Kate looks flushed. “Are you two offering me a job?”
“It’s nothing too fancy,” I say, “But with the added bonus of the daycare center, Bobby wouldn’t have to juggle homework, chores, and watching his younger siblings. He could get back into motocross and focus on school. Plus you wouldn’t have to work those long hours or work nightshifts anymore.”
Kate is practically shaking, “Oh my God, thank you both so much. I don’t know what to say.”
“And anyone else, if you’re ever looking for a job, there is a place at Beauchene-Mont for each of you,” Éclair adds.
Nick suddenly pipes up. “Maybe I can come work there?”
“Hell no,” I say, “I already told you –you’re enrolling at that private school this September.”
He slumps down, and I laugh. He’s only been living with me for a couple of months now, but it’s actually going fairly well. He’s a good kid. He accidentally called me dad last week; I pretended not to notice because I think it embarrassed him, but I kind of liked it. “All right,” Tommy chimes in, not one to get too sucked into all of the emotion that’s spreading around the room, “I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I’m ready to eat.”
“I know I am,” Éclair says excitedly, rubbing her stomach. I had to bring oranges with us because that’s all she’s been eating. She seriously told me to put oranges on her hamburger while I was grilling. Pregnant women are weird.
Food is passed around, and general merriment pursues. It’s sort of strange how I’ve become a part of this family. After Eddie died, I pretty much became the last living member of my family. It was kind of depressing really. After all the craziness that took place last year, I wasn’t sure what my life was going to turn out like. I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
I suppose I should mention that Suzette’s not dead –although she came pretty damn close after Leo hit her head-on with his car. She is, however, in prison where she belongs. I got my money back, but that was a hell of a court case –Lillian is probably about ready to kill me after all that. She also represented Leo for me. It’s sort of scary to think about. Éclair cleared things up for me after we were almost killed. Honestly, Suzette wasn’t too much unlike Eddie. Éclair’s parents had this old school theology, and they left pretty much everything to their oldest child. Suzette just felt like she had to prove herself. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if Eddie and I could have ever gotten to that point. If I had been like Éclair and had just ignored the signs –would Eddie have ever gotten to that point of hatred? I would like to think not. Eddie was too good of a person; I know this for sure after spending time with his siblings.
I pull a lawn chair out for Éclair as she dives into her weird burger with grilled oranges. Seriously –pregnant women weird me out. I sit down beside her, and I smile. I need to put a ring on that. The pregnancy, I’ll admit, was not planned although it was bound to happen eventually. I’m just glad it was with her and not Suzette. That would have been a nightmare. I’m actually really excited about being a father. I’m getting a practice round with Nick, but he’s surprisingly well behaved for a former addict. I’ll probably get what’s coming to me with whatever we got brewing inside of Éclair’s stomach; I was a hoodlum. They say your kids always pay you back for whatever you put your parents through. I watch the kids running around in the yard; I smile when I picture a little boy or girl running up to me like one of those little rascals.
I smile at Éclair and watch her eat her nasty citrus burger. She catches me staring. “What?” she asks, covering her mouth like she thinks she has food on her face.
“I love you,” I say.
“I love you too,” she says and then suddenly sits up all straight and excited. “I have a secret,” she taunts. “Do you want to know what it is?”
“It depends –are you going to finally tell me what went on between you and Lillian? Because that’s a story I’m dying to hear.” I smile and wink at her; she rolls her eyes at me.
“No, stupid, I know the sex of the baby,” She says, and I get pretty excited. She’s been to three different ultrasounds trying to determine the baby’s sex, but it keeps turning away. My baby is apparently camera shy.
“What is it?” I ask excitedly, and I can see from the corner of my eye a number of on-lookers have turned their ears out way in anticipation of the news.
“It’s a boy,” she says, and I am so thrilled I think I could be sick.
“Th-that’ss, aw-awesome,” Max mumbles.
“Do you two have a name picked out yet?” Tommy asks. “Because I think Tommy is a pretty awesome name.”
I smile, “Yeah, we got a name.”
Éclair and I smile at one another, and we answer in unison, “Eddie.”
THE END
Poetic Justice: A Songwriter Mountain Man Romance
* * *
I saved a beautiful woman from certain death.
That doesn’t make me less of a monster.
The world is a cruel place. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’ll make you fall in love, cheat on you with your best friend, and kill the only people that matter before you can get any closure.
I know that from personal experience.
After my life crumbled to pieces, I gave up love for good.
Until the moment she crossed my path in the woods.
One freezing night, one deep cut on her skin, and I was alive again.
Olivia makes my soul sing. She makes me want to play music again.
She makes me want to love her.
But Olivia has too many secrets.
And unless we can move past the lies and into the light…
…her past might destroy our future.
1
The Panther Mountain Peak broke through the white mist, ruling, in awesome splendor, over the soft, clear sky. In the long years that James had spent in Slide Mountain, he had witnessed this scene many times. Still, he could not get enough of it. The sunset colors in the winter sky had always been an incredible source of inspiration; he would savor each and every moment of the spectacle and wish that he could soon see it again.
