Be My Guest

by Caroline Clemmons

  The waitress flashed the man what she probably thought of as her most seductive smile. In a low, honeyed voice, she asked, "Anything else today, Will?"

  He seemed unaware of the invitation in her voice or the hopeful sparkle in her eyes. "Not right now, Norma Sue, thanks. Go ahead and leave the check now and save yourself time."

  When the disappointed waitress left, Aurora appraised Will. How could he fail to notice the waitress’ blatant invitation? Had he any idea how attractive he was? Hold on, this guy might be too good to be true.

  Aurora gazed over he shoulder at the departing waitress. "How on earth did she know what to bring you? When did you give her your order?"

  "When I came in." He leaned across her to get the salt and pepper. Will paused to flash her a truly breathtaking smile and the bottom fell out of her stomach again. "I also told her you would pick up the check. In view of your morning, however, maybe I'd better withdraw that statement. You've had a very trying day already."

  Aurora nodded as hunger asserted itself. Food always rated a high priority with her. The smells of the food in front of her increased her hunger. She immediately gave all her concentration to her delayed lunch.

  Will watched in amused disbelief as the gorgeous woman took her hamburger apart to add several large blobs of catsup. She spread catsup evenly on the top half of the bun. After placing the tomato slice precisely in the middle of the meat patty, she spread the lettuce evenly. Next, she scraped off half the onions and part of the mustard from the bottom half of the bun. With a satisfied sigh, she reassembled the hamburger.

  Catching his eyes on her actions, she explained, "It's easier to redo a burger than to explain it when I order. No matter how detailed the explanation to the waitress, no one ever gets my hamburger right." With a toss of her head she sent her auburn curls bouncing across her shoulders.

  Will shook his head. "I had no idea a hamburger could be so complicated. I can hardly wait to see what you do with the French fries."

  In a more serious tone he asked, "Tell me what happened with the two guys in the truck this morning."

  Aurora repeated the story she had already told several times to law enforcement officers. "I drove toward Snyder on one of the small roads rather than the main highway. The wild flowers are so pretty in spite of the drought and I've never driven through this area before. I took my time and enjoyed the scenery. I didn't even realize those two followed me until this red pickup pulled up behind me, then bumped the back of my car. When I sped up, they sped up and bumped me again. I thought they wanted to pass me but they pulled alongside and forced me off the road. It happened so fast I didn't have a chance to use my cell phone or get the license number of the truck.

  "When I saw them open their truck doors and step down from the truck, I shifted to reverse. But I waited until one man had his hand on my door handle before I spun the car in a reverse half-circle. With the accelerator pressed against the floor I drove fast as I could in the opposite direction."

  She paled and the tension of the morning showed on her face. She brushed a weary hand across her forehead. "They followed and gradually closed the distance between us. The State Trooper turned on his lights and siren when I passed him, and the truck dropped back and turned around. By the time I told the Trooper what happened, the men had disappeared. The Trooper followed me to the Snyder city limits to be sure they didn’t reappear."

  Will face was grim. "Man, I hate to think of that sort of thing going on around here. We've always had a pretty safe and friendly community." He took a sip of his Dr Pepper and asked, "Can you identify them?" He had given his entire attention to her while she spoke, but now picked up his hamburger and took a large bite from it.

  "You bet I can! Since I have no license number for the truck, I don't expect that to happen. You know how many red trucks there are in this state." She gave a shrug of dismissal. Without more details than she offered authorities, she knew the chance of locating the truck and the two men to be almost nonexistent.

  "There must be thousands of pickups in West Texas that fit that description." He gave her a searching appraisal. "Well, at least you got away."

  Aurora hated thoughts of those two men. Even more, she hated their escape. They might try the same thing on another woman, with more success next time. She waved her left forefinger in the direction of his cast and changed the subject. "So, what about you? What did you do to your leg?"

  He took another sip of his drink and straightened the cutoff jeans above his cast before he explained. "About two months ago, we moved some cattle from one range to another. This one big cow and her calf took off in the wrong direction and I rode around to turn her back."

