by Adams, Zoe
Lady’s face and mannerisms had gone through a transformation from strong to weak. Now she looked near tears.
“Oh no, I can’t afford to let you cry.” Del hugged her lightly. “You don’t ever have to wonder about me. I’ll never lie to you or make you feel bad. How could anyone do it?”
He shook his head and lifted her chin with his finger. “I don’t know what type of person you are, but as long as you’re honest with me, then you can stay here forever. Of course, I don’t imagine you wanting to live in the middle of nowhere, but maybe you would consider having sex with a man in the middle of nowhere.”
Lady’s eyes widened. “You’re a smooth talker. How can that happen if you live alone?”
“I just have extra time to think about things out here.” Del shook his head.
“I think about things a lot too. That’s one of the reasons I ran away.” She placed a sparkle tipped hand on his arm. “I’m here because of how I feel.”
Lady was good. She stepped onto the grass and tiptoed across it. Del watched her go toward the picket fence.
A stiff wind came from the field and carried her scent. It was the smell of no scent. Del had smelled lots of perfumes. But Lady wasn’t wearing any perfume. She smelled like femininity in the flesh. Lady was everything he ever wanted. And nothing like he’d expected.
She’d been walking away from Del, but he could see her very well. His night vision stroked a black shimmery dress that caught light from the porch behind them.
She stopped and admired a trellis. “These are grapes.”
Del felt even more assured about her. “Yes. They’re grown for the sweetest wine. Wait ’til you see the place in the day. If you’re still here.”
Lady stood up straighter with a wider smile in place. “Gardens, libraries, churches, or anywhere beautiful is where you’ll find me. I love history and romance. I like nice things. I love being rich. Having money keeps you separated from society in a comfortable way, but I imagine people are the same everywhere. There are saints, sinners, liars, friends; just one more person to spend time with. Or was that my sister, brother, father, or betrothed? I can’t ever figure out with them if they just want to party or what.”
Her oratory came out clear in a smooth, nicely high voice. Her honest view of the world set him straight. She stood firm, like her mind had been made up. Something had led her to him.
Del could’ve been knocked over by a feather. Instead, he took two large steps to her side. “My name is Delanore Franklin Ericson. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering if a woman can be like you.”
Lady laughed for the first time. It sealed a deal for Del. He could listen forever.
Her teeth were white and glistening when she leaned forward on a rocking laugh. “How can you know anything about me?”
Getting further away from him was not an option. Whether it be unintentional by laughter or other means.
Del wrapped an arm around her and it hooked nicely. Feeling her hot, throbbing flesh relieved him. He wrapped his hands around her and kissed her. Lady tasted like a fresh, cool spring. Hot sweetness waited for him. She didn’t kiss him back. Instead she tongued his mouth in one entire circle. She stood back innocently and smiled mischievously.
“It isn’t fair to you. There are a few things you should know about me. I have to drop a few grenades tonight. It’s awfully selfish of me, and I hope you’re man enough to take it.”
“You mean there’s more than one thing I should know about you?” Del teased her, and raised his arms. “I’m up to the challenge. What do I have to know first?”
Lady looked frustrated. “It’s not my fault I’m different.”
Del lowered his gaze. “We already talked about this.”
“Oh, all that about me being a rich kid was nothing.” She smiled ruefully. “I turned nineteen today.”
“Happy birthday!” Del managed to choke out.
He knew she would be young, but her age was a little below the average age of his usual dates.
“It wasn’t a happy day for me. I got all dressed up and showed up at my party. I sat in my car and looked at the restaurant. It was lit up and bright. Loud music and dancing made it look like a living thing. For all of its movement, and people, I still felt alone. I didn’t even get out of the car before I left the driveway.”
She searched his face. “It was weird to know what faced me tonight, and it felt like the rest of my life hinged on it. Of course, I missed out on some fun. People are always nice to me. But it’s only because of the money. I already knew everyone waiting for me at the party. I’m only nineteen today, but felt like the party was missing something.”
“I know what your party lacked. It’s the birthday girl!” Del said ironically.
He could easily imagine men following Lady through a room, handing out drinks and dances. He couldn’t imagine anything else for her. Except maybe helping her, like he’d already done once today.
“Money makes friends real quick. I always thought asking for money or talking about money is a weird way to make friends.” He shrugged like he couldn’t figure it out.
Lady, on the other hand, seemed to have it all figured out. “I stand to inherit two hundred fifty million dollars. I’m also supposed to keep the family name, and be a leader in the fashion industry.”
“Hmmph.” Del tried to wrap his mind around it. It was a lot more of everything he didn’t want to hear about. “So, I guess your birthday was a little stressful.”
She looked at him desperately. “Yes. Everyone wants something from me. But you helped me and asked for nothing. You don’t understand what that means. It’s what drew me to be here. I don’t know anything about your world, but I’m tired of mine. I look at you and see something different.”
Del nodded silently and put his hand out to Lady. She held onto his hand with a solid hold. He would always remember her this way; young, vibrant, and sure of herself in the pale moonlight.
