by Hebby Roman
She heard him chuckle. “You might be surprised to hear I’m good with kids. They always send me.”
“I bet the lady teachers like you too.”
“Too bad for them I’m spoken for. Now, are you all right? I suspect you’re more upset about your sister then you’re letting on and worrying about me instead.”
“Something like that. When will I see you?”
“How about you get a good night’s sleep. Wake up early, put on some coffee, unlock your inside door, and get right back into bed? I’ll come over when I get off shift and give you a wakeup call you won’t forget.”
“You’re getting me worked up here. I’m going to need a big, strong fireman to put out my fire. I got to go now. Bye, bye.”
“Bye.” She could hear the smile in his voice. The second before she hit end there was something else she barely heard him saying. “Love you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Harper inclined her head to listen. She heard the shower upstairs still running. She turned her attention back to the dinner she’d started. Having her own key to the house made making dinner for him easier, and she liked doing this sometimes.
A bowl of green beans, cut just so. A bowl of shiitake mushrooms. Green onions. Garlic. The block of tofu she’d prepared earlier had been sitting between two towels and weighted down to draw out the moisture, ready for the stir-fry. Harper held her hand over each one, satisfied there was just the right proportion of each ingredient. Perfect. Two hands either side of her pulled her by the belt loops into a solid body of naked flesh.
“Hey! I didn’t hear you come in,” she said, trying to pull away.
“I snuck up on you.” He kissed the side of her neck and held her tight. “It was washing the cow off me that gave me the advantage. Otherwise I’d have to move downwind of you.”
“Rough day at the ranch?” she said, turning to face shirtless Frank, his body still warm and damp from the shower.
“We had some branding to do.”
“I hate that. How can you hurt animals?”
He made a face at her. “Remind me. Where did you grow up? Magic Fairyland where the cows show up for morning roll call and walk home in a straight line at the end of the day? Besides we freeze brand the cattle here now. It doesn’t hurt them like the hot brands do.”
She turned her back to him again. “So you say.”
“Well, if you hear differently from the cows, you let me know. I’ll pass their objections along to your uncles.” Reaching past her, he grabbed some green beans and popped them in his mouth.
Harper swatted him with a dishtowel. “Keep your hands off those, please! I had just the right amount!”
“Sorry. Do you want me to get more?” The crushing of the beans between his teeth, vibrated against her skull, irritating her.
“That’s all there was,” she said in a petulant voice.
“There’s a little less now. What are you making anyway?”
“A stir-fry.”
“Sounds good. Thank you,” he said, sliding his arms around her waist. “Don’t think I don’t appreciate your offer to make dinner for me when you’ve been cooking for other people half the day. What’s under here?” he said, pointing to the towel.
“I’m draining the moisture out of the tofu so it doesn’t fall apart in the stir-fry.”
“Wait, what? Tofu? Is there going to be real meat in this?”
“Frank, you don’t need meat every night.”
She felt him take in a deep breath behind her. “Honey, I burn off a lot of calories. I need protein.”
“Lucky for you that’s what tofu is.”
“But—”
“Are you looking a gift meal in the mouth?”
His hand rode up under her shirt. Her nipples sprang to life between his fingers. “Heck, no. Not when the gift is wrapped up so pretty,” he whispered into her ear.
She felt him hardening against her buttocks. Feeling waspish all of a sudden, she bumped him away from her body. “Why don’t you go finish getting dressed and let me get on here.” She heard him take in a breath, and without having to even look at him, she knew she’d hurt his feelings. “I wasn’t trained to cook with the distraction of a gorgeous, half-naked cowboy in the kitchen,” she amended.
He chuckled. “All right. I think I’ll take Dog for a quick walk.”
She turned around to face him and put her hand on his cheek. “You go relax. You earned it. I’ll call you when dinner's ready.”
* * *
She watched his jaws working on the first forkful of food, pretending not to watch, while silently daring him to make a face.
He looked up and met her eyes. “This is really good. Tofu, huh? I’m just going to help myself to more right now,” he said, with what seemed a forced smile.
“You don’t have to pretend to like it.”
“Oh, but I do! It does take some getting used to, but the sauce is tasty. How’d you make this?”
“It’s simple really...if one has the ingredients. I couldn’t find where you keep the soy sauce so I bought more at the store.”
“I don’t have soy sauce.”
“You do now.”
“Well, I don’t know what to do with it.”
“It’s a basic condiment. Be grateful I didn’t get you something more exotic like hoisin sauce. I didn’t mean to create havoc in your pantry. I know you’re particular about what you let into your house.”
He put down his fork. “I just meant I want you to show me ways to use it. I’m not known for my cooking skills at the station. In fact, I get ribbed about it when I’m on cook detail. Nobody ever taught me how to cook. Ketchup is the only condiment I have any confidence using. I could learn from you.”
She searched his brown eyes and felt a tug at her heart. Sometimes the lost boy in him surfaced. “I’d be happy to show you a few tricks. They won’t know what hit them at the station.”
“That would be much appreciated by all. And, Harper, I am particular about what I let into my house,” he said, taking her hand. “You look mighty fine sitting in here.”
