"Really?"
"I'm a Sheriff Savannah, and it's my job to know what people do."
She leaned her wet head against the fireplace and sighed too. She wasn't going to fight with him tonight.
She looked down at herself and laughed, "I feel like a drowned rat."
"Yeah, well, we'll have you safely home in no time," he said and cleared his throat and moved away.
She just wanted to get away from here, where things were simple again. This escape was turning into nothing short of a disaster. The lies she had told niggled. But knowing Janet as she did, she knew she would find this little disaster very interesting, too.
She pulled her legs behind her and squeezed the water from her skirt as she sat by the fire. He was standing at the window staring out. Probably wishing his deputy would hurry and get there.
She tried to sit still and not say a word, maybe even go to sleep, but none of those things worked. Not with Mr. Gorgeous in arm's length from her.
Finally, she went to the window too to stare out in hopes someone would come and rescue her from this misery. A misery she couldn't define.
"So when are you going home?" He finally asked, not bothering to look at her. She figured he wasn't really interested, just indulging in general conversation.
"I don't know. I haven't seen my aunt yet. Besides, I was thinking about going to work." She said quietly.
Now he looked, "Doing what, photographing animals?"
She stared into the firelight, wondering why all of a sudden her plans were changing so much and she didn't seem able to control anything anymore. "I was thinking about trying to make a living with my photography, yes."
"Photography?" he raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Do you think you can honestly make a living at it? That isn't an easy task, unless of course you have some connections."
"Yes, well, I have such an opportunity at the Dude ranch to make good. I'm sure if my photos are original enough, they'd let me do a layout for them. And then I'd get some work. It's very important; it's all I have to look forward to, right now."
He listened quietly, studying her face for some sign. What, she didn't know.
"Why would a rich little gal like you want to mess with a job for, anyway?" He asked seriously.
"Just because I don't have a career, so to speak doesn't mean I can't do anything, Sheriff." she said listening to her plan that was quickly developing into a future for her. "I'll have you know I have a lot of talent, I just can't make a living at most of it."
"You're probably right about that, but you'd probably have to travel the world if you really wanted to make a living at photography. It can be a tough life, dangerous even."
She glanced at him, and out of her own musings. Her smile faded, "Maybe, or maybe I'd just do rural work, of the west. Of your little town. I like it here. It's not Dallas or Houston, but it's quaint, and quiet and has such character. "
"You live in a small town, away from all the modern conveniences."
"Oh please, you do have running water out here I take it. You know what a cell phone is, so I suppose you have satellite TV. I think I could survive in the roughs, Sheriff."
"Is this part of your escape plan?"
"Escape plan. I don't have a plan. That's the problem. It was just a passing thought. Forget I mentioned it." She moved back to the fire.
"What are you really running from Savannah?" his voice became rough and hard. "Did this guy get rough with you, cheat on you, or what?"
"It doesn't matter."
"What was that all about in the bar, the other day? I'm a pretty good judge of character and I don't think that was part of your nature. What were you trying to pull? The guy must have done something pretty bad. Because I suspect you were getting even."
Savannah was tired of the lies, tired of the questions. "It's a long, boring story."
"Indulge me."
She studied him for a second, and then looking away from him she began her story. The truth. "I don't know if I can tell you, or anyone, just yet."
He exhaled as though relieved. "It's really none of my business, but I was simply trying to understand why you acted that way in the saloon. It doesn't seem like your nature."
Savannah took a deep breath, "I can't explain it to...a man. I mean...I guess you could say it was an ego thing. I'd lost confidence in myself as a woman."
"Now why would a pretty little gal like you lose confidence?"
"It's personal."
"I can guess, you caught the guy cheating on you?"
She sighed heavily, turned her face from him, "Yes, that's it..."
He was silent for a moment, obviously not prepared for that one.
"I'm sorry." He stared down into her face. "I've sort been blaming you, for the break up."
"I noticed." she stopped unable to finish.
"Sorry." Ben bellowed.
He was feeling sorry for her. It seemed almost funny.
"Well, no one knew. And it was so...humiliating. I felt cheated somehow. How could I tell anyone? He couldn't. How could I?"
That much wasn't a lie; Chad had cheated on her, just not with a woman.
"I can buy that. That is a tough one," He studied her through the darkness for a long moment. "But you very nearly started some big trouble in that saloon the other day. Maybe you need lessons in flirting."
"I guess I can't even do that right..."
"Oh I'd say you did it pretty right, alright. You just didn't know when to apply the brakes, so to speak."
She nearly laughed, but then it wasn't that funny. If he knew how terribly naive she had been, he'd laugh himself silly. And her ego would go down another notch.
"A friend of mine came out to the dude ranch. We'd planned on meeting up, as I called her from your place. But then things got complicated again, Ben....I told her....well, I told her...."
"What'd you tell her?"
She moved away now. Far away, back to the fireplace and safety, she thought.
"I told her you were crazy about me and we were dating." She coughed, hoping he didn't pay attention to her statement.
"You told her what?" he was beside her in an instant.