  A flush of embarrassment crept across his face. "I watched the cow's progress instead of mine. My horse jumped a bush, not realizing a big drop off waited on the other side of the bush. One minute I sat on my horse, the next minute the horse lay on me. We both landed in a gully on a giant red ant bed."

  He looked with disgust at his leg. "I'm stuck with this thing on my leg for about another month or so."

  Her green eyes held total innocence. "Oh, my. That's too bad. I do hope the horse is okay."

  Will flashed a sardonic grin. "The horse is fine, thank you." He should be angry at her goading. The truth struck him that her impish grin and sparkling green eyes made him forget he ever experienced anger at her.

  He watched her as she very carefully put a mound of catsup on her plate. With great care she dipped just the tips of her French fries into the catsup. Damn, this woman was crazy, he reasoned. Well, yes, his heart countered. It's a nice crazy, though, and she makes you feel a little crazy yourself.

  He contemplated these new feelings with awe. After more than three years of life by remote control, he acted like a randy kid again. The flick of her tongue across her lips to catch an errant bit of catsup sent his dormant hormones boiling to the surface. He shook his head slowly. What in hell’s happening to me?

  He shook his head before he saw twinkling emerald eyes regarding him with amusement. "I thought good guys wore white hats and bad guys wore black. Why is your hat gray? Does that mean you can't decided whether you're good or bad?"

  Damn! This redhead really had his blood pressure rising. If she could read his thoughts, she would realize just how appropriate her question seemed. He adjusted his frame on the booth’s seat and grinned.

  "I'm not a bad guy, just a good guy who's a little worn around the edges." Is that interest sparkling in her eyes? Damn! If it is, what do I do about it? Harrison, you’re too out of practice for this verbal parrying.

  The two ate in silence for a few moments. Aurora glanced at him from under her lashes, hoping he wouldn't notice her interest. Visions appeared in her mind with him as the cowboy in a western movie. In her mind's eye she saw him calmly riding across the range into the sunset, or racing after the bad guys. I wouldn't mind being rescued by this cowboy. Not at all.

  Finally, she raised her eyes and flashed him a devilish smile, "Will, huh? Not Billy Bob?"

  Will glared at her. Just when he forgave her, she started in on him again. This woman got under his skin in more ways than one. He put down his burger and wiped his hand on his jeans before he offered her the hand. In the confined space of the booth, this required placing his hand almost in her lap. "William Riley Harrison here."

  Aurora wiped her hands with a napkin and twisted to accept the hand he offered. "Aurora Kathleen O'Shaughnessy," she said as their eyes met again, "and please don't make any Irish jokes--believe me, I've heard them all. It really is my name, and I'm as American as you are."

  As he grasped her hand and peered into her eyes, prickles moved along the back of her neck. Even her toes tingled. She gasped for breath. Could everyone in the restaurant hear her heart pounding? Get yourself under control. You're a mature woman of twenty-eight, not a school girl of thirteen.

  Will chuckled and released her hand. "I guess a lot of people comment on your name. I don't think I've ever be
fore met an Aurora."

  "It's a family name. Grandmother Aurora was named after the town of Aurora. That's what Port Arthur, where I'm from, was first called."

  "And what are you doing in Snyder?" Before she could answer, he nodded toward the guidebook that lay on the table. "You must be new in town. I saw you studying the guidebook when I came in."

  She nodded and waited until she finished chewing a French fry. "Actually, I'm just passing through. I'm on my way west. I plan to join old Route 66 at Amarillo and follow it to Flagstaff, Arizona. Then I'm heading back north and east through Colorado to Aurora to see my namesake town there. I'll come back east a little to end up in the Durango area."

  Was that disappointment she saw on Will's face? It flashed across his face before he countered, "Why Colorado?"

  "I went to the area north of Fort Worth that once housed a community called Aurora. Maybe you remember the historical trivia about a space ship hoax there in the late 1800's. Anyway, now I want to see Aurora, Colorado. After that, I thought maybe I'd like to settle down in Durango."

  Again Will countered with a question. "There are other towns named Aurora. Why stop in Colorado and settle in Durango?"

