Tangled Hearts

by Barbara McMahon

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said as she closed the door behind her. Leaning against it for a long moment, she closed her eyes, reliving the kiss. The kiss of a lifetime—and he wanted to go for a walk in the snow. She shook her head and pushed away from the door. She brushed her hair and quickly braided it to keep it from blowing.

  Her eyes sparkled back at her in the mirror, her cheeks were bright with color and her lips were rosy. She turned away, her heart heavy.

  Jake stood by the door already wearing his shearling jacket. Brianna quickly donned her own jacket and pulled on a knit cap and woolen mittens.

  “I’m ready,” she said brightly. She'd go home tomorrow, no matter what.

  Stepping out onto the porch, Brianna caught her breath. The air was so cold it almost snapped. Snow blanketed everything, from the tree limbs bent beneath the weight, to the distinctive shape of Jake’s car. Smiling in delight at the pristine setting, she boldly stamped down the stairs, making the first marks in the white expanse.

  “This is great! We’re the first to walk in it.”

  “Yeah, want to help shovel?” He stood on the porch, watching her, then scanning the area from habit.

  “No. And you’re not shoveling anything now, either. Come on, you said walk, let’s walk.”

  Bravely Brianna set off, hoping she didn’t wind up in some drift. The snow covered her ankles, puffing away from each step as she forged into virgin territory. Two seconds later, Jake joined her, his longer stride eating up the distance.

  “Doesn’t this remind you of being a kid? We couldn’t wait to be finished with chores when it snowed so we could play,” she reminisced happily. Tilting her head back to look up at him, she waited for his memories. Were they as happy as hers?

  He shook his head. “You forget, I’m from Denver. We didn’t have expanses of open land like this. I lived in apartments that had parking lots plowed as soon as the first flake fell.”

  Brianna exhaled, watching the cloud hang suspended in front of her before it gradually dissipated. She eyed the trees ahead of them, then smiled. “So you didn’t partake in snowball fights?” she asked innocently.

  “Sure, just not often. There weren’t a lot of kids around where I lived. Why, you want to fight?”

  She shook her head. “Not really. We could make a snowman.”

  “What about snow angels? I want to see an award-winning angel.”

  Without any warning, she turned and fell back into the soft snow. Slowly she raised her arms up and down, packing the snow beneath her. She opened and closed her legs.

  “For a perfect snow angel, I need help to get up. Otherwise I’ll mess up the outline,” she said, carefully drawing her arms away from the snow and holding out her hands. “Don’t step on my skirt!” she warned.

  Jake laughed as he reached over and clasped her hands, pulling her upright. Together they studied the outline in the snow.

  “Perfect or what?” she asked triumphantly, her heart racing with exhilaration.

  She enjoyed seeing him laugh. Could she get him to do it again?

  “Perfect.” Only his eyes were on her, not the outline in the snow.

  Brianna was mesmerized by the lights in his dark gaze. “It’s all in the technique. And not getting up by yourself. My brothers were too impatient to wait for anyone to help them up. So their angels…”

  She didn’t care what her brothers had done; neither did Jake. She wanted him to kiss her again. Like he had on the sofa. More than comfort, much more.

  She almost cried out in protest when he stepped away and continued walking. “I’ll remember. It’s the technique.”

  “Like building a snowman,” she said, hurrying to catch up.

  “That’s got a technique to it, as well?” he asked.

  “Sure. Josh always wanted to build the biggest one in the world. So we’d roll the bottom forever, until it was huge. Then the next ball would get too big for us to lift. You have to practice some moderation.”

  “That was when you were kids. How big do you think we could make one now?”

  “Oh, no, not another I-want-to-build-the-biggest-snowman-in-the-world person,” she wailed.

  “We can at least make one bigger than your brother ever did.”

  Giving in to the fun, Brianna kept up a running commentary as they rolled the balls to make the snowman. She told Jake about escapades as a child. How her mother worked hard to keep the three children occupied during the long winter days. Chores, activities, quiet time, all came bubbling out in happy reminiscences.

