“You’re thinking much too hard about coming to see my study/playroom. Trust me, Abby, I’d never ask you to do something that you didn’t like.” He held out his hand and waited patiently until she placed her hand in his.
Heart fluttering, she gripped his hand tightly as they came out of the kitchen, walked across the dining room and turned left toward the front of the house. When he opened the door, he flipped on the light. A maple wood desk faced two windows on the left side of the room. A computer sat on top of the desk, and two bookcases filled with books were to the left of the desk, a printer within reach to the right.
“I do business from home at times when ordering supplies or arranging an event. We have two each year, one in the spring and one in the fall.”
“What kind of events?
“Children from Pleasure Valley and towns around love to come to our Halloween party. We decorate and have free pony rides. Devin and a few friends show off on one or two of our bulls, and there are numerous kid games so they can win prizes.”
“Do you have a haunted house?”
“An old barn makes a great one. The families look forward to it every year. We have a few games for adults, too. Horseshoes are one that Lacey or Hunter usually win. Neighbors love the rivalry between the women and men. Even when the family is too busy for one reason or another, our men keep it going each year in October.”
“I love the fall and all the holidays. I can’t wait for October.”
“Then you are planning to stay.”
“If I can get a job, otherwise I don’t know what to do.”
“I have a few ideas.” Fletch cupped her face in his hands and brushed his lips lightly across hers. “You taste sweet,” he whispered against her mouth.
Abby wanted to cuddle close to him, to feel his heart beating against her breast. She fought the urge, and when she didn’t move, he gradually pulled her in. Automatically, she wrapped her arms around him as far as they’d go. His heart thundered in her ear when she turned her head to the side.
Fletch ran his hands up and down her back. “Sweet lady, you are safe with me and my family. You don’t have to be afraid or deny yourself the pleasure of accepting what we offer.” He kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. “There are no strings attached to what we give you, and as for me, you can always say no. But I do plan on courting you.”
She leaned her head back to look up at him. “Courting’s an old-fashioned term.”
“I guess some of us cowboys are a bit old-fashioned in our ways.”
“Dad was, and he thought Mom and I should do as he said without question. Mom stood up to him. They’d argue, and then they’d get over being angry, and life would be peaceful for a time. I tried to rebel, but I’m not the rebellious type.”
“That’s why you don’t want a controlling husband, but there is a difference in controlling at work and not at home. Still, I’d have to work on not be controlling if I thought I was right and my wife might be in danger. Otherwise, I like a woman who knows what she wants, goes after it, but also will ask for help before she’s drowning.” He grinned. “I don’t talk this much usually. But I want you to understand me better.”
He leaned down and kissed her while pulling her body tighter against him. His hard cock rubbed against her abdomen as his tongue ravished the inside of her mouth. She’d never been held so close and kissed so thoroughly.
Abby put her arms around his neck and rubbed her abdomen against his cock. Her legs went weak and her pussy throbbed in a way it never had for any other man. Fletch picked her up into his arms and strode out of the room.
She held on to his neck and kissed his ear as he took long strides down the hall to the last room. He kicked the door open and dropped her onto the king size bed.
Before Abby could speak, he lay on top of her and kissed her hard. His callused hand slid down her neck and undid the buttons on her blouse. Pulling back her bra, Fletch’s hot mouth kissed her breasts. His tongue flickered across her nipple, and Abby’s breath caught in her throat. A spark of heat awakened feelings she’d never experienced in her lower body. When his mouth moved to her midriff, Abby stiffened. Her heart pounded against her chest wall. Overwhelming emotions flooded her body. Her body wanted him, but in her mind, she was scared of getting too close. Everything had happened so quickly. It was all almost too good to be true.
* * * *
Fletcher raised his head and moved up beside her when he saw her confused expression. “It’s okay. I moved too fast.” He smiled. “Mom always said I was the most impatient one to open my presents on Christmas morning. I’d wake everyone and then race down the stairs.” He relaxed when he heard her chuckle.
