by Delia Latham
“Rick?” She placed a hand on his bicep, hard as stone beneath her trembling fingers. “Don’t do anything stupid. He’s not worth it.”
Rick’s tortured gaze met hers and held it, even as his fists maintained a firm grasp on Dylan’s shirt. She watched him struggle with the desire to inflict serious bodily harm. Finally he shoved Kylie’s wide-eyed visitor against the wall. Without releasing the material in his hands, he bent close enough to speak directly in the other man’s ear. Watching them, Kylie forgot to breathe. It looked like some violent parody of a romantic encounter—completely minus the romance.
“You listen to me, and you listen good.” Not even a hint remained of the playfulness she’d heard in Rick’s voice ten minutes earlier. “I’ve called the police. They should be outside waiting for you by now.”
Had she heard sirens? Vaguely, Kylie recalled their strident wail, but with this drama being enacted in her own living room, the sound hadn’t registered until now.
“If they’re not out there and you’re lucky enough to get away, consider that your one and only chance. Hear me, you sorry excuse for a human being, because if I ever find you near Kylie again, I won’t wait for the cops, and you won’t get a chance to walk away.”
Another vicious shake, and Dylan raised both hands in surrender. His face no longer bore any sign of a smirk, and not even a shadow of bravado. “Got it, dude.”
Rick motioned with his head for Kylie to step around them and out of the doorway. When she was safely inside, he released Dylan and stepped back. “Get out of my sight.”
Free of Rick’s iron hold, Dylan straightened his shirt, strutted a couple of steps and turned around. He opened his mouth, already feeling a return of his former arrogance, but turned tail and fled when Rick took a step in his direction.
Seconds later, she heard the police go into action. “CCPD! Freeze!” The strong voice rang out, sounding to Kylie like the peal of victory bells.
She and Rick stepped to the door and watched Dylan receive a nice, sturdy pair of bracelets and a brusque escort into the back of a police car. An officer trotted over to join them. “Are you all right, ma’am?”
“I’m fine. Thank you, officer.” She had stayed strong through the entire episode, but now tears stung the backs of her eyes, and her lips trembled.
Rick slid an arm around her. “It’s OK, sweetheart. Cry if you need to.”
She buried her head in his shoulder, embarrassed by the sudden wave of emotion. The bad stuff was over. Why lose it now?
The officer spoke to Rick, while Kylie kept her face hidden and thanked God Rick was there to stand between her and any kind of interrogation.
“I need to get Ms. Matthews’s statement, but I suppose it can wait. Will you bring her to the station in the morning?”
“Sure, Cal. Thanks for showing up so fast.”
“No problem, man.” Kylie peeked from her hiding place against Rick’s chest as the two men shook hands. “See you later.”
The officer walked away, and Rick gently urged Kylie back into her apartment. He eased her onto the sofa, and stepped into the kitchen, though she wanted nothing more than to take her own grasp on his shirt and never let go. He returned a moment later with a glass of water, placed it in her hand and sat down beside her.
She took a small sip, but too many questions demanded an answer. “How on earth—we just talked! I thought you were at the ranch.”
“Nope, I was a few blocks away. I’m running errands for Trina, since I coerced her into making a special dinner with so little notice.”
“But I don’t understand. How did you know what was going on?”
Rick’s gaze traveled the room, finally landing on her coffee table. He grinned, bent forward, and picked up her cell phone. “You really should make sure you hang up your phone when you finish talking, although I have to admit, I’m glad you didn’t this time.”
Kylie stared at the phone, trying to grasp what happened. “I didn’t hang up?” She shook her head, puzzled. “You didn’t hang up?”
“No, I was telling you to go ahead and answer the door, and I’d wait. You didn’t answer, and—” He swallowed hard, and a muscle in his jaw flexed before he went on. “I heard what was going on.”
Kylie shuddered. “Thank God! How did you get the police to respond so quickly?”
“Cal’s an old friend. I called in a favor, and he just happened to be close enough to get here fast.”
