“There you go again, making my request seem like I’m doing a favor for you all.”
“I can’t help it, honey. That’s the truth.”
“Are you in town to buy supplies?”
“I came to find you.” He dangled keys in front of her. “These are to the house you’re renting. I’ve taken the afternoon off to help you move and get settled.”
“You don’t need to help me. There are only two suitcases. I can manage with your truck.”
“It’ll be more fun if I help.” Fletcher wiggled his eyebrows up and down to make her laugh.
“I don’t have time for fun. I’m hoping to start working tomorrow.”
“Always so serious. I must teach you how to relax. You have today, and I want to spend the time with you. Do you agree?”
“I’m afraid.”
Fletch leaned closer. “Why? I promised I wouldn’t do anything you didn’t want.”
“But I might want it, and that doesn’t mean it’ll be good for me.”
“Damn Art. Not all men are like him.”
“I know.”
“Then?”
“Has anyone ever said no to you?” When Fletch tilted his head, pretending to think about her question, she laughed.
“Not many,” he answered. “I’m a very likable guy.”
Shirley set their drinks and plates down just as he had finished talking. “He and all the Garrisons are very likable, and the best friends a person can have. They helped me a lot when my husband died.” She patted Fletch on the shoulder. “This one especially has a heart of gold.” With that said, she crossed the room to speak with another customer.
“The lady at the dress shop thought well of your family, too. All right, you can help me move.”
“Then eat up, and we’ll get started.”
* * * *
Fletch studied Abby as she ate. He’d never met a woman like her. The women he knew had family and other relatives, lots of support. Abby had no one. Yet, she hadn’t gone into hysterics when she found out Art had married someone else. She had learned from the experience and wanted to be independent. When she succeeded, and he had no doubt she would, he worried what she’d do then.
“You’re looking very serious. Are you sorry you offered to spend the afternoon helping me grocery shop and move into a house that’s pretty much all ready for me? There’s not much for you to do. You’ll probably be bored.”
“No, I’ll help. I have to work the rest of the week, and you’ll be on your own.”
Abby wrinkled her forehead, and he saw the questions in her eyes. “I think you’ve changed your mind about today,” Abby said. “You can, it won’t hurt my feelings.”
“Maybe you’re right. I ought to let you be more independent. I have your suitcases. After we eat, I’ll move your things into the truck you’re driving.” Damn, he saw she looked puzzled and hurt. But she’s made me realize, I must protect my heart. She hasn’t appeared as interested as I am.
Abby ate quickly, and soon he had her suitcases changed over and watched her drive down the street. Why do I feel like a heel? He swung into his main truck and drove off toward the ranch. Seeing Dad and Mom’s trucks at the home place, Fletcher parked and went inside.
“Hi, I thought you’d be busy helping Abby settle in her house. Is she still looking for employment? If she can’t find a job in town, we’ll find something she can do on the ranch,” Mom said, and his dad nodded in agreement.
“She has a good possibility.” Fletch explained about Abby’s interview.
“If it won’t hurt anyone’s feelings, I’ll give her that huge machine you all gave me for Christmas.”
“We’re fine, Mom.”
“Why didn’t you go and help her?”
“She prefers to be independent.” His mom stared hard at him. “Oh, all right. You’ll get it out of me anyway. I like her, but she may not like me. I have no desire to put out my heart and have it stepped on.”
“Well! Maybe it’d be better if you’d have a few rejections. I never thought a son of ours”—she glanced at Fletcher’s dad—“would be a coward. Falling in love takes courage, as Hunter and Devin found out. Devin had to find the courage to fly to be by Josie’s side when she was in trouble. I doubt you’d be put to such a hard test, especially not since you’ve already given up.”
“Mom, you can’t just decide because you like a woman that she’ll be right for one of us.”
“She certainly doesn’t deserve your doubts. Maybe she’ll find one of your brothers or someone in town more to her liking.”
Angry and afraid he’d say the wrong thing, Fletch left by the side door. “See you later,” he called out behind him. In the barn, he saddled his mare, Chocolate, a name he’d given her right after she’d been born. They’d been a team ever since. Her brown colored coat was the exact color of chocolate when Mom melted it for a recipe.
He saddled his horse, got on, and rode fast across the prairies. Usually, the sight of the cattle and men working, the fresh air, and the sheer joy of living in Pleasure Valley made him happy. One of his cowboys waved, and he headed in that direction.
“We thought you were gone for the day, boss,” one of his foremen said when Fletch rode up.
“I changed my plans. It’s a nice day to be outside. How’s it going on the new west fence?”
“We’ve got most of it done. By late this afternoon, it should be completed. You want to ride that way?”
“Yes.” Fletch followed along, trying to convince himself that he hadn’t made a mistake at lunch.
* * * *
Lacey and Josie arrived just as Abby had hung her clothes in the closet. “Would you like a cup of hot tea?” she asked them.
“We didn’t come to be waited on. We came to help.” Josie glanced around. “The house has been empty quite some time.” She held up buckets and cleaning supplies. “We’re going to dust and mop. By this evening you’ll have a clean, good smelling place to live.”