She backed against the fireplace, "It seemed the only way to shut her up. I love Janet like a sister, but sometimes ..."
When he made a strange face at her, she continued. "I couldn't tell her the truth about Chad."
"So," he bent over her, pinning her. "I'm crazy about you, am I I'm dating you, am I? And you just got dumped by your boyfriend? That doesn't even add up."
"It did to Janet. She knows me too well. I had to lie, don't you see?" she shrank and felt near tears, but was determined not to cry in front of him.
A flash of lightening lit his face momentarily and she stared up at him. "Oh Ben, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I really didn't think it would do any harm."
"I can't believe she would believe it. I mean, you did just run from a wedding, didn't you?"
"Yes, of course I did...but..."
A long finger reached out to curl a wisp of hair behind her ear, as he continued to lean over her, "And just how is this little romance supposed to end?"
She gulped, "Well naturally, I'll have to go back home, or get a job."
He nodded and backed off. She sighed her relief.
"And if I play along with this little romance, will it keep you out of trouble and mischief till you do go back home or find a job....or some kind of life again?" His back was to her, and she felt he might even co-operate with her on this.
"Yes," she jumped up and went to stand in front of him. "Yes, I promise. You don't have to do a thing. I'll handle it. I've already figured it out. Really. It won't even involve you personally; she'll just think it will. We'll meet at the movies, or the restaurant only we won't and no one will be the wiser. Since I'm staying at the ranch, it will be hard for her to check up on me. And my little lie won't have hurt anyone, you see."
Now it seemed so simple, and especially if he didn't mind so much.
<
br /> He grew very silent. The expression she saw through the darkness was contemplating.
"Okay, I suppose there's no harm in it." He agreed almost too easily. "Especially since we won't have to act it out."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that."
"I'm not a bit worried Savannah, as long as the news of this doesn't spread any further."
Savannah bit her lip. "Oh it won't. I'll make sure of it."
"Fine."
She felt like jumping for joy, like kissing his cheek, but that would be a mistake. He'd agreed to help her keep the secret, but she couldn't throw herself at him. Even if it was tempting.
"Thank you, Sheriff." she smiled up into his face.
Content that everything was going to work out, she went to the door and stared out, leaning against the door frame.
When she heard a howl, she tensed once more and stood erect, waiting to hear the noise again. He came to stand in front of her, "As long as you've gone that far, I can't see any harm in enjoying it a little...." He tipped her chin up and suddenly he was kissing her like no man had ever kissed her. Long breathless kisses that left her weak and pliant and wanting more as his lips feathered her neck he whispered, "The first thing you have to remember about flirting, is not to melt into a man's arms."
"I can't seem to help it...Ben." she barely whispered.
He gasped.
Her chest rose and fell against his, and he groaned.
When he pulled away to stare into her face she barely got his name out before he gathered her to him and kissed her again. This time his tongue darted against her lips and she opened for him. She was lost in his arms. Never had a kiss tasted so good, and she matched his dueling tongue and gave herself to the moment. She felt like a piece of chocolate, melting little by little with each thrust of his tongue.
His hands moved up and down her, and then he felt her shiver.
"Are you cold....?"
She tried to pull away, but he held her at arm’s distance, "I wish I were...."
It was as though her words ignited him, he pulled her gently into the circle of his arms, as his lips feathered hers over and over.
But this time, she pushed him away, panting as she spoke, "I can't help that I melt in your arms Ben...I can't help that I respond to your kisses. But...it's all wrong and we both know it. I've just come from a near wedding. Just broken it off with another man. But I'm not senseless. I'm attracted to you. But, you don't want what I do. You've been honest. So let's stop this madness...between us."
His smile curled around her like a warm vapor, "It's not madness, honey, it's life. It's a man wanting a woman. And a woman wanting a man. It's nature."
"I won't be your toy, so this goes no further," she said bravely, wishing she could wipe his frown away, knowing she shouldn't.
He stiffened, and moved away.
"Let me get this straight, you're saying you aren't interested in an affair, or a fling. You want the whole nine yards. Wedding bells, is that it?"
"Don't mock me, Ben. But, yes, that's it. And I know you don't, so there is absolutely no reason to get involved."
He leaned against the door jam and studied her long and hard. "You are one hard woman to figure, Savannah. But no man is going to marry you without getting to know you a little."
Savannah felt a deep flush, "That's true, but you've made yourself very clear on the subject and I see no reason to extend our relationship any further. I've been honest too."
He stared through the darkness at her, "Oh you've laid your cards on the table alright, but it doesn't explain that little trip to the saloon, now does it? You went in there trying to get picked up by a couple of cowboys that certainly had no intention of marriage on their minds. That just doesn't add up."
Savannah hung her head, "I know that was out of character for me. I've never been good at just simply flirting. I've seen my friends flirt, nothing like that ever happened to them. It looked so easy. But I guess I'm just not fickle enough to pull it off right. Chad hurt my ego a little, you don't understand. I was trying to prove something to myself. I did, I can't change what I am. I want the hearts and flowers and wedding bells, Ben. So don't belittle me. I can't help it. I've faced the fact that marriage is something I really want. Some women want careers; want fame, money, glory. I simply want a good marriage."
