Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel)

by Wiedmeier, Lisa

  Lilly’s voice drew my attention back to her.

  “Cheyenne, what can I fix for you? Would you like some eggs and toast?”

  “That would be great. Thank you,” I replied as I headed to the kitchen table to sit down. I looked around the room. “Lilly?”

  “Yes, dear?” she replied, clanking pans.

  “How do you have electricity out here? Are you running on generators?”

  “Well.” She cracked an egg into the frying pan. “We have solar panels. We get most of the energy we need from them and then store it under the house until we need it. The fireplace provides warmth through the winter; Dex insulated the cabin well when he built it.”

  The toast popped up, and she tossed the pieces on a plate while the eggs continued to cook. Callon stood to the side with his arms crossed, leaning against a wall. It was almost if as if he was willing me to stay put with his stare. It wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t warm either.

  My stomach began to growl. I was hungrier than I thought. The smell was enticing. It had been days since I had eaten last. Lilly placed a plate before me, and I ate hastily.

  “Would you like more?” she asked as I pushed the plate back.

  “No. I’m good. Thank you.”

  Her smile warmed as she sat next to me, taking my hands in hers.

  “Cheyenne, I want you to know up front that we will not be talking to you about the journal just yet. We’re working on the translations, but it will take some time. We don’t want to tell you anything until we’re sure that what we think we’re reading is accurate. I don’t want you upset that we’re not answering your questions, but with the recent event of almost losing you, we decided you needed time to recover before we dive into it. You’re still weak,” she said with concern. “Let’s get you well first.”

  “Thank you, Lilly.” I squeezed her fingers. “The trio tend to just leave me in the dark.” I gathered my thoughts, not wanting to blurt out my true feelings about the way they’d treated me in the last week. “I appreciate you letting me know we’ll talk about it soon.”

  Her eyes showed me the warmth in her heart.

  “You’re welcome,” she said. “There’s so much you need to know; so much I want to tell you. I genuinely look forward to our time together.”

  Just knowing I would find out more was helpful, as I’d come to the conclusion that no matter how much I pestered, my guardians would only tell me what they thought I needed to know when they were ready. I had so many questions, so much I wanted to know about my past and what the journal held for me. I’d have to grow some patience.

  Lilly leaned forward.

  “Colt is sitting on the front porch,” she whispered. “He’s been distraught about you. I think you should go to him.” She gave my hand a squeeze and went back to cleaning up the kitchen.

  I glanced to the screen door toward the porch. Colt was waiting—I needed to go. I couldn’t handle this distance between us anymore.

  I rose slowly, and headed for the door. Callon’s eyes locked with mine as I neared. He looked like he was going to stop me. But he didn’t. He shifted his gaze slightly behind me, and suddenly moved out of my way as I walked out the door.

  I glanced up. Dark storm clouds were brooding on the horizon. I was glad I had jeans and long sleeves on.

  I turned to see Colt leaning against the rail in the far corner. My heart fluttered—I longed to be with him.

  He was staring out into the valley. He didn’t turn, but I knew he heard me. I wanted to jump into his arms and never let go. How or why things had gotten so out of control between us made no sense. I knew I’d felt out of sorts, but something had changed between us, too. I hoped it wasn’t too late to change it back.

  I took slow, deliberate steps. I wasn’t going to give him the opportunity to speak. I needed him to understand my feelings. He was the one I wanted, always and forever. If he still chose after that to reject me, I would have to deal with it. But at least I deserved to know why.

  His tall frame remained still as I approached. I touched his arm and moved it so I could wrap my arms around his waist. I needed his touch; I needed him next to me. Slowly his arms moved around me in a gentle embrace, and he rested his chin on my head. I tightened my arms. I wanted him to know I never wanted to let go—I wanted him with me forever. I wanted him to want me in the same way, and it drove me to pull back.

