by N Kuhn
“Are you hungry?” She asked. “I don’t need any help, I got it all unloaded myself, but I can offer you some spaghetti.” Her hand fluttered to her hair, tossed up in a messy bun. Her nerves were raw and she still felt the embarrassment of yesterday. This man always looked like he walked off the pages of some Western romance, but she looked like a bum. He smiled at her, flashing those pearly white teeth and Mara wondered how any man could get away with looking so perfect.
“I could eat, I spent all day in my greenhouse and forgot lunch, and dinner.” He moved easily to the counter as if he belonged there. Mara fixed them both plates of spaghetti, setting some homemade meatballs on a plate for Bear. Beau laughed at the dog as he inhaled the special treat. When Mara moved to sit near him, he noticed how she pulled her chair to widen the distance between them.
Stay close to her, protect her at all costs, he thought to himself. He wasn’t sure why he felt such a protective need over this woman. Sure, her beautiful long blonde hair and pale skin looked good enough to kiss, lick, and taste. She was beautiful. But maybe it was the fragileness she had about her, that she could break at any time. He admired how strong she came across, but he could see beneath it.
“So, what all did you end up getting?” He asked her, hoping to break her from the quiet shell she was wrapped in.
“Oh, I met the loveliest woman. Jennie, she helped me find flowers and vegetables to plant. By next summer, I won’t need to buy produce from the grocery store. I can provide my own and the flowers will look nice. She’s going to come help me tomorrow. I also got my first pair of cowboy boots.” The way Mara’s face lit up sent his body into shock. Electricity flew throughout his extremities, his cock hardened. Her cheeks were pink and that smile lit up her whole face.
“Jennie’s nice. She moved here after her husband died and she retired. Her gardens are amazing; you should see them. I can take you by there sometime. She’ll really help you. I would love to see those boots too.” Beau had always felt there was more to Jennie’s story. There was a sadness in her eyes at times. But, that woman was a force to be reckoned with, so he never pushed her for more. She had been like a surrogate mother to him since they met.
“Yea, I’m excited. We spent hours in the store together. She just walked up when I was trying to figure out what to buy and off she went. I loved it. I’m not used to being around many people.”
“I thought you were from the big city?” Beau asked her. Mara instantly clammed up. Her skin paled and she stared at her plate. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” Beau tried to lighten the mood, to bring back the excited girl that was there before. He shoveled food into his mouth, trying to keep quiet.
“No, you’re ok. I just, the city was a lonely place. I was surrounded by people at all times, but I wasn’t really close to anyone.”
“Hey, I get it,” he reached out, caressing her hand. She flinched but didn’t pull away. “It can be hard to adjust to Texas and our way of life. Down here, we don’t think anyone has private business. It’s all our business. You know? If we get too nosey, just shut us up.” He tried to laugh and fix the situation. Mara pulled her hand away as if fire licked at her tips. She fiddled with her spaghetti, not looking up.
“Yea, it’s nice though. I like feeling like I belong, even if I don’t.”
“Why would you think you don’t belong?” She stood, taking her plate to the counter.
“I’m sorry, I’m really tired, I just need to get some rest. Thank you for offering your help. I do appreciate it.” She knelt, rubbing Bear. She muzzled her face into his fur, inhaling.
Beau took his empty plate to the sink, turning towards Mara.
“Hey, would you do me a favor?” She turned her pale blue eyes towards him and for the first time, without the sun blinding him, or her looking away, he got a chance to sink into the ocean that she held within them. His gut churned in excitement, his body begging for her. His fingers itched to touch her, to stroke her skin.
“Um, I guess?” She sounded uneasy.
“Listen, I have to go into Dallas on business tomorrow morning. Would you mind if Bear just slept here with you tonight? I’d feel much better about someone keeping an eye on him while I’m gone. He’ll stay with you while you work in the garden and I’ll toss some food on your porch before I leave. Please?” She smiled, standing with the dog by her side.