“Thank you, but you don’t have to work. I have more time than I need.”
“Oh, we have something in the car for you.” Lacey ran outside and returned carrying a sewing machine in a case. “Mom Garrison is pleased to give this to you. Her sons made a big mistake last Christmas.”
“We tried to tell them, but they wouldn’t listen,” Josie said. “Mom tried to say how nice it was and she appreciated the present. Our husbands didn’t look at us. They knew we’d say, ‘we told you so.’”
Abby sat on the floor and took off the cover. “Oh, this is beautiful. I can do so much with it, but most people will want simple adjustments.”
“What else can you do?” Lacey sat beside her and leaned closer to study the machine.
“Lots of fancy designs.” She sighed. “I’d love to be able to design and make clothes.”
“Design a special dress for me. I’m going to one of those boring political parties with Hunter next month. Can you make it by then?”
“Sure, let me take your measurements. What type of dress do you want?”
“A smashing cocktail dress, surprise me.”
“Are you certain you want to trust me to design and make it?”
“Of course. Do you have a tape measure?”
While they worked, they discussed designs and colors. The evening sun was setting when Josie suggested they leave. “I see a truck coming down the drive. If you’d told us you had invited Fletcher over, we’d have left sooner.”
“I didn’t. You don’t have to go.”
“Hunter and the children will be hungry. My babysitter has hopefully started dinner.”
“Who’s that?” Abby asked.
Josie and Lacey laughed as they headed out the door. “Mom Garrison, of course.”
Abby waved. “Thanks, the house looks and smells wonderful.” She stood on the steps and waited for Fletcher to get out of the truck and walk toward her.
“I thought you’d left for the day.”
“So did I. May I come
in?”
“Sure. Have you eaten? I’m going to bake a fish I bought earlier and fix some vegetables. We can talk in the kitchen.”
“I can get something later. But I will sit and watch while we talk.”
Abby put her hand up and stopped him at the kitchen door. “You talk. I have nothing to say.” She put down her hand and moved on into the pretty kitchen.
Fletch sat at the wooden table. “You must have wondered why I left so abruptly.”
“Not really.” She poured him a cup of the coffee they’d made an hour ago. “I’m used to men acting strangely. I told you about my first and last boyfriend. Enough said.”
“Mom says I’ve been spoiled by women never rejecting me.”
He had such a sad expression on his face. Abby bit her lip to keep from laughing. She cleared her throat. “Your mom is a wise woman.”
“I don’t know what’s happened to me since I found you at the airport and I’m not sure I like it.” He sat to the side, head down, looking at his hands.
“I’ve been a burden. But don’t worry. You aren’t responsible for Mr. Clements’ bad behavior. You rescued me and helped me find a place to live. I absolve you of any further responsibility for me. You are free to forget me.” Abby’s throat hurt trying to hold back the tears. She’d turned from him, so he didn’t see her face.
“Damn it!”
Abby jumped and turned. “Don’t cuss.”
Fletcher pulled her close against his body and before she moved his hard mouth plundered hers. His tongue tasted every spot, and she found herself putting her arms around his neck and kissing him back. When his hard cock jerked against her abdomen, a flood of need and desire overpowered Abby.
He picked her up and carried her to the living room couch, where he sat with her on his lap. His lips nibbled at her earlobe, and now she knew what the old saying, putty in his hands, meant. Her head fell back, giving him access to her neck. Her pulse raced when he licked his tongue across the spot on her neck where her heartbeat pounded. When she wiggled, he raised his head.
His hazel eyes showed a dark-green color. “I can’t get you out of my mind, and I hardly know you.” He growled the words. His expression made him look like he was in pain. “I have no idea what to do about you.” He placed his forehead against hers. “You said you were scared, so am I. One minute I want to run from you, and the next I want to make love until you yell in ecstasy.”
Her stomach felt as though butterflies were fluttering around and she knew if she tried to stand, her knees would wobble. What do I do? More to the fact, what do I want?
A hand cupped around her swollen breast, and a finger brushed across the tip. Even through her blouse, the action aroused sensations she’d never known existed. Fletcher stared into her eyes.
“Tell me to stop now or later I might not be able to.”
Abby forced herself to move off his lap and straighten her clothes. Then she faced him, standing in front of his legs. “I didn’t want you to stop, but we’re both confused about our feelings. I’m in no state to be getting involved with anyone and yet—”
“And yet you want me, too.”
“Yes.”
A slight grin came across his face. “If we made love, it might clear up our thinking.”
“But it’s more risk for me. You’ve already tossed many ladies to the side. I’m out of your class in experience.”
“True.” He reached for her hand and pulled Abby down beside him. “Maybe I need someone like you.” Fletch rubbed his finger across her bottom lip. “Let me make love to you.”
“No. Not until you are sure about your own feelings. I have enough doubts of my own.” She pulled on his arm, and he stood. “Eat dinner with me. Stay for the evening, not the night.”
Fletch pretended to grumble but followed her into the kitchen. Used to helping his mother—she’d taught them all to cook—he grabbed a knife and cut up the potatoes, carrots, and onions from the bowl on the counter.
