by Hall, Roni
“Noah’s a wonderful piano player and he has a beautiful voice.” Jamie walked over to him and put her arm around his waist. “Go ahead, Noah. It’s been so long since I’ve heard you play or sing. I’d love it.”
“Well.” He smiled. “If you insist.” And he sat down at the piano. “This is a real treat to be able to play such a fine instrument.” He warmed up his fingers as Kevin refreshed their wine. Jamie pulled a stool up to the piano and Kevin stood across from her.
Noah started the introduction on the keyboard then began to sing. He had a pure baritone voice that was clear and strong. Jamie kept her eyes on Noah the whole time, her eyes welling up as his song came to a climax.
The music stopped and Noah affectionately commented to Kevin, “If I make her cry, I know I did good.” They all laughed and Jamie wiped away her tears.
“That was beautiful.” Standing up she walked over to hug him.
“That was very good, Noah. You have a remarkable voice.” Kevin was impressed.
“Thanks.” Pushing himself away from the piano, he stood up and put his arm around Jamie.
“Let’s sit on the porch. Brandy, anyone?” Kevin asked.
“Yes,” They answered simultaneously and all moved outside. The night sky provided an encore performance, night after night, and tonight was no exception. Thirty minutes later Kevin made his exit.
“I’m going to turn in. You two stay and catch up with each other. Noah, I’ll see you in the morning before you leave. Next time, try to fit in more than one day.”
“I wish I could stay. Good night and thanks for a great day. You’ve been a gracious host. See you in the morning.”
Jamie looked surprised to hear Kevin was turning in for the evening. Getting up, she walked him inside.
“Thanks for giving Noah such a warm welcome.” She touched his arm then reached up to kiss his lips. Circling his arms around her, he pulled her close to accept her kiss then released her reluctantly.
“Your friends are welcome here anytime. I mean that.” He stroked her cheek with his fingers. “Goodnight. Enjoy your time with Noah. He’s a good guy. I like him.”
“Thank you, that means a lot to me. It was a great day.” Kevin smiled and walked upstairs. He did like Noah but he had an ulterior motive too . . . to keep her happy, to keep her here.
Kevin was the first one up in the morning and made coffee for his houseguest.
“Morning, Kevin. Coffee smells good. Mind if I help myself?” Noah joined him in the kitchen.
“Please do. Mugs are up there.” Kevin pointed to a cupboard near Noah’s head.
“Thanks.” Noah grabbed a mug then poured himself a cup of java. “I had fun last night.” Noah chuckled.
“I did too.” Kevin laughed out loud. “Thanks for sharing some of your old stories about Jamie. There were some good ones.” Kevin paused. “I’m glad you were able to make it out here, even if only for a day. You’re good medicine for her.”
“Hey, it did me a lot of good to see her, too.”
“You two are pretty tight. I’m glad you have each other.”
“Yeah, we’ve been able to keep in touch even though I’ve been on the road a lot lately.”
“Yeah, I meant to ask you about your music. I don’t want to get into your business, but if things aren’t going as well as you hope, I may be able to help. I don’t know how much Jamie told you about my music or if she even knows exactly what I do, but I help new talent and I definitely think you’ve got talent. I can get you in touch with some important people. I’ll give you my number, call me if you are interested.”
“Whoa, she told me you worked with music but gave me no details. I’ll tell you right now that yes, I’m interested in any help you can offer.”
“I’ll make some calls and get back with you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Noah smiled and shook his hand firmly.
Jamie woke early and got dressed. Thinking over the fun of yesterday, she was sad it was over. She loved having Noah here and didn’t want him to leave. Forlorn, she headed over to Kevin’s place.
When she got there, Kevin and Noah were having coffee in the kitchen.
“Good morning.” She tried but her heart was not in it. The time had flown by too fast. Walking over to Noah she hugged him, holding back tears.
