Bells and Whistles

by Liza Kay

  “Hey, Charlie.” Jamie looked up from his chicken pot pie. “Your style reminds me of a certain superhero who recently lost his long hair. It really suits you.”

  Charlie beamed, her eyes sparkling. “It does! Yes.” She made a fist-pump before stuffing another fry in her mouth. “I had my hair cut for Halloween. Uncle Ben got me a really cool Thor costume online. He even painted himself green and went trick or treating with me as my funny side kick.”

  “Ben cool uncle,” Ben said in a deep voice while he made a dumb face.

  Jamie laughed. “That’s seriously bad ass.”

  Charlie giggled. “Grandma had a fit over my hair. She says little girls have to have long hair to be pretty.” She made an icky face as she stabbed one of her nuggets. “Ben said I can look however the hell I want.”

  “He’s right.” Jamie’s admiration for Ben grew with each passing hour. The man was too perfect to be real. He probably had a dungeon full of kinky toys. On the other hand, that wouldn’t make him any less perfect. Just more interesting and forbidden.

  Ben’s cheeks were pink. He cleared his throat while he wiped burger grease off his chin. The paper napkin left fuzz in his short beard. “It’s more important to me that Charlie feels comfortable and happy than to fulfil any social expectations on how she has to behave or look.”

  Jamie let out a little sigh. If only his dad would take a page out of Ben’s book. Yes, Ben’s house was an utter mess and he seemed overwhelmed at times, but he had a heart of gold. Not only was Jamie’s attraction for Ben growing, but so was his guilty conscience. On the bus ride Jamie had convinced himself lying to Ben wouldn’t be too hard. But witnessing what a good guy he was, Jamie felt horrible.

  Jamie stabbed a pea and slid it into his mouth.

  “Not hungry?” Ben sounded concerned.

  “Just tired, I guess.” Jamie forced a smile. “When does Charlie have to be in bed?”

  “No more school until the next year. It’s almost Christmas, Janie.” She grinned evilly. “Means as of tomorrow, I’m yours all day long.”

  Jamie must’ve looked horrified, because Ben laughed and nudged his shoulder. “Don’t panic. You two will be busy preparing the house for Christmas.” He pointed a fry at Charlie. “No shenanigans, young lady. I expect you to keep to the regular bedtime. Oh! Janie, we’ll need a ton of groceries now that you’ll be cooking decent meals for us.”

  Charlie groaned and flopped back in her seat. “Shopping.”

  Jamie didn’t know what frightened him more. The idea of having Charlie with him all day, or cooking. Probably the cooking, since Charlie seemed pretty chill. His night promised to be a short one, since he had to search for a meal plan online and jerk off to calm his libido. Maybe more than once.

  Ben turned slightly in his seat. “Remind me to give you money for groceries and the car keys later.”

  “That’s not a joke. Ben is horribly forgetful.” Charlie ate the last of her nuggets. “For a whole week he forgot to turn on the dishwasher. I had to drink my milk out of a whiskey tumbler.”

  “Traitor,” Ben snapped. “You didn’t turn it on either.”

  Charlie’s eyes rounded. “I’m a kid.”

  Jamie smiled. “My mom wouldn’t let me help in the kitchen either because she thought I’d break something. But it’s important for both boys and girls to know how to keep a home from becoming a biohazard.” At least that was what Maria always said. He winked at Charlie. “We’ll make a list of chores and tackle them together, hm? I’ve found cleaning much easier with music. You can play your favorite music, and we’ll dance-clean.”

  Ben snorted. “Too bad I’ll be busy in the barn. I’d love to see you two dance-clean to Charlie’s music.”

  Charlie stuck out her tongue.

  Chapter Five

  Jamie shook his hips to Aretha singing about respect, mopping his way across the kitchen floor. He and Charlie had decided to tackle the kitchen first, since it was in a worse state than the rest of the house.

  He laughed when a singing Charlie twirled, fell against his side, and broke into fits of giggles. Jamie ruffled the girl’s short hair. “What do you think?”

  “It’s sparkling!” Charlie pumped her fists in the air and jumped like a boxer ready for a fight. She wore the red cape belonging to her Halloween costume, and Jamie had helped her apply two red stripes of makeup down the left side of her face. “Now all we need is to decorate for Christmas.” Mini-Thor obviously bubbled with energy.

