“Me too,” Hank said.
She glanced across at him, appearing slightly annoyed. “There’s nothing wrong with me,” she said sounding testy. “I’m just making sure everything is done that needs to be done.” She reluctantly sat back down again.
Jonah had no sooner closed his eyes than she was up and about again. He reached out and grabbed her hand as she walked past. “Faith,” he whispered, pulling her closer. “What is going on?”
He didn’t mean to sound annoyed, but he was concerned for her. She had worked non-stop all day, and now that it was evening, she was still trying to work.
She looked down at him, then at their entwined hands. “I’m not used to having spare time,” she whispered, obviously hoping no one else would hear.
“I’m off to bed,” Martha suddenly announced. “Goodnight everyone,” she said as she left the room.
“We’re off too,” Hank said, staring out the other two workers.
Jonah was glad for their hindsight in understanding he wanted some privacy with Faith.
When the room was finally cleared, he sat up, now wide awake, and indicated for her to sit down opposite him. “I have no idea what you’ve been through,” he said quietly, still holding her work-worn hands. “But I can tell life has not been kind to you.”
She averted her eyes as he spoke and he knew the conversation was an uncomfortable one for her. “The last thing I want is for you to work yourself to an early grave.”
Faith squirmed in her seat and still refused to look at him, causing him even more frustration. “Faith,” he said quietly, then gently held her chin and turned her to face him.
“Are you sending me away,” she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.
“What? No.” He frowned. Why would she even think that? “It’s the last thing I want.” He reached out and wiped away a tear as it trickled down her face. “Already your presence here has made my life easier. Not to mention the twins adore you.”
He stared into those sad brown eyes, and it made his heart ache. What she’d endured he could only imagine, but it was obvious none of it was good.
The loathsome black bruise on her face was slowly turning purple and would take some time to fade away completely. It was a pity the recollections of her former life would never disappear from her memory.
A slight smile formed on her face. “Really?”
He sighed. “Really. What I want from you, is for you to slow down. Do less.” She glanced away again.
“I, I’m not sure I can.” Her voice began to crack, and he realized he’d pushed her too hard. If her life had been as difficult as he believed, she’d likely been programmed to work non-stop. It would be difficult to change that mentality.
Sitting on the edge of the sofa, holding hands like this, he felt a comfort he’d not felt for a very long time. He wanted nothing less than for her to sit next to him and snuggle in.
He longed to hold her close, but knew he shouldn’t. Faith had come here to work for him, not to have a relationship with him.
She suddenly stood. “I need to tidy up before I go to bed,” she said quietly, and headed toward the kitchen.
He stared up at her. It was going to be a long hard process to bring her back to anything like normality. He wasn’t convinced it was even possible.
“Faith,” he called gently. “Let me help you.”
She stared at him for long moments in the firelight, and he was convinced she would refuse his offer. Finally she nodded and continued on her way. He followed two steps behind until they reached the kitchen.
He glanced about. There was almost nothing to be done. There was only the handful of mugs they’d used for their coffee and the platter which held the remainder of the oat cookies. His heart shattered. She’d been conditioned to be nothing less than a slave.
She poured water from the kettle into the sink, and washed the few mugs there. He dried and put them away.
As she turned away from the sink he noticed the tears pouring down her face. “Faith? What’s wrong?”
She shook her head as if to dismiss him. “No one has ever helped me before,” she said in a whisper. He pulled her to him and she cried against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, and hers slid up his back.
Warmth flooded his entire body and he knew in that moment he was right where he wanted to be. He also knew just because he wanted it, did not mean it was right.
He kissed the top of her head, wishing it was her lips he was kissing. Her arms slowly slid from around him and she pushed herself away. “I’m sorry,” she said, then ran from his arms to her bedroom.
He heard the door close quietly behind her. Adrenaline rushed through his body and he knew he had no hope of sleeping now.
He poured himself another coffee and shrugged on his heavy coat, then went outside into the cold night air. Perhaps that would force some sense into him.
Hank stood outside the bunkhouse smoking. He crunched his cigarette with his boot and wandered over. “Is it that bad, boss?” His voice held some mirth, which only managed to annoy Jonah.
“No,” he answered. “It is far worse.”
~*~
Faith woke at the crack of dawn as she always did.
The memory of being held by Jonah sent warmth shimmering through her. She’d never been held like that before, never been comforted by anyone except her mother, and now she was gone.
But it was different with Jonah. It wasn’t like the sort of hugs her mother had given her. This hug seemed to have a special meaning. Not like a regular hug, a feel better hug. This one seemed to send some sort of message.
If she didn’t know better, Faith would think it was Jonah’s way of telling her he had feelings for her. And not just the type a boss had for his housekeeper.
She lay in bed as she contemplated all of this information. It was all very new to her, and she wasn’t even convinced it was true.
Until now she’d denied her feelings toward Jonah. He was her boss after all, and that was the way it had to stay. She was here to clean house, cook, and look after his adorable children, nothing more.
