by Adams, Zoe
“Why is this dress so fluffy?” she asked.
“It’s a square dancing dress.”
Lady got a faraway look in her eyes. “Your grandma danced?” She asked out of courtesy, but already knew the answer.
Del shrugged. “Yes, well, sort of. Have you ever seen a square dance? They’re kind of directed around with a guy who sounds like an auctioneer. It is dancing, but it’s also showing off how well you pay attention. Then they compete by matching their partners and stuff. A stomp and grind is totally different. You really need to hear and obey the words.”
“Hmm,” Lady said quickly. “So there’s no groping around like a teenager.”
Del laughed a deep belly laugh that came out in a double honk. He’d never thought of it from a girl’s perspective. He straightened himself when thinking about another man touching her.
“Only if I’m told to.” Teasing Lady was fun.
“All right, but I think public emotions are embarrassing. It’s not my job to start a scene, I’m very anti-drama.”
Del knew her exactly. “Well, then, ma’am, I’ve found a good match in you. Haven’t I told you want they call me in town?”
Lady’s eyes opened wider. Del swore he could fall into their bottomless pits forever.
She tapped her chin. “I can’t think of anything I’d be brave enough to call you.”
Del strutted with his thumbs in his belt loops. “Yep, they call me Minister Del. It used to be Mister Del, but it got boring. I don’t understand how the word minister is less boring, but whatever. There are lots of names I’ll never answer to, but this one is tolerable, I guess.”
A little laugh escaped Lady’s lips.
“Minister Del?” she asked incredulously. “That’s not the name I would’ve given you. But I suppose if I didn’t know how passionate and sexy you are, then I might say that, maybe. No, no, I would not call you a minister. But definitely a mister.”
“Yes, it’s strange to be called fake names. I’m just an honest farmer. Being a gentleman puts someone in a class by themselves. Acts of goodhearted kindness can be counted in its results. And so the nickname of being a minister follows me. All I can do is take what’s handed to me. Some unforeseen hand of fortune gave me a nickname, a farm, and now you. Yes, ma’am, I can handle it all right. I can be the mediator or the voice of reason, but when I’m with you, I’m the luckiest man on earth. Does my nickname bother you?”
Lady took a feverish step forward. “It doesn’t matter where you go. People will agree about a different species. I knew it the moment you called me ma’am. Then you helped me without wanting anything in return. You didn’t want anything from me, not even money. You are a different type of man and just wanted my comfort. Thank you.”
She took the last step to place her body against his. “I have lots of reasons to like you.”
“Good,” Del murmured softly in her ear. “I’ll give you more reasons to like me.”
“The first two reasons you gave me might be the best,” Lady whispered, and blew goosebumps along his neck.
Del had never felt this way about a girl before. She made him feel comfortable, in an honest and close way. They could tease and even wonder things out loud.
Everything was right with the world when Del helped her out of the dancing dress.
Chapter 7
The next day, Del felt his chores beckoning from the yard. He sat up in bed. The room still rested in the dark.
Lady shifted in bed and a small grunt came from her mouth. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t sleep. There are a few things I gotta do outside.” Del heard her sit up.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No,” Del replied. “I want you to cuddle up in bed until I get back.”
“Thank you.” Lady whimpered and closed her eyes.
Del tucked her into his blankets and pillow. He gave her cheek a kiss.
“I’ll be back when the sun comes up.” Del tiptoed from the room.
His chores were stagnant for the first time. The barn felt older and dustier in the still morning air. He sharpened the blades of his cutting tool. The sound of metal on metal scraped into his consciousness. For once it felt rough and unsettling.
Del tried to appreciate the future of a sharpened blade. This time there was no reassurance from the cold hard substance. He wanted to be with Lady. But there was danger in neglecting his work. He wondered if his future could hold both the farm and her.
The question stopped him in his tracks. The outcome of owning this farm had spurred him on for years. He always thought eventually he’d marry a little wife and stay on the farm.
Never in his wildest dreams had he considered a mate being insanely rich. It was a new train of thought for him. She’d probably want to retire him to a gated community. He could see Lady sitting beside a lazy pool. She would be beautiful in any setting.
However, Del didn’t know how to live a carefree life. It was one thing in his favor. He was used to bullying his way through manual labor and task lists.
As long as he didn’t become a bull in a china shop. He didn’t want to embarrass Lady. That was it. Del realized his thoughts and had to sit down. He’d already decided to leave the farm. His mind had already made itself up to follow Lady, but his body needed to catch up with this knowledge.
Del could feel the furious beating of his heart. He didn’t usually decide things so quickly. The conversation hadn’t even come up between them yet. He knew eventually it would, and was glad to have an answer before being under her scrutiny.
There was a fine line to tread regarding money. As with all large incomes, there would be a legitimate cause to doubt him. So he better not appear too eager to quit something.
Del found a reason to get back to work. Lady wasn’t with him for money. She was with him because he could make her feel safe. Del would always save enough energy to make her feel good. He was born to hold her tight.
