Paranormal Romance Reading > Strong Women Journeys

by Ann Patty

  The evening was left for a barbeque and some award giving. Kelly was welcomed by Cliff's family of friends as if she had been there forever. Good old country folk hospitality. The horses were put up at the trailer and munched on alfalfa stuffed into their hay bags. The whole group then chowed down on pork ribs while sitting about a flaming fire pit. The ranch owners all took turns hosting such an event and eventually Cliff would have his turn.

  Awards were provided by a crew of whoever wanted to be on the committee. Prizes consisted of fun, silly, and unusual items, or more practical, useful things ranch related. The boxes of donated gifts were concealed until the announcer pulled out an appropriate prize to match the win. So as such Cliff's barrel racing time got him a brand new frilly around the edge kitchen apron, because the announcer said he owed Kelly a dinner. Then the announcer gave Kelly a ten-pound pack of pork ribs to be cooked by Cliff... to be picked up later out of the freezer.

  A fifteen-year-old girl, the true winner of the barrel race with a time of 16.480 ironically got a fifteen-year-old barrel horse trophy. In addition she was handed a super long ribbon with a purple rosette attached. The teenager quickly ran over to her palomino standing in a corral. She couldn't wait and threw the neck ribbon over the head of her golden horse. The sash lay stunning around its neck, with the purple rosette tied at the bottom. The contestant's mother came over with a camera and clicked away while friends and family sneaked into the pictures.

  Cliffs cutting and roping rides combined won him a new lariat, which he approved of with his classic nod. There was an eggbeater and a dozen organic eggs given to the winner of the egg and spoon race. A fancy music box and tickets to the upcoming bluegrass festival went to the winner of the musical chair ride. The victorious penning competitors each got a set of bags. A well-preserved antique doctors medical bag was presented to one of the team members. Fitting, because he happened to be the local animal doctor. His wife was awarded a hay feeder bag along with three bales of alfalfa for her “hay burners,” as she called them. And last but not least there was a competitive couple award given out exclusively to Cliff and Kelly. Two nicely tooled matching breast collars were awarded for the most amusing and talented couple. Cliff and Kelly accepted the gifts graciously. One of Cliffs buddies asked if Cliff had anything he wanted to say. Cliff just smiled and ran his finger across his lips showing his lips were sealed.

  The night ended late. By time the horses were put away, and Cliff and Kelly got cleaned up, it was past 1 am. Kelly came out second from the shower still damp that left her somewhat wet as seen through her cotton night shirt. Cliff had a cup of tea on the table waiting for her. Kelly's hair was disheveled, but she did not care. She walked right over to Cliff standing at the counter. She put her arms around his backside and pressed her face into his shoulder blades.

  “Cliff, I had the best time ever today. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

  “Me too Kelly girl—I mean woman. It was good. No the best time I've had in I can't remember,” Cliff said as he took his own hands and arms and ran them over Kelly's arms wrapped around his abdomen. Kelly let go. When Cliff turned around he held two cups of tea with a bit of Engine Jo's moonshine slipped into each. Kelly took a cup and readily drank it up.

  Cowgirl Up

  The next morning came as usual, early. It was habit to get up at dawn. Kelly smelled the familiar brew of coffee. The dogs, all four, were strewn across her body once again. She slithered out from under them and stood up from her bed. She was respectably dressed in cotton top and sleeping shorts. Hair in her face she made her way to the kitchen.

  “Good morning, sleepy head,” Cliff coaxed. He was dressed for the day.

  Kelly slumped down into a kitchen table chair and put her head into her hands, “Good morning, pony partner.” She raised her head throwing her hair back and said, “So how much time do I have before you kick me out?”

  Cliff took surprise at her question and said, “You have all the time in the world. It's great having you here. I mean it.” Then he shuffled across the room to grab some toast that just popped up. “Anyway, I owe you a dinner in town, tonight?”

  “Oh that's right. Okay, dinner tonight it is. Do you want me to meet you somewhere?”

  “No. I always pick up my date. Anyway I'll be back around three to four-ish. Thought I was getting the day off, but a friend needs help down the way. If there is a particular place you want to go let me know. Otherwise... hmmm, well, I'll figure out a good place to go.” Cliff said, toast in hand he walked out the door.

  Four o'clock came fast, too fast for Kelly. She had spent her day partly sleeping. Then she wrapped up all of Cairns’ things and put them in the car. The items left from the native were placed on the kitchen table. Kelly was not sure where they belonged just yet. Pretty much she was packed up and ready to leave. She could hear Cliff stomping up the stairs as she stood looking over the relics from the other world.

  “Good evening my lady. What have you here?” Cliff said cheerfully and then remembering he turned somber and said, “Oh. What does this display mean now?”

  Kelly looked at him and shook her head that she did not know. Then she shrugged her shoulders. “I am trying to make sense of it. I get that these were like icons, or markers to warn Cairn; I just don't know what to do with them. Any suggestions?” Kelly asked Cliff to which he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head in an I don't know gesture.

