“Would you like to go downtown? They have some nice shops, if you like that kind of stuff.”
“Sure, it sounds like fun,” she said as she wiped away the tears.
“Okay, be ready by two,” he said nothing else as he left the house again.
Jenna was getting excited. Aside from the dance she had been cooped up in the house for too long, it would be nice to take a pleasant stroll as she window shopped. Wade might be a gruff individual but there was something about him she found alluring, and spending the afternoon with him wasn’t unappealing to her.
Just then Marla walked in.
“Your brother just offered to take me downtown this afternoon. Do you want to come with us?” Jenna asked.
“Thanks sweetie, but I really just want to hang out today. You go have fun though.” Marla’s excitement bubbled within her. After Susan she had often worried that he would be alone for the rest of his life, turning into a grumpy old man living behind shuttered windows. He was such a good man, a man with so much love to give. He needed a special someone to share his life with, and maybe Jenna was the someone he needed.
“Are you sure? I know Wade won’t mind.” When Marla had first suggested this outing Jenna had been happy to think of spending time alone with him, but now she was getting nervous. With Marla as a buffer she felt they would have a much better, less stressful day.
“I’m sure. At what time are you heading out?” Marla was having none of it. Wade and Jenna were going to spend time alone whether they liked it or not as far as she was concerned.
“Around two.”
“Well you better get ready, it’s getting late.”
“I guess you’re right. See you later.”
Jenna went to her room and found some comfortable clothes. A t-shirt, jeans and sneakers and she was ready to go. Wade found her waiting for him in the living room.
“Let me go change. I won’t take long,” he said as he went upstairs.
***
When he’d walked into the living room that morning he’d been surprised to find her crying. He saw that she was watching a movie and figured that was the cause of her tears, but he had to fight the urge to take her in his arms and comfort her. It went against his nature but he steeled himself against the need to go to her as he tried to ignore her tearstained face.
The sweet, tender woman he saw before him contradicted sharply with the woman he knew her to be, yet he was finding it harder each day to fight his attraction to her. When he saw her waiting for him this afternoon he had to force his eyes away. Even in casual clothes her beauty shone through. Her red hair cascaded down her back and her green eyes hinted at the fiery woman beneath the surface. He remembered her naked body and how she felt in his arms, her tall, curvaceous form beckoning him. He could still taste her, feel the roundness of her breasts, and had to give himself a mental shake to chase the thought away. She was his uncle’s mistress, nothing but a whore in his mind. The only reason he was doing this was because he promised Marla and he had never broken a promise to her. He dressed quickly and went downstairs.
Jenna looked up as he trotted down the stairs and felt a shiver course through her body. He was so handsome. His bronzed skin and black hair contrasted beautifully against his bright blue eyes. She couldn’t help her eyes wandering down his body and remembered watching as his muscles rippled from the strain of hard labor. His shirt accentuated his broad chest and powerful arms and his jeans showcased the best buns she had ever seen on a man. When he put his cowboy hat on and looked at her she thought she would swoon like the southern belles of yore.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yes… yes,” she stammered. What was wrong with her? Although she had seen her share of handsome men he was the only one who affected her this way and she had to wonder what made him so different from the others, but she couldn’t figure it out.
She picked up her purse and they headed out. She noticed that he didn’t help her onto the pickup. Not very gentlemanly but she wasn’t surprised, he hadn’t been gentlemanly toward her at all since she had arrived.
He drove in silence as she took in the view. It was beautiful land, so dissimilar to the city streets she was accustomed to. Every now and then Wade would surreptitiously glance her way. The wind was playing havoc with her curls, giving her a wild look that made him wonder how she’d look beneath him as he made love to her. He had caught a glimpse of that wild woman, and now he spent his nights wondering what it would have been like if Marla hadn’t come home that night. She looked sweet but was probably a lioness in bed, she had to be to make his uncle stray the way he had. The thought angered him but he decided to just put up with her this afternoon. This past week he had been able to avoid her, he would just have to continue to do so as much as possible. Marla would be leaving soon and he would be able to give up any pretense that this was just a simple houseguest.
***
They got to the center of town and he led her to the main street. She noticed the antique and specialty shops, they were all so quaint. They went into a couple of shops, and although he was still aloof she sensed that he was becoming less tense around her. She even saw him smile a couple of times when she pointed out the odd bric-a-brac on display.
After walking around a bit they stopped at a small café. As they waited for their order he tentatively began talking to her.
“So, what brought you to town? When Uncle Stanley proposed that you come he started to tell me about your relationship troubles but the call got cut off before he could finish.”
Jenna figured she might as well tell him, she was sure Stanley and Rose would fill him in eventually.
“Well, the relationship ended at just about the same time that I was told I had to leave the house I was renting. Stanley figured that I could come down here until I could sort things out.”
