by West, Cary
“He said that?” Clara was in a total state of shock.
“I think Jack’s in love with Kate,” said Adam. “Doesn’t he deserve some happiness like us?”
“Well of course he does. I don’t hate Jack.”
“I know you don’t. And I know you’re only being protective of Kate, but you need to let them figure out what’s between them and not get involved.”
“God, I hate it when you’re right,” she pouted. “And you better be right.”
“I am,” he smiled at her. “You want to have dessert before dinner?” He reached out and pulled her to him.
“I thought you said I was cut off for a month,” said Clara pouting.
“It was an idle threat,” he grinned. “You know I can’t stay away from you long.”
“At least you’re right about that,” said Clara. “Follow me.” She took his hand and led him down the hall and disappeared into their bedroom.
Seventeen
And That’s That
Kate climbed into her car and checked her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were a little red, but it wasn’t anything she couldn’t cover up with a little makeup. She would make a quick stop at the carriage house before heading for Jack’s. She traveled along the side roads of Virginia City before pulling out on to the main street. The town quickly disappeared from view and she could see up ahead the turnoff for the ranch. Kate slowed down and pulled onto the dirt drive. As she passed the main house, she saw Jack’s truck parked outside. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing he was home. She was feeling better now since Adam cleared up the whole mess about Jack.
Kate traveled further down the dusty road, passing the bunkhouses before the carriage house came into view along with a moving van parked out front. Kate slammed on her brakes and for the second time in her life her world came crashing to halt by what she saw. Two men were carrying her couch out the front door and into the truck. Kate felt a stabbing pain in her chest as the reality sunk in. “Oh God, no,” she gasped as the de je vu feeling repeated in her gut.
Jack was actually packing her up without so much as a goodbye. Why he didn’t even have the decency to allow her to pack herself. Did he think too she would just go away quietly and not make a scene?
Kate blinked as a flash from her previous marriage floated across her mind like a motion picture playing from beginning to end. That was exactly what she’ done, gone away quietly, like a dog with its tail between its legs. Well not this time, Kate told herself. Anger began to build until it spilled out of her pores. This time she would confront it head on.
She released the brake and slammed on the gas pedal driving straight toward the carriage house and the truck parked outside. Kate skidded to halt behind the truck, blocking the path of the movers with her car.
“What are you doing with my stuff?” She stormed from her car. She saw Mark emerge from the truck. “I want you to stop what you’re doing and put it all back in the house!” she demanded.
“I can’t do that, Kate,” Mark gave her a confused look. “Jack gave orders to place your furniture in storage. I thought he discussed it with you.”
“Apparently Mr. McBride has a mind of his own,” she snapped. “He omitted to inform me of his plans this morning. Now I want you to put everything back. Is that clear?”
“You’ll have to take it up with Jack.” He twitched.
“I have every intention of taking it up with Jack,” she snarled. “Where is that arrogant son of a bitch?”
“I believe he is down by the southern corral. We had some trouble again today with some wild horses trying to break the fence.”
Kate spun on her heels and stormed off leaving a trail of dust behind her.
“What was that all about?” Dustin asked stepping from the house.
“I have no idea,” stated Mark as he scratched his chin. “But when it comes to Jack McBride, anything is possible.” He shrugged and they both returned back inside the carriage house to continue packing.
Kate stomped her way across the ranch and toward the southern corral. She was so mad that the cloud of dust at her feet mixed with the steam boiling from her ears. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Several of the men saw the enraged woman approaching and they scattered like the wind. They had seen that look before, and they wanted no part of what was about to transpire between their employer and another jolted female.
Kate marched right up to Jack. He turned just in time as she slammed her fists into his chest and pushed him back.
“When were you going to tell me?” she yelled. “You have no right to move me out of the carriage house!”
“I have every right when it comes to you, Barbie doll,” he half grinned seeing how mad she was. He liked her temper, and he couldn’t help fueling it a bit. He knew she would settle down eventually and come to her senses.
“Why you arrogant son of a bitch,” she fumed. She curled up her fist and slugged him right across the jaw. Jack never saw it coming, her knuckles connecting with his boned flesh. He saw stars and was thrown back. His feet got tangled, and he fell hard, landing on his backside. “We have a contract,” Kate pointed her finger at him and growled. “You try to break it and I’ll sue your ass!”
Jack rubbed his jaw and moved his teeth from side to side. She had a mean right hook, and though he had no idea why she just hit him, he couldn’t help but be impressed. “What the hell are you spouting about woman?” He shook his head to clear out the nonsense. “I thought you’d be happy about it.”
“Happy? Happy?” She kicked him in the leg. “You aren’t getting rid of me because of a one night stand. If you think you’re going to pack me up and send me off quietly you got another thing coming. I’m not leaving.” She kicked him again.
“Stop kicking me,” he shouted and jumped to his feet.
Kate went to swing at him again. This time Jack acted swiftly. He caught her hand in mid-motion. “Let go!”
“Not until I’ve talked some sense into that fool head of yours,” his anger flared.
