by Ciana Stone
Russell watched her leave, a bit stunned by what she'd said. She'd hit the nail on the head. He couldn't deny it. He could, however, feel ashamed. Before he could change his mind, he started walking and didn't stop until he was standing on the porch of her cottage, knocking on the door.
There was no answer, which meant the next logical place to look was her office or lab. Sure enough she sat in front of the computer with the two ranch hands she'd been training, standing on either side of her. Russell waited, listening as she gave them directions and showed them the printed schedules of each day's tasks.
When she finished going over the schedule, she looked up. "And if you need me–"
"Call," Robbie Thompson, a dark-haired fellow who was in his mid-twenties and taking classes at the community college to become a vet, said.
"Or figure it out," she said and the other guy, Mike Dobbs laughed.
"We'll do our best, Dr. Taylor."
"I have complete confidence in you. Now go on, and enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for taking time to go over things. See you soon."
"You bet. Have fun Doc." Robbie said and then noticed Russell. "Oh, hello Mr. Russell."
"Robbie," Russell nodded and then spoke to Mike. "Mike. You fellas have a good day."
"Thank you sir," Mike responded and they both hurried to leave.
"Don't worry, there's not a lot going on right now, so they can handle it," Naomie said and turned off her computer.
"If they've earned your confidence then I'm sure they can. That's not why I'm here."
"Oh? Then why are you?" She stood and turned to face him.
"I feel like something's off between us and I'm guessing it's my fault."
"Nothing's off, sir."
"Oh hell, now I know something's wrong. We're back to the damn sir shit."
Naomie sighed. "Don't say it like it's something bad. We're just back to where we started and where we're supposed to be. You're my boss and I apologize for forgetting that. I've got things covered for the next week and I checked the calendar. I'm due 22 days off at this point so I'm taking seven. Naturally, if you need, you can reach me on my cell, or at least leave a message and I'll get back to you."
She gestured toward the door as she started across the room. "And unless there's something more you wanted than to make sure I had things covered, I need to get to the cottage, do some laundry and pack."
Russell barred her way and she stopped, looking up at him without expression. "Naomie, don't start. I told you I don't play games and–"
"I'm not playing."
The way she said it gave him the kind of feeling he'd imagine people have when they get a bad health diagnosis, that sinking, sick fear that swells up inside you and makes you desperate to turn back the clock and unknow what was said. She spoke like someone who had no feelings at all.
"Then why all of a sudden are we back to being employer and employee?"
Naomie's shoulders slumped a little and she took a big enough breath it was noticeable. "It's all we have, Mr. Walker, all we're going to have. I thought there was more, but there isn't. You won't let there be, so I'm making it easy for you and stepping back. You don't have to worry about me pressing for more. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go."
"Don't," he caught her hand as she tried to pass. "Naomie, don't."
"I have to," she looked up at him and he saw the tears gathering in her eyes. "I have to, sir. I can't do this anymore."
"This isn't over," he insisted.
"Yes it is."
"No, it's not, Naomie. Not by a long shot, but you go and have your vacation and when you get back, then you and I are going to have a long discussion."
"Yes, sir." She pulled free and hurried out of the door.
Russell cursed under his breath. This was a fine damn mess and one he had no clue how to rectify.
*****
Naomie put her bag in the trunk, closed it and got into the car. "You sure you don't want me to drive?"
Amber laughed. "Hell no. You have everything?"
"Yep. Let's do it."
"You know, I nearly fainted when we came to Texas for Gramps' funeral and found out you were living at Heritage," Amber commented.
"I was shocked you showed up. From what I remember, you made a point to stay away from the ranch. Cow shit and all that."
Amber chuckled. "I did make kind of a big thing about it, didn't I?"
"Just a bit."
"Still, it was a surprise– for both of us, I guess. And it made me realize how much I've missed you. You kind of went MIA after–"
"Don't even say the name," Naomie cut in. "But yes, after that and the couple of adventures you and I shared, I buried myself with work. It wasn't until Reese Quinn called and needed my help that I came up out of my hole."