  Two hours later Cliff parked his car at the curb in town and ran around to the passenger side of his truck. Dutifully he opened the door and held out his hand for Kelly. Smiling she accepted his gallantry and grabbed his hand to step down and out of the truck. Then she let go. The sidewalks were lined with shade trees, but shade was not necessary at this early evening hour. Cliff purposefully parked several blocks away from their dinner destination. He just wanted to walk the streets with Kelly.

  His hand slipped to the small of her back as he guided her around a corner. He pointed up ahead indicating that way. As they rounded the corner Cliff let his hand slid down to above Kelly's butt. He was well aware of the slip of his hand. Within a few steps Kelly reached back and took a hold of Cliff's hand and didn't let go. Instead she replaced it in front so they could walk hand in hand to Cliff's dinner destination.

  They chose a window booth at the bistro just as Cliff commented on his selection, “Best home-cooking in the valley.”

  “Too many yummy things,” Kelly shook her head, as she cruised the menu.

  Cliff asked, “Do you mind if I order for us Kelly?”

  “Please do,” stated Kelly and folded her menu back up.

  When the waiter returned, Cliff ordered the very abundant and likely the most expensive dinner for two on the menu. Chef's salad and fresh made sourdough mini loaves; an entree of prime rib and crab; a medley of fresh vegetables; potatoes Au gratin baked in a wine sauce; a bottle of their popular wine; and boysenberry pie topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Kelly's eyes went wide. Cliff smiled and said, “Left overs.”

  The couple sat in silence. But, it was more like quiet contemplation anticipating what conversation would erupt next. After their salads were consumed, two dinner plates full of prime rib cuts crowned with crab leg meat all cooked to perfection arrived. Then one after another more plates filled their table. Kelly held her hand to her chest and a silent “Oh my goodness” fell out of her mouth. Cliff just smiled. More dishes of condiments and other tasty morsels appeared unordered. Cliff knew the restaurant owners so this was a typical gesture. Simultaneously, Kelly and Cliff started scooping from each dish until their plates bulged. There was more food than they could possibly consume in one sitting.

  Kelly broke their quiet. “Cliff, I think it’s best I get on the road tomorrow. I want to thank you for all you have done for me. And Cairn.” Kelly paused before placing another bite in her mouth. When she cleared her throat she went on and said, “You are the best, Cliff, really you are. I want you to know that.”

&nb
sp; In the middle of chewing, Cliff paused remembering to swallow before he spoke, “Kelly, you can stay as long as you want. No need to run off.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that an awful lot. I just have this urge to get back and settle Cairn's life, perhaps mine own too. It's not only her personal stuff, but then there is our workload. We both shared essentially the job. We are-were general brokers, but in particular we were the only two that specialize in mini bonds on our floor. Having both of us gone is just building up double work for me. See what I am getting at here? I'm feeling overwhelmed and the only way to alleviate that is to go home and tackle it.” Kelly said a mouthful, telling Cliff where she was at mentally and emotionally.

  He nodded his head not eating, just listening to her, “Yes I understand. What you face will be quite an undertaking. I won't stand in your way, but I hope you'll return someday under better circumstances. For what it’s worth you sit well on a horse, and can ride in my saddles anytime.” Cliff winked and put another forkful in his mouth.

  The pair ate again in silence both recognizing something brewed beyond a simple like between them. What was germinating was growing subtly, softly, and swiftly. Unintentionally Kelly's leg pushed forward brushing in between Cliffs legs. He closed down on Kelly's leg as if to hold her anyway he could. Their moments together were now numbered. Kelly relaxed her leg and let it rest inside his. This may have marked the noticeable point at which sexual tension began to build between the two.

  After dinner, they found themselves returning to Cliff's truck the same way they came in: hand in hand. Cliff slowed just before they got to the truck to ask, “Say would you like to go for a drive tonight? I know a place you might enjoy.”

  “Oh, any other night that would sound great. But, I am going to be driving a lot over the next days and I think I need to save the miles for the trip ahead.” Kelly sounded resolved to her fate, then added, “But thanks Cliff. I appreciate your offer.”

  “Understand,” Cliff muttered and open the truck door for Kelly. Cliff was beginning to feel left behind. Kelly was leaving him for a full agenda ahead. Even though her schedule was not going to be a picnic, for the first time in a long time Cliff felt left out. Whether it was because Kelly was independent and hard to lasso, or that he could not fit inside her world right then, or because their trail ride was over, Cliff was unsettled beyond his comprehension. He had also fallen heavily for Kelly and did not want to admit to owning his own feelings. Cliff hopped into his side of the truck and off they drove toward his ranch, in silence.

  That night the pair found each other standing side-by-side at the kitchen table staring at the Native relics again. “Thanks Cliff for the dinner. You have plenty to keep you eating for the next few days,” Kelly stated.

  Cliff chuckled, “No. Actually I bought the IOU dinner for you, so take it with you on the road. Good food is good cold.” Then he butted shoulders with Kelly.

  She threw her head back a tad and said, “Yes I know.” Then she bumped him back.