Life near the summit of the highest peak in the Catskill Mountains was by no means easy. James Farrell was at the mercy of the elements. Wildlife that could actually kill – Black bears, wolves and coyotes – surrounded where he called home. Still, the 29-year old man was not afraid of beasts. In his mind, he felt he should be wary of men, not wild animals. Wolves, as well as other predators, were guided by instinct. Food, water and the continuation of their bloodline were the major factors that drove their behavior. Men were an entirely different matter. To James, they were led by lust, passion and greed. He had lost faith in them a long time ago.
Which is why he had almost no friends in Shandaken, the small town that was located less than two miles east of his cabin. Whenever he needed supplies, he would drive up to the nearest supermarket and buy them, barely saying a word to anybody, other than “hello” or “bye”. A 6’3”, handsome, athletic man like him attracted a lot of attention. More often or not, he had to tolerate Helen Weir’s advances, daughter of Dwight Weir, the supermarket owner. Most men would not pass on the opportunity to date the beautiful, 24-year old blonde, but that was not the case with him. He was not interested in making new friends. They were mere distractions; they could unravel his solitary life; the life he had chosen for himself.
Sunlight was slowly fading away, as he brought his coffee mug to his lips. Casting one last glance at the snowy, balsam fir forest slope, he returned to the safety and the warmth of his cabin. His dark-blue acoustic guitar beckoned. James picked up a log from the pile next to his fireplace and threw it into the fire, at the same time longing to feel the fine wood on his fingertips. As usual, he would spend the evening reminiscing about simpler, happier times, recollecting situations and emotions that had stayed with him until that day. He sat on the couch and took the instrument in his arms, readying himself for one more trip down memory lane.<
br />
Before averting his gaze from the wide, living room window, though, something drew his attention: A wolf’s tail, waving as he sped past his cabin. His ears picked up the hurried footsteps of more wolves. In a matter of seconds, four more animals ran by. Used to the sight of beasts hunting in the forest, he paid no attention to it and attempted to focus on his guitar. Nevertheless, he could not; a loud, agonizing scream of pain tore the silence. In a split second, a subsequent piercing cry for help made him jump from his seat. James put the guitar down on the couch and sprinted across his small living room. The little light helped him notice someone lying on the snow, just before the edge of the forest. Judging by the high-pitched tone, the voice belonged to a woman. His cabin was more than fifty yards away from the forest. James could only make out her yellow coat, as she lay on her back, facing his direction.
Having no time to waste, he grabbed his shotgun from the rack on the wall and stormed out of his cabin. By now, the first wolf was just a few feet away from her, closing the distance fast. James gripped the handle of his weapon and pointed it to the sky. The powerful blast echoed in the wilderness. Much to his relief, the five predators were spooked by the bang. Each and every one of the wolves turned around and started running in the direction from which they had come. Nevertheless, James had to make sure that they stayed away from him and his cabin as well. In his experience, the grey wolf only preyed on injured or sick individuals. The chances of him being attacked were very slim, but he could not risk an encounter with five, powerful lupines. Therefore, he lowered his shotgun and pointed it down at them. His hunch was correct: none of the wolves even cast a glance at him and bypassed his cabin.
James strapped his shotgun around his neck, feeling the adrenaline rushing through his veins. Looking down the forest slope, he started towards her. Within seconds, his legs were knee-deep in the snow. James staggered forwards, feeling the cold driving into his bones. Lightning began to light up the night; under any other circumstances, he would not appreciate the blinding light. This time though, it helped him pinpoint her exact location. She lay just a few feet before the closest balsam fir tree.
Running in the snow took a lot of effort. Even a strong man like him found himself short of breath, as he hurriedly closed the gap between them. But James would not stop. The woman’s image got closer and closer by the second; by now; he could make out the red color of her pants. Slowing down, he took two large steps towards her and stopped beside her. Then, James pulled a flashlight out of his coat and pointed it at her face, as the sound of her gasping breath filled his ears. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, but, when she opened them again, he discovered that fear was still written across her face.
“Are you ok?” He asked, gasping for breath as well.
“My knee…” She groaned, tensing her jaw. Moving his flashlight’s beam over her body, James discovered what she was talking about. Her pants were torn at the right knee. Blood was oozing out of a deep gash across her kneecap. The thought of offering his hand to help her up crossed his mind. However, he quickly rejected it. A walk back to his cabin would take way too long and might be impossible. The wolves were still close; it was only a matter of time before they returned. So, he kept his mouth shut and moved around her. He bent down, reached towards her and put his hands under her armpits. James flexed his arm muscles. Slowly and steadily, he began to lift her. Another painful moan left the woman’s lips, as snowflakes fell off her long, brown hair and her coat.
“Sorry…” He said in a near whisper. “There’s no other way. Keep your voice down.”
