by Cindy Stark
Chapter Fifteen
Scarlett stared out the kitchen window watching the last bits of daylight slip into evening. Cool air spilled through the open kitchen window. She could hear the heater working to warm the house, but she couldn’t bring herself to close off the outside world so soon.
The day had been a mixture of wonderful moments clouded by her past. If their ride hadn’t dissolved into questions about divorce, she would have called it the perfect day. She enjoyed Jesse’s company more than she should, and learning about his world and his job, no, make that his passion, had been incredible.
The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to stay in Moose Meadows. Obviously, she couldn’t stay with Jesse forever, but if she could finish school and set up a little accounting business in town, she could be set for life. She would charge the ranchers less than the going rate if they’d agree to pay her under the table. That would keep her off the government’s books and hidden from Hank. People in a small town might just go for something like that if she could win them over. Lydia would certainly put in a good word for her, and hopefully, Jesse, too.
Once he got over being mad at her.
Why was he so ornery in the first place?
He wasn’t the one carrying around Hank’s name. It should make no difference to him.
But it did, and the reason why wouldn’t quit eating at her. The looks he’d given her, the innocuous but suggestive things he said, and the kiss…oh, the kiss. She wished she could forget it, but the sparks generated had been far more than a peck on the cheek. Far more than two people who needed a friend should experience.
He wanted her.
And damn, she wanted him, too.
This was not good. Not good at all. She couldn’t chance a relationship with a man who’d provided her with a safe haven. If things went south…well, she’d be the one on the street. And since she’d been working for food and rent, she was in no better position financially to make it on her own than the day she’d left Hank. Especially if she wanted to stay off the grid.
She’d have to suck it up and buckle down, and by everything that was holy, keep her frustrated feelings to herself.
The sound of an approaching engine brought her to her feet, and she caught a glimpse of the front of Jesse’s truck. She closed the window and locked it before he caught her daydreaming.
She hurried to the cupboards to pull down plates and glasses, followed by silverware from the drawer. The front door opened just as she lifted the carton of milk from the fridge.
“I’m in the kitchen,” she called out.
She turned as his footsteps drew near and paused when she caught sight of the mid-size box he carried with both hands. On top, sat a brown paper sack with grease soaking through that could only be their dinner. She pulled the food from the top and then stared at the box. “What on earth is that?”
“The package Lydia asked me to pick up. It’s for you.” The excited flicker in his eye caught her off guard and left her anxious.
“For me?” She set the bag of food on the table. “What could Lydia have possibly gotten for me?” She couldn’t begin to imagine.
Just then, a tiny meow escaped the box, and she widened her eyes. “She got me a cat?” She hadn’t mentioned Tiger Lily once since arriving in Moose Meadows. The memory of her only love was still too painful to bear. Had Marie thought to replace her with a new cat?
He pushed the box into her hands. “Open it already.”
With her heart tight and excitement bubbling from inside, she set the box on the floor and dropped down next to it. She lifted the cardboard top and gasped.
“Oh, God,” she whispered as tears flooded her cheeks. Tiger Lily jumped from the box and onto her lap. She meowed several times as though admonishing Scarlett for leaving her and then settled into a purring lump.
“Oh, my baby. My sweet baby.” She scooped her close and buried her face into her kitty’s soft fur. With her eyes closed, she breathed deeply. A sob snuck out with her exhale, and then Jesse was there, on the floor next to her, wrapping an arm about her shoulders.
A soft chuckle slipped from his lips. “Are you going to be alright?”
“Where? How?” was all she managed to get out.
“Lydia’s sister found her a couple of weeks ago, I guess. Your cat was half-starved and not doing so good. That’s why they didn’t say anything to you. If she didn’t make it, learning her fate would have only hurt you more.”
She sniffed but nodded. She would want to know anyway, but she appreciated their concern for her. She met Jesse’s gaze, and the tender look hovering there nearly undid her again. “She’s okay, though?”
He smiled. “Clean bill of health. Once they knew she’d be okay, Lydia’s sister still didn’t want her to tell you because she couldn’t make the trip up here right away, and she knew you’d do whatever you could to get your kitty. Even if it meant Hank might see you.”
She nodded again. Marie was right on that account.
“It’s easier to wait when you don’t actually know you’re waiting. Lydia told me a couple of days ago that her sister would likely visit this week. She wanted to see you while she was up here, but your ex disappeared again, and she didn’t want to chance anything if he’d somehow followed her.”
She blinked her wet lashes as fear invaded her happiness. “Hank’s missing again?”
Jesse hugged her against him. “Don’t worry, honey. He’s not going to find you here.”
His use of that endearment chilled her blood, and she stiffened.
“What?” He searched her face, obviously noticing her reaction. “What did I say?”
“Honey,” she whispered. “Don’t call me that.”
His demeanor cooled, and he dropped his arm from her shoulders. She caught his hand and shook her head. “He always called me honey, right before he…”
Jesse widened his eyes in understanding. “Oh, God. I’m sorry. I won’t say it again.”
She dropped her chin to her kitty’s head and held Tiger Lily closer. “Why can’t he just disappear off the face of the earth? Fall into a deep hole, never to be seen again?”
