by Jill Sanders
Her mother disappeared back into the kitchen and returned in a few minutes with a tray of glasses and a pitcher of tea.
“Sit.” She motioned towards the sofa. He took Willow’s hand and moved closer to sit down.
“I hope you didn’t go through too much trouble for us,” he said, tucking Willow close beside him.
“No trouble at all,” Charity said, setting the tray down and pouring them each a glass of tea. “Ralph likes to cook. Actually, we both do. Besides, this way you can taste firsthand what we do around here. He started smoking the brisket early this morning. The meat is from one of our own cows and all the vegetables we pulled directly from our greenhouse. I had it built shortly after my parents passed.”
She took a sip of her tea just as Ralph came rushing back down the stairs. “Sorry about that.” He moved to sit down next to his wife, putting an arm around her shoulder as she leaned closer to him. “How was your ride?” he asked Willow.
Willow started talking about helping the calf that was stuck in the fence. As Caleb listened to her story, he looked at Ralph and Willow’s mother. The couple looked completely content together. It was a little disturbing to see how much Willow looked like her mother. Actually, if he hadn’t known any better, he would have assumed that they were sisters instead of mother and daughter.
He’d been impressed with Ralph after just a few minutes of talking to him earlier that day. The man seemed to know how to take care of himself and the people he loved. They had come up with a short-term plan to protect Willow when he had to leave her side.
He knew that when the time came, he’d get arguments from Willow, and he’d talked to Ralph about those concerns. Ralph had been very adamant about not keeping her in the dark about his intentions. He knew there was no way, when it came time for him to hit the road again, that she would want to be dragged around. She deserved a better life than always looking over her shoulder.
She’d talked about kids earlier, and he knew that even though she’d stressed her concerns for turning out like her mother, she still dreamed of having a family someday. And families meant normal lives.
Ralph had been very interested in finding out more about his contacts and handler information. He’d given him Agent Minster’s information and told him about the last two times he’d stopped and stayed, how Al and Tony had shown up shortly after his first call and how the last guy, someone he didn’t recognize, had found him the time after that.
They had actually come up with a slightly different plan than Willow and he had earlier. He glanced over at Willow and realized he hadn’t had a chance to tell her about it yet.
“So, Caleb and I were talking earlier about your predicament.” Ralph leaned in and took a sip of his tea.
“Maybe we can chat about it over food; everything should be just about done,” Charity broke in. “I’m sure everyone’s ready to eat.”
They all moved into a large dining room, where the table was made up to look like a fancy restaurant. He’d never gotten the chance to eat anywhere expensive. He’d worked as a bus boy at a steak house once in California, but he’d been fired for dropping too many plates.
To say that he was impressed with the meal would have been an understatement. First, they brought out a fresh spinach salad with homemade raspberry dressing. There was freshly baked bread that steamed when broken open. Charity passed him a butter dish and told him that it was honey and goat’s milk butter. He decided to give it a try and instantly fell in love with the rich honey taste.
By the time the main course was set in front of them, he was pretty sure anything the two of them cooked would be better than the most expensive meal he’d ever enjoyed.
The brisket was so juicy, it melted in his mouth. Even the garlic mashed potatoes were beyond anything he could have imagined.
“You two should go into the restaurant business,” Willow said when her plate was empty. “I can’t remember the last time I had anything so wonderful.”
“Thank you,” both Charity and Ralph said at the same time.
“Wait until you taste Charity’s apple pie.” Ralph got up and took some of the empty plates with him. When he returned, he carried a pie plate and a carton of homemade ice cream.
Over dessert, Caleb finally broke his silence and talked about the plan that he and Ralph had come up with.
“We thought about giving him bad information, like we discussed, but taking it to a different level.”
“How so?” Willow asked.
Chapter Thirteen
“Are you crazy?” Willow felt her heart jump as she slowly stood up, her fists on the table. She was breathing heavy, since she still couldn’t believe the idea Caleb and Ralph had just laid out.
Caleb just looked at her, instead of answering.
“You plan on using yourself as bait?” When he nodded in agreement, she jumped in. “No!” She sat back down and took a couple deep breaths to steady herself. When she felt more under control, she took another bite of her mother’s apple pie.
“No?” Caleb said, setting his fork down. “Just no?”
“Yes.” She tilted her head and felt like stomping her foot. “No.”
“Well, I don’t really see how it’s up to you,” he said, taking the last bite of his pie.
She chuckled. “I don’t think it is, but I’m not letting you go through with it. Besides, it’s a stupid plan.”
“Oh, I suppose you have a better one?” Caleb glanced over when both her mother and Ralph quickly stood up and cleared the table.
“We’ll just...” her mother said, nodding towards the kitchen.
“No need to rush off,” Willow said calmly. “The discussion is over.”
“No, it’s not,” Caleb grumbled and then stood up. “Thank you so much for the wonderful meal.” He took her arm and pulled her gently until she was following him out of the house.
“Don’t you see; this is the only way I can make sure you’re safe.” He turned on her once they’d stepped out onto the front porch.
