“Of course I will, and I’m sure she’ll be fine. I just need to be there so she’s not alone while they’re patchin’ her up.”
“I know you have to go, but…” she blubbered.
“Hey, I’ll be back before you know it,” he promised. “Your dad’s here, Tyler’s here, George is here-”
“George, George was…he was…” but her voice trailed off as the memory of the drama flashed in her mind’s eye.
“You need to soak, come on, I’ll take you up and get the water runnin’,” he declared.
“No need,” Tyler announced entering the room. “The tub is full, it’s all ready for you, Nickie.”
“Thanks, Tyler,” Beau said gratefully. “Come on young lady, let’s get you upstairs.”
“Everything’s going to be fine,” her father said kissing her on the forehead as he helped her to stand. “I’ll be here if you need anything.”
With his arm around her waist Beau walked her slowly from the room, up the stairs and into his bedroom, and as he carefully peeled off her clothes he discovered she had bruises in odd spots across her body.
“Everything’s starting to hurt,” she groaned as he helped her into the tub.
“I’m sure,” he sighed. “I wish I didn’t have to go, but-”
“I know you do. Gina was knocked out, it might be serious, of course you have to go.”
“You soak, and when you’re done get into bed. I’ll put the pill and a glass of water on the nightstand. You take it, you understand?” he said firmly.
“Yes, Beau, I will.”
“I’ll have my phone with me, if you need anything you call me. I promise I won’t be long.”
“My phone,” she frowned. “I left it on the kitchen table, Gina did too, that’s why we couldn’t call you.”
“Use the land line. The phone’s on the nightstand,” he assured her.
“Okay,” she sighed sinking a little deeper into the hot water, “but before you go there’s something very important I need to tell you.”
There was a tone in her voice he didn’t recognize; it was serious and intense, and kneeling down to be closer to her he gently stroked her face.
“What is it?” he asked softly.
“Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but if you left and something happened…”
“Hey, nothing’s going to happen,” he assured her.
“I don’t know that,” she muttered, “and I have to tell you. Maybe I shouldn’t, but I have to.”
“I’m listening,” he said warmly, and I don’t care what your confession is. You’re safe and home and that’s all I care about.
“I’m, uh, I’m totally in love with you. If you never want to see me again I’ll understand, I’m a complete idiot,” she mumbled, the tears flowing down her face, “but I love you with my whole heart. The only thing I could think about up there…when I thought I was going to die…was telling you that, because it’s true, I’ve never felt like this in my life, not about anything or anyone. There, I’ve said it. You don’t have to say anything back, it’s-”
His lips dropped on hers, interrupting her, and filled with his own fervent need to show her how he felt, he kissed her gently, warmly, and lovingly, then moved his lips to her ear.
“I’m crazy in love with you too, you naughty girl,” he breathed.
“You are?” she gasped as he pulled back.
“Of course,” he smiled. “When I discovered you were on your way up to Flat Top my heart stopped. I knew I had real strong feelin’s for you, but that’s when I knew just how strong they were.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Gina’s wounds were superficial, and after a few stitches, a sedative, and a prescription for some pain medication, Beau put her gingerly into his truck, but the wind was whipping through the streets, and still unnerved by her terrifying ordeal she clung to his arm for the entire drive home. Finally pulling into the garage he walked her inside and took her straight into the guest room.
“Do you want me to run you a bath? Would you like some tea?”
“That sedative is knocking me out,” she murmured, “and my head is killing me. I think I just want to go to bed. I know I’m filthy but honestly, I don’t care.”
“Hey, whatever you want,” he said, softly holding her.
“Beau, there’s something you need to know, it’s about Nickie.”
He immediately assumed she was about to say something critical, and there wasn’t much he’d be able to offer in Nickie’s defense. What was done was done; if Gina never wanted to lay eyes on the reckless girl again he couldn’t blame her.
“What she did,” Gina slowly began, “it was impulsive and irresponsible, and I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow, but she did something else, something amazing. To be honest I barely remember it, but in that pummeling Devil Wind she somehow dragged me away from the car. It could have flipped over at any time, and I vaguely remember the door swinging right next to my head. Beau, Nickie risked herself to save me.”
“She did?”
“She’s got heart, Beau, she’s got heart and she’s got courage.”
“Thank you for tellin’ me,” he said somewhat startled by the news. “Now get yourself into bed, and don’t bother gettin’ up in the mornin’.”
“I doubt I’ll be able to. I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.”
“Get some rest,” he said warmly, kissing her on the forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Moving from her room he closed the door behind him and wandered into the kitchen. Tyler, George and Joe were sitting around the table sharing a bottle of whiskey.
“We heard you come in. How’s Gina?” Tyler asked urgently. “Does she need anything? I can make a quick run to her house.”
“Thanks, Tyler, Gina will be fine, she’s already gone to bed. The injury wasn’t as bad as it looked but I’m keepin’ her here until she’s feelin’ better. I’ll be right back, I’m gonna go check on Nickie.”