“I don’t know, hon—Scarlett. I don’t know.” He stood and held a hand out to her. “We should eat. Lydia’s sister sent cat food with some other things. Your cat might want to eat, too.”
“Her name is Tiger Lily.”
He ran a hand across her head. “Hello, Miss Tiger Lily.”
“Are you okay with her staying here, too? She’s a good cat.”
“Sure. I like cats. Used to have one. Until my ex stole her and my dog, too.”
She gave him a sad smile and then waited while he opened a can of pet food and dumped it onto a small saucer. Tiger Lily squirmed to be free. Scarlett set her on the floor and smiled as her beautiful baby attacked the food with gusto.
Jesse moved to the table and slid out a chair for her. She sat, wondering if she’d be able to eat. Today had been a crazy, emotional day, and her stomach wasn’t certain how to react.
He filled her plate with a crispy piece of chicken before slapping a spoonful of mashed potatoes next to it. “Gravy?” he asked as he opened another container.
The scent of it decided for her. “Yes, please.”
He poured before offering her a golden brown, homemade biscuit.
The way he watched over her touched her deeply. She’d never had anyone truly care. “Why are you so kind to me?”
He scrunched his features into a look of disbelief. He tilted his head as though trying to understand, and then he took her hand. “You’re an amazing woman, Scarlett, and you deserve all the kindness in the world. I’m sorry life hasn’t allowed you to discover that yet, but you deserve it and so much more.”
Her stomach clenched, and she shook her head, trying to stave off more tears. “Thank you. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“Your smile is payment enough.”
She blinked furiously, unable to speak.
> He nodded toward her plate. “Enough mushy stuff. Eat.”
She swallowed back her emotion and lifted her fork. She didn’t know about the chicken, but she definitely was eating those mashed potatoes.
Chapter Sixteen
Scarlett sat half-reclined on Jesse’s comfortable olive green sofa with her feet up, a fire crackling in the fireplace, and sweet Tiger Lily curled up asleep on her stomach. Jesse had taken over dish duty this evening so she could spend some time with her newly-recovered kitty. Not long ago, he’d headed upstairs to shower after their long day.
Another round of thunderous storms washed through the valley, the numerous drops pounding hard against the window, but she couldn’t have been cozier than where she was. Who cared about the world outside? She had everything she needed right here.
She still couldn’t believe she held her baby in her arms. Thoughts of what might have happened between the last time she’d seen her and now weighed heavily on her. Marie had found her in a questionable condition, and that gnawed at her. Tiger Lily trusted her to care for her, and she’d let her down, but that would never happen again.
She was beyond grateful for the healthy, slumbering fur ball who owned her heart.
The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, and she looked up to find Jesse watching them.
“Wasn’t sure if I should disturb you,” he said walking into the room, his hair still slightly damp from his shower. He claimed a seat on the opposite end of the couch, brushing her toes as he did. The casual act proved he’d grown comfortable around her, but his nearness still left her edgy and excited.
“Of course, you can. Come enjoy the fire, cowboy.” He deserved an evening of relaxation as much as anyone.
He nodded toward the window. “It’s a good night for one, isn’t it?”
“The best.” She smiled and tried to accept the beautiful moment for what it was, instead of judging it. “Thank you again for letting Tiger Lily stay.”
“I told you I like cats, too.” He lifted her feet and slid beneath her legs in a move so fluid and smooth that it didn’t give her time to complain or question. His familiarity warmed her and set her on full alert at the same time. As much as she’d tried to keep things between them within certain boundaries, she’d been unsuccessful. The worst part was she like the way things were. Well, at least her heart did. Her brain argued otherwise, but apparently, her heart had won that battle.
And he smelled good. Damn, he smelled good.
Jesse lifted a roughened hand and slid it down the length of Tiger Lily’s fluffy, white body. She watched with fascination as the tendons in his hand moved while he did. The tough mountain of a man loving a sweet gentle creature. The irony made her smile.
Tiger Lily stirred and began to purr, but never quite opened her eyes. He repeated his gesture, and Scarlett wondered if she might start purring, too. She was as content as her kitty.
“She’s beautiful.” He kept his gaze on the cat as he spoke.
“Sweet, too. You’ll fall in love with her in no time.”
He lifted his gaze to her, the low light in the room leaving his eyes dark and mysterious. “I already have.”
Air evaporated from her lungs, and she had to clear her throat before she could breathe again. He wasn’t talking about Tiger Lily. She knew that as well as she knew the back of her hand. But he couldn’t mean it. They hadn’t known each other long enough for love. Though, if she were to be honest, she’d developed strong feelings for him as well.
Best she steer clear of that area altogether. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I cleaned your desk the other day. Organized some things. Hope that’s okay.” Talk of finances seemed a much safer subject.
“Did you? I should have spent time in there this morning looking over our list of heifers and deciding which to keep for next season, but my mind was sidetracked.”
By her? “I sorted bills into things overdue, things already paid, and upcoming payments.”
He seemed relieved. “Thanks. That will help.”
