“I just know it. Now let’s talk about something else.”
Marla saw him look ahead with clenched jaw and decided to let it go. She knew how hardheaded her brother was and when he wanted a subject closed no one could fight him. She had a few days to bring the subject up again, and bring it up she would.
“So, what are you doing here?” he asked, obvious concern in his voice.
“What, can’t a girl visit her brother without a reason?”
“Of course you can. It’s just that school isn’t out for another month and I usually don’t see you until then.”
Marla had worked as a para-legal since she’d graduated college and had decided to finally go back to school and earn her law degree. Wade was extremely proud that she had taken this crucial step to further her career.
“Next weekend is a long weekend and I decided to take a couple of extra days and get away for a week. I told my professors I had to leave early and they were okay with it. I’ve been a little stressed and needed a break.”
He furrowed his brow. Having lost their father at a young age made him been very protective of his little sister.
“Why are you stressed?”
“Oh, you know, the usual, nothing major. I just felt I needed a little time away.”
“Will you be staying at the house?”
“For a few days, if that’s okay.”
“Of course it is. I’ll have Gretchen set up your room.”
“Thanks bro.”
When they got back Wade dropped Marla off at the house and went back to the stables.
“I’ll see you later,” he said as he drove off.
Marla watched him leave, knowing full well what he was doing. She shook her head in dismay. Would he ever give another woman a chance? She knew Susan had hurt him badly, but he really needed to get over that.
***
That afternoon Jenna had decided to go for a walk. It was a beautiful day and she knew that the fresh air would do wonders for her. The property was expansive and she took in the beauty of the wildflowers, feeling as if she didn’t have a care in the world. It had been such a long time since she’d felt this way and she was relishing the experience. She picked some flowers as she strolled and was heading back to the house when she saw Wade’s truck pull to the side of the stables. She hadn’t realized that he would be coming back so soon and worried that he would see her. After the last time she had gone with Gretchen to the stables and he had been so angry she’d avoided being anywhere near them when she knew he was around. She walked to the back of the building and watched as he unloaded the supplies he had just bought. She figured that as soon as she saw him leave she would sneak out, a confrontation was the last thing she needed right now.
The heat must have been getting to him and she watched as he took off his shirt and got to work. She saw his wide chest glistening with sweat and couldn’t help wondering what it would feel like to caress his muscled arms, his rock hard abs. As she watched she envisioned herself lying on the hay as his roughened hands roamed her soft body, felt those fingers as they kneaded her breasts, his tongue meeting hers, then trailing a path down to her hardened nipples, replacing his hands as his mouth took over. She closed her eyes and couldn’t stop herself as her hand traveled down her body.
Suddenly she heard the roar of the engine and realized that he’d left the stables and had gotten back in his truck. Awakened from her reverie she chastised herself for acting like a hormonal teenager and rushed back to the house, shame evident on her reddened cheeks.
***
After she returned to the house Jenna decided that it would be safer to just lay low for a while. She went into the library and looked for a book, steering away from the romance novels she figured had belonged to either Wade’s fiancée or Marla. Looking through the extensive selection brought a smile to her face. It was wonderful to put down her reading tablet and actually feel a book in her hands. She opted for a historical novel and laid down on the comfortable chaise, opening the book to page one. Marla found her a little later, immersed in chapter two.
“Hi there. So, what have you been doing for fun?”
“Hi Marla. There’s not much to do so I kind of hang out then head to bed. Sometimes I go for a walk or a swim to clear my head.” She thought of her last walk and felt herself blush. What had gotten into her?
“Aren’t you bored out of your mind?”
“I came here to reflect and that’s what I’ve been doing. I need to go back to the city with a more positive outlook. I do get a bit bored sometimes, though.”
“That’s kind of what I’m going through. I need a little time to see things more clearly.”
“Exactly. This is the perfect place to do just that. It’s so peaceful here. Are you going to be staying awhile?”
“Just for a few days. Why don’t you and I go out to dinner tonight?”
“I’d like that. Where would you like to go? I’m not familiar with the area so I have no idea where the restaurants are.”
“I know this cute little one in town. We can eat and have a drink…or two,” she said with a wink.
“Okay. Just let me know when.”
“Will do.”
***
Later that evening they sat at the quaint little restaurant sipping margaritas. Marla had gotten them a cab, that way they could both enjoy a few drinks and driving back wouldn’t be an issue.
“So tell me what you’re clearing your head from,” Marla asked, taking a sip from her drink.
Jenna thought about everything she’d gone through and grimaced. She didn’t want to be reminded of what a mess her life had become, but decided to answer her question. “I just went through a nasty break-up. I found my fiancée in bed with my best friend, then right after that the house I had been renting was sold and I had to move out. I went from having a nice stable life to a life of chaos.”
“Wow, that’s pretty harsh. I’m sorry to hear it.”
“Thanks. I’m just glad I saw my ex for what he really was before I married him.”
“You’re right. It may hurt but at least you can make a clean break.”
“What about you? What are you escaping from?”
