by Lee Rose
“Oh, Hannah, it’s beautiful,” Grace said joyfully, getting out of the truck and looking around the beautiful land. “How lucky you are to live here.”
“Thanks, it’s been in our family for a long time,” Hannah said fondly. “Uh-oh, be prepared to get licked to death. Here come my two babies, Roxy and Molly.”
Roxy was a black-and-white, shaggy Border collie and Molly was a chocolate-brown pit bull mix. They both came running and barking excitedly toward Hannah as if they hadn’t seen her in a long time.
They jumped all over Hannah as she petted them, laughing. “Settle down, girls. Meet my new friend, Grace.”
They trotted up to Grace and sniffed her as she smiled and leaned down to pet them. They both sat and reached out a paw to Grace. Grace laughed and shook their paws, enchanted with them. “You two are just beautiful.”
They barked as if they agreed and licked Grace’s hand in approval. She spent a few minutes petting them and laughing at their enthusiasm. Hannah explained that the dogs helped her brother and his men herd the cattle but were also her loyal friends and rescues from the shelter.
Hannah led her inside the big house and went straight to the kitchen with Grace following her. Grace’s stomach grumbled as she noticed the wonderful smell of food coming from the kitchen.
“Ida? Grace and I are here,” Hannah yelled out.
An older woman with brown hair up in a bun turned from the stove and greeted them with a friendly smile. “Welcome, Grace.”
“Thanks for having me, Mrs.—”
Ida waved her hand in the air, interrupting Grace. “Just Ida, my dear. No formalities here.”
“I’ve got to shower the smell of dog off me before I eat,” Hannah said, crinkling up her nose. “Where’s Jackson?”
“He is upstairs getting ready for dinner,” Ida answered “Go on and get ready. Grace will keep me company.”
“I’d love to help if I may?” Grace offered, feeling comfortable around Ida. Ida had a friendly smile and reminded Grace of Flo. Grace was comfortable in the kitchen as she often helped her mom prepare dinner. She walked over to the sink and washed her hands. “What can I do, Ida?”
Ida smiled. “I’ll let you whip up the potatoes, honey, while I get the roast out.”
They worked companionably and put all the food on the table. Grace was about to set the mashed potatoes down on the dining room table when she saw a shadow from the corner of her eye. She screamed and almost dropped the potatoes.
A man reached out and grabbed them from her and set them on the table with a loud clank.
Grace looked up and for a second it felt like her heart stopped beating as she gazed into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen, a blue as deep as the ocean. She froze in shock and it felt like she forgot how to breathe. The man’s short blond hair was damp and he was dressed in a black T-shirt that emphasized his muscular shoulders and trim waist and dark blue jeans. He had to be Hannah’s brother since they had similar features. He was the epitome of a rugged, masculine male and it took her breath away. Grace felt her cheeks heat up and turn red from embarrassment. “Great first impression,” she muttered to herself.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was in the room and you startled me,” Grace apologized, her voice coming out in a whispery breath, her heart still beating wildly like a drum.
Grace couldn’t stop looking at him as she waited for him to speak. She didn’t understand why she was reacting this way toward a stranger. It wasn’t fear but she wasn’t sure what it was.
Before Jackson could answer, Hannah came in freshly showered and changed. “Scaring my friend already, Jack? Grace, this is my brother, Jackson. He’s grumpy but harmless.” She smiled, sitting down at the long table. Her damp blonde hair was put up in a clip.
Grace smiled shyly in greeting at Hannah’s brother. He nodded in her direction but didn’t bother to smile back or even say hello. He made sure not to sit close to her so she sat down by Hannah, feeling embarrassed like a gauche schoolgirl while he just stared at her and made her feel uncomfortable.
Ida came in with the roast and set it down on the table. “Sit down, children. I am ready to eat.”
“It smells delicious, Ida,” Grace complimented her as Ida sat by Jackson, across from Hannah and Grace.
Jackson didn’t have much to say during the meal and he didn’t smile much either. Grace felt a little awkward in his presence. He looked mad and she wondered if her being there bothered him or if he was always grumpy. Maybe he didn’t like guests at his home.
