“Good morning.” She tilted her face up to look at him and was rewarded with a long, deep kiss.
“Good morning to you, too.” He smiled down at her. “How’s your leg today?”
“Not even sore. I think the patient will live, Dr. Jordan.”
“And is the patient hungry?”
“Starved. Is that bacon I smell?”
He gave her another quick kiss and released her. “Bacon and scrambled eggs. I just finished eating. Sit down and I’ll get you a plate.”
Charley pulled out a chair. “You know, you’re going to spoil me.”
“I’m doing my best.” Cole grinned as he slid a pile of food in front of her.
She dug in. “If you keep this up, I’m going to get fat,” she warned around a mouthful of eggs.
Cole turned a chair backwards and straddled it, cup of coffee in hand. “Don’t worry. Even if you can’t fit through the door, I’ll still…”
Charley peeped up from her food. He had the strangest look on his face. “Still what?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. I lost my train of thought.”
She gave a mental shrug. “Who was that on the phone earlier?”
“That was Roger King. He’s the head of Jordan Security. I left a message on the machine in his office earlier and he was returning the call.”
“Oh. Did Hank ever call?”
Cole crossed his arms on the back of the chair. “Yes, he called a little earlier this morning. You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you.”
“And?”
“He said the stairs had been tampered with. The braces were knocked out from under them, and the nails pried loose from the frame.”
A chill ran through Charley and she shivered. “You mean it was done deliberately? Why would someone do that?”
Picking up his coffee, Cole took a drink before replying. “There’s not much telling. Maybe it was just a bunch of kids looking for some mischief to get into.”
She frowned and put her fork next to her plate. “Kids don’t do things like that, Cole. They use spray paint, or break windows. I can’t see them going to all that trouble. This sounds like someone knew what they were doing. You know,” she mused, “it could be someone who doesn’t like what you’re doing here.”
Her frown deepened. “Although the only one I know of who hasn’t been a hundred percent behind you is Uncle Victor, and it’s ridiculous to think he’d do anything like that.”
When he didn’t answer she searched his face intently, a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. “Cole, you don’t think Uncle Victor is behind this, do you? What reason could he possibly have? He knows that one minor act of vandalism wouldn’t stop you. And in spite of his reservations, deep down he knows that this will be good for Canyon Bend.”
“I don’t know who did it, Charley. We may never know.”
She pushed her chair back and stood. “I think we should call Ben. He’s the sheriff. If someone is trying to sabotage the Duncan Mills project, he needs to know it. Maybe he’s even heard something.”
“Charley, I doubt there’s anything he can do except chalk it up to vandalism. Whoever did it sure didn’t leave his business card. It was probably just a one-time thing.”
“I’d still feel better if you called him.”
Cole sighed, then smiled. “Okay, why don’t you go get dressed while I do that, and then we’ll head out to Sam Tyree’s. Don’t forget, you’re supposed to pick up your pup today.”
“Thank you.” Charley leaned down and brushed his lips with hers. “I’ll be right back.”
* * * * *
They decided to take Charley’s Blazer since she wanted to stop and get supplies for her new pet. “Do you think I forgot anything?” she asked, eyeing the bags filled with puppy chow, bowls, flea shampoo, and a collar complete with leash, as they headed toward Sam’s ranch.
“A fund for his college education?” Cole commented blandly. “I wouldn’t worry about it. You’ve got the basics. If you need anything else, you can get it later.”
“I guess you’re right. So, what did Ben say?” She turned back to face the front.
Cole shrugged. “Pretty much what I told you he would. He’s going out to take a look and talk to Hank, but he doesn’t hold much hope of finding out who did it.”
“Well, at least he knows.” She pointed. “The turnoff for Sam’s ranch is the next on the right.”
Chapter Twelve
The hot, wet tongue ran over her face with frantic enthusiasm, and Charley laughed. Her hands offered scant protection from the attack. The pup was too fast. He was half Malamute, and even at six weeks old, he was huge.
Cole lowered himself to the floor next to her. Immediately the pup altered his attention, growling with mock puppy ferocity at Cole’s booted foot. “Have you decided what you’re going to name him yet?”
Charley propped her head on one hand and smiled up at him. “No. Any suggestions?”
“Nothing that wouldn’t sound stupid by the time he grew up.” He shrugged. “You’ll think of something.”
“I think I just did. Whiskey.” She stood and lifted the pup, carrying him to his crate. “Do you like that name? Huh?” He gave a sharp bark, his tail wagging his entire body. “Okay, then Whiskey it is.” She deposited him in the crate. “Think you can survive a few hours alone tonight, fellow?”
“Going somewhere?” Cole arched an eyebrow in question.
Charley turned to look at him. “Yes. It’s Saturday night, Cole. I have to go to the Red Dog. I’ve been neglecting it for too long. Even with Frank and Diane both working, they’ll need some help.”
“Want me to go with you?”
She watched him unfold his lean body, and then put her hand on his chest. “There’s not much point.” She smiled to soften her refusal. “I’ll be busy all night, and we won’t close until early in the morning.”
