"It's all right. I think it's too soon too. We have enough on our minds right now and there will be plenty of time for that later. But, Roxanne, eventually you'll have to meet them."
Roxanne's stomach fluttered nervously at the thought of meeting her parents and siblings. She'd prefer to put that off as long as possible.
"Okay, Collin. I'll stay put. I need to study those history books and learn a lot more about this time period before meeting my parents." When she tried to rise, he held her still.
She looked into his eyes and knew she should insist he let her up, but she couldn't. She ached with need for this man.
Collin kissed her lips gently and when they softened, he couldn't drag his away. Deepening the kiss and pulling her tightly against his body, he allowed the passion he'd kept in check full reign.
Roxanne sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck, pushing her breasts against his chest. His tongue delved into her open mouth, savoring the taste of her. Roxanne welcomed the invasion, caressing his tongue with her own. He reveled in her instant response to him. Untying the belt to her robe, Collin pushed it from her shoulders, baring her luscious breasts to his hungry gaze.
His eyes hardened as he looked at the angry red stripes still going across the tender flesh. He'd kill Wellman for that if he ever got the chance, but he wasn't going to let him intrude on this time with Roxanne.
"Beautiful…you're so very beautiful." He whispered.
Roxanne's nipples tensed and puckered in expectation of his touch. Lowering his head he took one exquisite pink bud in his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue round and round before moving to the other one. She leaned back against his arm, thrusting her breasts out, begging for more and moaning low in her throat as the familiar waves of pleasure washed over her.
Collin stood her on her feet, letting the robe fall to the floor. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her to the bedroom and lowered her to the bed. Hurriedly he undressed before joining her there. Lowering himself over her, he pushed her legs apart and lay between them.
She could feel his heavy arousal pressing against her thigh as he kissed her passionately before lowering his head once more to her breasts. Arching in pleasure, she twisted her hands in his hair, pulling his head closer.
Collin reached between their bodies, stroking, parting the soft petals of her cleft. He probed at her wetness, testing, rediscovering the feel of her. His touch became more and more intimate, causing an excitement to build within her until she thought she'd go crazy. She twisted and turned under him, moaning when he pushed first one and then two fingers deep inside her.
He continued to suckle at her breasts as he pushed his fingers in and out and rubbed his thumb over her nubbin of pleasure. Tension coiled deep in her middle and spread, becoming tighter like a spring wound too tight. Collin grazed her nipple with his teeth, biting gently before pushing his swollen length deep into her moist heat. He began to move fast and hard. Bracing her feet on the bed, she found his pace and matched it, pushing up to meet every hard thrust.
The pressure became unbearable and she clawed at his back, causing him to groan and increase his pace. Light seemed to explode behind her eyes and pleasure shuddered through her being. She went stiff and cried out. Collin felt the tightening of her muscles and it sent him spiraling over the edge. With one final hard thrust, he gave an exultant roar when he climaxed.
Trying to catch his breath, he rolled to his back, bringing her with him. She lay limp on his chest, breathing heavily. After a moment she rose up and looked at Collin. He had such a smile of masculine satisfaction on his face and her heart ached with love for him.
"You look pleased with yourself."
"Oh I am, my darlin' girl, I am."
Tears sprang to her eyes and he frowned. "What's the matter, are you sorry?"
"No, Collin. I'm truly not sorry." She wiped the tears away and gave him a wobbly smile.
"That's my girl. Now there's just one more thing."
"What?"
"I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat."
Laughing gaily, she stood up and donned her robe. Being on good terms with Collin was a lot more fun than being at odds. Hurt and heartache may lay in the future, but she'd decided to enjoy this time alone with him.
Collin grabbed his robe off the bed and followed her to the kitchen. They made scrambled egg and bacon sandwiches and Collin found a romantic comedy playing on the TV. He grinned as he watched Roxanne eat. She was completely engrossed in the movie.
Seventeen
Collin left early the next morning and Roxanne decided to study history for a while. It was fascinating and she lost all track of time until she heard the car come up the drive.
Collin came in the door with a large wolf like dog by his side and Roxanne jumped up from the kitchen table clapping her hands and going down on her knees.
"Lobo! Here, boy. Come here, Lobo." She slapped her knee and the dog bounded over, giving her face a through tongue washing.
Collin raised an eyebrow. "Lobo?"
Giggling as she tried to avoid the wet tongue, Roxanne answered. "Slim had a dog just like this when I was little. His name was Lobo because he was part wolf. We went everywhere together. I loved him."
"Well, there you go champ, a new mistress and a new name all in one day. Things are looking up for you. Roxy, I have other news." Neither Lobo nor Roxanne seemed to hear anything he was saying and he grinned.
"It's a good thing I'm not insecure or I'd be worried about this instant love affair the two of you have going."
Roxanne glanced up at him. "Did you say something, Collin?"
"No, Darlin', it can wait."
He carried a large bag of dog food into the kitchen and set it in the corner. Taking two large stainless containers out of the smaller bag, he set one by the door and filled the other with fresh water.