She shook her head. “So many coincidences.”
Rick pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I don’t believe in coincidence.”
“I don’t think I do either. Not anymore.”
He cupped her face in his hands and studied it. “Are you sure you’re OK? He didn’t hurt you?”
“He didn’t get a chance to touch me, but he would have. I’ve seen that look in his eyes before.” She shuddered. “I’m fine, Rick, thanks to you.”
“Don’t thank me, Kylie. Thank God. What if we hadn’t been on the phone?” Rick closed his eyes and gave a brief, hard shake of his head. “No. I can’t even think about it.”
“Neither can I.”
“Are you going to tell me who he is?”
Kylie laughed, even as tears streaked down her face. “No one. Dylan Barnes is no one—at least, that’s what he is to me.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, but I think I’m gonna need a little more than that.”
She managed a shaky smile and touched his lips with her finger. “I promise, I’ll tell you everything, but can it wait? I need—” Warmth crept into her cheeks at her brazen request. “I need you to hold me right now.”
Rick gathered her into his arms and pulled her tight against his chest. “I can do that for—for as long as it takes. And when you feel strong enough, I’ll just drive you out to the ranch with me, if you don’t mind.” He tightened his hold. “You’re not getting out of my sight for the rest of the day…maybe longer.”
Kylie closed her eyes and inhaled his cologne, mixed with the special man-smell that was uniquely Rick’s. She nestled closer and relaxed in the circle of his arms. “No problem. I’m right where I want to be.”
Kylie's Kiss
28
Trina laid out a spread that would have shamed most Mexican restaurants. The table groaned under enough food to feed a dozen people. Enchiladas that melted in the mouth. Tacos, both soft and crisp, with a touch of flavor Kylie couldn’t quite place. Whatever it was, it turned the common dish into a delicacy. Rice and frijoles. Homemade tortillas, and salsa that any restaurant owner in town would have been proud to serve.
Kylie refilled her empty glass with iced tea and gulped half of it down in a couple of long swallows. Her eyes watered, her lips stung, and little flames danced around on her tongue. She waved a hand in front of her mouth and looked up to find three pair of eyes watching her in amusement.
“You are OK, Mees Kylie?” Trina bit back a smile and managed a look of genuine concern. “Ees good, si?”
“It’s sinfully delicious, Trina, and I’ll be fine—I think.” Kylie sipped at her tea again and raised a brow when Lea giggled. “I can’t believe you’re eating this. How come your mouth isn’t on fire, like mine?”
The little girl shrugged. “I don’t know. I like it.”
“Well, I do too, but it’s still hot!”
Rick chuckled. “You have to understand, Lea’s been eating Trina’s cooking since she stopped eating food out of a jar. She’s used to it. You will be too, before long.”
“OK, if you say so.” She smiled at the housekeeper. “Trina, it really is wonderful. You’re an amazing cook! Thank you for going to so much trouble.” She groaned and pushed her plate back. “I’d be too round to wiggle if I ate like this every night.”
“Oh, is no trouble, Mees Kylie! You come thees table any time.” She grabbed an armload of dishes and scurried out of the room.
Kylie rose and picked up her plate, but Rick put a hand on hers and shook
his head. “Trina would be more than insulted if you tried to help on your first visit as a dinner guest. Maybe next time she’ll let you carry something into the kitchen, and each time you come she’ll allow a little more.” He chuckled. “I don’t know if you’ll ever get to wash a dish, but she may let you dry one someday.”
“Really?” She grimaced. “I feel guilty not helping.”
“Don’t. Seriously. Trina would have a fit.”
He pushed back from the table and held out a hand to Kylie. “Let’s go into the other room, shall we? We can’t help in here, but we can get out of the way. Want to come with us, Sweetie Bird? You have a few minutes before you need to get your shower.”
A smile lit the child’s face. She dashed to Kylie’s side and took her hand. “Will you read to me, Kylie? Daddy bought me a new book.”