He already knew it. He was so sure about their future. He wondered if Lady felt it too.
Del worked harder on the metal. He wanted to get this done and over with. The mundanity of his life never seemed greater. Instead of thinking ahead for the farm, he thought ahead for himself.
If he was going to leave, then he wanted to pack up the farm tightly. He’d start today.
Del had no idea how rich people lived, but could only guess they were spontaneous. He wanted to be prepared. When Lady was ready to leave, then he would be ready too.
Del was willing to do it, even before she asked. He wondered what else he would do just so he could call her lover.
Del had a moment of clarity when he realized how arrogant he was. He knew he had high standards to expect a woman to act like a lady. Vanity came along with the territory.
He laughed to himself. She couldn’t fit her name better.
Del unconsciously stopped working. He realized the detriment of his thoughts. He realized love slowed him down. There were books and movies where a person was too much in love for any other full cooperation. They would clumsily bump their head, drop something, or mess up a recipe. Del felt like only half his brain properly functioned. The term love sick had a brand new meaning for him. He willed himself to work a little bit longer.
The sun came up and the golden rays brightened the barn’s interior. Del sat down on an old stool. He looked around with new eyes.
The barn had been converted into a shop years ago. It was maintained regularly and already clean and organized. The old and new tools were spread out carefully. The logical progression of the shop was obvious.
His tools were stored according to seasons. It was time to sharpen his gathering tools and replace them with snow removal gear. That meant everything would be brought out and the summer tools would be put against the back wall.
Then all the winter gear and generators could be accessed through the cold months with ease. Usually it took him a full week, but he was a little obsessive.
Del con
sciously spent time preserving things. He ground out the cutting blades. They still needed to be polished with a little grease. Then they could be stored safely until summer. It wouldn’t take very long to do the winterizing things to keep the barn true to its purpose.
Del worked a little while longer. He wondered if Lady was still asleep and decided to check. Sharp, dangerous tools were set aside, and he walked to the house.
It was a familiar walk that should’ve been fast. Now the large space between the buildings was annoying. Del didn’t think it had ever taken so long to get indoors.
Once he stepped inside the house, he received another shock. Lady was in the kitchen.
The coffee pot had a fresh round of brew. Lady stood over the oven.
“Whew.” Del left the door open behind him. “It smells good in here.”
Lady turned around and smiled. Del hadn’t looked in a mirror all morning. According to Lady’s face, he looked just fine.
They smiled at each other for a moment.
“It’s nice…” Del began to say.
“How was…” Lady began to inquire.
They both stopped for the other to continue the conversation. Del started to feel an itch and realized he was nervous. The feeling should be nipped in the bud. He filled his lungs with air and willed his legs to move. He took two giant strides across the kitchen.
Del stood close to Lady. “It’s nice to have you here. I’m sorry you woke up alone.”
Lady grinned wider and her jaw took a new angle. “I don’t know. I kind of like to get tucked into bed.”
That was all the invitation Del needed. He kissed her. She tasted like coffee and sugar. It was poignantly strong, and bittersweet. He could lick her mouth all day.
“Mmm, you taste good,” he said around her lips.
“Mmm,” Lady purred, and reciprocated.
The things Del had been thinking about all morning confirmed themselves. Worries began to disappear. The surety from kissing resulted in loss of breath. He wanted to give her so much more.
He picked up the strands of hair beside her face and held her in place. She fit him nicely.
Lady’s soft mumble seemed to affect her. All at once her body made one big physical twitch. Then her body molded even closer to his. Lady looked at him lustily, a half-droopy shell over almond eyes.
Toast popped up on the counter. She opened her eyes widely and backed away. The sound of her shuffling whispered across the floor. Their moment of closeness was gone. Lady fidgeted with her toast. Del washed his hands, then poured himself a cup of coffee.
The spoon was dipped in the sugar bowl and dumped in the mug. He stirred absently and turned to face Lady.
The sunlight spilled across the counter and it glowed, opaque. The added whiteness brightened her features even more.
Del always checked his plans when he looked at Lady. There was something smart he wanted to quip, but his thoughts slammed shut. He moved in closer. Her hand connected with his body and held his ribcage.
They moved together so naturally. Del fell right into bright obliviousness. He didn’t know or care if the rest of the day would pass like this. All he knew was he’d waited long enough.
He was thirty years old. Waiting had been hard, and now suddenly, all of his patience was gone.
Del lifted Lady into his arms and didn’t let go for hours.
***
Later they sat down to eat.
Del’s stomach growled hours ago, but had been excitedly ignored. Finally, he’d performed the dinner ritual of throwing a frozen slab of food in the oven.
He took a bite of noodles.
Lady cut her food into a tiny bite. She put the fork in her mouth and chewed slowly.
Del knew the food was a far cry from a four-star restaurant.
“I know the food isn’t great. I just eat for nutrition, and don’t have time to be…” Del wanted to say picky, but didn’t want to insinuate anything. While he was searching for the right word, Lady took over the conversation.