"Lobo's food and dishes. At his size he'll probably eat one of these large bags in a week." Lobo saw him set the water down and ran to the bowl, lapping at the water thirstily.
Roxanne stood and went to Collin, circling his neck with her arms. "Thank you. He's just wonderful."
"You're very welcome." He kissed her passionately and the blood rushed to his head. Pushing a little away from her and smiling, he said, "I have other news that we need to discuss before I totally forget myself and drag you into the bedroom to have my way with you."
Roxanne peeked at him through her lashes. "What's wrong with the floor? I can remember not too long ago when you thought the dirty ground outside your cabin was good enough."
Collin's head snapped back and he laughed uproariously. "Why, you little witch. I was trying to shock and anger you back then, it was your only protection against me."
"It worked. I thought you were the most outrageously rude man I'd ever had the misfortune to meet."
"And now?"
"Now I've learned to tolerate you, rudeness and all."
Collin slapped her bottom. "Sit down here, you little she-devil. We need to talk."
"Did something go wrong with Inspector Calhoun?"
"He says there isn't enough evidence to prove it was Davidson that did the kidnapping. I knew they wouldn't be able to prosecute for that because of the statute of limitations, but Calhoun has agreed to start investigating Davidson for other activities including stalking you."
"Then there isn't anything they can do."
"Not right now and Calhoun wanted to know where you'd been all these years."
"What did you tell him?"
"I made up some story about you being raised by some old lady up in the hills. After her death, you came looking for your roots. It was as good a story as any and there are quite a few people living in isolation out there."
"Collin, one of the things Davidson wanted to prove was that changing the past could effect the present or future? Do you think my marriage to Brad changed anything? Are you sure my parents still own Black Rock?"
"Yes, they do. I checked this morning at
the hall of records."
"That's good news. I was worried that maybe the marriage Brad forced me into had somehow caused them to lose the ranch."
"That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about."
"What is it?"
"I checked the records for 1898 and found information about what happened after we disappeared. The marriage was listed, but when you and Wellman both disappeared and could never be located, the ranch went to your next of kin. Wellman had never gotten around to changing any papers, making him part owner."
"Oh, thank goodness he never made me sign anything about Black Rock, he just assumed after the marriage that the ranch would be his."
"I think he was counting on you having an accident after getting you to sign the papers."
"You think he meant to kill me?" Roxanne shuddered at the thought of someone wanting her dead. "Do you think that's why he followed us through the rock, to kill me?"
"No, he needed you there to transfer ownership. He knew that even in 1898 women could legally own property apart from their husbands. With you gone, he knew the ranch would fall into the hands of your relatives."
"Then why didn't he make me sign the papers after the wedding instead of…"
"Because his lust got the best of him. He wanted you and he felt he had plenty of time to take care of the papers later. I'm sure he had them at his house just waiting for your signature."
"Is this nightmare ever going to end, Collin?"
"It will end, Darlin', be patient. Calhoun is investigating Davidson and if he's involved in anything illegal or bothers you again he'll be arrested."
"I guess it's not so bad being here. It gives me time to learn all about what happened in the years since 1898 and I'm enjoying learning more about this time period."
"Is that all you're enjoying about being here, Darlin'?"
"Stop fishing for compliments." Collin laughed and didn't think he'd ever felt so content even with the threat of Wellman and Davidson looming over them.
Lobo came and laid his big head in Roxanne's lap and she stroked his fur gently. She looked sad and he wanted to do something to make her smile.
"How about taking Lobo for a romp in the meadow?"
"That will be great fun, won't it boy?" Lobo cocked his head to the side and looked at her, making a low growling noise. She laughed and ruffled the fur on his head. "Come on, let's go."
The three of them went through the French doors onto the deck and down across the meadow. Lobo ran ahead of them and then came careening back as though he wanted to make sure they were still following. They ran all over the meadow and into the woods before making their way back to the house. Roxanne laughed gaily and Collin said a silent prayer of thanks for big ole silly dogs.
* * * * *
Roxanne put the teapot on to boil and fed Lobo. She made her tea and sit at the small table in the kitchen. Collin had left earlier for the courthouse. He'd been worried that he hadn't invested enough time on the case to be effective, but Roxanne was sure he'd do fine. She just wished she could generate a little confidence in their possible future together.
The phone rang interrupting her thoughts. Smiling she answered.
"Collin, how did it go?"
"Miss Ingram, we need to talk."
"Who is this?"
"It's Gene Davidson. I'd like to speak with you about your father."
"How did you know I was here?"
"That's not important. What should be of concern to you is how you can go back and save your father's life. You do want to help him, don't you?"
"I don't believe you can send me back to before his death."
"I can prove it to you. I will make a little trip back a few months and write an article for the Research Center on paranormal anomalies."
"How will that prove anything?"
"I'm sure Mr. O'Neal has a copy of the Center's latest magazine around there somewhere."
"He has a copy."
