* * *
RJ kept busy with wedding plans and the updated marketing materials, and managed to schedule an appointment with another photographer in Grand Junction for the next day. Time eased by, and RJ’s comfort with the MacBrides grew. She’d been able to spend time with all of them separately, except Jacob who still wasn’t home, and Brand. But she would catch him watching her at times. She finally learned that baring her teeth at him would normally get a grin in response.
Her time with Logan was now laced with undercurrents. It felt as if they were both tip-toeing around each other. For her part, she understood she was trying to walk a fine line in not demanding more from the relationship. But she wasn’t quite sure what was going on with Logan. She would find him watching her at odd moments with an intense look on his face. But if he caught her watching him he would ease into a grin.
At dinner that night, it was just the two of them at Logan’s. He was craving a grilled steak so she kept to the traditional sides of baked potatoes and salad. Although they spoke about their day she could feel something brewing between them. After eating, they worked together to clean up the kitchen before going out on the deck to watch the sun set.
It wasn’t comfortable. The silence between them seemed heavier. Unable to deal with the atmosphere anymore RJ lunged out of her seat and turned to Logan with her hands on her hips.
“What wrong?” At his raised eyebrows, she lost it completely. “Don’t give me that look. I know something is different between us. I know you feel it too. If you’re done with this, us, just say so. No harm, no foul but for god’s sakes I can’t stand this weirdness anymore.”
Logan carefully put his beer down on the deck and stood. “You think I want to be done with us?” he asked truly amazed.
Frustrated, RJ backed up a bit. “I don’t know. Can’t you feel what’s between us? It feels….” She trailed off, flapping her hands, at a loss for words.
“It feels like what, Rizz?”
“I can’t describe it, but it’s intense and uncomfortable.”
Logan knew what she meant. He’d been experiencing the same vibe also. He knew he was a bit more reserved lately, but he was still reeling from the discovery he was in love with her. It happened that night when she came to him and hugged him. Seeking comfort from him. That night after they had made love and talked well into the early hours. When she finally fell asleep, he had laid awake holding her, and falling head over heels in love. He wanted to declare himself to her but wasn’t sure she was ready for that.
Reaching out, he cupped his hands over her shoulders trying to pull her into his embrace. Her body was stiff.
“Please, don’t. Just tell me so I can deal with it.” She tried not to sound pathetic but it was close.
“Rizz, I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable but I’ve been trying to deal with what is happening between us. To me.”
There was curiosity in her gaze and a hint of fear. He felt a surge of anger at those who taught her to guard her heart so fiercely. He also realized he needed to just put it out there. What his heart felt. At some point, she would have to decide if she could trust that.
“I love you,” he said softly. Watching her eyes to see if she would accept him, his love. He saw the fear first, then confusion and, was that hope?
“You love me?” she whispered back.
“I do.”
They both stood nervously watching the other. Him just waiting. Her just staring. Each knowing the next moment would decide what path their relationship took. Then she threw her arms around his waist and stepped into his embrace. Something soared in his heart as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. Resting his head on top of hers, he breathed her in.
“I love you, too,” she mumbled into his chest.
He froze, held the breath he just took for a second before he tried to push her slightly away so he could see her face. She wouldn’t loosen her grip and kept her face buried in his chest.
“What did you say?”
She still mumbled into his chest but he heard it. “I love you, too.”
Gripping her even tighter he just rocked them both. Finally, she lifted her head. “It scares me, Logan.”
“Oh, baby. It is scary, but I feel like I can conquer the world right now.”
Giggling, RJ brought her hands from around his waist to cup his face. This time she would look at him when she said it. “I love you.”
Logan held her gaze as he lowered his head to take her lips with his. The oddness of the past few days shifted and settled as they were finally in harmony. Stooping down, he swept RJ into his arms and carried her inside.
“Logan,” She yelped when he picked her up. “Put me down. I’m too heavy.”
“You’re not too heavy, and I’ve got you where I want you. In my arms. And I plan on keeping you there for a long time.”
Secretly, she was thrilled with his caveman tactics. Who knew there could be such lightness with saying those three magical words. “Well then, are you planning to have your way with me?”
Entering the bedroom, he tossed her on the bed and followed. Propping himself up on his arms he stared at her. “Most definitely and I think I’ll start with your delectable neck and work my way down. But first, I want to hear you say you love me again.”
Reaching up to loop her arms around his neck, RJ smiled, “I love you, Logan. I’ve never said that to anyone other than Sandy before. It feels weird and simple at the same time.”
With her words, Logan’s desire to show her how much he adored her grew. As he worked his way down her neck he reached for the hem of her top and inched it up caressing her skin as he went. She arched into his touch, and with impatient hands moved to pull his t-shirt over his head. Pulling them into a sitting position, she straddled his lap. Removing their shirts, he flung them carelessly to the floor. Her hands on his heated flesh challenged his need to go slow and savor. Pushing her back onto the bed, he quickly removed the rest of her clothes. Stripping out of his clothes, he lavished her body with kisses and strokes, eliciting those sexy groans of hers.
