Under The Desert Moon (Desert Sky Series Book 2)

by Mary Tate Engels

  Brett surveyed the shiny, intricately crafted article. "Tin art. The poor man's silver, they call it."

  "Exactly," she said, encouraged by his response. "I'm sure there are many other things like this that are unique to our area. Like the clay dolls the Indians and early settlers used to make for their children. They made apple dolls, too."

  "What's an apple doll?"

  "You peel an apple and carve a face on one side. Then you set it in a dry place for several months. It turns into a wrinkled, funny face. Make a stick body and voilá you have an apple doll. But I'm also looking for beautiful and unique handcrafted items. Local weavers, for instance, raise the sheep, card and dye the wool, then weave it into beautiful blankets and rugs and other household items. I'm sure we'll feature some of their work."

  He nodded thoughtfully. "My grandmother used to do some very nice embroidery work."

  Annie paused and smiled at him. "That's what I'm talking about, Brett. We want crafts that were done so beautifully they can truly be called art. I'd love to see some of your grandmother's work. Do you have any of it?"

  "I'll see if I can find anything packed away. J.M. kept everything that my mother stored."

  "Great." She halted and looked at him. "You sure you don't want to go with me tonight?"

  "You sure you don't want to stay home with me tonight?"

  She felt the strong challenge to her willpower. Of course she'd rather be with him. She was only human. And he was… oh, so appealing, lounging on her bed, luring her with his dark, exotic eyes. "I'm tempted," she admitted. "In fact, I'd love to stay with you, Brett. But I promised to do my part for Silver Creek."

  "I figure I'll do my part by working at the junior college."

  She looked up quickly. "The junior college?"

  "I have a part-time job teaching in the Criminal Justice Department." He shrugged. "That's why I was late coming over here tonight. I was conferring with the VP of Instruction and Curriculum on the courses I’ll be teaching."

  "Why, Brett, that's wonderful!" She gazed at him with open curiosity. "I didn't even know you were looking to teach. What course?"

  "They're hiring me under a special program as a so-called expert in the field. So, because I'm not a traditionally trained teacher, I'll present specialized courses for the second year students. One will be "Problems in Criminal Justice" and the other is a seminar on deviant behavior."

  She stared at him. "D-deviant behavior?"

  "Considering my years of experience dealing with various types of criminals, I should be able to handle that."

  "Uh, yes. I'm sure."

  "For the other course, I'll use actual case studies. Should be fun."

  "You call that fun?" She blinked. Actual case studies? Perhaps hers?

  He sat up and studied her bewildered expression. "Somehow I thought you'd be pleased, Annie."

  "I am, yes, I really am. Just thrilled." She began searching for her running shoes in the bottom of the closet.

  "I see. You just have a strange way of showing it."

  "I'm in a hurry, that's all." As she fumbled with her shoes, her imagination whirled with images of Brett handcuffing her, pushing her past clicking cameras with her jacket draped over her head so no one would recognize her. She could hear him telling his father what she'd done, about her deviant behavior.

  "Annie—"

  "I'm pleased for you, Brett. What more do you expect me to say? I think this community is lucky to have you here to help solve the raging crime problems around our vicious neighborhoods."

  "What's that supposed to mean?" He stood up and angrily took her in his arms. "What's wrong with you tonight, Annie?"

  "Nothing. Nada."

  "Not true. I can read you. Something's bothering you. What is it?"

  "I'm going to be late."

  "Was it something I said. Or something I did?"

  "No, of course not." She attempted to laugh, but the effort fell short.

  He looked intently at her, searching her face for some clue. Her eyes were troubled and her mouth was pinched; the signs of anxiety were there. "Well, I can't make you tell me what you don't want me to know."

  Feeling about as guilty as a person could, Annie placed her cheek against his in a brief hug. He was a rock, so straight arrow and solid. How on earth could she tell him about her involvement with illegal refugees when she knew how terribly upset he would be. Why, he would probably—her thoughts were brought up short when she realized she had no idea how he'd actually react. And there was only one way to find out.

  "I have to go." She slipped from his embrace and grabbed her purse and the straw bag of tin ornaments.

  Silently Brett followed her down the hall.

  In the kitchen, she paused. "Brett... maybe when I get back, we'll discuss—" she took a breath "—a quick weekend somewhere."

  "Can you spare the time?"

  "This is what Aunt Annalee called the magic time for apples. There isn't a lot of work to do while they're growing except watch for trouble and keep them watered. Diego can certainly do that for a couple of days."

  "Okay." His reaction wasn't as jubilant as he had once thought it would be. It was such a quick shift for her that he was doubtful about her sincerity.

  "We'll discuss it when I get back," she promised.

  Brett walked her out to the 4-Runner. He caught her hand as she was about to open the door. "Do me a favor, Annie."

  She gazed up at him, thinking that when those eyes settled on her, she would do anything he asked. She quickly kissed his lips. "What?"

  He fumbled into his pocket and pulled out his keys. "Take my car tonight. It'll be much safer than that old 4-Runner of yours. Why, the thing might break down at any moment."