  “Didn’t think it possible.” Jamie took in the clean counter tops and gleaming appliances. The dishwasher gurgled through the last of three rounds of dirty dishes. The other two loads were back in the cupboards where they belonged. Jamie leaned on the mop handle and took a deep breath. “I need a break before any decorating can happen. And we’re in desperate need of groceries.”

  Charlie opened the fridge. “You want a soda?”

  “Thank you, but I’ll make a tea.”

  “Do you know how to make hot chocolate from scratch? Uncle Ben only has the instant stuff.” She opened an orange soda for herself. “Grandma always made some for Christmas. I think her recipes must be in one of the drawers.”

  Jamie perked up. Family recipes? Preparing food Charlie and Ben already liked would be so much better than the stuff he’d found online last night. He stepped up beside Charlie, who rummaged through a drawer overflowing with knick-knacks. “We’ll have to tackle the drawers another day.”

  Charlie pulled out a book and handed it to Jamie. “That’s it.” She shuffled her feet. “Janie? Can I go to Delilah for a while? She’s used to getting a treat the same time every day.”

  Since Jamie was eager to go through the book before he left with Charlie for the grocery store, he nodded. “Sure. I’ll check out your gran’s recipes and make a list.”

  Charlie beamed. “Cool. Come and find me in the barn once you’re done. I wanna introduce you to Delilah.” She turned and ran out of the back door in the blink of an eyes, her cape fluttering behind her.

  Shaking his head, Jamie disposed of the dirty water and put the cleaning supplies away. He made himself a cup of peppermint tea, then sat down at the kitchen table. Jamie opened a shopping app on his cell and placed it beside the book so he could type in what he needed right away. He was so engrossed in leafing through the recipes that he didn’t hear the door open and close behind him.

  “Hmm, I love a shoulder of pork.”

  Jamie squealed and jumped from the chair. He stumbled and fell into a hard wall of muscles that smelled weirdly familiar after such a short time. Jamie blinked up at a shocked looking Ben.

  Ben’s lips slowly quirked into a smile. “We really need to stop meeting like this.” Pulling Jamie tighter against his body, he straightened them both before he slowly let go.

  Jamie coughed and tugged at the end of his braid. “Yeah. Don’t sneak up on me, you light-footed... farmer.”

  Ben arched one eyebrow. “And what did you mean to really call me? Go on. Give it to me. I’m not easily offended.”

  Jamie burst out laughing. He couldn’t help himself. Ben was too cute. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, boss. So... pork shoulder?”

  Ben shrugged. He strode to the coffee machine on socked feet and busied himself. “Haven’t had it for a while. Of course, you can cook what you want.” He shot Jamie a look over his shoulder. “The kitchen looks great. I hope Charlie wearing her superhero getup today means she helped you?”

  “Yes. She’s taking a break with her cow.” Jamie focused on Ben’s feet. “You took off your shoes on the porch? You didn’t do that yesterday.”

  “Because yesterday the floors were dirty as fuck anyway. I’m not about to trample all over your hard work.” Ben pushed the button on the coffee maker and leaned his hip against the counter. “From now on we’ll take off our shoes on the porch or in the foyer.”

  Jamie smiled and sat back down. “Good idea.” He took a
sip of his tea. “Ben? About the groceries...”

  “Oh! Of course.” Ben pulled out his wallet and handed Jamie a wad of cash. “Here. That should be enough for food and the winter boots we talked about. Please get something sturdy and warm, okay? The car keys are at the board over there.” He pointed toward the back door. “Do you need anything else?”

  Jamie blinked rapidly and shook his head. Damn, Ben was the best.

  “Hey.” Ben placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly. “You always seem to be on guard with me, as though you’re afraid I’d toss you out or something.” He pulled out a chair and sat beside Jamie, taking his hand. “I like you. Charlie likes you. I’m glad you’re here.”

  Jamie cleared his throat, trying to ignore how good Ben’s fingers felt holding his hand. His hands were rough, and Jamie briefly wondered what touching other parts of his body would feel like. “But new boots? We haven’t known each other for more than two days.”

  Ben winked. “We all deserve Christmas presents.”

  “Boss?”

  Jamie yanked his hand from Ben’s and turned. The man standing in the door regarded him with a curious expression. He was nicely built, tall, with black hair and a short beard. Jamie guessed he was somewhere in his late twenties. He wore jeans and a thick jacket.

