“Are you going to be working while I’m gone?”
“Yes, I’m going to try and catch up with everything over the next couple of days so Jake won’t have to sort the paper work out, as well as cover for me at the stables.”
“You ready to go?” Elise shouts.
“Yes, I am.... see you later honey and remember I love you.” She kisses my cheek before following Elise out the door.
I stay standing at the stairs for a short while after Rona leaves. I walk over to pour more coffee then head up to my office to crack on with the paperwork and orders.
~~ Rona ~~
I’m really excited to be going shopping with Elise. The first shop is going to be the boutique where I bought my red dress. They have them in different colors and I think with Elise’s blonde hair that she’ll look good in blue to match her stunning blue eyes.
“Justin, can you drop us off over there, please?”
“Sure, I have something to do then I’ll come back for you both. Is an hour enough?”
“That’s fine. Thanks for this.”
Climbing out of the car we head on into the boutique. I laugh at Elise; I don’t think she expects the kind of fashion she sees on the hangers.
“Elise, over here. You have to try this one on.” I hold up the blue backless number.
Elise looks over to me and her eyes nearly pop out of her head.
“That’s the reaction I’ll expect from Jake when you wear this!” I tease.
“What shoe size are you?” I notice a pair of matching shoes.
“Around a six, why?”
“They have matching shoes for the dress.” I tell her, as she approaches me, “Here go in there and try them on.” I push her into the changing room.
“Give me a shout when you have it on.”
Browsing through the clothing, I end up at the maxi dresses and move towards the white ones. Wow, they’re gorgeous. One in particular catches my eye. Pulling it off the rack to have a closer look, it’s made of some soft floaty material, plain white with a low cowl neck line. The arms appear to have been cut into the same material as the front of the dress. Turning the dress around there’s no back and it’s cut very, very low. I turn around and head back to the changing rooms. I must try it on.
“Elise, how you doing in there? Do you have it on yet?
“God, yes.”
I laugh at her reaction. “Let me see.”
“I’m not coming out there.”
“Then just open the door and let me poke my head in.”
“Okay.”
Hearing the door unlock, I push it slightly and stick my head inside and wow, she’s gorgeous in blue. “Oh my, I think you may have to practice resuscitation before wearing that in front of Jake!” I laugh. “Don’t you dare put that back on the shelf or the shoes, it’s my wedding present to you. I’m in the next room. I’m under strict instructions to buy a white dress.”
“Okay, but you have to show me when it’s on,” Elise says, still looking at herself in the blue dress. She really does look good in it and Jake will probably fall over his feet to get to her when she wears it.
Entering the changing room, I strip off keeping my thong on, but take my bra off; I want to get the full effect. I step into the dress, and then smooth it into place over my body, it leaves me stunned. Wow, it fits me perfectly. It moulds to my breasts showing the outline through the top with the rather low cowl neck falling nicely between them. Turning around to look at the back of the dress, which actually starts at my butt cheeks, and fits perfectly around them, the dress starts to widen from the hips down. I just have to have it.
“Rona, you ready to show?” Elise asks me.
“Yeah.” Opening the door, Elise looks me up and down. I spin around slowly, so she can see the back of the dress and get the full effect.
“Wow, that is lovely.”
“Thanks. Do you think Cade will like it?” I ask.
“Are you serious, I don’t think you’ll be wearing it for long when he gets a look at you in it.” She laughs.
“Sold.”
Dressing again, my hip starts to throb slightly. Not being able to take any more painkillers just yet, I think it’s time for a coffee so I can sit for a while.
Heading out of the changing rooms, I go over to the sales desk and place my dress on top of the growing pile of clothes. “Don’t put everything through yet, I want to have another look around.” I tell the sales girl who seems more interested in her phone than an actual sale.
Looking around, I spot the swim wear. Heading over there, I select three bikinis, in white, black and red, adding two sarongs to the bundle, as well as two pairs of flip flops. Leaving everything on the sales desk together, the sales girl seems to have finished on her phone call and starts looking at the bundle. You can see her face lighting up at the prospective sale.
Heading away again, I find Elise in the underwear section. “Hi, have you chosen anything?”
“Not yet, I don’t know what to wear under that dress.”
“Nothing Elise, you wear nothing. Trust me on this; you’ll get his blood going even more if you aren’t wearing underwear.”
“I’ve never gone without before,” she whispers.
“Neither had I until the other night. Cade nearly fainted.” I chuckle.
“In fact, don’t show it to Jake and we’ll have dinner the night before we go on vacation. Cade can get ready first then you can come up to my room and we can get dressed together; I’ll wear my red dress.” Elise doesn’t look too sure.
