Waylaid

by Ruth J. Hartman

  “Graham! What are they doing?”

  I leaned my head out the window. “They just find you interesting.”

  “Can you make them stop?”

  “Cows are nosy, Addy. Kind of like my aunt. They just want to look at you.”

  She wrapped her arms around her waist. “But it makes me feel self-conscious.”

  A chuckle rumbled its way up from my chest. “Uh, why?”

  “It’s like they think my hair looks funny or something. They’re just staring.”

  “Don’t worry. Cows don’t give things like hair much thought.” I drove the truck a few more feet toward the open gate. The cows were still crowding Addy. “Wave your arms and yell at them to back off.”

  Addy angled her head and gave me a disgusted expression before turning back to the interested bovine. Instead of madly waving her arms in the air as I had intended, she made small movements like she was shooing away a fly. “Go away, cows. Back to your cow house.”

  It had the opposite effect. The cows had Addy pinned against the fence. She yelped. Uh-oh. If one of them stepped on her bare toes with a hoof, that would leave a mark along with depositing something unpleasant there.

  This wasn’t gonna work. I put the truck in park and jumped down. “Addy, hold on.”

  “What do you mean hold on? Hold on to what? A cow snout? A disgusting tail?”

  I reached her and took her hand while at the same time gently hipping a couple of cows out of our way. “I meant hold on a minute while I rescue you.”

  She followed me out of the gate and I closed it. “Rescue me? What’s that supposed to—” A loud moo had Addy turning her head toward the cows who were once again staring right at her. She took a step closer to me. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.” I dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head and rubbed my hand lazily across her back making long, slow circles. I pressed a kiss to her lips and pulled her close against my chest. “Honey, do you know how to work a stick?”

  She gasped. “Graham. You shouldn’t talk that way to me. At least not out in public.”

  I chuckled, trying to push away an image of what she’d thought. “Well first of all I’d hardly call cows public, but I think you and I were thinking two totally different things.”

  “Then what were you talking about?” She avoided my eyes.

  I pointed my thumb over my shoulder to the truck. “If I have to keep the cows back, then I need you to drive the truck.”

  Her cheeks turned a fiery red. “Oh, so you weren’t talking about—”

  “Not that I’m opposed or anything. I mean if you really want—”

  Her hand smacked my chest. Hard. “Graham Stewart!”

  I opened my eyes wide in mock astonishment. “What?”

  She hit me again. Although I’m not really sure what she was so indignant about, since a few nights before in my truck she was lying on top of me. I leaned down and whispered, “Addy, I think you’re forgetting the other night in my truck.”

  She whispered back. “Uh, no. I don’t think I could ever forget that.”

  “Then why were you so upset when you thought I meant something else?”

  She tilted her head to the right. “Them.”

  I followed her motion with my gaze. “Who? The cows?”

  “Not so loud.”

  “Addy, they don’t care.” I bit my lip trying not to lose it again. “Now, back to the real question I’d asked you. Do you know how to drive a stick shift? On a truck.”

  “Not really.”

  “What if I show you how? It’s really easy.”

  Addy frowned. “I’ll try. But I’m not promising anything. I’m not very coordinated.”

  “I thought we’d talked about that before. On the dance floor you were and then when I kissed you—”

  She stomped her foot, which probably didn’t have the desired effect since she wore flimsy sandals. “You know what I meant.”

  “I know.”

  “Don’t you ever get tired of teasing me?”

  “Nope.”

  She sighed. “That’s what I thought. Okay, hotshot, show me how to work it.”

  I snorted. “You gotta stop saying things like that to me. Just gives me more ammunition to use against you.”

  Addy quirked a one-sided smile. “Sorry.”

  “Not really sorry, are you?”

  “No.”

  I grabbed for her thigh. She yelped and ran toward the truck but stopped short when she got there.

  I crossed my arms. “Can’t climb up there yourself, can ya?”

  She let out a breath and sauntered back toward me. “Well if you must know, I think I’m going to need a little assistance.”

