He shivered, his mouth curling into a smile against hers. He pressed her closer for just a moment, then let go. She’d have been lying if she didn’t admit she was breathless and would have done almost anything for him in that moment.
“Let the old man try that, and then tell me we have nothing in common. You still think we have no chance at a successful relationship?” Of course, he had to ruin the moment.
Benjamin Jarrett turned and walked away, taking Johanna’s heart with him.
Chapter Six
That night, Benjamin lay in his bed, his arms crossed behind his head, and stared at the ceiling, not seeing the beams above him, not even aware that he was in a hotel and not at home. All he could see, all he could think about was her. Johanna McDonough. The woman he’d never thought he would find, and yet here she was, daughter of the wealthiest man in Whispering Springs. Why was she so special he couldn't keep his mind off her?
She brought so many more problems with her than he could solve, but she had the kind of character he needed at his side. The kind of strength that could make a homestead a success. She was innovative, strong, and seemed kind, despite having stomped on him and attempted to slap him, and she knew how to make things work. She took things in stride. He had to admire that in a woman.
She was also beautiful and when he kissed her, he forgot everything else. He forgot where he was, what he should or shouldn’t be doing with the daughter of local ‘royalty’. He forgot his own name for a moment.
And then he’d blown it all by saying such mean and spiteful things. He now knew what he’d suspected for years. He, Benjamin Owen Jarrett, was an idiot. When a person found someone as wonderful as Johanna McDonough, she deserved to be treated with love and care, not have harsh words spewed like vomit.
After an hour of staring at the ceiling and being no closer to a solution, he threw back the covers and sat up. He was going to regret his sleepless night. Johanna was likely to work him into the ground with her attitude alone, but he had to get out of the stuffy room to think and hopefully relax. Maybe then he’d get some sleep.
He pulled on his pants, but didn’t bother with a shirt, and once his boots were on, he left his room, walked down the hallway and outside. Earlier, he’d noticed a set of stairs leading to a ladder that looked like it led to the roof, and he was determined to find out if it was true. Up high he might get some of the peace he had at home, though the sounds from town and the night swimmers would still reach his ears.
Climbing the stairs and ladder, he was very pleased to find that not only did it lead to the roof, but it was an area meant to be used, though he doubted many knew about it. There were benches and a flat, wooden floor. Sitting on one of the benches, he stretched out, kicking off his boots once again, his feet dangling off the end. His eyes traveled heavenward, as they always did, and he drank in the stars.
His mind began to relax, and with it his body, and before he knew it, he must have fallen asleep, because someone shook him awake. He started and sat up quickly, cracking his head against another, only knowing it was a woman when she cried out. He rubbed at his head. “Sorry, Miss. You startled me. I hope it’s okay for me to be up here.”
The woman was quiet for a long moment, then quietly said, “Of course it’s okay, Mr. Jarrett. It’s here for anyone to use, though most don’t.” The voice was softer than he remembered and held a touch of sadness.
He suddenly became very aware of his missing shirt. “Johanna?” He wanted to cover himself, but there was nothing there. He fought the urge to run back into the hotel.
He could barely see her nod in the darkness, and then she sat beside him, her hands tucked beneath her thighs. She seemed almost shy in the darkness, as her silence continued. Finally she spoke. “Trouble sleeping?”
He nodded, then unsure if she could see his response, he spoke it. “Yes. Too hot. Too noisy. My brain’s spinning like a wheel.” He reddened at that admission, since he’d been thinking about her and their shared kiss. That reminded him. “I owe you an apology, Miss McDonough.” He hated to admit it, but a true man admitted when he was wrong. At least that's what his father had always told him.
“Whatever for?” She sounded surprised and slightly suspicious.
“Well, for saying such mean things this afternoon, especially after—” He couldn’t bring himself to finish.
She did it for him. “Especially after that kiss?”
He nodded again. She must have felt it because she continued. “I will admit to being hurt by your words. I’m not so uncaring as you think, despite our rough meeting.”