  His eyes were filled with so much sorrow and despair. What was going on? I touched his cheek, searching to find my Colt. I attempted to draw his face near. I just wanted to kiss him—to tell him it was okay—we would work through this. He wouldn’t yield—he held strong.

  “Colt, why are you doing this?” I asked in a shaky voice. “I’m sorry for whatever it is I’ve done to make you like this.” His expression didn’t change as he looked away out into the valley.

  The crack in my heart grew. “Please,” I whispered. “Please say you’ll forgive me. I can’t take much more.” My lips trembled. “You left me at the river. You didn’t say anything. I need to know you still love me.”

  I gripped his hands, and if I hadn’t needed to be so close to him, I would’ve been on my knees.

  “Please, I’m begging you, just tell me you love me.” He wouldn’t look at me, and his arms loosened. I lowered my head and stepped away. “Why?” I said through the tears. “I don’t understand…” My heart was hanging by a thread as I wiped a tear from my cheek.

  I exhaled, closing my eyes, and I was about to move away when his hands grasped my face and his lips covered mine. I conceded immediately. His hands left my face and wrapped around me like a vice, lifting me from the ground and pulling me to his chest. Vigorously his mouth sought out mine, parting, heaving more of himself into me. I gasped for air each time he relented a little. Pressing his hand to the back of my neck, he continued his pursuit. His lips lingered down to my jaw, continuing to my neck and then back up, tracing my jaw line. Desperately inhaling oxygen, my eyes remained closed. He came back for more.

  My heart was working overtime. Every ounce of me screamed my love for him. He had to love me; he wouldn’t kiss me like this if he didn’t.

  He backed away, enough to whisper in my ear.

  “Cheyenne, I’m so in love with you. I would forever and always choose you. There will never be anyone else for me.” His lips touched my ear in a soft caress. “You are the only one who has ever stolen my heart. Only you have the key. Take it and do with it as you please.”

  His arms tightened. “You are the love of my life. I cannot live without you. No matter what happens, don’t ever forget this—ever. I will always be yours, forever.”

  Now I was the one who frantically sought after his lips, my hands locking into the hair at the back of his neck and encouraging him onward. Eventually our kisses slowed, and gently we caressed each other’s mouths in warm, sultry touches.

  We drew back, and I saw the Colt who had been missing, the love in his eyes. He was back.

  He kissed my forehead and set my feet to the floor. Our gaze still locked together, he led me to a chair where I curled up on his lap. I whispered, “I love you.” And I meant it from the bottom of my heart. A contented smile spread over his face. His arms came around, and I lay my head on his shoulder as he brushed the hair from my cheek.

  Dark clouds began to circle. The wind began kicking up and the temperature dropped—the storm was closing in. I didn’t want to move from his arms. I wanted to stay here forever. There was still something he was holding back—something he didn’t want to tell me, but I let it slip by. He’d said the words I wanted to hear, and that was enough for now.

  The rain started, but only a few sprinkles touched me. My mind began to wander back to the conversation Lilly and I had earlier.

  “Colt, Lilly said something earlier. She said you almost lost me. I didn’t feel like I was dying. What happened?”

  His voice was uneasy.

  “Your fever was dangerously high; I held you in the river as long as I co
uld. You went completely limp in my arms. It was as if your body was shutting down. We rushed you back.” He hesitated and his hold firmed. “I didn’t know if you would be able to make it.” His eyes shut, trying to block out the memory. “This is twice in a short period of time I’ve looked upon your lifeless body. I felt so helpless. It broke my heart not being able to protect you, to make you strong.”

  “I’m strong because of you, Colt. You give me all the strength I need.”

  His blue eyes drove into me.

  “Cheyenne, I can’t give you enough. I need you so much more than you need me…”

  “I am here and alive,” I reassured him. “I’m not going anywhere. We can make it one more year, and then I’ll be a little more durable.” I leaned up and kissed him on the chin. He sighed, and a crooked grin appeared. My heart fluttered as it always did when he grinned like that.

