Texas Stranger

by Muncy, Janet

  “I see, well, I’ll certainly think about it. But, I’ll need to get hold of someone to give me a bid on what it would cost.

  I’ll call you.” January said, standing up to shake his hand. She was thinking she really did need the space, and this is still a good location even if Mr. Richards is the one who owns it. But still she wasn’t sure she wants to expand this particular club or open another one on the other side of town.

  “I know someone who can give you an estimate. His name is Kevin Spencer. I’ll have him give you a call.”

  January walked Mr. Peters to the door, thanked him again and watched him as he walked crossed the parking lot to his car.

  “What was that all about?” Mary asked.

  “It looks like I may be doing some business in the near future.” January smiled.

  “Oh? How’s that?” Mary questioned her again, smiling faintly.

  January proceeded to tell Mary of the offer Mr. Peters had made. All the time wondering why Carl hadn’t made the offer himself.

  A week had gone by and January was sitting in the office going over some papers when this tall strikingly handsome man entered through the door of the club. He was wearing a tailored shirt and blue jeans that fit his tall frame to perfection. His blonde hair and tanned skin, showed the blue of his eyes.

  “January, Kevin Spencer is here and wants to see you. Kevin this is January Manson.” Mary introduced them.

  “How do you do Miss. Manson,” Kevin smiled holding out his large hand.

  January extended her arm and took his hand noticing how small her hand was next to his.

  “It is very nice meeting you, Mr. Spencer, but I did expect a call first.” January said, sliding her hand from his.

  “If I’ve arrived at an inconvenient time, I’d be more than happy to make an appointment.” He apologized.

  “That won’t be necessary, if you’d like to give me some estimates today, the sooner the better.”

  “Good, I was hoping you would say that. Do you have anything in particular you want? Or would you rather leave it up to me? I’ve dealt with this type of operation before and I think I can give you the information you need. I understand your business does well in the aerobic area?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact it does, and I would certainly need more room there. The locker rooms are also becoming to small, although the plumbing wouldn’t need to be changed, just the dressing area.”

  “I see, well, if I could have a look around I’ll see what I can come up with.”

  As January lead him to the door and motioned to Mary, she could smell the faint odor of a very expensive cologne. He seemed to be very nice and well dressed. She wondered how much this was going to cost.

  Kevin was talking to Mary at the reception desk when she finished the aerobic class. As she walked up, she could tell by the way they were talking that they knew each other.

  “Mary was telling me how much business had picked up since you wrote that last book. I think that’s great.” he said, sincerely.

  “Thank you,” January answered him. Noticing the way he was looking her over. January glanced over at Mary and gave her a frown. Mary was match making again. Some day she was going to have to talk with that girl.

  Chapter 10

  “January?” Mary came storming into her office the next morning.

  “Yes.” January answered looking up from her account books. She noticed Mary’s face was flushed. “Is there something wrong?”

  “No, I just tried to get a hold of you last night, and I guess you were out, because your phone rang off the wall.”

  “Yes, Kevin and I went to dinner. Is there something I should know about?”

  “So...You and Kevin went on a date?”

  “Never mind Mary, now what was it you were so excited about?” January ignored her devious smile.

  “Oh, yes, you and I have been invited to one of the biggest barbecue’s held every year at the Richards ranch next week-end.”

  “The Richards?” January looked up in surprise.

  “Yes, Carl’s family. They have a big fund raising barbecue every year for the children’ s hospital and they have asked if you’d like to attend.”

  “I don’t think so Mary, maybe next year. I’ve been taking off too much lately.” January tried to busy herself with the paper work.

  “Oh, Bull!” Mary sat down heavily in the chair opposite her. “You’ve only had one night off in weeks, you need to get away from here, get some sunshine, and enjoy yourself among friends for a change. I’ll not take no for an answer, you just pick me up on Saturday about ten o’clock and we’ll drive out together, now no arguments.”

  “Okay,” January smiled, for she knew Mary was right. She was almost sure she would enjoy herself.

  Saturday rolled around much to quickly. January laid in bed until the last minute, trying to think of a way to get out of going. But unsuccessful, she then showered and dressed for a day out at the ranch.

  The day was perfect for the barbecue, the sun was shining through fluffy white clouds and a faint breeze filled the air with the fragrance of Jasmine.

  “There! Can you see it?” Mary exclaimed as she pointed toward the elegant white house sitting back among the tall pine trees. Several yards behind the house stood small white buildings that looked as though they were bunk houses. Guiding the car through the arched gate she noticed a sign that read, Richards Ranch.

  “Doesn’t it take your breath away?” Mary sighed.

  January didn’t comment but drove slowly along the winding drive, admiring the brilliant display of wild flowers and rolling hills. She was glad that she decided to come out today if for nothing more than to just enjoy the beautiful country side.

  “January!” she heard her name from somewhere behind her. Phillip Weaver strolled toward her, holding out is hand. “How good it is to see you again.” He said, taking her hand in his.

  “Phillip, how nice to see you.” January replied. She had to admit he looked much more the oil man in his western style hat, boots, jeans and checkered shirt.