Cole’s arms went around her and pulled her against him, and for a moment, Charley just closed her eyes and luxuriated in his warmth. He made her feel safe, protected. Loved. The thought jarred her out of her complacency. It was all right to love him, she reminded herself, just as long as she didn’t start expecting the same in return. Down that path led more pain than she could handle.
Regretfully, she started to push away from him, but his arms tightened, holding her in place.
“Would you like to go on a picnic tomorrow?”
She tilted her head back to meet his eyes and hesitated. “Can we do it Monday instead? I really need to go see Uncle Victor tomorrow. I think he’s feeling a little lonely lately.” Charley slid her hand up his chest to cup his nape. “Why don’t you come by tomorrow evening. I’ll fix something for supper.”
“Deal.” He leaned down and kissed her, a long, deep kiss that had her gasping for air and weak-kneed when he finally released her. Her pulse was still hammering as he turned and picked up his keys, and the look in his eyes did strange things to her stomach. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.” His voice was a husky murmur, and he brushed her lips again before leaving.
Charley waited until the sound of his car faded in the distance, then went to change. The house seemed strangely empty without Cole in it. But she needed the time alone, away from him. She couldn’t think straight when he was near. And she had to think.
Despite how she’d acted with Cole earlier, she was worried about the accident at Duncan Mills. Even though he hadn’t said so, she had seen his eyes when she’d said Uncle Victor wouldn’t do something like that. He didn’t believe her. For some reason, Cole thought her uncle was quite capable of arranging an accident like the one that had almost killed them. And she wanted to know why. She was beginning to feel like she’d been trapped in a giant jigsaw puzzle and she was a few pieces short of the entire picture.
Brace yourself, Uncle Vic, she thought. Tomorrow, I’m going to get some answers.
* * * * *
The two-story Victorian house had changed very little since Ch
arley had first come here as a child. Its white paint sparkled in the morning sun, the scent of roses and bougainvillea filling the air. All the windows were open, lacy curtains stirring in the soft breeze.
She stopped the Blazer in the circle drive, stepped out, and paused for a moment, watching the hummingbirds busily flit from flower to flower, their tiny jeweled bodies dazzling to the eye. With one hand, she set the porch swing in motion as she walked to the door. As a young girl, she had spent uncounted hours on that swing, dreaming about Cole. At thirteen she’d thought he was the most handsome boy in the world. The fact that his clothes had been old and worn had only made him seem more romantic to her. Of course, at that age, he’d ignored her completely. But that hadn’t kept her from hoping. Hoping that some day he’d really look at her and see that she was the love of his life.
And suddenly, the year she was a junior in high school, the miracle had happened. She could even pinpoint the exact moment he had really noticed her.
Being head of the decoration committee for the junior-senior banquet had just been another way of saying, “congratulations, you get to do all the work.” The day before the banquet she was in the gym, hanging streamers. But when Cole walked in, she forgot everything she was doing.
From her perch on the ladder, she had watched him, loving the way he moved. Even with a load of books under his arm he was graceful and assured. Craning to keep him in sight, she had over-balanced and knocked the cardboard box holding the rolls of crepe paper off the ladder. The box landed with a smack right in front of him, narrowly missing his head.
Dying from embarrassment, she saw his eyes lift, run slowly over her from her feet to the top of her head, then back to her eyes. Suddenly, he’d smiled.
Fighting an insane urge to tug down the hem of her short skirt, she almost fell in her haste to get off the ladder. “I’m sorry! It was an accident.”
“That’s good to know.” His voice was a soft drawl, tinged with amusement. “I’d hate to think you were trying to kill me.” He picked up the box and handed it to her.
“Are you going to the banquet tomorrow night?” She closed her mouth in horror, wondering what had possessed her to blurt the question out, knowing her cheeks were blood red.
His gaze moved over her again. “No. I’m not. But the gym looks nice.”
“Thanks,” she said inanely.
He grinned at her again. “I have to go. Next time, Charley, hang on to the box.”
Her heart had literally stopped beating. He knew her name.
Charley chuckled at the memory. After that day, he’d talked to her every time they met in the halls, even flirted with her, and she’d waited impatiently for him to ask her out. But he hadn’t. Not until the night she’d graduated.
Cole had been working at the gas station near the school, and she’d stopped to fill the tank of her truck, a graduation present from Uncle Victor. She still remembered the way her heart had lurched when she’d felt Cole’s hand close around hers on the nozzle. And the look in his eyes had almost sent the gas they were pumping up in flames. It had been obvious he was done waiting.
That night had been the first time he’d taken her to the glade, but certainly not the last. It had been so hard not to give in to his attempts to make love to her, especially when she’d wanted him as badly as he did her. But the memory of her mother’s promiscuity had always stopped her. The thought of suffering the same heartbreak and gradual loss of self-esteem was more than she could bear. Until that last night.
Charley sighed. She had been so sure that he loved her and wanted her that night. Why else would he ask her to marry him? So she had given in to her longings, her love. And it had been wonderful. Cole had taken his time, and in the process made it the experience that every girl dreams it can be. She still ached with longing every time she thought about it.
The front door of her uncle’s house flew open to reveal Letta’s smiling face. “Miss Charley, are you gonna stand out there daydreaming, or are you gonna come in?”
