“Morning, Maverick!” Cooper called out. “I’ve been researching and I think we have more than a few possible horses to choose from.” Cooper frowned. “I always feel a bit down whenever Belle leaves too.”
He nodded. His mind hadn’t been on Belle, but Cooper didn’t need to know it. “She’ll be back.”
“I have coffee at my house and the list of horses if you’d like to join me.”
Maverick nodded, and off they went.
It was childish and cowardly, but she had to leave. Her body was on overload. Her emotions were a mess, and she didn’t want Maverick to see her so unsure of herself. Now she sat on the front porch, bag in hand, waiting for Cindy to come get her. Cindy was a good friend. She didn’t ask any questions she just said she was on her way. Saying thank you and goodbye was the right thing to do. Her hands shook just thinking about it. Maverick had become too important to her and she needed independence. She’d promised herself she’d never love a man, and she’d broken her promise.
She took a deep breath hoping Cindy arrived before Maverick came home. She prayed it was an out of sight out of mind type of thing. She’d live in her house for a bit and then decide what to do. Hopefully, the sheriff had picked up Timmy by now. She’d recognized him on the video. He’d been a mean sadistic man who laughed when Andy hit her. Somehow it hadn’t occurred to her any of Andy’s friends would stand by him after they learned he kidnapped her.
The sheriff had left over an hour ago. She watched from the window in her room. She watched Belle leave too with a giant lump in her throat. Why couldn’t she be more like Belle? She was brave and carefree. She had her whole life ahead of her and probably a wonderful future with Cooper. Anora felt so old in comparison.
She stood as Cindy’s truck approached and hurried into the passenger side. It wasn’t until they were on the road driving away from Maverick that she finally took a deep breath.
“You have misery written on your face, Anora. What in the world happened?” Cindy asked.
“I fell in love with Maverick.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“For me it is. I have too much baggage to ever be in a healthy relationship. I’m not normal anymore.”
“Oh, honey, I like you just the way you are. You have such inner strength and I admire you. You’ve been through hell, and yet you are still a sweet person. If Maverick doesn’t return your feelings, it’s his loss. There will be someone for you one day. Don’t you worry.” She reached out and patted Anora’s hand.
Anora nodded, trying not to cry. “It’s just so hard. I’ll be fine.”
“Of course you will.” Cindy stopped the truck in front of Anora’s house. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with me?”
“Thanks for asking but I think I need to be alone.” She leaned over and hugged Cindy and got out of the truck. She hadn’t been much for initiating hugs. It felt nice.
The house was incredibly quiet and after all her longing to be alone, it was a bit unsettling. She spent the next few days unpacking, doing laundry, scrubbing the kitchen and watching television. She patrolled the house checking windows and doors until she called herself crazy. Finally, she stood looking out her front window, watching the snow fall. Be careful what you wish for.
The phone rang, startling her and she nervously answered it. It was the sheriff assuring her they had Timmie Roberts in custody, and she was not to worry. She thanked him and chastised herself for hoping it was Maverick on the other end of the line.
Her heart dropped as she realized just how inept she really was. What did she know about men and relationships? Did she even know what love was? Maybe she was mistaking feeling safe with love. How did one know? In the end, it didn’t matter. Maverick had no real interest in her, he was just being nice. He lost his best horse because of her. She might as well admit he wouldn’t be contacting her again.
Grabbing a pad of paper and a pen, she sat at the cheap kitchen table intent on making a list of what she should do. A kind of map for her life. A job was a must but would anyone hire her? She never had a job before and she didn’t have many skills. She managed to get her GED this past year. Would that be enough to get her foot in the door? She wrote down want ads. Maybe she should get a dog for company. Dog was added to the list. Maybe it should be a wish list instead? She only had two things listed on her life list.
