She grabbed for one crutch and got up from the bed. As soon as she reached the hall, she turned on the light.
“Audra?” With his free hand against the wall, he stood there weaving in place. “I’m sorry to have wakened you. I thought I was still in the master bedroom. When I got up to use the bathroom, I couldn’t find it.”
“I shouldn’t have let you fall asleep in there. You’re on heavy pain medication. No wonder you became disoriented.” She took the few steps necessary to reach him and grasped his hand. “Come on.”
When she’d first seen Rick Hawkins looming over her bed after her nightmare, she couldn’t have imagined the day coming when she would be leading him around like a helpless child. He must have taken both pills at once to produce this unsteady state.
She turned on his bedroom light, then the bathroom switch.
He went inside and shut the door.
Audra puffed his pillows while she waited. He finally emerged. Ignoring her proffered hand, he made it to the bed on his own power and stretched out with a deep sigh.
The room was cooler now. She pulled the covers over his sling to his shoulders. “I’ll bring you some ice water.”
“I don’t want any. Stay and talk to me.”
“You need to go back to sleep. It’s the middle of the night.”
“No, it isn’t. The clock on the bedside table says ten after seven.”
Audra couldn’t believe it was morning already.
“Sit next to me. There’s room.”
She’d offered her services as his nurse. If he needed company, she had no choice but to give it to him. Resting her crutches against the bed, she sank onto the edge, extending her leg.
When she turned to look at him, she was met by the full brunt of his male appraisal. Her whole body began to tremble.
“For a second in the hall when the light went on, I thought I was looking at a giant bumblebee.”
A chuckle escaped her. “You poor thing.”
His warm gray eyes smiled at her. “Where did you get that?”
“Pam made it for me. It’s one of her more colorful masterpieces. Don’t tell your father, but I think she’s making pajamas for him out of the same material for his next birthday.”
Laughter burst out of Rick. “I want a pair, too.”
“I’ll see what I can arrange. If she’s got enough material, she can do up a pair for your brother as well. You’re both the same size.”
“Our mother used to dress us like twins when we were little. How did you know that about Nate?”
Heat stormed her cheeks. “Pam’s marriage photos.”
“You should have been there,” he said in a low voice. “You and your uncle.”
The mention of the wedding seemed to chase their lighthearted rapport away.
She bowed her head. “Pam didn’t want anyone around in case your father woke up the next day and regretted what he’d done.”
His hand covered hers and remained in place. It was a strong masculine hand whose touch sent a current of electricity through her system.
“What he felt for her was so intense, he had to act on his feelings even though he knew it might hurt Nate and me for a time.”
“I’ve been thinking about it all night, how painful that experience was for you.”
“Are you saying you never went to sleep?”
At the question, her head lifted.
“Is that the reason I didn’t hear you having one of your nightmares? Or was I too drugged to be aware of anything?”
She gazed at him in shock. “I did sleep, but I didn’t have a nightmare.”
“Have you suffered nightmares every night since the accident?”
“No. Sometimes I don’t dream.”
“Well, let’s be thankful last night was one of those times.” His fingers squeezed hers gently before letting them go.
“I had a racing buddy who kept dreaming about an accident he’d been in. The dreams stopped after he went home to his family and stayed with them for a while. If having another body around here has relieved your subconscious for one night, then I’m glad I’m here.”
“I am, too,” she said honestly. “You’re more open than your father. He and Pam are so alike in the way they hold everything inside. You have to wait and wait until they’re ready to disclose what they’re thinking and feeling. They won’t be pushed.”
“You’ve just touched on the one area that has driven me and Nate crazy over the years.”
“You weren’t alone. I’ve always had to bide my time with Pam. There’ve been moments when I thought I’d go mad. Talking with you has helped me understand their relationship much better than before.”
His eyes narrowed on her features. “I had very little understanding of much of anything until I came here. Knowing what I know now, nothing could have made me miss this trip.”
She darted him a teasing glance. “That’s your painkillers talking. When they’ve worn off, you’ll be singing a different tune.”
A moment of quiet followed her comment.
“Last night you brushed it off, so I’m going to tell you again. Like my mother, I’ve been a music lover all my life. I know talent when I hear it. There’s no question you’ve got one of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard. You’re very versatile.
“One minute, you’re an angel playing her harp, singing heavenly music in a cathedral. In the next, you’re a crooner right out of Nashville, with words pouring straight from your heart. The nurse at the hospital told me everyone listens to your show, and no wonder. I want to hear how it all began. Don’t leave anything out.”
No no no, Audra. Don’t be flattered by his compliments. Don’t answer his questions. This is how it all got started before. Don’t get sucked in. He knows how to play you because he’s bored and missing his latest woman.
Of course he had a woman out there somewhere. But he’d gotten sidetracked here visiting his father. Naturally he had to get better first before he returned to her and the life he’d been living for over a decade.