RJ was a mass of shivering nerves. There wasn’t one spot on her body that Logan didn’t stroke or kiss. Wanting nothing more than to feel him under her hand, she stroked his back and shoulders. When she tried to reach for him he clasped her hands above her head.
“I’m too close right now,” he growled.
Smiling, RJ squirmed and arched up into his hard body. “Then what are you waiting for? I need you.”
Logan stared into her face with such fierce possession, her heart struggled as if to break free of something encasing it. To beat fearlessly. When Logan entered her in one swift stroke, his eyes held hers.
“I love you, Rizz. Never forget that.”
With those words her heart soared and she flew.
14
RJ was still euphoric from the night before. She never realized how heavy her life was when she closed herself off. The release was unlike anything she ever knew. Smirking at her double entendre, she admitted the sex was equally fabulous. Sitting at the little table in the coffee shop where she was meeting the photographer she’d reached out to, RJ decided to just be in the moment for the first time in her life and enjoy.
“RJ Taylor?” A man’s voice questioned.
The man standing beside her table looked to be in his late fifties. He was tall, and on the lean side. Rangy, some would say, but still very handsome. “Doug Farley?”
“Yep, that’s me. I assume that means you’re RJ Taylor?” he said as he pulled out the chair across from her and sat.
“Yes, sorry.” She held out her hand they shook briefly. “Thank you for meeting with me. Would you like a coffee or something.”
“No, I’m good. So how can I help you?”
He was nice but apparently not into small talk, she thought. Honoring that it was his time he took to meet with her she went straight to the point.
“As I explained on the phone, I’m also a photographer. I’m co
nsidering relocating to this area from Denver and have done some market research on the viability of supporting myself with photography work. But I was hoping to get a real perspective on the amount of business the area has.”
Doug raised his eyebrows, not sure if he fully appreciated the irony of the situation. “So, you want me to tell you, basically my potential competition, if and where there is work in the area?”
“Yes,” she stated simply. She knew it was a weird approach but she liked directness when it came to business.
He busted out laughing. “Sweetheart, you have some moxie.” When he stopped laughing he stood. “Let me grab a coffee. This discussion is going to be interesting.”
Once Doug returned and settled he asked, “So why are you looking to relocate? Denver has to be a great market.”
“It is, but my sister is getting married and relocating up here. She’s my only family and I’d like to be close. What about you? Have you always lived in the area?”
“No, I’ve been here a little over a year now.”
RJ paused for a minute to see if he would elaborate without prompting. No such luck. “So why did you relocate?”
“Let’s just say I burned out on my last job. I’d traveled through this area several years ago and decided it would do.”
Sensing there was more but respecting his privacy RJ launched into the questions she had regarding business. “I’ve been doing work for the various businesses of my sister’s soon to be in-laws. I was given to think that type of work and helping produce artwork for business websites would be in some demand.”
Deep furrows creased Doug’s forehead. “To be honest, I hadn’t thought about that. I’ve just taken on some simple jobs, weddings and such. Do you mind me asking which business you’re currently working with?”
Sitting back and crossing her arms RJ began to think she picked the wrong person to get information from. “The Rocking Bar M.”
“Impressive.”
“Do you actually need to make a living doing photography?” RJ asked bluntly.
Doug picked up his coffee and smiled while taking a drink. “Smart lady. Actually, no. I’ve more or less used it as a way of not becoming a hermit.” Apparently, he could sense her frustration and held up his hand. “Look, while I’m not extremely active in the commercial sense I can tell you that there is definitely room for another good photographer. I’ve had to turn down business and I’ve done nothing but put up the basic marketing on Facebook and a generic website.”
Somewhat mollified that she hadn’t wasted both their time RJ studied Doug. “Are you semi-retired or just independently wealthy?”
Laughing at her question, “You sure are direct. I’ve plenty to live on comfortably. I’m currently working on a book.”
“Really?” Interest piqued, RJ try to prod a little more. “Is it your first book? What type of book is it?”
“Yes, it’ll be my first book and let’s just say it’s a book about my personal experiences.”
RJ felt like she hit another boundary so she diverted the conversation to general topics mostly about the area. They chatted a little while longer before saying goodbye. RJ watched Doug drive off before starting her own car. Interesting man, she thought, as she headed back to the ranch. The idea of having him help her with the wedding photography grew. She’d have to ask Sandy about that option.
The drive back to the ranch was starting to feel familiar, in a way of going where one was welcome, instead of feeling like a visitor. The feeling was unique and pleasant. She never had a place that felt welcoming before. She hadn’t spoken to Logan or her sister about the possibility of relocating to the area. She didn’t want the pressure they would put on her. There was a small part of her that wanted to have an escape plan if things didn’t work out with Logan.
Driving up the lane leading to the main house, RJ caught sight of an old rusty RV. Seeing the vehicle gave her a sick feeling in her stomach. The flight instinct was strong as she was half tempted to turn the car around and head straight to Denver. Knowing Sandy would need her was the only thing stopping her. Pulling up next to the ugly beast of a vehicle she got out of her car and walked up the stairs to open the door and enter the house.
“Oh, Sandy. I can’t believe you struck it so rich. I always knew you’d be the one to catch a rich man.”