“There’s nothing left to talk about. Now let go!”
“No!” he shouted louder.
Kate lifted her leg and came crashing down hard on his foot with her heel. Jack yelled, shouting obscenities, as he released her and hopped around on one foot.
Kate smiled with great satisfaction, seeing that she didn’t need to speak to get the last word in. She flipped on her heels and headed back to the house, leaving Jack alone to care for his injured foot.
But Jack was not through. He was now more confused than ever. What was she talking about him packing her up to leave? Hell, he was packing her up to stay. Suddenly the light went on his head.
Jack ran after her. His foot was aching, and so was his jaw but in spite of his injuries, he picked up speed and high tailed it after her. He caught up with her and grabbed her by her arm, swinging her around to face him. “Kate, it’s not what you think.”
“Save it, Jack. Fine, you want me out of here? Then I’m gone.” She took a step, but he stepped right into her path and wouldn’t let her pass.
“Dammit Kate, you aren’t going anywhere!” Jack shouted as his temper flared. He seized her around the waist and pulled her to him.
“Stop it Jack!” She hit him again, striking him in the chest and aimed for his jaw again.
He grabbed her wrist just in time. He held it tight, as she tried to pull back, but he wouldn’t let her go. Kate let out a screech. She raised her knee and tried to hit him where it would hurt the most, but Jack blocked her with his knee.
“I have had enough!” he shouted and with one fell swoop, he swiped her legs with his own and knocked her off her feet. Kate crashed down hard on the ground taking Jack with her. He straddled her and pinned her beneath him.
“Get off of me!” Kate yelled and struggled to get free.
But Jack held her firmly in one place. He watched her nostrils flare and her breasts rise up and down with rage. He thought she looked mighty fetching in this po
sition, and he was half tempted to take advantage of her disadvantage, but he quickly came to his senses.
“You’ve got it all wrong, baby,” he said with a half grin. “I’m not trying to get rid of you. I just want you closer, that’s all.”
“Don’t try to sweet talk me,” she said not falling for another one of his lines. “I know how you operate.”
“How do I operate?” he asked with amusement.
“I’ve heard all about your one night stands,” she sputtered. “And I’m not about to be one of you casualties.”
“Who told you that?”
“It doesn’t matter. The fact is I know all about you.”
“So you think I want you to leave?” He toyed with her a little further.
“I know you want me to leave.” Her nostrils flared.
Jack sat up, tilted his head back and started to laugh. His laughter spurred her anger further. She lifted her leg and kicked him in the back of his head. Jack shifted and slid his hips down over hers, pinning her legs with his own.
“Baby, that is the furthest thing from my mind,” he said huskily. “I told you before, you’re mine. I’m not about to let you go.”
Kate stared at him with confusion. “Then why is there a moving truck at my house loading my stuff?” She wanted answers.
“It’s just your furniture they’re loading,” he continued in a wildly arrogant seductive tone. “It’s going into storage, but your clothes and all your female gadgets have been moved to my bedroom.”
Kate blinked several times not quite sure she heard him right. “Why would they do that?” Kate needed to understand.
“Because I told them to,” he grinned.
“Why would you tell them to?”
Jack leaned closer to her and kissed her neck and gently bit the lobe of her ear. “Because you’re mine, Kate,” he whispered in her ear. “And I don’t like to share what’s mine.”
Her eyes grew wide as saucers. She didn’t know which was worse— him packing her up to leave, or him packing her up to stay. Either way he’d taken away her right to choose.
“I’m not moving in with you.” She shook her head from side to side.
“You already have,” he chuckled. “The deed is done.”
“Well, undo the deed,” she snorted.
“I don’t think you’re in a position to object.” He grinned at her as he tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth.
“Stop doing that,” she jerked her head away. She needed for him to be serious for a change. “We barely know each other.”
“I know you enough to know that I want you in my bed.” He moved his kisses to the top of her breasts.
“But that’s not enough.” She needed him to think clearly. “What if we grow tired of each other?”
“I’ll never grow tired of you, Kate.” He looked at her with a seriousness that startled her.
“Jack, please let me up,” she begged. “We need to talk about this seriously, and besides my back is killing me!”
“Fine, I’ll let you up, but no running from me. Or I swear I will carry you to our bed and spank your pink bottom ‘til it’s red.” The vision flickered in his head and he almost hoped she would run.
“I promise, I won’t.”
Jack released her hands and climbed off of her. He reached out and helped her to her feet. Now that she was standing she took a deep breath and exhaled. She didn’t know how to get through to him. He was a man who always got what he wanted, and he wanted her.
“Jack, you can’t just move me in without asking.”
“Why not?”
Kate laughed at the absurdity of his question. “Because it doesn’t work like that.”
“So how does it work, baby?”
He was like a child, never having done this before. Kate ran her fingers through her hair. “We date for a few months and find out if we even like each other,” she explained. “Then after a year, you ask me.”
“That’s too long.” Jack shook his head. “Besides, I already know I like you.”
“But you don’t love me, Jack,” she sighed.