Rick looked doubtful. “Lea, maybe next time Kylie can—”
“I’d love to, Lea! Where’s your book?”
“I’ll get it.” The child scampered off down the hall, and Kylie watched her go. She’d willingly read every book in the house if it made Lea happy.
Rick shook his head. “You don’t have to cater to her every whim, you know.”
“But I want to read with her.”
“Well, thank you. Trina’s been her only female influence, and believe me, I am more than grateful for her! But I’m glad Lea likes you.”
“So am I.”
As they crossed the hall into the living room, Rick noticed Kylie’s laptop lying under her purse on the entry table. “You brought your computer. Didn’t think I could keep you occupied?”
She laughed, feeling a little shy. “I wanted to show you something I’ve been working on.”
“Well, let’s see it. Have a seat, I’ll get it for you.”
Kylie had just booted up and opened a document when Lea skipped back into the room. “Here’s my new book.” She crawled up onto the sofa and snuggled close to Kylie’s side. A shadow of disappointment crossed her face. “Oh. You’re busy.”
“Not too busy for you, sweetie. I’ll be ready in a sec.” Kylie slid the laptop off her lap and onto Rick’s. “While I’m reading, maybe you’d like to take a look at this proposal package. And when you’re finished…” She pointed out an icon on the desktop. “Click on this and watch the slideshow.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rick stood and stepped back into the hallway. “You ladies just take your time with Dr. Seuss. I’ll do my homework in the study.” He winked, somehow managing to include both of them in the gesture. “Feel free to come in when you’re finished.”
Lea giggled. “Daddy bird! Men don’t have homework.”
“You think not? You should tell your new friend, because Kylie gave me an assignment.” He quirked a brow at his daughter. “I want to keep her happy, so I think I’ll just take care of it right now.”
Kylie laughed and waved him away. “Out! We girls have a book to read.”
Rick disappeared around the corner, and Lea raised her blue eyes to Kylie’s. “If you sit over there—” She spoke hesitantly, sounding a bit shy for the first time, and nodded toward a large easy chair in the corner. “I can sit on your lap. OK?”
Kylie’s heart melted. “I’d like that very much.”
She took Lea’s hand and walked with her across the room.
****
“The end.” Kylie glanced at the sweet face resting against her chest. The child’s eyes drooped, though she fought hard to keep them open. Kylie snuggled Lea a bit tighter and dropped a kiss into the silky hair. “Thank you for sharing your book.”
Lea wrapped her thin arms around Kylie’s neck. “Thank you for reading to me.”
Trina appeared in the doorway. “Come along now, mi’ja. Time for bath, and then to bed with you.”
“Not yet.” Lea struggled to sit up and look wide awake. “I’m not sleepy.”
Kylie chuckled. Trina placed hands on hips and raised dark eyebrows. “I think you are, leetle one. Up, up! Say good night to Mees Kylie and go kiss your Papa.”
“OK.” Lea grumbled, but gave Kylie another hug and kissed her cheek. “Good night, Kylie. Will you come again? Soon?”
“That depends on whether I get another invitation,” Kylie whispered. She hugged Lea and gave her a gentle pat on the rear. “Go on now, kiss your Daddy and go with Trina. Sweet dreams.”
She waited until Lea and Trina came back out of Rick’s office and headed down the hall, then walked slowly to his study door. She tapped softly and the door swung inward.
“Come in.” He looked up from his desk, where he still sat in front of her laptop.
She crossed the wood floor and perched on the edge of a chair across from him. “Were you able to figure it out?”
He fixed her under a gaze so intense she squirmed. Maybe he didn’t want her to interfere in the ranch’s business.
“Kylie, this is…I can’t believe you put all this together without saying anything.”
“I’m sorry. I should have waited.” She blinked back tears. “Rick, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Offend me? You’re kidding, right?” He eyed her from beneath a furrowed brow. “Kylie, this is exactly what I was hoping for when I talked to you. Your ideas are nothing short of genius. Do you really think we can make all this happen?”