RJ cringed hearing her mom’s words as she walked back towards the kitchen. She could see Sandy standing stiffly in her embrace with hands fisted. RJ recognized the look of embarrassment and anger. Great way to make an impression she thought. Bea and Hannah were the only other people she saw in the room as she entered.
“Mom,” RJ greeted flatly. Watching, she saw her mother release Sandy and cast a squinted eye look her way before smiling. She hadn’t actually seen her for quite a long time. She was saddened by the aging that her body and face had gone through. The woman was still stick thin and her hair was dyed a brassy red. Her voice raspy from smoking. The tank top and mini skirt she wore was better suited for a teenager than someone her mom’s age.
“RJ, my baby. Come give me a hug.”
RJ walked up to her mom and allowed herself to be embraced. Stepping back, she looked at Sandy trying to assess how she was doing. She looked as if she’d forgotten what their mom was like in person.
Sandy shrugged as if to say it didn’t matter. But RJ knew better. She turned to see Bea and Hannah watching. They looked as if they didn’t know what to do.
“Mom, have you been introduced to Bea MacBride and her daughter, Hannah?” RJ asked.
Bea stepped forward. “We had the pleasure, RJ. Mrs. Taylor, why don’t we take some ice tea out to the back deck and get better acquainted.”
“Oh, you must call me Opal. We’re going to be family so no need for formality.”
“Are you the only one here?” RJ asked as she looked around the room.
“Good lord no, girl. I’d never be able to handle that RV by myself. Hank is sleeping so I let him be. And your cousins are taking a nap also.” Opal looped her arms through one of Sandy’s and cast a sly glance at RJ. “You’ll be excited to know Chrissy and Merle came all this way for Sandy.”
RJ felt her insides clench. Hank was her mother’s boyfriend who had a fondness for the bottle and roaming hands. Merle was a mean drunk, and the fact he was several inches over six feet, and big, made him someone to be careful around. As for Chrissy, well they hated each other since she started stealing friends and boyfriends from her in the fourth grade. She would tell the most obnoxious lies about RJ to get people to turn on her.
Sandy was casting her looks of apology. RJ tried to give her a reassuring smile but it probably looked like a grimace. Bea and Hannah had gathered everything they needed and led the way to the back deck. With the wedding nearly two weeks away, dealing with her family for that long was still going to be a nightmarish task. Following Bea, she said a quick prayer.
15
Logan drove up to the main house and saw the old RV and RJ’s car. Looks like her family arrived. Early. Hopping down from the truck, he went in search of RJ. He hadn’t seen her since he left her in his bed this morning. When he looked at her sleeping form he’d felt so complete. She loved him. How could that not make him the happiest man on earth? Thinking about that had him eager to find her.
He found her on the back deck with his mom, Hannah and Sandy. The other woman was unknown to him, but he would guess it was their mother. His eyes came back to rest on RJ. Just seeing her brought a smile to his face. But the smile he got in return, when she caught sight of him, was stiff and forced.
“Logan,” his mother called out when she saw him. “Come meet Opal Taylor, Sandy and RJ’s mother. Opal, this is my oldest, Logan.”
Stepping forward Logan extended his hand. “Ms. Taylor.”
Grabbing his hand with both of hers he felt her give him the once over. “Please, call me Opal. We’re going to be related so why not be more familiar.”
He wanted to laugh. Was this woman
actually coming on to him? He looked over at RJ again and saw her eyes narrow. “Alright, Opal. Welcome.”
Opal purred at him. “My name sounds so nice on your lips.”
Oh, boy he was beginning to understand her history a bit now. Extracting his hand with some effort he sauntered over to where RJ sat. He grabbed her hands pulling her up and into his arms. He kissed her gently before whispering, “I missed you today. Don’t worry about your family. It’ll be fine.”
RJ looked at him with love in her eyes. When he turned, keeping RJ pinned to his side, he looked at the others in the room. Bea and Hannah were smiling at them. Sandy just raised her eyebrows and smirked at her.
Her mother stared at RJ with narrowed eyes and pinched lips. “Well, now. RJ have you been poaching in your sister’s backyard?”
“Mom!” Sandy reprimanded.
Opal looked around at the facing staring at her and changed tactics. “I was just joking. Looks like RJ’s been keeping secrets from her mother.”
“Opal, no secrets. RJ and I have been spending time together this summer getting to know each other. I’m discovering what a remarkable woman she is.” Logan gave RJ’s waist a reassuring squeeze. She relaxed a bit into his side which he took as a good sign.
“Hey! Anyone home?” A voice bellowed from the front of the house.
“Oh, good. Hank’s awake. Let me go get him,” Opal exclaimed.
Everyone watched as she rushed into the house. Then Bea turned her attention back to Logan and RJ. Smiling, said, “Well, it’s about time. I wondered how long you two were going to tiptoe around each other.”
Logan grinned at RJ’s dropped jaw. “My mother thinks she knows everything.”
“And, is usually right with it,” Hannah added softly, smiling at RJ.
“Well, all I can say is good for you both,” Sandy threw in just as their mother returned.
The MacBrides Page 9