by Cindy Stark
“Ready to go?” he asked with an eager smile. Apparently, he ate as fast as she packed.
She nodded.
He and Lydia walked toward her, and he surprised her when he took the suitcase from her hand. Scarlett didn’t give her time to question him before Lydia wrapped loving arms around her. “I’m going to miss having you here every morning.”
Scarlett snorted as they separated, trying to keep her emotions at bay. “You mean my coffee.”
“No, silly. I mean you. I’ve missed my sister, and you’ve filled that hole.”
She blinked rapidly, not wanting to blubber again in front of everyone. She’d never had siblings, so this was a new and lovely experience for her. “Just because we don’t live together doesn’t mean we can’t be sisters.”
“Damn straight.” Lydia gave a firm nod as they walked to the front door where Jesse waited. “From here on out, we’ll be neighborly sisters.”
“Jeez, you two,” Jesse interrupted. “You’re literally a couple of minutes apart. You act like you’ll be across the world.”
He was right, of course. But Scarlett hadn’t had a close female friendship for many years, and she found she treasured this one.
“I’ll come see you tomorrow,” Lydia said as they walked to the front door. “See how you’re settling in.”
“Thanks.” Scarlett gave her another quick hug before she stepped past the door Jesse held open and into the cool September night.
Rich scents of earth and fallen leaves ushered in the end of the day, and she breathed deeper. She would always associate this scent with freedom.
Jesse tossed her suitcase in the bed of his mud-flecked blue pickup and then opened the door for her. She climbed in, and he closed it. A few seconds later, he was behind the wheel and pulling out of Lydia’s drive.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asked after a long stretch of silence.
Small shivers of excitement and nerves pricked beneath her skin, and she worked to ignore them. “Yes.”
He gave her a quick glance. “I didn’t coerce you into it, did I? I can get carried away sometimes, but I really think it will work out well for both of us.”
She smiled then. He was as nervous and uncertain, but hopeful, as she was. “You didn’t force me. I want to be here.” She shook her head as though to erase her last word. “There, I mean. At your house. With you.” She tucked her lips inward before she said anything else stupid.
“Great. Me, too.”
When they reached his house, he shifted the truck into park and turned off the engine, but he didn’t immediately open his door. Darkness filled the cab and her hand hovered on the handle. An awkward stretch of silence filled the space.
Did she get out before him? She didn’t feel she could enter his house until he did. But what was he waiting for?
She cast a quick glance in his direction and then opened her door. She slid to the ground and closed it behind her. The bed of his truck was high enough that she couldn’t easily reach her suitcase. She waited several seconds, debating whether she should climb up to get it, and then he finally exited the truck.
“Is there something wrong?” She didn’t want trouble right from the get-go.
“No, nothing wrong.” He lifted her bag from the truck with ease and headed toward the house. She tagged along beside him. “I was just trying to get my words in order.”
His words?
When they reached the top of the porch, he paused before going inside. Dark, unreadable eyes focused on her, and her nerves twisted tighter. “This will be an interesting situation for us both, Scarlett. At least it will be for me. A man and a woman, practically strangers, living in close quarters.”
She’d considered that before agreeing to move. If she’d had another viable option, she probably would have declined. “I know. We’ve both had trouble with relationships in our pasts.”
“Exactly.” He exhaled. “I’ve been trying to formulate the words in my head so they come out right, but it’s not working, so I’ll just say it. I’d like to start this relationship…no, that doesn’t sound right. This partnership?” He shook his head, obviously not liking that option any better. “Whatever this is between us.”
He snorted. “Apparently, I’m no better at talking to girls than I was in high school.”
His uncertainty charmed her, warming her cheeks. She hoped the porch light didn’t put off enough light for him to notice.
“What I’m trying to say is I’d like for us to be able to trust each other. I think that’s important for people who live together, even if it’s a working relationship like ours. I think we’d both enjoy a certain amount of respect.” He paused for a moment. “Ah, hell. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’d like us to be friends. Comfortable around each other. Able to trust each other and not be afraid to ask for help.”
She tilted her head as she stared at him. “Like an equal partnership?”
“Yes. We both need this to work, and I’d like to think you’re working toward that as much as I am. I want you to trust that I can provide you a safe place to stay, and I’d like you to feel more like a family member while you’re here than just my hired help. Does that make sense?”
Her heart cracked open a little. Except for Lydia, she hadn’t had anyone give her any consideration for a very long time. “Yes, that makes perfect sense. I’d like that very much as well, Jesse. Thank you.”
The words that he’d tripped over were exactly what she needed to hear.
He gestured toward her with a tip of his head. “You’re welcome.” He turned the knob and opened the door. “Here’s your new home. I hope you’ll like it.”
Chapter Nine
Like it? Scarlett loved Jesse’s home. He’d given her the choice of the three remaining bedrooms on the second floor. She’d picked the one with bleached pine furniture and a minky, forest green cover on the bed. A small wooden table and chair left the space in front of the window cozy and charming.