2
James eased the brunette down on his couch and brought the small table closer. He put her mangled leg up on it and went to the kitchen. With a first aid kit in his hands, he returned and sat on his knees beside her, staring at her gaping wound.
“Let me guess.” He started. “Hiking?”
“Yeah; hiking.” She spoke, her voice hardly audible, as he cleaned up her wound with gauze. “Thanks for the rescue. I’m Olivia, by the way. Olivia Ralston.”
“James Farrell.” He murmured, tossing the dirty gauze on the hardwood floor. “Don’t thank me. It’s your coat that saved you. If it was black or brown, I wouldn’t have been able to see it.”
“Bright outdoor clothing is essential in hiking.” Olivia affirmed. “It helps your buddies keep an eye on you. I came here alone, though.”
“Bad idea.” James commented, applying gentle pressure on her knee with a cloth wad. “How did this happen? Does it hurt anywhere else?”
“I was just outside the forest. I stumbled over a tree root, banged my knee on a rock.” I thought I was going to land on the snow, but…”
“The rock was covered in snow.” He finished her sentence, as he wrapped her wound in a clean bandage. “It’s quite common. Anyway…” He sighed, rolling his gaze up to meet hers. “You need to take your pants off. I’m going to get you a blanket.”
“What?” All of a sudden, her voice became a high-pitched squeal.
“It’s soaking wet.” James put a little force in his voice. “Your blood could freeze. Don’t you know that?”
“Right.” She nodded. “Sorry, I thought…”
“I’ll be right back.” He interrupted, arising to his imposing, 6’3” stature.
“People…” He thought to himself. “She knows the danger and yet, she thinks I want to see her legs. If I wanted to force you into anything, I wouldn’t have asked. Trust me.”
“Burroughs range trail from the east?” He inquired, throwing her a grey blanket.
“No.” She snorted, covering her legs with the blanket. “I’m an experienced hiker. I’m not crazy. Burroughs range trail from the west. It’s a lot easier.”
“I’ll never understand you hikers.” James shook his head. “A mountain is a dangerous place to be.”
“It’s a hobby. Just like your guitar over there.” Olivia stated, casting a rapt glance at the instrument to her left. “Just like the piano, down the hall.”
“Pianos and guitars can’t kill you.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm. “The mountain can.”
“Normally, I’d argue with you.” A hesitant smile spread across her face. “But I won’t. You just saved my life. Anyway, I should probably call some…”
At that moment, a massive crack of thunder tore through the night, grabbing their attention. Moments later, the sound of rain, lashing against his window, wiped the smile off of her face.
“I wouldn’t drive around up here in this weather.” James spoke in a firm tone. “Where do you live anyway?”
“Manhattan.” A deep, heavy sigh escaped her.
“That’s almost a hundred miles away.” He said. “And you’re in no condition to drive.”
“I can’t stay here!” Olivia exclaimed.
“You can if you want to.” James remained calm.
“What about your wife?” She wondered, amusing him.
“My what?” He laughed.
“Your girlfriend, maybe?” Olivia squinted at him.
“I’m all alone.” James declared. “It’s just you and me.”
“You’re on a vacation all by yourself?” Olivia’s high-pitched voice reappeared, but, this time, it was even louder.
“Who said I was on a vacation?” He shrugged.
“I’m sorry.” She murmured, running her hand through her hair. “Thanks again. You just don’t look like a mountain man. This place doesn’t look like it belongs to a mountain man, either. It’s clean. It smells good.”
“I’m an old-fashioned man, Olivia.” James lowered his tone. “I never wanted to grow a beard, and tattoos were never really my thing.”
“What do you do?” Curiosity lingered in her tone. “I mean, obviously you’re not a lumberjack or a builder.”
Her question put him in a difficult position, but, more importantly, it irritated him. James had done what he had to do. He was not going to answer a complete stranger’s questions, just because she happened
to be in his cabin.
“You should get some rest.” He growled, dropping his gaze from her. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal.”
“That’s true.” Olivia said quietly, with a nod. Then she almost whispered, “I crossed the line there.”
“Don’t say you’re sorry again.” James urged, grabbing his guitar. Playing some music had always been the best remedy for jangling nerves, and this case definitely fit that situation. Nevertheless, as his fingertips made contact with the strings, something made him uneasy. he realized the problem; the young brunette who was staring at him.
“She’s beautiful.” For some reason, Olivia’s voice sent shivers down his spine. “A Taylor, 714: she’s just gorgeous.”
“You play?” He asked, turning his attention to her.
“Not yet.” She shook her head sideways. “I’ve been thinking about it lately. I’ve done a lot of research. The cheapest Taylor model costs about $800: definitely not a starter’s guitar. I play the piano.”
“You do?” James opened his eyes wide in disbelief.
“Yeah.” She chirped. “I’ve been playing since I was eight years old. Could you help me up, please? I’d love to get my hands on that piano of yours.”
Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection Page 78