  “Hi Mary, and how are you today? I was just talking to BJ, and he said you would be coming, I had no idea you knew January.” Phillip said, taking her hand.

  “Well, that makes two of us. I didn’t know you knew January either.” Mary looked over at January for an explanation. “But then again there have been a lot of surprises lately.” Mary grinned.

  January was sure Mary meant knowing Carl, but she didn’t say.

  “We don’t know each other very well, we only met on the plane flight from Indiana.” January explained.

  “Have you met the Richards?” Phillip asked.

  “No, as a matter of fact we’ve just arrived.” January answered.

  “Well, we must find them, your in for a treat. I am sure they would be disappointed if they missed out on meeting a celebrity.” Phillip grinned as he led them around several small groups of people.

  January caught her breath at the sight of the large man standing near the door. For a second she thought he was Carl, but only for a second, he had the same large build. But as she got closer she realized his hair was mostly gray, although he had the same color of eyes, the emerald green she couldn’t seem to get out of her mind. They looked the same. Carl was just a younger version of Mr. Richards.

  “It’s real nice meeting you. We’ve heard a lot about you from our little Mary, and our son, Carl. “Mr. Richard said, shaking her hand.

  “How wonderful to meet you. I’m Jean Richards, please just call me Jean. I’m so happy you came today, I feel we are already friends. Let me introduce you around. I believe BJ is over there Mary. And Phil, your father is telling war stories over by the barbecue pit if you want to join him. We’ll see you all later.” She said.

  Two hours later she was being introduced to a group of ladies, from one of the top community organizations, when Kevin Spencer came toward her.

  “Good afternoon ladies, could I steal January away from you
for a few minutes?”

  He asked politely.

  “Of course you can, you young things go and have a good time.” Jean Richards said, seemly happy they were together.

  “You seem a little shocked to see me,” Kevin said, as he leads her toward the fountain area.

  “I must admit, it does seem a little strange seeing you here, I wasn’t aware you knew the Richards.”

  “These are the people I work for, live with and who has nurtured me from about the age of nine. Besides everyone who’s anyone knows the Richards.” He teased her.

  “Thanks, now I feel like someone.” She teased back.

  “Would you like a fresh drink?”

  “Yes something cool, please.” January smiled at him and sat down on the seat surrounding the fountain.

  ‘Ha, this is nice she sighed.’ She sat staring out over the rolling hills savoring the beautiful and quiet surroundings.

  Kevin had returned with lemon-aid, taking a sip she could feel the cool liquid slowly drain down her dry throat. Sighing she smiled up at him. “This is lovely out here, I would love to have a place like this someday.”

  “I’m afraid I get bored with it. I need people around me, this place is to isolated.” He said, looking around.

  “You said you live here from the age of nine?”

  “Yes, the Richards adopted me when I was nine. And some day, I’ll tell you all about it.”

  January could sense Kevin didn’t want to share that information yet. Maybe when she got to know him better. She smiled and nodded her head, as she turned to watched the horses in the pasture, just off to the right of the house, she could barely see a man in the distance, riding a beautiful black horse. He seemed to be looking through a pair of binoculars in her direction.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Kevin interrupted her concentration of the man.

  “Yes, I am, but I should be leaving soon it’s an hour drive back and I don’t like driving dark roads. I am not familiar with.”

  “Have you had an opportunity to enjoy the food their serving” Kevin asked leading her back toward the tables.

  “No as a matter of fact I haven’t.” She laughed.

  They edged their way toward the barbecue tables to fill a plate with the red delicacy. BJ and Mary joined them and the four sat down at one of the picnic tables nearby. With the delicious food and good conversation time seemed to slip by. The sun was starting to set and several lights came on throughout the patio area. Kevin and BJ left to get more drinks when Mary turned to her.

  “I hope you don’t mind but BJ wants to take me home.”

  “Of course I don’t mind.” January laughed. “I need to be leaving soon anyway, so I’ll not feel so bad leaving early.”

  “I hope you have a good time today, Kevin seems to really like you.” Mary grinned

  “Now Mary, don’t start match making again. Kevin is nice, but I assure you there is nothing there.” January warned her.

  January had started wondering where the men had run off to when she noticed them talking to a well built man, she thought looked somewhat like the man on the horse, she had seen in the pasture earlier. But from the way he was standing it was hard to tell.

  She caught her breath as he turned around. His tan face and shining eyes, those long muscular legs and the way he carried himself, there was no mistaken him. It was Carl. He was heading toward her now with a strange expression on his face.

  His tailored shirt and designer jeans molded the muscular frame of his well proportioned body. His golden tan was even darker next to his light blue plaid shirt. His eyes along with his sexy smile, transmitted his obvious power. Her stomach muscles tightened and holding her breath she stood up as he approached.

  “Well, well, look who we have here. Miss Manson, how nice to see you again.” Carl said, tipping his hat to her.

  “Mr. Richards.” January breathed cautiously.

  “Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble lately?” Carl smirked.

  “Trouble?” January tilted her head to the side, not understanding what he meant by that remark.