“So how did you meet Flo and Bill?” Ida asked with curiosity once they started eating.
“My mom, Laura, used to live here when she was in high school. She and Flo were best friends until her family moved away to Michigan,” Grace answered. “But they’ve kept in touch over the years. Bill, Flo, and their son, Billy, have made several trips north to visit us and we used to visit here, too, but it’s been a while.”
Ida thought for a moment. “Laura? Oh, Laura Watson? I do remember her, such a sweet girl.”
Grace nodded and smiled. “She is Laura Henderson now.”
“So you’re just visiting Bear Creek. Like a vacation?” Jackson spoke up suddenly, startling her. She hadn’t expected him to speak to her. He had a deep, raspy voice that sent shivers up Grace’s spine. She had avoided looking directly at him during the meal but now she had to. His eyes were a beautiful deep blue surrounded by dark lashes. She almost got lost in his mesmerizing eyes.
Grace hesitated, thinking about what to say. She could see Hannah glaring at her brother. “Yes, I was ill and Bill and Flo invited me to stay with them for a while.”
He looked like he didn’t believe her but he went back to eating his food and ignoring the rest of them.
* * * *
Hannah and Grace helped Ida clear up the dinner plates and clean the kitchen, then they went outside. Hannah took her to the barn to see the horses. One of Hannah’s favorite horses had just given birth that morning and Grace wanted to see the newborn foal. Grace had never had the opportunity to be around horses so it was exciting for her. Jackson was there already talking to his foreman, Louis. He glared at the two girls grouchily but didn’t talk to them as Hannah showed Grace the newborn horse. Grace could feel his eyes on her but she stayed close to Hannah as they cooed over the baby and mama horse. She loved petting them, especially the little ones. At least the foreman, Louis, was being friendly and talking to Grace about the horses while Jackson stood in the background ignoring them.
Afterward they went to sit on the porch and relax. Grace sat on Hannah’s porch swing rocking it back and forth with her tennis shoe. The sun was setting and it was cooling down finally. The sound of thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance. She glanced over at Hannah sitting on the top step of the porch. Hannah’s long golden-blonde hair lay straight and flat down her back whereas Grace was sure her wavy auburn hair frizzed up with the heat. Hannah looked cool and fresh in her blue jean shorts and pink tank top and Grace was sure her plain white tee was already sticking to her skin.
“I hate how cool and beautiful you look when I am sure my hair is frizzy and my clothes are sticking to me in this heat,” Grace complained. “I hope it rains and cools down some. I’d love to open my window and smell the rain.”
Hannah laughed and glanced over at Grace sitting on the swing. “You look fine, Grace, but you’re still a newbie to Texas weather. Wait until you’ve been here a few more months and you’ll feel good about the heat.”
Grace wondered if she would be here in a few months. She hated that her life was in limbo at the moment. Although she was finally adjusting to life here in Texas she missed her parents and old friends. She wasn’t sure anything would ever be the same again. She was just trying to get through one day at a time.
“Grace, did you hear me?” Hannah’s voice intruded through her thoughts.
Grace shook her head and smiled. “Sorry, Hannah, I guess I was dozing off after th
at wonderful meal.”
“I said I’m sorry if my brother seemed abrupt. He is so grouchy and bitter. It breaks my heart. You should have known him before.” Hannah sighed, looking so sad.
Hannah’s sadness piqued her curiosity. What could possibly have happened to her brother? “Before what?”
“Before Kelly the Slut ruined his life,” Hannah grumbled, staring at the barn where her brother was even though she couldn’t see him. “About nine months ago he was all in love with Kelly despite everyone’s warnings that she was no good. Jackson defended her and swore that Kelly was so wonderful. He was really into her and although I didn’t like her, it was nice seeing him so happy so I stayed quiet about the whole relationship. Then a few weeks ago he caught that slut cheating on him with our neighbor Eddie Lewis. His family owns the Bar L Ranch down the road. Jackson and Eddie have never gotten along so it really hit him hard to lose Kelly to him. Anyways, Kelly discovered Eddie’s family had more money than we do and she told Jackson money always wins in her book. Jackson was devastated and has been in a rotten mood ever since. All he does now is get drunk at Randy’s Bar in town. Ida and I worry about him, but like Ida says, he is a grown man and we can’t force him to let go of the past. He has to do that on his own.”
