Alexander Ranch

by Marla Josephs

  When I returned to the living room Daisy and Blake were chatting about the farm. They both looked up at me when I entered.

  “I was just telling Daisy here, I want to take you out to dinner if you are up to it. Daisy agreed to come.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t tell you I was bringing company home. You don’t mind taking both of us?”

  “Not at all. What man would miss the opportunity to take two lovely ladies out to dinner? Daisy’s already said yes, as long as you are up to going.”

  I rolled my eyes at his “lovely ladies” comment, but Daisy actually looked charmed. Interesting. Blake spoke again before I could ponder it further however.

  “Well?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “What do you have a taste for?” he asked.

  “Whatever you want. I’m starving.”

  We had a wonderful evening. Daisy and Blake talked as if they’d known each other forever. I realized the three of us talked and enjoyed each other as easily as she, Ethan and I did.

  When we returned to the house, Ethan and Jordan were there waiting for us.

  “Hey, Ethan. I hope you guys weren’t waiting long,” Daisy called out as they met us on the front porch.

  I waved and tried to appear unruffled. I hadn’t seen Jordan since Ethan had walked in on us lip locked that morning. Daisy introduced her cousin and brother in law and Blake invited everyone in. They stayed and chatted for a few minutes and then Daisy declared she was tired and it was time to go.

  “Let me know if you have any free time tomorrow. If so, we can go shopping or to lunch,” she said as Blake and I walked them to the door.

  “I’m not sure what Blake has planned – ” I began.

  “I’m planning on grabbing a pick-up game at the gym and running a few errands. So, don’t worry about me,” Blake assured me, “You ladies enjoy the day. I’ll catch up with you in the evening, Lela.”

  “Ok, sounds good,” I told Daisy. We said our goodbyes and they departed.

  “I like your friends, they seem nice,” Blake said closing the front door.

  “They are really nice,” I smiled.

  “I’d heard of the Alexanders and their plush ranch, but I’d never met any of them.”

  “I know, right? Who’d have thought they were so down to earth and normal. You hear so much about the ranch, you get the impression of stuffy pompousness. But, they are just really nice people.”

  “Yea. I especially like Daisy,” he gave me an exaggerated wink.

  “I just bet you do,” I admonished, shaking a finger at him, “No breaking the rules, unless you want me to.”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” his eyes narrowed and the smile vanished.

  “Goodnight,” I said with a sly smile and sauntered out of the room. I opened the door and let out a yelp of surprise when I saw a figure sitting in my vanity chair.

  “You alright?” My brother called from the living room. I could hear him getting up to come and investigate.

  “I’m fine. Sorry, I thought I saw a spider,” I yelled back and heard him chuckle and settle back down in the chair as I closed my door. Then, I turned to face Jordan. He was looking at me with one eyebrow raised.

  “I assume you are actually afraid of spiders since he believed you’d let out a yelp like that overseeing one.”

  “Yes, I am,” I whispered back, “What are you doing here?”

  “You didn’t think we’d leave you alone did you?”

  “Well, no. But, I didn’t expect to find you in my room.”

  “Well, where else could I be and not let your brother know I’m here?”

  “You don’t plan to stay in here all night do you?” My voice rose to a squeak.

  “Well, I guess we could figure something else out if that bothers you,” he stated calmly. “But, if you don’t keep your voice down you’ll have to explain who you’re talking to.”

  I sat down heavily on my bed and just looked at him. It seemed every time I turned around my life got more and more complicated. Now, I was hiding a man in my bedroom.

  “So what’s the rule?” Jordan asked.

  “What rule?”

  “The rule you told your brother not to break.”

  “Oh,” I said. “He made up this rule that none of his friends could date me. He made them swear when we were kids. But, he didn’t trust his friends so he made me promise him I would never date any of his friends.”

  “Ah, that rule.”

  I nodded.

  “I take it you made him promise you the same thing?”

  “Of course.”

  “Of course,” he repeated snickering. “Well, I’m glad I’m not his friend.”

  “About that,” I said hesitantly, not wanting to broach the subject, but knowing it had to be addressed. I’d never shied away from dealing with what needed to be dealt with before.

  “Yes?”

  “Jordan we need to talk.”

  “About the kiss this morning?”

  “About the kisses,” I corrected.

  “I figured you would over think it.”

  “Over think it? Jordan I was quite serious when I said I don’t think I am ready for this.”

  “Lela, it was a joke. And, I was also serious but, I still can’t seem to help myself,” he said, sounding so matter of fact I wanted to hit him.

  “You’re not taking this seriously,” I was clinching my teeth again.

  “I am,” he said holding up his hands as if to ward of my growing frustration and irritation. “Really, I am. It’s just that I am so relieved.”

  “Relieved about what?”

  “Relieved that my worries about hurting you were all in vain. As I’ve said, I’ve never been attracted to a regular human before. And, from all the stories I’d heard…well, I just wasn’t sure that the temptation wouldn’t be too great. It’s rather dizzying the relief I feel. And, without the fear of hurting you in the way, well, there’s more room for all of the other things I feel to make themselves known.”