This wasn’t helping. She stood up, wadded up the paper and threw it across the room. The empty, quiet, lonely room. Finally, she grabbed her coat and went for a walk. Her body tensed as she walked past the first person. She expected a stare or a frown, but the person smiled instead. The next gentleman tipped his hat at her. People were being nice to her? She wasn’t some odd news story to them? Her brow furrowed as she tried to puzzle it out.
Ending up at the diner didn’t surprise her. It was beautifully decorated and it exuded a happy vibe. She opened the door hearing the jingle of the bell above the door and waited. When she wasn’t whispered about, she sighed in relief and found a seat at the counter. Cindy smiled and poured her a cup of coffee.
“Glad to see you out and about.”
“It was too quiet at my house.”
“That happens. I’m glad my Peter was able to come home for the holidays. It made for a nice Christmas. How was yours?” Cindy leaned her hip against the counter.
“I suppose you heard about Rumble. It’s my fault, Cindy. I never meant to bring trouble to Maverick or Belle. I have a feeling Andy will always find some way to let me know he’s still alive. He’ll never set me free.”
“Awe, sugar, you are free. He has a long reach right now, and I’m as sorry as can be but it’s not your fault. Maverick and Belle know that. They care for you.”
She gave her a half smile. “That’s nice of you to say. I just don’t know anymore. I can’t trust my instincts, and I can’t stand for people to get close to me.”
“Even Belle? How about Maverick? I’ve hugged you a time or two.”
A warmth flowed through her. “You’re right. I guess I hadn’t noticed. I mean I realized Maverick hugged me.” Her face grew uncomfortably warm.
“See, your instincts are right. Maverick is one of the best men I know. He’s good people.”
“I ran out on him. The guilt of Rumble’s death sent me reeling. I just couldn’t face him. He took me in, treated me as part of the family and trouble followed me.”
“I doubt he sees it that way. I bet he doesn’t blame you at all. You are the sweetest young woman I know.” Her eyes widened and she smiled when she looked over Anora’s head. “Speak of the devil.”
Her heart sped up and her body went rigid. Dare she turn around? What would she say? Taking a deep breath, she turned around expecting to see a look of unpleasantness on his face. Instead, his gaze met hers and the look of concern he gave her bewildered her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked in a whisper.
“I came to see you, Anora. I wanted to be sure you were okay. You left without so much as a goodbye. I understand why but, darlin’, this is in no way your fault. Don’t take it to heart. There are crazy mean people in the world and, unfortunately, you got in the middle of one of the meanest I’ve ever met. I don’t blame you one bit. You are as much a victim as Rumble, and I’ll be damned if I let Andy get anywhere near you.”
She stood and turned to toward Maverick and found herself in the circle of his arms. She wanted him and the feeling stunned her. He was sexy, very sexy but…
“Come here,” he murmured as he pulled her to him and wrapped his strong arms around her. “I missed you.”
“It’s only been a few days.”
“I know and it astounds me too. I didn’t think I had time for a woman. That is until you came along.”
Cindy beamed as she gazed at the couple. “You two need to go and talk.”
Maverick nodded and let go. “We do need to talk. Do you want to go to your house?”
“No. Too many bad memories. Why don’t we jus
t talk in your truck?”
“The truck it is.” He took her hand and tipped his hat toward Cindy. “Much obliged.”
Anora tugged his hand. “Wait. I didn’t pay for the coffee.”
“It’s on me,” Cindy said as she shooed them away.
Maverick quickly led her out of the diner and opened the truck door for her. She watched him walk around the front of it, and she wondered what he’d say. He deserved more than she could ever give him, and her heart squeezed. It wouldn’t be right to take anything he offered.
“Anora, it’s like this,” he said as he jumped into his seat and closed the door. “You are on my mind so much I can’t get anything done. I’d feel a heck of a lot better if I knew for a fact you were safe. Just until this all blows over.”
She nodded slowly and looked away. She wouldn’t have to turn down his declaration of love. There wasn’t one. She had made up some fairytale in her mind. One where he would say he loved her and she, being noble, turns him down so he can have a happy life with someone else. But he would refuse to take no for an answer. He was just being a friend who was concerned for her safety. “What did you have in mind?” she asked quietly, trying to sound cheerful.
