by Harte, C. J.
Out of the corner of her eye, she had watched Drew and Mark as she walked around. They were watching her. No, Drew was watching her. She could feel Drew’s gaze as surely as if it was a touch.
She sat down and talked with Drew. Drew’s eyes were so expressive. They held her captive. Her hands were in constant motion when she talked. Jordan loved the way they danced through the air, like punctuation marks. Drew leaned back in her chair and stretched those long, jean-clad legs. Jordan found swallowing difficult.
*
Drew watched a range of emotions dance across Jordan’s face. Her eyes dance when she smiles. Drew mentally stepped back. Those thoughts were way too personal! “How about if I get you something to drink?” Drew needed to create distance—emotional and physical—between them. She couldn’t think with Jordan so close.
A hand on her arm stopped further thoughts. She stared down at Jordan’s hand.
“I’m fine. I’d like to just sit and talk with you.”
Jordan’s hand burned on her skin. She was sure there would be a permanent imprint.
“And Mark.”
Drew tried to swallow, but it was useless. Jordan was unsettling, and she needed to run. As fast and as far as she could. Keeping things business was becoming more and more difficult. Too many other thoughts, and feelings, were eroding her good intentions. “I’ll grab some drinks and be right back.”
By the time she returned, Drew had her emotions under control. “I wish you had told me about your birthday.”
“I just wanted to have an informal, small”—Jordan put her air quotes around the word—“gathering where I could get to know you, and Mark, better.”
Drew watched the flush creep up Jordan’s neck and finally encompass her face. She’s embarrassed. Why? “Maybe we can get together for dinner later this term.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“May twenty-fifth. Why are you grinning?”
“I was just wondering what kind of cake to make for your birthday.”
It took every ounce of her western good manners to not jump up and run. There was something in the way Jordan looked at her that was much too tantalizing.
*
When they were back at the apartment, Mark offered a truce. “Okay, I won’t say anything, unless it’s ‘I told you so.’” Drew threw a book across the room but missed him by several feet. “Oh, honey, I didn’t know you had such poor aim.” Mark turned to walk into the kitchen but was stopped by a much more accurate loaf of bread.
“Believe me, I hit what I aim at.”
Chapter Twelve
March
Drew no longer thought of Jordan as just a job. She was beginning to really appreciate her. Jordan was warm, sensitive, and attractive. Not only that, she was sexy. That thought made her feel guilty. Jordan was straight and Drew had already walked that bumpy road. Been there. Done that. Not going back.
March arrived, bringing heat and humidity with a vengeance. Drew anxiously awaited her brother Hayden’s arrival for spring break. He had always been her close friend and ally. She needed to talk with someone about Jordan. Friday morning, Drew was up early. She sat out on a bench and waited for him to return from his run.
“What’s up, sis?”
“I have to tutor tonight.”
“So?” he asked. He leaned over and stretched his hamstrings.
“Hayden, the person I’m tutoring is Hatchet Thompson’s daughter.”
“Bad joke, Andy.” He walked around in circles, cooling down and stretching. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?” Drew knew he was waiting for the punch line. She was well known in her family for her practical jokes. “You’re not kidding?” Hayden sat next to her. He shook his head. “Is this the same person who gave you the stitches?” Drew nodded. “Does Dad know? Of course not. He would never allow it.”
“I’m supposed to tutor her tonight, and I needed to talk to someone in the family. I’m trying to think of this as a business transaction, but all I can think about is what am I going to tell the folks?”
“Man, Andy, I don’t even want to think about what Dad would say. I’d hate to hide this, but he’s so damn unreasonable about Thompson. How in the hell did this happen?”
“I could say it was the bad luck of the draw and I didn’t even have a gun.”
“Not funny.”
“No shit.” She briefly told him the story. “What’s she like?” Hayden stared at her, shaking his head.
“She’s smart and has a good heart. I really like her.”
“Oh, man, Andy, I don’t know what to do.”
“Would you like to go with me tonight?”
“Am I there for protection or to help you with your guilt?”
“Neither. Both. Maybe I just want someone else to feel as guilty as I do.”
“Thanks! I’ve got to hand it to you; you’ve topped all your other stunts collectively.”
“Now you’ve really made me feel great.” She didn’t even try to hide the grimace.
*
Jordan eagerly greeted Drew and her brother Hayden. “I assume Drew told you who my father is.” Hayden nodded. “My parents are really wonderful people. My dad’s a very kind man. I never understand the bad things people say about him.”
Drew watched while Jordan talked to her brother, offering food, bringing in dishes, eliciting smiles and conversation. She was both charming and considerate. Drew saw the way she asked questions and answered them. Jordan’s head tilted, her expression intent. Her interest was genuine. She really is a good person. And sincere.
“I think you can relax,” Hayden said. “Please sit down. My mother made sure we all knew how to get up and help ourselves.”
Jordan laughed and finally sat at the table. “Yes, your sister already informed me. She looked at Drew and winked.
There goes that damn blink. Come on, AnDrew, it’s a wink. Hope Hayden didn’t see it.
“My sister is impressed with your determination and that says a lot about you.”
