‘Be back in a minute,’ Jacob says walking away and disappearing behind a tree.
Smiling to myself, I pick up each of my shoes and head towards the bush, giving my trousers a tug to get them off the branch. Jacob was right about the floor; it is painful on my bare feet so I bend down to slip my shoes on. As I do so, I start to feel an uneasy presence making me pull my eyes from the floor. It takes a moment or two for me to draw my focus back and when I do, I’m frozen. Terrified, but mesmerised, by the glassy, green-tinged, amber eyes locked on me. It’s an odd feeling looking back at something hunting you. Although the eye colour's warm, the gaze is definitely cold. Heavy eyelids sit half closed within the plush, tawny fur that covers the large cat’s skull. It’s crouched towards the ground with blood dripping from its mouth. Claws protrude from the slits in the huge paws embedded in the flesh of what looks like a deer carcass beneath it. It’s just as still as me now, if not stiller. I take a slow step backwards and the crunch of a twig snapping under my foot makes a noise. The cat’s neck jerks lower to the ground. It looks tetchier now, and I can tell something is going to happen any moment.
Should I take another step backwards and try to just creep away? Should I run for it, or should I just lie down and play dead?
We continue to stare at each other, locked in a gaze for what must be as little as few seconds or so but feels like a lot longer. The cats head dips up and down a little as it contemplates its move, then there's a sudden twitch. I make a desperate attempt to flee as the cat lets out a loud, hissing, snarl and makes a gigantic leap into the air. Before I know it, my feet have left the ground and Jacob has hold of me around my waist ad is swinging me around his back. The cat flies past us, landing in the dirt behind and twists itself around to set its sights on us again. But Jacob's shouting at it now.
Has he gone insane? He’s can’t be any match for a ferocious creature like this.
Tugging at his arm, I try to get him to stop and pull back, but the big animal's flinching. Still, it’s not backing away and should it get near myself or Jacob we’ll be in danger.
‘Quick Gemma! Pick up whatever you can find and throw it,’ Jacob shouts as he continues to make noises at the creature.
‘Shoo, go away,’ I cry and throw some rocks in its general direction.
As threatening as it is, I don’t have the heart to hit it with anything when it's just an animal. It’s a few feet away from us now and appears to be losing conviction fast. It paces around twice before glancing back to see if we’re worth it. It must decide that we’re not, as it gives up and runs off into the woods leaving me feeling like a lucky woman.
‘Come here.’ Jacob hooks his hand around my head and pulls me close as I shake with adrenaline. Pulling his shoulder back and dropping his head, he lifts my chin with his hand. ‘Are you all right?’ He asks.
I nod and he pulls me back in again.
Pushing his hand into my hair, he kisses my forehead. ‘Come on let’s get you inside,’ he says rubbing my shoulders as we walk with caution out of the wood.
Chapter 18
‘Feeling better now?’ Jacob asks as he sits down next to me.
‘Yes thank you. Where on earth did that animal come from? Had it escaped from a zoo or something?’ I ask clutching onto a large cup of coffee he's kindly made me.
‘A zoo? No, Jacob laughs. ‘It’s just a mountain lion or a cougar if you’d prefer. Though I am surprised to see one around here.’
‘You have them here? I jolt upright in concern, almost spilling my drink on myself in the process.
‘Don't suppose you see them much in London huh?’ Jacob mimics my accent again as I stare at him wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
‘Relax, it’s not common to see one, you should consider yourself quite privileged. The clue is in the name, they tend to stay in the mountains. What brought that one down here I don’t know,’ he says rubbing my leg to comfort me.
‘One thing I would suggest if you ever see one again, though.’
‘What?’
‘You may want to put your pants back on first.’
I go to whack him on the arm but remember I’m holding a hot drink. As I’d rather not scold myself, I screw my eyes up at him instead causing him to laugh at me. As much as Jacob’s claiming he just did what he should have done, I can’t help looking at him as something of a hero. The way he flung me around his body, that’s definitely something I can’t wait to tell Rebecca. For once, she won’t know what to say.
