by Linda Warren
“Cari…”
She could feel Reed’s eyes on her and she hurriedly rose to her feet. “We’d better go. Too many wild animals come here for water.”
Reed tossed her her jacket and took the empty bottles out of the backpack. “We need to fill these for later.” He bent, filled the bottles and handed her one.
She wiggled into the jacket and drank thirstily. So did he. Then he filled the bottles again and stored them in the bag.
“I’d love to dive right in and take a bath,” Cari said, giving the water a long look. “But I’m afraid I’d be eaten before I got really wet.” She quickly splashed water on her face to wash away some of the grime.
Reed did likewise. “If the cougar missed the deer, he or she—” he lifted an eyebrow at her “—could come back and javelinas usually travel in groups, I’ve heard, so we better get the hell out of here.”
They started off and Cari’s legs grew tired, but she kept going, praying that soon they’d find life other than the very wild species.
The sneakers were hurting her feet, sweat coated her body and the sun burned her skin. The muscles in her legs began to cramp. She ignored the pain, trudging on toward something that seemed as indefinable as Reed’s emotions for her. She worked for him. Period. That was it. Or was it? Finally a severe cramp brought her down and she grabbed her aching calf.
Reed knelt beside her. “What is it?”
“Leg cramp.” She groaned.
He removed his jacket and placed it on the ground. “Lie down and I’ll see if I can massage some of the tightness away.”
Don’t touch me.
But the pain was so bad she forgot about her pride. “Ah, oh, ah.” She moaned as she laid flat or tried to. Her right leg refused to straighten and the cramp kept pulling it tighter.
His hands touched her gently; his fingers and thumbs stroking her calf, rubbing the tight muscle. She closed her eyes and gave herself up to his ministrations. Oh, yeah. This was another one of those moments she’d dreamed about. But again, it was never quite like this.
“Tell me more about your family,” he suggested. “Talking might help you to relax.”
“Like what?”
“It sounds like you had a happy childhood.”
“I never considered my childhood happy. We were poor and had to depend on welfare when my dad’s crops would fail.” She couldn’t believe she’d told him that. Pain was short-circuiting her inhibitions.
“That had to have been hard.”
“It was, especially for my dad. He hated that his family had to depend on welfare and that he couldn’t give his kids what they wanted.”
“What did you want?”
“Brand-new clothes that weren’t homemade or hand-me-downs, and shoes that didn’t belong to my sister.”
“I think most families go through hard times, but there was a lot of love in your house. Right?”
“Yeah.” As she watched the twilight fade to darkness, her muscles eased. “Holidays and birthdays were always fun because my mom would cook these scrumptious meals. We all helped, even Sammy and Chase. My dad didn’t do much helping in the house except on Mother’s Day and my mom’s birthday. Those were special days and the rule was it was mom’s day and she had to rest.”
“Did she?”
“Not for a minute. She said if she’s not taking care of her family then she’s not doing her job.”
“Sounds like a wonderful mother.”
“She is.” Cari realized her leg wasn’t hurting anymore. She sat up. “It’s better. You have magic fingers.”
He eased down and rested his arms over his knees. “Thank you, ma’am.”
She thought turnabout was fair play. “Tell me about your parents.”
“Oh, please. You know everything about them.”
“I’m talking about your childhood. What was it like as Richard Preston’s son?”
Even in the darkness she could see he was thinking. “Lonely.”
She hadn’t expected that response. “Lonely?”
“That’s about the only way to describe it. I had to be immaculately dressed at all times. I had dinner with my parents about three times a week. The other times I ate alone in the dining room. I was allowed outside to play four times a week, but I wasn’t allowed to go to a public park. That was my dream as a kid—to play in a park like a normal kid. My dad said I wasn’t like other kids. I was a Preston and I had to act accordingly. All I knew was that I was a kid and wanted to play.”
Cari thought that was sad and she wanted to hug him, but she didn’t.
“When Marisa was born, I was the happiest kid on the planet. I had a sister, someone to play with. I was five years older but it didn’t seem to matter. I watched over her. I’d sneak to her room and just watch her sleep. When she was older, I’d read to her until she fell asleep.” His voice grew soft and she knew how much he loved his sister.
Then his voice changed and she felt him stiffen beside her. “Our holidays were nothing like yours. At Christmas I opened presents alone with a nanny. My father was always in his study making deals and my mother was still asleep. At Christmas dinner I’d excitedly show them my gifts, but they weren’t interested. It was nice having Marisa to open gifts with and to share the excitement of the holiday.” He stopped for a moment.
“When my mother left my father and took Marisa to New York to live, I was heartbroken. I cried myself to sleep for weeks and my world got lonelier.”
“Your mother didn’t take you?” She already knew this, but still couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice.
“No. It was in the agreement they made. I stayed with my father and Marisa went with Vanessa. After that I ate alone in my room. I didn’t even want to go to the dining room. My dad was always busy or out with a lady friend. When I was twelve he sent me to Arizona to a private school. I didn’t know a soul and the world seemed a very big and lonely place.”