  Ben sighed. “Gene, this is Janie Spencer. Janie, Gene Tawse is one of my milkers and the one responsible for the maintenance on our machinery.” Ben gave him a stern glance. “If you want to come in, take off your shoes.”

  Gene frowned but toed off his boots before he stepped into the kitchen. When he held out his hand, Jamie took it and was surprised when the man lifted it to his lips and brushed his lips over Jamie’s knuckles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

  Ben coughed. “Ease up. Were you just curious to meet my nanny, or did you actually want something?”

  “Why are you jealous, Ben?” Gene grinned. “I heard the Duffs hired a new hand. A cute guy with red hair and a ton of freckles. Go and get him before one of the Duff boys snatches him up.” He focused on Janie. “So, you wouldn’t be free for dinner sometime this week, would you?”

  Jamie pulled his hand away and shook his head quickly. “What’s this? Farmer seeks spouse?” He laughed, since he didn’t want to offend Gene who seemed a nice man. But Jamie was only interested in one guy. A very unavailable guy who happened to be his boss. And who thought he had boobs. Jamie stood and straightened his dress. “I’m sorry, Mr. Tawse. I’m not looking for... companionship right now.”

  Ben snorted and lifted his hands when Gene glared at him. “Didn’t say a word.”

  Gene’s expression eased into a smile, and he shrugged. “Okay. I had to try. I’m actually here because Charlie the God of Thunder told me to go and meet her new cool friend and to tell Janie that she and Delilah are waiting for her.”

  Ben stood and briefly touched Jamie’s back. “I’ll come with you.” He chuckled. “You’re looking a little pale.”

  “Because cows are freaking huge.” Jamie waved his hand. “I mean, I saw a picture of one with a farmer beside it, and it looked pretty intimidating. Delilah is probably nice since she’s Charlie’s pet,” he added quickly when he saw Ben’s shocked expression.

  Gene snickered. “That beast is only nice to little Ms. Thor. Wait... you’ve never seen a cow outside of pictures or television?”

  “Nonsense.” Ben grabbed an old jacket from a hook beside the door and held it up for Jamie. “Here. You’ll be swimming in it, but it’s better than getting your good coat dirty.”

  Gene opened the door for them. “Hey, I can bring some of my sister’s stuff around for you, Janie. She left for college and doesn’t need her farm clothes anymore. You’re about the same size.”

  Jamie felt his face heat under Gene’s assessing gaze. “Thank you. That’s very generous of you, Mr. Tawse.” He slid into Ben’s huge jacket, then slipped on his sneakers that he’d left beside the back door.

  “Nah. Please, call me Gene.” Gene appeared sheepish as he waved him off. “We’re family here. Think nothing of it.”

  “Coffee is almost done, Gene. Bring us a cup, huh?” Ben led him outside on the porch where he stuffed his feet into his boots. “Sorry about that. I told him not to come on too strong. Gene went through a bad break-up recently and thinks getting back into the saddle sooner than later will help.”

  “Are there any nice break-ups?” Jamie slipped on a frozen puddle of water and smiled up at Ben when the man took his arm. “Thanks. I’m a such a clutz whenever I step into the big outdoors. Give me a ballet studio and I’m fine. Nature? Not so much. Living in Chicago, I should be used to ice and snow.”

  Ben shook his head and winked. “You’ll get used to all the snares that come with living on a farm. To answer your question, I never went through a nice break-up, though I have to admit my last relationship ended... about five years ago. He didn’t want a kid, and I always knew I’d take care of Charlie full time eventually. It was pretty messy. Since then I haven’t bothered.”

  “Just quick fun?” Jamie tried for a joke, but the thought of Ben with a random fling wasn’t pleasant.

  Ben snorted. “In Bloomington?”

  “Gene said something about a new hand? And obviously at least one Mr. Duff is gay.” Why did he keep pushing Ben toward other men? Was he nuts?

  “I met the new hand already. Not my type. And the Duff boy is a spoiled brat.” Ben stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets and focused on the ground while they walked.

  Jamie couldn’t help himself. He was so damn curious. Maria often accused him his middle name should be Nosy. “Who is your type?”

