by Sable Hunter
About a mile away, Molly was creeping down the highway. Already she’d braked twice, tempted to turn her old truck around and head back to the trailer. He might not even show up. Rita was more his speed. They had so much more in common than she and Tennessee could ever have. Still, she kept driving east as if compelled by a force she didn’t quite understand.
Now, Tennessee was on his feet, pacing up and down the sidewalk in front of the hotel. An old covered wagon situated in front of the hotel drew his attention for a minute, but his eyes never strayed far from the road. Soon, he saw an older model red truck coming. When it began to slow, he could see that Molly sat behind the wheel. As she parked, he went to meet her, calling to her through the open window. “Hey! I love your truck. You and my brother Heath would get along great, he has one almost just like it.”
“A man with good taste,” she said as he helped her out. “Sorry I’m late.” She didn’t explain that she’d almost changed her mind. When she’d gotten close enough to see him waiting for her outside, her heart had eased a bit.
“No problem.” He grasped her hand in his, entwining their fingers. “I’m just glad you came. Are you hungry?”
“Starving. I didn’t eat lunch.” She thought he looked so good. His clothes fit him so well, and since she knew exactly what his body looked like under those dress jeans and starched white shirt, she had no problem picturing him without them.
“You look so pretty. I love that dress.” He leaned in to smell her hair. “Red is my favorite color. It’s a knock-out with your tan.”
“It’s not a tan,” she whispered with a giggle.
“Women risk cancer in tanning booths trying to look like you.” He led her into the gracious Remington Room where he told the hostess they had a reservation. She gave him an appreciative glance and led them to a secluded table overlooking the courtyard.
“Thanks for asking me.” Molly glanced around the well-appointed room decorated in an elegant Texas motif. “I’ve only been here a couple of times for employee Christmas parties and things like that.”
Tennessee wondered why she wasn’t being courted in style by the men of Brewster County. Were they nuts? “I’m honored you agreed to spend time with me.” He handed her a menu. “Tell me what looks good to you.”
Molly ran her finger down the selections, everything from a petite tenderloin fillet to quail to salmon was available. She tried not to let her eyes widen at the prices. Although she’d known Mr. Hunt’s restaurant was expensive, she couldn’t imagine paying forty-two dollars for a steak. She could eat at Dairy Queen for three bucks. Finally she settled on the cheapest entrée. “I think I’ll have the chicken fried steak.” Her frugal system even balked at that twenty-one dollar price tag.
“Are you sure?” Ten looked at her closely. “I was thinking about the rib-eye, those poblano-tomato white cheese grits caught my eye.” He winked at her.
Molly realized he was teasing, doing his best to put her at ease. “I like chicken-fried steak. It will be a treat since I usually count calories.”
“Okay.” Ten smiled. “Although I can’t imagine why you do. You’re one of the fittest women I’ve ever met. I still can’t get over how you kept up with me on that trail.”
“Kept up with you?” She flashed him a grin. “Please! You had to keep up with me.”
Laughing, Ten nodded. “Okay, I’ll give you that.” After placing their order, he let his eyes play over her features. He still couldn’t get over her eyes, they were such a vibrant blue. “Have you ever considered going to work for a search and rescue team?”
“Are you offering me a job, Mr. McCoy?” she teased, but didn’t give him a chance to answer. “No. I’m always glad to help in the park, but what I really want to do is teach elementary kids. My degree will be a long time coming, though. I take night and online classes at Sul Ross.”
“I don’t think I could be a teacher and be cooped up in a classroom all day. I barely finished college myself. If Heath and Dad hadn’t insisted we all go to school, I’d have balked. I’m sure I’m better off, but it wasn’t the highlight of my life.”
“What do you do with your time when you’re not saving someone’s life in the wilderness?” She handed him the basket of bread the waiter brought, then the butter after he’d selected a cornbread muffin.
“My family has some properties.” He went on to tell her about the ranch, the resort and the energy holdings.
