by Penny Ash
“Yeah, but what was all that aura karma stuff? And why were those two wearing all the beadwork staring at me like I was some kind of special dessert?”
“Well, Rain apparently is able to see auras, what they believe are people’s souls. And karma is what decides what happens to you in your next life. The more good karma you build up, the better your next incarnation will be,” Alison said. “And you are Native American, sweetheart, some of them think you have more knowledge and wisdom than the rest of us.” She grinned at his shocked expression.
“That’s nuts. I’m not any different from any other man,” Dell said.
“I don’t know, I can’t say I know any other men who get turned on by a fork.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, you’re going to pay for that little performance.”
“Promises, promises.” Alison laughed.
Dell sighed. “Oh, well, it helped us out, so who am I to argue with it? The turn should be coming up. Help me watch for it.”
* * * *
The cabin turned out to be clean and well kept, situated near a pretty little spring and creek. They gathered up the things the locals had given them and went inside. Dell set the basket he was carrying on the table.
“It’s still pretty early. What do you want to do?” He asked. “We could take a walk or something.”
“Why don’t you relax, and I’ll put things away.” Alison walked up behind him and placed a gentle hand on his back.
“You don’t mind?” He wanted to go out and let the peacefulness of the place soak into him. He wanted to stop and just enjoy being free.
“Go, I’ll be right here when you get back.” She smiled, and he could see the understanding in her eyes.
Dell wandered down to the creek and listened to the water splashing over the rocks. A knot of tension he hadn’t realized he had loosened and began to unravel. He looked at the clear water of the spring and reached out to hold his hand under the small waterfall.
Suddenly, he began taking off his yellow plaid shirt. It seemed like a lifetime ago he’d put it on that morning. He laid the shirt on a rock, then quickly took off the rest of his clothes and stepped into the water.
It was cold for the first few minutes, but he adjusted to it. He swam over to the waterfall and stood beneath it. He could feel all the muck and dirt of the past five years being stripped away by the pounding water.
Sometime later, he sat on the rock, letting the heat of the sun soak into him and dry his hair. For the first time since his release from prison, his thoughts were free of everything but the simple pleasure of a peaceful afternoon. His thoughts turned to Alison, and he grinned, remembering the way she’d teased him with the fork. He didn’t bother getting dressed, and finally ready to face anything, he gathered up his clothes and headed back to the cabin and the woman who was fast becoming his refuge.
* * * *
When he walked up to the cabin he didn’t see her right away. “Alison?” he called softly, not wanting to break the quiet.
“Over here,” she answered from the other side of the cabin where the picnic table was.
He walked around the corner of the cabin and stopped, stunned and amazed at the transformation in her. She had changed into a white dress that made her look like some kind of unearthly creature. Like something from a fantasy. His breath caught as he stepped closer, slipping his hands over her waist and pulling her back against him. He dropped his clothes on the bench.
He looked over her shoulder and saw the dark shadow of her nipples through the thin cotton of the dress. Reaching out, he brushed his fingers over them, rolling them and tugging them gently, making her breath catch. He moved to the line of buttons and unfastened the first one.
Dropping a kiss on her shoulder, he worked the next two buttons free and slipped his fingers between her breasts. She moaned softly, and he slid his hands down to her hips, gathering up the skirt of the dress and lifting it to reveal the plain white cotton panties she wore. He hooked his fingers in the waistband and pulled them down.
“Hold onto the table,” he instructed her, his voice husky. He reached for his jeans and one of the condoms he’d put in the pocket. She did as he told her, and he tore open the packet with his teeth, letting go of her just long enough to put it on.
Leaning against her, he kissed the back of her neck. “So soft and warm,” he whispered. He covered her hands with his free hand, taking her with a low moan.
He pulled her hands away from the table and pushed her forward until she lay against the sun-warmed wood. Sliding his hands over her back, he began to move until there was nothing in the world for him except her.
