by Beth Bennett
Laurel looked over her shoulder at him with a sparkle in her eye. “James, I want a back scratch.” She lay on her tummy with her hands curled beneath her. “Pleaseee,” she begged. “I want a back scratch.” Laurel gave a little cough to add weight to her plea.
James put his hand lightly on her back and gave her the best back scratching she had ever had. He didn’t use his fingernails, he just ran his hands lightly over and over across her skin.
“Oh my God,” Laurel groaned. “That feels so good.” He ran his fingertips across the top of her shoulders and then down her spine. Making small circles, he went over her entire back in slow methodical patterns. James placed a hand on either side of her neck and began to massage the muscles.
“Ohhh, ohhh” she groaned again. “That feels so good.” James moved his hands and massaged down her back digging just hard enough, but not too hard. When he finished his very thorough “back scratch,” he signaled that it was over by pinching her behind. Laurel gave a squeal and turned over. Raising her hands over her head in a royal stretch, she proclaimed that to be the best back scratch in history. In fact, Laurel said it was worth getting sick for. James chuckled at her enthusiasm and placed the breakfast tray across her lap. Laurel ate half the muffin and a few bites of the wonderful oatmeal.
“You are something else.” James shook his head and smiled down at her. “Are you still sleepy?”
Laurel shook her head. “No, just a little tired. I’d like to get up, James, I need to move around a little.”
James nodded. “Come lay on the couch, and I’ll keep you company.”
“I really think I’ll be okay to go home soon.”
He leaned over the bed and kissed her forehead. “Let’s wait and see how you do today,” he murmured as his lips passed her ear. He took her half eaten tray and left the room.
Laurel rubbed the spot where his lips had touched her head. The skin tingled. James’s presence was like a warm blanket. He was so competent and kind. Laurel shook her head. No! He was just a necessary and temporary aggravation. She was only at his house because she had no other choice…um…right? So what if he could cook. It didn’t really matter if he had turned out to be so sweet. He was still bossy. Laurel lay back on the pillows and continued her contemplation.
She loved the way his luxuriant dark hair curled around his head and peeked out from the baseball caps he wore so often. His five o’clock shadow appeared around three o’clock. James was powerfully built and his wranglers looked terribly sexy on that tight backside of his. The flannel shirts he seemed to perpetually wear were soft. They mixed with his scent so that every time he got near her it was all Laurel could think about. She loved the way his dark chest hair peeked out the top of his shirts. She did not like his predilection to spanking her, but she had to admit he was awfully handsome, nice to talk to, and pretty good at taking care of her. Laurel imagined pressing her lips to his and wondered what he would taste like.
She tried to shake herself out of the daydream. She had known James for only a few months. Hardly a civil word had passed between them during that entire time. She was very grateful for his help now, but that didn’t cancel out all the times she felt he had been rude. She told herself she had no interest in the arrogant man beyond a cursory friendship anyway. No interest. Thinking a shower might help shake off the unwanted feelings she was having, she got up and went into the bathroom, turning the water to hot.
James quickly returned to her room. He knocked on the bathroom door in his typically demanding fashion. “Laurel Danner, what are you doing?”
“What does it sound like?” she croaked. “I want to get a shower.”
“Are you sure you’re strong enough to be doing that? You don’t listen very well, and I’d hate to have to come in and pick you up off the floor again.” Laurel wanted to give him a scathing reply, but she hated to end the peace that seemed to be established between them.
“I promise I will call you if I need you. I will leave the door unlocked. Sit on the bed till I’m done if you must.”
The shower was short and when the water turned off, James listened as Laurel moved about the bathroom. He was sitting on the bed with his arms crossed like some kind of drill sergeant when she opened the bathroom door. Dressed in his robe, which he had left for her, her hair was wrapped in a towel. Her little face peeked out of the white terry cloth and her green eyes smiled when she saw him. She crossed around to the other side of the bed and sat down, towel drying her hair. James watched and turned toward her when she lay down. She turned to her side and closed her eyes, putting her hands beneath her cheek.
“That stupid little shower took the wind out of my sails, ugh, I need to lay here a minute.” Laurel opened her eyes. James was still sitting on the bed looking at her. “Goodness, I hate to put you out another few days. You’ve been great, but I still feel guilty about it.”
James reached out and stroked her damp hair. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m sorry you’ve been so sick, but I have to admit, I do get a little lonely way out here. I’ve been glad to have you.”
Laurel looked intently into his face, terribly curious. “Why don’t you have someone around, James? Why isn’t there a woman in your life?”
James leaned back against the headboard. “I had a serious relationship a few years ago, but it didn’t work out. I’m gone a lot for my job, and I just haven’t had the time. I love Buena Vista, but you know, it’s a really small town.”
Laurel nodded. “I know what you mean. Small towns are great, but they have their disadvantages too.”
James began to talk and Laurel lay still and listened. “I grew up in Colorado where my family owned a ranch. I joined the military after college and served in the Marines. I liked it a lot, but it was very stressful. My specialty was defusing IEDs. I went all over the Middle East. I even became a trainer to teach other people how to do it. When I left the Marines, I started working as an anti-terrorist consultant for companies all over the world.”
