by Ronica Black
Rae clenched her jaw. “Scare them?”
“You went on and on, exaggerating just a bit, don’t you think?”
Rae stalked up to Dollar and took Krista’s hand in hers. Krista tried to pull her hand away but Rae wouldn’t let her.
“Look,” she insisted, gripping her hand tighter. “Look at the back of my hand.”
Krista stared down at the two scars on Rae’s hand.
“Who do you think those pictures were of?”
Krista ran her fingers gently over the scars, causing Rae to pull away. “You were bitten?”
Rae hoisted herself onto Shamrock. “Absolute worst pain of my life.” She clicked and Shamrock started to walk away. “Almost,” she whispered, with her thoughts far away.
Chapter Thirteen
Krista smiled and breathed long and hard as they came upon Sidewinder Creek. Howie and Rae had stopped the cattle, so the group had to ride around the herd to reach the creek.
The evening sun was getting ready to fall beyond the horizon. Its awe-inspiring colors played like freckles on the surface of the water, and Krista felt a warmth in her belly as she stared down at the creek. It was just as she remembered, amberlike, clear and flowing between wild brush and salt cedars and mesquites.
As the cattle began to spread out and settle down, the group crossed the creek to set up camp, ensuring the herd wouldn’t cross until morning. To Krista, the water looked glorious, reflective and tempting, sliding over the smooth, moss-covered rocks beneath it. She slid off Dollar and bent to scoop some up in her hands. It was crisp and cool, a godsend. She splashed her dust-coated face and grinned. Her dry mouth pleaded and her cracked lips begged. But she resisted, turning for her canteen of water instead.
Jenna came up beside her, pulling off her large brim hat. “I say after dinner, we jump in.”
“I’m not sure I can wait that long.” Krista sipped some water and glanced longingly at the creek she knew from her childhood. It was named after a sidewinder because of the sharp curve to the left, beyond the bathing pool. “It drops off and gets pretty deep down a ways. Perfect for swimming.”
Jenna replaced her hat and rubbed at her face. “Can’t wait.”
The group unloaded their gear and supplies from the horses just as they had the two nights before. There were the groans of worn and sore bodies, but they worked without complaint, just eager to get the job done so they could relax.
The campsite was set up facing the creek, the cattle grazing on the other side. Howie followed Tillie like a lovesick pup, helping her build the fire and set up her tent. Adam and Candace worked together, talking like high-school chums while Jenna and Frank worked silently and in sync as a long-married couple would. Tom set up his tent alone, which didn’t surprise Krista since he’d pretty much kept to himself thus far. She plopped her tent and sleeping bag down next to him.
Across the pile of logs Howie and Tillie were stacking, Rae was busy pulling out the pots and pans for dinner. Krista thought about offering to help but changed her mind, preferring to work on her tent instead. Maybe if she just stayed away from Rae Jarrett the jealousy and attraction would cease. As Candace’s laughter shot up her spine, she sighed. Three more days. Can I make it three more days without killing her?
*
Rae wrapped the potatoes in aluminum foil and nestled them in the hot rocks on the edge of the fire. She fetched the last bag of rice, waiting for the pot full of water to start to boil. As she stood up with more cans of beans, she looked out at the sunset and breathed in the scent of burning wood. Oranges, pinks, and blues brush-stroked the horizon and shimmered off the surface of the flowing creek. Tall and thick saguaros stood guard over the land, outlined in black against the evening sky. The breeze had slowed a little and grown cooler, swaying the branches of the trees.
Always moved by the sight of the desert, Rae silently said a prayer of thanks, grateful that she was alive to experience such grand, raw beauty. She swallowed back tears, as she often did when she prayed or gave thanks. The guilt never failed to squeeze her heart and creep up her throat. She looked up at the sky, at the twinkling of two eager stars, and wondered for the thousandth time why she was here. Why her? What did it all mean?
“You coming?” Candace stood a few feet from her, wearing insanely short cut-off jeans and a black bra. A thin towel was draped over her shoulder. “Some of us are going for a swim.”