She pulled the bedding higher and snuggled in for just a moment, then felt guilty for not getting out of bed immediately. It was what she should have done the moment she awoke.
She glanced around the room – she might have only been here a matter of days, but it already felt like home. Faith slid out of bed and dressed, then threw back the drapes.
This time of day was special and she adored it. Serenity surrounded her, and she took comfort in it.
She brushed her hair then pinned it up, ready for the new day. As she stared through her bedroom window, the sun began to rise from behind the mountains. Nature was incredible, and she would never get enough of it.
But alas, she must. She had a full day ahead of her, and needed to get started. As quietly as she could manage, Faith tiptoed down the hallway toward the kitchen, then stoked the wood fire stove, getting the fire burning ready for breakfast. She filled the kettle and turned toward the main fire.
That was when she noticed him.
Jonah sat close to the fire, in the very chair he’d sat in last night. He was asleep, a half-filled mug of coffee balancing in his his lap. The fire was barely alight.
Dare she go over there and get the fire burning properly?
It was chilly, as it always was at this time of the morning. It was after all, winter. She quietly made her way toward the fire and used the fire iron to stir up some of the embers, keeping the noise level low. She glanced back over her shoulder to check she hadn’t disturbed Jonah and found him staring down at her.
“I, I’m sorry,” she said guiltily. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
He pulled himself up to a proper sitting position. “I was half awake already,” he said, placing the mug on a side table. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”
She stared at him. “Did you even go to bed?” Now she felt even more guilty. Was she the cause of his u
nrest? That sounded vain and she admonished herself.
Jonah sat there staring at her. Watching her every move. “No. No, I didn’t.”
She frowned and he continued to stare. “Why not?” She shifted under his intense scrutiny, then glanced away. “Sorry, that’s not my business,” she said quietly.
The fire was beginning to take hold, and she threw a small log onto the flames. “Here, let me,” he said, as he came beside her and squatted to her level.
His body warmth surrounded her and she wanted nothing more than to be held by him. But that was the last thing she should be thinking. Her mind was fighting with the demands of her body. Jonah had comforted her in her time of need – there was nothing more to it.
At least that’s what she told herself.
He worked the fire until he got it burning properly, then turned to face her. “About last night…”
She turned away from him and stood. The last thing she needed was to analyze what happened. She swallowed hard and glanced down at him. “It was nothing,” she said flippantly. “I was upset, you comforted me.”
He stared at her momentarily. Did he see through her façade? “There was far more to it than that.” She watched as he licked his lips then swallowed hard. “At least there was for me.”
As there was for her, but Faith had no intention of admitting it. She’d come here to escape her abusive father. Nothing more.
If she and Jonah became romantically involved, what then? Would he simply discard her when he’d had enough of her? She knew for certain if they did become involved and it didn’t work out, she’d have to leave.
She wouldn’t want to stay anyway if he broke her heart. Right now she was vulnerable, she knew it was true. Perhaps this was all born out of her vulnerability than anything else.
He shifted his stance and she was suddenly aware of the intensity of his gaze as he waited for her answer. When she didn’t, he spoke. “I don’t believe you.” His words were a challenge and they both knew it.
“Then I don’t know what to tell you,” she said quietly, and turned to walk away. He gently caught her arm and pulled her back to him. She glanced up into his unshaven face and his disheveled hair. His eyes bore into her until she wrenched her eyes away.
“I, I can’t do this,” she said softly.
He looked suddenly saddened. “Is it me?” he asked gently. “I thought there was something between us?” He continued to stare at her and she melted under his gaze.
“It’s not you. I, I…” How did she even say it? “I’ve never been held by a man before. It scares me.”
His gaze deepened, then he grinned. Suddenly his arms reached out and pulled her closer. “Don’t be scared,” he said gently. “It can be a beautiful thing.”
She glanced up at him, at his uncharacteristic state of unkemptness and stared. He was a handsome man, there was no doubt about it. “Faith,” he whispered, as if warning her something was about to happen, then leaned down and kissed her.
Her heart pounded and her head exploded. No one had told her how special a man’s kiss could be.
The kiss was gentle, and his lips were warm. He tasted of coffee and smelled of smoke from the fire. His arms tightened, and despite being terrified about the whole situation, she felt truly at home with Jonah.
He wouldn’t harm her, she was certain of that, and finally relaxed into him. He pulled away and gazed at her. “Everything alright?” he whispered.
She managed a tiny smile. “Everything is perfect,” she said, and he kissed her again.
Chapter Seven
The kettle boiled and Faith set out the coffee mugs. As the men poured into the house, she began to dish out their breakfasts – scrambled eggs with bacon, sausages, and toast.
Jonah had sat her down and gone through a few things with her before anyone else was up and about. He talked about her slowing down. Everything did not have to be done at once, or on the same day.
She could sit and rest whenever she wanted; he didn’t expect her to work non-stop all day. And she absolutely did not have to make coffee for anyone. If she kept the water hot in the kettle, he’d be happy.