“If you’d like, I could do a little bookwork for you. I’m not an expert, but I have some training and a little work experience with an accounting firm. I used to type letters to the I.R.S. explaining rare circumstances and asking them to waive penalties. Would you mind if I did that for you?”
He snorted. “It’s worth a try. At this point, I’ll take any help you can give me.”
His appreciation warmed her insides. She would love to help him get back on his feet, just like he was helping her. “Maybe you could teach me more about the business side of ranching?”
“Sure.” He scratched behind Tiger Lily’s ear, making her purr louder. “If you could start by tracking expenses and let me know when something needs to be paid, that would be a huge help. We can go from there to other things.”
She nodded, happy that he trusted her with his business.
Several long moments passed with them listening to nothing but the rain pattering against the window along with several crackles and pops from the fire. She wanted to freeze this moment forever.
He sighed. “Can I ask you something?”
She couldn’t imagine where he was headed. “Sure.”
“Why did you marry your husband? And more, why did you stay?”
She gave her eyes a sarcastic roll and snorted. “If only foresight was as good as hindsight.”
He watched her but didn’t respond.
“Things weren’t bad in the beginning. I’d been on my own since eighteen, and I was hungry for love. I’d lost my mom two years before, and things had been tough. I was tired of crappy roommates and eating ramen.” Looking back, bad roommates and cheap food hadn’t been all that bad.
“We met when he stopped into the diner where I worked. He wasn’t handsome, but he was sweet and attentive, and he said all the right things. I had no clue something evil churned beneath the water. He asked me to marry him, so I said yes. I gave up my job and my friends, and he moved me three hours away from where I’d been living. There, I found the assistant job at the accounting firm I mentioned a minute ago. Even then he was good to me for the most part.
“Looking back, I can see the changes now, but they were slow in coming and subtle back then. I know it was stupid to stay, but when you have nothing and nowhere else to go, what you have, even if it’s bad, is better than living on the street.”
“For a while,” he added.
“Yes.” She dipped her head in agreement. “For a while.”
“I’m sorry you lived through that.” He took one of her hands and kissed it before he placed it on the cat’s body, close to her chest. Then he covered hers with his. “Can you feel her purring? I love that.”
Contented bliss filled her. “She’s happy here.”
He nodded thoughtfully and then met her gaze again. “Are you happy here?”
She should probably water down her feelings to spare them both, but she couldn’t. “Very.”
Her answer conjured the sexy smile she found irresistible. “I’m glad.”
He hesitated a long moment. “Do you ever think about staying?” he asked softly.
His question caught her off guard. “Here? Meaning with you?”
When he responded with a nod, something sweet and delicious curled through her and tightened into a warm ball around her heart. “I haven’t really thought about it,” she lied. “I mean, I…”
He waited patiently.
She fought to find words to tell him how she felt. “Truth is I shouldn’t, but I have thought about it. It’s an amazing place.”
“What about me?” he encouraged.
She swallowed and sat up straighter. Her movements disturbed Tiger Lily and the cat woke up grumbling before she stretched and then jumped to the floor, apparently ready for some exploration. Tiger Lily’s departure left her suddenly alone with Jesse, and he still had his hand wrapped over hers.
Not that her cat could protect her or her heart. But by her leaving and Jesse st
aying put, something became crystal clear. He was where he was because he wanted to be near her and not so much her cat. What the hell did she do with that knowledge?
“What about me, Scarlett?” he asked again. “How do you feel about me?”
Her mouth grew dry as her pulse spiked. How could she tell him all she thought about was him, about his broad shoulders, his strong hands, and the incredible kiss they’d shared? That she waited eagerly for him to return home every day. “I can’t say.”
“You can’t say?” He furrowed his brows. “Why not?”
“Because I’m married.”
He sighed and seemed to ponder that for a long moment. “If you weren’t?” he finally asked.
She couldn’t tell him. It wouldn’t be fair. “I don’t know.”
He drew his gaze down her like a flow of lava leaving a fiery trail. She’d been a virgin when she’d married Hank, and their sex life had been crueler than anything else. She couldn’t help imagine what it would be like to be with someone like Jesse.
No, not someone like Jesse. She wanted only Jesse.
He traced a forefinger up and down each side of her fingers sending incredible sensations racing through her. “What would you say if I said I wanted to kiss you again? That I’ve thought about that moment every day since.”
She shivered as his thumb grazed her stomach. “I’d remind you I’m married. That it wouldn’t be fair to you.”
“What would you say if I said I didn’t care? You’re not going back to him, so what difference does it make?”
She fought to concoct a good defense, but he’d moved his fingers completely to her stomach. He traced lazy circles as he moved ever closer to the undersides of her breasts, his movements mesmerizing her. Nothing but a thin cotton t-shirt separated them, and that wasn’t near enough to stop the heady rush of anticipation. “I don’t know.”
“Would you be afraid to be with me?” His intense gaze shattered any of the reserve that might have saved her.
“No,” she whispered. She was only afraid of what would happen to her heart when they parted. Leaving Hank had been easy. He’d never owned a square inch of her soul. Jesse was a different matter.