“Hey. It won’t be so long next time. I promise.” He tried to console her. Afraid to test her voice, she only nodded. Kevin had asked Consuelo to make them breakfast and excused himself to pick it up.
Noah looked at her. “At least I don’t have to worry about you now. Kevin’s a great guy and you’re in a good place. I feel it. You do too, don’t you?”
Jamie nodded and looked at him. Other than Kevin, Noah was all she had and she didn’t realize how much she’d missed him till she saw him. Her arms still around him she pulled him closer.
“I miss you. It was so good seeing you and catching up. Stay in touch . . . promise? We both have to be better at calling.”
“Yes. Promise.” Noah made eye contact as he spoke.
“But don’t think I’m not mad at you, because I still am,” she stated firmly.
“For what?” he asked innocently.
“For all those horrible old stories you told Kevin last night!”
Noah looked at Jamie and they both busted out laughing. “You told some doozies and I’m not about to forgive you. You were supposed to take those to your grave with you!”
Kevin walked in with a steaming basket of hot breakfast vittles. He smiled since the mood was obviously lighter now. Noah and Jamie were fighting and laughing at the same time.
“A little help here, Kevin,” Noah pleaded.
“What? What now?” He played into it.
“She’s mad because I might have let a few secret stories slip last night. I blame it on the truth serum you slipped into the wine.” Noah looked to Kevin for help.
“Sorry, buddy, you’re on your own. You’re leaving town and I have to live with her once you’re gone.” Kevin pulled the hot dishes out of the basket and set them on the counter. The aroma was killer.
“Thanks. Thanks a lot, Kev.” But all was forgotten as they pulled up seats and dove into Consuelo’s hot breakfast foods. They continued to banter back and forth between mouthfuls of morning delight.
Lingering over coffee, they chatted till it was time for Noah to leave. Kevin carried his bags out to the car; Jamie and Noah followed, arms linked together. Walking him to the driver’s side, she hugged him a final time then kissed him on the cheek.
“I love you, Noah.”
“Love you too, darlin’.”
Kevin came up and shook his hand. “Hope to see you again. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks for everything Kevin. Take care of my girl.” Noah smiled, climbed into the car, and shut the door. One wink at Jamie and he was gone.
Standing close to Kevin she took hold of his arm, watching Noah drive off.
“You okay?” Kevin asked as he put his hand over hers.
She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for asking.”
Jack was chicken soup for the soul so she headed to the barn as Kevin went to work. As evening drew near, Jamie’s sadness about Noah’s departure set in, but her spirit lifted when Kevin asked her out to dinner to a new Tex-Mex restaurant in town. The atmosphere and décor of the restaurant were festive which helped lighten the mood. Rehashing some of the funnier stories of the night before, she tried to downplay Noah’s descriptions of a few of her escapades. With a little help from some margaritas they laughed until they cried and Jamie demanded equal time from Ben on some old Kevin tales.
“Oh, I bet there are some Kevin stories to dig up.”
“Nope, I’ve led a pretty boring, uneve
ntful life. Honest.” But he couldn’t look her in the eye as he feigned innocence.
“Not that I doubt your honesty, but I’ll ask Ben.” Kevin reluctantly admitted he may be in trouble and laughed.
As the waitress cleared away the last of the empty dishes, the mariachi band started to play. Kevin caught Jamie’s eye and nodded his head toward the band. Responding with a full smile, he grabbed her hand and they headed to the dance floor. Neither knew Mexican folk dances but it didn’t seem to matter and their laughter matched their uncoordinated steps. By the third song their energy was waning and even though the cha-cha was not a slow dance, Kevin took her in his arms and held her close. Closing her eyes to appreciate his touch, her insides trembled at the warmth of his tender kisses on her neck. A slow burn ignited inside and she moaned softly. Hoping the music would never end, she was content to stay in his arms forever. A feeling of total peace enveloped her and she needed nothing more. The band took a break but she did not move from the security of his arms. Kevin tightened his hold on her and kissed her lips before releasing her.
