Whispers of the Heart

by Woster, Barbara

  “Yep, we just came by to let you know we’re heading out,” Achak replied.

  “Anyone else calling it quits,” Dalian said and then turned to address Jason. “Sorry, didn’t mean to make it sound a negative thing.”

  “Not a problem. I just know when I’m licked,” Jason replied in that good-natured manner that Dalian was beginning to appreciate.

  “I have one more person,” Achak stated, “who said they’d prefer the pool to more time in a saddle, but don’t know his name. Sorry.”

  “That’s alright, as long as I have a head count. We started with twelve, are losing two, and gaining one.”

  “Oooh, I know, I know. That makes eleven people, right?” Achak said, jumping up and down like an excitable school student. Kat couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, and Dalian just shook his head.

  “Thank you, Mr. Broadwater,” Dalian said in mock seriousness. “Radio in as soon as you get back to the house. We should be riding in sometime Friday afternoon.”

  “Sure thing, boss,” Achak said, and then turned back to Kat, “Ma’am,” he added with a tip of his hat.

  When both men left, Kat suddenly felt ill at ease. There were simply too many people connecting her to Dalian and she wasn’t certain if she liked that or not. Before Dalian could take advantage of their being alone again, she started heading back to camp, “I’ll just go get saddled up and ready to go,” she called over her shoulder.

  Dalian sighed heavily. The rabbit was back.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “Well, I do hope you folks have enjoyed your first two weeks here at the ranch,” Dalian said, and waited until after the smattering of applause died away before continuing. “I know you’ve had an interesting time learning to rope, ride, brand, and everything that being a cowboy entails...”

  “Uh-hum.”

  “Sorry, Miss Chloe. I’ll get it right eventually,” Dalian smiled.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome.” He tipped his hat, and then continued addressing the group. “But every now and again, even we hardworking folk need a little breather, so we’ll be taking tomorrow night off and having ourselves a little shindig.”

  “What in heaven’s name is a shindig?” Chloe asked, and Kat grinned. Again, the shrewd woman she’d met two weeks prior was gone, replaced by the reticent, dimwitted, airy-voiced girl speaking now. Kat wondered just how she managed to keep those two personalities separated, calling on the right one at the right time. It must take a monumental effort on her part not to get them mixed up. If she needed a career to fall back on in her retirement, she could easily get a job as an actress.

  Dalian was responding and Kat refocused on the conversation. “A hoedown?” He asked with a laugh.

  “Nope. Never heard of it.”

  “A barn dance?”

  “I’ve heard of dancing and I’ve seen a barn since I’ve been here...”

  “Well, that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to kick up our heels and have a rip-roaring good time inside that barn you’ve seen here.”

  “Aren’t there animals in there?”

  “Not that particular one. We keep our supplies in there, but a few of the ranch hands will stow it all away and make room for us.”

  “Are there going to be any other women at that party, or are Kat and I expected to dance with everybody?”

  “Most times, the ranch hands bring their wives and girlfriends; however, if you’re concerned. . .would any of you gentlemen have an objection to keeping Miss Chloe company tomorrow night?”

  “Nope.” The male guests said in unison.

  “And Kat?” Chloe said, eyeing Dalian with a knowing glance. “Who’s going to keep her company?”

  Kat’s face reddened at the implication of the conversation, “Um. Do I get a say...”

  “I am,” Dalian answered, stopping Kat’s protest in its tracks. Everyone was so focused on Dalian and Kat that no one noticed when Cal stormed from the room. Kat wanted to reply, but when her gaze met Dalian’s, all she could do was to suck in a deep breath. If he wanted her to know where he stood, that gaze said it all; but she didn’t want what his gaze offered. Did she? After all, she’d spent the better part of the last two weeks ignoring his not-so-subtle intimations; however, something had changed since their return from the time away from the ranch. It was if he was tired of doing the two-step around her, and wanted her to join in his dance.