“George and I are taking off,” Tyler said standing up. “Mandy’s scared, and Kathleen wants George home as well.”
“Of course, you should get back to them. What about you, Joe?”
“I think I’ll stick around a while if it’s okay with you. I’d like to talk to you a bit more.”
“Sure, of course. We never did have dinner. There’s some lasagne that won’t take long to heat up.”
“Lasagne? That sounds great. I think we could use some comfort food.”
Beau followed Tyler and George to the front door, awkwardly hugged them both, then slapped them on the back.
“I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you two for what you did today. George, up at Flat Top you worked a miracle.”
“Teach me some of your horse handling tricks,” George grinned. “I’m having a devil of a time with my new gelding.”
“You tell me when and I’ll be there,” Beau promised.
Carefully opening the door he watched them battle the wind until they were safely in their car, then headed up the stairs. His bedroom door was slightly ajar, and peering around he saw Nickie laying under the blankets. Moving quietly across to the bed he gently sat down; there were scratches scattered across her face, and her hair was still damp from the bath.
I’m sorry, Nickie, I shouldn’t have left, I should have waited until Tyler and George arrived.
Sighing heavily, he was about to leave when she stirred; her eyes half-open she gazed up at him, mumbling his name.
“Sleep, sweet girl. I just wanted to check on you,” he murmured.
“Gina?” she whispered.
“Gina’s fine, she’s downstairs in the guest room sleepin’.”
“Thank, God…so sorry.”
“I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have left. Somethin’ like this is not gonna to happen again, I’m gonna make damn sure of it. Sleep now, that’s an order. I won’t be long.”
“Love you,” she breathed as her eyes fell shut.
Softly closing the door he walked back down the stairs and found Joe still sitting at the kitchen table. Gina had left the dish of lasagne on top of the stove, and he quickly turned on the oven and dropped it in to heat.
“I never expected to be seein’ Nickie’s father sittin’ at my table tonight,” Beau remarked.
“And I certainly didn’t expect that I would walk into a major drama when I drove into this quaint little town,” Joe replied. “I still don’t believe what a bad guy Gerald turned out to be. I’ve never been crazy about him, and I’ve heard a few stories, but this?”
“I think I just might have a drink myself,” Beau said reaching for the whiskey bottle. “This has been a helluva day, and Gerald? I don’t even know what to say. Nickie said you’ve been friends with his family for many years.”
“We have. His father is going to be very upset about all this, and that’s an understatement.”
“He should be,” Beau grimaced.
“What you were saying in the truck coming over here, about Nickie not being happy, does that include her work?”
“I think you should talk to her about that.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Joe sighed. “The only reason I pushed her into the company was because I thought it would give her some focus, a reason to wake up in the morning. She’s so much like her mother and I thought it would help. I was right, it has, but not as much as I’d hoped.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Beau frowned.
“I have to say, before anything else, I love my wife, Janet is her name, but she’s a very difficult woman. I don’t know if you’ve seen Nicole when she’s demanding or ill-tempered-”
“Yes, I have,” Beau nodded, “sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, please, go on.”
“Nicole gets that from her. Janet is a very strong-willed, determined woman, and there are times she does some outrageous things. I’m sure it’s just to get my attention, but my goodness, I give her all the attention a man possibly can.”
“Huh, interestin’,” Beau said quietly.
“I’m only telling you this because, well, because my only wish is that Nicole be happy, and I’m concerned.”
“Concerned about what?”
“We didn’t have much time to talk in the truck on the way over here, but you said that you and my daughter have started seeing each other.”
“Yep, we have, but I didn’t know she was married, I didn’t. I only found out when Gerald showed up. I would never have-”
“You don’t have to say any more,” Joe said holding up his hand. “The point is, Nicole has not been very successful with her boyfriends because she is so…so…baffling, and complicated, and, yes, spoiled, but again that’s her mother’s doing. Janet refused to put boundaries on her and had a fit whenever I tried.”
“May I interject?” Beau asked.
“Yes, yes, please.”
“You’re worried that she’ll have another disappointment because I won’t be able to tolerate her behavior for very long. Am I right?”
“Exactly,” Joe nodded. “You seem like a decent sort, solid, and dependable, just the sort of man she needs, but are you prepared to deal with a wealthy, willful girl who’s used to servants and chauffeurs and getting her own way?”
“There are no guarantees in life, but I’m not worried about any of that,” Beau smiled. “Has Janet’s difficult personality chased you away?”
“Point well taken,” Joe smiled back, “though I will say it hasn’t been easy.”
“Truth is, Joe, Nickie and I have just met, we’re still gettin’ to know each, and while it’s early days, I’m optimistic. Nickie already knows I won’t put up with her tantrums and she’s accepted it. In fact, I think she’s more than accepted it, I think she’s welcomed me puttin’ my foot down.”
“Really?”
“Yep, and if you don’t mind me sayin’ so,” Beau said slowly, then paused, staring at the man sitting across from.