  I’d left the truck door open, so I picked her up easily since she weighed next to nothing and plopped her on the seat.

  “Wow.”

  “What?”

  “Knowing a giant has advantages.”

  I laughed and climbed up to stand on the running board beside her. “See that?” I pointed. “That’s the clutch. And that? That’s the brake.”

  Addy lowered her eyebrows. “That’s it? The end of your lesson? Better stick to farming, ’cause you’d never make it as a teacher.”

  “You’ve really never driven a stick shift? How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know. I just never had to. We’ve always had automatics.”

  I nudged her aside and climbed in.

  “Ha! You used the handle to get up here. I saw you.”

  “Did not.”

  “Did too.”

  “Your eyes are playing tricks.” I smirked. “Pay attention.”

  “Yes sir.” She gave me a mock salute.

  I leaned forward and demonstrated how to use the clutch, brake, and gears. “Make sense?”

  “I think so.”

  “Ready to give it a whirl?”

  “I guess so.”

  “You don’t sound any too sure.”

  “I guess we’ll never know. That is until I drive it through the gate opening or… end up putting a new opening in your uncle’s barn.”

  My mouth dropped open.

  “Kidding.” A quick smile lit up her face. “Mostly.”

  I wiped sweat from my forehead and jumped to the ground. “All right.” I trotted to the gate. “Ready!”

  Addy edged forward on the seat and leaned down. I could barely see the top of her head through the windshield. A creak followed by a whine was topped off with a loud pop.

  Uh oh.

  The truck lurched forward two feet and then stopped.

  “Addy just use the—”

  The engine revved loudly and the gears groaned.

  “Addy try not to—”

  Something from inside the truck’s hood sounded like someone tap-dancing on a floor of sand. A small stream of smoke drifted up around the edge of the hood.

  “Wait, Addy don’t—”

  The truck lurched forward again, going faster. I caught sight of Addy’s expression through the window. Pure fear. A flash of long dark hair whipped past me as Addy jumped from the still-rolling truck and kept going. My mouth went dry as I ran toward the truck. The cows could fend for themselves.

  “Graham, be careful!”

  I ran toward the door trying to time my jump with the speed of the truck. If I had wanted to do stunts, I would have been an actor. Lunging up and forward, my foot struck the running board and I dove onto the seat. Since my feet were still dangling over the edge, I reached over and yanked the gear into neutral. Then I turned off the ignition and lay there, catching my breath. Sweat poured off of my face and dripped onto the seat. I pulled myself up and sat.

  The truck had stopped three inches from the side of the barn, nowhere near the open door. Slow footsteps came from outside the truck until Addy stood below the open door. She bit her lip. “I am so sorry.”

  After taking a huge gulp of air to help get some oxygen to my lungs, I climbed down from the truck. I was irritated, yes, but di
d I have a right to be? She’d said she’d never driven a stick, and I hadn’t taken much time showing her. I held out my arms toward her.

  “Oh, Graham. Is the truck wrecked?”

  I sighed. “Lucky for you, my uncle is also a mechanic.”

  “I feel terrible.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “Yes it was.”

  “No.” I placed my finger under her chin. “You’re just a silly city girl, that’s all.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” Moisture sat just at the edges of her lashes.

  I hated that I was the cause of her tears. I never, ever wanted that to happen because of me. “Listen, no harm done, all right?”

  Addy wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “You are so sweet, Graham.”

  Warmth ran through me, encasing my heart. What I felt for Addy was edging past like and attraction to something much deeper. “Aww, thanks.”

  She gazed up at me. “So what happens now?”

  “Since the truck is inside the fence, we can close the gate.”

  A long, loud moo came from a Guernsey who had been scared away from the fence by the truck.

  Addy turned toward it and frowned. “Oh shut up!”

  I lost it.

  Eyes wide, Addy took a half step back, and I was laughing too hard to even stop her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Addy

  When the doorbell rang, I hurried to answer it before my mom could get there. I was expecting Graham and couldn’t wait to see him. I honestly didn’t think I could ever get enough of that man. Was that part of falling in love? Always wanting to be with that person no matter what?