Grace sympathized with Jackson’s story. She thought she had hit the jackpot with James. He had always treated her like she was so special to him and all along he had been cheating on her. She wasn’t interested in ever handing over her heart like that to another man. It was scary realizing how easily she had been fooled.
Hannah continued her story. “I miss the old Jackson, the one that smiled all the time and joked around. After our parents died he was always there for me, being my rock even though he was grieving and had to take over the ranch, which was hard work. I feel frustrated because I don’t know how to take away his pain.”
Grace nodded in sympathy with Hannah. She knew her parents and Bill and Flo all worried about her, but Hannah was right. Nobody could force you to forget the past. It was something that a person had to deal with inside of themselves. “Is it the same Kelly that works at Flo’s with me? She’s blonde and pretty but selfish, spoiled—”
“Yeah, that’s her. I couldn’t have described her better.” Hannah laughed, interrupting Grace’s description. “That’s why I avoid going there. I might not be able to resist the temptation of slapping her.”
“If she found herself a sugar daddy with money, why is she still working?” Grace asked. “My life certainly would be more pleasant.”
Hannah laughed. “’Cause sugar daddy was smarter than my brother. Eddie refuses to give her all the money she wants.”
“That’s a sad story and I feel bad for your brother, but I don’t think I made a good impression on him.” The rumbling of thunder was getting closer and it made Grace nervous. Storms reminded her of the night she had been attacked. “You should probably take me back to town before it rains.”
Jackson came out of the house at that moment and overheard Grace. He had changed into a blue buttoned shirt with long sleeves and had put a black cowboy hat on. “I’ll give you a ride home since I’m heading to Randy’s anyway.”
Grace wanted to protest but couldn’t think of a logical explanation and Hannah smiled. “That’d be nice. Thanks, Jackson. I wanted to make sure Goldie was doing okay before I went to bed, anyways.”
Grace thanked Ida for dinner and said her good-byes to Hannah and reluctantly followed Jackson out to his black pickup truck.
She sat nervously in the passenger side, feeling awkward and tongue tied. Jackson had the radio on low as he drove toward town.
“You sure don’t talk much,” Jackson told Grace, looking at her sitting close to the door and acting like she was shy. “Let me guess, you’re a shy girl?”
Grace rang her hands nervously. Her stomach was rolling with nerves and she put her arms around herself, trying to ward off the feeling of nausea that always came when she was nervous. “I don’t know you and you don’t seem the type for small talk,” Grace answered him, looking out the window even though it was too dark to see the scenery, wishing he would drive faster. The roads were empty and dark and the thunder was getting louder and closer.
Finally, after an awkward silence and long drive, he pulled up in front of Flo’s Cafe and Grace jumped out of the truck quickly and mumbled a quick thank-you to him. He made her feel very nervous. Jackson got out and followed her around the back of the restaurant where the apartment stairs were. Luckily she had left the porch light on so it wouldn’t be so dark.
“Come on, Grace. Drop the miss-shy-and-innocent act. Hannah obviously wanted us to get together. She has been pushing me to date again.” Jackson stopped her by grabbing her arm. “Why else would she invite you to dinner?”
Grace looked up into his mocking face and cruel smile and shivered in fear. He was at least six feet tall and had a muscular build. He could easily hurt her. “Hannah wouldn’t do that, and anyway I’m off the dating scene, so let me go. I’m sure there are girls more your type at the bar.”
Jackson looked her over and gave her a cynical smile. “You’re kind of cute. You don’t dress feminine enough to suit me but I can tell you have a good shape.” He pulled her body close to his, and before she could even protest, he started kissing her. His lips were hard and cruel against hers. She put both her hands up to his chest and pushed with all her might, but it was no use. He had a tight grip on her and his chest felt like a brick wall. She could feel herself panicking and breathing hard.