“Please, whatever it is, feel free,” Joe said eagerly. “After today I don’t think there’s any shock left in me.”
“I don’t mean to overstep,” Joe said carefully, “but what you said about your wife wantin’ attention, maybe she’s wantin’ a different kind of attention.”
“Like, what, exactly?”
“Let’s just say, many women like a man who’ll stand up to them. I’m not sayin’ Janet’s one of them, but…”
“But that’s something to think about,” Joe said finishing the sentence.
The oven timer dinged, and rising from the table Beau pulled the lasagne out of the oven and placed the hot, aromatic dish on the counter.
“I hope you don’t mind me sayin’ that,” Beau frowned.
“Not at all, and you may be right. I’ve always surrendered to Janet’s wishes, and that certainly hasn’t proved fruitful.”
Retrieving fresh plates, Beau paused and turned around.
“Joe, does this mean I have your blessin’ to see your daughter?”
“Yes, you certainly do, and I’ll be calling my attorney first thing in the morning to start divorce proceedings for her.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it. One more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“How will you feel if she wants to make Lake Shimwah her home?”
“I’ll miss her, I’ll miss her terribly, but as I said, her happiness is all I’ve ever wanted.”
“That’s good to hear,” Beau smiled, “and she needs to hear it too. I don’t think she knows that.”
“I’m supposed to be back in the office tomorrow but I’m pushing everything back a day. I need to have some time with her. We need to have a heart-to-heart, it’s long overdue.”
Beau began to dish out two large helpings of the lasagne, then carried the plates to the table.
“Beau,” Joe said gravely, “what happened today was horrific, not to mention terrifying for all of us, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes these traumatic, unexpected events can have some very positive results. I believe this is one of those times.”
“Sir,” Beau smiled, “I believe you are right,” but that doesn’t mean there aren’t gonna be consequences. Nickie’s not gettin’ away with this one. Not by a long shot!
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
One Week Later
Before Joe Pantera left Lake Shimwah, Beau had arranged for him to meet both Geoff, the architect, and Daniel from the city, up at Nickie’s half-built house. Beau discovered Joe was astute and educated when it came to construction, and agreed to keep him in the loop as the house progressed.
“I appreciate it,” Joe said. “I’ll do my best not to step on my daughter’s toes.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Beau assured him. “If you have an idea I want to hear it, and she will too, I can promise you.”
“I believe you. I’m not sure why but I do,” Joe grinned.
Gina spent several days at the ranch, Beau refusing to let her leave, and when Nickie recovered she’d insisted on taking care of Gina while Beau returned to the business of the ranch, and arranging for the work to start on the house.
It had been two days since Gina had returned to her own home; Beau and Nickie had just finished breakfast when Beau reached across the table for her hand.
“Things are gettin’ back to normal,” he smiled, “and my crew will be at your house in just a couple of days.”
“I know, I can’t believe it,” she smiled. “I can’t wait. I love the changes, and do you really think it will be finished by the end of summer?”
“Yep, maybe even before, but we have some unfinished business.”
The glint in his smoky-blue eyes sent her butterflies springing to life, and she squeezed his hand as she stared back at him.
“Um…you mean what happened, me driving up to F
lat Top?”
“That’s exactly what I mean,” he said sternly.
“I explained all that. I told you I didn’t have my phone, and I was terrified Gerald was going to come into the barn.”
“I understand what you told me, but we both know you panicked. You could have bolted the door, there was no other way for him to get in, and if you felt you absolutely had to run you could have driven over to Jeb and Ben’s cabin. You also knew that Tyler and George were on their way.”
“No, I didn’t, I didn’t know if they were coming,” she protested. “I thought maybe Gerald had done something to prevent them from getting here, I mean, anything could have happened.”
“Didn’t Gina tell you how perilous it was to go up to Flat Top? Didn’t she warn you?”
“Kind of,” Nickie sighed realizing she was losing the battle.
“Didn’t she make it absolutely clear you shouldn’t drive on to the flat pad once you were already at the top of the road?”
“Kind of,” she repeated quietly.
“And didn’t I tell you that you were never, ever, to go up there during a heavy wind?”
“Yes,” she whimpered.
“You’re like a hot little mare, Nickie, you have a flight instinct. You have to learn to control yourself so you don’t take action before thinkin’ things through, or lose your temper at the slightest provocation, or jump to conclusions,” he scolded.
“I know, you’re right.”
“You didn’t just put yourself in danger, you put Gina in danger as well, and speakin’ of Gina in danger, she told me how you dragged her away from the car.”
“She did?”
“She did, and that was incredibly brave and heroic, and I’m real proud of you, but that doesn’t mean-”
“That doesn’t mean you don’t have something to say about the other stuff,” she mumbled.
“Yep, that’s right.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“We’re goin’ back up to Flat Top right now. It’s time I went up there to see just how bad it is, and see where your car ended up. We need to have it towed out.”
The Heiress and the Cowboy Contractor Page 17