She looked over at him, "Is that so wrong?"
There was a short silence, then Ben nodded, "Not wrong, Savannah, I just think you are going about it the wrong way."
"That's the problem; I don't know how to go about it at all. I thought I knew Chad inside and out. I dated him for years, we had such plans. Until one day I realized I didn't know him at all. How can you think you know someone so well, and be such a fool? And how can you know someone else so little, and yet…know them."
Ben pushed his hat away and came closer. "Maybe it's not how long you know someone, but how well."
"Yeah...maybe."
"And Savannah," he said, reaching to pull her chin up, he murmured, "You didn't fail at flirting; you just didn't have the right man for the job."
Flashing lights interrupted them. She just stood there, too weak to move or react.
Coming to her senses she mumbled to herself, "I'm in big trouble, now!"
Chapter Seven
Arriving at the ranch with the Sheriff on her arm gave her ammunition for her next tale. Ben gave the impression they were more than friends, which furthered the plotting. From his amorous kisses she knew he liked her a little, but she wasn't foolish enough to believe she could get anywhere with a man who swore against marriage. She was grateful... and yet the lie still niggled. After all, Janet was her best friend.
"I've been worried sick. The desk clerk said you hadn't come home, and I didn't know what to think." Janet was saying as she hugged Savannah, and gave Ben a complete once over.
Ben smiled, "Sorry, Janet...is it? She's been in good hands. I assure you, I wouldn't let anything happen to Savannah."
The way he called her name made her shiver. But she couldn't forget this was all just a act, either. Ben had been honest with her, and she knew what she was getting into. This time!
Men kissed women every day, and there was no use making a big deal out of it. Still, she knew deep down that they had shared much more than a few kisses and truths. Odd as it seemed she felt closer to Ben now.
"Yes, well, I'm really bushed. I think I need a bath and some rest. Thank you for...handling everything for me."
He winked, bent and kissed her cheek, tipped his hat to Janet and left.
"Now he's a living doll." Janet said when the door finally closed and left them in privacy.
"Yes, isn't he?" she managed.
It wasn't a lie. She thought Ben was very good looking. All she had to do was reprogram her heart not to think so.
It was a tall order, because while her brain told her that there could never be anything between them, her heart told her differently.
As long as she didn't lose her head, she could pull this off. Of course keeping her heart safe from Ben Hogg was one heck of a job, especially after those kisses!
"Did he do anything?" Janet asked.
Savannah chuckled and turned beet red. Did he do anything? How could she begin to answer her questions?
"Oh yeah, something happened, I can tell. You are blushing down to your toes."
"Nothing happened really...I mean...he did kiss me...but." she admitted.
"Is he getting serious?"
"Oh, I don't know. It's a little early to tell. I'm not rushing things, Janet." Savannah said not wanting to play it up too much.
"Well don't let him think you're nuts about him."
"No?" She queried as they mounted the stairs together.
"No. It's the worst thing you can do. Play a little hard to get. But give in...eventually."
Savannah giggled all the way up, and headed for the tub where she could relax and warm up or cool down...
* * *
"J
ust how close to these critters do you aim to get, ma'am?" her guide ask her the next morning.
"As close as I can," she replied, "Why?"
"Well, some animals are kinda dangerous ma'am." the cowboy answered in a drawl Savannah wasn't sure was real.
"I wouldn't want to put anyone in danger, but the magazine says I get better pay, for better shots. So as close as I can get without getting hurt," she answered him with a smile.
Her horse was one of the tamer of the outfit, and she was thankful. She hadn't ridden in so long, she wasn't sure she remembered how. Mounting and dismounting wouldn't be a feat for a cowboy, but for a woman who hadn't been on a horse in a long time, it was almost painful. Still, the inborn excitement of a hawk in flight, or a prairie dog peeking out of his hole, or the graceful alertness of the sheep feeding kept her going. But as they went further into the back pastures, there were more animals that needed to be zoomed in on.
The guide was more than helpful in pointing out game, stock, and wild animals to her. He went at a leisurely pace, so keeping up wasn't hard. Plus he kept them at a steady, safe distance. He even managed to find the young of several animal groups, and their dens and Savannah got all manners of pictures. She had taken scores of pictures and she could make a perfect layout with this material. Maybe her luck was changing.
By noon Savannah was hot, tired and sore, and the excitement of the early morning was wearing off. She wanted to call it a day but the guide seemed determined to show her more places of interest. Her backside was killing her, but she was reluctant to complain since the cowboy had done everything to show her the best possible pictures.
Around two, she called it a day, sure she wouldn't be able to walk the next day.
"I'm sorry, tomorrow I'll do better." She called down to the guide who watched her with amusement as she dismounted.
"Yes ma'am." he nodded with a grin.
The desk clerk hollered at her and she had to turn around and go down the stairs again, she grimaced all the way. "Ms. Kingsley?" he asked.
Savannah eyed the clerk with passing interest as he was young and eager to please. "Yes?"
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