Rae couldn’t help the burning in her cheeks. “You’ve got about a half an hour yet before this is ready.”
Candace dropped her hand in obvious disappointment. “You mean you’re not coming?”
Rae stoked the fire. “Can’t.” Inwardly she knew she would go in the creek, but not until much later.
Jenna exited her tent, wearing men’s boxer shorts and a tank top. She touched Candace’s arm. “Ready?”
Candace pouted. “I feel bad. She’s working so hard. Doing it all for us.” When Rae didn’t respond, she said pointedly, “I’ll make sure to give you another massage tonight.”
Rae’s face burned so hot she was sure the world could see it. But Candace merely smiled and ambled off after Jenna. Rae watched them step carefully over the rocks that outlined the creek, balancing their way down to where the creek widened. Tillie was already in the water up to her waist, her thick hair in a ponytail. She waved at the approaching pair and yelled something about the water being cold. Jenna and Candace tiptoed in to join her and soon their hollers and laughter swept over camp.
Rae grinned, glad they were having a good time and relieved to be rid of Candace for the time being. As she poured the rice into the boiling water, she wondered where Krista was. She had disappeared without a word after setting up her tent. At the unmistakable sound of hoofbeats, Rae looked up hopefully.
In the deep orange glow of the setting sun Cody and Howie came riding in, followed by a slower horse, pulling two others. Rae grinned, tucking her hands in her back pockets. “Well, look what the cat drug in.”
Cody dismounted and took the reins of Dwight’s horse. The older cowboy smiled, his cheek lopsided with a wad of chew.
“Cat? Hell, I feel like I been drug by a bull!” He slid off his horse and helped Cody walk the trio up to the campsite.
“Bull or not, you made it just before nightfall.”
They shook hands heartily. “I’m always on time, darlin’, always.”
Rae slapped him on the back, enjoying that he was tired but in good spirits. The harder the drive, the more Dwight seemed to thrive. Repeat came trotting up, tongue and tail wagging. Rae greeted him affectionately.
Howie brushed past them, dusting off his chaps, his eyes scanning the campsite. “They went for a swim, did they?”
The beginnings of a grin started to tilt his face but he tried to hide it as Rae said, “The men are going in later.”
Tom and Frank stepped out of their tents and joined in welcoming Dwight. They helped unload some supplies, then told Rae they were going off to explore for a bit. Content with the meal for the time being, Rae sat down with Dwight, who cracked open a cold can of beer.
“How long she been at it?” he asked, slurping. Somehow he managed to drink while keeping the tobacco in his mouth.
The thought of the tastes mingling made Rae cringe. She waved away an offered can as Howie helped himself to two and then wandered off.
“Who?” she asked absently, enjoying the wafting smells of their dinner.
“Krista.” Dwight pointed beyond the campsite to their right. “I saw her coming in.”
Squinting, Rae stood and focused on the figure with her arm in the air, swinging a rope. “She’s roping?”
“Yep.” Dwight lowered his beer.
Krista swung the rope over her head and then flung it out at what appeared to be a dead cactus. She hit her mark and tightened the noose expertly.
Dwight sighed. “Just like when she was a kid. She’d practice and practice. Until she got it down. Stubborn girl, just like her aunt.”
&nbs
p; “Stubborn,” Rae said, seriously considering a beer for the first time in three years. “That woman just flat-out hates me.”
Dwight looked at her and flicked the tab on his beer can. “No she don’t, Doc. Krista ain’t got a hateful bone in her body.”
“I don’t know. She’s awful rude to me. Every time I try to help or—”
“Well, see now, that’s your problem.” Dwight pulled off his hat and placed it on his knee. “Krista won’t accept help. Never has.” He motioned out to where she was still throwing rope. “See that? I showed her how one time. One time. Then she went off on her own for hours, teaching herself. She didn’t want no help. Even then.”
Rae couldn’t look away, caught up in the intensity she felt radiating from Krista. The black cowboy hat was tugged down tight, and her every movement showed fierce determination. A spark of fire ignited in Rae’s chest, startling her. She was aroused, caught up by the sight of her. She stared at her denim-clad legs, gloriously shapely, the T-shirt clinging to her upper body, showing off the swell of her breasts. She watched the thick mane of hair sway against her shoulders, the sun setting off the fiery auburn.