"So, are you healed?"
"Getting there."
"Interested in another little adventure?"
Naomie frowned, lowered her sunglasses and looked at Amber over the top of them. "If it's anything like the last one, no thank you."
"Aww, come on Naomie. It'll be fun."
"No. Not this time."
"Will you listen to what it is before you say no?"
"Maybe. After a few days in Cancun. I seriously need to get my head clear."
"Uncle Russell has you tied in knots, doesn't he?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, yes, he does."
"So, what're you going to do about it?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing? Who are you and what have you done with Naomie Roma Taylor?"
Naomie smiled but it was a fleeting one. "I wish I knew. I don't even know how it happened. No, that's a lie. I know. All it took was one look. One. Damn, what is it about that man?"
"Don't ask me. He looks like my dad so there's nothing about him that gets to me. I mean I can see that he's handsome and has a kind of power thing about him, but it's damn odd for you to fall so fast and hard."
"Or it used to be," Naomie commented. "And maybe it will be again. Maybe this is all just rebound from that hell I went through with he-who-shall-not-be-named."
"Well, who can blame you? If I'd gone through that I'd probably be in an asylum somewhere picking paint off the wall and eating it."
"Eating paint? I don't think so."
"Okay, a slight exaggeration maybe, but not by much. That was some pretty raw shit."
"Yep, it was. And I don't want to think about it. It's done, I survived and it'll never happen again. At least not to me."
"Okay one more personal question and then I'll drop it. Was Uncle Russell pissed when you told him you were going to Cancun with me?"
"Let's just say I've seen him look happier."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Yeah. Maybe he needs to feel what it'd be like if you weren't around. You know that old saying may carry some truth – absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"Maybe, but at this point, I'm not banking on, or hoping for anything. I'm going to finish out my contract with Heritage, do what I can for the people there I care about and try to let go of these feelings I have for him because they don't seem to bring me much happiness."
"Sounds like a good plan. And step one is Cancun. Well, a night in Corpus Christi and I'm betting we can scare up some fun there tonight."
"I'd put good money on that." Naomie put her hand on Amber's leg and gave it a squeeze. "I'm glad you invited me."
"I'm glad you accepted. And I hope we don't have to call anyone for bail money."
"Girl if we have that much fun, the shitstorm I'll get will be worth it."
Naomie felt a genuine smile tugging at her lips and let it claim control. She'd forgotten how much she liked being with Amber and how much fun they had together. It was way past time for her to have some fun and she was looking forward to the adventure.
Chapter Fifteen
Harley stopped when she reached Nash's truck and looked around one more time. She was trying not to get excited, but it was da
mn hard. This was exactly what she'd been looking for. There was a small three bedroom, two bath house that had been updated a few years ago, two twenty stall horse barns, two smaller barns, three decent sized storage sheds, a bunkhouse that could comfortably sleep twenty, complete with its own kitchen and adjacent bathhouse, and even a small ten-acre lake.
"You look like a kid standing at the window of a candy store," Nash commented as he walked around the truck to stand beside her "With your eye on that special lollipop."
"I feel that way. This is perfect, Nash. Perfect. And the price is unbelievable. I really want to put an offer on it."
"Then what's stopping you?"
"Fear of failure?" Harley leaned against the truck and looked at him. "What if I give up competing and start this school and fall flat on my face?"
"Then go back to competing."
"You make it sound so easy."
Nash put his index fingers into the front loops on her jeans and tugged her to him. "Listen up, Rodeo Queen. You can do anything you put your mind to. And I meant what I said about investing. Rusty would jump at the chance to attend the school, and I bet there are a lot of the kids we'll see at the Little Bit National that would as well."
"Damn, Nash, you make it so tempting. But I can't let you put your money into it. You don't even know me."