“I don’t find you uncaring at all, Miss. Quite the opposite, really.” What was it about this woman that made his tongue so loose? Next thing he knew, he'd be telling her he was thinking about their kiss and wanted to repeat it.
She sat so close, he felt the heat from her skin as she answered. Was she blushing? “Well, that’s mighty kind of you, Mr. Jarrett. I’ll admit to having a bit of a temper. My mother always blamed it on my red hair, but to be honest, I think I get it from my father. I shouldn’t have stomped on you this morning, nor tried to slap you this afternoon—though, I will admit to being rather happy with where it led.” Again the heat from her skin.
Benjamin was sure he was putting off some embarrassed heat himself. “Apology accepted. Now, let’s just put it behind us, shall we?” She liked where it led? Did that mean . . . she wanted to kiss him again?
She chuckled, a low throat laugh that stirred his soul. “All but the kiss. I’d like to keep the memory of that one, if you don’t mind.”
His jaw nearly dropped. He wasn’t used to a woman being so forward. If he didn’t find her so amazing and attractive, he’d be put off by it, but instead he found it oddly intoxicating. Without thinking, he turned, finding she had met him halfway. He put his bare arms around her small torso, and she placed the flat of her hand against his chest. He stilled, thinking she was pushing him away, offering a token of resistance, but instead, her hand trembled as it caressed his chest, her fingernails raking through his meager chest hair.
He'd never had a woman touch him there. It was oddly stimulating. He wanted to move still closer, but would she fight him? Or would she accept his advances?
“I knew you had strength. I could see it in your shoulders, but I had no idea these muscles hid beneath your shirt.” She continued to gently touch his shoulders and chest until he could take it no longer. He crushed her against him and found her lips in the darkness, and a place that had been wound tight as a spring within him gave a sigh and relaxed. Kissing Johanna was as wonderful as he’d remembered. Being on the roof, alone, with him only partly dressed would be scandalous under most circumstances, but her father had said to do what he wanted with her if he was going to get her to love him in such a short period of time. He only hoped it was working, because he suddenly realized, he wanted her love.
Johanna melted into his kiss, her arms going about his shoulders pulling him even closer. He could get used to kissing her on rooftops, and in gardens—heck, he'd kiss her wherever she wanted.
* * *
Benjamin awoke the next morning with the sun just cresting over the hills. For a moment he was confused. Didn’t he have a room here? And if so, why was he laying on the roof? And why couldn’t he feel his right arm?
He looked to his right and stilled as he caught a vision of heaven. Red hair, loose around her shoulders, a sleeping gown and robe covering her fully, Johanna McDonough lay on his arm. He wanted desperately to move, but at the same time wanted to never stir for fear of waking the angel and never seeing her this way again.
He slowly reached with his other hand and brushed her hair back from her face so as to see it better. It was soft as a bunny’s fur. Softer even. Benjamin stroked her hair, warming as the sun took to the sky and kissed her hair with its light. It showed coppery then and he wanted most desperately to kiss her awake.
The sun beat him to it. Her blue eyes opened and met his with a smile.
She didn't seem confused when she woke up, as he had been. Instead she turned, sat up, stretched, and yawned. She took a deep breath of morning air, as if she was drinking life into her. That's what struck him most about Johanna—she was filled with life and emotion.
Benjamin winced, then sat up and tried to ignore the pins and needles stabbing endlessly into his arm from shoulder to fingertip.
Johanna gasped, her hand going to her mouth. “Oh! This must look awful! If anyone sees us up here together they are sure to jump to erroneous conclusions.”
He chuckled. Those incorrect conclusions could work to his favor, but he didn’t want to damage her reputation. When had he started to really want to woo her and win her heart? “Why don’t you sneak down and see if you can get to your room without being seen. I’ll wait a few minutes and meet you in the garden after I wash up.”
She gave him a thankful smile, then without a word, slipped over the side of the roof and down the ladder. He lay back down and looked at the brightening sky, thankful he had work, and in such a beautiful place. It wasn’t home, but it was good, and back home he never would have had the chance to meet Johanna. She was the biggest blessing of all.