  "Oh, no, I couldn't drive such a fancy car."

  "It's a breeze. You don't know the dangerous elements that are out there. I do."

  She sighed. "Well..."

  "Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride. It's much smoother than the 4-Runner. And all the doors will lock. Plus the engine is in tip-top shape—it won't stall."

  "Are you through bashing my old reliable 4-Runner?"

  "It's great for the rough stuff. But for you, I only want the best." With one arm tucked around her shoulders, he steered her toward the Mercedes.

  Resigned to Brett's wish, Annie drove his car to the meeting. He was right. It was a much smoother ride. And she knew, as she gazed in awe at the lighted dashboard, that there was only one reason Brett insisted on doing this—he cared for her. She just hoped he cared enough to overlook her deviant behavior.

  When she returned from her meeting, Brett was waiting. Annie knew that she should tell him what was going on, but they were supposed to discuss a possible trip.

  She'd tell him later, when he would be in a better mood to understand

  She greeted him with a kiss. "Did you get some rest tonight?"

  "Hmm. Who could rest while waiting on you?"

  She pressed one finger to his chest. "You'd better, mister, after all the complaining and excuses I heard before this meeting."

  "My heart pounded and my blood raced the whole time I was sitting here thinking about you." He began to kiss her earlobe and neck. "My palms got all sweaty. And my body heat increased twenty percent in anticipation of your return. Did you think of me this evening?"

  "Only once. When Holt asked me if you were going to join the committee."

  "And you said?"

  "I said you probably would. Someday. If you didn't leave town first."

  "I'm not leaving any time soon." He slipped his hands beneath her jacket to her waist. "What kind of a fool do you think I am?"

  "Well, then, I guess you'll have to join sometime, won't you?"

  He sighed and shook his head. "How can I tell you no?"

  She smiled and turned around to kiss him. "You can't." She beckoned with one finger and a come-hither smile as she started toward the bedroom.

  Brett followed her. "How did the meeting go?"


  "Fine." She began undressing. "I have a lot to do before next meeting. And I'm going to need help."

  "Don't tell me they elected you chairman!"

  She waggled her hand. "No, that's Holt's job. But they loved the folk art idea. So we need to come up with as many examples as we can and decide on the display items."

  "I'll help you with that."

  She gazed at him curiously.

  He ignored her and assisted in the matter of pulling off more of her clothes. "Hmm, you're lovely, Annie. So fair and delicate."

  She grinned and nestled in the circle of his arms. "But we both know 'delicate' doesn't really describe me."

  His lips teased her with tiny kisses. "Not by a long shot. Did we want to discuss going to San Francisco before or after?" His kisses grew longer and stronger.

  When they paused for a breath, she murmured, "San Francisco's too far away. Takes too long to get there. I don't have time. . ."

  "We'd fly there quickly."

  She shook her head. "Too expensive for me."

  "Annie, I'll pay. This will be my treat for us both."

  "I'll pay my own way, thank you."

  "Give me one sensible reason why I can't pay if I want to."

  She kissed him. "Because..." she murmured against his lips. "I won't be a kept woman. But since I feel that we both need a little R and R, I'd be willing to consider going as far as Tucson. They have resorts galore."

  He lifted his head and gazed at her, a million images dancing in his head. He didn't care where they went, really. He just wanted to whisk her away. "Why are you agreeing to do this, Annie?"

  "Because of what you said about me working all the time. You're right. I haven't had a vacation in years. And I want you to see that I do know how to have fun." She wriggled her underwear-clad body against his. "Besides I want to be alone with you. With no interruptions."

  "I concur completely." He spread his hands across her back. "Annie, all I want is to see you happy. And relaxed. And in my arms. And if you-won't go to San Francisco this time, I'll settle for Tucson."

  She smiled happily and abandoned herself to his arms and his kisses and his extremely pleasurable loving.

  On Thursday night, Annie decided to tell Carmen and Isabel of her plans to be gone for the weekend. It crossed her mind that Thomas might arrive, and they could be gone by the time she returned. Now, as she knocked on Diego's door, Annie had mixed emotions. She had wanted them to be gone for so long that it was strange to feel this sense of sadness.

  Carmen opened the door slowly and peered around it. Her expression was apprehensive, and she looked tired around the eyes. When she saw Annie, she smiled. "Hello, Annie."

  "I just wanted to speak to you and Isabel for a minute. Hope I'm not too late."

  "Isabel is asleep already," Carmen said in a hushed voice. "She was very tired tonight."

  "Then, don't disturb her."

  "Please come in. We can speak quietly." Carmen took a step backward and gestured for Annie to enter.

  Carmen nervously fiddled with some needlework on which she'd apparently been working. "It is not some bad news?"

  "Not really—Oh, you mean bad news about Thomas? No, I haven't heard anything. Have you?"

  "No. Nothing." Carmen shook her head. How would she?

  Annie's gaze went to Carmen's nervous hands clutching the embroidered cloth, and spontaneously she reached out and patted them. "I'm sure he's okay, Carmen. Please, don't worry so much. It isn't good for your baby."