  If she knew what Dalian was thinking, she’d know her assumptions were correct. When she’d bolted from him again on the range, and had spent the better part of the remaining two and a half days avoiding his company, he was ready to go for broke. He needed her to know that he was interested. The delicate part was getting her to admit that she was interested too.

  Kat finally forced herself to look away, and then wished she hadn’t when her gaze encountered Chloe’s. Her smug 'you don’t stand a chance in hell of escaping that one’ look made her want to scream. Instead, she turned on her heels and headed toward the house – ready to pack up and flee.

  Of course, she’d never run from anything in her life, but then again, she’d never been as scared as she was of the desire Dalian Rivers sparked in her. It was like having permanent menopausal hot flashes. He’d told her she was afraid of him, and she’d denied it vehemently; but she really was. Not of him, rather of the desire she felt towards him. It was a feeling no man had ever evoked, not even her husband. Robert had been her best friend, and while they always enjoyed each other’s company, sex had rapidly dwindled away to nothing when the twins were born. She could very well claim a return to virginity after their birth, for he didn’t once have a desire for sex after that day. He still kissed her, hugged her, and showed his affection in other ways, but there were times she missed the intimacy. The twins had been four when the truck driver crashed into Robert’s vehicle, cutting their lives short; which meant she’d been without a sexual partner for six years. She suddenly wondered why she’d allowed it; wondered why she didn’t care – until now.

  She went to the sideboard and dished up some eggs, bacon, and a biscuit with gravy, and then plopped onto a chair at the long dining table. When she picked up her mug to take a sip of coffee, nothing poured into her mouth. She looked into the interior and huffed, “I’m so discombobulated; I can’t even remember to pour a cup of coffee for myself.” Returning to the sideboard, she poured a cup of the steaming brew and returned to the table; but instead of eating or drinking anything, her thoughts returned to her confusion over Dalian.

  “You’re deep in thought.”

  Kat jumped, thankful that she’d already placed her cup down. “I didn’t hear you walk up.”

  “Like I said,” Chloe grinned. “You’re deep in thought, and I don’t have to take but one guess as to who’s on your mind.”

  “You’d be right,” Kat said ruefully. “Where is everyone? Aren’t they coming in for breakfast?”

  “They’ll be along in a minute. I just got a jumpstart on them. Figured you might want to talk. Although from Dalian’s expression when you walked off, he would’ve preferred to be the one chasing after you.”

  “That’s the problem. He is.”

  “If it were me, I wouldn’t consider it a problem – as you know. Have you told him that you aren’t interested in him?”

  “Not in so many words,” Kat said dejectedly.

  “And not in your body language, either.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your mannerisms fairly shout 'take me, I’m yours’,” Chloe said, grinning mischievously.

  “You’re joking!” Kat said. “Aren’t you?”

  “Absoposilutely, not.”

  “Well, no wonder he’s getting bolder in his attentions,” Kat murmured.

  “I did comment on how inexperienced you were,” Chloe chided. “Pegged you, but good. But you seemed to think that being married to your high school sweetheart makes you an expert on the opposite sex.”

  “College
sweetheart,” Kat muttered distractedly.

  “Whatever.” Chloe turned toward the door, “Here comes the rest of the group. So, what are you going to do?” She asked, settling in the chair beside Kat.

  “I’m going to try to enjoy the dance and during the time I have left, avoid Mr. Dalian Rivers at all costs so that I don’t turn myself into an adolescent-acting whore. Then go home where I belong and resume my life.”

  “In that order?” Chloe quipped.

  “I don’t know.” Kat responded sincerely. “I really am enjoying myself here. It’s so beautiful and serene. So I would prefer not to cut my vacation short, but if he keeps coming after me the way he is, I may not have a choice.”

  Chloe looked at Kat and winced, “Good heavens, Kat, what happened to you to make you so skittish? Most women would be thrilled to have a man like Dalian Rivers focus his attention on them. Are you a lesbian?” She asked, but then suddenly retracted, “No, you said he was your type, so what is it then?”