“It also has to do with a man. I was seeing him for a while but decided to take a break.”
“Do you have feelings for him?”
“I don’t know how I feel, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. He’s ten years older than me and I’m certain Wade wouldn’t approve. I know I’m a grown woman but his approval is very important to me. Does that sound pathetic?”
“Not at all. You respect your brother’s opinion and I’m sure he wants the best for you. I wish I had that in my life,’ Jenna said wistfully.
“Don’t you have any siblings? “
“No, I’m an only child.”
“What about your parents? I’m sure they want the best for you.”
“My parents and I have a very volatile relationship. They are supportive as long as I do exactly what they say, otherwise they just write me off.” Jenna thought about all the times she had tried to please them and come up short, making her feel very small in the process.
“That’s too bad. I’m lucky that Wade has always been very supportive of me. We lost our father at a very young age and our mother ten years ago, so he has been mother and father to me.”
“He sounds like a wonderful person. If I could get to spend more than two minutes with him maybe I would find out for myself,” Jenna laughed. She tried to sound lighthearted but Marla could see right through her.
“Have you tried to approach him? If you don’t make a move you can be sure that he won’t. He has pretty much closed himself off to romance since his breakup.”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant that every now and then it’d be nice to hang out for a bit. We’re living in the same house but whenever he’s around it feels awkward and he makes sure he’s not in my presence for long. He doesn’t like me very much.”
“I know that’s not true, he would be acting this way with any female. It’s not personal, I can assure you.”
“Well, it feels very personal to me. But then again my emotions are so raw right now that anything seems personal.”
“Boy, look at us, you’re licking your wounds and I’m an emotional wreck. We’re fun, fun, fun tonight,” Marla said, laughingly twirling her index finger in the air. “Now let’s stop being downers and have ourselves a good time, okay?”
“Okay,” Jenna laughed as she lifted her glass.
Chapter four
“Hey, Gretch, have you seen Marla,” Wade asked when he got in that evening.
“She went to the Bluebonnet for dinner with Jenna. They left not too long ago, why don’t you join them?”
“I don’t think so. I’m going upstairs.”
Gretchen watched as he walked upstairs. What a stubborn man, she thought. All of Stanley and Rose’s matchmaking was coming to naught, he would never give Jenna a chance.
Wade took a shower and lay on the bed thinking about what Gretchen had said. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Marla since she’d arrived and this would be a good opportunity to spend some time with her, he told himself.
He got up and quickly changed, taking a little extra care with his choice of attire.
Gretchen watched as the blue pickup took off, leaving a trail of dust in its wake. Maybe there was a chance after all, she thought with a smile.
***
Jenna and Marla were having a good time. It had been a while since Jenna had had a good laugh, and Marla was funny as hell. Marla was just finishing one of her childhood stories when two nice looking men approached them.
“Hello pretty ladies, would you care to dance?” the good looking blonde man said as he looked at Jenna.
His friend, also very good looking, was smiling at Marla.
“I’d love to dance,” Marla said with a smile.
Jenna hesitated but decided that one dance wouldn’t hurt.
“Sure, I’d like to dance,” Jenna said, and the men led them to the dance floor.
It had been a while but she quickly got the hang of it and was line dancing and having a great time when she saw Wade walk in. The look of hatred he gave her threw her off guard. She separated from her dance partner and went to her table. Marla followed close behind.
“Hey Wade, what are you doing here?” Marla asked.
“Gretchen told me you had come here and I decided to join you. I didn’t know you needed no companionship from me,” he said sarcastically, throwing Jenna a look full of loathing. How dare she go out and dance with other men? As much as he hated the fact that she was his uncle’s mistress she owed him some respect, especially when she was staying at his nephew’s house.
“I’m sorry. The nice gentleman asked me to dance and I saw no reason to say no.” Jenna said. She was starting to get annoyed herself. Who did he think he was judging her?
“Yeah, really. What’s your problem Wade? Jenna and I were just having an innocent dance. Thanks for ruining our night.”
Wade looked at his little sister and was tempted to tell her what was really going on between Jenna and Uncle Stanley, but he stopped himself. He knew how much Marla loved and admired their uncle, he didn’t want to ruin that image for her.
“I’m sorry. I’ll head back to the house. Don’t stay out too late Marla. Do you have a ride back?” he said, completely ignoring Jenna.
“You know what? I think we should head back too. Is that okay with you Jenna?”
“Yes, that’ll be fine,” she said, looking only at Marla. Two could play at this game.
“Let me give you a ride back home,” Wade offered, glad that they decided to leave. He didn’t feel comfortable leaving them there.
“Okay,” Marla said. As much as she would ‘ve liked to stay a little longer she also wanted Wade to spend some time with Jenna, even if it was just on the drive back.
Once they were back on the road Marla tried to make small talk but would only get monosyllabic answers from Wade. She decided to stop talking and they sat in silence as he drove them back to the house. So much for Wade getting to know Jenna, Marla thought.