It was a far cry from what she’d been forced to do since she was barely a teenager.
She put a filled plate in front of each man, Jonah included. He glanced up and smiled at her. Faith felt the heat rise up her cheeks, and backed away from the table. He reached out and held her hand, then kissed the back of it.
She’d never been more embarrassed in her life.
Or perhaps she had. Either way the snickers from the three workers had her retreating. “Fellas,” Jonah warned, his voice stern, and the taunting ended immediately.
When Faith sat at the table with her own meal, they said a blessing. Jonah’s touch sent a shiver through her, making it hard to concentrate on the words he was saying.
“This is good,” Hank said, his mouth half-full.
Percy agreed. “Don’t tell Martha, but you are a far better cook than she is.” He glanced up at Jonah, suddenly worried.
“I agree,” Jonah said, a grin on his face. “But I wouldn’t dare tell my mother.” He glanced back over his shoulder to ensure she wasn’t there. He sighed with relief when she wasn’t.
“Should I expect you mid-morning today, or are you working farther away?” Faith glanced around the table, but everyone had their mouths full.
“We’re working in the front paddock this morning. We’ll be in for coffee, probably around nine.” Jonah gulped down the last of his coffee and stood. “Breakfast was wonderful,” he said. “Thank you.”
“Oats most mornings becomes a bit monotonous,” Rory added, then swallowed down the last of his coffee too.”
“Plates in the sink, fellas. Faith is not your slave.” Jonah glanced across at her and winked, reassuring her it was not a problem. He walked over to her, and kissed her on the cheek, then pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her.
“Jonah,” she whispered fiercely. “People are watching.”
Instead of answering, he covered her mouth with his and a shudder went through her. “I know,” he whispered back when he’d finished kissing her. “See you in a few hours.”
She really wanted to wipe that smirk off his face, and the best way to do that was to kiss him. But the men were already staring and grinning, so she decided to refrain. Besides, she still hadn’t convinced herself she should be having a relationship with her boss.
With everyone gone, the house felt suddenly empty.
If she was truthful, it seemed that way because Jonah had gone. In the short time she’d been here, Faith had become accustomed to his presence.
She turned to the sink and began to prepare to wash the dishes. She poured in the boiling water from the kettle, which she quickly refilled, added the soap then some cold water so she didn’t scald herself. Back home she had to go outside to pump the water, then cart heavy buckets of water into the house. Not once did Father or Martin help. They were too busy on the path to drunkenness.
Jonah’s home had plumbing installed. She didn’t even have to go outside for the privy. Everything was here in the house. She couldn’t believe her luck.
She finished cleaning up the kitchen, then prepared a batter to make a pound cake to serve with the morning coffee.
It was in the oven cooking nicely and the children were still not awake, so Faith took Jonah’s advise and made herself a mug of tea. She stoked the wood fire stove and threw in some more fuel, then sat down next to the fire in the sitting room.
She took a sip of tea, then leaned back and sighed.
How long had it been since she’d had a break like this? Thinking back, she realized it had never happened before. From the age of twelve, around the time her mother had died, Faith had been nothing but a slave to her ungrateful family.
Not only that, her father had sought outside work for her the moment she left school, and she’d been cleaning other people’s homes ever since. It was nice to finally have a break.
She knew it wouldn’t be for long, since it was almost the time the twins awoke each morning. Once they did, they’d have her on her toes until their early afternoon nap time.
According to Jonah, that was a perfect time for her to take a break or have a nap as well.
All these changes to her routine had her head spinning. Even now, Faith felt there must be something she should be doing, but she promised Jonah she would resist the urge to work non-stop.
She took the last mouthful of her tea, and headed back to the kitchen to check on the cake. Opening the door just a fraction, she could see the cake was not quite ready, and closed the door again.
Without warning, the twins came running from their room toward her. “Faith!” They smashed into her legs, almost sending her toppling. She regained her balance, and leaned down to wrap her arms around them.
They had brought so much joy into her life, and Faith was more than pleased she had taken the risk to come all the way here to the Mountain Ridge Ranch. It was certainly a wonderful place to bring up children.
“Good morning,” she said, then straightened up. “Your breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Sit down and have some milk.” She poured the milk, this time giving them only half a cup each. Faith had learned the hard way, a full cup was far too much for them to handle.
She stirred their oats, then dished it out into a bowl. “It’s a little hot yet, so be very careful.”
Cora and Leo nodded their little heads. “Can we make muffins today,” Cora asked, her little face full of hope. “We didn’t do it yesterday.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. After breakfast, and when you are dressed, we’ll make muffins.”
“Yay!” they both shouted, then tucked into their breakfast.
Once the kitchen was clean, she helped the twins choose their clothes and get dressed. They disappeared out of sight while she made their beds. Surely they would be fine for a few minutes alone.
Her pace quickened as she got closer to the kitchen and it was far too quiet. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight before her.
Rescuing the Rancher Page 5