Wade was surprised to hear that. He assumed that she and Uncle Stanley were still seeing each other and learning that they were no longer together was welcome news indeed. He felt a sense of relief wash over him.
“I guess that was for the best,” he said. Knowing that things had ended with his uncle made things much more palatable.
Jenna nodded as she took a sip of the coffee the server had placed in front of her. She decided to change the subject and led him into much more benign territory.
“Have you lived here all your life,” she asked, truly interested in his answer.
“Yes I have. My father inherited the ranch and would still be working it if he hadn’t died so young.” Although his death had occurred when Wade was a young boy the memory was still painful.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Jenna didn’t know what else to say.
“Yeah, it sucks to lose a parent. My mother took over and did okay, but as soon as I came of age she handed the reins to me. She was done with it and I was more than willing to take over. Then about ten years ago she passed away and Marla and I inherited the land. When Marla turned twenty-one she asked me to buy her out and I did. So in answer to your question, yes, I’ve lived here all my life.” Wade smiled as he realized that the simple question had elicited this drawn out explanation.
When he smiled he looked like a mischievous little boy and Jenna had to resist the temptation to brush the hair away from his twinkling eyes.
“What about your parents?” he asked as the server laid down their plates.
Jenna remembered that she had told him she had no family when she first arrived at the ranch.
“I’m also all alone,” was all she said.
Wade assumed that she had also lost her parents but found it difficult to speak about it so he dropped the subject.
“I guess being on a horse farm is pretty different from what you’re used to in the big city,” he said instead.
“Yes it is, but when I was growing up I would spend my summers visiting my Aunt Ruth. The family owned horses and I would spend the days riding. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories.”
“Mayb
e we can go riding one day?”
“I would really enjoy that.”
They finished eating and when the bill came she tried to pay her share.
“I’m sorry, but around these parts a gentleman does not allow a lady to pay for her meal.”
“I can’t let you pay, you’re doing enough for me already, letting me stay at your house free of charge.”
“I’m sorry but that’s just the way we do things. Now put your money away.”
He said it with such finality that she decided to obey. When in Rome...
They walked out of the café and continued on their way, strolling through the pretty streets and not stopping until early evening when they headed for home. Gretchen had made dinner and to Jenna’s surprise he ate at the dining room table with her. He’d definitely relaxed.
***
That night as he was getting ready for bed Wade pondered what had transpired that afternoon. He felt relieved that she wasn’t seeing his uncle anymore, and not just because of his loyalty to Aunt Rose, he had to admit. He felt relieved because now he didn’t feel as guilty about his feelings toward her. Something was happening to him, and he wasn’t sure he liked it. He was getting more and more drawn to her and lacked the control to stop himself. She just didn’t fit the mold of the seductress, he thought, as he remembered her childlike excitement that afternoon. She seemed sweet and soft and he couldn’t help recalling how she had felt in his arms. But what if he tried pursuing a relationship with her, how would his uncle take it? He put the thought out of his mind as he went to bed.
***
The next morning he found her in the kitchen with Gretchen.
“Good morning ladies,” he said with a big grin.
Jenna felt her heart skip a beat. His broad smile made him look more handsome than ever. Before, his face had looked constantly angry, the permanent frown making him look harder, older than his thirty-three years. Now he looked sweet and approachable.
“Good morning,” Jenna said, returning the smile.
“Where’s Marla?” He was surprised that she wasn’t up yet.
“She left early this morning. Said she was going to spend the day at a friend’s and not to expect her for dinner,” Gretchen said. “Will you and Jenna be having breakfast together?” She asked expectantly. She had a bit of the matchmaker in her too.
“Sure, if that’s okay with Jenna.”
“Of course it is.” Jenna wondered why he felt the need to ask her permission, it was his house after all.
“Great. I’ll set the table.” Gretchen went into the dining room to set up.
He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He was attracted to Jenna, that much was certain, and he thought she was attracted to him. But she had been his uncle’s mistress, how would it look for him to start seeing her now?
Gretchen served them their breakfast and left the room. They began eating, the silence making them both feel self-conscious.
“Did you sleep well?” he finally asked.
“Like a baby.” Jenna answered. She hadn’t come to this house looking for romance, but when she looked at him she couldn’t help her body’s reaction. Should she even consider starting a relationship with him after going through such a bad breakup? Rebound relationships rarely worked.
“I know you’ve been cooped up here with nothing to do and I was wondering if you’d like to go to the movies later?”
“I’d like that very much,” she said, surprised that he would ask her out again so soon.
“Okay then, can you be ready around five? I’m thinking we can have an early dinner then head to the movie.”
“Sounds great. I’ll be ready.” Jenna tried not to sound too eager.
He finished his breakfast and rose. “Well, let me get to work. I’ll see you at five.”
“See you then.” Jenna couldn’t help the exhilaration she felt at the thought of spending time alone with him again.