When he figured it had been long enough, Benjamin stood and walked to the ladder, looking over the side. There was no one there, so he did as Johanna had and descended quickly, making it to his room without being spotted. He shut his bedroom door softly, then leaned against it, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn’t afraid, exactly, but he was nervous for Johanna and her reputation. It was entirely possible that Mr. McDonough would rescind his offer if he knew his daughter had slept on the roof with a near stranger.
After a quick wash, he pulled on his only clean shirt and made his way to the garden. Johanna was already there waiting for him. He smiled at her, wanting desperately to take her in his arms and give her a deep kiss, but he could read her eyes, and they were nervous. A few moments later, he knew why.
Mr. McDonough entered the garden through the kitchen, his shoulders back and walking slowly. He stroked his short beard and walked among the plants. Benjamin wasn’t sure what to do, so he ignored the man and went to work, showing Johanna some of the other plants they had yet to weed. They certainly didn’t need a repeat of the day before, especially not in front of her father.
Benjamin jumped when Mr. McDonough cleared his throat. He hadn’t heard the man approach. “You’re doing remarkably well, Mr. Jarrett. Remarkably well. The garden looks better than ever.” His eyes went to his daughter. “Have you learned much?”
She reddened and her eyes seemed to examine the floor. “Yes, Father.”
Her father’s mouth twitched a bit at her obvious attempt at humility—or so Benjamin assumed. His attention came back to his gardener. “And how about the two of you? How are you getting along?”
Johanna glanced at him sideways, a warning in her eyes. Benjamin chose to ignore it. “Very well, sir.” He put an arm across Johanna’s shoulders. He felt her gasp. “She is excellent in the garden, and we’ve gotten along very well.” He knew he shouldn't act so proprietary with her, but he wanted her father to give them the distance they needed. Of course, if he thought they were getting too close, it might backfire.
The gentleman’s eyebrows shot up near his hairline. “Well . . . well . . . that’s grand!” He seemed genuinely surprised and pleased. “You must dine with us tomorrow. Come and meet the rest of the family.”
Surprised, Benjamin was caught speechless for a moment. He collected himself and answered. “I’d be honored, sir. Thank you.” The offer was completely unexpected, but he would enjoy meeting her family. He'd already met several members, of course, but the better he got along with them, the better his chances with her, right?
With a smile and a nod, Mr. McDonough walked briskly toward the kitchen door. As soon as he was out of sight, Johanna threw off his arm and punched him in the shoulder. “Could you be any more proprietary? I am not goods to be bought nor sold!” She crossed her arms and scowled at him.
Benjamin laughed and pulled her to him, loving her feisty attitude. “I know that. But he doesn’t. I’m just playing his game, my dear. It’s one I’ve played all my life when it comes to the wealthy.” He tried not to sound bitter, but he knew it leaked through. He had to remember that she was not to blame for the way he'd been treated in the past. She was separate from everything but the way they felt for one another.
Thankfully, Johanna’s only response was to stand on tiptoe and kiss his nose before they went back to their work.
Chapter Seven
After her father had left, Johanna had a thought. She turned to Benjamin. “Have you ever eaten a formal dinner?” Would she need to teach him which fork to use and the kind of manners he needed to display?
He looked at her with something akin to panic. “Like they eat in fancy restaurants? With lots of forks and things?”
She nodded.
Benjamin groaned and let his forehead drop into his gloved hand. “No. I’ve seen a table set like that back in Boston, but I’ve never eaten that way. In my house we’re lucky to have a sharp knife, let alone a fork or a spoon.”
She wasn’t sure whether to take that literally or not, so she let it slide for the moment, and instead asked, “Would you have dinner with me tonight? In the dining room? Here? Just the two of us.” She sucked in her lip and almost held her breath waiting for an answer. She was definitely becoming attached to this handsome young man, though she wasn’t sure if that was a good idea or not. She wanted to trust him, and part of her did, but there was another part that wondered if he was playing along with this farce just because her family was wealthy. That it was self-serving rather than selfless.