“Why don’t you stay at the ranch. You can cook for me, and as soon as the police look into any more plots of revenge against you, you can go home.” He smiled at her as though he’d solved the world’s problem.
Disappointment flowed through her and she wanted nothing more than to go home and lick her wounds. “It’s a nice offer.”
“Good! Let’s get your stuff.”
She backed against the door. “Maverick, I’ve had all I can take with people telling me what to do. It has to be my decision, not your dictate.” Her heart beat fast. She’d never stood up to anyone like that before and she needed to escape. Quickly, she turned, opened the door and jumped out of the truck. She took off running as fast as she could to her house. She heard his truck pull into her driveway and her hands shook as she tried to find the right key for the right deadbolt. Tears filled her eyes and she stiffened.
“Here, honey, let me help you.”
Slowly she turned toward him. Tears flowed down her face as she handed him the keys. He made short work of the locks and opened the door for her. “I hope you reconsider coming with me.” She watched him walk away.
Her shoulders slumped as she locked the door. He meant well. She wasn’t his problem, and he didn’t need her troubles at his feet. At least she finally admitted to herself she had a dream life of them together. But her dreams always washed away. She needed to rely on herself for her happiness. Walking to the front window, she peeked out and laughed when she saw Maverick’s truck still parked in front of her house.
He was just concerned about her. Backing away from the window she went into her bedroom and packed her bag. She checked out front again and he was still there. Gathering her belongings along with her courage, she opened the door, and no sooner did she have the locks locked, Maverick was at her side.
“I came on too strong. I have to admit I am a bit bossy at times, but I’ll work on it.” He looked so sincere she was tempted to stroke his face, but she decided against it.
“I’m skittish and I tend to panic easily. I’m working on it.”
“Good.” He gave her a sexy grin. “Belle left you a present.”
“What is it?”
“I suppose there’s only one way to find out. Let’s go.”
She expected the ride to be awkward but it had a good vibe to it. There wasn’t much conversation and the silences were comfortable. It calmed her immensely. Except for the attraction, she couldn’t make go away. Even driving his truck he was sexy. The strong line of his jaw coupled with his Adam’s apple tempted her to reach out and touch him. His muscled thighs were prominent through his jeans and her face heated. It wasn’t because of the truck’s heater either.
Andy had disgusted her to the point she figured all men were pigs. Maverick wasn’t and somehow she was drawn to him to the point of wanting him. It was a very unsettling feeling. She promised herself she’d never go down that path of having a man on top of her grunting. Would it be different with Maverick? Oh hell she didn’t know. She didn’t have enough experience to know. Could she take a chance? She’d be better off not knowing.
He’d give anything to know what she was thinking. Her face had showed a myriad of expressions the whole ride home. It was probably a mistake bringing her back to the ranch. He promised himself he wouldn’t touch her, but every part of his being wanted her. He wanted to lean over and tuck an errant piece of her hair behind her ear while he stroked her soft cheek. Her peaches and cream complexion added to her appeal.
Belle wouldn’t be there as a buffer. His pretense of wanting Anora safe was just an excuse to get her back home. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. He was setting himself up for a world of hurt. She wasn’t ready for a relationship and after all the things Andy did to her, he highly doubted she’d ever want to lay with a man. He pulled up to the ranch house and put the truck in park.
“You don’t have to be nervous,” he said softly.
Her gaze was on him, but she quickly looked away. “I’m fine. Thank you again.”
Turning the truck off, he damned himself to hell. He didn’t want her thanks, but it was all she had to give. “Let’s get you settled inside. Belle’s present is on your bed.” He got out and reached for her bag. He waited for her to get out of the truck and they went into the house together.
“I’m sorry for leaving so abruptly. It was rude.” She clasped her hands together and walked into the kitchen.