***
The rest of the morning was spent helping with the men’s lunches. When Gretchen headed out to the stables she went to her room and tried to read, but after ten minutes she put the book down. She couldn’t concentrate on anything other than her ‘date’ with Wade.
At four o’clock she jumped in the shower. By four thirty she had her hair blown out and her make-up done. She wanted to wear something a little nicer than just jeans and a t-shirt and found a pair of black stretch pants and a long top. She had brought a pair of boots and they added the touch she was looking for. She looked at herself in the mirror and approved. Her hair hung in long curls and her eye shadow brought out the shimmering green of her eyes.
Wade had come home and gotten ready before she even saw him. They bumped into each other in the hallway and Jenna was again taken aback by his handsomeness. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and jeans, his cowboy boots giving him a rugged look. When they came downstairs Gretchen let out a whistle.
“Boy, you two make a gorgeous couple.”
“We’re not a couple,” Wade said quickly.
Jenna couldn’t help feeling a little stung by his reaction. She knew they weren’t really a couple, but did he have to make it sound so impossible?
“We’re heading out Gretch. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wade said.
“See you tomorrow. Have a great time,” Gretchen said as they walked out.
Wade went around the pickup to the passenger side and opened the door for Jenna, surprising her with his chivalry. She smiled and jumped in.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling broadly.
“You’re welcome.” He returned the smile.
They made small talk as they drove downtown, then parked the car and walked to a nice restaurant across the street from the movie theatre. They placed their orders and didn’t say much, awkwardly avoiding each other’s eyes until Wade broke the silence.
“You were telling me that your relationship is over. What makes you think things won’t be re-kindled?” He needed to make sure she was over Uncle Stanley before he proceeded, but proceeded with what?
“It was a mistake. I didn’t know it at the time but he was all wrong for me. I need a man that’s all mine.” She winced as she remembered the pain she felt when she saw her supposedly devoted fiancée with her best friend.
Wade was glad that she realized Uncle Stanley belonged with Aunt Rose.
“What about you? Are you in a relationship?” she fervently hoped he wasn’t.
“I was seeing someone, but it didn’t work out,” was all he said.
It was obvious that he was going to say nothing more on the subject and she decided to drop the matter. Their dinners arrived and they ate in companionable silence.
When they were done they walked to the movie theatre and got their tickets. Jenna hadn’t offered to pay, after the last time they shared a meal she decided that she would do things his way. The last thing she wanted to do was offend him, things were going so well right now.
They were a little early so they decided to take a stroll in the neighborhood.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been around the house lately. I’m sure you would’ve liked some company.” If he had known it was over with Uncle Stanley he would’ve been a little more attentive.
“No need to apologize, I know you’re a busy man. Actually, it’s been good for me to have time to sort out the mess that has become my life. Besides, when I needed to chat I had Gretchen, and for the next few days I’ll have Marla too. They’re both so lovely.”
“Yes they are. Why do you say your life has become a mess?”
“Well, first my relationship goes down the tubes, then I lose my home. What else can go wrong?”
“I’m glad that coming to my house has helped. I hope that by the time you leave you’ll have a more positive perspective.” He looked at his watch. “We better get to the theatre.”
He took her hand and led her across the street. Jenna didn’t know what to think. Did this mean something?
When they got to the theatre he ordered t
wo popcorns but she stopped him.
“Why don’t we get a large one and share? It’ll be cheaper.”
He believed her to be a gold digger, so to see her doing something to save him money pleasantly surprised him. They went in, found their seats, and proceeded to watch the movie as they ate their popcorn. Every now and then their hands brushed across each other, sending a tingle down his spine.
After the movie they decided to go have a coffee at the local coffee house. They shared some more small talk then headed home. When they got to the house they said their goodnights and headed to their respective rooms. He had been tempted to kiss her but stopped himself, still not knowing what to make of her. She said things were over with Uncle Stanley, and maybe they were still friends, but what if they weren’t? What if she had broken his uncle’s heart? How could he then tell him that they were together? He would have to wait and see.
***
Jenna lay on her bed thinking about what had transpired tonight. She knew Wade was interested in her, so why did he seem so distant when they got home? After the nice evening they shared she had hoped for something warmer than a generic ‘goodnight’, even a peck on the cheek would have satisfied her. She decided to get to sleep and see where things led tomorrow.
Chapter eight
The next day he went to work early but came home for lunch. This was a rarity, he usually ate with the workers.
“How was your morning?” he asked with a smile.
His face lit up when he smiled and Jenna again felt her heart skip a beat.
“Fine. I helped Gretchen make lunch for the guys then caught up on some reading.”
“Well, I have a little free time. Would you like to go riding this afternoon?”
“I would love that.”
Wade looked at her face, so beautiful and so sweet. How could she have ever been involved with a married man? It didn’t make sense to him.
Desiring the Enemy Page 6