by Hall, Roni
Since she loved riding so much he wanted to take her out on some of his favorite trails. She’d agreed to a ride this afternoon and he was counting the minutes. Since his work at the piano now involved lyrics of personal love, his songwriting took on new life.
Jamie met Kevin in the barn at four and the two saddled up Jack for Kevin and one of the other horses for Jamie. He was unaware that Jamie had ridden Jack on her own; he still thought Jack unsafe for most riders. Kevin led the way and they rode for about an hour, talking here and there but mostly enjoying the scenery and the serenity. It was a beautiful trail winding through woods of tall scented pines that crossed a couple of small streams. Finally they came to a clearing near a stream and Kevin stopped the horses. He pulled saddlebags from Jack and spread a small blanket on the ground that was cushioned with pine needles. From the leather bags, he retrieved a small feast of cheese, smoked sausage, crackers, fruit, wine, and a couple of glasses.
“Wow, I’m impressed.” She helped set up the food as he poured the wine and handed Jamie a glass, offering a toast.
“Back to the simple life with no further complications.”
“I’ll drink to that!” She laughed as they clinked glasses. They sat on the blanket eating, drinking, and talking about life. This was one of the things she’d enjoyed most with Kevin. They could talk at length about any and everything. Finished eating, she set aside her plate and stretched out on the blanket looking up at the sapphire sky. The soft babbling of water working its way through the rocky terrain provided background music and waves of tender breezes caressed her skin. Kevin lay on his side, his head propped up with his hand, elbow on the ground.
“Thank you for helping with Lola. I don’t know what you said or how you convinced her but whatever you did, it worked. Thank you very, very much.”
“You’re welcome. She just needed an out and to exit with dignity.”
“Whatever it was, it worked.” Kevin looked serious for a moment. “I don’t know what I did to deserve the slap though.”
Jamie could not contain her laughter.
“What? What’s so funny?” he asked, missing the joke, and sat up.
“Nothing.” She couldn’t bring herself to tell him.
“It doesn’t sound like nothing. Tell me.”
“No.”
“Tell me.” He grasped her ankle gently.
“You’re not going to like it.” Her laughter slowed.
“Tell me anyways.”
“It was my idea,” Jamie admitted.
“What was your idea?”
Jamie hesitated and stopped laughing; she didn’t know if Kevin would get angry. “The slap.” Kevin’s look of total dismay set her laughing again.
“You told her to slap me?” he asked in disbelief, his eyes opening wide.
“No I didn’t tell her to, but I may have suggested that it would make a dramatic exit.” She burst into laughter again.
Kevin stared at her in utter surprise, and then joined her infectious laughter.
Half an hour later, the sunlight waned and Kevin said, “I don’t want to but we need to get back before it gets dark.” Mounting the horses, Kevin asked if she wanted to run them for a short spurt on the way home.
“Absolutely!”
Kevin gave the command and they ran the horses. This was her favorite part, but it did not have the same feel on this horse as it did with Jack. Reaching the ranch, they led the horses into the barn, removed their saddles, and brushed them.
“Can I talk you into a nightcap?”
“I suppose if you twist my arm,” she joked, and Kevin gently grabbed her arm and began twisting it.
“Okay. Uncle, uncle!”
Holding onto her arm he led her toward his place. Opening the door he followed her in. Kevin retrieved two brandy snifters from his bar and poured some liqueur into both of them. Jamie was eyeing his music collection as he approached and handed her a glass. He stood close to her, his shoulder touching hers as he reached out to select a CD.
“Here’s one you might like, since you like oldies.” He proceeded to put it on.
“Do you have any CDs of your piano music? I would love to take a copy back with me so I can listen to you at home.” At this remark Kevin got a somber look on his face.
“Oh, it’s okay. I forgot that your music is all original and you may not want to be giving out CDs. I understand. No problem.” She let him off the hook.
“That’s not it at all.” He paused. “I don’t want to think about you leaving,” Kevin answered seriously. There was another moment of silence, making Jamie uneasy.
“Come with me.” His face suddenly brightened and he gently took her hand and led her to the stairs to the second floor. “Close your eyes.”
“Where are we going?”
“Close your eyes,” Kevin instructed again, and this time she did so. Kevin started up the stairs; each had their drink in one hand while their other hand was joined together as he led her up the stairs. “One more step.” He warned her. “Okay, slowly now.” She heard a door open. “I am not trying to be fast but we are walking into my bedroom.” Kevin laughed.
“What?”
“But we’re just passing through.” She heard another door open and cool, pine-scented air kissed her senses. “Keep your eyes closed.”
Positioning her around to face his voice, he pushed her back gently till her legs felt something hard. “Okay, now sit down.” He held onto her arms as she sat into a firm chair. “Open your eyes and look up.” He released her from her blindness.
Following his instructions she was greeted with an explosion of shattered diamonds against the midnight blue backdrop. They were seated in a pair of Adirondack chairs on the balcony of his bedroom.