  Ben smirked. “Someone who doesn’t look like me. I’m not into muscles and broad shoulders.” He shook his head. “Give me a guy who’s slender, slim-hipped. I have a thing for pert asses, but long legs are my true weakness.” A blush spread over Ben’s whole face, and he coughed into his hand. “Sorry. That was probably more than you wanted to know.”

  Jamie forced a strained laugh. “It’s fine. I asked.” Internally, he cursed Maria for suggesting his whole charade, and himself for agreeing to her crazy plan. Sounded as though his true persona was exactly Ben’s type. Jamie was very proud of his legs. Years of rigorous ballet practice had formed them to perfection. He could hold onto Ben’s waist for hours if he wanted to. Thanks to his own stupidity, he’d fucked up his chances.

  Or hadn’t he? What if he came clean, told Ben the whole truth? Would Ben toss him out right away? Days before Christmas? Jamie didn’t even have enough money to take the bus back to Chicago.

  “That’s it.” Ben opened the barn door and led him inside.

  Warmth hit Jamie, and he quickly opened his borrowed jacket. “Oh, wow.” They stood in a middle aisle, with rows of boxes left and right. A couple of curious horses eyed them with what Jamie thought were relaxed expressions. But what did he know about horses? “Didn’t know you had horses. Why isn’t Delilah with the other cows? I expected a huge barn.”

  “The horses are working animals for me and the hands. Since Delilah is a pet cow, she lives with the horses, not the milk cows. It’s Charlie’s job to milk her before school, and again after school. We drink the fresh milk, but you might find the taste weird, since you’re not used to it.”

  Jamie nodded along, though he didn’t really understand what Ben was talking about. He didn’t want to ask how fresh milk was different from store-bought, afraid Ben would think him daft. Jamie slowly walked down the aisle, carefully keeping away from the horses who seemed intent to greet him with their velvety noses. “They’re freaking huge.”

  “But gentle.” Ben wrapped an arm around his waist and kept him close. “You can pet them. They won’t hurt you.”

  “Maybe another time. Let’s start with Delilah.”

  Ben’s soft chuckle sent warmth through Jamie. “Here she is.”

  They stepped into an open stall, where Charlie was busy mov
ing a brush over the side of a golden-brown monster. Jamie took a step back and bumped into Ben’s chest. Ben placed his hands on Jamie’s shoulders and whispered against his ear. “Shh. I won’t let anything happen to you. See how she lets Charlie groom her?”

  Jamie met Charlie’s gaze. The little girl grinned.

  “Isn’t she pretty? She’s the best cow in the world.” Charlie hugged the beast’s side as best as her short arms allowed and snuggled her face into that golden fur. “Uncle Ben gave her to me when I came to live with him and grandma. She was a tiny calf. So cute with her wobbly legs.”

  Jamie found it hard to believe that Delilah had been tiny. But he noticed the cow’s huge, gentle eyes and surprisingly long lashes. When Delilah turned her head and nudged Charlie’s side with her nose, Jamie relaxed a little and stepped out of Ben’s comforting hold. “Can I touch her?” Her fur looked really soft, and Jamie’s fingers itched to confirm it.

  “Sure.” Charlie grabbed Jamie’s hand and pulled him closer. “You can rub her neck. She loves that. But first hold your hand close to her nose so she can scent you.”

  “Um...” Jamie’s hand shook as he lifted it toward the cow. Her nose looked soft, but right underneath it was her mouth, and Jamie didn’t want to lose his hand. “She won’t bite me, right?”

  Charlie snorted. “Nah. She’s cool.”

  Jamie gasped when Delilah first nuzzled his hand, then licked her abrasive tongue over his fingers. “Ohhh. Okay, that’s weird.”

  Ben’s arm came around him, and he rubbed the side of Delilah’s face. “See? She’s used to getting touched. Charlie spoils her rotten, and it shows in her personality.” Ben nudged him forward. “Go on and place your hand on her side.”

  “Here.” Charlie pushed the brush into his hands. “I’ll go and get her some treats.” Charlie left Ben and Jamie alone in the box.

  Jamie wasn’t so sure about this, but he didn’t want to be a wimp in front of Ben. Holding his breath, Jamie positioned himself beside Delilah and touched the side of her neck. When the cow turned her head and gave him a bored look, Jamie expelled the air in a rush and laughed. “Okay.”