  I opened the door with a great big grin on my face. Then the happiness melted away. Oh no, it couldn’t be!

  “Adelaide! My beautiful darling!”

  Ali stood just on the other side of my screen door. Why oh why was he here? “Uh, hello.”

  He reached out as if to open the door. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked in his heavily accented voice.

  I scanned the street behind him for any sign of Graham’s truck. Not here yet, but he usually showed up on time. Just this once, couldn’t he be late? The thought of him seeing Ali here made my stomach lurch. “Sure.” I opened the door and stood back, not wanting to come in contact with Ali.

  He stepped inside, all decked out in his designer suit and what appeared to be Italian boots. The man had no lack of money, that was for sure.

  Ali took my hands in his, running his gaze from my face down. He stopped a little too long, openly staring at my bare legs. I was wearing shorts, but it was summer, after all.

  I tried to tug my hands away but he held firm. “Adelaide, why are you dressed this way? Any wife of mine needs to be modestly covered.”

  Finally, I yanked hard enough that he let me go. “Ali, I’m not going to marry you. We talked about this.”

  “But I want you. Therefore, you shall be mine.”

  “It doesn’t work that way in America.”

  “But you won’t be living in America for long, my princess.”

  “Stop calling me that.”

  Footsteps came from around the corner. My dad walked in and then stopped short. “Ali?”

  “Ah, Mr. Lafollette. How fortunate I am to see you today.”

  Dad glanced at me and then stepped forward to shake Ali’s outstretched hand. “What brings you here? To America?” After he let go of Ali’s hand, Dad put his arm around my shoulders. Was he trying to protect me?

  Ali’s dark eyes stared at me so hard, I started to squirm. He switched his gaze to Dad. “Mr. Lafollette, when we spoke in the past, I made you quite a generous offer of fifty-one camels for your daughter.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  Dad tightened his hold on me. “And I told you that she wasn’t for sale. It doesn’t work that way here.”

  I bit back a grin. Go Dad!

  Ali shook his head slowly. “Now then, I’ve come to make you another offer. A better one. My father has authorized me to offer you fifty-two camels! You cannot refuse.”

  Dad let me go and moved closer to Ali. “Listen, you’re a very nice man—”

  “I’m a prince.”

  “Uh, prince, but no, I won’t be accepting your offer. Now if there’s nothing else?” Dad raised his eyebrows.

  Ali frowned. “But—”

  The doorbell rang.

  No. Not now! I glanced at Dad and hurried to answer it.

  Graham stood on the outside of the screen door, smiling. He pointed behind him to the driveway. “Did you know there’s a limo parked in your drive, Addy?”

  I swallowed hard and let him in. He smiled at me and then peered behind me. With a questioning glance to me, he tilted his head toward Ali.

  I really, really didn’t want to have to introduce them. But I took Graham’s left hand and led him across the room. I introduced him to Dad first and they shook hands, though Graham didn’t let go of mine. I wondered what my dad thought of that.

  I knew that Ali seeing me touching Graham would upset him. That’s the main reason I did it. Plus, I just liked touching Graham. “Ali, this is Graham Stewart. Graham, this is Ali Ahmad.”

  Ali’s face darkened. “Adelaide, how many times have I reminded you that I am to be addressed as Prince Ahmad and—”

  Dad interrupted him. “Ali, I think I’ve said all I needed to say on the matter we discussed. Have a nice day.” He smiled at Graham and gave me a wink before leaving. Before, it was as if he’d been trying to protect me from Ali. But as soon as Graham showed up, something changed. Was he passing me off to Graham? Giving him permission to take care of me?

  Wouldn’t that be a kick? My own dad liking a guy I brought home enough to trust me to his care? Not that I needed to be taken care of. I was leaving soon for college, after all.

  Ali gave Graham the evil eye and tried to stand up taller. Did he think he would intimidate Graham? I nearly snorted.