“I did the same, only I had just my parents to wake.”
“Do you want to tell me what happened? I thought we were both moving along at the same pace, and then you stiffened.”
“As I said before, I’m not ready for a commitment. I want to know I can take care of myself. Coming here to marry a stranger and then being stood up at the airport has been embarrassing and add in losing my job, I’ve lost what little confidence I had. I have to find it and myself.”
Fletch nodded at her. “Does this mean we can’t play and have fun?”
“It’s never been fun for me.” Abby got up from the other side of the bed and straightened her clothes.
“Never?” Fletch face showed shock and surprise. “You’re very responsive.”
Abby frowned. “No,” she snapped at him. “At least not before now, with you. If you must know, my first and only boyfriend told me I was frigid and then told his friends. They got a kick out of teasing me and laughing.”
“Were you in college?”
“Yes,” she whispered. All her energy had gone. She sat on the side of the bed.
“I’m not sorry I asked. It helps me understand what we’re dealing with in our relationship.”
“We have no relationship except as friends, and it is my problem, not yours.”
Fletch flew around the bed. Abby backed up against the wall. “Let me tell you, my darling friend, we do have a relationship, and I think you want it to go further. Just as I’d like for us to get closer. Don’t let one stupid idiot destroy what we might have. You’re not a girl anymore. You are a woman, and I want you. But I won’t do anything you don’t desire, so you’ll have to let me know when you’re ready to take our friendship to the next level.” He moved away from her and walked to the glass doors looking out on the mountains. “I’d like to smash your old boyfriend and Art’s heads together.” He heard a sniffle and then a slight chuckle.
There was silence in the room for a minute before her arms circled his body from behind and she rested her head on his back. “I need time.”
For a second, he wasn’t sure how to respond, but then he covered her hands with his. After they had stood quietly for several seconds, he kissed her hands and turned. “I’d better take you home. Knowing you, you’ll be up at dawn and in town at eight o’clock looking for a job. We’ll take my old truck, and you can drive. I want to be sure you can get there safely tomorrow.”
Chapter Four
Fletcher waved good-bye to Abby standing in the doorway. As he drove back home, the full moon shone brightly over the land he loved so much. His heritage was as much a part of him as the DNA that made up his body. He couldn’t envision another life, another job. The only missing part was a wife.
Until now he’d been satisfied with chasing the country ladies. They knew he wasn’t looking for a wife, yet. He’d been carefree and happy until his eyes looked across the airport terminal and met Abby’s. Something inside him shifted. When he strolled over and asked to help, his heart dropped when she mentioned looking for Arthur and that she was to marry him. He’d tried to hide his feelings of relief when an unexpected wife answered the door at Arthur’s place.
After parking the truck in the garage, Fletch went in the back door to the kitchen. He turned on the always prepared coffee pot and
sat at the table. Normally, he’d run for the hills from a woman who had too many hang ups as he’d called them in the past, but Abby was different. “Why can’t I just help her as I have other people, and then go my own way?” he mumbled to himself as he poured sugar into his cup. Maybe I can. I’ll start tomorrow trying to help her but keeping it platonic. It can’t be that hard. I need a good night’s sleep, and I’ll be fine.
* * * *
Abby watched the truck’s taillights until they went out of sight. She saw a light in the kitchen and peeked in. “Mrs. Garrison, I hope you didn’t wait up for me.”
“No, I had a slight case of indigestion. It happens to us old folks. Sit and join me.”
“You aren’t old.”
“I’m getting there, honey. How did you like Fletcher’s house?”
“The house is huge and lovely.” Abby leaned forward and whispered. “Does he really want six or eight children?”