  Jake listened, fascinated. He had little to offer in return, but it didn’t seem to matter. Brianna had enough stories to keep them entertained all day and night if she chose to keep going.

  When it came time to lift the second ball, they worked together, staggering beneath its weight, carefully setting it on the base, packing snow around it to keep it from rolling off. Then the head. Jake lifted it by himself.

  “We need a picture,” Brianna said when they put the finishing touches on the face. The snowman was as tall as she was. “Josh will never believe this without a picture. Do you bring your phone?”

  “Of course. Stand beside him and we'll have something to compare it to.”

  He snapped several photographs, capturing the delight in her expression, the rosy cheeks, the radiant blue of her eyes. He'd give her some, but one or two he wouldn't share. They'd be for him alone.

  “This will show Josh,” she said with glee, looking at the pictures a minute later. “He has a tendency to believe he knows everything, from what’s best for me to how Jase should expand the ranch. Let him deny this!” She gave a fist pump, her eyes dancing. “This is the greatest snowman ever.”

  Jake was curiously silent. His gaze firmly on the snowman, he only nodded absently to Brianna’s comments, lost in thought.

  “Earth to Jake.” She shook his arm.

  “What?”

  “Where were you?”

  “Just thinking. Ready to head back?”

  “Almost. Let’s walk just a little farther.”

  He missed the gleam in her eye. She kept her face turned a bit lest he guess her plans. Gleeful anticipation rose. She felt like a kid again, carefree and happy.

  They walked beyond their prized snowman, the walking growing more difficult as the snow grew deeper. Soon they were into the trees that lined the open space around Jake’s cabin. Brianna paused, leaning over to scrape snow off her boot. Jake continued walking slowly so she could catch up.

  Grabbing a handful of snow, Brianna packed it, then tossed it up and caught it. Tossed again, caught it.

  Jake turned, eyeing the snowball suspiciously. “We’re not having a snowball fight,” he stated.

  “Stuffy,” she replied.

  “You’d lose big time, sweetheart.”

  Warily he watched the ball as she tossed it up and caught it again.

  “Wanna bet?” she asked softly, stepping closer. Jake took a step back. Brianna advanced another foot. He moved back an equal distance.

  Grinning in triumph, she let it fly. The snowball hit the heavily laden branch above him and a cloud of snow rained down on Jake, covering him from head to foot.

  Laughing aloud, Brianna turned and ran for her life. She’d done this so many times with Jase and Josh she knew the routine. If she could only make the cabin, she’d be—

  He tackled her from behind, forcing her face down in the snow. She was laughing too hard to resist. Turning her face to breathe, she couldn’t control the giggles. He’d looked stunned as the snow began to slide off the branch.

  Rolling her onto her back, he snatched off her hat and grabbed a handful of snow, packing it in around her neck.

  “Nooo! That’s cold. Stop! Stop!” she shrieked. She tried to escape, but he lay across her legs and held her firmly.

  “Damn straight it’s cold. Just like the snow down my neck.” He reached for another handful of snow but she batted it away, showering them both with the icy pow
der.

  “Okay, I give up. I’m sorry.” Her giggles belied the sincerity of her apology.

  “Not good enough.” He scooped up another handful, threatening.

  Brianna knocked it away and reached up to pull him down. Her lips were cold, his cheek colder. She kissed him gently. “I’ll gladly grovel, but before the fire, please?”

  He captured her cheeks in his cold hands and gazed down at her, his eyes dark and mysterious. She looked lovely. Her face was bright with color, her eyes sparkling, her lips curved in the most delectable smile.

  “You’re driving me crazy, do you know that?”

  “I’m just trying to have some fun,” she said, her smile warm and loving.

  Jake rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes as they lay on the cold ground. Taking a deep breath, he stood, then reached down to pull her upright.