Forcing dessert on themselves to make sure the margaritas had worn off, they sat close at the table, hands linked. By the time they left they knew all the staff by name and promised to return soon. Jamie sat close to Kevin in the truck, holding his hand as he drove.
Once home she slid out the driver’s door and holding hands they walked to her cabin. Neither spoke but there was a palpable heat rising between them. Opening the door to her cabin, she never released his hand and he followed her in. As he closed the door, she turned to him feeling vulnerable yet safe. His eyes searched hers as he brushed her hair from her eyes.
“You sure?”
The fact that he asked confirmed what her heart already knew. Nodding her consent, he reached for her, his warm fingers sliding down the nape of her neck as she surrendered to his touch. Jamie sighed as his hand traveled down her back, pulling her close. His scent triggered electric charges causing her insides to quiver. His lips met hers, as his tongue enflamed the fragile tinder deep within. Realizing the genuine goodness of this man, she had no more doubts or reservations. Her insatiable desire could be contained no longer and she responded with all her heart.
Separated by cloth barriers their steamy bodies drew together like magnet to metal. Kevin’s hands slid under her blouse, up her back and sides until he caressed her breasts. Aching for him, she unbuttoned her blouse and he slipped the garment off her shoulders onto the floor. Jamie opened his shirt, her eyes never leaving his, as her fingers slowly traveled across his chest and over his shoulders, sliding the barrier off. The warm smoothness of his skin under her fingertips contradicted the underlying power in his muscular body. She followed the defined lines of his upper arms down to his forearms then back up to his shoulders and neck. Releasing her hold on him she reached her hands behind her back to unhook her bra, letting it slide down in front of her.
Kevin sighed. “You’re so beautiful, Jamie.” Their breaths quickened as they reached for each other and their bodies met with no more restrictions. With her in his arms, Kevin moved toward the bed and they fell onto it, not letting go of each other. Shedding the rest of their clothes, he laid astride her, kissing her with increasing urgency. Jamie was on her back as Kevin pulled away to look at her once again, but only for a moment. She pulled him back to her, unable to tolerate any distance between them. She needed him like she had never needed anyone before. Kissing her deeply, his hands caressed her neck as his hot lips followed, gently tasting her inch by inch, down her neck to her shoulders and breasts as if he couldn’t get enough. Moaning with pleasure at every touch of his burning mouth, she clutched him to her, never wanting to let go. The heat rose as he slid down to her navel.
“Kevin, oh, Kevin.” She called his name over and over as he continued his erotic torture. Finally she pleaded, “Please, Kevin. Please . . .” He lifted his head and she pulled him up to her, their eyes reuniting and hearts pounding. He wrapped his arms around her as he lay on top of her, kissing her deeply, letting out a low groan.
“Jamie.” He breathed her name as finally their spirits, hearts, and bodies were one.
Chapter 23
Jamie had never felt as totally safe and whole as the night she spent in Kevin’s arms. In the morning light they looked at each other in disbelief then smiled when reality hit them.
“Hey,” he whispered to her, reaching over to caress her cheek.
“Hey yourself.” She cupped her hand over his. It was good; it was more than good and each of them knew it, felt it. Unfortunately life set in and they had responsibilities to tend to.
“I don’t want to get out of bed today. Can’t we play hooky?” he pleaded with a mischievous glint in his eye.
“That would be fun,” she blushed, “but no can do. Everyone would be looking for you and I have a feeling they would start here.”
He looked at her intensely but all he said was, “Jamie,” and reached over to pull her into his arms as the rest of her world faded away.
Kevin made it a point not to skip lunch; he knew Jamie would be there and he longed to see her. Entering the mess hall, his heart skipped a beat as he saw her eating lunch with Ben and Rick. God, she’s beautiful! And to think that woman was in my arms all night. He had to laugh at his own lovesick thoughts. Grabbing a plate of food, he squeezed in between Ben and Jamie even though there was no room. Shoulders touching, he glanced over at her with a wink, making her blush. Ben looked from Kevin to Jamie and back to Kevin questionably.