“Hi, Letta.” Charley returned the housekeeper’s smile. “Is Uncle Vic here?”
“He’s in the study. You just go on in and I’ll set another place at the dinner table.”
“Thanks, Letta, but I just ate breakfast about an hour ago. I promise I won’t keep Uncle Vic long, though.”
“You visit all you want to, Miss Charley. Food won’t be ready for at least another hour yet.”
Charley nodded and headed for the study. The doors were open and Uncle Vic was sitting in a chair by the window, a glass of iced tea near his hand and a book opened on his lap. She didn’t see Douglas until he shifted slightly. As usual, her uncle’s shadow chose to make himself almost invisible. It was uncanny, the way the man could vanish and still be in plain sight.
“Douglas,” she smiled at him and got a polite nod in return. “Uncle Vic.” She leaned down and kissed her uncle’s cheek.
“Charley! I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow. Douglas, go tell Letta that Charley will be here for dinner.”
“Thanks, Uncle Vic, but I already told her I couldn’t stay. I dropped by today because I needed to talk you, and Cole is coming over for dinner tonight.”
Victor’s smile faded a little. “Sit down.” He gestured at the chair next to him. “Seems like you and Jordan are spending a lot of time together lately.”
Charley sat, turning so she could face him. “Uncle Victor, Cole has asked me to move in with him.”
Carefully, he closed his book and placed it on the table. “Do you really think that’s a good idea, Charley? This is a small town. People are going to talk.”
“Talk is the least of my worries. But I haven’t told him yes, yet.”
Victor rubbed his eyes with one hand, and for the first time Charley noticed the lines on his forehead and around his mouth. He looked tired.
“That’s what you’re here for? To get my blessing?” He shook his head. “I can’t give it to you, darlin’. I think you’d be making the biggest mistake of your life.”
“No, that’s not why I’m here. The decision to live with Cole has to be mine alone, Uncle Vic.” She hesitated. “The reason I’m here is because there was an accident at Duncan Mills yesterday. If it hadn’t been for Cole, I might have been killed.” It was with a sense of relief that she watched her uncle’s face pale.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice shaking.
She told him, sparing none of the details. “At first, I thought it might be someone who was against the Duncan Mills project, but you’re the only one I know of who isn’t thrilled with the concept. I told Cole the idea was silly, but I got the impression he suspected you might be involved somehow.”
Victor stood and moved to the window, his back to her. “Do you think I am?”
“No, of course not. But I want to know why Cole thinks you might be, Uncle Victor. I want to know what’s going on between the two of you.”
“What has he told you?”
“That’s just it. He hasn’t told me anything. Not about you, not about why he left ten years ago. Nothing.”
He was silent so long she had almost given up when he finally turned to face her. “You’re right. You need to know the truth.” Victor turned back to his chair. “I’m not proud of what happened, Charley. It started a long time ago, when I was younger and a lot more foolish. You see, I fell in love. In love with a woman who was married and had a child, a son.” He smiled ruefully.
“I thought she loved me, too. We saw each other for over a year, and it was the most wonderful year of my life. And the most agonizing. I hated the thought of her living with a man she didn’t love, taking care of him, sleeping in his bed. I wanted her to leave him, but she wouldn’t. At first, she said she was staying for the boy, but near the end she finally told me the truth. She didn’t love me. Never had, as a matter of fact. She only wanted the things that my money could give her.”
Charley watched him closely, her heart aching at the pain he must be feeling
, reliving this part of his life.
“Even after it was over, I didn’t stop loving her. I never have. That’s why I gave them a place to live for almost nothing. I couldn’t stand the thought of her living in a shack.”
Shock ran over Charley, chilling her bone-deep as realization hit her. “Maggie Jordan. You’re talking about Cole’s mother.”
“Yes,” her uncle said quietly. “I’ll go to my grave loving Maggie.” He raised his eyes to hers. “And that’s why Cole left you ten years ago. Somehow, he found out about me and Maggie.”
Victor leaned forward and took her hands between his. “Charley, he confronted me with it. He’d already been dating you for a year then. He hates me for betraying his father, hates me for having an affair with his mother. He wanted revenge, and he used you to get it. He knew how much I loved you. So he made you fall in love with him, and when you did, he left you.”
He dropped her hands in obvious agitation. “Do you know what it was like for me, Charley? You tried to hide it, but I could see how much you were hurting when he left. To have you in that much pain, and know that something I’d done in the past had caused it almost killed me. Please, darlin’. I’m begging you. Stay away from him. Don’t let him do the same thing to you again. For both of our sakes.”
Charley could feel the blood draining from her face. Pain and anger mixed in equal measures, leaving her shaking and desperate. “Why? Why are you lying to me? I don’t know why Cole left me ten years ago, but I know he didn’t make me love him for revenge. He couldn’t. I’ve loved him since I was a little girl.”
“I’m not lying to you, darlin’. You know I’d cut out my heart before I’d hurt you, but I can prove what I’ve told you.” He stood and left the room, returning shortly with something in his hand.
For Love of Charley Page 12