  "My family vacationed there several times. My folks have a friend in Durango who plans to sell her gift store. I'll work with her at the store for a few months to decide if I want to buy the place. She plans to retire in January."

  Aurora took the last bite of her hamburger and swallowed it before asking, "What about you? Do you live in Snyder?"

  Will leaned back in his seat. "No, I have the Flying Horseshoes Ranch about thirty miles from here. It's closer to Post than to Snyder."

  "Hmm. You look like a cowboy, but you don't talk like a cowboy. Aren't you supposed to say things like yup and dogie?"

  His meal finished, he hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and leaned against the back of the seat. In spite of her solemn her face, Aurora's eyes sparkled. Surely those sparkles indicated at least a little interest in him as a man. Maybe this dating thing wouldn't be so hard after all.

  He spoke thoughtfully, as if considering her question carefully. "Well, I guess I'm a real disappointment to anyone who expects the Hollywood image of the simple, rustic cowboy. Gary Cooper I'm not."

  She nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, you mean like in that movie Along Came Jones? I love that old movie, don't you? Okay, so you're not limited to yup and nope. What kind of cowboy are you?"

  "Hmm, well, a business man/cowboy combination, I guess." He acted as if he’d never before categorized himself. "Officially, my undergraduate degree from Texas A and M is in Ranch Management, and I have a Master's in Business." He gave a shrug of his shoulder. "I think I'm just a typical West Texas rancher. I'm in town today as guest lecturer on local history to a class at the college."

  Excitement bubbled up in Aurora. He neither looked nor acted typical to her. Aurora forgot her earlier resolve and hoped this handsome cowboy would volunteer to show her around the area personally.

  "Oh, really? I'm a devoted history buff myself. Maybe you could make a few suggestions for a half day's tour of the town," As he reached for her guidebook across the table, Aurora saw the gold band on the third finger of his left hand. The depth of disappointment shooting through her surprised her as her eyes scanned his deeply tanned face. Yes, definitely very handsome in a rugged way, and intelligent too. What a combination. Just as well he's taken, she said to herself. You don't need to complicate your life right now.

  Silent while he glanced at the information for Snyder and Post, she saw his eyes move as he quickly took in the information. When he returned to the Snyder portion of the guidebook, he half-turned and leaned toward her. It seemed as if he folded her into his body while he pointed to items on the page.

  Will recognized in a blinding flash as the implications of his action hit him. This was exactly what he wanted, he realized with a shock, to gather her in his arms. Could it have only been a few hours ago he thought he would never find a woman to interest him? Here he sat, responding to this woman as if he'd known her all of his life. How could he recognize a kindred spirit after a chance meeting?

  "You should see the museum at the college--that's the Scurry County Museum here at Western Texas College. Oh, don't miss the statue of the white buffalo on the court house square if you didn't see it earlier."

  He glanced at his watch, "I've an appointment in a little while to get this cast changed. If you plan to be around later, I'd like to be your guide for the area. There are quite a few interesting places in Scurry and Garza counties omitted from this book."

  Aurora fumed to herself. What would you tell your wife, you handsome rat? The nerve of this man! Her answer came cool and remote. "Thanks, but on second thought I'll just spend a few hours here and head on to Lubbock. I'm already behind schedule." Aurora wiped her lips and hands with a fresh napkin from the dispenser on the table. She pasted a frosty smile on her lips. "This time, however, I'm staying on the main highway."

  As she reached for the check, a large hand covered hers. Will slid the check from her with his other hand. An electric shock traveled from her hand and spread throughout her body. The touch of his hands jolted her entire being.

  So this is what you've come to, she thought. Now you're turned-on by a married man. Have you gone crazy? She quickly withdrew her hand and slipped the strap of her handbag onto her shoulder.

  His voice came firm and friendly. "I told you I recanted on making you pay the check. After all, you're a guest in the area." Her stomach flip-flopped when Will flashed his devastating smile again. "I guess I'd also better withdraw on my vow to have you make good on that kiss you blew to me outside."