* * * *
Jackson felt Grace’s body shaking and he pulled away from her in shock, letting her go. “Still playing the shrinking violet?”
Grace stood straight and rigid in front of him refusing to let the tears fall from her eyes and show weakness. She stood there glaring at him, disbelief and anger shining from her eyes. “You are a horrible man, Jackson. I am not interested in you and I am not playing hard to get! I can’t believe that for one stupid moment I was feeling sympathetic toward you but no longer, you jerk!” she yelled and ran up the stairs angrily and slammed her door hard.
Jackson stood there staring at the closed door in shock. Why did he feel like he had just fucked up big-time? Was he wrong about Hannah’s new friend? Now he was just confused. He had been so sure it had all been an act. After all, he had money and he’d been told he was good looking. Women chased him all the time. Grace was just like all of them, wasn’t she?
Earlier that evening when he had walked into the dining room and looked into her big brown eyes, he had to catch his breath as a tidal wave of emotions overtook him. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and wipe the frightened look on her face away. Then he wanted to kiss her and explore her lush pink lips. When she spoke in that soft, whispery voice he had been so turned on and he opened his mouth but nothing came out. All he could hear was his heart thundering in his chest and he couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. As he watched her over dinner talking to his aunt he got angry with himself. Hadn’t the debacle with Kelly taught him anything? This time it wouldn’t be him who was the fool. He no longer trusted women, even fresh-faced, attractive ones. As soon as he looked into her big brown eyes earlier he had wanted her. But he was wiser now and he would no longer be fooled into believing all the lies women were good at giving out. He drove over to Randy’s Bar to drown his sorrows. This was becoming a bad habit but he didn’t care enough to stop.
Chapter 3
Grace put on her apron and yawned, grabbing a cup of coffee to stay awake. She had had another sleepless night after Jackson had dropped her off and forced that awful kiss on her. It had rained and she fell asleep listening to the raindrops tapping against the bedroom window, hoping for a dreamless night. She had woken up at four in the morning sweating, crying, and trying to catch her breath after more nightmares. But this time she dreamt of Hannah’s brother and his mocking smile. Would the bad dreams ever end? She had gotten out of bed and stared out the window but no
t really seeing anything except past memories until it was daylight.
“I talked to Doctor Wilson and explained things to him. I’m sure he will give you something to help you sleep,” Flo told her compassionately as she looked at Grace.
Grace had dark circles under her eyes and her skin was pale. Flo knew Grace’s parents were deeply concerned over their only child, but they all knew Grace had to want to move on. Although Grace had gained some weight while here she had not been sleeping well and it showed.
Grace whispered, “I know, Flo, and I can’t thank you and Bill enough for taking me in like this. I know it’s going to take time but I’ll be okay. I have to believe that.”
Flo hugged her tightly. “You are like family, Gracie girl, no matter how many miles apart we are. Bill Jr. wishes he was here and not stationed on the other side of the world. He was so upset in not being there for you.”
Billy, as Grace called Flo and Bill’s son, was a year older than her but they had always been close as children, calling each other cousins. He had been in the army for years and was often stationed around the globe.
Grace smiled and nodded. “I talked to him on the phone a few days ago. He says he might be able to come home soon. I’d love to see him again. I told him I understood he was busy doing all his secret spy stuff for the army.”
Grace got to work and kept busy the rest of the day with her customers. After Jane came in she went upstairs to shower and change clothes and walked to her doctor appointment. She enjoyed getting out and walking through the town. Although Bear Creek wasn’t very big, it had an old-world charm that you didn’t see in a big city and she loved exploring the main street. The town was also filled with hiking trails and a campground with a lake. It was nice and sunny as she passed several little stores, stopping to browse at the window of a women’s boutique. She waved to a few people she recognized and took her time getting to the doctor’s office. She entered the small brick building and felt the cool air hit her immediately.