Alison’s moans as he drove himself into her broke down the last of his defenses, and he cried out his release. Shuddering, he lay against her and held her, kissing her neck and shoulder.
Stepping away from her, he helped her stand, then lifted her into his arms and carried her into the cabin.
Chapter Eight
Alison sat on the front porch of the Corn Maiden Cafe, chatting with Maggie and Rain while Dell helped Bear frame the new addition they were adding to the little building. She enjoyed visiting the ladies. The town was quiet and everyone was friendly. Dell seemed to like it well enough, and she wondered if he was thinking of staying.
She turned to watch a large black SUV pull into the little gravel parking lot. The passenger door opened, and a woman stepped out. Alison froze, her cup of herbal tea halfway to her lips. She recognized the tall, artificially-endowed blonde. The last time she’d seen the actress was under Ryan.
Tara Zeller walked toward the porch as Dell came around the corner, shirtless and glistening with sweat. He slowed and waited for the starlet to precede him up the steps. She looked at him over her sunglasses, then turned and climbed the steps with an exaggerated sway in her walk.
Dell followed her and slipped around her to sit down on the porch swing with Alison. Alison didn’t miss the glare the woman Ryan had tossed her aside for gave Dell as she handed him a glass of iced tea.
“We’re closed,” Rain said.
“So open. We’re here for lunch,” Tara said.
“Sorry, can’t do that, don’t feel like cooking today,” Maggie said. “Besides, we’re remodeling.”
Alison watched Ryan stroll up. He hadn’t seen her yet, and that was fine with her. He went directly to Tara, ignoring everyone else.
“What’s wrong, muffin?” Ryan asked.
“These mean people won’t open,” Tara baby-talked.
Ryan turned to look at their little group, and Alison saw his eyes widen when he recognized her.
“Alison. You’re behind this, aren’t you?” Ryan said, his voice harsh.
“Hello, Ryan. I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” she said.
“Don’t lie to me, I know you too well, Alison.” Ryan smirked.
Beside her, Dell started to stand up. Alison caught the waistband of his jeans, and he settled back. She shifted her hand and rubbed the small of his back, her eyes fixed on Ryan. “You don’t know me at all, Ryan; you never did.”
Dell reached over and rested his hand on her knee. “Well, I need to get back to work, will you be all right?”
“I’ll be fine.” Alison smiled at Dell and took his empty glass. He leaned over and kissed her.
Dell walked past the Hollywood beautiful people, pointedly ignoring them. Alison watched Ryan’s jaw tighten and laughed silently. Her ex-husband could never handle competition of any kind.
“I think you need to apologize, Ryan,” she said, her voice like ice.
Ryan laughed. “Apologize? For what? We are not the ones being unreasonable here. Now, we’ll have lunch and…”
“We’re closed. What part of that don’t you understand?” Maggie asked, cutting him off.
“Alison?” Ryan looked at her, raising one eyebrow.
“Why ask me? If Maggie says they’re closed, then they’re closed,” Alison said.
&nb
sp; Ryan glared at her, then turned to Tara. “Why don’t you go wait in the car, precious? We’ll go back to the hotel, and you can get a nice massage and spa treatment to relax your nerves.”
“Well, all right, but I want a special treat tonight,” Tara said in her little girl voice.
“What kind of treat, sweet pea?” Ryan’s voice was saccharine sweet.
Alison glanced at Maggie and Rain and rolled her eyes. Her friends grimaced.
“I want the Indian boy,” Tara said, giving Alison a malicious look.
“Your wish is my command.” Ryan gave her a light swat on the butt to send her off.
Alison took a deep breath and visibly unclenched her teeth as a cold anger settled over her.
Everyone watched Tara go, not breaking the silence until the door of the SUV closed. Ryan turned back to Alison and gave her a pointed look. “May I have a word with you in private?”
Alison nodded at Maggie and Rain. “It’s all right,” she said, and they went into the restaurant.