***
Marla had seen Wade’s reaction to Jenna dancing with another man, it was an encouraging sign that he was not as indifferent to her as he tried to appear. He had feelings for Jenna, he just didn’t want to admit it. She thought about it and began formulating a plan. She needed to get Wade on the dance floor with Jenna, but how? She thought about it for a while then remembered that the town was having its yearly soiree, the gathering where all the local business owners and ranchers got together and let loose for one day. Ever since his breakup with Susan Wade had avoided this reunion, but prior to that he had enjoyed it like everyone else. She put her plan in motion that evening.
“Hey Wade, I hear the town gala is set for this Saturday, have you gotten any tickets yet?”
“I’m not going,” he said, without looking up from sorting his mail.
“But it’s always so much fun. You know what? I’d like to go. Why don’t you escort me?”
“I told you, I’m not going. Why don’t you ask Mitch?”
Mitch was their cousin and they were very close, Wade knew he would gladly escort Marla.
“He’s away for the week with that hot girl he has ‘working’ for him. I’m sure he won’t pass that up to go to the gala.”
“Well, I’m sorry, but I’m not going.”
“Okay, I guess I’ll ask Jenna to come with me. Maybe she’ll meet a nice rich guy who sweeps her off her feet.”
For one split second she saw the look of jealousy in Wade’s eyes and felt very proud of herself, but he recovered quickly and continued sorting his mail.
“Come on Wade, I wanna have some fun,” Marla whined. Maybe if she made a nuisance out of herself he would go just to shut her up.
“I told you, I’m not going.”
“Fine!” she pouted, slamming the door behind her. “You’ve turned into such a party pooper,” he heard her call out as she stormed toward her car.
He put the mail down and rubbed his eyes. He loved his sister but sometimes she could be a real pain in the ass.
***
Marla would not give up so easily. She was a Wilkinson, after all, and Wilkinsons never backed down. She would get him to the dance somehow, she promised herself. She drove to the local Chamber of Commerce and saw that Stella was working the front desk. The woman looked up and beamed when she saw Marla.
“Hiya, Punkin. Haven’t seen ya in a while, when did ya get back from school?”
“Just a few days ago. It’s so nice to see you,” Marla loved Stella. She was big and boisterous, and one of the funniest people she had ever met.
“It’s great to see ya too. How long ya staying in town?”
“About another week. I’m taking a breather from school and decided to come see my big brother.”
“Well, that’s real nice sugar. Hope ya have a good ole time while yer here.”
“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you still have tickets left for the gala?”
“Sure do, but just a handful. Y’all fixin’ on going?” Stella asked with a hopeful smile.
“I’m thinking about it. I need to get Wade out of the house, all he does is work.”
“I know what ya mean. That bitch did a real number on him,” Stella sneered. In this town if you hurt one you hurt all, Susan would forever be persona non grata. “Let me go get the tickets. Ya’ll need two, right?”
“No, I’ll need three. My friend is also going.”
“Ya bringing a boyfriend?” Stella asked, a wicked gleam in her eye.
“No, I left him back at school. This is for a girlfriend of mine.”
“Oh, okay hon.” Stella sounded a little disappointed, Marla thought, smiling to he
rself. “I’ll go get ya those tickets.”
On the drive home Marla wondered how she was going to get Wade to that ballroom. Asking him again was obviously not going to work, it had to be sneakier than that. She’d have to think.
When she got back to the ranch she went looking for Jenna and found her sunbathing in the back yard.
“Hey Jenna. Listen, I wanted to ask you if you’d go with me to the gala at the Grand Manor this Saturday. I asked Wade to go with me but the old fuddy-duddy said no.”
Jenna thought about it. “I don’t know Marla. I’d love to get out of the house, but I wouldn’t know anyone there.”
“You’d know me, and it’s always a lot of fun. There’s a mix of cowboys and doctors and attorneys along with small business owners of all kinds. It’s wonderful to see everyone get together for a night of fun and dancing. Aw, come on, please say yes.” Marla said with pleading eyes.
Jenna thought about it and decided, why not? She came to the ranch to clear her mind and forget about John and Heather’s treachery. What better way to do it than to go out and meet new people?
“Okay, I’ll go. But I have nothing to wear to a ‘gala’,” she said, smiling.
“I have dresses that I keep here for just such occasions. I’m sure we can find you something you like.” Marla was getting more excited by the second.
Jenna was getting excited herself. Wade wouldn’t be there so she wouldn’t feel inhibited, she thought, remembering the disapproval in his eyes when he saw her dancing with that nice man. Why she cared about what he thought was beyond her, but she did care.
***
Part one of Marla’s plan was in place, now onto part two. On Saturday morning she walked toward the stables and saw Wade talking to his foreman.
“Hey Wade, gotta a minute?”
“Sure sis. Excuse me Cliff.”
“Sure thing, boss,” Cliff said, walking into the paddock. “Goodbye, Miss Marla,” Cliff tipped his hat as he walked away.
Nice buns Marla thought as she watched the retreating figure.
“What’s on your mind?” Wade asked, loudly clearing his throat.
Marla turned her attention back to him.
Desiring the Enemy Page 3