  “Cold?” he asked, watching her as she tried to get the snow out of her neckline.

  “Just where I’m covered in snow.”

  She couldn’t keep from laughing, though. This had been the most fun she’d had in years.

  “Me, too. Let’s head back. This time, you stay right with me the whole way.”

  “As close as you’ll let me,” she murmured, falling into step as he turned toward home.

  Jake was careful to keep a couple of feet between them. She didn’t know why, but suspected it was to keep his hands to himself. She wished he’d reach out to her. She’d take her mittens off in a second if he’d show any sign of wanting to hold her hand. Instead, he seemed more aloof, more distant than ever. As if they were really the strangers they had become over the past two years. As if the time they’d spent together these past few days meant nothing. Was she only a case to be solved? Was it only some sense of duty that kept him near?

  Jake built up the fire, told Brianna to change into dry clothes, then left to work on the snowmobile. Brianna watched him walk away, a feeling of déjà vu sweeping over her. He’d walked away before, and she hadn’t known then that it was goodbye. He was pulling away from her again. They’d enjoyed the afternoon until she’d clearly shown she wanted another kiss. If he’d slammed a door in her face, he couldn’t have been any clearer.

  “So what is the big deal? You’ve kissed me before,” she said to the empty room. Getting no answer, she headed for the bedroom to change into dry clothes.

  Dinner proved to be a strained affair. Neither spoke except to request food to be passed. When Jake said he’d do the dishes, Brianna acquiesced with speed, taking it as a certain indication he didn’t want her around.

  “I need to get back tomorrow,” she said as she carried her plate to the sink.

  “No need, you can stay here—”

  “It’s not a question of my staying here. I have a life to get back to. I appreciate your having me this weekend. And I hope there’s been enough time to catch whoever is doing the break-ins. But I have things I need to do. I do have a life apart from being the victim of a crime, you know.”

  “Hot date to get back to?” he asked sardonically.

  “Maybe,” she returned, anxious to end this. She longed for her own place.

  “Thought you weren’t involved with anyone right now.” His eyes focused on her as if he could see inside her soul.

  She turned and stared him straight in the eye. “That’s really not your concern anymore, is it? We dated a couple of years ago, then stopped. Since then, my life, private and public, is my own. It has nothing to do with you.”

  He clenched his jaw at her attack, his features still. Only the glittering heat in his eyes gave away his strong feelings.

  “You’re correct. Your life is no concern of mine. I’ll drive you back in the morning. I don’t want to chance the roads tonight.”

  “Tomorrow is fine. Thank you.” Head held high, she walked into the bedroom and closed the door with exaggerated care. Methodically she prepared for bed, her mind spinning. She had wanted him to say something, anything, to indicate he cared about her. Nothing. She meant nothing. It was past time for her to get on with her life. And Jake would not be a part of it.

  Chapter Seven

  “The bathroom is yours,” Brianna said as she came into the kitchen the next morning. She refused to look at Jake, though she could see he wore a shirt this morning. She'd packed her bag and set it by the front door. Her jacket and hat were on top. She was ready to leave as soon as they finished eating.

  Operating on autopilot, she refused to dwell on anything. She had her whole future to think. Today she just wanted to get home.

  She went through the motions of cooking oatmeal, setting the table and pouring the coffee as if in a trance. She only had a little longer, then she’d be free. Free of the need to watch every word, every gesture, lest she give herself away. Free of the constant hunger to touch him, listen to him, look at him. Free of the heartache that threatened to drown her.

  Hearing the shower, she paused for a moment as she realized sadly their time of playing house was coming to an end. However brief, for the most part it had been interesting. She drew out the list of items she’d made and set it at his place. Whether he implemented her ideas or not, she no longer cared. She wouldn't be coming back to the cabin.

  They were silent as Jake drove back to Texarkana. The highway had been cleared and they made good time. He pulled up before her house and turned off the engine.

  “Let me go in first to check things out to make sure the place is secure,” he said, opening his door.