"Don't I?" He pulled her a bit closer and Harley would have been hard-pressed to lie about the effect his nearness had on her. She'd known Nash less than a week and was already half in love with him, not to mention carrying around a world-class case of lust for the man.
"Let’s give it a try, Harley."
"The rodeo or us?"
"How about both?"
"Seriously. Nash, you're the hottest man I've ever met, but we did just meet."
"Look, I know it's moving fast and hell, we haven't even slept together but I know how I feel when I'm around you and when I'm not, and I think we owe it to ourselves to see if we're a good fit, don't you?"
"You know, call me crazy, but I do. In fact, I think we should put that to the test tonight. Do you think you could get your grandmother or dad to let Rusty spend the night?"
"Yeah, I'm sure I can. What'd you have in mind?"
"Dinner and dessert at Naomie's place."
"You're cooking?"
"Hell no, you're grilling. I'm providing dessert."
"Oh yeah?"
"Oh yeah."
"You're on hot stuff. Now about this place?"
"I'm going to do it. Right now." She pulled out her phone and called the person handling the sale. "Hi, it's Harley Lawson. I'm interested if you'll take four-twenty. Yeah? Great. Yes, I'll stop by tomorrow. Thank you, sir."
She ended the call and stuck her phone in her pocket. "I can't believe I just did that. I'm going to sign the papers tomorrow and make payment."
"Hold on, you're paying for it outright?"
"Yes, how did you think I'd pay for it?"
"Get a loan?"
"Nope. I only buy what I have the money to pay for. I don't like being in debt."
"Oh baby, will you marry me?"
Harley laughed and hugged him. "Ask me that six months from now, stud."
Nash chuckled and kissed her, and at that moment, Harley had the strongest feeling that Cray County was going to be her home from now on.
*****
"If there's anything you or your crew need, just let us know," Russell said to Adam Randolph, the geologist friend of Naomie's. Adam and his crew arrived yesterday and today were waiting on some equipment he'd arranged to have delivered so they could start.
"Thanks, Mr. Walker, I will. And thanks for providing accommodations and meals."
"I appreciate you taking the job on such short notice."
"Who can say no to Naomie?" Adam smiled.
"You have a point. Okay, I'll get out of your way. Again, anything you need, you have my number."
"Yes, thank you."
Russell headed back to the main house, thinking about what Adam planned. He was going to visit six different sites he'd selected, get samples via drilling and also examine the landscape, rocks, and streams. He said it would take seven days to do a thorough exam and testing and hoped Naomie would be back by then.
Russell had assured Adam she would and hoped he wasn't telling an unintentional lie. As he walked, he saw Nash and Harley stop at Naomie's cottage. Harley got out and waved as Nash pulled away.
Those two were getting pretty chummy, and Russell wondered if they were just blowing off steam and enjoying some no strings attached sex or if they were interested in getting to know one another. That would please the heck out of Rusty. He was in awe of Harley, and she seemed pretty fond of him.
But then, it was hard not to like Rusty. He was a hell of a kid. As he neared the house, he noticed his son Dillon's car in the driveway. He found Dillon and Josie in the kitchen with DeLyn, and an iPad was sitting in the center of the table, displaying Cici's smiling face.
"What's going on?" He asked as he entered.
"We're having a baby," Dillon announced.
"A baby?" That news brought a smile to Russell's face. "That's great news, son. A baby." When Dillon hugged him, Russell returned it enthusiastically and then hugged Josie. "You doing okay, little mama?"
"I'm doing great. Excited to go to the appointment this week. We get to see the baby."
"And find out if it's a boy or a girl," Cici added. "What are you hoping for Dad?"
"As long as I get a child to rock and teach to ride, I'm happy. When is the baby due?"
"I'm two weeks into the second trimester, so it will be about five and a half months."
"Anything you need, you let me know," Russell said and looked at Dillon. "Anything."
"Thanks, Dad. Right now, we're good."
"Does the rest of the family know?"