Mrs. Garrison laughed until she cried. She wiped her eyes with a napkin. “Oh, you’ve made my day. I’ve always suspected when Fletcher married he’d love a large family. The kids around here are crazy about him. He’s taught many of them to ride and shoot. He’s also made sure they understand how dangerous a gun is and how powerful. He won’t teach any of them to shoot until they’re teens and they take his gun class he made up for them. They have to pass his test.”
“He told me about the Halloween party.”
“Did he admit he’s the one who first thought of the party? We never believed it would become such a hit with kids and their parents.”
“No, he didn’t take credit.”
“How do you feel about children?” she asked, changing the subject.
“At this point, I don’t even know what I think about marriage, and I’ve never considered a huge family.”
“Well, remember time has a way of sorting all things out for us.”
Mrs. Garrison walked to the door. “I’ll sleep now. Take your own time deciding your future. Don’t let anyone hurry you, especially not Fletcher. He needs to learn more patience to deal with all those children.”
Abby heard the laughter as she walked off down the hallway. Everyone told her to take her time, but they also believed in the eventuality of Fletcher and her getting together. The only unsure person was herself. She walked into Fletch’s old room. Mrs. Garrison had opened a window. The cool air made her want to cuddle under the blankets. Abby closed the window and prepared for bed.
She slid between the sheets. How strange to think of Fletch as a teenager dreaming of his future, or maybe just the next football game. She’d noticed the football trophies collected on shelves around the bedroom.
My life has changed so much, so suddenly in a few days. Am I making the right decision to stay here? What else can I do? I must be honest with myself about Fletcher. I’m very interested in him, but I’m afraid if I relax and open my heart, and then he discovers he doesn’t love me, that might destroy the confidence I have left.
For hours, her mind raced one way and another until early in the morning she finally fell to sleep. Bright sunlight and the sound of a lawn mower woke her. Ten o’clock. She’d planned to be in town looking for a job an hour ago.
Cold water in the shower helped wake her up. It seemed to take forever to dry her long hair and pull it back into a twist. She chose a plain blue skirt and white blouse with a light blue sweater. She had few clothes, and none were business suits.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Garrison had bacon sizzling in the skillet. The aroma stopped Abby in her tracks. “You will sit down, young lady, and eat a good breakfast. I heard you moving around, so I started the bacon to cooking.”
“It smells wonderful, but I don’t have time.”
“Yes, you do. I have Fletcher’s keys to his truck, and you won’t get them unless you eat.”
Abby had to smile. “You make a hard bargain.” She sat at the end chair and put down her purse. “I didn’t mean to oversleep. Being late isn’t a good way to start the day.”
“You don’t have the job yet, so you can’t be late. Your body is telling you to rest. This last few days have been stressful, and,” Mrs. Garrison added, “I kept you up late.”
Mrs. Garrison placed a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and toast in front of her. “I’ll get your orange juice and coffee. Please call me Mom Garrison, if you don’t mind. I know you’ve lost your parents and my husband and I want to help you as much as we can. Most of my sons’ friends call me Mom Garrison and their moms never seemed to mind.”
“I’d be honored, Mom Garrison.” Abby said the words and they felt right. Tears came into her eyes.
“No crying. You don’t want to have red eyes when you go hunting for the job.” Mrs. Garrison carried the juice and coffee to the table. “I’ll have another cup with you and keep you company. Now tell me, what do you think about my son, Fletcher?”
Laughing, Abby ignored the question and ate her breakfast.
* * * *
Abby bought a newspaper when she got to town and quickly read through the few jobs available. There was one ad advertising for someone to do alterations at a dress shop named Lowell’s. Abby knew how to sew, well. That might be the best opportunity for me. I doubt it pays much, but it’s a beginning. She called the number and was told to come to the store for an interview. The lady on the line sounded friendly.
The dress shop was two doors down from a diner called Shirley’s Place. Abby took a deep breath and walked inside. A middle-aged woman stood behind the counter.
“Hi, are you the lady who just called in reply to my ad?”