  The cold wind raked over us, and I shivered. Reluctantly, we both rose and entered the cabin. Callon was standing off to the side in the kitchen; he and Colt’s gaze met. Callon’s expression seemed to be a mixture of disappointment and uncertainty.

  Something was up. I was sure of it. Daniel laughed, and I turned my attention to him. He was still playing chess with Dex. They smiled as we passed. Lilly was reading a book in the far corner, and she glanced up. Colt sat on the couch as I moved towards her. I sat on the hearth nearby.

  “Lilly?”

  “Yes, dear?”

  “The case behind you, does it hold a guitar?”

  “Why, yes.” She seemed surprised at my interest.

  “May I see it?”

  Her smiled deepened.

  “Of course.”

  She pulled the case from behind the chair and handed it to me. It was tattered around the edges. Carefully, I unsnapped the latches to reveal one of the most beautiful guitars I’d ever seen.

  The sheen was gone, the color fading, and there were indentations from years of play and travel, but I could tell it was a well-loved instrument that had created beautiful music. I let my fingers glide across the strings as I pulled it free from the case. I strummed each note separately; it was in perfect pitch. I had not played the guitar more than a handful of times, yet I knew I could. It was no different than the piano. I just instinctively knew what to do.

  I wasn’t sad, or upset when I played tonight; I was placid, content, and needed to express this to my heart and soul. I wanted to confirm I was still alive, still me. I allowed my fingers to dance over the strings, slowly embracing each note as it rang through the rain-soaked air. I closed my eyes, carefully stroking and caressing the sound as it filled the room.

  I imagined the melody gently cascading over each and every piece of furniture, timing it with the raindrops on the roof, tangling with nature’s own melody outside. I forgot about everyone else in the room, and saw myself sitting next to a lazy river. I played the sounds of the water licking the tips of the stones, just as a dandelion blew its seeds in the wind. A ballet of moves, rising and falling with the breeze.

  The guitar sang to my heart with words it understood. Each song morphed into another until it finally ended, when my heart was full and I could finish.

  Opening my eyes, I gazed at my fingers. Five pairs of eyes were watching me. I hadn’t played for an audience. Carefully placing the guitar in its case, I closed the latches and set it down.

  “Sorry,” I said self-consciously.

  I glanced around the room. Lilly was still seated in the chair, tears brimming on her lashes. Dex and Daniel sat with arms crossed and backs slouched in chairs. Callon was leaning against the wall, nonchalantly watching, and Colt was overflowing with adoration.

  I lowered my head, and moved to sit next to him. His arm welcomed me in as he whispered in my ear.

  “Just when I think I can’t love you anymore than I already do.” A tender kiss touched my cheek, and he leaned back in his seat. I blushed.

  “Cheyenne,” Lilly asked. “How long have you been playing?”

  I lifted my head up, and saw the softness and love in her face. “Not very long.”

  “Who taught you?”

  “I never had formal lessons. I just picked it up. I hear the notes in my head, and they come together by themselves.”

  “Callon told us you play the piano also?” she asked.

  I nodded.

  “No one has played this guitar in a long time,” she murmured, deep in thought. Her blue eyes locked on mine. “Thank you for bringing music back into this house again.”

  Chapter 20

  Rain continued its descent from the skies above. The persistent wind howled, and the afternoon soon turned into evening. Lilly paced the room, apprehensive about the storm. Dex saw my concern and came to speak to me privately.

  “There was an incident a long time ago. When we get the howling rain storms, it makes her uneasy,” he said as he touched my arm. “She’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

  “Cheyenne!” Lilly’s voice rang with alarm, and I flinched. “You must be starving. You haven’t eaten since breakfast.” She grasped my hands. “I said the boys were bad about not remembering, but I am the one who’s forgotten.”

  Surprised at her reaction, I tagged along to the kitchen with Colt. I didn’t realize I was hungry until she said something. “I’m not starving, but I could eat something small if it’s not too much trouble.”