“There’s still more about me you should know.” Lady stepped onto the sidewalk.
“Slow down.” Del groaned. “I can only take one surprise at a time, and I still want to celebrate your birthday. Then later you can tell me more. I might be slow, or the biggest country fool, but I want to enjoy my night with you.”
They walked into the house and he kept on talking.
“Actually, you used up a few grenades already. Here you are, the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen. I find out it’s your birthday and am so happy to spend it with you. I’m going to look in my freezer. Yep, there’s a frozen blueberry pie, cheesecake, or pound cake. What’s your preference, pretty lady?”
“Pound cake.” Lady pulled a chair out from the table.
“Yes, it does sound good. It sounds good enough for a lady. How about a hot toddy to go with it?” Del silently thanked a memory of his grandparents.
He knew how to make tea, and care for fine china. A few candles were lit. The room took on an appropriate glimmer.
“Are you hungry for anything else? I can throw chicken strips in the oven.” Del set out the sugar bowl.
“That sounds great. May I excuse myself for a moment?” Lady didn’t wait and was already walking down the hall.
Del knew where she was headed and yelled after her. “The bathroom’s the second door on the left.”
He heard the door shut. With her gone, so was the comfort of her presence. He realized things were going much too perfectly to be real. She was probably a con artist. She could set up any lonely man for a business. He had cash, gold, and guns in the house. Granted, most of them were under lock and key, but that wasn’t the end of it.
There were other things at stake, like pride and his fully intact, never been broken heart. She was young. But that didn’t mean a thing. Once a woman reached a certain age she could be liable for damages. Most rich people didn’t have an aura of accountability, but she did. She was definitely one to watch. She would have to confirm herself before he closed his eyes or touched her agai
n.
He had worked himself into a tizzy by the time she returned. He could smell her before he saw her. She smelled like a musky flower. They were pleasant pheromones.
With her in the room, Del felt more alive and alert than ever in his whole life. There was a connection between them, and it wasn’t just mental. He wondered if she felt it too.
She stood quietly.
Del decided to be spontaneous; besides, the best defense was a good offense. He swept her off her feet. Del pulled her into his arms and started singing along with the radio.
He repeated the lines in different tones of background voice. He stepped quickly when he sang the question. He twirled her in and out of his arms. She cracked like a whip to the crispy dance. She was the yin to his yang, and when they danced she could lead or follow. At that moment he felt more complete than ever before.
Del could dance with her all night. He didn’t know the rest of the song and stopped before repeating himself got old. He held her loosely in his arms. They caught their breath in unison.
Lady smiled like she was telling a secret. “You’re hot when you sing. You should’ve been a rock star. We could’ve met before if you would’ve been rich and famous.”
“Then I could’ve been someone you complain about, instead of being the one you run to,” Del said pointedly.
“That’s not a good enough reason,” she replied.
He stood taller and explained. “Every time I go to a grocery store, I stand in line. While I wait to pay, I read the covers of magazines. There’s always some drama. It’s unattractive to me. Besides, I’m busy being productive and resourceful.”
Del released her. She sat at the table and stared at him.
He continued, “My time is very valuable. I make things in my shop, or work outside on the farm. I’m addicted to accomplishments. I’m trying to make this old farmhouse look new again. See, these are new windows. This house is over a hundred years old, but built to last. I aim to keep it. I almost lost it once, and that won’t happen again.”
She looked at him in interest. “How do you lose a house?”
Del had to take a double look at her face. She teased him with a smirk tugging on her lips. Lady’s joke made her sound young, and his response made him feel old.
“Don’t worry. I can’t lose a house in that way. When something’s in my heart, then I always know where it’s at.”
Lady received Del’s quick comebacks just like everyone else. She nodded and pursed her lips together in thought. No woman had stumped or corralled him yet. His voice took on a low, growly tone. The conversation needed to be less passionate. They’d already talked about money, land, and loss. These subjects were kind of taboo for a first date. So he steered the conversation toward comfort zones.
“I grew up on this farm. It was my grandparents’. My parents lived in town. I was the third of their five kids. By the time I was up and running around, everyone wanted me here at this farm. Including myself. My parents had no objection to me living here with the grandparents.”
Del flexed his stubborn hands. “I’m used to working hard. I get up before the sun and work past the light of day. I work and work until I finally see a little leeway. I don’t understand how grandfather did it. He and his father built everything on this plot. I can hardly maintain it.”
Del looked out the window at the darkened night. “Things like tractors and dirt are easy for me to understand. Some things are obvious. I’m a rough man. Nothing but time can get the dirt out of my calloused hands. They’ll probably always have a gash or a scar. Some things just can’t hide.” He dropped his darkened hands and took a step toward her. He gave her silent props for not flinching.