“Trust me Elise, it will only be us four and I’ll be wearing the same as you, plus Cade and Jake will both be in the same ‘condition’ throughout the meal.”
Nodding and laughing, “I can’t believe I’m going to do this.”
“It will be fun.”
“Come on; let me just grab some thongs and maybe a skirt or two then I’ll pay and we can go for a coffee. I need to rest my hip for a short time.”
Groaning, “Rona, you should have told me you were hurting.”
“Don’t worry it isn’t too bad, I just want to rest it before it does get bad.”
“I’ll just go pick up some trousers I like, and another dress, then I’m ready. So we can go meet Justin, then get lunch before heading back, unless you want to go somewhere else?” Elise is already distracted with dresses.
“That’s perfect.”
After having a fun morning we head for lunch with Justin.
Chapter 18
~~ Rona ~~
Sitting waiting for our lunch to arrive with Justin is enlightening and I discover he’s very good at entertaining; neither Elise nor I can hardly get a word in.
Finally our sandwiches arrive and as I’m just about to take a bite of mine, I look up into the smiling face of Josh Mitchell and freeze.
“Hello Rona. How are you feeling?” he asks, still smiling at me.
Shit!
“Hi Josh, I’m fine thank you.”
Realizing he probably doesn’t know Elise, “Josh, this is Elise.”
“We’ve already met.”
Turning to Elise, “Nice to see you again Elise, Justin.”
“Oh right.” He seems to be hovering.
“Do you want to join us?” Justin asks.
“If you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything?”
“No, take a seat,” Elise invites.
Which he does right next to me.
“We’re taking a breather from Rona’s shopping spree, which is exhausting,” Elise laughs.
“Hey, I’m not that bad, besides I’m not the only one who has bought a ‘knock your socks off’ dress!” Elise blushes.
Looking from Elise’s blush to me eating my sandwich, “Knock your socks off.... huh. You want to try them out on me?” Josh asks.
Fuck!
“They’re packed in the car. Sorry.”
Laughing at us now, “You actually went shopping with these two?” Josh asks Justin.
&nbs
p; “No chance, I’m not brave enough to do that; I’m chauffeur and bodyguard today.”
Being all serious now, “Good, that’s what’s needed until Nick is in custody.” Josh looks towards me. “You need to make sure someone is always with you.” Looking towards Elise, “You as well.”
I take a bite of my sandwich and try to talk between a mouth full of food, “Don’t worry, between Cade and Jake I think the only place we’ll get to go alone is the bathroom.”
“That’s probably right.” Elise confirms.
After a few moments of silence, while we eat, Josh turns to me, “Where are you from? Sometimes I catch a hint of something else in your accent,” he asks, looking at me with eyes full of interest.
Keeping calm, “I’m originally from Rhode Island, but I’ve lived in Ireland for the past ten years. What about you?” I ask and avoid looking at Elise.
“Alaska originally, and now, wherever the job takes me,” he replies, giving me a lingering look.
After this question Justin jumps in asking about law enforcement, so that keeps them both busy for awhile.
Thank god for Justin.
He’s an attractive guy but Cade is the only guy for me.
Finishing our sandwiches and catching Josh throwing glances at me I decide a trip to the restroom is in order.
Wiping my mouth with my napkin then placing it back onto the table, “If you’ll excuse me a minute.” I start to stand.
Josh stands as well.
Looking at him, “Mmm, I can manage on my own thanks.”
“Nick’s still not been caught yet.” His eyes are full of laughter, “I wasn’t exactly planning on joining you in there.”
At this comment, I just catch Elise saying ‘you could have fooled me’ under her breath.
After a quick glance over to Elise, “It’s just out the door to the left.”
“Let’s go.” Taking my elbow Josh leads me to the restrooms.
Before I push the door to enter, Josh stops me with his hand. I look up at him, “How involved are you with Cade?”
Oh hell.
Looking at him and taking a breath, “I love him Josh.”
Nodding his head slightly, “I’ll wait here for you.” He pushes the restroom door open for me.
“Thanks.”
Wow!
I don’t actually need the restroom it’s just an excuse to have a breather. Going over to the vanity area, I place my purse on top of the counter and look up into the mirror.
Oh fuck, Nick!
“Not a word.” He comes up behind me with a gun in his hand.
Standing close to me he moves the barrel of the gun along my neck which he has easy access to, because I have my hair pinned up.
“Don’t make a sound.”
Josh, please help me.