  She gave a quick reply, “It’s never any trouble.” She began pulling items out from the fridge and pantry. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll whip up something.”

  I sat at the kitchen table, and Colt drew his chair up next to mine. As we watched Lilly work, I could see out of the corner of my eye that he was gazing at me. I tilted my head down slightly, and peeked at him, just enough to glimpse his gorgeous face.

  Having some normality back with Colt was a relief. A quick wink from his blue eyes sent my heart into overdrive. I blushed and turned away.

  Lilly made enough food to feed an army. Having something to focus on and keep her hands busy seemed to calm her. She placed a plate before me. I wasn’t sure how much I could plough through, but was willing to give it a fair shot. I ate more than I thought and took my plate to the sink before returning to the great room for the evening. A chill was in the air, and Dex lit a fire to warm us. I loved the crackling and popping of the fire, the flames dancing in the air, licking the wood with its consuming desire.

  I snuggled in closer to Colt, and Callon sat down beside us. Daniel was apparently bored, and he announced that we would all be playing poker. I glanced up warily.

  “You do realize I’ve never played before, don’t you?”

  “We’ll teach you,” Colt offered.

  “This should be interesting,” I said faintly.

  Daniel pushed the coffee table closer, and I slid to the floor, crossing my legs so I could reach the table. Lilly assured me the boys would be nice since I was just learning to play. Somehow I didn’t believe it. I was an easy target, and they knew it.

  I watched first, and tried to get the hang of the game. It was amusing to see them laugh and joke with each other. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. They had a special bond with one another. Though there was a large age difference, it didn’t seem to matter.

  Finally they convinced me to join them, promising to let me in easy. I received assistance for the first couple of hands from Callon and Colt, mainly due to the fact I was sitting right between them with exposed cards.

  Looking directly at me, Daniel shoved the cards over across the small table. “Your turn.”

  “Uh, Daniel,” I said. “I don’t know how to shuffle.”

  “You’ve been watching. You can do it.”

  “Yes, but you look like a casino dealer…I can’t do it like that.”

  “Just try.” He produced a wickedly charming smile, and I sighed.

  “You’re going to laugh,” I said in exasperation.

  “Probably, but that’s the fun part.”

  I took the cards
between my fingers, and what happened next was a comedy of errors. I attempted to fan the cards, and they went flying. They landed on the floor, on Callon’s lap, and across the table. Everyone broke out in hysterics.

  Face flushed, I scooped up the cards from the table and decided it best to hand the task over to someone more experienced.

  “Oh, no,” Callon said, holding up his hands. “You can’t give up after one try, sweetheart.”

  My nose wrinkled. There was the sweetheart thing again. What irked me, though, was that I didn’t know whether he said to tease me or because he really meant it.

  Daniel demonstrated on the small table again. I watched closely, took back the cards, and tried to follow his lead. You’d have thought with the ability to play the piano and guitar, I would have some sort of dexterity.

  The cards exploded in a funnel of spades, aces, and jacks. Daniel and Colt were cracking up in the background.

  Callon rolled his eyes. He smiled as he leaned over, taking my hands in his and showing me how to shuffle properly. He repeated the steps a couple times. Each time he turned to instruct me, his lips brushed my cheek—the heat of his touch burned.

  The laughter ceased, and I became self-conscious about what was taking place. I drew back, but it didn’t seem to bother him at all; he was still grinning.

  Why was he acting like this? From the beginning I’d gotten the impression that I was just a job, and now it was as if he was barely holding back his attraction. I’d been getting along better with him recently, but I was with Colt. Callon was confusing me.

  I shook it off. Forget about him.

  I played a few more hands, and beginner’s luck allowed me to win a few. I was finally feeling like I was getting the hang of it.

  “So if I have a royal flush…” I glanced down at my cards. “That means I win the hand?” I raised my brows as they all began tossing down their cards. “What?”

  They started laughing. Colt lifted me from the ground, taking the cards from my hands.