Laurel was highly impressed. “That’s amazing, but I’m not surprised. You do everything well.” James raised his eyebrows at her and she giggled. She told him all about college and her parents. Laurel shared that she had come to Colorado to try and figure her life out. She had a lot of things to sort through.
James gave her a warm look. “Colorado is a wonderful place to come and think. It’s one of the reasons I chose to make this my home. I’m here on and off all year, but I stay almost all fall and winter.” James looked up as the two shared a laugh. “Laurel, you didn’t eat much breakfast, why don’t you come into the living room and relax on the couch. In a little while, I’ll heat up some soup. You need to try and eat a little more. At least it will be a change of scenery.”
“I am getting a little tired of these four walls, as beautiful as they are.”
“You really think they’re beautiful?” James asked proudly.
“Oh, my goodness, this house is gorgeous. I can’t believe how talented you are. I feel a little stupid being mad that you wanted to fix the roof. I am sure you did a much better job than I could have.” She giggled as she thought about how mean she had been. She looked up at him from lowered lids and sheepishly asked, “Do you still have those chocolates?”
James looked confused and then understanding washed over his face. He broke out in a deep laugh. “You are one piece of work, Miss Sassafras.”
Laurel joined in with the laughter. “I really am awful. I have a lot to apologize for, you really made me mad and I don’t like being spanked. I’d feel better about things if I knew you would never do it again.”
James crossed his arms, and then stroked his chin. “Well, you’re not really supposed to like it, Laurel, but I hate to tell you, if I think you need it, I will do it again.”
Laurel snorted as she quickly changed the subject. “I want to change into my sweats. Did you pack any?”
James got up from the chair and picked up her suitcase and sat it next to her on the bed. “Here,
sweetheart. I think I threw plenty of comfortable clothes in here. I’ll leave you to get dressed and meet you in the living room. I’m going to get that lunch ready.” He reached up and caressed her cheek, clearly pleased to see the shy smile she gave him as he left the room.
Rummaging through the suitcase, Laurel found her favorite pink sweats. What luck that he had grabbed them. She threw on a soft sports bra and T-shirt and some warm wool socks. Perfect for a day on the couch. Her hair was wild and she didn’t even want to look in a mirror. She combed through it with her fingers and braided it in a long braid, tying it with a hair band she found in the bottom of the suitcase.
Standing up, she stretched, thinking how good it felt to move around. She left the bedroom and went down the hall and into the living room. While James was busy in the kitchen, she wandered around looking at his pictures and items he had on display. There were photos of him and his buddies in the military, and some nice pottery, and small sculptures. She saw a dated picture of a family and recognized the young man in the picture as him.
She called out over her shoulder. “Is this you and your family?”
“Yeah,” he answered. “Me and my parents and sisters.”
The girls in the picture were beautiful, and James looked just like his mother. Laurel moved to the big bookcase by the fireplace. She looked over the titles he had. Lots of classics and suspense novels, which didn’t surprise her at all. He had a few books on woodworking and sports and even on weapons. Laurel moved to the big leather couch and stretched out. She was surprised she finally felt a little hungry. It must be the smells coming from the kitchen.
James brought a tray over to her with steaming vegetable soup in a thick broth. The crusty bread smelled delicious and there was a bowl of fresh fruit to go with it. A nice big glass of iced tea topped off the wonderful lunch. Laurel lit into the food and didn’t come up for air till she was halfway through. She realized James had grown quiet and she finally looked up at him.
He was smiling widely at her. “It’s wonderful to see you eating, Laurel. You’ve lost a lot of weight and you’re already such a little thing.”
Laurel smiled back. “This food is so good. Where in the world did you learn to cook like this?”
“I volunteer at the rescue squad in town when I can. The guys, and a few girls, I might add, sit around and experiment with recipes. We’ve gotten pretty good I think, plus, I just like to cook.”
“I hate to cook, but I like to eat.”
***
James let out a belly laugh. She was so lovely it made his heart ache. He enjoyed looking at her stretched out on his couch in her pink pants and obnoxious socks. It made him feel good that she liked his food and she certainly made him laugh. When Laurel was finished, James took her tray and put the dishes in the dishwasher. He joined her on the couch and they talked for another hour or two.
Laurel began yawning, and James reached over and picked her up. “Okay, young lady, that’s enough partying for one day. I think it might be time for a nap.” He was very pleased when she wrapped her arms around his neck and wiggled closer.
“I am getting sleepy.”
Her lips were so close to his, and her breath smelled so sweet James couldn’t resist. He leaned closer to her and lightly brushed his lips over hers. Laurel opened her mouth in surprise and James took full advantage. He deepened the kiss and gently touched his tongue to hers. She responded shyly and tried moving her tongue over his lips. James thought his heart would pound out of his chest. He indulged himself in exploring her mouth for a few more minutes and then pulled away. Laurel looked up at him breathlessly, a glowing flush covering her cheeks.
James nuzzled his nose against her cheek. “You are so beautiful,” he rumbled. “I’m glad you’re here.” She drew closer and squeezed his neck as hard as she could.
Leaning her head up, she whispered in his ear. “I’m glad I’m here too.”