She rubbed his arm, needing to touch him. His hand covered hers and she could literally feel his sadness, his loneliness. Her heart broke a little more for the boy who had everything and yet had nothing.
She squeezed his arm and tried to lighten the conversation. “My homemade clothes and welfare is beginning to look really good.”
“Because your family had love. The Preston family had very little of that.”
Cari thought of what Richard and Vanessa had done to Marisa and her baby because Marisa had fallen in love with the wrong man. They were ruthless and heartless and had paid dearly for that.
“Your parents almost lost Marisa because of their manipulation, but they tried to make amends and were truly sorry. For them to do that and for Marisa to forgive them, there has to be love. A little different than normal, perhaps, but still love.”
“Yes.” He ran his hands over his face. “It’s definitely different. Look.” He pointed to the sky. “A shooting star.”
“Or, we could be close to Marfa, known for its mysterious lights.”
“Maybe.” He turned to her. “How’s your leg?”
“Much better,” she replied, still feeling his fingers on her skin.
“We better find a spot to bed down for the night.”
Cari glanced around at the darkness. “I vote we stay right here. Anything could be out there.” She trembled. “Why didn’t the plane come back? Why isn’t someone searching for us?”
“They probably found the wreckage.”
“Oh.” It finally dawned on her. “They think…”
“We all perished in the crash.”
Cari wrapped her arms around her waist. “We’re going to die out here, aren’t we?”
“Not if we keep going.” He scooted closer to her and picked up his jacket. “Do you want to lie on it or use it for cover?”
“Cover, I suppose.”
They lay down on the hard, dusty ground and Reed placed his jacket over them. She snuggled into his chest as if she’d been doing it all her life. So natural. So right.
; “I missed my dad’s birthday,” she murmured.
“I don’t think he’s worried about that.”
“I know. I hope we find someone tomorrow who can get word to them.” As it grew chilly, Cari snuggled closer. “Do you think your parents are worried?”
“Yes, in their own way.”
“Did you always attend private school?”
“Until I went to the University of Texas.”
“Then you started to party and have fun.”
“Well.” She could feel him smiling. “I’m told that’s what I was born to do?”
“And you do it very well.”
For a moment there was nothing but silence.
“I’m sorry I hurt you.”
She didn’t have to ask what he was talking about because she knew. The kiss.
She took a long breath. “I’m glad you found someone who will make you happy, someone who will fill that loneliness in you.” It surprised her that she meant it. She wanted him to be happy even if it was with Daphne.
“That seems so far away.”
“It feels like we’re in a world all our own.”
“It’s almost preferable to my world. All my life something has been expected of me—to be immaculate, patient, understanding, proper, intelligent and to take up the Preston reins of Dalton’s. My whole life has been geared toward perfection and performance. Dalton’s was the ultimate goal.”
“And you’ve achieved it.”
He was quiet for a moment and she turned slightly to look at him. “What?” she asked quietly.
“Out here where life is as real as it can get I’m wondering if it was my goal or my father’s. Or if I know the difference.”
“Oh, Reed.” Unable to resist, she touched his face, his growth of beard sending a tingly sensation down her arm. “Since you’ve been at the helm of Dalton’s, the profits have been at an all-time high. People like working for you and they do their best. I hate to use an old cliché but you were born for the job.”
“But I’m still asking myself if it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m thirty-six and I’m still asking myself that question.”
“Why do you think that is?”
He rubbed his face against her hand. “Because I know my father is still manipulating things behind the scenes. I can’t prove it yet, but once I do I know I’ll be gone for good.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Will leaving Dalton’s make you happy?”
“Like my father, I’m not sure I know what happiness is.”
Something in the tone of his voice and the lonely picture he’d painted of his childhood gave her the courage to gently touch her lips to his.
His mouth covered hers instantly and she wrapped her arms around him, enjoying this time out of time. The kiss went on as each gave and took what they needed.
The cold, hard ground was beneath their dirty and sweaty bodies. Danger lurked just beyond in the darkness, but the moment his lips touched hers she was in heaven, floating on a cloud.
He rested his forehead against hers, his wisps of breath like an iridescent flame warming her in the most sensual way.
“Cari…”
“Shh.” She didn’t want to break the illusion that he cared something for her.
“I’m engaged to someone else.”
Her heart twisted. “I know.”
And she didn’t expect one thing from him, except this moment.
It belonged to her.
Chapter Seven
Richard quickly showered and went downstairs. He heard voices coming from the dining room and knew his guests were having breakfast. Thank God they hadn’t brought their kids and spouses. It was ridiculous they were here in the first place. In what way was this helping his son?
Thelma appeared in the doorway. “Can I get you anything, sir?”
“Coffee and a couple of those sweet rolls the cook makes.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I suppose our guests are gorging themselves.”
“No, sir. They’ve barely touched the food. They’re just drinking coffee.”
“Why the hell not? It’s free.”
Thelma nervously edged toward the door. “It’s not about the food. They’re worried and upset.”
