Love Me Some Cowboy

by Lisa Mondello

  “There are lots of advantages of living in a city,” he said as they headed for the exit.

  “And a lot to living on a ranch.” Were they taking opposite roles in the old debate? How ironic.

  Joey was still asleep when Sam carried him into the apartment a half hour later.

  “Will he sleep through the night?” he asked.

  “I expect so. It’s only a couple of hours before he’d normally go to bed, and after all that walking and excitement, I’m sure he’s exhausted.”

  “What about dinner?”

  “With all the popcorn and ice cream he ate this afternoon, on top of that whopping burger for lunch, I suspect he’ll survive until breakfast. I’ll put him down if you like.” Lisa took the sleeping child and headed down the short hall.

  Sam watched her, then looked around the living room. Quite a difference from the other time he had seen it. It was spotless just as he expected. In the corner were two large cardboard boxes, already half full with books and nick-knacks.

  A quiet satisfaction unexpectedly filled him. She was moving closer. He’d get to see her – Joey that is – more frequently.

  He turned his hat in his hand, wondering what he was doing. If Joey stayed asleep, there was no need to remain. He could head for home, get something to eat on the way.

  But he didn’t move, just waited.

  “You’re staying, aren’t you?” she asked a few minutes later, coming into the living room and seeing him standing near the door.

  “Guess I will. I haven’t had pizza in a long time.”

  “Me, either. Do you still like everything on it?” she asked, moving to the side table to pull out the phone book.

  “Yes.”

  “Me, too.”

  In a few minutes she’d placed their order and brought each a glass of red wine from the kitchen. Sam sat on the sofa. Lisa sat on the edge of one of the flanking chairs. A blind man could tell she was nervous.

  Interesting, Sam thought, sipping the wine. He’d have rather had a beer. It was as if they were strangers, trying to be polite, with nothing in common to bind them together.

  Nothing like the days they’d been dating. His gaze dropped to her mouth, remembering her taste. He took a large swallow of the wine and looked away. Thinking like that could only get him into trouble. Look at what happened when they went to dinner the other night. He’d been unable to keep from touching her, from kissing her.

  “So how was it having a three year old around all the time,” she asked.

  “Challenging. Time consuming. And a lot of fun. I’m going to miss him this week.”

  “But you’ll be able to get lots more done. I didn’t realize how much until he was gone these few days.”

  “The advantages of living in Tumbleweed. If you have a rush project, just call. I’ll take him. Find anything yet? I noticed you started packing.”

  “Mom called with a possibility. I’m going to check it out tomorrow.”

  What did you talk about to an ex-wife, he wondered. How personal could he get? Did she want to talk about her job or about Joey? Or about the past or the future? Did she want to hear about what he was doing? Or was the severing of legal ties one of many severings? Had all interest waned?

  His presence obviously made her nervous. Because Joey had gone to sleep, was she regretting her offer of dinner? He’d eat quickly and leave.

  She looked directly at him. “Are you happy with Nick’s choice for wife?” she asked.

  “I like her.”

  “That’s all?”

  “What else? I’ve only know her a few months, and we haven’t exactly spent a lot of time together. She and Nick plan to live in his house. They’re going to hold the reception in the main house. That’s why she was there the other day, to discuss the reception.”

  “Uh, sorry. I guess you didn’t get much discussed.”

  “She and Nick are coming over tomorrow. There’s plenty of time. The wedding’s not until June, after school is out. Still two months away.”

  “Big weddings take a lot of planning.”

  “They’ve been planning it since Christmas. How long does it take to buy a dress, order some food and reserve the church?”

  “There is more involved than that.”

  “Wasn’t with ours.” He looked at her sharply. “Did you wish for something different for our wedding?”

  She shook her head. “I just wished for something different for our marriage,” she said without thinking.