‘So this is your place then?’ I say looking around.
‘When I’m here yes. I apologise for the mess. I made a brief stopover this morning for a change of clothes etc. So I didn't have the chance to clean up before your arrival.’
‘Why’s that Jacob?’ I ask smiling.
‘Some ravishing vixen with curves to die for kept me out all night satisfying her every need.’
‘Oh did she now?’ I feel myself blush.
‘Yes, she did. But that’s okay because I enjoyed every minute of it,’ he leans in and gives me a tender kiss.
‘This is a lovely place and it’s not too messy at all.’ I’m telling the truth, I’ve seen a lot worse. Sure, it could do with a woman’s touch and some interior design but it's a pleasant and functional space. There's something, warm, homely, and somewhat humbling about it.
‘Thanks. It’s my favourite place to stay as strange as that is.’
‘Your favourite place. Are there more?’
‘There are other places I stay when I’m not in town, but this one's the best.’
‘So how does this place fit into your plans?’
‘Nope, no business talk, not tonight. I never talk business after the sun goes down.’ Standing up he makes his way over to the kitchen. ‘What would you like to eat?’
‘It’s your choice.’
‘Are you okay with Mexican?’ He asks pulling a pan out of the cupboard and placing it on the stove.
‘Yep, as long as it’s not too spicy.’
‘How can it be Mexican and not too spicy?’ He says picking up some oil from the counter and pouring it into the pan.
‘Good point. All I know is that I don't like spicy food; or rather, I can’t tolerate it well. I’m a real spice wimp.’
‘I’ll do my best to dull it down just for you then.’
‘You cook?’
‘Yeah I cook,’ he says grabbing an onion from under the counter and tossing it into the air over his head. Putting his hand behind his back, he catches it and places it onto the chopping board. ‘Of course I cook.’ He picks up a large chopping knife up from the counter and spins it between his fingers. Placing the palm of his hand on top of the handle, he stops the spin. ‘Whether I’m any good...’ He says as he slices each end from the onion ‘... Is something I’ll let you decide.’ Jacob brings the blade down onto the centre of the onion and it falls in two.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll soon let you know,’ I say.
‘I thought you might,’ he says beginning to speed chop the onion in expert fashion.
‘What are you making?’ I ask as I watch him use his knife to push the chopped pieces of onion to the side of the board.
‘I thought I’d dazzle you with my specialty dish.’ He leans down behind the counter again. This time picking up two red chillies and placing then onto the chopping board. ‘Prepare to be amazed by the best one-pot chilli you’ll ever taste,’ he laughs as he chops up the chillies and tilts the contents of the board into the pan.
It begins to sizzle and within seconds, I can smell the aroma.
‘So you cook much at home?’ he asks as he leans into the fridge for the mince.
‘Not as much as I’d like to be honest. Myself and Rebecca, the flat mate I told you about earlier tend to take it in turns when we’re both in.’
‘Is she a good cook, your flatmate? He asks stirring the pot.
‘I love her lots, and she has many good points. But I wouldn’t say that cookings one of them.’
&
nbsp; ‘Oh dear,’ Jacob laughs as he prepares the sauce.
‘Don’t get me wrong she’s not a bad cook, she gets by. But she wouldn’t for example try and make something like this the way you are. But then neither would I. I’d just tip in a jar if I’m honest.’
‘Darn it,’ he says looking in the fridge again.
What is it?’
‘No avocados. I was sure I got some,’ he puts his hands on his hips and bites down on his lower lip.
‘Avocados?’
‘Yep, for the guacamole.’
‘We can do without can’t we?’
‘Nope, it won’t be the same without the guacamole. I tell you what; I guess you must be feeling a bit hot and sticky after the heat of today huh?’
‘Yes, I am in fact.’