“You’re looking good, Alison, living out here in the boonies agrees with you,” Ryan said.
“Thank you,” Alison said in a neutral tone.
“We’re staying in Santa Fe. Tara will be the rest of the day in the spa,” he said.
“That’s nice.” Alison kept her voice pleasant.
“I’ll be back. We can take a room in that little bed and breakfast down the street,” he said, giving her a lecherous once over.
“Forget it, Ryan. You just want what you can’t have anymore. Whatever we had died when you decided to start fooling around with your clients.”
“You don’t mean that. I’ll be back in about an hour.” Ryan smirked at her. “You know you could never resist me. And tell your Indian his wishes just came true—he’ll be spending the night in Tara’s bed.”
“Oh, but I do mean it, and there won’t be anyone in Tara’s bed but you,” Alison said. It took everything she had to resist the urge to shove him off the porch.
Ryan laughed. “Be sure he has a shower before I get back,” he said and hurried off toward his vehicle.
She watched him go and sighed heavily. They really didn’t need this, not with Wilson still out there somewhere. When the black SUV had disappeared from sight, Alison stood and carried her cup and Dell’s glass inside. A deep sadness settled over her. Now that Ryan knew where she was, he’d never leave her alone. He always went after what he wanted, telling him no just made him more determined. She would have to leave. It would be the only way to keep Ryan from causing trouble in town. She wondered if Dell would go with her.
Chapter Nine
They sat in the large, antique claw foot tub. A fire burned in the fireplace, and a bottle of Maggie’s homemade plum wine sat on the chair they used as a makeshift table, along with two half-empty jam jars of the fragrant, pale amethyst liquid and an empty condom wrapper. The steam from the water made Alison’s hair curl, and the fine sheen of sweat made her skin glow. The pink blush spreading over her breasts made Dell’s erection twitch. He took a deep breath and tried to relax like Bear had told him and the book on tantric sex instructed.
Alison leaned her head back, resting it against his shoulder with a sigh. Her breathing was getting faster and he smiled. Time to distract her from their bodies joined together.
“Well, it was nice while it lasted,” Dell said. He bent and nuzzled the back of her neck. “I wish you’d let me meet him when he shows up again.”
“And do what?” she asked.
“Punching him out sounded like a good option to me.” Dell nibbled on her ear, smiling when she shivered.
“He’d just have had you arrested.”
“Good point,” he whispered, sliding his hands over her shoulders.
Alison settled back against him with a quiet moan.
Dell groaned softly. “You’re not supposed to move.”
“Sorry,” she said breathlessly.
“Ohh, girl, this feels so good,” he sighed.
“Where,” she gasped. “…where did you get this idea?”
“Bear gave me this book. The bath was all mine.” Dell moaned and shifted his hips.
“Oh,” Alison gasped and rocked against him.
He shifted until they were on their knees. Pushing her forward, he wrapped an arm around her waist. She held onto the edge of the old claw foot tub and laid her head against her arms with a low moan. Dell slid his free hand slowly up her spine.
“Don’t move,” he said hoarsely. “Just feel.”
She nodded, and he leaned over her and began to slide into her with slow, restrained thrusts. He groaned, slipping his hands over the soapy skin of her body, moving harder until she shuddered and tightened, her release breaking over her like a sudden summer storm. His body tensed and he cried out.
* * * *
Dell took one last turn around the cabin, making sure everything was the way they’d found it. Alison had walked down to the creek while he loaded the truck. He sighed and walked up behind her, draping his arm around her shoulders. “Ready to go?”
She nodded and turned to walk toward the truck, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her head bowed. Dell opened the door for her, then went around to the driver’s side to get in. As he came around the front, he looked up to see the rising sun turning the tear tracks on her face to tiny rivulets of gold.
Panic knotted his stomach. He had never been able to handle a woman’s tears. He got into the truck and sat for a moment in silence. Finally, he turned to her and caught her arm, pulling her across the seat into his arms.