Clearing her throat, she returned to her seat, unsettled by what she was feeling and for whom. Krista Wyler wanted nothing to do with her. At least that was how she behaved, not to mention how she spoke to Rae. But then there were the unspoken moments, the ones where Rae clearly could see the passionate fire burning in Krista’s eyes. Dwight interrupted her, as if he knew she was still thinking about Krista.
“Don’t give up on her, Rae. She’ll come around.” Dwight took another sip as Rae dragged her attention back to the food. She pulled off the pan and pots and set them to the side to cool a little. “To be honest with you, Rae, I’m worried about how she’s gonna be when Judith finally goes.”
Rae hated thinking about it. “How is she?”
“Took to the bed as soon as y’all left. Hasn’t been up since. It won’t be long now.” They were silent for a long while. He examined his boots and rubbed his stubble. “Anyhow, how’s Krista been doin’ on the horse?”
“Just fine, thanks.” Krista answered before Rae could comment. Walking briskly into the camp, she tossed her rope into her tent and then removed her hat to kiss Dwight on the cheek. “How was your ride?” She spoke to him directly, refusing to look at Rae.
“Not too bad. And y’all look like you’re doin’ just fine.”
Krista ran her hands through her hair, taking the time to massage her scalp. As her eyes fluttered closed, the burning in Rae’s chest spread and she forced herself to look away.
“We’re doing great,” Krista said. “Everyone’s a real hard worker and they seem to be having a good time.” She began organizing serving bowls and silverware. “You leaving in the morning, then?”
“Yeah, I’ll ride out at first light. Take the horses back.”
“How are things back at the ranch? How’s Judith?”
Dwight took his time answering. “She’s the same,” he fibbed, rubbing his stubble over and over, the guilt obviously affecting him.
Krista didn’t seem to notice. “Have I missed any calls?”
Rae didn’t miss the wash of anxiety that suddenly swept over her face. There was no cellular service this far out and Rae knew the loss of communication had to be eating Krista alive. Every time she’d seen her back at the ranch, there seemed to be a phone growing out of her ear.
Dwight shrugged. “There’s been a few. Some woman.” He snapped his fingers, trying to remember.
“Suzanne?”
“Yes. That’s the one.”
“Shit.” Krista fingered her temple. “Did she say what she needed?”
“No, she didn’t. She just asked that you call her when you can.”
“Shit,” Krista said again.
Feeling wary of Krista’s sudden mood change, Rae was just about to whistle everyone for dinner when a shriek came from the creek and she bolted as quickly as she could, panic surging her heart. Right away she breathed a sigh of relief as she slowed and made out the three women standing on the bank. No one was missing.
“What’s going on?” Rae asked. Tillie pointed to the trees, fury on her face. “He took off.”
“Who?”
“Howie!” Candace let out. “We caught him watching us.”
Rae clenched her jaw, her anger for the cowboy boiling past even her highest point. She let her gaze roam the area, but saw no one.
Krista limped up from behind to stand next to Rae, breathless and cursing softly. “You see him?”
“No.”
“Sorry we screamed like that,” Tillie said, shivering in the breeze. “But he scared us. I wasn’t even sure what it was at first.”
Huddled in their towels, the women walked to Rae.
“What happened?” Jenna asked, pointing at Krista’s knee where a dark stain spread through the denim.
“I fell.” Krista waved it off. “It’s nothing. Looks worse than it is.”
Just then a figure stepped out of the brush. Howie walked up just as cocky as ever, chuckling to himself.
Rae stared him down and spoke without looking away. “Ladies, dinner’s ready. Why don’t you head back into camp, change into some warm clothes, and eat?”
The three women all agreed and started back to camp, but Krista was still by her side. “Ms. Wyler?”
“I’m not leaving.”
“As you wish.” Rae stepped up to meet Howie. Reaching out to his chest, she clutched his shirt and held him still.