“Speaking of which, when I let myself in today, I saw the picture of me on your desk.” There it was. The thing that had jolted her.
“Yeah? Do you like it? I took it the day we went for a ride on the Apache Highway. You look so pretty and happy.” He took another mouthful of food, lost in thought. “That was one of the most perfect days I ever had.”
“Terrifying at times,” she said, remembering burying her face in her hands when the curving roads brought them close to steep drops in the canyon. “I didn’t know you took that picture. It surprised me.”
“I didn’t steal your soul, if that’s what you’re afraid of. Do you like the picture? I can make a copy for you.”
“That’s all right. One never cares for one’s own pictures.” And you did steal my soul.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Doesn’t one? Anyway, it’s more a picture of the cliffs and Canyon Lake. You just happen to be in the foreground.” He spoke with a touch of steel in his voice.
She tried out a laugh to break the developing tension. “That’s all right then. I don’t like being the focus of attention. Besides, I don’t have a picture of you. It’s not fair.”
He reached across the table and picked up her phone and aimed it at himself. “You do now.” He turned the phone toward her so she could see his image, a hint of challenge in his features. “What I’d really like is a picture of you I can put in my locker at the station,” he said, sucking in his cheeks.
“I do not want my picture up at the fire station!”
“Why? I’m proud of you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m proud to be with you too.”
“Some of your actions speak to the contrary. There are whole chunks of my day, I can’t acknowledge an important thing going on in my life. Do you ever think about it that way?”
“You’re coming to my grandfather’s party as my date. I’ll talk to m
y parents before that.”
“Do that.”
They finished their dinner in silence. In the kitchen later, cleaning up, they fell into sniping at each other over little things.
“You know, I’m going to go home tonight. I’ll see you when you remember your better personality,” she said at last, spinning away from him and out of the room.
She slammed the door behind her with all her strength, and when that didn’t express her rage to her satisfaction, she opened it and slammed it a second time. Harper stormed across the yard to her car. Of all the insufferable, pigheaded men! Some people do not play well with others.
When she got to her car, she threw the door open with enough force she thought it would snap off the hinges, jumped in, and started the engine. Without a glance backwards, she stepped on the accelerator and lurched forward with a squeal of tires. Has to have the last word.
She got to the end of the driveway with the highway ahead leading her back to her place. Oh, hell. Harper stepped on the brakes and swung the car in an arc aiming it back the way she’d come, eating her own dust.
Her heart lurched when she saw Frank’s familiar figure backlit by the lights from the house, heading across the yard. She slunk out of the car and headed straight for him. He opened his arms and she fell into them.
For a moment they didn’t talk but stood enjoying the uncomplicated situation of being in each other's’ arms without the trap of words.
“I’m sorry. I’m not even sure what just happened there,” he whispered into her ear through a curtain of hair.
“I don’t know. Stupid argument.” She ran her hand over his leather jacket. “Were you going somewhere?”
“I was going to come after you. Harper, don’t walk out on me again. You have no idea what that does to me. It’s too much like.... If you need to take a breather, just say so.”
“Okay, next time we have an argument and I get my temper up, I’ll step outside for a moment until I calm down.”
He lifted her chin up. “That’s not what I meant. It seemed to me you were deliberately picking a fight tonight. If you need more time to yourself, just say so. I’m a big boy. Sometimes I feel that way too.”
His words struck a chord. She had been itching for a confrontation. But now that he’d spoken the words, the thought of being away from him made her whole body ache. “Deal. If I want some alone time, I’ll tell you. Right now, though, I want very much to walk back into that house with you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“So, sometimes you want some time away from me?”
“It might happen. Who can predict the future? Currently, I can’t get enough of you,” he said, pulling her in tight.
Chapter Twenty
Awareness of the empty space next to her in bed registered in the back of her sleepy head. Harper stretched out one arm behind her and swiped it over the cool sheets, devoid of Frank. She heard the water running in the sink down the hall.
Last night had been spectacular even by their usual standards. They made love with a quiet passion, full of moments of adoration and tenderness. It’s true what they say about makeup sex. Although, makeup sex with Justin was never like this. She heard Frank banging his toothbrush against the sink. Three taps like he always did. She smiled and fell asleep again.
His hand grazing her cheek woke her up. “Good morning,” he said when she opened her eyes. She squinted. “Why are you wearing your uniform?”
“I’m so sorry. I got called into work. Someone is sick in B shift. So much for spending our day off together.” He kissed her. “I’ll make it up to you. Listen, no reason we both have to get up so early. You stay here and sleep in. I left coffee for you. Just lock up when you leave, okay?”
He stroked her hairline. The feel of his gentle touch made her drowsy. “Okay,” she mumbled. “Be safe.”
“I always am.” She felt his lips on the corner of her mouth. “I love you.” And then she was alone.
Harper’s eyes snapped open. There it was again. I love you. The way that phrase rolled off his tongue. She tried to fall back to sleep as instructed, but now her mind roiled, shot full of adrenaline. At last, she tossed onto her back and threw her arm across her forehead. Where was this going?
