by Rose Verde
“I don’t think so. It’s either you are good at what you do or you’re not.”
“Meaning you learned ranching overnight?” He pinned her with those eyes for minutes. “I think not. I want what’s best for your son and I need your support on this.”
He rose. “You want to talk to him?”
“If you are agreeable.”
A reluctant smile lifted his lips, lighting his eyes. His face transformed before her eyes and she wondered what he would look like if he really smiled.
Not that inspiring a smile in Mr. Caruthers was any business of hers.
CHANCE LISTENED AS Samantha encouraged Andy as they worked on the single letter cards made up of vowels and consonants they were learning that week. The first few days were like swimming a rough tide. Andy was resistant at first, but Sam had been firm, yet gentle.
The realization that his own definition of firmness may not have been correct bugged him. Every day Andy stayed over in detention earned him loss of TV privileges. But what could he have done when the boy wouldn’t say why he got into a fight every day?
He’d heard Sam pray with him at the end of their classes. Maybe that was another part that was missing. Hopefully, he’d stop breaking his toys in retaliation.
Chance slapped the ledger close. That was all he could do around the house and it was driving him up the wall having to look it over and over again. Besides quick checks to the maternity pen and overseeing his ranch hands, he felt stuck. Thank God for his hardworking, dedicated foreman. He’d kept on all of his father’s ranch staff so as not to disturb anyone’s routine, and it’d served him in good stead for the past three years.
Yet, he couldn’t leave things in their hands indefinitely. He needed to stop hanging around. At first, it’d been the fear of trusting his son to a stranger, and then he’d wanted to see what magic she would do with the boy.
You’ve grown cynical, his older sister’s voice played in his head.
Chance pressed the bridge of his nose. It was hard not to. He’d had a lot to deal with forever—his mom bailing before he was ten, his dad working from dawn to dusk making Chance hate the ranch. Then he’d decided he wanted something else. He got it in the form of Teresa and an accounting degree. Both had been flushed down the drain with his dad’s illness. Here he was contending with a child that needed special attention he didn’t know how to start giving.
His phone rang and Chance checked the ID to see his sister’s smiling face on the screen. He accepted the call, but knowing Samantha was just next door, he walked down the hallway to his bedroom and pushed the door shut. “Hey, Si.”
“I was beginning to wonder if you realized you accepted my call. I’ve said hello three times already. Did you hear them at all?”
Chance dropped in bed and flopped on his back. “I did.”
“How are things going on with Andy and his teacher?”
“Still too early to say. Good thing though, he’d taken to her easily, at least better than I expected. So, we’ll see.”
“And his angry spells?”
“None in the past couple of days. But, I feel like I’m holding my breath and waiting.”
His sister laughed softly. “You’re always too serious. Relax. I know how scary his sudden outbursts can be. But, he’s in a familiar environment and... I did some background check on your teacher.”
“No, you did not.” He sat up in bed.
“I needed to put your heart at rest, little brother.”
“I thought mischievous streaks ended when people got married?”
She laughed. “You don’t lose yourself just because you are married.”
He definitely lost himself in the years he was trying to care for his dad and keep his wife happy too. As painful as their divorce was, though he was able to finally face a couple of things—care for his dad, ranch and child, he didn’t feel like he was losing it anymore.
“How’s calving coming on?”
“Great. Except that the past couple of days, I’ve hardly had anything done. I’m home for the better part of the day.”
“Why’s that?”
“I’m here when she’s here and then when she leaves, I’m here with Andy. I feel like I may have bitten off more than I can chew.”
His sister was silent for a moment. “If you have to stay while she’s there and then after she’s gone, then you have a problem on your hands. You leave Andy in school all day and trust he’d be okay. What’s up with you hanging around?”
He didn’t answer.
“Chance, I know how things have been with you for a long time, but, you need to trust that Andy will be fine. That way, you can get things done.”
“I know.”
After a moment, she said, “Are you even the least curious as to what I found?” she asked with a small laugh.
“I’m supposed to be busy, sis. As long as she’s not a serial killer, I’m perfectly fine.” But curiosity was getting the best of him. Yet he resisted the urge to ask.
“So, you’re not even a tiny bit interested?” she sounded disappointed.
“Okay, what did you find?”
“She’s twenty-six. Recently divorced. Her last student happened to be the daughter of a friend of a friend. So, when Jad found out, I called the girl’s mom up and spoke with her.”
“Jad is in on this? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I mentioned your concerns to him. Jad has always loved amateur detectiving. That’s not even a word.”
Chance could see her rolling her eyes. His brother-in-law was a crazy fun loving guy. “I’m glad I can lay my fears to rest now, sis.” He tried to infuse some sarcasm in his words.
“You’re welcome.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for your help.”
“Any day. We’re still looking forward to coming. Once Jad has all his itinerary in place, I’ll let you know, soon. Are you looking to get someone until your housekeeper comes back?”
“Maybe not right away. Whatever you do, make sure Jad comes here from his trip. That way, I can have you guys around, someone to clean, scrub and take care of Andy for a while.”