  “Well, when you put it that way, I guess I am relieved too about the not hurting me part,” I agreed.

  “But, I’m guessing you objected to more than just the danger I might have presented to you?” His face was unreadable now.

  “Well, yes, I do have additional objections,” I was trying not to fidget now.

  “May I ask what they are?”

  “As I have already said, I’m not sure I am ready for this. I’m comfortable with my life and by myself. I’m not sure I can be involved right now.”

  “Involved with anyone or just me?”

  “Anyone, Jordan. I have no objections to you personally.”

  “So, there’s no one else?”

  “Like who?” I frowned. I mean really who else would there be. They’d been watching me twenty-four seven for the last couple of weeks. Didn’t he think that he’d have seen him by now if I’d had some mystery boyfriend or something?

  “You’re an extremely attractive female, Lela. I’m sure you could have your pick.”

  That threw me off. I cleared my throat. “There is no one else.”

  “So then tell me, I’m curious, what exactly is your objection to exploring this attraction between us. And, don’t try to tell me it’s one-sided. A woman who wasn’t attracted to me would not have allowed me to kiss her the way you did, nor would she have returned my kiss as you did. Do you have fears about me hurting you?”

  The last words were spoken calmly but I could hear how important my answer was to him and see the tenseness of his body as he awaited my response. “Not really, Jordan.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “As far as you protecting me, I have no objections or fear. I trust you to keep me safe. In a relationship, however, I’d be lying if I said it never crossed my mind that if you decided to harm me I would have no defense.”

  “You think I would hurt you purposely? Physically?”

  No, I don’t. But, if you did, I know from experie
nce with Kevin that I could not defend myself.”

  “I have never struck a woman,” he growled, indignation lashed out from each word. “Well, at least not one that wasn’t trying to kill me.”

  “I’m not saying you have, Jordan,” I said hastily. “Please don’t get mad. I’m trying to be honest with you.”

  “But to imply – ”

  “I’m not implying anything,” I cut off his annoyed protest. “I’m not even saying it could be intentional. What if you were frustrated with me and were just wanting to grab my arm or something and you squeeze too tight.”

  “I have better self-discipline than that!” he snapped.

  “Look, you asked me to explain. These are the thoughts that come to mind. Not only am I dealing with this new information about healers and drainers that I didn’t know existed, I’m supposed to contemplate ‘exploring this attraction’ as you put it? It’s a lot to take in, Jordan. I’m not even sure what I think.”

  “Ok, point well made,” he conceded.

  Can I just have a moment to wrap my head around all of this? Maybe you can assimilate your discovery that you won’t hurt me easily. But, I think my discovery is a little larger to grasp for a plain old normal person.”

  “And, I have already agreed with you on that point,” he said indulgently. “Please forgive me. I admit I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ll give you some time to digest all of this new information.”

  “Thank you.”

  “But, can I ask you one more question?”

  “I guess so. Somehow, I feel you’ll ask no matter what I say.”

  “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?”

  “I don’t know,” I stood up and walked to the other side of the room. “I just haven’t had the time for a relationship nor the interest.”

  “Did your last relationship end badly?”

  “No, I just got caught up in my life and am happy with the way things are right now. I don’t want any additional complications right now. I know that’s hard for you males to believe, but not all of us women feel we have to always have a man.”

  “Complications?” he repeated. Then he cocked his head to the side and gave me that penetrating frown like he was trying to figure something out. “It doesn’t have to be a complication. We can take it slow, nothing serious.”

  I glared at him. Wasn’t this just like a guy? “I don’t do casual.”

  He looked at me speculatively, “Tell me, when was the last time you were in a relationship?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe, two years ago.”

  His eyebrows raised, which I was starting to get used to, and he blinked in surprise. “Two years?”

  Reaching one end of the room I turned and headed back to the other side of the room before I realized I was pacing. I was starting to feel awkward. I didn’t want to talk about this anymore. “Maybe less, why?”

  He shook his head but didn’t speak.

  “Will you stop looking at me like that?” I hissed.

  “I’m just surprised. I’m sorry,” he shrugged in defense.

  “What is there to be surprised about?”

  “That you’ve been fending off men for two years. And, don’t try to tell me no one has tried to persuade you out of your single status in the last two years.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this.” I crossed the room again. “I’m not interested in dating right now. Do I have to have a reason?”

  “No,” he said quietly. “You don’t.”

  “Thank you.” I walked over to my dresser and pulled out a night gown then, thought better about it and pulled out some sweats. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”

  I turned on my heel. Luckily my bedroom had its own bathroom and walk-in closet. I don’t know how I would have explained to Blake why I was walking down to the hall bathroom to change clothes.

  “Lela?”

  “Yes?” I stopped in the doorway to my bathroom and turned to look at him. He looked pained as if he were struggling with something. I could feel myself softening and stiffened my resolve.

  “Is it too much to ask for us to be friends?”

  “No,” I smiled with relief, “I think I would like that.”

  “Good, so would I.”