He looked up, hope in his eyes, dirt plastered to his forehead. “Dinner? Like a practice dinner for tomorrow?”
She reached up and brushed away the dark earth from his face, trying not to giggle at the way it had marked him. “Yes. That and it would be nice to have dinner. We’ve only really spent time together here. And on the roof.” She felt her neck redden at the last. “Maybe we should get used to spending time together in public, with others around us and see how that feels. Are you game?”
Truly, she was astonished she'd been given so much time alone with Benjamin, given the way her father felt about her being with young men. Maybe he really was willing to give Benjamin a chance, so she wouldn't have to marry Edmund Berkeley, but it was hard to believe. Did he think if they were left alone for long enough, they'd be found in a compromising position, and they would have to get married?
His gorgeous mouth split into a huge grin. “I am completely game. That would be wonderful.” His face became serious. “But we need to finish here first.” His eyes turned mischievous. “Want to see who can finish first?”
Johanna knew he would win, but she didn’t mind letting him have his fun. Besides, it would make the work day go faster, and the faster they finished work, the faster they could have some time together. Alone. Yes, people would watch them in the dining room, but she didn't care. Time alone to talk about anything they wanted. That's what she was looking for. She’d get to bring him into her world for dinner. “But of course! Let’s go!”
* * *
A few hours later, after a bath and a change of clothes, Johanna stood at the entry to the dining room, waiting for Benjamin to appear. If she’d had a pocket watch like her father, she would have checked it multiple times. She was about to give up and go back to her room, disappointed and sure that her doubts had been proven, when she heard the sound of footsteps thumping down the wooden walk at a run, slowing just before they came into sight. A moment of silence and then Benjamin rounded the corner and approached her.
Her eyes widened with surprise. He wore a proper suit and coat, a pressed white shirt, and shoes, not boots, upon his feet. Where he had gotten all of that she had no idea, and as soon as she saw his face, she didn’t care. He had shaved and his hair was clean and slicked back properly. He hardly seemed t
he same man, but he was oh-so-handsome. Her heart leapt and beat at double its normal pace for a moment, before she could calm it back to its normal speed. By then Benjamin had reached her side and extended his elbow toward her.
“My lady?” he said, obviously waiting for her to take his arm. There was no way she could resist that. She put her hand through the crook of his elbow, and they entered the hotel dining room together.
Almost immediately her sister, Margaret, was in front of them, ready to lead them to a table. “Good evening. Will it just be the two of you dining tonight?” Margaret was still angry with her. She could tell by the way her sister kept her shoulders so rigid, but at least she was playing along. And her hair was finally pinned on properly. She'd looked a sight yesterday. Johanna bit back a giggle thinking about it.
Johanna was glad she’d been able to speak with her sister earlier. She wanted this experience to be as authentic as possible for Benjamin. “Yes. Dinner for two, please,” she said, in her most proper tone.
Margaret’s eyes twinkled at the private joke, but she stayed in form. “This way, please.” She led them to a table in a quiet corner, far from any others, but still close enough to be a part of the crowd. “Would you like to know the house specials this evening?”
Johanna turned to Benjamin. It was his turn to say something. He looked at Johanna, then at Margaret and cleared his throat. “Uh, yes. That would be much appreciated.” He seemed to realize his error and looked slightly horrified. “I mean, that would be marvelous. Thank you.”
“Our soup of the day is called ‘Polka-Dot Chowder.’ It’s a creamy potato soup with corn and bacon, and is quite delicious. For the main course, we have beef roast or slow-cooked chicken, with your choice of potatoes, asparagus, or tender carrots. We have a variety of drinks available, the list is on the table, and today’s featured dessert is Cherry cobbler.” Margaret rattled it all off in a very professional manner and Benjamin looked a little overwhelmed, so Johanna decided to order first to show him the way it was done.
Johanna (Dakota Bound Book 1) Page 4