  “I really don’t know,” Kat sighed, “well, I think I do, but . . .”

  “Well, spit it out then.” Chloe placed her elbows on the table and planted her chin on her hands, eyes wide with curiosity, “I’m all ears.”

  “Promise not to laugh?”

  “Oh good Lord, what could possibly be funny about all of this drama?”

  “I’ve never met a man as . . . well . . . for lack of a better word – manly.”

  Chloe lifted her chin from her hands and her jaw dropped, “You’ve seriously got it bad for him and it’s scaring you.”

  Kat nodded and then lowered her gaze in embarrassment, “I’m twenty-seven years old,” she whispered, “and I’ve not once met a man that makes me feel all tingly on the outside and all addlepated on the inside. It’s very overwhelming.”

  “I can see that,” Chloe grinned, “and I wish I could help you muddle your way through this particular emotional quagmire, but I’ve never been where you are, so wouldn’t even know where to begin advising you.”

  “Sure you’re not just hoping that I’ll run home and clear the field for you again?”

  “That thought actually didn’t cross my mind; however, now that you mention it – if I thought I stood a chance, I’d escort you upstairs, help you pack, and drive you to the airport.”

  “Oh, I don’t doubt it,” Kat laughed.

  “Well, I’d better grab a plate before the wolves eat everything all gone.”

  “Apt choice of words,” Kat murmured as Dalian entered the room, eyeing her as if she were rabbit stew. “Dear Lord above, what am I going to do?”

  “Whatever you do, decide fast, because that man’s got it as bad for you as you do for him.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “May I have this dance?”

  “You mean you plan to ask?” Kat replied, ignoring his outstretched hand.

  Dalian lowered his hand and stood watching her. He wondered for a moment whether he was reading her wrong, but then he glanced up. It was there in her gaze. Desire mingled with barely restrained wary anger.

  “Are you aware that since this party started half an hour ago, not one person has asked me to dance because of your rather possessive statement yesterday morning?” Kat was doing her dead level best to keep her tone level. “They all keep eyeing you and me as if we’re a couple; as if I belong to you.”

  I wish, Dalian wanted to say, but as he’d feared, the rabbit was back and he didn’t want her bounding away this evening. He wanted to dance, wanted to hold her in his arms. “I’m sorry if I let my desire overrule my tongue,” Dalian said softly.

  “Please don’t say things like that,” Kat whispered.

  “Don’t apologize?”

  “Don’t say ‘desire’ and ‘tongue’ in the same sentence directed at me,” Kat replied bluntly.

  Dalian grinned, but held back his response. Instead he held a hand back toward her, “May I please have this dance, Miss McMurray. It would honor me a great deal.”

  “Now I get the impression that you’re mocking me.”

  “That is something I would never do,” Dalian said sincerely.

  “Well, I guess if I’m going to get to dance this evening, it’s going to have to be with you, since no other man in this room seems inclined to come near me.”

  “Lucky me.”

  “The evening is still young, Dalian, so there is plenty of time for your luck to expire.”

  Dalian pulled her into his embrace, laughing. “Are you going to stay angry with me until it does?”

  “That might be the safest course of action,” Kat replied, trying to maintain some distance between their bodies. Dalian, on the other hand, seemed determined to meld them into a single entity.

  “When are you going to stop running?” Dalian whispered in her ear.

  “When are you going to stop chasing?” Kat asked, taking a determined step back.

  “I’m not sure I can,” Dalian replied honestly.

  “And I’m not ready to be caught,” Kat replied equally candid, “so where does that leave us?”

  “At an impasse?”

  “At an impasse,” Kat replied, pulling free from his embrace. Kat sighed dejectedly, “If you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly very tired. Good night, Mr. Rivers.”

  “Good night, Kat,” Dalian replied. He watched her leave the barn and move toward the house, his brain mulling over their conversation. He’d only known her two weeks, but a need deep within made him want to get to know her better. Still, he sensed something inside her was preventing him getting closer. Her husband’s death, perhaps?

