“Yes, it is. I like to sit here and watch the sun rise.”
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Anora. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
“You too,” she replied, not turning around.
The silence after Cooper left grew long and he wondered again how much of the conversation she’d heard. “Cooper is sweet on Belle.”
“So I heard. I didn’t mean to listen in on your conversation. I just happened to hear you as I came down the stairs. Don’t worry, I’m not looking to worm my way into your heart.”
“I think the words were; cold, hard heart.”
She turned and nodded. “Those were the words.” She smiled at him and for a moment he thought she would laugh, but her smiled faded.
“I thought you were sleeping.”
“I only cat nap. I have dreams and they wake me up. Some nights I dread going to bed. But I’m fine. I don’t want you to worry about me. I need to figure out a solution to my problem.”
“Sleeping pills?”
She strolled to the counter and poured some coffee into a mug. “No. I meant a solution to the problem at my house. She glanced at the security monitor on the counter. I need more security. If I had cameras, I doubt anyone would bother me.”
“Come sit.” He waited for her to take a seat at the table. “I don’t think that’s the answer. If the threat is real and not a prank, you could be in real danger. I don’t want to alarm you, but I think we should get a hold of the prosecutor on your case and see what he suggests. He might be able to give us a better idea of how far Andy’s reach is. He could be in solitary for all we know. I want you to stay until we find out the facts and can make an informed decision.”
She laid her hands on the table, clasping and unclasping them. “I know you’re trying to help and I appreciate it, but we will not be making decisions. I like your idea, and I will call the prosecutor’s office in the morning. In the end, this is my life, and I can’t give control of my life to anyone ever again. I’m not sure I’m explaining this right, and I don’t want to offend you…” Her gaze met his and seemed to plead understanding.
He put his hand over hers. “It’s all good. I do understand. I just want you to promise to not leave until we do have the facts. Can you do that?”
“Yes.” She stood. “I’m going to borrow one of the millions of books you have.”
“As long as it’s only one.”
Her smile kept his heart warm long after she left.
Later in the evening, he sat at his desk and watched the monitors. He had monitors throughout the house and at the barn. Cooper also had a set up in his house. The living accommodations he offered gave him the edge he needed to get the best wranglers in the business. Cooper had his own house, the cowboys each had what equated to a big hotel room. There was also a bunk house, which served as a place they hung out and cooked. He also had people who lived in the area work for him. He understood the need to have a place of their own.
Now he was paying overtime to a few of his workers to watch the monitors in the barn around the clock. It had taken good old fashioned hard work to get his ranch to this point. Too many of the newcomers expected to make it rich right off. They often asked him what his secret was. They also wanted answers to all their problems. He had to learn by trial and error. He’d spent hours with vets and breeders learning and working, not just picking their brains. He helped out when he could, but he’d be darned if he’d do their work for them.
People called him hard at times. Didn’t bother him one bit. He learned long ago if you wanted something you had to work for it. It hadn’t always been easy either with practically raising Belle and building up the ranch, but he had a lot to be grateful for. He put his feet up on his desk and stretched his arms over his head. Watching the surveillance was boring.
Screams from upstairs had him out of his chair like a shot, and he raced to Anora’s room with his heart beating painfully against his chest. He opened her bedroom door and pushed on inside, ready to pounce on an intruder. He looked in each corner of the room frantic to find someone. Finally, he gazed at her. Tears ran down her face and her hair stood on end in various places.
“I had a nightmare. I’m sorry.” The grief and anguish on her face hurt him deep inside.
He instantly approached the bed, sat down and took her into his arms, rubbing his hands up and down her back, trying to soothe her. He’d held Belle in such a way when she’d been younger. The lavender smell of her hair reminded him he held a woman not a little girl.
“Was it bad?” he asked as he pulled away.
“Yes, it was,” she replied, her voice quavering. “But it’s nothing new.”
“You’re safe here.” He gazed into her eyes. It was impossible to ignore her fear.
“Did I wake you?”