She sat up and put her feet on the floor when the sound of a car moving down the drive got her attention. Harper jumped up and made her way to the window overlooking the yard. She recognized the car Frank’s sister had driven last week when she came to the house.
She grabbed Frank’s shirt off the floor and put it on. Her own clothes were scattered in a trail starting at the living room. She found her jeans and put them on before heading downstairs. As the knocker sounded, Harper found her shirt and bra from last night and hid them behind a cushion on the couch.
Val’s eyes opened wide with surprise when Harper opened the door. She looked even more ragged in the harsh light of day. “Hey, Harper—did I get your name right? Is Francis here?” she said, stepping past her into the living room.
“No, he had to go to work.”
Val scanned the room, feet rooted to the spot. “So, are you two living together?” Harper noticed Val had lost her deferential tone without Frank here. There was an insolent edge to her voice now.
“No, we’re not. Can I get you anything?”
“I need to speak to my brother.”
“He’s not here. He’s at the station.”
“Well, that’s a problem.” She was moving now, walking around the room slowly, picking things up, putting them down, and examining every corner of the room. She spun around and looked Harper up and down. “You’re not his usual type.”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“You’re still here, for starters. He doesn’t pick up with one woman for any length of time. At least not since he’s gotten so serious. Quite the respectable citizen now. Guess he’s choosier about who he hooks up with nowadays. You’re classier. That’s for sure.”
“Is there anything I can help you with? I have to get going soon myself.”
Val turned away and ran her hand over the top of the cabinet. “I’m a little short this week. Francis said he’d lend me enough money I can get some food.”
“Let’s call him,” said Harper, realizing she’d left her phone upstairs. “I’ll just get my phone.”
Her intuition told her not to leave Val alone, and she was relieved when the woman pulled her own phone out of her pocket. “Don’t bother. I’ll call him.” She stood with phone to ear, snapping her gum. “Went right to voice mail,” she said, holding out her phone for Harper to see. “I could go by the station but Francis doesn’t like when I do that. He told me not to come by there. Guess it’s not allowed. But I’m going to have to make an exception of myself. I don’t even have enough to buy food for my cat at the moment. We had some unexpected expenses. Woody and me. He needs strips to test his sugar. He’s diabetic. They went up in price again. Insurance!”
Harper knew the intensely private Frank would not like his sister showing up at the station. “How much money do you need? Maybe I can tide you over.”
“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that. It’s embarrassing to be in this situation. I’m not always like this.”
“I’m sure you’re not,” she said, heading for her purse and pulling out her wallet. “I’ll give you some money, and Frank can pay me back tomorrow.”
Val’s eyes went to the bills Harper fanned out. “That’s probably the best solution. We don’t need to bother Francis.” When Harper started to pull out two twenties, Val continued to stare at the money in a way that made Harper pull out a third twenty—her last one.
The bills were snapped away with a sleight of hand that would do Houdini proud. “Thanks. This is very kind of you. You tell Francis I said ‘Hi.’” She shoved the bills in her pocket and studied Harper again. “Seems like you and my brother are getting on the serious side. He’s my favorite brother. He’s always had a good core to him, you understand? He’s a guarded
one, though. He doesn’t easily let people get too close to him, but when he does, he plays for keeps. I hope you know that about him.”
* * *
Altered plans. She and Frank were going to go hiking in the mountains and then have a nice quiet dinner out. Now the day stretching ahead of her filled Harper with an emptiness she had to shake before she ended up under the blanket. With nothing to occupy her mind, her head filled with voices. Sad, unstable Val talking about Frank—warning her, really. Her mother chiding her for being careless with other people’s feelings. Mary scolding her for making bad choices. And most of all, I love you, said in that quiet, sonorous voice.
Feeling like the time of reckoning had come, Harper jumped in her car and headed to the hotel. It will start with me acknowledging him to my family, she thought. That would make them official—she and Frank. Their relationship would thrive or crash and burn in front of witnesses. The two of them would be joined in her parents’ thoughts and conversations. Probably become regular dinner guests. What would develop from there she didn’t know, but her mother was going to be all over her business from now on. Harper couldn’t help smiling thinking how happy this would make Frank. Well, we’ll see how much he likes it when he has to deal with my overprotective father and uncles every day, she laughed to herself.
She parked her car in the hotel lot and made her way up the path to the house, feeling lighter all of a sudden. It was late Sunday morning and she knew her parents would be enjoying some leisure time. Her mother waved to her from the flagstone terrace. Dad had the paper spread out in front of him.
“Hello, stranger,” he said when she was near them.
“Hi, sweetie, what brings you by?” asked her mother.
“I thought I’d better come by and check on the two of you. Make sure nobody broke a hip or got themselves stuck in the tub. Why do you think? I wanted to visit with my family. How’s Mary doing?”
Mom clucked her tongue. “You could call her and ask her yourself.”
Shame washed over her. “I know I keep meaning to. I tried a couple of times but it went to voicemail.” She had to admit she could’ve tried harder. She’d left a few messages. Mary left her a few messages in return. Both calling each other when they knew the other wasn’t available.