  Silence fell again. Cliff slid around behind Kelly. His right hand groped and found Kelly's hand limp at her side. His thumb strummed the top of her hand. His breath fell upon the nap of her neck. Kelly was well aware of the impeding moment. And she was resisting, yet slipping to succumb. Cliff wrapped both his arms around the front of Kelly and pulled her back. Kelly's chest was heaving deeply from her breathing. She couldn't think, but she could feel desire building. Cliff buried his nose into Kelly's neck and began kissing her. This last night pressed him to make his move. Quietly, Cliff hoped he could restrain her from leaving.

  Kelly's head pressed backward to meet Cliff's lips. He reached up with his hand and found Kelly's jaw. He turned her face to him. Repositioning his body, Cliff's lips seriously pressed Kelly's lips full on. Kelly went limp before she participated, then she urged Cliff on with an open, begging for more mouth. Kelly reached up with both hands and surrounded Cliff’s jawline and cheeks, pulling him in tight. She left his lips and kissed down his neckline and back up. This can't happen echoed in her head. I want him, but this can't happen.

  Confusion, then distressed reasoning compelled Kelly to push away from Cliff. “I can't,” slipped out of Kelly's mouth. She rested her forehead on the side of Cliff's shoulder. “I'm so sorry. This just is not right, right now.” Kelly pulled her anguished face back and search for Cliff's eyes.

  His wanting, needing, empathic eyes met Kelly's. Cliff could see Kelly had turned firm in her conviction of NO SEX tonight. Cliff's reached up and gently stroked Kelly's cheek with the back of his hand. “Tell me Kelly, what is wrong. Was it something I said?”

  Kelly sucked in a breath and faced him straight on. “No, it's not you. It's me. I'm still on Cairn's time here. It sounds silly, I know, but I can't have you like this. Not now.” Kelly rationalized.

  Cliff's face fell. “Okay. I guess. I am sorry if I offended you in any way, Kelly, but don't we have something really special here? I don't think I'm off the mark saying this, but I believe you are not truly forthcoming here.”

  Kelly fell silent. Cliff deserved her truth. She nodded her head looking for the words she needed to say. “Okay,” Then she paused for another long moment. “Yes, we have something I never thought I would have with anyone. Our chemistry is incredible. I'd even like to think we have a future together. BUT, but, but, and but. With the circumstances here I have to wonder what is actually real. Cliff I feel half crazy with all the emotions I've have over these past weeks. And, the truth be told, I am crazy over you. But I'm a little insane knowing you and my best friend bedded down that one night. See where my mind is going?” Kelly pleaded.

  Cliff looked like he was hit with a left punch. Of course girl friends talk, but this was different. At least he thought it was, but how could he explain that to Kelly? “Look, I don't deny what happened in this house. I won't ever lie to you Kelly. But Cairn and I—our history was before you and me. True, we bedded down. It happens when you are trying to find common ground and sex is the only thing left. Especially, when nature takes a hold after a long celibate period—for both of us.” Cliff talked sternly, and swiftly, making sure Kelly got his points. Then he continued, “Listen, if it makes you feel any better Cairn and I were like two stray barn cats. Always fighting. You, my lady are the spice of my life. I don't have to tell you that no two people have the same relationship as any other, do I?” Cliff reasoned his case then let it go.

  Kelly rolled her eyes, not at Cliff, but at the obvious common sense of what he said. “Yes, I know. I know. Your logic is sound. Can't argue that. I just need to get past this. Somehow start fresh again after I get things settled. I don't think I could be totally the woman we both want in this relationship, intimacy and all, until I get through this bit. Please be patient with me?” Kelly appealed.

  “Sure baby. I do understand. I'll wait for you,” Cliff resolved that his night was to remain unspent. He leaned forward and kissed Kelly on the cheek. “You alright?” She nodded, sniffled, and grabbed Cliff up for a hug. Kelly made the first break and headed for her designated bedroom.

  A Warrior's Farewell

  The next morning at dawn, Kelly and Cliff stood at the driver's door to Cairn's wagon. Cliff was rubbing Kelly's arm as if they had been lovers for weeks. The native artifacts were left on Cliff's table. Kelly asked Cliff to give them to Engine Jo. Somehow she felt he would know what to do with them. Cliff promised he would put them in Jo's capable hands.

  The almost lovers fell into each others arms as natural as if the had always belonged together. Tears fell from both. Fingers interlocked. Hands caressed each others faces. Thumbs caressed and twirled locks of hair. Forefingers outlined ear lobes. Lips parted. No words came. The past weeks events churned. Swelling emotions surfaced. Last night's intimacy spilled over into this single mounting of a fond farewell. When they rested, it was Cliff who pulled himself away first. They stood smiling at each other. The sun that had breached over the hilltop earlier, now faded. The oddity caused Kelly an
d Cliff to simultaneously look up.

  An imposing shadow blocked the sun. In place of the solar sphere, a warrior's stature stood tall. His silhouette outlined an aura of star rays. The persona of Cairn's surreal native was captured and locked inside this frozen pinnacle moment. The immortal soul scanned the ranch yard fixing on the lovers. In a wave surfing in sensation, the warrior exhaled the essence of proud, unwavering triumph, and a mission fulfilled. Unmistakable; the message of their foretold fate predestined by Cairn, flooded the couples psyche. Just above the horizon, with the next sun ascent, the apparition dissolved.