Rich, just like she thought. “You’re not satisfied, are you?” Molly asked him outright.
He glanced up at her in surprise. She was astute, keying in on his frustration. “No. I want something of my own.”
“I admire that.” She took a sip of tea. “How many brothers do you have?”
“Three brothers and two sisters.” He reached over and took her hand. “They’d like you. The guys, Heath, Jaxson and Philip are down to earth. Ryder and Pepper aren’t typical females. They can out-ride, out climb and out shoot me. I guess that comes with being raised mostly by our father. The girls were barely teenagers when our mother died.”
She didn’t pull her hand away, but turned it palm up as he stroked her skin. “Losing a parent is always hard. My aunt was killed just walking across the road, not far from here. A truck driver was checking his GPS rather than watching the road. He ran a stop sign. She never knew what hit her.”
“How old were you?”
She could see concern and sympathy on her face. “I was seventeen, which kept me out of foster care. But I had to go to work and didn’t get to graduate with my class. I ended up earning a GED.” Molly waited for any sign of disapproval, but she saw none.
“I knew you were strong.” He leaned forward and kissed her hand.
“Not always.” She looked sad. “My mother committed suicide. She jumped off one of the high cliffs overlooking the Rio Grande in the park. Santa Elena. She grew tired of waiting for my father. He passed through, left her pregnant and never returned for us. I tried to stop her. I held on to her hand so long that I almost went over with her.” Sadly, she fingered the chain around her neck that held his ring. This was all she had of the man who’d gave her life. A single ring with an odd emblem of a raised hand emblazoned across it. She always assumed it was an organization emblem. There was no engraving, so it wasn’t of any use in tracing his identity. Molly didn’t always wear it, but she kept it on her dresser as a reminder to not trust anyone.
Yet, here she was tempted to trust a rich man. Tennessee McCoy.
“My God, Molly!” Ten cried. “I’m so sorry.”
“I was six,” she continued, looking off into the distance at something she could see only in her mind. “I still have nightmares about it. I’ll wake up screaming and in a cold sweat, trying to stop her from going over the cliff.”
Tennessee couldn’t imagine. “Losing my mother in the hurricane was bad enough. At least I didn’t actually see her die.”
“I’m okay, it was a long time ago,” she comforted him, her hand on his.
“We’ve had our share of ups and downs.” Staring down at his glass, he shared with her about Philip and what he’d been accused of. He also told her about Heath and how his bride-to-be had let him down.
“I have a feeling the McCoys stick together and always come out on top.” She lifted her glass to him.
“How about you? You were left alone. Yet, you picked yourself up and carried on.” He smiled at her. “Do you know how much I admire you?”
She was saved from responding by the arrival of their food. They were silent for a bit while they took their first bites. “When do you leave?” Molly asked. She was surprised how much she liked him. Being drawn to him physically wasn’t the same as enjoying his company.
“I’m not sure yet. The Hunts are having me over for dinner tomorrow night, a thank-you party.” An idea struck him about the same time he said the word ‘party’. “I presume you’ll be there since you played as big a part in his rescue as I did.”
“Ah, no.
” Molly was quick to correct him. “Mr. Hunt is very kind to me, but Rita is not my biggest fan. More importantly, I have class tomorrow night.”
None of this sat very well with Tennessee. He started to say something else, but he felt her foot nudge his under the table. When he looked at her, however, she was eating. Maybe it had been an accident. Pity. He thought she might be trying to start something.
Molly peered at him through her eyelashes. She wasn’t an expert at flirting, but playing a little footsie under the table had to be one way to go. Anything to get off the subject of a party at the Hunts that she hadn’t been invited to. Other than a glance, she got no reaction. So, she casually took another sip of tea and tried again. Having slipped her shoe off, she took her bare foot and rubbed it up the back of his calf. Since he had on boots and slacks, the effect wasn’t quite the same but surely he’d get the message.