"Not yet. We came here first."
"How about we do dinner?" Russell suggested. "You can call Mace and see if he can ride over. And what about Delaney? Is she pissed at me or what? I haven't seen or talked to her lately."
"She's all tied up with this new client, remember?" DeLyn said. "Some rich foreigner who's buying up half the state."
"Oh, I see. Well, I'm surprised you haven't told her, son."
"We will. She promised to come for a weekend soon. And while I'd love one of Gigi's home cooked meals, we have to get back. Josie has some of the girls coming over later for yoga, and I promised to help Lincoln load up some furniture he and Lula are giving away."
"Well, thanks for making the trip to give us the news."
"You bet," Dillon looked at Josie. "You want to ride over to Nash's and tell him before we leave? We can call Mace when we get home."
"Sounds good." She blew Cici a kiss. "Call us as soon as you hear anything, okay?"
"I will, but it's likely to be a few days. Harley is meeting with the ME tomorrow for the second time, and we have no idea how long it will take for her to go over everything, but I promise to keep you updated, and you promise me to come up with a date and a guest list for the baby shower."
"You don't have to do that, Cici."
"I most certainly do. Promise?"
"I do. I love you. Talk to you soon."
"Love you. And you too, Dillon."
"Likewise, Little Bit."
The screen went dark, and Josie stood to hug DeLyn. "If you decide you want to spend a few days with us, call and I'll come to pick you up."
"Thanks, sweetie, I will. And I may take you up on that. I'm thinking of redecorating one of the cottages and might want to go into town and do some shopping."
"Okay, then we'll talk soon?"
"Indeed we will."
"Okay, bye Dad," she smiled at Russell.
"Drive safe." He replied and watched them leave the room with Dillon promising to take care of his precious passengers.
Once they were gone, he poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. DeLyn freshened her cup and joined him. "I spoke wit
h Rich this morning."
"How's he doing?"
"Good but a little concerned. Amber hasn't been home from her latest assignment long, and he was hoping they'd have a bit of time, then she decided on taking a trip to Cancun. The way he tells it, Naomie is with her."
"Yes. She picked Naomie up and they were driving to Corpus Christi to spend a day then flying to Cancun."
"I wasn't aware she and Naomie had become friends. But then everyone loves Naomie, so it's no real surprise."
"No, I don't suppose it is."
"Okay, out with it. What's eating you?"
"Nothing." Russell took a drink of coffee.
"Mighty big nothing from what I see."
"Okay, nothing I want to talk about."
"Oh, so it's about Naomie."
"Did I say that?"
DeLyn reached over to give his arm a quick squeeze. "I've been watching over you since you were a little fella, remember? I know you pretty well."
She was right, and maybe it would help ease some of the burn in his gut if he gave voice to what had him so churned up. "She said she loves me."
"And?"
"And I said I'd like to keep that–keep what's between us, just between us and not let the family know."
"Oh, Russ." The tone of DeLyn's voice and the look on her face told him in clear and certain terms that he'd screwed up.
"If Rob had said that to me when I admitted I was in love with him, it would have broken my heart clean in two, and I wouldn't be sitting here today."
"Come on, Mama, just because someone wants to keep things private isn't a reason–"
"A man only wants to keep his relationship with a woman secret if he's cheating on his wife, he's embarrassed by it, or wants to get rid of the woman. You're not married, so which of the other two is it?"
"Neither." He didn't know how she could ask such a thing and said as much. "And frankly, I'm offended you even asked."
"And I'm disappointed that you'd treat Naomie that way. Saying keep it a secret implies nothing but negative, son. Surely you can see that?"
"Well, no I can't. And I'm not trying to get rid of her."
"Then you're embarrassed." DeLyn's palm slapped the table top. "Ha, that’s it, isn’t it? You're afraid someone will say something like maybe she likes you for your money, or power, right? That she couldn't just be in love with you. You're smarter than that, aren't you?"