  She’d agreed when he’d said they were at an impasse, but what she didn’t know was his definition of impasse didn’t include inescapable. He’d get through her self-erected barriers, if he had to chisel through them one brick at a time. He only had six weeks until she left though, so he’d have to chisel fast.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “You really shouldn’t be out here alone. Not at night, at least.”

  Kat jumped. Instead of relaxing when Dalian stepped from the shadows, her heartbeat increased along with her breathing. What was it about this man, she wondered for the hundredth time, that caused her heart to skip a beat whenever he drew near, and made her innards turn to mush? Yes, he was gorgeous, but her husband had been an extremely handsome man as well. Even Cal, who’d shown an interest in her, was a good-looking fellow.

  But when Dalian was around, she felt an animal lust that was confusing to her; a lust she admittedly never felt during her marriage. A lust she’d never felt with any man.

  “Kat? You shouldn’t be out here alone,” Dalian repeated softly.

  “Why?” She asked, but wasn’t just responding to his comment, but was also questioning her own inner turmoil.

  “It’s not safe,” he said, placing a booted foot on the corral railing. He leaned on his elbows, keeping his gaze averted.

  “Why? Are there other men on this ranch that can approach a person as stealthily as you and give a guest a lethal heart attack?”

  “Nope,” Dalian said with a laugh. “Only I can manage that one.”

  “Your ability can scare the tar out of a body.”

  “Sorry about that, but I wasn’t necessarily referring to scaring someone to death. There are other creatures hereabouts, besides man, whose stealthy approach can do more than scare the tar out of a body.”

  “Thanks for that disturbing image.”

  “I’ll plant as many of them in your brain as need be, if it’ll keep you safe,” Dalian said, suddenly serious. His tone, possessively protective, gave Kat pause. It also sounded like he spoke from personal experience, which made her curious. She shook the protective tone off as simply hearing things due to tiredness and smiled slightly. “Well, I’m sure glad to know you care about the people who patron your ranch. Of course, you have a funny way of putting people at ease while setting them on their toes.”

  “Just doing my job, Miss,” Dalian said, tipping his hat playful
ly. He shook off the memory of Carolyn standing in this area the night she died. If he’d been more diligent and determined then as now…

  “Well, I wouldn’t want you to be overly concerned with my well-being, and I certainly don’t want to become some nocturnal predator’s midnight snack, so I guess I’ll turn in. I just... well, it’s just so beautiful here, is all. The sky. The stars,” she whispered, taking another quick glance upward.

  “Nothing like it in the world, as far I’m concerned,” Dalian whispered, his gaze turning heavenward as well.

  “I’d have to agree. Well, I guess I’ll say goodnight then,” she whispered, and started to turn.

  “If you want to stay, I’ve got my rifle with me.”

  Kat looked down, only just realizing that a weapon lay near her feet. Armed and dangerous, she thought, in more ways than one.

  “If you don’t mind the company, that is, especially since I seem to have offended you earlier in the evening,” Dalian added, and Kat looked up. Her reply caught in her throat when her gaze collided with his. His eyes were like liquid chocolate, she thought. Fiery pools of dark chocolate, she amended. Hormones, she concluded.

  Kat tried to speak again, but it was no use. Her mind had reverted to puberty and her tongue had rapidly followed suit. She’d never speak again, she thought, unless both grew up in a hurry. She looked away. After she felt more composed, she tried again.

  “I appreciate the offer, but it was solitude I was after, not company. Thank you just the same.”

  “Still angry with me?” Dalian asked, stalling her departure. He liked the sound of her voice, even when her words spoke of her desire to get away from him.

  “No. Just frustrated, I guess,” Kat said softly.

  “Because I won’t call off my pursuit?” Dalian asked. He’d never been one to play games or mince words. He only hoped he didn’t offend her further, but something said she was of the same mold and would respond equally direct. He wasn’t disappointed.