“Oh my gosh! Kevin!” Jamie exclaimed, at a loss for words. She didn’t realize it had gotten so dark since they returned from their ride but there was no disputing the evidence. “Wow,” was all she could say. The angle of the back of the chair was perfect for stargazing, and she settled in comfortably to watch nature’s display.
“Pretty amazing, huh? I never tire of it, even though I am a repeat customer for this show, night after night.”
They sat there side by side, oohing and aahing, counting the shooting stars that would perform then exit the stage. He reached over to hold her hand as they shared the night’s performance.
Two hours and one liqueur refill later, she said, “Well, I am either going to curl up here on your deck or I should head back to my cabin. I don’t want to leave but my body is telling me she needs sleep.”
“I’ll drive you home.”
Jamie rose from her chair a bit wobbly. Sitting in that reclined position for hours made her a bit unbalanced and Kevin steadied her.
“You okay?”
“Yes. I just had to get my bearings for a second.”
As he held on to her arms, he pulled her in to him and they locked eyes. He leaned in to kiss her lips and she did not protest. As he pulled her body closer he kissed her deeper. His closeness dizzied her more than the brandy and she wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself. His taste was intoxicating and she wanted more. Finally, their lips parted.
“Jamie,” he whispered, his voice liquid fire. Their foreheads touched as she tried to cool the fever she felt rising. She wanted more but knew this was enough, for tonight.
“It’s time for me to go.” She sighed and he did not argue with her but pulled her in for one more deep kiss. Both coming up breathless, his lips traveled from her lips to her cheek and down her neck. Finally he released her from his embrace but not from his eyes. Barely nodding his head in sad acknowledgment that the moment was over, he escorted her hand in hand, through his house, out the door and down the short walk to her cabin.
“Good
night.”
“Good night, Jamie.” He kissed her lips again ever so lightly before releasing her from his arms.
Jamie woke the next morning with the same thought that was on her mind when she’d gone to sleep: Kevin. Being with him was so easy, so effortless. Cutting the evening and her desires off before the embers ignited fully was her safety valve. She’d promised herself, albeit before she even met Kevin, that she would not get involved again too soon. But Jamie knew she was falling fast for Kevin. Did he feel the same about her? What if he didn’t? How long should she stay? This last question weighed on her mind a lot lately. She could not stay here indefinitely yet she had no desire to go. Her work furlough was still good and she had some savings, but she knew she would have to leave soon even though she loved this land, this ranch, and being a part of the working gang here. Time to pull a Scarlett . . . think about that tomorrow.
Jamie rose with enthusiasm for the day ahead. Heading out for her tea, she couldn't wait to see Jack and the other horses. Kevin was in the mess hall drinking his morning coffee.
“Good morning.” He greeted her warmly.
“Good morning.” She appreciated the pleasant surprise of seeing Kevin so early today.
“Did you sleep well?”
“As a matter of fact I did, thanks to all that fresh air and a little help from your brandy cabinet.” She made her tea and started out to the barn. Kevin followed with his coffee.
“There’s going to be a live band at the town hall tonight. They’re on their way up in the business and they’ve asked me to introduce them. It’s been advertised on the radio so I think there’ll be a pretty good crowd. Would you like to go with me?”
“Sure, sounds like fun. What time?”
“Why don’t we catch a bite to eat in town before we head to the hall? Around seven?”
“Perfect.” She headed toward the barn, light on her feet, thinking about the day and evening ahead.
Jamie enjoyed her time with the horses but couldn’t wait for the day to be done. Taking extra time in the shower, she wanted to make sure her skin was soft and clean. Though she loved Jack dearly, she wanted to shed any lingering horse scent. She blew dry and brushed her hair until it had a silky sheen. Precisely at 7 o’clock, Kevin knocked on her door.
“Ready?” Looking freshly shaven and showered, he made it difficult for Jamie to appear nonchalant as the scent of his aftershave triggered quakes on her inner Richter scale. “You look pretty. And you smell great, too.”
“Thank you.” Feeling the heat rush to her face, she looked away.
“There’s a little Italian restaurant in town and I thought we could eat there. It’s not far from the hall.” He opened the truck door for her.
It was a cute, classic pasta place with red-checkered tablecloths and an old wine bottle for the candelabra with melted wax dripping down the sides. The wine list was limited but the food delicious. Holding hands across the table, the two drank, talked, and laughed.
The band was due to start at nine and Kevin needed to be there to make the introduction so they couldn't linger after dinner.
As they neared the hall, Kevin voiced surprise. “Wow, it’s a good sized crowd.” The band had been growing in popularity so the news that they were playing in town had brought out their fans.
Holding on to Jamie’s hand, they entered the crowded hall and made their way to the stage where the band was setting up. Kevin spoke with the lead for a few minutes, then took the stage. He quieted the crowd, introduced the band, then rejoined Jamie. Once the music started, Kevin and Jamie made their way over to a side bar where Ben and Rick had saved seats. The band played classic rock and the lively crowd responded. “I like them.” Rick had to yell to be heard above the crowd and music. He flashed Kevin a thumbs-up. After a forty-minute set, the band broke for fifteen minutes and the lead singer came over to talk with Kevin while Ben entertained Rick and Jamie with his humor.