After lunch Jamie, Kevin, Ben, and Rick all walked toward the barn together. Kevin knew Jamie was planning a ride, and he didn’t like the idea of her going alone. This was wild country and Jamie was still a novice. Even though she tried to calm his fears, he didn't like it. With a music deadline looming, he could not accompany her but finally Ben offered to go and Kevin’s unease vanished. As they stood just inside of the barn finalizing their conversation they all stopped in mid-sentence when they saw a black Jaguar with dark tinted windows pull up the drive. After a minute, the driver’s door opened and a tall muscular man with olive skin and dark handsome looks emerged from the vehicle. His thick black hair was perfectly coiffed as he removed his Ray Bans to place them on top of his head. He was dressed impeccably in obvious designer attire.
Kevin, Ben, and Rick stared in awe without speaking at the stunning man. The striking figure stood outside the car and looked around. Finally he laid eyes on the foursome by the mouth of the barn and strode confidently toward them.
He stopped a few feet short of them and stood silently. Kevin stared at the man; he recognized him . . . but from where?
Kevin spoke first. “Can I help you?” Kevin’s gut grew active with distrust and his voice had a cold edge to it.
“Jamie.” The stranger spoke as he looked at her.
Kevin took his eyes off the unknown man and looked at Jamie who was pale, her eyes wide with obvious disbelief at this mysterious man.
“Derrick. What are you doing here?” Jamie spoke as her voice wavered nervously. In the background Jack snorted loudly in his stall; the large stallion’s pacing steps were audible.
“Well, looking for you of course, darling,” he answered matter-of-factly. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
Kevin looked from Jamie to the stranger and back to Jamie again. So this is Derrick . . . where have I seen him before? Kevin’s mind raced a mile a minute. What the hell is he doing here? Jamie looked terrified. How did he find her? Did she call him? Judging from the look on her face, Kevin doubted that she had contacted him at all. Then it hit him. This is the guy at the bar that wouldn’t take his eyes off her!
Ben and Rick were speechless. One look at Jamie and they took a protective stance near her. No explanation was necessary. Derrick and Jamie had a history and from her terrified expression he was bad news. All five stood sil
ently for what seemed an eternity.
Finally Derrick spoke. “Jamie, aren’t you going to introduce me?” He looked at her with a sinister smirk on his face.
Jamie, still looking shocked, spoke hesitantly.
“Kevin, Ben, Rick, this is Derrick Stiller. Derrick, Kevin Cunningham, Ben Meyers, and Rick Hall.” They all nodded but nobody shook hands, which was highly unusual for the ranchers. From their expressions, they all had experienced instant dislike for this man. Jamie’s negative feelings were clearly visible. Dead silence hung in the air.
“Derrick, what are you doing here?” Jamie repeated her question, still looking shaken. Jack could be heard pacing back and forth in his stall.
“I told you, darlin, looking for you. Maybe we should talk in private.” Jamie stood motionless, still looking stunned by Derrick’s appearance.
Kevin spoke first. “I don’t think so, bud.”
“It’s okay Kevin. I can speak with him.” Jamie found her voice though it still sounded unsteady.
“You sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.” Her voice stronger, though still ashen faced she looked at Kevin. He was hesitant but knew that this was between Jamie and Derrick. Jack became more agitated in his stall, making whinnying noises now.
“Okay, we’ll be right outside.” Kevin motioned with his head for Ben and Rick to follow, which they reluctantly did. Once outside, Rick and Ben simultaneously questioned Kevin.
“Who the hell is that?”
“That,” Kevin stated, “is her ex.” He said no more, at a loss for words. They’d exited the barn but Kevin did not go far. In fact, they stood within earshot.