  She nodded, then alighted. Reaching for her bag, she gave him her key. Her chin held high, she led the way up the snowy walk. She’d have to shovel it later. It would give her something to do.

  Opening the door, Jake walked in while Brianna stood to one side, waiting. His sweep was brief. He returned and paused beside her. “No sign of any unlawful entry,” he said formally.

  “Thank you, Officer. I appreciate your help.” She stepped inside and pushed the door shut. He caught it before it closed all the way and held it a moment.

  “I’ll pick you up in the morning and take you to the college. When your car’s ready, I’ll give you a ride to pick it up.”

  “That’s not necessary, but thank you. I have friends—”

  “I’ll pick you up in the morning.” His hard tone brooked no refusal.

  She swallowed. “Very well.” Pushing on the door this time shut it. She stood for a long moment, listening as he started his car and drove away.

  Fortunately, she had plenty to do. It kept thought at bay. She worked on lesson plans, shoveled the walk and visited briefly with her neighbors. Life had returned to normal.

  The next morning, Brianna stood at her front window, watching the street. She and Jake hadn't set a time when he would come, yet she knew he’d be there early enough for her first class. He was too good a police officer to have let something like her class schedule slip past an investigation.

  She wondered what else he’d uncovered in trying to solve this case. He couldn’t know she didn’t date since he kept trying to find out who she was seeing. Why? Did he really suspect a love affair gone bad might be behind these break-ins as retaliation or was he simply curious?

  When his car pulled to a stop in front of her house, she put on her coat, gathering her briefcase, she let herself out of the house. He opened the passenger door for her.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning.” She could be as formal as he. The drive to the university took less than five minutes. He circled the wide circle that was the center of the campus and came to a halt before the Thompson Building. She glanced at him before opening the door, not meeting his eyes, her gaze on his chin. “Thank you for the ride.”

  “Your car will be ready at two. I’ll pick you up and take you over.”

  “I can—”

  “Don’t argue, Brie. Just do as you’re told.”

  “Let me tell you, Jake Morgan, I do as I please, not as some bossy cop tells me.”

  He ra
n his fingers through his hair and glared at her. “I didn’t sleep worth a damn last night. I’ve a million things to do. If I take time to come pick you up to take you to get your car, you had better be waiting right here!” He leaned over her, almost shouting in his frustration.

  “And there's no reason for you to do that. I have friends who can take me. I don't need to add to your million things to do!”

  He took a calming breath and clenched his jaw. She could see the tightness.

  “Never mind. Thank you. I’ll be waiting right here at two.”

  She hopped out of the car and slammed the door. Waiting as he accelerated away, she turned and headed for her office. Why hadn’t he slept last night? And if he were so inconvenienced at having to chauffeur her somewhere, why not let someone else do it? She had friends who would be glad to give her a lift. She needn’t rely on him.

  Shaking her head, she started up the steps. Since her office was on the third floor, she liked taking the stairs as a form of exercise. They flanked the ends of the U-shaped building. The windows at each landing were open in the stairwell, which did nothing to keep the wind out. Each floor had a heavy door that handled that task.

  Running up the first flight, Brianna was so busy thinking about Jake she didn’t at first see the other person in the stairwell. Suddenly he was in front of her, pushing against her, yanking her briefcase. She staggered, scraped her head against the concrete wall, lost her balance, then fell down the stairs, bumping every one as she tried her best to stop her fall.

  She came to rest in a heap at the landing. Her wrist hurt, her head burned and her ankle throbbed. Gingerly she sat up. Wincing as she pulled some muscles, she reached up and found blood on her forehead.

  She couldn't hear a thing. No footsteps, no one appeared to still be in the stairwell.

  Someone had had pushed her! And stolen her briefcase!

  Trying to stand, she groaned and sank back to the floor. Her ankle hurt too much to bear any weight.

  Hearing some voices outside, she called for help. Thankfully two students arrived in seconds.