Audra felt for her crutch and got to her feet. “It’s not a topic for seven-thirty in the morning. Maybe later when we’ve both had more sleep. I’m going to bring you fresh ice water and your pills. What else would you like before I go back to bed?”
“How about handing me my phone?”
“That’s easy.”
She opened the drawer and put it in his hand.
Yup. The Racetrack Lover was definitely coming back to life. What kind of woman captured the attention of a man like Rick Hawkins for longer than a day, or a week, or even a few months?
“Thank you, Audra.”
She avoided looking in his eyes. “You’re welcome. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you have any peanut butter?”
She paused midstride. “I think so. Do you like jam or honey on your sandwich?”
“Honey, of course.”
“Of course.” She chuckled.
“Make that two sandwiches and a glass of milk.”
After a couple of trips, she’d brought him everything he needed and told him to call out to her the next time he wanted anything else.
“That works both ways,” he murmured.
“I’m taking care of you, remember?”
He’d already devoured one sandwich. “I haven’t forgotten anything. Not even the fact that your cousins will be showing up sometime today.”
THEY CAME at three in the afternoon.
Audra had run a bath for him. Low enough not to reach his sling. Warm enough to make him feel human again. The aroma of a roast cooking in the oven had him salivating.
He’d just dried off and pulled on a clean pair of gray sweats when he heard the sound of trucks rolling in at the side of the house. Doors slammed.
This was something Rick would have to play by ear. He wouldn’t interfere unless he was forced to. On the way out of the bedroom he reached for his cell phone.
“It looks like you’ve got company,” he
said when he met Audra in the hallway. She’d just come out of her room on both crutches, dressed in a white top and flowered skirt.
Her curls were still damp from her shower. He detected the scent of peaches. Could there be a sweeter smell from a sweeter woman?
Rick followed her to the living room. He could hear the sound of someone jostling the handle of the front door. No one had bothered to knock.
He sent her a questioning glance. “Do they have a key?”
“No. After Pam finished decorating out here, she had the locks changed.”
“Then the boys have assumed you’ve done their bidding. Let’s find out how far they’re willing to go to get in. Why don’t we sit down on the couch.”
She obliged by finding a place at one end of the couch. Fortunately it was the good end because it allowed him to sit next to her and slide his right arm behind her.
Her body stiffened. “What are you doing?”
He smiled to himself. “Getting comfortable.”
“Doesn’t that hurt your collarbone?” If he wasn’t mistaken, there was a tremor in her voice.
Rick had forgotten all about his pain. In truth, it wasn’t as severe today. “I’m feeling fine.”
More sounds ensued. One of the men was picking at the lock.
Right now Audra reminded him of Marshmallow, who’d continued to shiver and tremble after her nasty fall in the creek. Rick kneaded her shoulder to gentle her. The skin felt warm and alive beneath the cotton fabric of her top.
A minute later the front door swung open. Four men entered the room, one in overalls with a sign on the pocket that read Don’s Lock and Key.
Four pairs of eyes rounded in astonishment.
Rick stayed where he was and made certain Audra didn’t move. “I thought everyone knew it was against the law to break and enter a private dwelling.”
“This is our house,” Tom blurted. “We thought Audra had moved out.”
He flashed Tom a wintry smile. “She owns this house, too, and has been living here. You should have knocked first. Don here is witness to the fact that you didn’t. An attorney will use that in a court of law against you boys.”
The other man seemed to consider his options, then he walked back outside. Pretty soon an engine started up.
One down. Three to go.
“Seven people in the living room of the main house on Thursday evening, three of whom are in this room, will have to testify under oath that Audra stated she wouldn’t be moving out until her cast came off. Isn’t that right, Jim? Greg?”
They both looked taken aback. After a long hesitation, they filed out the door.
Good. Two more down. In another minute two more engines fired.
Tom’s stance remained aggressive. “This has nothing to do with you, pretty boy.”
“Tom—” Audra half gasped her cousin’s name.
Rick rose to his full height. “Since I’m a guest in this house and we’re in front of a lady, I’ll let that slide…for now.”
“You’re hiding behind her skirts and you know it!”
“Shall we step outside to finish this conversation? Don’t let my injury worry you.”
“Go to hell!”
Tom stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Rick waited until he heard the rev of an engine followed by the squeal of tires. Before long, the truck was barreling down the road.
When quiet reigned, he turned to Audra, who’d gotten to her feet, hugging her crutches. She’d lost some color.
“I don’t think they’ll be back anytime soon.”
“Tom’s behavior is terrifying,” she whispered. “What if he and the boys decide to take this out on Pam and Clint?”
“I’m calling them now.”
He pushed the button for the preprogrammed number. His father picked up on the second ring.
“I’ve been waiting for your call. The boys were here earlier to transport the horses. I figured they’d head over to the bungalow when they’d returned the horse trailer. Just now I saw the third truck pass in front of the ranch house. Tom was going at a maniacal clip toward the highway.”