She peeked out the window into the darkened night before she got into bed. If the view of the valley and the hills behind his house was anything like she expected, it would take her breath away. Her room was directly adjacent from Jesse’s, but regardless of which she picked, she wouldn’t be sleeping far from him, so it didn’t matter.
Even with him close, she crashed moments after her head had hit the pillow.
When she woke the next morning, she found that daylight was well underway. She hadn’t slept in for a very long time, and the fact that she did on the first day on the job turned her stomach.
She noted Jesse’s bedroom was deserted, so she quickly dressed and headed to the kitchen, only to find a cold, empty coffeepot and no breakfast dishes in the sink. She’d failed to get up in time to get the man breakfast, and he obviously hadn’t eaten anything on his own.
Out the large kitchen window, she spotted him crossing the yard toward the big brown barn, and she hurried out the door without taking time to put on shoes. The moment she stepped on the stiff grass, cool morning dew assaulted her toes. She wrapped her arms about her to ward off the cold temperatures and walked faster.
She’d put on socks and warm up later. Right now, she needed to apologize.
With a tug on the heavy barn door, she opened it, and it creaked in protest. The building was bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside, filled with stables, stacks of hay, and other various horse stuff. Her boss wasn’t readily visible, which further added to her stress. “Jesse?” she called softly into the dim interior.
He poked his head out from one of the stalls. “Over here.”
Dread coated her as she carefully walked across the rough cement floor until she reached him. She shifted her gaze upward to meet his. He towered over her even more when she wasn’t wearing shoes, and the sight of him churned apprehension. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t be angry. I don’t have an alarm clock, and I’m usually up before the sun without one. It won’t happen again.”
&
nbsp; An easy smile slid across his lips as he gave her a once-over. “Aren’t you cold?”
She blinked, trying to process. “I’m sorry. What?”
He nodded toward her bare feet. “Cold. Aren’t you cold? Where are your shoes and a jacket? Morning here can get downright brisk this time of year.”
She shook her head, still not understanding. Was he trying to say she’d failed at getting dressed, too? “I’m talking about your breakfast…not my feet.”
He shrugged. “Say what you came to say then.”
“I’m starting breakfast right now. I can have everything ready in ten minutes.” She held her breath and waited for his reaction.
“Sounds good,” he said with a sure nod. “I’ll be in soon.” With that, he turned back and lifted hay with a pitchfork.
She exhaled and swallowed.
He hadn’t yelled. Hadn’t even been mad. Maybe a little disappointed, or maybe she’d just expected him to be. She knew not everyone was a jerk like Hank, but, well, this was nice.
She used a spurt of gratitude to propel her back to the house. By the time she returned inside, her bright red toes cried out at their mistreatment.
Still, they’d have to wait.
Using her ninja cooking skills, she had everything ready and on the table by the time he entered the house through the kitchen door.
He removed his heavy denim coat and brown Stetson and hung them near the door. “Smells good.”
She pasted on a smile and indicated the table. “Everything is ready.” If she hadn’t been in his kitchen cleaning and organizing the day before, she would have failed a second time. Or was that a third? Would he count her bare feet against her?
His groan of appreciation eased her spirit. Food always had a way of calming a beast. He piled a mound of scrambled eggs onto his plate along with a fistful of bacon. Luckily, she’d made plenty.
She hurried to the cupboard to grab a mug. “Let me get you some coffee.”
“Oh, God. Please do. I’ve been looking forward to it all morning.”
Shame at her failure warmed her cheeks, and she quickly presented the offering to him.
“Thanks.”
She returned to the stove where she poured bacon grease into a metal can to dispose of later. She ran water into the egg pan and then grabbed a rag to wipe the counter.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked from across the kitchen.
“I can eat when you’re finished. I want to make sure you have everything you need first. Did you want some jam for your toast?”
He frowned. “What I want is for you to join me at breakfast.” He lifted his hands in a questioning gesture. “Did you forget what we talked about last night about being friends and you not acting like hired help?”
She stood rooted to the spot. She’d displeased him again. “I’m sorry. I’m doing my best to anticipate what you need, and the whole oversleeping thing messed with me… I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”
His frown increased and dread slithered through her. She didn’t believe he’d hit her like Hank, but she knew she was blowing it, and she didn’t seem to know how to stop. At least with Hank, she knew what he expected. Sometimes, she’d do the opposite just to push his buttons, even though she’d pay a price.
But this man was an enigma. She’d have to learn his preferences quickly.
He stood and slid out the chair next to him. She moved forward, unable to meet his gaze. Once he returned to his seat, he slid another heap of eggs onto her plate along with a handful of bacon.
“Thank you,” she mumbled. When he stood a second later, she startled. “What do you need? I can get it.”
He snorted, looking bewildered. “You forgot your coffee.”
Uncertainty washed over her as he poured a steaming cup and returned to the table. With a smile, he set it in front of her. He resumed his seat and lifted a piece of bacon to his mouth. He watched her until she did the same, and then he gave a nod of satisfaction.
“I’m sorry—”
“If you say that one more time…”
She dropped her gaze.
“Dammit, Scarlett, what’s the problem?”