  "I know. I try to be happy because you are so good to us. But, deep down, I am afraid for my Thomas. And for us all."

  "I'm going to take care of you until he comes," Annie promised fervently. "And he will. Soon. I just know it."

  "I pray you are right," Carmen said, rubbing her belly. "The baby, he is very active tonight."

  Annie's smile brightened. "How do you know it's a boy?"

  "He kicks like a soccer player, so strong." Carmen giggled and shifted. "Want to feel him?"

  "Could I?" Annie scooted forward.

  "Sí. Put your hand here." Carmen placed Annie's hand on one side of her protruding belly and shifted her position again.

  In a few seconds, Annie felt the gentle thump-thump of the baby's movement against Carmen's body. "Oh! There it is!" She clamped her other hand over her mouth to muffle her squeals of excitement.

  Carmen smiled proudly. "He's strong enough to be a boy, sí?"

  "Yeah, I agree. That must be an amazing feeling."

  Carmen nodded. "I want to share this joy with mi Thomas, but at least Isabel is here with me. And you and Diego."

  Annie realized that in a strange way, she and Diego had become a surrogate family for this young woman who was so far from her real family. It made thoughts of her leaving even harder.

  "I know it's rough without him," Annie said, "but you mustn't lose faith." She leaned forward with elbows on her knees. "I have to tell you that I'm taking a short trip this weekend, Carmen. I'll only be gone a few days to Tucson. I'll be back Sunday evening."

  "Oh, no, do not leave us! What if... what if Thomas comes?"

  "That's why I'm telling you. I want you to go on and do whatever is best. If you must be on your way, then I will understand. You must not wait for me."

  "My good friend, Annie. We might not see you again."

  Annie nodded solemnly. "I want you to know that I care very much what happens to you. I hope you will all be safe in your journey. If you ever need any help in your new life, please let me know, and I'll do what I can. And when you reach your new home, please contact me. Here is my address and phone number." She gave Carmen a slip of paper. "I want to know where you are and how you're doing. And all about the baby."

  Carmen rose and wrapped her slender arms around Annie, hugging her tight. Annie returned the gesture and, in the closeness, felt the baby kicking Carmen's belly again.

  Annie walked away from the shed and the desperate women and wiped a couple of tears. She was emotionally torn. When she was with Brett, she knew the gravity of her crime. And, mentally, she agreed it was wrong.

  But when she was with Carmen and Isabel, she didn't care about laws. She cared only about these people. In her heart she knew that making sure they were safe was the right—and only—thing to do.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The moon was full. And it was hot as hell in Tucson.

  Brett had convinced Annie that she needed a little break from the rigors of the orchard and a chance for them to develop some depth to their relationship. Okay, she agreed. We'll see what develops, on both sides.

  Annie stood before the glass doors that opened onto a small balcony, and took a deep, satisfying breath."Look at this view of the mountains! Oh, Brett, La Paloma is beautiful! I'm so glad you picked this spot! The room is perfect! The view is magnificent!" She beckoned to him with one finger. "It's perfect."

  "I know only one perfection," he murmured in a low voice against her earlobe. "You are perfect and beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking." He curled his arm around her shoulders. "You take my breath away."

  "The view has charmed you."

  "It's you, my dear. You do that to me." He squeezed her shoulders as they both took in the magnificent scene before them.

  The Catalina Mountains created a northern border for Tucson and the La Paloma Resort, where a verdant golf course rambled outside desert pink buildings. An inner courtyard presented desert gardens interspersed with a waterfall, several pools, a swimming pool bar and various patios for the guests' eating, drinking and relaxation.

  "Um, nice," he said mildly.

  "Why, it's truly fabulous! The water looks so inviting, especially now, at night."

  The pool flowed beneath a small arched bridge that separated the deep end, and a water-level bar, from the shallow children's section.

  "Want to try it?" he asked.

  "Yes!" She started unbuttoning her blouse. "How did you ever guess?"

  Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Brett whirl
ed her into his arms and around the room, kissing her lips and neck and, finally, her half-exposed breasts.

  Laughing with joy, she clung to his neck, and when he stopped kissing her, she spontaneously reached up and kissed him again. "Brett, I love being with you... love every moment we're together."

  He gazed at her with a joy he hadn't experienced in years. "Surely you know I feel the same way, Annie. You're amazing. You give me a renewed enthusiasm for life that I'd lost before I came back to Silver Creek. You've shown me beauty in the desert where I'd forgotten there was any."

  "I'm glad—" she paused shyly "—to know you feel that way about Silver Creek. I thought, when you first arrived, that you hated it."

  He shook his head. "I hated everything else about my life. I've always had an angry streak. But now I see that Silver Creek—and especially you—are the best things that have happened to me in a long, long time."

  Annie felt hope spreading like warm honey through her body. Maybe she wasn't throwing away her love, after all. "This was a great idea, to get away, alone, and explore our feelings. And share our love."

  He nuzzled her neck. "How I feel when I'm around you Annie, is that I want to love you all the time."