He laughed and dropped the can of beer in his left hand. “What’s the matter, Doc? I was just having some fun.”
“Listen, you piece of shit.” Rae could smell the beer on his breath and she wanted to knock the smirk right off his face. “You stay away from every woman here for the next three days or I’ll rip your balls off. Understood?”
He raised his hands in mock fear. “Okay, okay.”
“No more fun, Howie,” Krista added. “Or I’ll fire you right here and now.”
He laughed. “What good will that do? You need me to stick around.”
Rae eased her grip and he swatted her hand away and walked off toward camp.
“Hey!” Rae called after him. As he turned, she tossed his beer can at him. He caught it, anger on his face.
“He’s right,” Krista whispered. “We can’t afford to lose him. But he’s trouble.”
“He is that.” Rae picked up a rock and threw it into the creek, her anger still fresh.
“Thank you for not hitting him.”
Rae was surprised by the comment. “I don’t like violence.” She opened and shut her fist and knew it would be sore in the morning from the tight grip she’d had on him. “But I was tempted. If he’d touched one of them—”
“I would’ve beat the shit out of him,” Krista finished.
Rae glanced down at Krista’s leg. “You better let me take a look.”
Krista scoffed. “I’m fine. Just a klutz is all.”
But Rae was concerned at the amount of blood. “Have you even looked at it?”
Krista started to say no and then thought better of it. “I’m sure it’s fine, just a little scratch.” She tried to walk but winced.
The look of pain on her face, coupled with her hardheadedness, bowled over Rae’s self-control. “Come here,” she softly demanded, scooping Krista up in her arms and carrying her over the rocks.
“Oh!” Krista let out, completely startled. She started to protest but stopped when she saw the look in Rae’s eyes.
Rae reached even ground and knelt down. She lowered Krista gently, lost in the green-golds of her eyes and the parting of her pink lips. In the breeze, Krista’s hair swept over Rae’s face and Krista clung to her neck, seemingly unwilling to let go.
Rae fought for her voice, knowing she had to speak before she did something she would regret. “Let’s take a look at that knee.” Her voice was weak, mirroring her reserve.
Krista bl
inked as if she’d been in a trance and lowered her arms.
Rae, down on her knees, noted the small tear in the jeans and scooted Krista’s pant leg up gently. Her throat closed as her fingertips skimmed the curve of Krista’s calf, smooth and tight. Gooseflesh pimpled under her fingers and she heard Krista draw a quick breath.
“Am I hurting you?” Rae couldn’t stop staring at the beckoning lips.
“No.”
Rae forced herself to look down. The dark stain of blood steadied her mind as she folded the jeans up over the knee. The cut was relatively deep and about three inches long, just below the kneecap. The bleeding had stopped but it needed to be cleaned.
“Wait here.” She got up and jogged back to camp. Her medical supplies were in her saddlebag. After finding what she needed, she jogged back and nearly slammed to a halt when she saw Krista. She was sitting on the hard sand, leaning back on her hands, her injured leg stretched out, the other bent. Her hair fell across her shoulders in fiery waves. The creek rushed beyond her, the vanishing sun washed over her in a brilliant orange glow.
“My God.” It was all Rae could say, all she could think as she walked up to her.
“I’m sorry?” Krista asked. “I couldn’t hear you.”
“Nothing,” Rae answered, once again stooping to her knees, avoiding the catlike eyes. She opened the bottle of peroxide and soaked a cotton ball. Twilight was setting in.
Krista flinched but remained silent as Rae dabbed at the wound. Once she had the layer of drying blood off the cut, she said, “This may hurt a little.”
She placed her fingers on either side and pulled the skin apart. Again Krista flinched and this time sucked in a hissing breath as Rae poured the peroxide down into the wound. She repeated the treatment three more times before the bubbling stopped.
“I’m sorry,” Rae said, hating the pain she’d caused. Seeing Krista hurt was like having an angry hand inside her chest, tearing at her heart. She dabbed the wound, drying it as best she could with a clean cloth.
A soft hand covered hers. “It’s okay. Thank you.” Krista said.