  Before he could respond, the pizza arrived. The next few minutes were busy. He paid the delivery man over Lisa’s protests. She brought plates and napkins and offered more wine which he declined. They began to eat and the moment to follow up on her statement passed.

  Not that he had a clue what he would have said.

  There were still two pieces of pizza left when Sam reached his limit. Lisa had finished eating a few minutes ago.

  He tossed his napkin on the plate and looked at her.

  “I guess I’ll head out.”

  “I can fix some coffee before you go,” she said quickly.

  “No need.”

  “I’d like to.”

  Coffee meant staying longer. The tension between the two of them had eased somewhat, the day at the zoo had seen to that. But he still didn’t know where they stood. Stay or go?

  “All right, coffee would be nice.”

  She smiled and jumped up to head into the kitchen. Sam gathered the plates and the almost empty cardboard box of pizza and carried them into the small kitchen. He put the dishes in the sink, and the box on the counter.

  “Where’s your stuff to wrap food in?” he asked, looking around.

  “In that drawer,” she pointed, grinding fresh coffee. “But you don’t have to do anything. You’re a guest. Go sit down.”

  “I don’t mind.” He’d rather be doing something than just sit. Especially the way his thought were moving.

  He wrapped the pizza and put it away, conscious of Lisa only inches away. She finished grinding the coffee and put it in the filter, starting the coffee maker.

  The small kitchen didn’t offer much space, he thought, leaning back against the counter and watching her. Her nervousness viably increased. He almost smiled. At least he wasn’t the only one feeling the strain.

  The silence stretched out while the machine took its time brewing the fragrant beverage. The aroma filled the room.

  “Sam,” she said, turning the cups around on the counter until the handles matched. Moving them a scant millimeter to the left.

  “What?”

  Darting a quick glance, she returned her gaze to the cups. “The other night, you apologized for kissing me in the car. Is there, was there a reason you shouldn’t have?”

  He went on alert. This was the last topic he expected her to bring up. “Like what?”

  “I don’t know conflict of interest or something.”

  “Because of wanting to spend more time with Joey?”

  She nodded, peeking up again, looking away. Had she thought as much about that blasted kiss as he had? Endlessly replaying every delicious, hot millisecond when she should have been pay attention on something else?

  “I didn’t think you’d be receptive,” he said slowly.

  She cleared her throat. “You caught me by surprise. But I wouldn’t say I was exactly unreceptive. The thing is, I’m not sure you needed to say you would never do it again. I mean, you so often hold fast to everything you say and what if you, if we, wanted to...just give a quick kiss goodbye or something. As Joey’s parents, I mean.”

  He unfolded his arms, stepping close enough to feel the warmth she generated. When she looked up into his eyes, hers were plain scared.

  “So are you suggesting that once in a while strictly as Joey’s parents we might want to give each other a quick kiss goodbye?”

  She cleared her throat again. “Maybe.”

  “Goodbye,” he said, closing his mouth over hers.

  Chapt
er Six

  GLORIOUS SENSATIONS EXPLODED. Lisa scarcely had a second to take a breath before she was plunged into the maelstrom of desire. Heat flooded, swept through every cell in her body. Her breath left, but she didn’t have time to take another, she was too busy savoring the pleasure Sam’s embrace brought, relishing the tingling shivers flashing across her skin at his touch.

  His mouth was magical. His lips were warm and demanding, and she was only too delighted to respond. Her tongue danced with his, brushing against the velvety texture, trembling with the sexual awakening that clamored for more.

  They had always been so hot together. So perfect. So magical. She didn’t think, didn’t remember, only felt the shimmering sorcery of his touch.

  Slowly she came back to earth when he eased back from the kiss. Resting his forehead on hers, he stared deep into her eyes.

  “You still pack a wallop,” he said in that husky voice she remembered so well.

  “So do you,” she whispered.

  Sam stepped away, letting his arms fall to his side.

  “I’ll take a rain check on the coffee,” he said, already turning for the living room.