Del raised his eyebrow and scratched the back of his neck. “Maybe it’s you who’s hiding. Or maybe it’s me. But there’s one thing I know for sure. If something’s meant to get done, then it’s gonna get done. And there’s a certain order to it. One set of things needs to get done before the next thing can be done. I can’t just go around throwing seed down on any old piece of land. Just like I don’t expect my grain to grow in winter. Things have to run their course, and some things can’t proceed alone. I know there are a lot of things about me I can’t hide. My hands are rough and probably not soft enough for you. My clothes are worn and missing buttons or have holes. I don’t really care about how I look when I’m doing hard labor. I left almost everything the way I got it. The farm’s lasted through four generations of Ericson boys. I want to make it five.”
Lady had been sitting at the edge of her seat, listening to him raptly. At the implied gesture of their joining she looked down and checked the tips of her fingernails.
Del was delighted to see she was shy. It answered a question in his mind and a grunt escaped his throat.
“What?” Lady looked up defensively. “Are you afraid of losing the farm to me? I know there are a lot of crooked people in the world, but I’m not one of them.”
A soft chuckle came out of his mouth. “No, you don’t seem like the type. But you’re still young.”
“Hey!” Lady crossed her arms and pouted. “I might be young, but that’s temporary. I’ll never be that desperate.”
“Ha.” Del let out a quick and absolute chuckle. “You’re quick. I’m gonna have to keep my eyes on you.”
“Hey!” Lady was really upset this time and a crimson color spread across her face. “You invited me over. How about making me feel welcome?”
Del quickly changed tune. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist teasing you. Come on. It’s all right. We barely know each other.”
Lady loosened her shoulders. “Okay. I just don’t like being accused of treachery. It’s not a joke.”
“You’re right.” Del held up his hands. “Morality isn’t a joke. I know there are people who are just a weight on the heart, instead of a joy. But it takes all kinds of people in your life to be well-balanced. I mean, my own family took away the farm when my grandparents died.”
Water started boiling on the stove and Del turned momentarily. “Here. Have a hot toddy.”
She already had a teacup and saucer in front of her. Del set the teapot on the table. Everything else sat between them.
Del dumped a spoon of sugar into his cup and smiled. “See, I’ve been living here at the farm since I was old enough to swing a shovel. My grandfather taught me how to farm. One day they left the house and never came back. There was a car accident and they both died on the scene in their best Sunday clothes.”
Talking about them still bothered Del. He swung his arms out and repositioned himself on the rickety kitchen chair. Comfort eluded him. He crossed his arms and willed himself to remain still.
“There were a lot of friends and neighbors in and out of the house. I wasn’t really paying attention. I didn’t think I’d have to keep my guard up through bereavement as well, but there it is. Somehow their Last Will and Testament disappeared from the house.”
Lady lowered her jaw. “Are you sure it disappeared?”
Del nodded. “Yes, of course I know. It’s a pretty big deal to inherit a lot of land. I recollect a very distinct day they came home from town with a new will. They showed it to me and it was a great ploy. I worked even harder on the land. The farm and all of its attached acreage potentially belonged to me.”
Del sat very still and thought about it again. He had always kept the subject silent. Even when he initially received the land. He didn’t tell anyone. Both his grandparents had known and they kept the subject very general. Del had wanted them to keep their house and property the way they wanted.
He never talked about inheriting the land with anyone. There was no one else to tell. His family or parents would’ve found ways to mortgage it or sell off little pieces. But Del had his heart set on continuing the family heritage and leaving the land untouched by outsiders.
He had just voiced his real opinion loudly for the first time in years. It made him sour. The subject stilled him in his boots. It could’ve been a w
hole minute he forgot his beautiful guest. He would have to keep an eye on Lady, she could bring out the deepest parts of him. He shook his head and struggled back to the light.
His ears heard his voice and it sounded cool. He tried to sound kind.
“After that day, I never saw the will again. But I knew they stored it in a fireproof safe. Everyone knew about the safe, so anyone could be the culprit. But the will disappeared like some big mystery. All I had to do was look at who benefitted the most from the misplaced piece of paper. My whole family, except for one brother, voted to sell the farm. My heart couldn’t let it happen. So I bought out each of my siblings’ shares of the farm. It took almost fifteen years.”
Lady tilted her head and looked at him deeply. “How did you do it?”
“Love.” Del’s answer slipped out with no thought. “I love this land and the heritage that comes with it. I could have fought my family and gone to court, and might’ve even won. But then I would be an even bigger outsider. There was, and still hasn’t been any proof of who stole the will. My intuition told me to ride it out. Everyone needs family and friends. I kept things cool and courteous. My grandparents handed me a deed, and fate handed me something different.” Del didn’t feel near as lighthearted as he tried to sound.
“It worked out well for everyone. Mom and Dad divorced and upgraded to better significant others. My oldest brother, Ted, owns a bar. My two sisters have changed college majors three times now. Next year one of them will be finishing medical school. My other brother, Ben, is a carpenter who only works when he has to. Sometimes he even helps me at the farm.”
Lady spoke up. “Del, do they know how hard you work? If they knew you had holes in socks, or missing buttons, would it be different? You made such big sacrifices and didn’t even need to. That was a very big and kind gesture. I don’t think you stand in this kitchen and tell this story to very many girls.”
Lady looked at him shrewdly.
“Why not?” Del asked defensively.