“Then I change my mind. There’s no way I’m coming to work. I’m supposed to come and rest, enjoy the outdoors.”
“Ugh!” He chuckled. “You also haven’t stopped being lazy.”
She laughed. Sierra had always thought ranch life was too difficult. He’d followed in her footsteps, went off to college, got a degree and a white collar job. She’d been more fortunate than him. Not that he’d change anything. He believed that God worked the best. He didn’t like certain things in his life, yet, he wouldn’t change them. Not that he could, even if he tried. “I got to go, talk to you soon.”
“Sure.” Seconds later, he stepped out of his bedroom and went into the living room. Andy came to him, an index card in his hand. “Dad, I’m learning this.”
Chance took the card and looked at it. The word ‘look’ was written on it and L on the backside. He ruffled the boy’s head. “That’s great. You’ve done well in a week and it’s amazing.”
The boy beamed. When Chance looked up, he encountered the teacher’s hazel gaze and a smile that carved deep dimples in her cheek. He gave himself a mental shake. Beautiful, yeah. Self-assured, yeah. But right from her pointed boots—which replaced that ridiculously thin soled thing she wore the other time—to the elegantly styled brown waves that cascaded mid-back, it screamed, ‘does not belong here.”
He’d noticed that the first time that she didn’t wear a ring and he’d assumed she was probably not married. Finding out she was divorced was nothing he expected. He wasn’t the only one unlucky in love after all. If anyone told him he and Teresa’s marriage would head for the rocks, talk less of hitting the rocks, he’d call them a liar. They were so in love, or so he thought.
Samantha turned away, her focus on arranging some colored cards together. What was her own story? He shook his head. Curiosity they said killed the cat. Best to keep things p
rofessional. “I’m going out for a bit. When you’re ready to leave, give me a holler.”
Sam leaned back on her haunches. “You don’t mean to tell me you don’t have a housekeeper. I haven’t seen one since.”
“That’s because Nelly’s husband had a stroke two weeks ago and I gave her time away. I have someone who comes over on the weekend to clean and do stuff. The rest of the week, we get by.”
A look entered her eyes. Admiration? He almost snorted.
“Okay. I’m still around for a couple more hours.”
When he turned to go, she said, “I see a keyboard in the study.”
He faced her, his brows raised in question.
“Don’t look that suspicious. We needed some colors and Andy told me you had some.”
Could she read him? He’d been wondering whether she was traipsing round his house in his absence. “What about the keyboard?”
“I’m thinking of teaching him to play while we rest from studying.”
“You play keyboard?”
“Amateur player, yes. Enough to give him distraction.”
“You can.”
Chance lingered a few moments more. But she’d already turned to her ward.
Somehow, he figured out he had a lot to know about this brunette.
What else did she know how to do?
When he turned to go, she excused herself and gestured for him to step out. He did and waited for her to reach him.
“You really need to stop hanging around like I’m going to kidnap your son.”
He opened his mouth but couldn’t think of anything to say.
“Don’t even try to deny it. You’ve spent the last few days watching me. Unless you’re telling me there’s nothing to do on your ranch.”
He raised his brow. “Are you always this direct?”
“No. But,” she pointed between herself and him. “This partnership thing with you and I, as far as your son is concerned, can only work on trust. Even Andy has commented on your not leaving the house. I may not have forever with your son, and I’m all for you getting involved in his learning. You’re not doing that hiding next door.”
Chance huffed, but his admiration for the sassy woman in front of him rose. “I’m not hiding.”
“Then stay in with us or go work.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re so bossy. I’m not your student.”
A small smile played on her lips. “I have work to do.”
She turned for the door and then said over her shoulder. “You could be my student.”
Chance chuckled and went out of the house.
Chapter Five
Sam came out of her house and stuttered to a stop. Todd, her ex, climbed out of his car and nearly stumbled. He gave her a huge smile and staggered against his red Porsche. Going back in wasn’t an option. He’d made it a point of duty to come to her house every other day. She’d had to always check through her window before she came out. How had she chosen to come out at that point and not checked?
For how long was she going to do this? She squared her shoulders and walked to her car. He came after her and the hairs on her body stood on high alert. Fight or flight had been conditioned into her in the course of their marriage.
“Wait up, Sam. I want to talk to you.”
“I’m busy, Todd. This is a bad time.” She tried to slip her key into the lock and missed it. Her hand shook and her palms had gone clammy. At six in the evening, most people were home and resting. The street was deserted.
She finally worked the key in while praying. She wasn’t supposed to still be living in fear after getting out from under his claws. But she knew why. The police who weren't any help. Todd’s father was the chief of police. Todd was a policeman too. She wasn’t sure if his recent drinking habit was known at work. But he’d gotten away with everything he did to her. What else?
Before she could close the door, he grabbed onto it.
“Baby, listen to me. I’m sorry. I want you to come back home. I promise I will not raise my hand against you, ever.”
“You’re drunk. Stay away from me, please.” Her voice shook as she tried to pull the door out of his grasp but he wouldn’t let go.