He wasn’t angry? “You—you like it?”
Rick raised both hands in the air, rolled his eyes, and shook his head. “No, I don’t like it.”
“Oh.”
“I think it’s fantastic! If we can really pull all this together, get the donations you’ve indicated might be possible, and bring in this number of volunteers…” He pulled in a deep breath. “Volunteers. You really think people might want to donate their time out here?”
“Looking Glass Ranch is one of the best causes I’ve heard of in a while. Certainly the best one in this area. I think you’ll find many people willing to donate time. Dayna is excited at the thought of coming out a couple times a week as a manicurist. You want to help these young ladies with self-image, right?”
“I do.”
“Then a manicurist should be a part of that program.” She rounded the desk and bent close to Rick to pull up another page. “And this kind of thing here. If we handle it properly, I think we can have large corporations literally inundating us with free product, from toiletry items to food to furniture.”
He looked a little skeptical. “I don’t know, Kylie. You really think so?”
“Yes, I do. We make them a part of the ad campaigns.” She pointed to a sample print ad on the screen. “The companies look good to the public for their generosity of spirit and support of a good cause. To say nothing of the tax write-off,” she muttered, and Rick grinned.
“You’ll help get this in place?”
“If you still want me.”
Rick reached up and cupped her chin in one hand. He said nothing for a moment, but he reached out and closed the laptop. Then he stood and took Kylie’s hand. “I want you.”
Kylie's Kiss
29
She nearly choked on her own breath, and couldn’t get a word past her lips, but Rick didn’t seem to notice. “Let’s walk, Kylie. It’s beautiful out tonight.”
Outside, he led her to the garage, opened Old Betsy’s passenger door and motioned her inside.
“I thought we were walking.”
“We are, but not here.”
He drove a couple of miles into the ranch land and up a slight incline. Kylie gasped when they started down the other side.
A small lake tucked close to a low hill reflected the full moon that silvered its surface. A row of pine trees lining the banks stood silhouetted like dark sentries against the waning sunset. Rick parked the pickup near the water and helped Kylie out.
“There’s a walking path between the trees and the lake.” He reached into the truck, popped the glove compartment open and pulled out a small flashlight, which he handed to Kylie.
“If you’ll hol
d that for me, I’ll get this.” He pushed the seat forward and pulled a folded blanket from behind it.
She laughed. “You certainly are prepared.”
“Lea and I come out here and read sometimes. She likes to feed the birds.” He nodded toward the lake, where a couple of swans floated gracefully on the far side. The moonlight created a nebulous glow around their bright feathers.
“Oh!” Kylie breathed the word, struck almost mute by the beauty of the scene. “They’re beautiful!”
“Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum.” He grinned. “That’s what Lea calls them.”
Taking her hand, he set off around the lake. They walked in silence until they reached a gazebo, nestled behind a thick copse of the fragrant pines. Rick spread the blanket in front of the small structure, pulled four wire-thin brackets from his hip pocket and used them to tie down each corner.
“All set.” He straightened and tossed her a grin. “We can rest here when we come back around. Unless—” His eyes questioned her. “Are you tired? We don’t have to walk any further. I keep forgetting that you’re still recuperating.”
“I am tired,” she admitted. “But I’d like to walk a little ways.”
He tucked her hand through his elbow and set off at a slow pace, matching his stride to hers. “Do you feel like telling me about him?”
She drew a deep breath and eased it back out. “Dylan?”
He grinned, and his teeth gleamed white. “Is there someone else I should know about?”
“No.” Her cheeks warmed. She could only hope he wouldn’t notice, despite the bright moonlight.
“Good. I’m listening, whenever you’re ready.”
“Dylan Barnes is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.” She sighed. “I met him my senior year at college. All the girls had a crush on him, and I was flattered beyond belief when he seemed to only have eyes for me. By the time I realized his good looks hid a wide streak of cruelty and just plain…badness…it was too late. I was trapped.”