  "Thank you." Aurora flushed and chewed on her bottom lip, then became distant once more. "Since you're being gracious, I'll let you take care of the check. Well, thanks again for the food and sightseeing tips. It's difficult for you to get up, so I'll just use an unconventional exit route."

  Aurora quickly stood on the seat and stepped over the back of her booth onto the now empty seat of the booth behind them. She stepped down onto the floor and escaped, ignoring the stares of the staff and the other diners.

  Will sat a few minutes longer, puzzled by Aurora's change in attitude and hasty exit. While they ate, they talked pleasantly and--once his initial anger subsided--he enjoyed her company. Obviously they shared some things in common and certainly he saw an interested sparkle in her eyes several times. He knew his lack of practice could not have mistaken the flirtatious twinkle in her emerald eyes or the inviting smile of her rosy lips. Out of practice he might be, but he sure wasn’t dead.

  Why did her manner suddenly change? Had he become so rusty in communication with women that he completely misread her interest? No, something changed about the time they finished eating. He reviewed their conversation but found nothing he said or did to cause the sudden frost in her attitude. Will reached for the crutches and, in doing so, looked down at his own hand. The wedding ring--that must be it! Damn! He grabbed the crutches angrily and cursed to himself. His discussion with Kelly earlier that morning flashed through his mind. That wedding ring had scared her off just as Kelly predicted it would.

  For the first time since the death of his wife, he wanted to spend time with a woman. Now that he’d met a woman who actually interested him, not only was she just passing through town but she thought him a philandering heel--a married man ready to cheat on his wife. No wonder her attitude changed. Will ran his hand through his hair and wished for a second chance with the auburn haired beauty.

  The impulse to rush to the college museum, find her, and explain receded. His leg hurt like hell, and reminded him of his doctor's appointment in fifteen minutes. Reluctantly, he paid and went to the orthopedic clinic nearby, and the office there of his friend Nick Harris. Maybe he could catch up with Aurora at the museum after his appointment with Nick.

  Of all times, Nick and his staff picked this one to move in slow motion. Will thought they planned to wast
e all afternoon taking care of his leg. Finally Nick changed the cast on Will's left leg to a shorter, lighter one. Will hurried to the college museum parking lot to searching for the blue Mustang Aurora drove. No luck. It was nowhere in sight.

  After a pass by the courthouse with no sight of Aurora or her car, Will gave up and started home. All day thunderclouds gathered overhead. Now they turned ominous with loud rumbles and lightning flashed across the sky. Rain fell in giant drops, slowly at first but rapidly increased in intensity. Damned if the weather didn’t match his mood.

  * * *

  After a quick tour of the college museum, Aurora decided to visit the college library to research some history of the area. She became so engrossed in taking notes she lost track of time. The sound of rolling thunder caught her attention. With only a glance at the library clock, she continued her research for several minutes more. Flickering lights convinced her she needed to be on her way.

  With regret Aurora thought of the handsome cowboy she had hurriedly left in the restaurant. He seemed so nice and shared many of her interests. In addition, he appeared both literate and intelligent. Wouldn't it be great to have someone like him as a guide of the area as he offered? She sighed. Wouldn't it be great to have someone like him for anything?

  Just goes to show you're not as good a judge of character as you thought. Better stick to your plans. Business and independence first, then romance--on your terms.

  The rational part of her mind realized the town of Snyder and its residents could not be blamed for her near abduction nor for her encounter with a cheating husband. In her current emotional state, though, the day's experiences soured her on Snyder.

  Eager to move on and put all reminders of her unpleasant experiences behind her, she decided if it meant missing something interesting here, so be it. The next town of Post seemed the perfect destination for the night. Tomorrow she could explore the area using her notes from the library.

  Thoughts of cheating men opened old wounds. In her mind she heard her last conversation with Russell Carpenter, her former fiancé. Okay, she knew she seemed prone to overwork, to push herself too hard to achieve her goals. She refused to accept the label a cold, calculating machine as Russell accused. In fact, she decided from her reaction to that cowboy today that she remained very much a flesh and blood woman.