Jordan couldn’t hide the red creeping up her neck. Drew smothered the grin. She really embarrasses easily.
With Jordan occupied with Hayden, Drew could sit back and carefully watch. Her auburn hair was pulled back, framing an attractive, girl-next-door face with a touch of freckles sprinkled across her nose. When she smiled, she had a hint of dimples. She was dressed in long-sleeve royal blue polo shirt and khaki pants. The shirt gave her eyes more of a blue tint. Her only jewelry was a gold watch. She’s damn attractive. Drew was surprised by her assessment. Must take after her mother ’cause her father is not.
“I think we need to get to studying,” Drew said, “because Hayden will be eating everything in sight if we don’t.”
“Only if I get there faster than you, sister,” he quickly replied, grabbing some cookies and a plate with pie.
Jordan smiled and opened her books. “It’s obvious how close you two are. I love my brother, but we don’t have the same kind of relationship.”
“We’re driving over to Daytona tomorrow for the day. Want to come? Spring break, you know,” Hayden said.
Drew quickly fell out of her reverie. She kicked her brother under the table and enjoyed his attempt to not make a face. She wore a huge smile and a look of innocence. He continued to ignore her.
“Thanks, I would love to go, but I need to study tomorrow. Besides, I would have to make arrangements with my protection detail. Maybe we can do something when you get back. I’d love to have you over for a cookout, if you’re interested.”
Hayden eagerly agreed, promising to call when they got back.
As soon as they were in the car, Drew turned on her brother. “Hayden, how could you invite her?”
“Stop. I’m sorry. My shin is sorry. She seems to like you, and I thought it might be a great time to get to know her. She probably doesn’t get to relax and play much.”
“Apology accepted. I’m sorry I overreacted, but I don’t think socializing with Hatchet’s daughter is goi
ng to make things any better for me. Or you.”
“Fine. Next time, how about you wear sneakers instead of boots if you’re planning on kicking the shit out of me?” He rubbed his leg. “Do you think she’s homophobic? I think she’s more your type than mine.”
Drew nearly ran off the road. “I assure you, the kick was instigated by you. I don’t know, and are you out of your fucking mind? This isn’t funny.” She allowed her breathing to return to normal. “We have six weeks left this semester and then she’s gone for the summer.” Hayden smiled. “I’m going to have you and Mark committed to the same institution.”
“Oh? Mark thinks she’s interested in you? I’m sure his gaydar is much more accurate than my straightdar.”
“You’ll be thrown straightdar out of here if you don’t watch it.”
“Ah, that’s my Andy.” Hayden was quiet until they reached Drew’s apartment. “Drew, what are you going to tell the folks?”
“I don’t know. I’m actually beginning to like her. She’s been admitted to the engineering program for next year, and she’s been working her ass off. You’ve got to admire her determination and hard work.”
“And her ass?”
“You are an ass.” Drew chuckled. “Okay, I think she’s cute. That doesn’t solve the family problem.”
“I don’t know what to say. Maybe it would be best not to say anything to Dad.”
“That’s what Mark said.”
“Smart man. I really like him. Right now, I think I need some sleep. This has been a stressful day.”
*
Jordan was relieved when she saw Drew’s Explorer drive up. She had just about convinced herself they wouldn’t come. Most of the day she fretted over what to cook, what to wear. Now, she was thrilled to have more time to spend with Drew—and Mark and Hayden—she again reminded herself.
She watched the way Drew stood. The way she walked. She noticed the way her legs now seemed to fill the jeans. Drew had put on weight, but it looked good. She wasn’t quite as…Jordan searched for the right word…rangy. Her shoulders were broad, but her waist and hips were slender. Taut muscles were outlined in the form-fitting jeans. Jordan realized she was staring at Drew’s butt. And admiring it. She looked up quickly. Drew was looking back. She had a questioning look on her face. Jordan felt her heart racing and knew she was turning red. What’s wrong with me?
“Can I help?” Hayden said.
“Sure,” Jordan said, thankful for the distraction. “I’ll bring the rest of the food out while you keep the grill going.” She prayed she wasn’t turning red.
*
Jordan and Hayden were chatting and laughing by the grill. “What do you think they’re talking about?” Drew asked Mark. She was still confused over catching Jordan staring at her. No, she wasn’t staring. Then why did she turn so red? None of this makes sense.
“Probably wondering what we’re talking about.”
“Mark, sometimes you’re not helpful at all.”
“Hayden told me he thinks she likes you.”
Drew took a deep breath. “Is this a male conspiracy? Jordan is straight, and I’m sure she thinks of us as friends. I even think of her as a friend.”
“Now that was one of your most definitive statements.”
Drew glared. “You’re becoming a smartass.”
“I’ve a good teacher.”
“My next lesson will be to teach you how to quietly meditate unless spoken to.”
“You never listen to me, anyway.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Never mind. Here they come.”
“Dinner’s ready,” Jordan said as she led them to the patio. Once they were seated, Jordan passed the plate of steaks to Drew.