“It’s all right. That’s why I eat as well.” Lady gave a small smile then took a tiny bite of food.
She chewed for about a minute before swallowing. Lady smiled and lifted her glass.
Del was almost done eating. He grimaced at his big mouth that always seemed apparent, even when eating. He set his fork down and leaned back in the chair.
“What’s your favorite food?” Del asked.
“My favorite food? I don’t want to say.” She looked sidelined for a moment.
Del arched his eyebrows. Watching her reminded him of a silent symphony. Her demeanor went from confused to surety and then settled in braveness.
“I like cake.” Lady blushed.
Del laughed at the confession. “What? You like cake? What kind of cake?”
Lady shook her head. “Any. I’ll eat any cake. But my favorite is homemade cake and frosting. Sugar tastes better when it’s mixed fresh.”
Del looked at her incredulously. “Cake, huh? Do you eat it before or after the main course?”
Lady laughed. “It is the main course.”
Del shook his head. “What have I gotten myself into?”
Making one honest statement loosened her up. “It’s more like, what am I going to get myself into. I need clothes.”
Del smiled at his bold companion. “Do you want to go shopping?”
He thought of all the places she could get clothes and a lump settled in his throat. For some reason he had a real fear of her leaving him.
Lady had fear in her eyes as well. A gloominess settled between them.
“I don’t want to go shopping. I don’t want to leave this place.” Lady hadn’t flinched a muscle.
“Good.” Del felt overcome with relief. “I want you to stay.”
Del knew in his mind the relief would be short-lived, but he swore to keep it as long as possible. “I still have all my grandma’s clothes here. You can wear anything you want. Sorry, they’re probably outdated. But you liked that one dress.”
“Yes, I did like that dress.” Lady nodded. “Do you mind if I alter the clothes a little?”
Del shook his head. “What? Alter?”
“Yes, I would like to make the dresses fit better here,” Lady put her hands on her shoulders and under her breasts, “and here.”
Del nodded. “Yes, please make sure the dresses fit you perfectly. I’m dumbfounded you make everything look sexy. Even my old flannel shirt looks amazing on you.”
Lady hugged the shirt close. “I like this shirt. It’s soft and smells like you.”
Del rolled his eyes. “At least I won’t feel bad about tearing that shirt off of you.”
Lady got a virginal look on her face.
“So now you will play coy with me?” Del was out of his chair.
They left a messy table behind and didn’t come back until the next day.
Chapter 8
Del stayed close to home and his new lady. The occasion added deep psychological thoughts about the new relationship. Every decision called on his entire body to cooperate. He would have amazing moments of clarity and closeness with Lady.
Reconnecting with the old house after these moments with her was a feeling he never expected. The shabbiness of the old house was emasculating. He hadn’t minded before, but now he wanted maximum comfort.
Doing anything with structure needed more brain cells, and they were already reserved for her. Del needed his brain now more than ever.
Lady existed in a cloud. She didn’t watch TV and cared very little about what happened in the world. She never talked about family or where they lived.
Del sensed a stressful secret. It was obvious other people made decisions for her. He wondered how long she could be settled and complete without them. Del’s apprehension grew.
She had made herself at home in the old craft room. Del couldn’t comprehend how she could make clothes. Lady was cute as a button every time he came into the house.
It wasn’t j
ust certain times of day either. He knew because he’d purposely gone home at different times every day. She always pursued something in the craft room. It held her attention more than cleaning or cooking. She stayed busy looking cute. Just the kind of nice surprise he always wanted to see.
One day she would wear a full skirt and tiny top, then the next day she would wear tiny shorts and a tied up shirt. She remained finely tailored, even on a farm.
Each time she wore something new. Well, it wasn’t exactly new. She’d come with nothing but a tiny purse. It was like magic. Every day she looked fresh and comfortable.
Lady was the full package. What professional judges would call a perfect ten. Her fashion kept him interested. Her brain kept him motivated. And her body kept him happy.
Del let the screen bounce loudly. The wood door swung into the kitchen. Lady sat at the table with cell phone clutched in hand.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for you.” She jumped up excitedly.
“Okay.” Del held up his arms and laughed. “Let me take my shoes off.”
He sat down in the wooden spindled chair and leaned back. Del lifted his heavy ankle onto his knee. His fingers deftly loosened the boot laces.
Lady leaned forward intently. Del recognized her urgency the moment he opened the door, but it would have to wait. The shoes and flannel shirt were dumped by the chair. He turned on the faucet and washed his hands. He finally felt touchable and approached Lady.
Her cellphone made a bleeping chirp.
Lady finally said something. “They’ve been calling all day. I didn’t want to talk to them until you were here.”
Del raised his eyebrows but wasn’t given any more chance to respond.
“Hello,” Lady said loudly into the receiver.
She waited for the response and Del could hear the high pitched voice of a woman.
“Lady? Lady? Hello, is this Lady?”
“Yes, Mom, this is Lady.” Lady lifted one arm and shrugged while talking.