"Read the table of contents for the articles published in it. There's an article of mine entitled Time Suspension. Next week read the magazine again. I'll change the article to Is Time Travel Possible. I can go back and change the article submission. Will that prove it to you?"
Roxanne was confused. If he could actually do that, then she could save her papa from having the accident.
"I'll read the article."
"Good, I'll be speaking with you again. Miss Ingram, I wouldn't mention this to Mr. O'Neal. He'd never let you go back, regardless of the proof that I can send you to the right time period."
Roxanne hung up, wondering what to do. He was probably right about Collin, but she didn't feel right not telling him. Leaving the kitchen she found the magazine and opened it to the table of contents. Sure enough the article by Gene Davidson was there. Now she'd just have to wait and see if it was different next week.
* * * * *
Davidson hung up the phone to the sound of clapping. Swiveling the desk chair around he smiled at Wellman.
"Once she sees the article next week, she'll be more than willing to go back."
"Yes, that's pretty brilliant, but can you actually do it?"
"I can do it. Going back just a few months is a fairly simple thing."
"You do know that you can't send her back to before her father's death?"
"Why not?"
"Her father disapproved of me and would do everything he could to prevent our union. I'm already married to Roxanne. We need to return to the time after the marriage ceremony, not before."
"I see. I don't suppose you had anything to do with Jacob Ingram's accident?"
Brad laughed. "Not that it matters now, but of course I arranged for him to be taken out of the picture."
Davidson went cold. This man was a killer. He'd obviously do anything to get what he wants.
"Don't look at me like that. You aren't any better than I am with your high ideals of saving the world. You could have killed Roxanne when she was no more than a baby. You didn't care. It was a means to an end and she was expendable."
"I never meant to harm her, but you're right. And you're right about my not sending her back before her father died. I'll have to send you both back to a period after the marriage ceremony. Then it will be up to you to do the rest."
"Don't worry, she won't get away from me again. When will it be possible to send us back?"
"One month."
"I'm tired of waiting. Is there any way to speed it up?"
"No, not if you want to go back to right after the marriage ceremony."
"Fine. Just be sure you get her to agree or I'm going to do it my way." Brad swallowed the last of his drink and left the room.
Davidson watched him go with a frown, wondering if he planned to kill the girl. It really wouldn't matter as far as his own scheme was concerned, but knowing it was a possibility made him feel guilty and he didn't like it.
* * * * *
Roxanne hurriedly stuffed the magazine back under the pile of papers on the bedside table before Collin finished in the shower. She had her answer. The article was different, which meant Davidson had told the truth, he could send her back to the right time.
The past week with Collin had been difficult. She'd been uncomfortable not telling him about Davidson and Collin didn't understand her sudden coolness towards him. He'd gone back to sleeping in the storage room and the tension in the little cottage was becoming unbearable.
She needed to make a decision and until she talked to Collin about their relationship, it was impossible. Setting the omelets on the table and pouring the coffee, she waited for him.
Collin entered the kitchen and looked at the table and then her. Sitting at the table and sipping the coffee, he eyed the fresh bouquet of wild flowers in the center.
"Special occasion?"
"We need to talk, Collin."
"Are you finally going to tell me what I did wrong?"
She looked at him in surprise. "You haven't done anything wrong. I just needed some dista
nce, time to think things over."
"What things?"
"Collin…this is difficult for me. I need to know where we're going."
"We aren't going anywhere right now. We're staying right here."
"You know perfectly well that isn't what I meant."
He did know. She was a woman from the past. They'd been intimate. Hell, they were living together. She expected a commitment, marriage. He never planned to marry and yet he felt committed to her in a way he never dreamt possible.
"Roxanne, I care for you. You mean more to me than anyone I've ever met. Isn't that enough?"
"No, Collin, it isn't. I need to know what kind of future we have or if we have any at all."
He stood and paced the kitchen. "I'm not sure how to answer that. I've told you a little about my parents."
"We aren't them, Collin."
"I know. I'm just not sure if I'll ever want to marry. I'm sorry. I care for you. That should be enough. Do we have to discuss it right this minute?"
She stood. She had her answer. Collin didn't love her. She was just another in a long line of women. She had to get away from him, go back where she belonged. The pain of this moment would be with her for a very long time, but if she waited too long she'd be unable to leave him and when he tired of her, she'd be destroyed.
"No, we don't. It's all right, Collin. I'm going to take Lobo for a romp in the meadow."
He watched her go and despair washed over him. He felt as though he'd just lost something very precious and had no idea how to retrieve it.
Eighteen
Collin watched Roxanne clear the table. It had been over two weeks since their disastrous discussion and she'd been polite and distant. He wanted to set things right, but had no idea how. Did she love him? She'd never said the words. Suddenly he realized he desperately needed to hear her say those words to him. After all his grand schemes to avoid falling in love and committing to one woman, it had happened. He loved her. He wanted to marry her, grow old together and cherish her forever.
"Collin, is something wrong?"
E. G. Parsons - Black Rock: Page 17