She gathered her courage and looked him in the eye. She’d promised herself she’d never cower again, and it was past time she honored that promise. “You hired me to do a job, and I screwed up on the first day.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “First of all, we agreed we’d act like family. Do you think I’d be angry with my sister if she didn’t make breakfast on time?”
“It’s different.” She wasn’t his sister, and he did have expectations of her.
“Apparently, I didn’t get my words across as well as I’d hoped last night. Remember the part about friends? About trust? If I had a problem with you, you’d know because I’d tell you. I knew breakfast would be late. When I tapped on your door this morning, you were out cold. Exhausted from life, I imagine, and probably needed extra sleep. So, I let you. Just like a friend would.”
She stared at him as more of her defenses crumbled. Emotions beneath the surface threatened to break away, but she gripped them as tight as she could and held on.
“Another thing, friends living in the same house would also eat most meals together, wouldn’t you say? I’d be lying if I said it didn’t get lonely around here sometimes, and, as friends, I’d hoped sharing some time together might help both of us.”
“I’m sorr—”
“Nope,” he said cutting her off.
She exhaled, and the rest of the word died on her tongue. She stared into the rich, dark liquid in her mug as she gathered her thoughts and realigned them with his thinking. Then, she met his gaze. “Thanks for grabbing my coffee so I didn’t have to get up again.”
A brilliant smile turned his lips and twisted deep into her heart. “You are welcome.”
Her own smile was a pleasant relief to her as well. She lifted her fork and scooped up some eggs. Most of her earlier angst had disappeared like a tiny bug on the breeze, and she could breathe again.
“Thanks for letting me sleep, too.” Though the thought of him watching her while she slumbered unnerved her as well.
He lifted his coffee cup in a salute to her. “Thank you for breakfast. It’s incredible. I hope Merle is drinking his regret with a ton of cream and sugar this morning.”
She laughed. “Lydia’s coffee can’t be that bad.”
“I can tell you it ain’t this good, either.”
This tall, muscled man who should terrify her by the looks of him had snuck into her heart with hardly any trouble at all. She vowed then and there to do what she could to make his life easier, too.
Perhaps a good friend was what they both needed more than anything right now.
Chapter Ten
For the next two weeks, Scarlett didn’t leave the house again during daylight hours except to help Lydia pack in groceries that she’d purchased for them. Scarlett needed to stay out of sight, and Lydia didn’t mind doing their shopping along with her own.
Instead, Scarlett spent her time whipping the main areas of Jesse’s house into shape, and he genuinely seemed to appreciate her efforts. He always complimented her cooking, not only with his words, but in how he ate every bite and smiled afterward like a contented man.
Unfortunately, the entire amount of time it took to complete her tasks didn’t come close to filling her day. It was a rare occasion if Jesse stopped by the house while the sun was still up. To chase away boredom, she read the few books he owned and watched nearly every movie in his library. She journaled her thoughts and feelings, working through some of the crap lodged deep in her heart like a festering sliver.
Today, however, she hovered at the doorway to Jesse’s office, peering into the darkened room. Ominous clouds hovered over the house, enhancing her restlessness. She wished she could wish for a spectacular thunderstorm to make her day more exciting, but poor Jesse would be stuck out in it, and she couldn’t be that selfish.
Sti
ll, she couldn’t stand the thought of sitting around all damn day. Her body ached to move, and she needed to give her hands something to do. She’d already started the pot of chili for dinner, and Jesse wouldn’t be home until long after it was done.
She stared at the cluttered man-space, wondering if she dared to enter. Going into his bedroom to change his sheets was one thing, an expected thing, but entering his private sanctuary where he kept most personal things seemed to cross a line even if he hadn’t warned her against it.
She wouldn’t want anyone going through her stuff. Maybe that was her issue. Maybe, it wasn’t his.
He had asked her to keep the house tidy, and this room with its big, walnut desk littered with papers needed serious help. The comfortable-looking leather chair behind the desk invited her in. Clean us, it begged. Straighten up and organize so we can breathe. The room whispered to her until she could no longer resist.
Maybe she’d just dust a little. Couldn’t hurt.
She entered the room, inhaling the scents of leather and old books. The collection of science fiction and thriller titles made her smile. More books for her to devour.
She couldn’t picture the big guy curled up with a book. Then again, she’d only known him for a couple of weeks. He probably liked a great many things that she didn’t know about. Unless the topic was something that popped up in the course of daily living, they were both clueless about each other.
Except chocolate cake. She knew he loved that. And her coffee. The thought warmed her. She was happy to provide both if it made his life better.
Scarlett moved to his desk and plopped into the oversized chair, feeling like Goldilocks. “This one is too big,” she said quietly as she scanned the piles of papers.
Bills. Invoices. She widened her eyes. Overdue invoices. A pile of junk mail that bled into other, more important documents. Buried beneath those was a worn notebook with a bunch of invoices tucked into it, one of them matching the overdue bill she’d just discovered. Ominous thunder rumbled in the distance, as though to chime in on the sad state of his affairs.