“Absolutely. I’d love to have him stay. It will help me too. I’m still getting used to this huge quiet house by myself.” Beau could hear the loneliness in her voice. It would make him feel better knowing that Bear was there with her. While he was gone, that dog wouldn’t leave her side or let anyone strange near her. He knew Miss Jennie, he had helped her move into her new home. While he ran to Dallas, though the people after Mara didn’t know where she was, he didn’t want to risk it. Kneeling, he called Bear over.
“Hey buddy,” he whispered, “You keep her safe for me ok?” As if understanding, the furry beast ran right back over to her, sitting by her side as if on guard. Beau smiled, moving towards Mara. She sucked in a breath as he neared, her body stiffening. His damn dog, taking his word to heel, moved between the two. Beau stopped abruptly, looking down at him.
“Really boy?”
“He’s a good dog,” Mara said, barely audible. The words quietly escaping her mouth. Her tongue darted out, licking at those pink lips. She reminded him of Sleeping Beauty. The beautiful princess who doesn’t know she’s in danger, doesn’t know how perfect she is.
“He is,” Beau murmured back to her. His arms reached out, wrapping her in those powerful muscles. Her body pulled flush against his, sent her senses into over drive. Her brain frizzled out, she lost all cohesive thought. Her heart raced, and Beau could feel it against his chest.
“I’ve been thinking about kissing you since I met you yesterday, Mara.” Her fingers reached up, pushing against him. She found resistance as she tried to pull away. His chest was like a brick wall. Turning up to look at him, she was met with his lips. Mara had to admit to herself, she wondered how his lips would feel against her skin.
“I’m not used to this. I just, I’m sorry, you make me nervous.”
“You didn’t date much?” His whisper against her neck caused shivers down her spine.
“No, same man since high school.”
“We should fix that, give you your first real grown up kiss,” he said. Without any further commentary, his mouth crushed against her lips. His kiss lit a storm in her body, awakening a hurricane of emotions. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue to dart past hers, tasting her. His scent of sweat, dirt and sunshine infiltrated her nostrils, pulling her in deeper. His rough hand pulled at her hair, as if she could get any closer than she already was. His other hand slid down, cupping at her ass. She fit perfectly. He groaned against her mouth, wrapping both arms under her butt, lifting her. She could feel his hardened sex pressing against her as she slid up. Beau set her on the counter, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Her mewls pushed at his resistance. Coming up for air, Mara’s eyes were glazed over with lust. She panted, greedily sucking in air as Beau stroked her back.
“I apologize, there’s just something about you that causes me to lose my southern manners. My momma would tan my hide if she saw me pawing at you like a high schooler.”
Mara nodded and pushed on his chest. She closed her eyes, groaning at the feel of his muscles under her fingers.
“I’m sorry, you have to leave. I’m,” she fought to get the words out. “I’m just not ready yet. I been through a lot the last few months. I just, I can’t right now.” She slid off the counter, turning to start cleaning the dishes. Beau ran a hand through his hair, his cock was rigid and pressing against his pants, but he would deal. He was more upset by the fact that he even let it get this far. He knew what she had dealt with, yet he lost control anyways.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that happen Mara. Thank you for dinner. I’ll grab Bear when I get home tomorrow night. Thank you
again for keeping an eye on him.” Beau walked out the door shaking his head as Mara stood there, staring at the soapy water she was filling the sink with.