Abby laughed when the onions made him cry. The way they were acting now was the ingredient missing in their new relationship. They had to learn how to enjoy each other and be comfortable in a relaxed manner. She hoped he felt the same because soon she might not be able to keep him at arm’s length. The heat he’d aroused in her body had still not completely cooled.
* * * *
At the table, Fletcher watched Abby eat. She had a good appetite and didn’t pick at her food. Pleased when she mentioned ice cream for dessert, he got the bowls while she took the half-gallon of ice cream from the freezer.
“Cookies, did you buy these?”
“No, Lacey and Josie brought some goodies for a housewarming gift. Have some.”
Before she sat in her chair, he pulled her close to his body. “I have a housewarming gift I’d like to give you.”
“I’ll bet. You are a bad boy and the type my mom warned me to stay far away from. The ice cream will melt. Sit and eat.”
Reluctantly, he did. “What did your mother mean by a bad boy?”
“You know, too handsome for his own good, girls flocking around him, and then he believes he’s, special.”
“You sound like Mom. Perhaps I might be a bit spoiled.”
“I’d expect you and all your brothers have the same problem.”
“Two of them did get married.”
“Go home. You’ve finished dessert.”
Fletch stood and slowly walked toward the front door. “How about getting your first lesson on riding tomorrow afternoon?”
“I’d love to. I do so want to learn to horseback ride.”
“Drive to the home place as soon as you get off work.”
“I may not be hired.”
“You will be.” He wrapped his arms around her. His hard cock rubbed against her stomach. “I want you. One of these days I’ll show you how to ride me.”
“Get out of here,” she said playfully and pushed him toward the door. “You only have one thing on your mind.”
Fletch tipped her face upward and gently kissed her lips. “I told you I only had thoughts of you.” He took the steps two at a time and strode to the truck. Fletch waved, and then swung himself up and inside.
Abby waved and stood on the steps until his taillights faded from sight. The house seemed abnormally quiet after having company all afternoon and evening. In her former home with so little space, it didn’t feel as lonely as this did. The phone rang as she headed to the shower and bed.
“I hope I didn’t wake you. My husband and I just finished talking. He likes the idea of my having an assistant who can also do alterations, so if you want a full-time job, you can have it.” She mentioned a salary and Abby knew she’d have to be careful with her spending, but it was a job and a new beginning.
“I know it’s not much,” Mrs. Lowell said. “But if we get busier, I’ll give you a raise in six months.”
“Thank you, I’d love the job.” When Abby hung up, she danced around the room. Her life had taken a turn for the better when she came to Pleasure Valley. Thank goodness, Mr. Clements had already married.
Tomorrow, she’d start a new life with more promise than she’d had since losing her parents, and she had the Garrisons to thank. Closing her eyes, she pictured Fletcher. She wanted him, too, but for life, not a fling. So, first I want to be more independent, and then he and I will know I’m marrying him for love.
What if he changes his mind? Chin up, Abigail. She heard her mother whispering in her ear. She wouldn’t worry about what might happen. Her future looked bright. Tomorrow, she’d begin her new job.
Chapter Five
“You’ve been a great help today, Abby,” Mrs. Lowell said. “I think our collaboration will do very well.”
“Thank you. I enjoyed the work.” Abby waved and walked out the door to where she’d parked Fletcher’s truck. Soon, she headed out of town toward the home place. Fletcher waved from the open door of the barn as she drove in that direction. He held the reins of a gray mare.
Abby nodded and stepped back. “Where do we start?”
“Walk her around the corral.” Fletch opened the gate, and both horses entered the enclosed area. “How did things go today?”
Abby explained about her phone call last night and about her full-time job. “I’m hoping to get a raise soon. I can’t start paying Lacey rent until I make a bit more. But I have high hopes. One lady came in today for some alterations. I had her try on the dress and suggested a few changes. She liked them, so I’ll work on her dress later tonight.”
“Good for you, but you’d better take it easy tonight. You might be a bit sore.”
“When do I get to actually ride her?”
“Another turn around the corral and I’ll help you onto the saddle.”
* * * *
Fletch watched Abby ride around the corral and noted she had a good seat. She’d be a fast learner. “You’re doing well. Still, we’d better stop, or you’ll be real sore at work tomorrow.”
“I want to ride outside the corral. Just a short distance,” Abby pleaded.
“This is against my better judgment,” Fletch said as he opened the gate. “Don’t blame me when it hurts to sit down in the morning.”
Abby laughed with the sheer joy of riding. A soft breeze blew across her face, bringing with it the familiar smells she was learning were common to a ranch, hay, cut grass, cows, and the sweet scent of wildflowers. Overhead, a few birds leisurely flew by. The sky’s sunset cast a glow in colors of yellow, orange, and red. Fletcher rode beside her.
“You’re a natural rider.”
“What do you mean?”
“People often have a natural talent in certain areas. You’ve never had the opportunity to ride, and I’m surprised how well you are doing.”
The Unclaimed Mail Order Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 6