Drew looked across the table. Hayden was grinning from ear to ear. She thanked Jordan and placed a steak on her plate. Jordan’s only being polite, that’s all.
“Can I get you something else?” Jordan started to get up.
“Jordan, sit down. We’re fine.” Hayden leaned back and rubbed his stomach. “At least my dad will be glad you cooked steaks.” Drew joined her brother in laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Jordan asked.
“Our folks are cattle ranchers,” Hayden said. “They’ve been active in the Wyoming Cattle Growers Association. They’ll be thrilled to know you’re supporting their lifestyle.”
*
Jordan smiled. She was being included in the teasing.
For the first time in her adult life, Jordan understood what it felt like when others talked about the warmth of friendship. These people were friends. Real friends. She was treated as an equal. They respected her ideas, sought her opinions, and made her feel important. And they weren’t afraid to tease. She sat and looked at each person.
Drew was telling a story about life on the ranch. Jordan loved the way the sun played on her tanned face. Deep dimples were parentheses around full lips. Her jaw was square and strong. Her recently cut hair was a mass of short dark curls. Dark eyes mesmerized her. She was captivated by the good-looking Drew Hamilton. Jordan’s breathing quickened. She hoped no one noticed her staring. She swallowed and again wondered about the strange feelings and a tingling between her legs.
“I don’t understand why you think we’re so different,” Mark said. “We have some of the same problems in Miami as you do in Cheyenne.”
Groans quickly erupted from the Hamiltons.
“Not hardly.” Jordan jumped in before either of the Hamiltons could respond. “The Western part of the country has fewer water resources and a much more scarce population. We, in the East, are so accustomed to turning on a faucet and having water. Our lifestyle is based on accessibility: schools, health care, water, even food and entertainment.”
“Wow,” Hayden replied, “you sound like you’ve been reading up on Western life.”
Jordan was embarrassed. “I, uh, I guess I’ve heard some of these discussions before. And…” She hesitated before finishing, “I wanted to learn more since Drew started tutoring me.” She looked up to find Drew staring and a look of surprise filling her handsome face. Nothing she could do prevented the red from creeping up Jordan’s neck and face.
“Good student,” Hayden beamed.
Jordan looked around at her guests. She had never felt so complete and yet so empty. She felt accepted as a person. She knew the evening would not last forever. Classes would be ending soon and she would be with her family. She would go back to being Harold Thompson’s daughter. Jordan sighed. She would miss school. Even more, she would miss Drew…a lot.
*
Monday morning, Hayden flew back to Colorado. Before he left, he again reminded Drew that Jordan liked her.
Drew smiled at him. “What’s not to like? I’m a wonderful person.” She became serious. “Whatever you do, please don’t say anything to the folks.”
“Hell, I’m not crazy. Besides, you’ll tell them…sooner or later.”
“No way. What makes you even think that?”
“Because she likes you. And because you can’t hide anything from them.”
“And?”
“And you like her. See you in a few weeks.” His grin was not reassuring. Drew was glad it was time for term break. She actually had a couple of weeks off before the summer term began and she was going to spend it in Wyoming.
Chapter Thirteen
May
Hayden grilled Drew the entire three-hour drive to the ranch. He asked a few questions about classes and Mark but spent the remainder of the trip discussing Jordan. Drew wondered if his interest was personal.
“Look, if you’re in love with her, why don’t you ask her yourself?”
“Sorry, Drew. I just thought you might want to talk about her.”
“Why would I want to talk about her? It seems all the questions are yours, not mine.”
“Okay. Enough said. If you don’t want to talk about Jordan—”
“I don’t!” What she meant was she wasn’t ready. She knew he und
erstood that.
“Whenever, then.”
*
For Drew, this was a time to spend moving cattle, repairing fences, and spending lots of time riding. She often found herself alone with her father, especially at five a.m. when they were eating breakfast.
“There was an article in the Cheyenne paper about Hatchet’s daughter at the University of Florida. Have you ever met her?”
How the hell do I answer? “I didn’t know until recently.” I’m not lying, just telling half-truths. Great!
“Have you met her?”
“Dad, there are over forty thousand students on that campus.” Okay, I’ve moved from half-truths to outright evasion.
“I’m just asking.” She felt his stare boring through her. “Drew, have you been getting enough rest? Why don’t you just take it easy while you’re here? Your brother and I can take care of any repairs.”
“Dad, I’m fine. I want to do something other than sit still.”
“Okay, you can do whatever you want, but, honey, you look tired.” He picked up the paper and resumed reading. “Says her brother attends Stanford. Guess they’re intelligent, at least. Can’t imagine Thompson having smart kids.”
Drew felt a stabbing pain in her gut. She wanted to defend Jordan but didn’t know how. If I do, I need to tell them how I know her. This is not going to be a good day.
Drew stayed busy and away from political discussions. It was the only way she could emotionally survive. Finally, she decided to talk with her brother Hayden.
“Why don’t you talk to Mom? She’s a little more reasonable. You can’t keep this bottled up inside.”
“What else can I do? I like Jordan, but she’s Hatchet’s daughter. I love my folks, but they can’t stand the Thompsons.”