  Before Lisa could gather her wits, he was already at the front door, Stetson in hand.

  “Wait!” She dashed into the living room. Stopping at the doorway, she looked at him. “Don’t go.”

  “Lisa, when a man’s been through all I’ve been through, he finally learns some sense. Staying any longer would blow all that sense clear out the window. Call me if Joey needs anything.”

  She watched in disbelief as he left. Running her tongue over her slightly swollen lips, she could still taste him. Her heart raced, her entire body yearned for his touch. For more than a kiss extraordinary as it has been.

  It obviously hadn’t meant the same to him as it had to her. She wouldn’t have been able to walk away so casually. In fact, Lisa was rather afraid she wouldn’t have walked away at all!

  * * *

  THE APARTMENT HER mother had told her about was in an old Victorian home that had been converted to flats. Leaving Joey with his doting grandparents the next day, Lisa walked over the few blocks separating her parent’s home from the Victorian. The day was balmy, with a hint of high heat threatening. With the cloudless blue sky above her, and the wide lawns and huge old trees bounding the sidewalk as she walked over, Lisa knew this was the place to raise her son. The hectic noise and commotion, traffic, billboards, and other trappings of the city were gone. Here was a slower pace of life, friendly neighbors, and lots of open space.

  The Victorian house had been turned into apartments years ago. Lisa studied the house as she drew closer. It was in good shape, freshly painted, with a huge front yard. If the back was as large Joey would have lots of room to play. Maybe they’d even let her hang a swing from one of the limbs of that old oak, she thought as she walked up the brick walkway.

  A truck pulled in to the sidewalk behind her, and Lisa glanced over her shoulder surprised to see Nick Haller.

  He climbed out, studied her for a moment, then headed toward the house.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “Hello to you, too,” she said, determined not to get riled by his hostility.

  He stopped beside her.

  “Where’s Joey?”

  “At my folks. I’m here to see about an apartment. The one on the ground floor is available.”

  He looked at the house and back at her. “Why are you moving back?”

  “For a number of reasons, actually. Does it matter?”

  “Stay away from Sam.”

  “What?” That was the last thing Lisa had expected.

  “You heard me. You did a number on him before. He’s finally gotten over you. And he has enough on his plate right now. Stay away.”

  “I’m not moving back here to make a play for Sam.”

  “Aren’t you?”

  Lisa glared at him. “No, I’m not. I’m moving back to make things easier for Joey. Not that it’s any of your concern. And I’m surprised at your attitude toward Sam. He was quick enough to accuse us of cheating behind his back when there was never anything going on. You were mad enough two years ago.”

  “Yeah, well things change. We could have done more to convince him. At the time, I was torn from not believing he could truly believe what he was saying to feeling a bit proud my brother was jealous of me. Stupid reaction.”

  The anger suddenly left Lisa. “No more stupid than I was.” She glanced at the house and sighed. “I thought he would fight for me. Show me he really cared. Once started, I couldn’t figure out a way to back out and not look like a total idiot.”

  “You are a total idiot,” Nick said.

  She looked at him again, startled.

  “He was crazy for you. You didn’t realize when you had it good,” Nick said.

  “I know.” For the first time she faced it squarely. She’d been the primary cause of their broken marriage. And she didn’t like admitting that even to herself.

  “It took him a long time to get over you, Lisa. Don’t mess with him again.”

  “Or?” she challenged.

  “Or I’ll see you regret it,” he said solemnly.

  “What’s between Sam and me is between the two of us.”

  “Not any more. There are-- ”

  “Nick!” Jennifer came out onto the porch. “I saw your truck arrive and wondered what you were doing.” She smiled uncertainly at Lisa. “Hi, Lisa. I didn’t know he was talking with you.”

  “We’re finished.” Lisa turned back to Nick. “I’m all grown up now, Nick. And I can take care of myself and my son.”

  “Just remember what I said,” he said, turning toward Jennifer.