Her lips were swollen from his kisses. Her body still hummed. It had been a long time since she felt that way. She just wasn’t ready. Not yet. She had to learn to be on her own before she could handle being with someone else. There was also a big trust issue. How could she trust another man? In school, Jimmy had been a prince. Her whisked her off her feet. It wasn’t until they were graduated and living together that those things changed. Mara knew that not every man was an abuser. She just couldn’t move past her fears yet. She almost lost herself in Beau. Once his lips touched hers, she was thrown into an ocean of passion and if they hadn’t stopped, she would have drowned. Once the kitchen was clean, Mara looked at Bear. He cocked his head and looked at the door. She sighed and poured a glass of wine. She made her way to her bedroom, the dog following. Mara opened her doors, collapsing onto her swing. As she swayed, Bear bounced around the yard, chasing invisible things. Sipping on her wine, she stared off into the night, relishing the quiet crooning of the crickets. She couldn’t help but glance at Beau’s house. She watched as the lights downstairs went out.
“Come on Bear, let’s go cuddle.” She curled up with paperback she had already read several times while in the safe house and curled up in bed with the furry beast next to her. It was oddly comforting to have him pressed up against her. She fell asleep her fingers threaded in Bear’s fur.
Chapter 4
Barking tore Mara from her sleep. For the first time in months, she felt rested. There was no insomnia, no tossing and turning. No nightmares of her past or someone finding her. She smiled at Bear who stood by her patio door. Tossing back the sheet, she happily bounced to the door, letting him out. She slid the glass shut, moving to the kitchen. Mara opened the door there for Bear to return, scanning the porch for the promised food. There was nothing there. Damn, she didn’t get Beau’s number either. Glancing at the clock, she noticed how late she had slept. It was already ten. Slipping on flip flops, she went out into the morning sun. It was already becoming stifling hot.
“Come on Bear, let’s go see if your daddy is home or if we can get in and find your food.” Hearing the word food, the dog bounded to her side, looking at her with his tongue hanging out.
“You’re too cute.” Mara couldn’t help but feel great about the day. She contemplated getting her own dog. She attributed the great sleep to the beast that had curled up beside her. Inhaling deeply, Mara enjoyed the morning smells. No pollution or garbage. Just clean, fresh air. It would be the perfect day to start her gardening.
At Beau’s back door, she saw no one inside and there was no vehicle in the drive when she had walked over. Testing the knob, she found the kitchen entry unlocked. Apparently not only friendly, the small town residents were trusting as well. Bear pushed past her, knocking her legs sideways as he ran for the empty bowls on the floor. She laughed, looking at the poor starving sap. Taking pity, she found the food next to the bowls and poured him a bowl of kibble and filled his water from the sink. She looked around as the dog ate noisily. Feeling oddly curious, she took in the grand kitchen. Much like hers, it was large, with an island counter and stools. Pressing a hand against the coffee pot, she felt it was still warm, so she poured some into a mug drying in the sink. Mara shuffled over to the island, pulling herself up into the stool to wait for the dog to finish eating. No point taking food to her house when he could just eat here. As she placed the mug on the black and white marble counter, her wrist bumped the laptop that was on there. The screen came to life and she couldn’t resist a peek. Looking at what appeared before her, her face drained of color. She felt light headed and dizzy. Her own face stared back at her. Beneath it was the file on her past.
Name: Julie Chaney
DOB: 11/20/87
From: New York City/Brooklyn
It went on to show her police report and that she had disappeared from the hospital. With her hand shaking, she scrolled down further.
Mr. Belmont,
We have been told that you’re the best PI in the Dallas area. My client is seeking this woman and we have reasons to believe she is in Texas. She may be going under another name. She is in possession of a lot of money, stolen from my client. We just want to locate her so that we may send our accountant down to retrieve whatever is left of the money. You’ll be compensated with $100,000 up front and another $100,000 when she is located. We do not need you to approach her, just give us a location. You can meet out contact in Dallas on Friday at noon, the Café Lamont.
We look forward to working with you.
She felt sick to her stomach. Pushing away from the computer, she went to the sink and hurled up nothing but stomach acid and the one sip of coffee she had. Bear whimpered, moving to her side. She slid down the cupboards, wiping at her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes.
He’s a PI and he already knows who I am. How long has he known? Since I first got here? The first day? When he was kissing me senseless last night? What am I going to do? The Feds will have to move me again already. This isn’t good. My bed and breakfast dream is over. Everything is done. I’m done.