“Darlin’, I still have my boots on. I was just catching up on a few things in my office. Do you want me to stay with you until you go back to sleep?”
She touched his arm and shook her head. “I’m fine. Thanks for checking on me, though.”
“Goodnight then.” He patted her hand before he stood. Even with red-rimmed eyes he found her too darn attractive. He gave her a quick nod as he closed the door behind him. If she were going to keep having nightmares, he’d have to start wearing pajamas to bed again.
Tears flowed freely down her face as she watched the door close. The compassion on his face had been her undoing, and she put her hands over her mouth to cover the sounds of her sobs. Her parents had found her nightmares too exhausting for them. It wasn’t their fault. It was exhausting, but the looks they gave her hurt her heart. No matter how patient they were their facial expressions couldn’t hide the annoyance they felt that she wasn’t the same little girl she’d been before she’d been kidnapped. That girl had been innocent of the cruelties of life, the horrific cruelties one person could bestow on another. This wasn’t the type of thing you could just kiss and make better.
She leaned back in the plush bed and took a deep breath. She had no idea why but she felt calmer at the ranch. Maybe it was due to the security, but she had a feeling it had to do with Maverick. She often thought of that day when he made Andy scurry away. There were many times she thought she’d made him out to be something he wasn’t. She thought she must be exaggerating his qualities, but she hadn’t. He was big, strong, handsome and he made her feel safe.
He also didn’t want any woman worming her way into his life. Did Joleen still come around? She hadn’t thought to search the refrigerator for casserole dishes. Belle would be there soon, and she couldn’t wait to see her again. Little by little she calmed but she didn’t dare close her eyes again. One nightmare was enough. Maverick might think he wanted her to stay but after a couple nights of her screaming, he’d change his mind.
Her mind raced with thoughts of her abduction all through the remainder of the night and into the light of day. Finally she slipped out of bed, showered, got dressed and went downstairs. It was so quiet, almost too quiet. She looked through the cupboards and found the coffee. She got it ready and opened the refrigerator. She smiled. Not one casserole dish took up room. Perhaps Joleen found herself another man. Grabbing bacon and eggs, she whipped up breakfast.
“Something smells good. Good morning.” His hair was still wet from his shower and his blue shirt wasn’t buttoned up all the way, allowing her to see his muscled chest. Her stomach felt as though it was flipping over as she stared.
“Everything looks good. Shall we eat?” She startled at his amused gaze.
“Yes, sit. I was up early.” Anora quickly put all the food on the table and poured him some coffee. She sat across from him trying to peer at everything but him. It wasn’t easy.
“You’re a fine cook.”
“Thanks. It was either learn or be hit.” Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth with her napkin. “I’m sorry. You don’t want to hear about it. Sometimes things just pop out. Maybe because I’ve had to watch every word I said for so long, things just come out
of my mouth. I’m sorry.”
He set his fork down and gave her a sympathetic nod. “No need to watch what you say here. I like a person who speaks their mind- except when it’s downright disrespectful. In other words say whatever you like, I don’t mind listening. Just don’t call me an ass.”
Her laughter started out so wispy and it lilted into a hearty laugh. Suddenly she stopped and her eyes grew wide. “I haven’t laughed, I mean really laughed in so long. I feel this strange sense of wonder.”
“You do have a nice laugh. You should do it more often.” His smile grew deep, showing his dimples. Did he even know how handsome he looked?
“Where’s Joleen been?”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean by been?”
“I didn’t see any casserole dishes in the fridge.”
“Can you keep a secret?”
She nodded.
“I had one of my men return the dishes and unplug her oven.”
“You’re awful! It’s going to cost her money to try to fix it.”
He laughed. “I already thought of that. I’ve paid three guys already to tell her they don’t know what is wrong. The fourth goes today and he’ll plug it in. I know it was underhanded, but I needed a break. She decided I needed to eat healthy and started putting broccoli and spinach in everything.”
“I take it you don’t like either?”