“No apology necessary. You’re free to come and go as you please. I have to admit I was worried and drove by your house a few dozen times. Why did you leave? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.” He gave her what he hoped was an understanding smile.
“It wasn’t just one thing. Belle was gone and we’d be alone. I felt guilty about Rumble, and I wanted to protect you from further instances.” She tilted her head and locked gazes with him.
“I’m glad you’re back. We found a replacement for Rumble. Not that any horse could ever replace him. But the ranch will succeed.”
“It looks to me like you’ve already succeeded. Your house is huge.”
“I went a little overboard on the house. Belle and I grew up in what I would call a shack. I wanted better for her.”
She smiled. “You certainly did that. You’re a good brother.” She broke their shared stare and went to the counter. “I’ll have some coffee ready in a jiffy.”
“I could make it.”
“I know and that’s why I don’t mind. You don’t expect me to do it, and you can’t possibly know how much that means to me. Knowing I can come and go is like a gift. No one has said that to me. You are different from anyone I know. I enjoy spending time with you. As a friend of course.”
His heart dropped. “Yes, friends of course. Why don’t you run up and see what Belle left for you.” Nodding she ran off. He was a fool plain and simple. She wasn’t some head shy filly he could gentle. He was out of his element. It was probably a pretty good guess she’d never be ready for a romantic relationship. He frowned. It was a damned shame.
“It’s beautiful!” Anora shouted down the stairs.
Smiling he went to the bottom of the stairway. “Do you like it?”
“Oh, it’s perfect. I’ve never had a long dress before. I never went to my proms…” Her smile vanished. “The cream color is perfect and the beadwork is amazing. Belle picked out the perfect dress for me. Where’d I wear it I don’t know and I don’t care.”
“She’ll be thrilled you like it.” He wanted to see her in it. He wanted to push the spaghetti straps down her arms, kiss her shoulder and then her neck before he let it fall. He imagined her breasts to be perfect. Damn he made himself aroused with his thoughts. “Coffee is about ready.”
“I’ll be right down.” He watched until she turned and went toward
her room before he strolled into the kitchen. The doorbell rang, and he wasn’t surprised to see Joleen. Her shirt was practically open to her navel.
“I thought we could spend New Year’s Eve together. I heard Belle had to go back to school early. I brought a casserole.” She sidestepped around him and headed for the kitchen.
Damn, she needed to know she wasn’t in the running for his affections. He thought he’d given her enough hints, but here she was again. She had her coat off by the time he joined her. When she turned toward the refrigerator, he nearly burst out laughing. Anora had been right about Joleen’s bubble butt.
“Darling, what’s so funny?
“I have to ask. Do you wear padded underwear?”
“God gave me these beautiful breasts!”
“He meant your rear end, Joleen,” Anora said as she walked in.
Joleen turned a bright shade of scarlet. “It’s none of your business. I have everything Maverick craves in a woman. He’s a breast and ass man.”
Anora’s eyes opened wide. “I didn’t know that about him.”
“Hell, I didn’t know that about myself either. I don’t judge on looks. I look for a heart of gold.” He gave Joleen a sad smile.
“You liked me well enough before she came here!” Her lower lip jutted out as she pointed to Anora.
“I’m sorry if I led you on, Joleen.”
She grabbed her casserole and ran out of the house.
“Damn, I’m the winner of the biggest jerk award.” He sighed heavily.
Anora stood close to him and touched his arm. “You aren’t a jerk. You’re a nice man.” Her expression was so earnest she melted his heart.
“Do you really think so?” He pulled her against his chest. Having her in his arms was heaven. There’s a New Year’s Eve party at the community center tonight. Would you like to go with me?”
She pulled away, studied his face and then nodded. “A place to wear my dress.”
“Yes indeed. I have to get some work done, it’s starting to snow again. I’ll be back in time to get ready. It starts at eight.”
Champagne and Cowboys Page 49