Tennessee dropped his fork. It clattered against the china causing every head in the place to turn. He waved casually at the gawkers, picked up his fork and laid it to one side. “Care to do that again? I’m prepared this time.”
Molly blushed. “Sorry, it’s been a long time since I had a date. I’m rusty, I guess.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” She sat close enough that when he reached under the tablecloth, he could touch her knee. And when he did, he let his hand slide up the silky expanse of her thigh. “See, there’s one benefit of that beautiful skin tone of yours, no need for hose.”
Molly felt chill bumps rise on her skin. So much for the ‘just dinner’ edict. There was no denying she was attracted to this man, more so than she’d ever been with anyone. “Have you ever heard of the Marfa lights?”
“No.” Was she ready to leave? He’d been hoping for dessert, and not the kind that came on a plate. “Marfa is the town just west of here, isn’t it?”
“Yes, are you finished?” She pointed to his almost clean plate.
He touched the cloth napkin to his face. “Absolutely. Let me get the check.”
In a few moments, he’d paid and was escorting her out the door. “Remember, I don’t have a vehicle, I was picked up at the airport.”
“We can go in Rojo. At least she’s clean.” Molly began moving toward the parking lot.
Ten hung back a step or two, just to appreciate the swing in her hips. “I don’t suppose you’d consider letting me drive, would you?”
Molly laughed. “Not hardly. You, Mr. McCoy get to ride shotgun.”
“I do like to ride,” he drawled in a sexy voice, leaving Molly no doubt he was talking about more than trucks or horses. As he climbed into the seat beside her, Ten was glad to see an old fashioned bench seat. At least he’d be able to sit right next to her while they drove.
Fastening her seatbelt, Molly noticed Ten had moved to the middle of the seat. “I’m not sure that’s shotgun,” she observed dryly.
“No, but sitting next to you will be much more fun.”
“Just don’t do anything to get my attention off the road.”
“Safety first.” He stilled her hand as it reached for the key. “That’s why I think we need to take care of something before we leave.” Angling in the seat so he faced her, he coaxed her to do the same. “I’ve been needing to do this since I saw you sitting on that horse in the sunrise looking like a pagan goddess.” He ran one finger down her cheek, loving the feel of her silky skin. “I’m going to kiss you now, Miss Molly.”
“The suspense is killing me,” she muttered.
Tennessee chuckled. “You’re so much fun.” He leaned in to fuse their lips together, giving her all the passion and desire he’d been holding back from the first moment they met. Their tongues tangled, sliding hotly together. Cupping her face, he tasted her, kissing her hungrily again and again.
A car horn blast ended their embrace, Molly held on to his shoulder, resting her face against his neck. She was panting, her heart hammering in her chest. “You’ve taken my breath away,” she whispered with a smile.
“You’ve had a bigger impact on me than that,” he said, smiling when she met his gaze. “After that massage and this kiss, parts of me may never regain their original shape.”
Molly blushed. “I’m sure that kind of thing happens to you regularly.”
He placed another kiss at the corner of her mouth. “Since I’ve met you, yes. Frequently.”
Shaking her head, Molly turned to crank her truck. “You’re a tease, that’s what you are.”
“No, I have a reputation for always providing full satisfaction.” He settled into the seat, resting his hand on her thigh. “Now, what are these Marfa lights you mentioned?”
“Do you believe in the supernatural, Mr. McCoy?” she asked as she guided her truck westward. The sun was setting and the sky was a brilliant palette of red, orange and pink.
“I’m from Louisiana, Molly. The supernatural is considered to be normal there.”
His answer surprised her a bit. “We’ll have to swap ghost stories around a camp fire some night.” When he didn’t respond right away, she realized he didn’t expect to see her again. A sharp pang of disappointment hit in the region of her heart. Pushing it away, she pointed toward the mountains. “Between Marfa and the Chisos lies a region called Mitchell Flats. Since the 1800’s people have reported seeing unexplained lights hovering over the ground.”
“So, that’s what we’re going to see, spook lights?” He’d moved a little away from her, turning slightly to the side so he could run his fingers through her hair.