  I turned and entered the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I turned to look in the mirror but I wasn’t seeing my reflection. Rather, I was reflecting on my own churning feelings. How could it be that I was attracted to this…this super human? The fact that he existed was enough for my mind to grapple with. But, I knew nothing of his world. And, inevitably, if I gave into this temptation it was bound to have an impact on my life that I couldn’t even begin to imagine. And he was attracted to me? What did that even mean? Relationships and attractions came and went.

  I placed my clothes down on the counter and leaned on the counter with both palms flat on the countertop. I dropped my head and sighed. There weren’t words to describe how I felt. This was so far beyond anything I knew how to handle or even think about.

  After a few moments I decided that the best thing to do at the moment was to not think about it. I was tired, my mind was mush and maybe things would be clearer in the morning. I pushed away from the counter, changed into my bed clothes and slid into bed.

  “Goodnight, Lela,” Jordan whispered in the darkness.

  “Goodnight, Jordan,” I whispered back.

  Chapter 23

  I honestly didn’t think I would get much sleep knowing that Jordan was in my room. It was awkward at first. He sat in the chair listening to an audio book in the dark. After, he assured me he had no intentions on sleeping and he was completely comfortable, I finally lay down and surprisingly passed out. When Blake woke me up banging around in the kitchen Jordan was gone.

  I slid out of bed and stretched. Then, I decided to see if Blake was still planning to go to the gym. If he was, I would join him. I needed a workout. I padded into the kitchen where he was standing over the stove cooking with a cup of coffee in one hand and a spatula in the other.

  “Good morning, Big Brother,” I said in greeting and took his coffee mug from his hand.

  “Hey, I already poured you a cup!” He protested.

  “Yuk!” I scrunched up my face after taking a sip, “What did you put in here?”

  “That’s what you get for stealing a man’s coffee,” he admonished smugly. “I don’t put creamer in my coffee. You know that. But, I put creamer in yours just the way you like it. It’s on the counter over there,” he gestured to the other side of the counter.

  “Yea, I know. But, how else can I annoy you first if I don’t sip out of your coffee,” I teased grabbing the mug he’d prepared for me.

  “Isn’t that like biting off your nose to smite you face?” he teased back. “I mean, you are the one who doesn’t like my coffee. But, it doesn’t bother me if you drink it.”

  “I’m giving you little sister cooties. Jeeze, keep up!”

  “Oh, well, in that case I sneezed while I was making yours so, I guess where even,” he jested with a tormenting look only a big brother could give.

  “Gross!” I shouted, but I was laughing. “Ok, you win. I can’t do the irritating little sister thing before my morning coffee.”

  The doorbell rang and I went to see who was there. I had a pretty good idea that it must be one of the Alexanders. I was pretty sure that someone was always near. It was Daisy on the doorstep suspiciously prepared for the gym. She was wearing some high end work out gear that could double as gym wear or casual wear.

  “Good morning, Daisy,” I yawned.

  “Morning, Lela,” Daisy said in her too high energy for a Saturday morning voice.

  We ended up working out at the gym while Blake played game after game of basketball with Ethan, who miraculously just happened to be at the gym.

  Afterwards, Daisy and Ethan invited us to the ranch for some horseback riding and dinner. Of course, Blake was delighted to go. He loved animals as much as I did and hadn’t been horseback ri
ding for years. I knew he was also curious about the Alexanders. I’d been talking so much about them and their ranch lately and they certainly didn’t disappoint. They fired up the grill and Logan did some surf and turf, while Grace cranked out vegie, fruit and pasta salads in the kitchen. By the time Blake, Daisy, Ethan and I returned from roaming the ranch on horseback we were starving.

  Jordan, who had remained absent until this point, finally made an appearance. He was juggling his niece and a container of food.

  “Don’t you drop my pasta salad, Jordan,” Grace warned, carrying out two big bowls behind him.

  “If I do, it will be Daniela’s fault,” he called back grinning. He smiled at the little girl riding in one of his arms and she kissed him on the forehead. I’d seen very little of the toddler, but I could see that she had Jordan wrapped around her tiny little finger. Logan and his three year old son, Tyler, brought up the rear. Tyler was showing what a big boy he was by carrying a bag with plastic utensils in it. Beating me to the punch, Ethan introduced, Blake to Logan and Grace.

  “We are so pleased to finally meet you,” Grace said with a big smile and giving Blake a warm hug.

  “We sure are,” Logan said giving Blake a firm handshake once Grace released him. “Lela has just practically become part of our family. We are so happy to meet someone in her family.”

  They were so welcoming and warm to my brother and they didn’t even know him. I was touched.

  After a fun filled day, an evening filled with delicious food, stimulating conversation and great company, Blake and I finally headed for home.

  “You were right. They’re really nice people,” he said as we climbed into his Saab 9-3 for the ride home.

  “Told you,” I said. He ruffled my hair. I smacked at his hand and then settled in the plush seat. I wasn’t a car person like my brother but, I had to admit, the car was comfortable and the ride was smooth. Boys and their toys. Then my thoughts wondered back to the Alexanders. Though I didn’t see anyone, I was sure we weren’t alone. Someone was following us, I had no doubt.

  “So where are you off too tomorrow?”

  “Denver and then Arizona this time.”

  “You still don’t get tired of being gone all the time?” I asked.