  “Hey Carl, where’s Kathy?” Kevin asked, obviously annoyed at the way Carl was looking at January.

  “She’s talking to some ladies over by the pool.” Came the answer. But Carl was still looking at January when he answered.

  “So you’re over here flirting with our women, huh?” BJ teased him.

  “Sorry old man, I couldn’t resist.” Carl said, putting his hand on BJ’s back.

  “Besides, I wasn’t aware Miss. Manson belonged to anyone?” His eyes searched hers.

  “She doesn’t yet!” Kevin smartly remarked.

  “Well, I guess I better warn you she is certainly a hand full. I hope you’re up to it old man.” Carl gave him a halfhearted grin.

  January could tell by the look Carl gave Kevin things were not good between them. She needed to get away from him. She wasn’t sure what he would say next, and she didn’t want to be the center of conversation any longer. Besides she didn’t like the idea of him speaking like she was a walking time-bomb about ready to explode. The cool glass felt heavy in her hand as she raised the liquid to her lips and took a large sip.

  “I believe that was my Que, if you’ll excuse me,” Carl said, tipping his hat and turning around, he then strolled toward the small group of people he had pointed to earlier.

  “I believe that I should be going as well.” January said, nervously sitting down her glass on the table.

  “Here, let me walk you to your car.” Kevin said, also sitting down his glass on the table.

  “No, thank you Kevin, there’s no need, I’ve had a lovely time, please thank Mr. and Mrs. Richards for me.” One of the men Kevin knew grabbed his arm just as January was walking away.

  “I’ll talk to you later.” January hurriedly walked away before Kevin had a chance to say anything more.

  Still confused and upset by what she had just encountered, January headed for her car. “So, I’m a walking time bomb huh? Well we’ll see who’s the bomb.” She muttered under her breath.

  “Talking to yourself now?” Carl’s voice came from behind her.

  “You!” she spat. “You had no right to treat me like that in front of my friends. Just who do you think you are?”

  He stepped closer, and her knees seemed to weaken. He wore the musk cologne she remembered from the first time they met.

  “Sta...Stay away from me,” she stuttered. “You’re the disaster not me.” January backed away from him.

  “That’s not true, you’re the one always causing disasters, from falling into a mud puddle to causing me to wreck my car.” Carl stepped even close.

  “You’ve got nerve. How could I possibly cause you to wreck your car? You were probably not watching where you were going.”

  “Your right, I was watching you and Kevin instead. I had no idea you even knew him.”

  “Didn’t you send him over to the club to give me an estimate on the addition I was thinking about building? Any way I can’t see any reason why you should be so concerned about who I know.” January turned away from him and headed toward her car. Nervously she fumbled around in the purse for her keys. “Oh, where are they?” she cursed.

  “Are you sure their not in your car?” Carl grinned at her, knowing he was making her uncomfortable.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll leave as soon as I can find my keys, you can go back to the short blonde now, and leave me alone.”

  “Short blonde?”

  “Yes, short blonde, the one you went to after you embarrassed me in front of my friends.”

  “You mean Kathy? Do I detect jealousy?” He grinned.

  Looking over at him she wanted to slap his face. But he stood there watching her with a strange questioned look on his face. She wasn’t sure on how to take the expression. Without saying another word he pulled her close enough to kiss her but stopped. Looking down at her instead. For some unknown reason she didn’t have the desire to pull a
way from him. She had been dreaming of the time when he would but his arms around her and kiss her again. There was nothing she could do to avoid the slow, and deliberate motion of his lips as they found hers. She gave a small moan, and he pulled her even closer, pressing her lips harder, and more demanding. She was completely at his mercy as his hands moved slowly and deliberately over her breasts.

  “You’re a hot blooded little thing aren’t you?” He whispered close to her lips, still not letting her go.

  January pulled back from him, the words frightened her and she stood looking into his all to powerful eyes. Totally confused by her own emotions.

  “I must leave,” she muttered as she pushed away from him, and reached for the contents of her purse spread out on top of the car. She tried the door of the car and it opened easily to her disbelief. Her car keys had been left in the ignition. She quickly started the engine and put the car in gear. Carl closed the door for her and she pushed hard on the gas as the car darted forward. She could hardly see where she was going from the tears that filled her eyes.

  Chapter 11

  It was Sunday morning with the sun shining through the window. January opened her eyes realizing she must have fallen asleep. The clock read seven thirty.

  After getting up and making the bed she fixed coffee and strolled to the front door to get the Sunday paper. There on the front page was a picture of the Richards in a conversation with Carl and Kathy. The article read how the barbecue was again a success and plans were being made for the following year. January sat down with a sigh, wondering why she ever had to run into him in the first place.

  Saturday the following week, she was working on some scheduling for the aerobic competition, when Phillip Weaver strolled through the door. Dressed in a pair of designer jeans, brown corduroy sports jacket and white shirt he headed toward her.

  “Phillip, how nice to see you again.” January said standing up.

  “Please don’t let me keep you from your work, I just thought I’d stop by and see your club,” he said, looking around.