“I hate them. I guess I could have told her, but it would have been a long drawn out conversation and dang it all, I’ve tried to tell her over and over there isn’t a future for us. She won’t listen.”
Anora stood and started clearing the table. “Did you tell her your heart is cold and hard?”
“I think she already knows. It’s not something I can help. It’s just the way I am.”
Part of her ached and part of her felt proud he confided in her. There was no future to be found here, but she didn’t really want one.
“I have a few meetings in town, and then I have to check on the herd. There are a few recovering from injuries, and the vet will be out this afternoon. You’ll be fine by yourself?”
“I should be. Can I go out to the barn and see the horses?”
“Sure. A young man named Wes will be out there most of the day. He’ll show you around.” He hesitated as though he had more to say, but he didn’t. He gave her a curt nod and left the kitchen.
As soon as the door closed she hurried to the bay window and watched him stroll to the barn. He looked so good in his jeans. Raising her hands to her burning cheeks, she shook her head. That was the last time she’d ogle him, she promised herself. No sense going down a road of hurt.
She quickly cleaned the kitchen and grabbed her coat and gloves. She stepped outside and breathed in the crisp cold air. How glorious to be able to go outside whenever she wanted. She’d taken so much for granted before Andy kidnapped her. For the first time in a very long time, she didn’t have the need to look over her shoulder. Maverick was right, she’d be safe here.
The barn was bigger than she remembered. The smell wasn’t as unpleasant as she remembered either. Horses stuck their heads over the stall gates and stared at her. She stopped at the first stall and stroked the nose of a brown horse. It had a white patch on its forehead.
“That there is Peaches.”
Her heart pounded as she whirled around in panic.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I startled you. I’m Wes. You must be, Anora.” His hair was very short and his brown eyes were fringed with thick eyelashes. He had a bit of a crooked smile.
“Yes, you did startle me. Nice to meet you, Wes. I was just admiring this brown horse, Peaches is it?”
“Yes, Peaches is a bay. Her knee is swollen so it’s stall rest for her for a while.”
“What’s the white patch on her forehead called?”
“It’s called a blaze. Many horses have them in all shapes and sizes. Peaches is a sweet mare. Now her friend in the next stall isn’t always so sweet. Be careful when you approach her.”
Anora frowned. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Nothing much, she has a few lacerations on her. Her name is Lydia. Her problem is that she thinks she’s the queen out there in the pasture but the other horses don’t like her bossiness and they let her know it.”
“What do you mean? How’d they let her know?”
“They bit her and kicked at her. She’ll calm down soon enough. They eventually learn their place. I just thought I’d tend to her cuts and give her a break from her pasture buddies.” Lydia put her head over the stall door, stared at her and turned away.
“I guess I don’t rate,” Anora joked.
“She’s a fickle one. Likes you one day, ignores you the next.”
“She’s used for breeding?”
“We’ll see. She’s a beauty, but she’s still too young. I went to an auction to find some prime horses and ended up with her too. I just couldn’t leave her there. I can’t save all the horses, but I thought I’d try to save her.”
“Save her from what?”
“A lot of the horses that aren’t bought get sold to buyers for next to nothing, and they sell them to slaughter houses down south.”
“How awful! I had no idea that happened. I hope Lydia works out. What happens if she doesn’t?”
“There is always an empty pasture; we rotate the horses so there will always be a safe place for her.”
“More strays, Wes?” Belle asked as she waltzed into the barn. She looked sophisticated with her hair up and her understated makeup. Anora felt a pang of jealousy. She’d never look like that.
“Belle, great to see you!” Wes exclaimed.
“You too, Wes. And, Anora, I’m so excited you’re here! Finally, another female to talk to. I like the men, but they never change, they have the same old stories they’ve been telling since I was knee high.”
“I’m nowhere near that age. I hope you don’t think of me in the same light.”
Belle smiled at Wes. “Of course not. You’re the exception.”
“What about me?” They all turned and stared at Cooper.