“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked, pressing his lips to her hair.
“I’m sorry for all this,” she said softly.
“All what, baby? There’s nothing to be sorry for; it’s just time to move on, that’s all.”
“You don’t have to. You could take me into Santa Fe and come back.”
“Why would I want to do that?” He brushed her hair back and wiped away her tears with his thumb.
“I know how much you like it here,” she said and sniffed.
“I like it here because you’re here. I like it anywhere you are,” he said.
“You’re sure?” she asked, looking into his eyes.
“I’m sure,” he answered. “Let’s go say goodbye to everyone.”
Chapter Ten
They drove south, passing back through Albuquerque and finally stopping at a small truck stop to have breakfast. A man watched them from the shadows of a booth in the back. An unholy smile spread across his face as he reached up and adjusted his hat to hide his face. He did not want them to see him too soon.
* * * *
The waitress handed Dell the check, and Alison took it from him. “My turn,” she said with a smile. “You can pay me back later.”
Dell returned her smile and chuckled. “I think I can handle that. Bear made me keep the book.”
“Oh, really?” She raised one eyebrow.
“Really.” He mimicked her raised eyebrow. “Pay the nice people, and I’ll be right back.” He slid out of the booth while Alison got her purse.
She handed the waitress the money for the bill, and the girl walked to the register. Letting her mind wander, she watched the people coming and going, wondering who they were and where they were going. The waitress came back with her change and handed it to her.
“Oh, yeah, the man in the back said give this to you,” the girl said and handed Alison a folded scrap of paper.
Puzzled, Alison took the note and opened it. Well, hello there, little lady, she read. She felt the blood drain from her face and looked up. Wilson Long tipped his hat and smiled at her from the booth in the dark corner near the kitchen doors. He raised his hand and waved at her, waggling his fingers.
She closed her eyes for a second, trying to get her panic under control. When she opened them again, he was gone. She wished Dell would hurry back. Pressing her hand to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut against the tears that stung he
r eyes, she tried to take a few deep breaths and calm herself. Wilson wasn’t stupid; surely he wouldn’t try anything in a crowded restaurant.
*
Dell strolled back to their table from the men’s room. His peaceful, relaxed feeling disappeared when he saw Alison. She was ghostly pale and obviously shaken. He quickly slid into the booth next to her and put his arm around her shoulders. She jumped, stifling a scream, and opened her eyes. The relief in her expression when she saw him sent a chill through him.
“What is it, baby, what happened?” he asked, glancing around the dining area for some hint of the threat. If one of these truckers had hit on Alison, he was going to beat the crap out of him.
She handed him a piece of paper, her hand shaking like a leaf. “Wilson is here,” she said in a tense whisper.
“Ah, shit. Come on, we’re out of here. Did you already pay?” At her nod, he got up and swept her along toward the door.
“Hey, you folks all right?” the waitress asked, concerned.
“We’re fine, thanks. She’s just feeling a little ill; all she needs is some fresh air.” He smiled and hurried through the door, his arm firmly around Alison.
At the truck, he opened the door for her and helped her in. “Lock it,” he said shortly and shut the door, waiting just long enough to see her push the lock button down before hurrying around to the driver’s side.
Dell felt a cold chill when he saw the note under the windshield wiper. Grabbing it, he got in and started up the truck. He opened the note and felt sick. Your little lady is mine, the note said. It wasn’t very nice to leave me in the parking lot like that. Dell swore again and shoved the note into his pocket along with the one Wilson had given Alison.
“Everything will be fine, baby. I told you before I won’t let him hurt you,” Dell said as he backed out and headed onto the highway.
“Promise me you won’t let him hurt you either,” Alison said. She reached over and laid her hand on his thigh. He reached down and covered her hand with his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“I have no intention of letting him hurt either of us,” he said. “Help me watch for a payphone.”