“No it’s not. It’s a stupid plan that will only get you killed.” She crossed her arms over her chest, determined to stay her ground.
“It’s my decision.” He started walking towards the cabin.
“No, it’s not; it is ours. You don’t get to put yourself in danger and claim it’s for me. Not without me being behind the plan.” She rushed to keep up with him. The path was full of small pebbles, and the tall heels had caused her issues walking on the way over there, but he’d offered her his arm and they had made their way slowly. Now, she was almost jogging to keep up with him.
“My mind is already made up,” he said, not slowing down. “Besides, it’s better than just misleading them one more time.” He stopped and turned towards her, causing her to bump solidly into his chest. His arms came up to steady her. “What’s the point? If we just mislead them, it will only take a few more days or weeks for them to find us again. Do you really want to spend your entire life on the run like I have?”
That stopped her. He’d told her everything he’d gone through in the last thirteen years, but she’d never really put herself into his shoes. How it must have felt moving around so much. Always afraid to trust anyone or having to pick up and drop friendships at the drop of a hat.
“Trust me, Willa, this is the only way to make it end, once and for all.”
“I don’t like it.” Her words came out as a whisper and she shivered in the night air, even though it was nearing eighty degrees out.
He pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her forehead. She felt warmth spreading from him to herself as she moved closer.
“You don’t have to like it. It just has to work,” he said into her hair.
“When do you plan on leaving?” She pulled back and looked into his dark eyes.
“Tomorrow.”
She shook her head. “No, give it a few days. I’d like to see if we can come up with...”
“Willa, there’s no other way.”
; “Please, just a few days,” she begged.
His hands moved up and down her sides, and she felt his arousal pushed up against her. Instantly, desire rushed through every pore of her body, demanding she act quickly.
Pushing him with her hands, she shoved until his shoulders were up against the back of the barn. Her mouth fused with his as her fingers searched to free him.
“Promise me,” she demanded.
“Willa,” he said in a hoarse voice as finally she wrapped her fingers around his length. “My god,” he whispered, just before he traded positions with her. Now, her back was up against the cool wood of the barn as his hands skated up her skirt. When he ripped the tiny triangle of silk covering her, she cried out, only to have his mouth cover the sound of pleasure. His fingers dipped into her, causing her hips to jump and follow his movements.
“Please,” she begged, reaching for him. “Now.”
“Willa,” he gasped as her fingers dug into his hips, pulling him to her, guiding him where she wanted him.
When he thrust, she couldn’t stop the desire from slamming through her, hard and fast. She’d wanted him just like this, his hands holding her up until she wrapped her legs around him as he thrust deeper into her.
His mouth was locked with hers, making her needs grow stronger. She’d never imagined she could feel so free and so tortured at the same time.
The solid wood walls behind her supported her as he continued his torment. She thought she heard him growl next to her ear, but she was too locked in experiencing her own pleasures to hear his exact words.
As she finally came back down to reality, she felt Caleb’s breath against her neck, then the chill in the night air against her bare skin. It was then that she realized that Caleb was holding himself very stiff next to her. His breath was still falling over her exposed skin, but he wasn’t moving except for the rise and fall of his chest.
“I’ve never said that to anyone before.” It was almost a whisper next to her skin.
She tensed. Putting her hands on either side of his face, she forced him back so she could look at him.
“Why me? Why now?” she asked as a tear slid down her cheek.
He closed his eyes and rested his forehead on hers. “I’ve never felt this way for anyone before.” He pulled away, helping her adjust her skirt, then took her hand and started walking towards the cabin in silence.
When they walked in the door, he dropped her hand and walked over to the fireplace. He stood with his back to her and she could see the tension in his stance.
“Caleb.” She walked towards him and started to open her mouth to say more, even though she wasn’t sure what she was going to say, only that there was so much she wanted to tell him. But, before she could, her cell phone rang.
She rushed over to the counter, where she’d left it and saw her sister’s photo and number. Taking a couple relaxing breaths, she answered.
“Hi.” She tried to sound casual, but the fact that her heart was beating fast, thinking about Caleb and what he’d told her, didn’t help the situation.
“How dare you.” Wendy sounded mad. Mad, mad. “How could you tell my soon-to-be-husband to lie to me.”
Willow sat down on the barstool and placed her head in her hands. “It wasn’t—”
“No, you don’t get to explain right now. Where are you?”
Willow thought about lying, but the truth was, if Caleb was determined to go through with his plan, then telling her sister where she was wouldn’t hurt.
“My mother’s place.”
“Good, stay put. We’re coming for you.”
“No!” She stood up and a moment later, Caleb’s hands rested on her shoulders.
“Let them come,” he said and she realized he’d been standing right behind her, listening in.
She pulled the phone from her ear and frowned at him. “No, I won’t let you do this alone.”
“Willa, I was never going to let you come along. Don’t you see? It’s my fault they found you in the first place. I have to end this. Alone.”
She wanted to fight with him, but she could hear her sister trying to get her attention.