“I love having sex with you.” He teased her as he folded his fingers over her hand.
“Oh dear God, I am talking to a caveman,” she rolled her eyes. “Have you ever lived with a woman before?”
“No, never really cared for a woman’s company,” he answered truthfully. “That is before meeting you.” His comment was sweet, and it did her heart good to hear it.
“Well, I’ve lived with a man before, and it’s hard work. I’m not sure I’m ready to do that again.”
“That’s because you lived with the wrong man.”
There was some truth in his statement that Kate could not disagree. “You want to play house, Jack,” she sighed. “But I don’t think I can.”
“Are you saying no?” He looked hurt.
“Yes. I’m saying no,” she stated sadly. “Ask me again in six months and I might change my mind.”
She released his hand and began to walk back to the house. Jack watched her leave and his temper flared. He was not going to let her walk away. He wanted her, and she was going to move in with him whether she liked it or not. He ran after her and jumped in front of her path.
“Dammit Kate, I am not going to wait six months,” he shouted. “You’re moving in and that’s that.”
“No, Jack, I’m not,” she was adamant, which only made him madder.
“You’re mine, Kate,” he shouted. “I’ll decide when it’s time, and it’s time. You belong to me, only to me. You got that, baby?”
“Why you bastard!” Kate stepped back and stared at him in disbelief. “You don’t want me. You want to possess me.”
“So what’s wrong with that?” He took hold of her. “You like our little game.”
“Because it’s not a game,” she cried and pulled away. “Not to me it isn’t. Tell me Jack, what happens when you grow tired of the game? I’ll tell you what happens. You move on to your next conquest, and I’m left to pick up the pieces. I won’t do it again. I’m not strong enough.”
“That’s bullshit,” he raged.
“I’ll make it easy for you,” she said as a sob caught in her throat. “I’m leaving, Jack. I’m moving out. Have Mark forward my things to Clara’s.”
Before Jack could respond, Kate ran away heading for the carriage house. Jack just stood there repeating her words over and over again in his mind. I’m leaving Jack…the words struck him like someone had run a knife through his heart. He knew he should let her go. She didn’t deserve to be hurt again, but something inside him could not let that happen. He couldn’t let her go, just as he couldn’t stop breathing. “Shit!” he hollered and ran after her.
Kate ran as fast as she could. She needed to be anywhere but on the ranch. She didn’t care that she was making a spectacle of herself passing by one of the ranch hands, blubbering like a stupid idiot.
She heard Jack calling her name, shouting it as it echoed in her ears. All she could think about was getting to her car so she could drive far away from this place and him. She didn’t want him to catch up to her for she was too emotional for another confrontation. She made it to her car and quickly climbed in. But it was too late. Jack caught up and clung to the door.
“Kate, you’re not going to Clara’s,” he said in between gasps trying to catch his breath.
“You can’t stop me.” She slammed the door closed almost taking his fingers with it. She fumbled for her keys lying on the driver’s floor. She took the key and put it into the ignition.
“Dammit Kate,” he said with frustration as he leaned in through the open window and grabbed the keys from the ignition. “You’re not going,” he said temper flaring. “Now get out of the car.”
“Give me back my keys,” said Kate through angry tears.
“No,” he said as he tucked the keys into the pocket of his jeans. He opened the car door and waited for her to get out. Kate burst into tears and slammed her hands
on the wheel. It was all too much for her to handle, first her crazy conversation with Clara, and now Jack flipping her inside and out. She shook her head and wept.
Jack waited patiently for her to finish her meltdown. After several minutes, her outburst subsided. Kate laid her head back against the headrest and just stared out the front window. She breathed in, then released a deep sigh exhaling the remaining chaos from her body.
She shifted in her seat, placing her foot on the ground and climbed from the car. She didn’t look at Jack, she couldn’t with defeat washed all over her face. She walked around the car and started to head for the foothills. She needed time to think, time alone to pull herself together.
“Where are you going now?” Jack called to her.
She ignored him. He knew where she was going, and he wanted to go with her, but at the moment he thought it would not be the best move on his part. He knew it was not safe for her to wander the foothills alone unprotected, but he could tell she was in no mood for company, especially his company. He would wait for her right here and give her time to calm down. Jack watched as Kate disappeared along the ridge of the foothills.
She made her way along the ridge and into the canyon as buckets of tears poured down her face. She had made the most grievous error in her life becoming connected with Jack McBride. She thought her life couldn’t get any worse after her marriage crumbled, but she was wrong, so dead wrong that she feared she would never recover. She had packed what little she had left of her broken life in Santa Cruz and moved to Nevada. Now everything she owned was gone, carted away in some truck and placed in storage she didn’t know where. He had the last of her treasures and was holding it hostage, ransoming it at the price of her body and soul. Jack was playing a dangerous game whether he knew or not, but it wasn’t a game to Kate. Her heart was on the line. How could she not feel something toward a man she slept with night after night, kissing her, holding her, making love to her? Her investment would bring nothing but despair in the end when he grew tired and bored of the game.