‘Uh-ha,’ he says leaning over and kissing me. ‘Why don't you go get yourself a nice refreshing shower while I nip out for some avocados? That’s all right to just sit there on a low heat for a while.’ He walks to a cupboard by the bathroom door and leans in to retrieve an armful of white towels. ‘Here you go, these are clean and fresh and I’ll be back before you know it darling.’
‘Sounds great.’
‘Won’t be long gorgeous,' he says before pushing his hot, wet, lips back onto mine.’ And stay out of the chilli until I get back.’
‘I’ll try to, but it smells so good.’ It’s true, the aroma’s delicious.
I watch as he walks to the door and closes it behind him. Then I walk to the window and watch him jog up the hill to his truck. He sure is sexy; I can’t wait to tell Rebecca about him.
Chapter 19
Jacob was right. A refreshing shower is an excellent idea, and I definitely need one after today. The lukewarm water running down my skin after sweltering in the heat all day is so refreshing. It’s a shame Jacob isn’t here now. As the one thing that would make this shower feel better would be pulling him into it with me. I start to think of Rebecca again and my mother. I’ll have to call them soon or they’ll start worrying. I didn't get a chance last night and it was still too early when I left this morning.
Bang-bang-bang.
I’m startled by the sound of pounding on the door. Jacob must have forgotten his keys, which means I’ll have to get out and let him in. I turn the shower off and wait for it to stop before shaking off the excess water and grabbing a towel.
Bang-bang-bang-bang.
It's harder and louder this time. I never realised he was so impatient.
‘I’m coming,’ I shout while grabbing one of Jacob’s shirts from the bathroom door. Wrapping it around myself, I hold the front together as I open the door. ‘Did you forget your keys?’ I say, then take a step back when I realise it isn't him.
The first thing I notice is how pretty she is. Thick black lashes frame her bright, blue eyes as her eyebrows lift into a perfect arch. Her features are small and precise, and her pale blonde hair is pulled over into a thick plait on one side. As I struggle to keep myself covered, I notice her denim shorts. They’re the smallest and the shortest I think I’ve ever seen.
‘No, I didn't forget my keys. But I guess that wasn’t meant for me,’ she says. The shocked look on her face is turning to anger now.
‘No, sorry I thought you were…’
‘Yeah, I know who you thought I was.’ Her eyes move down my body focusing on my state of undress. ‘Where is he?’ The words squeeze out of her clenched jaw.
‘He’s gone to the shop.’
‘Has he now.’
‘Yes, to get some avocados.’
I hadn't considered the word ‘Avocado’ to be an offensive term before today. But she looks at me as though I’ve just hit her in the face with a whole box of them.
‘He should be back soon. Maybe you can wait. Or you can leave a message.’
‘That’s his shirt.’ She glares at the shirt I'm holding and I feel uneasy, so take a step in behind the door for cover.
‘Yes.’ I say. It's a truthful enough answer, but why do I feel as though it's some sort of confession?
Uncrossing her arms, she places them on her hips. 'Yeah, you can give him a message honey. You can tell him that Ashleigh came by and I’ll be seeing him in court.’
‘In court?’
‘That's right. Divorce court and I'll be seeing you there too!'
Chapter 20
‘Listen, I’m sorry. I don't know what to say. We just met a few days ago and I had no idea…’
‘Save it for the judge honey,’ she says before turning away and walking back towards her car.
I’m still standing on the doorstep in shock as she drives away up the road. Catching my breath, I can’t get the door shut quick enough. I’m so stupid; I should have known that anybody I fall for turns out to be either a liar, married or both. That poor woman seeing me standing there like that in her husband’s shirt. Tugging it off in disgust, I rush to the bathroom to fetch my own clothes. I pull on my trousers then my blouse. After buttoning them up, I remove my hair clip from the windowsill and clip my hair back up. On the way out, I pick up my jacket from the coach. Looking around I make sure I have everything, and then I step out onto the porch and shut the door behind me.
How could I have been so stupid?
Walking up the road outside the house, I see Jacob driving down towards me with a massive smile on his face.
‘Did you miss me, sweetheart?’ He says leaning out through the window.
