare out the window as she thought about what she should say. Finally, she shrugged. Who the hell cared, anyway? It was her life. She could do what she wanted with it.
*.*.*
Jacob had to finally escape from Taylor Whitewater. Hell, the guy was seven years younger than he and Jonathan and knew more about sex and women than both of them combined. Jacob felt like he was almost a virgin still after listening to some of Taylor’s exploits.
He had to admit that Taylor did know his way around the machine called a computer and how to ‘surf’ the web. Jonathan had given Taylor several coins in exchange for ordering some clothing for Indy. Taylor had released a low whistle and asked if they had any more of the coins. Jacob had pulled some out of his pocket and handed them to Taylor with a request for items as well before he left.
Indy had glanced from him to the kitchen with a worried smile when she saw his searching gaze. He had nodded his head in thanks. The sight of Allie standing in front of the sink, lost in thought, caused an ache to wash through him.
She had done everything she could to avoid him the last four days. Hell, she had withdrawn from everyone. He and Jonathan had attended the funeral for Chris yesterday. It was the first time that he had actually seen Taylor withdrawn and quiet.
He had stood off to the side, giving Allie the space that she needed, but there if she needed him. He hadn’t missed the dozens of searching gazes that she had sent his way. Frustration swept through him when she would pull her gaze away, as if she was fighting the need to ask him for help.
“What are you thinking?” He asked as he stood staring at her framed against the bright light coming in through the window.
“I was thinking that Indy might have had the right idea, after all,” she murmured, not turning around.
“Which idea is that?” He asked, stepping closer to her.
“The one about just disappearing,” she replied in a voice that was barely audible. “I think I’d like that for a while… to just disappear.”
Jacob couldn’t stand the sound of despair in her voice. Reaching out, he gently turned her so that she was facing him. His right hand slid up her arm to cup her chin, even as his left hand slid around her waist to pull her closer.
“I could take you somewhere,” he murmured as he looked down at her with a serious expression. “I have a cabin in the mountains, not far from our ranch. I could take you there.”
He could feel her soft gasp as his thumb caressed her throat. Her eyes darkene
d and flickered down to his lips. Jacob didn’t wait for her to change her mind. He saw the need and desire as she stared at him.
He captured her lips with his, sliding his hand into her hair. A low moan of need escaped him as he felt her lips part. Deepening the kiss, he poured every ounce of his need for her into it. He wanted her to know that he wasn’t immune to her touch, her passion, or her vulnerability.
His tongue danced across hers, teasing her until she responded with a passion that matched his own. His hips pressed forward, capturing her between his body and the cabinet behind her. He tightened his fingers in her hair to keep her from pulling away from him as he ran his hand up her side to gently cup her right breast. Running his thumb over her distended nipple, he swallowed her low moan.
“Allie,” Taylor called out from the dining room.
Jacob broke the kiss with a smothered curse. He closed his eyes as he resisted the desire to kill Taylor Whitewater. His eyes popped open when he felt Allie push him backwards.
“I…,” she whispered before a distressed look came over her face and she turned.
Jacob watched as she bolted out of the back door. The sound of the screen door slamming couldn’t quite mute the sound of Taylor calling Allie’s name again. A moment later, he heard the sound of Allie’s truck peeling out of the courtyard out front.
“Hey, have you seen Allie? I needed to ask her a question,” Taylor said from behind him.
Jacob counted to ten before he turned to look at Taylor’s confused face. He forced his fingers to uncurl as he drew in a deep breath. Running his hand down over his face, he glared at the younger man.
“She left,” Jacob bit out in a low voice. “What did you want to ask her?”
“She was always better at math than I was,” Taylor said with an easy grin. “I was going to ask her how much pipe I should order for you guys.”
“I’m sure Jonathan and I can figure it out,” Jacob finally replied.
“Great! Do you want to see some other cool stuff I bet the girls would like?” Taylor asked with a hopeful look.
“Why not?” Jacob muttered in resignation as he stared out the door.
Chapter 15
Allie stared at Indy with a doubtful expression. She bit her lip as she tried to think of a good reason not to return with her best friend for a few weeks of vacation. It wasn’t helping that Aleaha was also on Indy’s side.
“When is the last time you took a vacation, Allie?” Aleaha pointed out. “You are always working.”
Allie looked up in frustration as her dad walked into the dining room and sat down at the table. She glanced at the kitchen where she could hear her mom moving around. She started to rise, but stopped when her dad motioned for her to remain seated.
“Stay, Allie,” Sam said with a sigh.
“What’s wrong, Papa,” Allie asked, reaching out and touching his hand. “Is it Boseman? Is he still giving you grief for pulling your orders?”
“No, you were right about him, Allie, like always,” Sam responded with a reassuring smile. “He was caught trying to sell horses that weren’t his. No, this is about you, honey.”
Sam glanced up as Claire came in and sat down next to him. Her face was pale and her hands trembled as she folded them in her lap. She glanced at Sam before she looked down at the table.
“Ma, what’s wrong?” Allie asked in a worried voice. “Has something happened…”
“No,” Claire said, looking up at her daughter with a shaky smile. “Everyone is fine. Everyone, that is, but you, Allie.”
Allie sat back in her chair and scowled. She folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes. Her gaze went from her mom and dad before turning to where Indy and Aleaha were sitting. Her lips tightened into a straight line as she stared suspiciously back at all of them.