Thoughts swirled through her head. The dog curled up, placing his head in her lap. Without thinking, she curled her fingers in his fur. She couldn’t be mad at Bear, it wasn’t his fault.
Is that where Beau had to go today? Dallas to collect his money for putting my life at risk?
Quickly, Mara’s fear turned to anger. She jumped to her feet, startling the dog. Stalking to the counter, she slammed the computer shut and moved to the door.
“Come on Bear. Let’s do some gardening.” He just needed to locate her, so she would see what happened when he came back and if he was alone, she would confront him, with the pistol that the Fed’s have left her with for safety. She refused to run scared anymore. Finally, she had a life she could be proud of and there was no way that some sexy cowboy next door would ruin that. Back at home, Mara grabbed her phone and called Agent Michaels. She hadn’t seen him since he put her on a plane to Texas. His voicemail picked up and she left a distress message they had worked out. Just to be safe, she would talk it over with him. Her next call was to Jennie. It wouldn’t be safe for her to come over if things went bad today. Mara lied and told her something had come up with website and that she would be working on that all day. They made plans for the next day to plant if Mara was up to it. She advised her new friend she would call her in the morning. After hanging up, Mara sighed. That’s if I’m even still here. Looking down at Bear, she decided it was time to get some gardening done.
Mara changed into shorts and a tank top and lost herself for hours in the garden. She pulled weeds, planted some of the flowers and sweated her ass off. She didn’t realize what time is was when she heard Beau’s truck pull up. Bear took off and charged at his owner. She shielded her eyes, trying to covertly reach for the gun in her gardening tool basket. Slipping an arm behind her back, she stood, waiting for Beau to get to her. A smile spread across his lips and for a moment, she dropped her wall. She thought of how those lips tasted, how they felt. Immediately, she chastised herself and slammed her thoughts back to the anger she felt towards him. He was putting her life at risk. He was the bad guy. Beau stepped up to her, reaching out and she side stepped his grasp.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, looking at her as he tilted his head. The cowboy hat was back on, shading him from the sun. She peered out from under her sun hat, narrowing her eyes.
“How long do I have?” she asked him, her voice filled with ice.
“Wh-what do you mean?” Beau stuttered.
“You heard me. How. Long. Do. I. Have?” she punctuated each word. Beau knew that she knew. It was written on his face. He shook his head, moving back a step. “Yea, you know what I mean now. How long until they come to kill me?” Her voice wavered a bit.
“It’s not what you think. Let me explain.” He held his hands in f
ront of him, hoping she would calm down and let him explain. Bringing her arm in front of her body, Mara leveled the gun at him.
“Hey, take it easy, I swear, please, you have to listen to me.” He didn’t need to get shot while trying to save her.
“Is that what you were doing in Dallas today? Selling me out?”
“No, I met with Agent Parker.” At hearing Travis’ name, Mara blew out the breath she had been holding.
“You have one minute to explain.”
“Obviously, somehow you found out about the email I got.” Beau moved back a step, towards the house. Bear stood between them, tongue wagging as he whined. Looking between his owner and the woman who he was becoming attached to, he felt the tension. The dog laid down, opting to ignore them instead. Beau shook his head.
“You forgot to leave food for your dog. Not very smart for someone who’s hiding something.” Mara took a step towards Beau. She felt her spine stiffen and pride resonated through her. No longer was she the meek runner. She was going to stand up for herself, keep what she had thought of, every day for the last few months.
“Mara, put the gun down please,” Agent Parker’s voice rang out between the two facing off in the back yard. Bear jumped up, rushing to the newcomer. Travis approached, wearing jeans and a plaid shirt. If the situation weren’t so serious, she would have laughed. It looked so odd on a man who lived for his black suits, aviator sunglasses and perfectly placed hair. The cowboy hat looked even sillier.