‘Do me a favour Jacob and just leave me alone,’ I reply.
‘What?’ He says turning the engine off and jumping out.
I keep walking as he comes after me.
'What on earth is it now?’ He asks.
‘It’s me Jacob making the wrong choices again, look just leave me alone, please.’
I hear a car engine, and turn to see Mr Cunningham driving down the road behind us. As he gets nearer, he pulls over beside us.
‘Hey, you two. Jacob, I was just coming to talk to you about some business though I’m glad I caught you both together as…’
‘Mr Cunningham. Would you be kind enough to drop me at my Motel please,’ I interrupt.
Feeling the tears coming to my eyes, I walk straight to his car before he has time to answer.
‘Gemma please, what's wrong this time? Look I thought we were going to talk everything through. No more misunderstandings remember?’
‘Yes, Jacob and no lies. Or did you forget that part?’
‘What?’
'Go home to your wife, Jacob!’ I say opening Mr Cunningham's car door and getting inside.
‘My wife? What the…’
‘That’s right. She’s divorcing you. Now please leave me alone,’ I say slamming the door closed.
‘Gemma, I don't know what you're talking about. Look I’m sure we can get to the bottom of this. But if you go like this, I'm not coming after you this time.’
‘Good.’ I wind the window up and look away from him. ‘Could we go now please Mr Cunningham?’
‘Yes, of course,’ Mr Cunningham says starting the engine. ‘Is everything okay Gemma?’ He asks as he starts the car.
‘No,’ I reply.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’
‘I’d rather not.’
I spend the drive back watching out of the window as the sky gets darker. When we arrive at the motel, I thank Mr Cunningham and assure him I'll make an appointment to see him. Getting out of the car, I head inside alone.
Chapter 21
Lying on the bed in my Motel room, I stare at the ceiling wondering how I've managed to get so carried away. This trip was such a stupid idea I should have listened to my doubts. I feel mortified about what happened at Jacobs place. Getting involved with a married man is not something I tend to do. Let alone answering the door half-naked to his house by his wife. Falling for the wrong guy, rushing into things, and getting my fingers burnt. The story of my life it seems.
I’m a home wrecker now, great.
I just hope there aren'
t any children involved; I wouldn't want to have ruined their lives as well.
I still haven’t called home; though almost feel too embarrassed to now. Not two hours ago, I felt excitement about telling Rebecca everything. Now, how silly do I feel? I should still call them, as they’ll be worrying. It’s early evening there now, so somebody should be around. Picking up the phone, I dial the number for my apartment and hear it ringing. I do hope Rebecca hasn't gone out as I'd like to hear her voice.
‘Hello,’ says the familiar voice.
‘Rebecca it’s me, Gemma.’
‘Gemma where have you been? We’ve been trying to get hold of you.’
‘I know I know. I didn't get the chance to call you yesterday. Then I got tied up today.’ I’m welling up as I talk and just want to be back home.
‘I’m all right, everything’s fine Rebecca. But I’ve been so stupid…’
‘Gemma listen!' She stops me. 'It’s your mother…’
Chapter 22
Rebecca’s words hang in the air as I sit in silence, unable to speak on the other end of the line.
‘Gemma? Are you still there?’ She says.
‘I’m here. What’s happened? Is mum okay?’ I say as I find my voice again.
‘Gemma, she’s had a terrible accident and is in hospital.’
‘Accident? What do you mean? What’s happened to her?’
‘It seems she was riding her bike when a van hit her. The driver just didn't see her. The doctors are saying she’s going to be okay, but she’s in a bad way right now Gemma.’
There was I whingeing when Rebecca was trying to tell me something important. In fact, where was I when they were attempting to get hold of me? Gallivanting around the town with a married man, that’s where I was.
‘I need to get back right away. Rebecca, what time is it over there? Are there any travel agents still open?’ I ask.
‘I think so, just. If not, I’m sure I can find one online. What do you need me to do for you?’
Becoming The Cowboy's Bride: Boxset 1-4 Page 5