“I swear I won’t touch another drink if you come home.”
What part of the fact that they were divorced did he not understand? Good thing though. He’d signed in a fit of rage and she was free of him forever. She suspected his father had something to do with it. She didn’t know the whole story. She wasn’t sure what she’d have done if he hadn’t appended his signature on the document. “Your swearing doesn’t mean anything to me. You swore not to hit me when you broke my ribs, and you swore when you kicked me in the belly and I lost our baby. You swore—”
“I know baby. I promise, this time. It’s for real. We can get help together.”
The scar on her side contracted, screaming in protest. She didn’t know if it was psychology, but whatever it was, the scar was the thing that showed her she would one day not make it alive out of his house.
Run as fast as you can, her friend’s voice played in her head. “Let go of my door. I’ve got to go.”
He held onto the door, still pleading. She was tired of hearing them. She wiped her eyes. “Your plea is not going to do anything and I’m not going to do any counselling with you. I’m done. Leave this door or—”
“You’ll call the police?” he asked with a snarl.
For once, she was almost overcome with thinking he was sincere, but for the look on his face. She’d be stupid to think he changed. “I’ll scream and the whole neighborhood will come out. Maybe the police would be forced to do something then,” she said with more bravado than she was feeling. “I’m sure your father would love that.”
That finally got through to him.
“You haven’t seen the end of me,” he screamed, spittle flying in her face. “It’s me or no one else.”
She slammed her door and stepped on the gas, screeching out of there. Sam drove a couple of blocks and pulled to the side. She placed her head on the steering wheel and waited for the shaking to cease. This was the first time he was threatening her since he’d been begging her to come back to him. She should’ve recorded it. The police always wanted proof and there she was with nothing to show them.
Who was she deceiving? Even if she did record it, somehow they found a way to discount her evidence. Okay, God. This, I can’t handle. I need Your help!
Within a second, she felt warmth envelop her like a hug. She broke down then and wept like she hadn’t in a long time. I don’t want to live in fear anymore, Lord. I need You to come through for me. Minutes passed and gradually, her tears ceased. The shaking too. How had her life gotten so complicated?
She reached behind and grabbed the tissue box. After wiping her eyes, she reached to the mirror on the passenger side to check her face. Chris was going to see through her as soon as she showed her face. Sam was tempted to cancel her appointment with her friends, but the fear of going back, just in case Todd still hung around, made her put her car in drive and make it to the restaurant.
She walked into the restaurant ten minutes later. Seeing Chris and her husband, she forced a cheerful smile on her face. “I’m so sorry I kept you guys waiting.”
“No worries. You’re here now. How was your day?” Chris asked, rising to give her a hug.
“Good.” She hugged Keith too, and then slipped into the seat across from her friend’s.
Keith placed the spiral bound sheaf of papers between them. The waiter, a young girl who looked to be in her twenties came over, her red ponytail bouncing. She placed their latte on the table.
“Are you okay, hon?” Chris asked.
“Sure.” She smiled. She didn’t want to be anybody’s burden. She’d been that, especially to her friend’s family for a long time. But she wasn’t only healing physically, she was stronger. “I kept you both hungry. Let’s order. Salad for me.”
Keith signaled the waiter and they placed
their orders.
“Coming right up,” the young woman said and left them.
Keith relaxed back. “So, how was your day?” he asked like he usually would.
“Great. I’m working with another child now. Requires me to drive out of town to his dad’s ranch. It’s great to escape the hustle and bustle of town.”
“That’s awesome.” Chris was still studying her closely. “I told you he would get back to you. That means you’re not travelling anymore?”
“Not right away. Mr. Caruthers wants me to work with him for the next four months to see if we’re a good fit. If he thinks we are, then I may not be travelling anytime soon. But if not, I’ll take my vacation, and reevaluate what I want to do by the time I return.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Keith said.
Their meals were delivered and as they ate, they talked back and forth. “How’s Lauren?” Sam asked about Chris’s four year old daughter.
“She’s doing great! My mom is babysitting.”
“She always loves her grandma,” Sam said, her mind still on Todd.
Chris dabbed her lips and set the napkin on the table. “The love is mutual,” she said with a smile. “If for any reason, your arrangement with Chance doesn’t work, you could come with us on a cruise. My sister was supposed to go with us, but she got a new job. Her dream job, by the way, and she won’t make it. We haven’t canceled yet, just in case we have a last minute arrangement.”
“That’d be great. I’ll definitely let you know.”
“It also works great because schools will be out then and you can actually get away.”
“Awesome. I’ll take note of that.”
Gradually talks went to other things. A cruise would actually be awesome. Chance had yet to say anything about her time with his son. In the last two weeks, his suspicion seemed to have gone down a bit. He even left the house as soon as she showed. Maybe he was beginning to trust her. Yet it was too early to tell.
“I’ve read through the manuscript. Agreed it will need a little bit of reworking but I admire his talent. Did he have any script writing experience?” Keith was an acquiring editor for a major publishing company.