Belle’s eyes softened as she closed the space between them and threw her arms around his neck. “Cooper!” She laughed as he lifted her up and swung her around. Wes frowned as he watched.
“It’s good to see you, Tidbit.”
She slugged him in the shoulder. “Tidbit indeed. I’m a grown woman aren’t I, Wes?”
Wes glanced at Belle. His face reddened as he nodded. “You have grown.”
Belle glanced at Cooper in triumph. “See, I told you.”
“You’ll always be Tidbit to me. Nice to see you again, Anora. What brings you out to the barn?” He gave Anora his full attention.
Belle appeared hurt and Anora didn’t know what to do. “I just wanted to see the horses is all. Wes was just showing me around when Belle arrived. I’ve never been around horses before.”
Cooper reached out his hand and took hers. “Come let me show you the babies.”
“I thought they were called foals.”
“See you do know something about horses.” She looked over her shoulder as Cooper led her down the barn. Wes’ eyes were widened in surprise while Belle had a look of defeat about her.
“Belle, come look at the horses with me,” she suggested.
“I have some unpacking to do. You go ahead.” Her words were stilted.
“I’ll see you at dinner,” Cooper yelled.
“Why are you coming to dinner?” Her eyes narrowed as she frowned.
“Your brother invited me. What are you making?”
“Humph.” Belle turned and stomped out of the barn.
“I’m making dinner, Cooper, not Belle.”
“Good, looking forward to it. I was just teasing Belle. We grew up together. She’s like a kid sister.”
“Brother and sister is it? I thought maybe there was a bit more than that brewing.”
Cooper ignored her, let go of her hand and led her to the two fillies. “Th
ing One and Thing Two.”
“You’re kidding right?”
“Of course I am. Belle does the naming. I tried to steer her to the Greek mythology name route, but she wanted to be free to name them what they looked like to her. We have a Rainbow, a Sunshine, Motor Boat—”
“Motor Boat?” She laughed.
“She did it to make me mad. I wanted to name the colt Schooner and she took my boat idea and changed it to Motor Boat.”
“Sounds like you all are very close.”
“We are. It hasn’t been the same since Belle went to college. I’d hoped she’d be happy to stay put and live on the ranch. She’s destined for bigger and better.” His shoulders sagged.
“You never know. Thanks for showing me Thing One and Thing Two. I’m going to go and visit with Belle. I’ll see you at dinner.”
“See you later, Anora.”
She walked down the middle of the barn, stopping to wave goodbye to Wes and headed to the house. As soon as she walked in, Belle stuck her head out of the kitchen doorway.
“Come and have coffee with me. We have a lot to catch up on.”
Glowing at the invitation, she smiled and eagerly sat down, mug in hand. “How’s college?”
Her brown eyes brightened. “I really love it. This is my last year and I’ve had so many great experiences. I’m working with my professor on a special breeding program.”
“Sounds like fun! Is that lab work?”
“No, I’m training to be a vet. My professor is trying to breed better cutting horses. Personally I don’t think it’s all in the breeding. Training goes a long way to make a good cow horse. Heck, one of his horses is afraid of cattle.” They both laughed. “Tell me when did you get here?”
“It’s a long story.”
“We have until we make dinner and that’s hours away.”
“I decided to come live here a few weeks ago.”
“I thought you wanted to spend time with your family.”
She nodded. “I did. I spent almost a year with them. At first it was fine. I didn’t mind them hovering over me and never letting me out of their sight. I understood their need to have me safe. I had the same need. I wanted to get a job, but it was forbidden. I wanted to go to movies and to the mall, but I had to have one of my parents with me at all times. They meant well, but I’m not the fifteen-year-old girl they knew. I had to grow up fast and I craved independence. The last straw was when I wanted to get my own apartment and they refused to allow it. I’d traded one jailer for another. I know it’s not entirely true, but it’s how I felt. I went ahead and bought a second-hand car and I got the if you live under my roof speech. It was hard, but I left.”
Love Before Midnight Page 5