She laid her head on his chest as James carried her to her room. He smoothly put her into bed. “Do you want to change into pajamas?” His hand stroked her hair back from her face as his blue eyes twinkled.
“No, I just want to lay down a little while. Don’t let me sleep too long. I want to be able to sleep tonight.” James smiled and nodded. He helped her lay down and tucked her in. He leaned over her and kissed her lightly on the lips.
“Call me if you need anything, sugar.”
Laurel rolled over and snuggled under the blankets. Sugar! That’s what he tasted like, all right. She rubbed her fingers over her lips as she thought about his kiss. He made her heart flutter and currents of electricity ran down her spine whenever he drew near. Oh, he was wonderful. Drowsiness slowly took Laurel’s thoughts captive and she fell asleep.
Chapter Six
The next two days went by quickly. Laurel continued to get better and James watched over her like a hawk. He took her in his big old truck for chest x-rays at Doctor Hayford’s clinic in town. She got a clean bill of health with a caution to continue the antibiotics. She was given another appointment in a week to make sure all the pneumonia was gone. Though she was getting her strength back, she wasn’t anywhere near full speed.
James showed her around his house and took her outside for a short walk. He had a small barn out back and owned two western saddle horses named Chloe and Cleo. Laurel loved them. Cleo was chocolate brown with a dark mane, and Chloe was light tan with a light brown mane.
“Would you like to go riding together one day?” James asked. “I have two saddles.”
“Ooo, would I ever! James, your horses are beautiful.” Chloe rubbed Laurel with her nose as James filled their food troughs with oats and hay.
Laurel hated to admit it, but she was feeling so much better, the moment was probably approaching for her time with James to come to an end. He had not tried to kiss her again since that first time, and Laurel couldn’t help but wonder why. She felt shy and unsure about her feelings, and didn’t know how to proceed. She wanted to go home and give it some thought where his presence wouldn’t cloud the issue. James kept his feelings and intentions to himself. Laurel could only assume he probably didn’t know. She didn’t know what the future held either.
She spent one last night at James’s house, and in the morning he helped her pack. She tried to take the sheets off her bed and clean up, but he would have none of it. He hustled her into his truck with her duffle bag full of her freshly laundered clothes. They made the very short drive to her front doorstep. James came in and got the fire going. The power was back on so he made sure all the pipes were okay, the water worked and nothing was out of order. Laurel appreciated his help so much. She didn’t know what she would have done without him. How easy it would be to have him around all the time.
James was standing at the door getting ready to leave when he spoke. “I’m going into town later today. You need some groceries. Can I come pick you up around two o’clock?”
A little shopping would have been nice, but she couldn’t continue to depend on James for everything, as tempting as that would be.
“Thank you, but I think I can get what I need later. You’ve done so much already. Why don’t you give me a call and we’ll get together later in the week?”
James eyed her from his lofty height. “Okay, Sassafras, have it your way, but I’m stopping by no later than tomorrow to make sure you are all right.”
Laurel nodded. “Okay, James.”
He leaned down and gave Laurel a big squeeze, picking her up so her feet left the floor.
He gave her neck a nuzzle, finished off with a quick kiss on the lips. “Till tomorrow, Sassafras.” He set her to her feet and left.
Laurel closed the door behind him and hummed a little tune. She licked her lips and thought about him. He tasted better than chocolate cake. His mustache curved around his mouth and down the sides of his jaw. It was thick and dark and sexy as hell. His shoulders were wide and tapered to narrow hips. His hands were large and callused and Laurel wondered what they
would feel like on her body. If the back rub was any indication, she knew they’d feel marvelous. She drew her brows together in wonder as she thought about him. He seemed to have everything together and his presence filled up the room wherever he went. He was so experienced and competent.
Even though Laurel was stubborn, underneath she was shy and sweet and very innocent. James had not really had the chance to get to know that side of her. Being alone in her house made Laurel feel a little melancholy. She was still recovering from illness and didn’t really want to go to town alone. She decided to shop tomorrow. She wasn’t hungry anyway. Laurel wandered through the cabin feeling lonely for the sound of James’s deep voice.
The next day, sure as the sunrise, James came roaring up into Laurel’s driveway with his four wheel drive truck. His big boots clumped up the steps, and he rattled the door with his fist as he knocked. The weathered old door creaked open and Laurel looked up.
Today he had replaced the ugly John Deere hat with a knock out black Stetson. Laurel thought she would faint dead away at the sight of him. She gave him a bright smile.
“Come on in.” James was loaded down with bags of groceries. He crossed to set them on the kitchen table. He opened the refrigerator and peered in.
“Just as I thought. You didn’t go to the store did you?”
Laurel was a little miffed at his observation. “I was going to go today. I was too tired yesterday.” She watched as he turned around and crossed his arms. Good grief, she knew what that meant.
“Laurel, I told you you would be too tired to go. Why didn’t you let me bring some things over when I dropped you off? Have you eaten anything since yesterday?”
His lecture was beginning to annoy her and she didn’t want to answer. Laurel stuttered and stammered and finally said, “I am perfectly fine. I don’t want you to feel responsible for every…”