Rick turned his back on Audra and headed down the hall for his bedroom. “The boys are out for bear, Dad. They brought along a locksmith to get inside and found us sitting in the living room.”
“That’s breaking and entering.”
“Exactly. I threatened them with a lawsuit. They didn’t have a leg to stand on, not when the locksmith took off after he realized he could be called as a material witness.”
“It’s clear Tom’s out of control,” his father mused aloud. “Unfortunately he’s the one who initiates all the trouble. Greg and Jim only do what they’re told.”
“They bolted on the heels of the locksmith.”
“That’s not surprising.”
“You can bet they’re huddled somewhere with Tom while they plan their next move. Audra’s petrified.”
“I don’t like it either, especially when the new owner is coming next week. Since the boys have proved they’re willing to hurt the people I love, it’s time to get an attorney and start documenting everything. One more violation and I’ll take them to court. First thing in the morning I’ll get on it.”
“Let me know how I can help.”
“You already have by simply being here. Let’s be thankful David was out of firing range.”
“Agreed. Thanks, Dad.” He clicked off.
As far as Rick was concerned, it was time to bring in a security man. Someone who needed work and had a vested interest in what was going on at the Jarrett Ranch.
No doubt David had entertained the same thought when he’d asked Rick if he wanted a job.
What was it? To provide company and protect Audra while he recuperated?
In another twenty-four hours Rick would be strong enough to walk around the bungalow after dark and keep an eye on things. Give him another few days and he’d be able to check out both houses and the barn during the night with no one the wiser.
For the first time since he could remember, Rick felt useful.
Being a driver for Mayada was good honest work. He derived great satisfaction when he placed in the number one or two spot in a race.
There was a certain pleasure in knowing he ranked high as a Formula One driver among his peers. Many enjoyable moments had been spent with crew chief Wally Sykes, who’d become a lifetime friend.
He’d be a liar if he didn’t admit it felt good to know his financial situation would take care of him for life if he were unable to work again.
There was no way to deny that until his mid-twenties, the perks of traveling around the world, of being presented to kings, queens, dignitaries, of dining with the rich and famous, of dating beautiful women had gone to his head.
But taking all that into consideration, he’d never felt that what he’d done with his life counted for anything significant.
He’d never felt needed before.
Not until Audra had trembled in his arms out of fear.
He couldn’t comprehend the years of abuse she and Pam and their uncle had suffered.
Rick had never known abuse. He’d been raised with gentility and grace. His noble parents had made his world safe and beautiful. He’d been loved, and he’d been able to give love in return. No two brothers could be closer.
He felt his eyes prickle beneath their lids.
The boys’ heinous treatment of the Jarrett family was an offense to him. He couldn’t, wouldn’t tolerate it.
No more abuse. Today marked the end of it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
RICK ATE three helpings of beef tenderloin roast along with some roast potatoes and carrots. Audra toyed with her food. The shock of realizing her cousins held nothing in reverence had broken something inside her.
After dinner he didn’t argue with her when she suggested he go back to his bedroom and lie down. She turned on the television and handed him the remote. He flicked to a station showing highlights of a pro golf tournamen
t while he rested on the bed.
She wondered if he played the game or simply enjoyed watching it. There were a lot of things she wondered about where he was concerned. Too many things.
The way her patient had dealt with the break-in filled her with awe. Three riled-up, adrenaline-driven members of her family ready to have their way had been thwarted by a man who had used his brain and kept a cool head.
Rick Hawkins wasn’t one of the top race-car drivers in the world for nothing. He’d sat down next to her. She’d felt his arm go around her shoulders in a protective gesture.
Audra would have known if that invincible exterior he’d presented to her cousins had been a mere facade. In an instant, she would have detected any sudden change in heart rate or breathing.
He’d been as calm as a beautiful spring morning.
Her admiration of him was beginning to make her panic.
Out in the kitchen she put the little bit of leftover roast into the fridge. She could make Rick a sandwich with it tomorrow. Once the dishes were done, she returned to his room with ice water and another pill.
“Call out if you need me,” she said, avoiding his eyes. “I’ll be in the other room planning my radio show for tomorrow night.”
It was a good thing she had a job that required a certain amount of preparation. With three programs to do next week, her mind was kept occupied. She worked undisturbed until eleven-thirty.
On her way to bed she peeked in on Rick. At some point he’d turned off the TV and was sound asleep. After the shock his system had received because of his accident, he needed rest more than anything else.
For the time being, her greatest fear was that she’d have a nightmare and wake him up. Anxious, she swung herself across the room to look out the window. The moon had come up. If she didn’t have this cast, she’d saddle Prince and go for a ride.
Once the cast came off, she assumed she’d be able to do all the activities she’d done before the crash. Except for telling her she’d have to go for some physical therapy, the doctor hadn’t said whether there would be restrictions.
So far she’d been afraid to ask….
On the Internet she’d read that when your leg had to be pinned, you could end up walking with a limp. Not always, but sometimes.
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