“What are you still doing here?” I ask in a shaky voice.
“I’ve come back for you babe.... I want the money, but I’ve decided that I really do like you, so I want you to come with me, plus you’re my ticket to freedom.”
My knees start to weaken. “Please leave me alone Nick, I’ll give you money, but just go.”
“Shut up. We’re going to walk out of here really quick before the woman you’re with comes looking for you. One word and I’ll shoot either you or her, your choice.”
Oh Josh, please still be waiting for me.
“Let’s go.”
Taking hold of my arm he starts leading me towards the exit. “Open the door and don’t try anything, I’m the one with the loaded gun remember.”
“I hate you.”
As I start to open the door, I can see Josh leaning against the wall. He sees me and starts to move forward then stops when he sees the panic on my face. I move my eyes to the side hoping he realizes what I mean.
Moving really quickly, he removes his gun and moves in beside the opening door. As I start walking out slowly, I pretend to stumble which is all the time Josh needs to disarm Nick and elbow him in the face.
I’m down on the floor now as my legs won’t hold me up anymore – Josh cuffs Nick.
In all the commotion, Elise and Justin come running over to me.
“Rona, are you hurt? What happened?” Elise asks, as she pulls me into her arms.
“Nick got to me in the restroom and said he wanted me and the money. Josh stopped him.”
Just then Daniel enters, “Rona, we really have to stop meeting like this.”
“Hi Daniel, you got here quick.”
“I was just walking past and happened to glance through the window and saw all this commotion.” He frowns.
“Well done Josh. I’ll take him back and sort this mess out,” Daniel says, as Josh hands Nick over to him.
“I better ring Cade,” Justin says.
“No Justin, please. I’m fine just a bit shaky. I’ll be home soon. Please don’t worry him. We’ll tell him in person so he can see me. He’ll just freak if you ring.”
“I hear you.”
“Thanks.”
Just then, I make eye contact with Josh.
“Come on let’s get you up from here.” He picks me up in his arms.
“Elise can you carry Rona’s things and Justin lead the way to the car,” he says, to a stunned Justin and a snickering Elise.
“I can walk.... I think,” I tell him.
“If this is all I’m going to get.... humor me,” he whispers.
Oh, boy!
“Okay.”
I glance over to Elise, but she won’t make eye contact with me.
Getting more comfortable in Josh’s arms, I put my arms around him and as my hand touches his neck; he shivers.
Crap.
Looking at him, “Don’t get the wrong idea.”
Putting his face closer to mine, “I can dream,” he looks into my eyes.
Heaven help me, he’s a terrific guy but not as hot as my Cade.
At the car Justin unlocks the doors; Elise climbs into the back, while Justin gets into the driver’s side.
Josh moves to put me in the car. “Why am I reluctant to let you go?” he whispers for my ears only.
“Josh,” I plead.
“I know.” He places me into the passenger seat and leans over to fasten the seat belt. Pulling away he looks straight into my eyes, “Look after yourself.”
“I will. You too, and thank you for today.”
Justin clearing his throat finally makes Josh step back and shut the door.
As we pull away, I rest my head against the head rest, “Fuck.... just shoot me now.”
I realize Elise has witnessed the tender scene between me and Josh. She can’t stop laughing.
“Well, I’m glad someone enjoyed that little show.”
“Didn’t you?” Elise asks.
“I was more embarrassed than anything. If I didn’t have Cade, then in honesty, I would have probably encouraged him. He seems to be a really nice guy. But Cade is it for me; I really hope Cade and I are together the next time I meet him. I get the feeling I’ll be seeing Josh again.”
Phew!
Chapter 19
~~ Cade ~~
Sitting in my office trying to concentrate on paperwork for the stables is impossible. All I can think about is Rona. I really hope I survive this trip. Heck, if she has bought anything else like the red dress I’m really done for.
She feels absolutely amazing against me whether fully clothed or naked and has no embarrassment with me. In fact, she seems to really let go. God, she’s really going to kill me with the no sex thing she has come up with. Hell, I’m hard the moment she looks at me. I guess a lot of cold showers are in my future.
Hearing a car pull up outside has me heading downstairs. Opening the front door to Rona and Elise climbing out of the car. I look towards Justin and my heart pounds.
What’s happened now!
“Cade,” Rona says, as she spots me walking down the path. “I really missed you, and I bought a hell of a white dress.” She smiles. However, something is
not quite right – maybe her hip is giving her pain?
“I missed you too love, I couldn’t concentrate for thinking about you. How’s your hip?”
From This Moment (Jackson Hole) Page 16