  Lisa watched him take the other woman in his arms and kiss her before they both went into the house. Following slowly, she wondered if she wanted to have an apartment in the same place Jennifer did.

  After Nick’s warning, she wasn’t anxious to see a lot of him, and she suspected he was over here quite a lot. Or would be until they married.

  Bolstered with the thought it would only be for a couple of months before Jennifer was gone, she continued to the apartment.

  The manager was ready to show her the space and answer all her questions. In less than an hour, Lisa had decided to take the spacious apartment. Despite Nick’s unfriendly behavior, she wanted to tell Sam. She’d wait until he called about picking Joey up for another visit, but wondered what his reaction would be.

  She found out that evening. Joey was fresh from his bath and ready for bed when the phone rang.

  “Hello?” Lisa answered, glad to sit down for a moment. She’d been on the go since early that morning.

  “Lisa?”

  His voice caused her to catch her breath.

  “Hi, Sam.”

  “I called to see how the apartment hunting went. Did you like the place your mother recommended.”

  “Yes. Actually, I signed a lease. We move in as soon as we want. It’s already vacant.”

  “Where?”

  “That’s a funny thing. It’s in the building Jennifer lives in.”

  “Wait until she hears that.”

  “She might already know. Nick knows I was looking there. He didn’t tell you?”

  “No.”

  “Oh. I saw him as I was walking there. Maybe he forgot all about it once he saw Jennifer.”

  “When are you moving?”

  “This week or next. I need to check with Bill Taylor to see what the work load’s going to be like. He offered to lend a couple of cowboys ”

  “I told you, I’d send someone. We can do it on Thursday, if that’s good for you. Or move the stuff while you’re working. Just mark which rooms you want what stuff in.”

  “You don’t have to do that, Sam,” she said softly.

  “Do you not want the help?”

  “No, I’m grateful for it. But just because we were married once, doesn’t mean I expect you to take care of me now. I
can find my own movers.”

  “Let’s not talk about the past, Lisa. I didn’t do such a good job of taking care of you and we both know it.”

  She was shocked. “That’s not true. You were super. It was my fault. All of it.”

  “The anger and jealousy with Nick?” he asked, a trace of amusement in his tone.

  “I wasn’t jealous of Nick, and you had no reason to be. I should have done more to convince you, and maybe stayed away from Nick until you were convinced.”

  “You don’t sound so sure.”

  “He was a friend. When you and I fought, he always had a friendly ear. That’s all it was, Sam. Truly.”

  “I know. Now. They say hindsight is 20-20.”

  “I wish I had done things differently,” she said. How much, she couldn’t tell. But being around Sam reminded her of the wonderful hours they spent together when they weren’t fighting. It had been the most special time of her life.

  She wanted that special feeling again.

  Taking a deep breath, she plunged forward. “Thank you for offering. I’ll take you up on it. I’ll check with Bill about Thursday. I’d like to be there if I can.”

  “Let me know. How’s Joey?”

  “Tearing around the place. I think you let him run wild in the outdoors. He says the apartment's too small.” She wasn’t going to tell Sam how he’d railed against not being at the ranch, how he’d wanted to go there that afternoon instead of his grandparents’ place.

  “Kids need to be outside,” Sam said.

  “The new place has a nice yard in both the front and back.”

  “And he’ll be close by. He can come just for the afternoon some days.”

  “I guess.” It would be easy to dash to the ranch and back to Tumbleweed in a short time. Nothing like the airplane trips he used to make to see his dad. She held the receiver out to Joey.

  “Want to talk to Daddy.”

  If she wasn’t careful, Joey would fall so in love with the ranch, he would never be happy any place else. Or like being with his dad so much, he was discontent being with her.

  Of course she could understand the latter. She had felt discontent ever since she’d left Sam.

  Was there a way to rectify the situation recapture what they’d once had and build upon it? Could she make her ex-husband fall in love with her all over again?