In the middle of the second set, Kevin shouted to Jamie. “I want to get a feel of the band from the crowd. Want to come with me?” As she nodded, Kevin took her hand and headed toward the back of the packed room. They snaked their way and stood in the rear of the crowd. It was difficult to see the band from there but Kevin watched the crowd and their response to the group. Jamie stood in front of Kevin and as some of the fans were dancing and with the limited space, the crowd pushed back which caused Jamie to bump back into Kevin. She turned around to face him.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.” He answered, eyeing her flirtatiously. The crowd pushed back again, causing Jamie this time to fall against Kevin. He steadied her shoulders as their eyes locked and his hands traveled down both her arms till their hands met. Pulling her close they started to slow dance. Keeping her right hand in his, he moved his other hand to her waist. His hot breath on her neck caused her to shiver and her own breath quickened as their bodies moved as one. The crowded room was warm, but the heat she felt was a direct result of Kevin’s touch. Swaying ever so slightly with their hips and thighs touching, he pulled her even closer. Moving his head, he brought his mouth in close. Their lips so near yet still parted, they drew in quick hot breaths, almost touching now. Jamie moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, inside his shirt collar and his hot, moist skin excited her. The music stopped but neither noticed. Nor did they hear the booming voice on the microphone.
“Kevin! Kevin Cunningham!”
Chapter 19
The bandleader called Kevin up to the stage for a song with him.
No! This is not happening, Jamie thought and the look in his eyes agreed. No, not now. But Kevin had to answer. Over and over they called his name into the mic as the lead singer searched the crowd for Kevin. Looking into her eyes with a sad smile, he slowly pulled away and she reciprocated his look of frustration.
“To be continued,” he whispered in her ear with a kiss. He raised his hand so the singer could spot him. Taking hold of Jamie’s hand, he started toward the stage but it was slow and difficult getting through the tight crowd. Kevin held tight to Jamie’s hand but the crowd stretched their connection until their hands broke apart. As soon as this occurred, he turned back for her and called her name.
“Jamie!” he shouted.
Jamie couldn’t see him but she could hear him. “I’m okay. Go ahead. I’ll get there.”
Kevin answered her, “No, Jamie,” and he tried to go back but the crowd pushed him forward. The lead singer kept calling him and finally the crowd began to chant “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” They were anxious for the music to start again.
“Go, Kevin, I’m fine.” But once Jamie’s hand broke from Kevin’s grip, she got caught in a current that swept her toward the rear of the bar. Even though she wanted to see him on stage, the crowd was too tight and getting more active so she contented herself to stay put until the show ended and the crowd thinned.
She managed to catch glimpses of Kevin onstage. The bandleader, giving him accolades for all he had done for them, coerced Kevin to play keyboard. She wanted to get closer so she could see Kevin in the act of performing but knew if she tried to move now she would miss any view of him at all. The crowd seemed larger and rowdier now, with the noise level rising. Keeping her eyes glued to the stage, she was oblivious to the changing crowd around her until she felt a hand on her waist. Turning in response, she expected someone she knew only to find herself surrounded by three men who looked like they were up to no good. Scanning the crowd for a familiar face, she saw none.
Jamie’s instinct told her to get out of there, but the crowd was too tight. The three men surrounded her and started moving her farther back in the room. They reeked of alcohol and weed, slurring their words.
“Hey, sugar, what’s your name?” One grabbed her waist, pulling her to him until his sandpaper face met hers; his foul breath assaulted her s
enses with the stench of someone who had never owned a toothbrush. His other hand fondled her breast roughly as Jamie tried to pull free. Still in his hold, the other two pushed her toward the rear door.
“Get your hands off me! Don’t touch me!” Her shouts were drowned out by the crowd and loud music. “STOP! HELP! Someone help me!” Her cries were barely audible to the crowd facing forward. Jamie realized they were herding her out the door and panic set in.
“Don’t worry, pretty momma. We won’t hurt you. We jus’ wanna have some fun.” Again they put their hands on Jamie and she met theirs roughly with hers.
“Get your hands off me! HELP!” Could this really be happening? A mixture of fear and anger filled her. The crowd around her focused on the stage and were oblivious to what was going on behind them. Her cries were drowned out by the music.
As they fondled her crudely, Jamie tried to defend herself. Outnumbered, they grabbed her hair, pulling her toward the exit. Jamie felt faint as she grasped what these guys had in mind and how ironic something like this could happen in the middle of a large crowd.
Her thoughts were wildly trying to think of how she could best protect herself when an angel appeared out of nowhere. A large shadow crossed in front of her and massive hands grabbed two of her assaulters by the neck, bashed their heads together hard and down they went. Then that same large hand grabbed the neck of the third man.