  Graham stared hard at Ali. “So, Mr. Ahmad—”

  “That’s Prince Ahmad.”

  “Whatever. What brings you here?”

  “I’ve come to claim my wife.”

  “Oh? And who might that be?”

  “The woman you are so disgustingly touching at this moment.” Ali’s angry gaze flew to our joined hands.

  Graham glanced at me. “Addy? You planning to marry this guy?”

  I shook my head. “No. And I’ve told him that. More than once.”

  Graham dropped my hand and took a step toward Ali. “You heard her. She doesn’t want to marry you. I think it’s time you climbed back into your limo and left.”

  Not to be deterred, Ali frowned. “Mr. Stewart, you don’t appear to have a— what’s that awful American expression— a pot to piss in. I on the other hand can give Adelaide everything she could ever want or need. You saw my limousine parked outside? It’s one of fifty that are in my father’s fleet. I had it flown here from Saudi Arabia so I could have my driver bring me to Adelaide’s home in proper style.”

  Graham shrugged. “How nice for you.”

  “Yes, it’s very nice. Being a prince has its advantages.” He switched his gaze to me. “Advantages that I fully intend on bestowing on my new bride.”

  I huffed out a breath. “Now wait a minute—”

  Graham gently touched my shoulder. “I’ve got this, if you’re good with that…”

  I nodded. “Go for it.”

  Without ever laying a hand on Ali for which I was grateful — no use starting an international incident — Graham took another step toward the smaller man. Ali had no choice but to retreat and tip his head back in order to see Graham’s face.

  “Now see here, Ali.” Graham’s hands fisted at his sides. “Addy has told you repeatedly that she doesn’t want to marry you. I’m guessing she doesn’t even want to see you at all.” He glanced at me and I nodded. “So it’s time for you to leave.” Graham went over to the door and opened it. And waited. He never took his steady
gaze off of Ali, who stared back.

  Oh perfect. An international pissing contest.

  Ali broke eye contact first. His face reddened and a small ridge along his lower cheek flexed as he clenched his jaw. “This is not over.” He stormed from the house, down the front steps, and hurried into the limo through the open door that his driver held for him.

  As soon as the limo had backed out and careened around the corner, my shoulders relax. I hadn’t realized how tense I’d been. I grabbed Graham’s hand and pulled him to the couch. We sat down, with me turned sideways so I could see him better. “Thanks. I see you’re still rescuing me.”

  “Like I said before. It’s what I do.” The corners of his mouth rose, but it didn’t last. “Addy, who was that, anyway? Was he really a prince?”

  I brushed some hair away from my face. “’Fraid so.”

  “And how does a small town Indiana girl meet up with a prince from…?”

  “Saudi Arabia.”

  “Ah.” He watched me and waited.

  I sighed, not really wanting to have this particular conversation with Graham. I had hoped that the issue would never come up. “Last year, Mom and Dad and I took a trip to the Holy Land. Dad got a really good deal because he was helping a pastor friend lead a tour group. Anyway, our seats on the plane weren’t together. Well, Mom and Dad’s were, but I was seated six rows behind them. Ali had the seat next to me. And it was a very long flight.”

  “So, there was lots of time to talk, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “And… how did that go?”

  “At first it was fun. Meeting someone from another country and getting to talk to them at length is pretty exciting. Not many people get the chance.”

  He nodded. “Sure.”

  “But the longer we talked, the more he asked some personal questions.”

  “Such as?”

  “What I liked in a man, what I thought of getting married at my age.”

  “I see. And did you ever consider—”

  “No! Never.” I shuddered. “Believe me, the thought never entered my mind. I tried to let him know in a nice way that I wasn’t interested in getting married, but he didn’t pay attention. He just kept talking about it. About how wonderful it would be for me to meet his father and see the palace. By the time the flight was over, I was ready to deck him, though I didn’t think that it would be a great idea. One, because we were on an airplane and two, well the whole culture thing. Who knows? Ali might have thought a woman slugging him was a kind of foreplay.”