As the maid left, Richard sank into his chair. Why couldn’t they all get the hell out of his house and leave him alone. He was worried and upset, too. But no one seemed to notice. Or care.
“Why was Thelma in such a hurry?” Marisa asked as she walked in.
“Who knows?”
“Don’t you think we should have heard something by now?” She brushed back her blond hair, looking so beautiful and as delicate as a flower. His daughter. Her inner strength always surprised him. It also maddened him at times.
“We should hear something soon,” he told her.
“We have to. This is taking a toll on all of us.” Her honey-colored eyes looked so sad and he wanted to comfort her, to tell her Reed would soon walk through the door. For some reason he couldn’t do either of those things.
“Richard,” Vanessa called from the doorway. “Why don’t you phone Mr. Avery. They’ve had plenty of time to get someone on the ground to investigate. We need to know what happened to our children. We need to know they’re okay.”
His fragile wife was growing stronger during this crisis instead of weaker. He expected her to stay in bed with a sedative, but she was playing hostess to the utmost of her abilities.
Before Richard could answer his wife, the doorbell rang. They hurried into the living room as Winston ushered Mr. Avery in. At his solemn face, Richard knew the news wasn’t good.
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Avery said. “I wanted to tell you in person.” He paused. “There are no survivors.”
“Oh,” Marisa cried and almost crumpled to the floor, but Colter caught her. He swung her up into his arms and carried her upstairs.
Ruth began to sob uncontrollably and Sam just held her as their children gathered around them.
Richard glanced at Vanessa’s shattered expression and thought they should be comforting each other like the Michaels family were. But they were lost somewhere within their own grief. Their son, a child they had created together, was gone and they didn’t know how to accept that. How to live with that reality.
Ruth walked over to Vanessa. “I’m so sorry.”
Vanessa clung to her and they cried for the children they would never see again.
Sam rubbed his wife’s back, his eyes full of tears. “Let’s go home, Mother. We have to make arrangements for our girl.” He looked at Mr. Avery. “When will they bring the bodies in?”
Mr. Avery swallowed. “We’re not sure if it was on impact or after they’d crashed, but the plane exploded. The investigating team will carefully sift through the remains.”
“Oh.” Sam’s knees seemed to buckle and Sammy and Chase were there to hold him up.
“There’s nothing left of our girl?” Ruth wiped away tears.
Mr. Avery shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, my. Oh, my.” Judith and Kitty led Ruth to a sofa.
The room became painfully quiet, interspersed with sobs.
“The team should be able to identify human remains and they are already there setting up to work, but as I said, the terrain is very treacherous and the investigation will go slowly. I will keep you apprised of the situation.” He inclined his head toward Richard. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
At that moment Daphne rushed in. “Has there been any news?” she asked eagerly.
Richard went to her, not sure how to tell her. “Mr. Avery just told us there are no survivors.”
“What?” Her skin turned a pasty white and Richard guided her to a chair.
“That can’t be true,” she mumbled. “We’re planning to get married. I met yesterday with an architect to go over the plans for our house.” She reached into her purse for a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “This can’t be true.”
<
br /> Kitty knelt by her chair and patted her hands. “It’s true. My sister was on the plane, too.”
“Who’s your sister?”
“Cari Michaels.”
“Yes. I met her the other day. A nice young woman.”
“The very best,” Kitty replied.
Daphne stuffed the handkerchief back into her purse. “I have to tell my parents. They’ll be so upset. We’ll have to cancel all the arrangements for the wedding. This can’t be happening.” Daphne began to cry and Kitty hugged her. “I can’t go on without Reed.”
Richard took over and helped Daphne to her feet. “I’ll get you a driver. You’re in no condition to be behind the wheel.”
“Thank you. I am feeling a little confused.”
“I’ll call your parents so they’ll know you’re on the way.” Winston helped Daphne to the door.
Richard went into his study and slammed the door. His son. His only son was dead and there was no one to comfort him. He had his big company, his big house, his big bank accounts, but now they brought him very little comfort.
Sitting down, he choked back the sobs in his throat. He could always control and manipulate life to his advantage and he had done it regardless of anyone’s feelings. Suddenly he felt the price of that heavy on his heart.
His son was gone.
Nothing in the world could bring him back. For the first time in Richard’s life he felt powerless and helpless. Unable to deal with his thoughts, he hurried back to the living room.
Sam was talking. “Ruth, it’s time for us to go home. The Prestons have put up with us long enough.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Ruth wiped away her tears. “I hate to go without knowing how Marisa is. Cari wouldn’t want her to be sad.”
Vanessa rose and stumbled, grabbing the sofa for support. “I’ll check on my daughter, but right now I can’t seem to move my feet.”
Judith was immediately at her side. “Sit down, Mrs. Preston. We’ve all just received a terrible shock.”
“I need to go to my daughter.”
They heard a noise and Marisa and Colter entered the room. Marisa’s eyes were red and swollen, her hair damp from her tears. She went into Vanessa’s arms and they hugged, then she hugged Ruth and they sat side by side on the sofa.