“What’s going on?” Allie demanded.
“Allie,” Aleaha started to say before Sam raised his hand.
“Allie, you need a break. You’ve been working too hard,” Sam began.
“I’m not complaining,” Allie pointed out.
“No, you never complain,” Sam agreed, quietly. “That still doesn’t mean that I, your mother, your sister… hell, even, Taylor haven’t noticed that you never take a break.”
Allie’s arms dropped to her lap as her mouth dropped open. Her dad very, very seldom cursed. Sitting forward, Allie folded her hands in front of her on the table.
“I’m fine,” Allie insisted. “There is a lot to do. There are the orders for the new equipment that need to be completed so we have it delivered in time for next spring. We have winter coming and need to prepare for that. Several of the outer buildings need some work done on them. The well out in the northwest pasture needs a new pump. The list goes on and on.”
“Yes, it does,” Sam commented. “And we have a foreman who takes care of it. Allie, you need time for you.”
“No, I don’t!” Allie replied hotly, pushing back in her chair. “I…”
“Allie,” her mom said in the quiet voice that always warned them that they better settle down and listen. “I’m worried about you. We all are.”
Allie’s eyes glittered with tears as she stood up and turned her back to them. She drew in deep breaths as she wrapped her arms around herself. The past week, she had worked herself from before sunup to well after midnight.
She needed it. It was the only way she could finally fall asleep. Bowing her head, her shoulders slumped in defeat. Turning, she straightened her shoulders.
“You’re right,” Allie said in a stiff, calm voice. “I do need a break. I’ve been thinking it was time I took off for a while.”
“Allie,” her mom whispered in shock.
Allie shook her head at her mom. “I’ve made this ranch my whole life. There is a whole world out there that I’ve missed.” Bowing her head again, she drew in a deep breath before she continued. “I’ve got money saved. I think it is time I branched out on my own. Explored a little to see what is out there.”
“Allie,” Sam said, rising out of his seat. “That is not what we meant.”
Allie’s expression softened as she stared at her father. “I know, Papa. But, it is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. It’s time I discovered where I belong in this world.” Allie gave her parents a sad smile. “I love you both. I love all of you, but this is something I have to do on my own. Chris was right. Life is too short to not live it. I’ve used the ranch as a place where I can hide away from finding out who I really am. It’s time I discovered who that person is.”
Allie turned and walked calmly out of the dining room. She paused when she saw Jacob standing at the foot of the stairs, watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. She raised her chin, daring him to say anything.
She released her breath when he stepped to the side so she could pass. She made it to the first step before she stopped when he touched her arm. She turned to look at him. The step made it to where they were almost even.
“I see who you are, cowgirl,” Jacob murmured. “Even, if you can’t. I see who you are.”
Allie didn’t answer. Shaking her head, she turned and slowly climbed the stairs. It was time to make some serious plans.
*.*.*
Indy paused outside of Allie’s bedroom. She glanced at the door before squaring her shoulders. Sometimes, Allie could be really stubborn.
“But, there are times when I’m more stubborn than her and this is one of them,” Indy whispered as she knocked on the Allie’s bedroom door.
Indy waited a moment. She was just about to raise her hand again when the door opened and Allie stood staring back at her. A wry smile twisted her lips as she looked back at Indy.
“You have that look on your face,” Allie muttered, turning away from Indy and walking back to where she was pulling clothes out of the closet. “Did you come on your own or did they talk you into it?”
“On my own,” Indy replied, stepping into the room and closing the door beh
ind her. “For purely selfish reasons, as well,” she added as she walked over and sat on the end of the bed.
“You?! Selfish?! Since when?” Allie teased.
“Since I found out how really horrible my biological family was,” Indy replied with a touch of sadness. “If it wasn’t for you, Jonathan, and Jacob, who knows what might have happened to me.”
Allie stopped folding her clothes so she could look at Indy’s still pale and drawn face. Setting down the shirt she was folding, she walked over to sit next to her best friend. Picking up Indy’s hand, Allie turned it over and traced the line on her palm.
“Do you remember in high school, when we had the school fair?” Allie asked as she continued to rub on the long line on Indy’s hand.
“When you had everyone convinced that you could see the future?” Indy chuckled with a nod. “Yeah, you scared a lot of people that year. Especially when you said that the wrestling team would be going to the State Finals and win. When they did, everyone was really freaked out.”
Allie giggled. “I was on the team and knew how good we were that year. It wasn’t all that hard to predict,” she confessed. “Or that Mr. Bowling’s house would get covered in toilet paper at Halloween. He gave half the football players detention for not doing their homework. Some things are just very easy to predict. But, this…” Allie touched the long line on Indy’s palm. “This told me that you were going to live a long life and this one,” she touched another line on Indie’s palm. “This one told me that you would be happy.”
“How did you know?” Indy asked, looking down at her palm with a frown.
Allie closed her fingers around Indy’s hand and looked up at her. A ghost of a smile curved her lips as she stared at Indy’s long, sun-kissed brown hair and dark green eyes. They were a lot a like in many ways, only Allie didn’t see the same future happiness as she saw for her friend.
“Because you are too beautiful on the inside for someone to not see it and want to hold onto it with everything they have inside them,” Allie whispered. “When Jonathan looks at you, I see that kind of love. When your brother took you away from him, there was never a doubt in my mind that he would get you back. There aren’t many men out there anymore that would do that for a woman, Indy.”