“Don’t bother arguing, we’re already in the car. We’ll be there in less than half an hour.” Her sister hung up and Willow started vibrating with anger. Slamming her phone done, she turned towards Caleb, ready to give him her full attitude.
Instead, he pulled her closer and just held on to her, killing all of the anger she’d been ready to release.
When he finally pulled back, tears were streaming down her face. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else in my life either.”
When he only nodded, she felt like he didn’t believe her. She wanted to say more.
“You’d better go change and get your things together.” He was rubbing her arms and she noticed that she was chilled.
“I don’t want to go with them. I want to stay here, with you.”
He leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. “Go.” The simple word caused her to move her feet. She rushed up the stairs and felt like throwing herself down on the bed, but instead walked calmly into the bathroom and changed into her own jeans and shirt.
When she looked at herself in the mirror, she realized that her hair was a tangled mess and her makeup was running down her face from the tears she’d been silently crying.
She knew she had to come up with a different plan to help Caleb. One where she was sure he wouldn’t spend the rest of his life running or end up dead. Maybe her sister would be able to help her out.
By the time she walked back downstairs, she felt a little more under control. Caleb was sitting at the bar, looking down at her phone, and she instantly had the most dreadful feeling rush over her.
“It’s done,” he said without turning towards Willow. He couldn’t bear to see the hurt or fear in her eyes right now.
“What is?” He felt her move up behind him.
“I’ve talked to Agent Minster.”
“Why? Why would you go through with this when I asked for more time?”
“I never agreed.” He closed his eyes against the pain. “Besides, a few days isn’t going to change the fact that sooner or later, they were going to find me.”
“Us.” She took his shoulders and turned him towards her. “I thought we were in this together?”
“Not anymore. Not after tomorrow.”
“Do you have a death wish?” She took a step back. “Why would you do this?” Her voice had raised and the betrayal in her eyes was heartbreaking.
“No.” He stood up and pulled her closer. “Trust me, I want nothing more than to find some cozy home and raise kids with you.” He wrapped his arms around her, even though she tried to pull away. “I want to know what it feels like to experience my child kicking inside of you. To see how beautiful you look, holding him in your arms for the first time.” He tugged her until her head rested on his shoulder. “To hear you sing him to sleep and to watch him grow.” He felt tears stinging the backs of his eyes, so he swallowed all his dreams and pushed away from her. “But none of that will be possible unless I do this one thing.” He turned away and was thankful when he heard a knock at the door. “That must be your sister.” He walked towards the front door.
When he opened the door, Wendy stood on the other side by her fiancé, Cole. He’d seen Cole Grayton on magazines and billboards. He’d even watched one of his surfing competitions. The guy was a great surfer, one of the best. But, in Caleb’s life, surfing couldn’t save you from a biker gang hell-bent on revenge.
“You must be...” He started to say, but Wendy reached out and before he could step back, she slapped him across the face. The loud crack echoed in the entryway.
“How dare you.” Her voice vibrated as Cole held her arms to keep her from striking at him again. “I don’t know who you think you are, storming into my sister’s life and putting her in danger, but...”
“Wendy!” Willow rushed up behind him, taking his arm and pulling h
im back, away from her sister a step. “What the hell...”
“No, it’s okay,” he said, feeling the sting of the slap on his face. The slight pain helped wake him up to the situation at hand. “I’ll leave you all to discuss—”
“No!” Willow took his hand in hers and stopped him from moving. “You’re not going anywhere. Wendy, you owe Caleb an apology. He’s done nothing but protect me since the moment...”
“The moment I came to you and put you in danger. She’s right.” He took her shoulders into his hands and turned her towards him. “It’s fine. I have to leave anyway or I’ll be late.” He stopped himself from leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips, since he doubted her sister would allow it.
He stepped around the other couple and nodded a thanks to Cole for keeping his hold on Wendy. Then he made his way towards the main house, where he’d made arrangements to borrow Ralph’s truck so he could complete his mission.
He was thankful she had her sister, mother, and Ralph. At least he knew they would do anything to keep her safe until this was all over.
His plan was a risky one, but if everything worked out, he might just still be alive by the end of tomorrow to enjoy a life with the only person he’d ever loved.
Chapter Fourteen
Willow watched Caleb walk away and felt like rushing after him and hitting him herself.
“Are you okay?” Her sister broke free of Cole’s hold and rushed over to her, taking her into her arms.
“I’m fine. Really.” She hugged Wendy back. “You’re wrong about Caleb. He’s the only reason I’m safe.”
“From what you said, it sounds like he’s the reason you’re in danger in the first place.”
Sure, it was true, but if he hadn’t shown up at her apartment, he’d be dead. And, no matter what happened to her now, she couldn’t imagine her life without him in it anymore.
He’d given her his heart and told her in the sweetest words she’d ever heard, and she’d held back. Not out of fear of saying them, but out of fear of feeling them. She’d believed she’d loved before. Jake had been her high school sweetheart and her very first intimate experience. But after he’d gone off and joined the army, leaving her behind as he found and married his wife, she’d sworn off ever feeling that way about a man again.