“Maybe, if we’re lucky.” She pushed her head back into his hand, tingles of awareness making her achingly aware of him.
“I intend to get lucky,” Ten whispered in her ear.
Molly laughed. “The state has built an observation deck, it’s quite family friendly.”
“In other words, we might not be alone,” he grumbled.
Putting on her blinker, she pointed at the round brick structure with the adjacent pavilion. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s around, but it’s a popular spot.”
“And it’s dark, that’s good.” He got out at the same time she did and met her in the front of her truck. “Come on, this is exciting.”
He held her hand as they crossed the gravel parking area. “This part of the world probably isn’t as exciting to you as the Austin area. Isn’t it known as the Live Music Capital of the World?”
“Yes, but who I’m with is what excites me, not where we go.”
“Oh, oh, you’re good.” She let him hug her close as they made their way through the dark to the viewing seats in the back of the observation platform.
“I hope you allow me the opportunity to prove how good,” he whispered as they settled down on a bench and began to stare out into the vast darkness. “Now, what am I looking for?”
“Watch out into the darkness. Sometimes balls of light appear out of nowhere.” She kept her voice low and mysterious. “Just keep your eyes on the horizon.”
“We’re alone. If I keep my eyes on the horizon, can I keep my hands on you?” An unmistakable shiver of arousal skated over her skin. He turned sideways on the bench, straddling it, pulling her between his legs. “Now we can both watch and I can play.” He waited until she scooted back against him before enclosing her in his arms. Moving her hair to one side, he began to kiss her neck.
“Do you think this is wise, McCoy?”
“I think it’s necessary, Molly-mine.”
She tilted her head side-ways, whimpering a little as he kissed and sucked on the tender skin over her collarbone. “You sure know how to turn a girl’s head.” Her comment was teasing but the underlying truth couldn’t be denied. One of his big hands rested on her waist, the other collared her throat, caressing the soft skin above her breasts. “We’re going to miss the light show, an alien space ship could land in front of us and we wouldn’t see it.”
“You’re much more fun than any old alien.” His breath fanned over her skin. “Give me those sweet lips.” He turned her head
to the side and leaned in to kiss her, deep drugging kisses that left them both breathless.
Molly pulled away to take a breath and a glow in the distance caught her eye. “Look, Ten,” she whispered.
He lifted his lips from the soft skin beneath her ear to behold three or four dancing white and blue orbs in the distance. They seemed to be about the size of basketballs. Moving up and down, they would merge, then separate. “Holy hell,” he murmured. “Look at that.”
Nestling back into his arms, they watched together. “The Indians thought they were stars that fell from heaven. Cowboys assumed them to be the glow from Apache campfires. Now, people think they’re everything from aliens to ghosts to atmospheric conditions brought about by gradient differences in temperature between the ground and the air above it,” she explained in a low voice.
“Whatever it is, it’s cool as heck.” While they observed the unique phenomenon, his hands were never still. He caressed her arms from fingers to shoulder, stealing kisses from her cheek and throat.
She luxuriated in the attention, running her palms over the strong muscles of his legs that she had massaged earlier in the day. But when his fingers drew closer to her breasts, she placed her hands over his, calling a halt to his caresses. “Tennessee, I don’t think we should.”
Tennessee closed his eyes, seeking control. His body was raging with lust. He was so aroused it was painful. “Why, baby? We want one another.”
She couldn’t deny the truth of his statement. “Yes, but you’re leaving and I’ll never see you again. I’m not the kind of girl to…” her voice trailed off.
Tennessee felt like he’d been hit with a ton of bricks. “You’re right.” She stiffened when he agreed. “You’re aren’t that kind of girl. You’re classy, a lady. The sexiest woman I’ve ever known, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be treated with anything less than the greatest care.” He tightened his arms around her when she would’ve pulled away. “But you’re also wrong. I want to see you again. I need to see you again, and I will.”