“Yes, I’m Abigail Strahan, but most people call me Abby. I’m new in town and anxious to find employment.”
“Let’s go in my small office. We can talk, and I can still see the front door. I’m Mrs. Lowell, and I’ve owned the shop for about five years. The owner before me wanted to retire.”
She directed Abby to the door behind the counter. She hadn’t been kidding about the office. Files were lined against the longer wall. Mrs. Lowell got behind her desk with difficulty, and Abby sat in the one other chair.
Once seated, she asked, “Where did you work last?”
Abby told her the name of the company and about her accident. “They’d filled my position before I returned.” She leaned forward. “I’m a very good seamstress.”
Mrs. Lowell frowned. “Why then did they not keep your place for you during that short time?”
“What we did was streamlined. You were required to make a quota. I had difficulty making my quota before my accident.”
“Ah, I understand. Well, we do have people who want their alterations fairly quick, but I expect your quota at the last job would be more demanding than this one.”
Abby glanced around the room. “Where would I do the sewing?”
“I hoped you’d have a machine and might do the work at home and bring it to me.”
“If the machine is a requirement, I can’t meet it. Neither do I have a machine, nor do I have the money to buy one.”
“That’s a shame. But I don’t have enough requests to make it worth buying a sewing machine. I’m sorry.”
“Isn’t there any other job I might do for you? I’m good at organization.” Abby nodded to the files.
“Heaven, yes, I need help, but it would cut into my profit. Let me think about it. If I agreed, it’d only be a part-time job.”
“I’d take it.”
Mrs. Lowell smiled. “I understand, dear. Tonight, I’ll discuss the job with my husband. He keeps our books. He’s an accountant and works for Mr. Clements. Have you met him?”
Abby hoped she didn’t blush when she lied. “I don’t know many people yet, mostly only the Garrisons. I’m staying with them for a short time.”
“Aren’t they wonderful people? Why, I bet Mrs. Garrison has a sewing machine she’d loan you. She used to do lots of sewing for her family and needy families.”
“I hate to ask her. She and her family have al
ready done so much for me.” Abby hoped Mrs. Lowell wouldn’t ask how. Evidently, Mrs. Lowell wasn’t a nosy person.
“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to ask Mrs. Garrison. If you got the machine, you could do alterations and organize my space, if Mr. Lowell agrees. Then you’d have a full-time job between the two.”
“That would be great. I’ll ask her.”
“And I’ll talk to my husband. Why don’t we meet again tomorrow at ten?”
“Thanks, I’ll be here.”
Abby rushed out of the dress shop and started down the street. She had her head down and abruptly stopped when she bumped into a hard body.
Strong hands gripped her arms. “Slow down, Abby, before you fall and get hurt.”
She had recognized his deep, sexy voice before she looked up. Fletcher grinned at her.
“Not that I mind a special, pretty lady running me down.” He glanced at the diner’s front door. “Why not join me for an early lunch or a cup of coffee.”
Too excited not to tell someone, Abby agreed. Fletcher followed behind her as they walked inside. Every time he came near her she felt safer.
Shirley greeted them and escorted Fletcher and her to a back booth. “This way you can have some privacy. What can I get you?”
“Are you hungry?” Fletcher asked.
“I shouldn’t be. Your mother fed me well before I left to search for a job, but I’m excited and hungry now. I’ll have the BLT with chips and a chocolate milkshake.”
Fletcher ordered, and after Shirley had walked off, he asked, “Are we celebrating?”
“Sort of, I hope.” Abby explained what had happened at the dress shop. “Do you think you mother would loan me her machine or maybe I could use it at her house.”
“We made the mistake of buying Mom a new-fangled sewing machine, as she described it. She thanked us and kept it, but never used the thing. It’s been sitting to the side in her hobby room collecting dust.” He grinned. “She’ll probably give it to you and be glad to have it out of the way.”
The Unclaimed Mail Order Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 5