Would You, Could You

by Felicia Mires

  "I get around."

  He stepped up to the bull and set it to level 2. Her mouth dropped. Could he not read? He was such a man.

  He got on, and the bull took off.

  Bob lasted three seconds, ending his ride when he slid sideways and had to drop down on his shoulder. Lisa and Julianne tried to hold in their laughter but finally lost it.

  Bob got up, but instead of returning to them, he got back on the bull, raising the level to 3.

  Julianne exchanged a nervous glance with Lisa. "He's nuts."

  "He's a man. Don't tell them they can't do something."

  The bull jerked into play, and it looked as if Bob would fly straight off but he held firm and made it to five seconds. This time he landed on his side with a loud groan. Without looking at them, he got back on the bull and raised the level to cowboy.

  "Hey, you're not supposed to skip levels!" Lisa called out.

  He waved at her and the bull started up again. She couldn't believe he stayed on. It looked as if his back would snap each time he jerked forward. She cringed.

  Julianne grabbed her arm. "Make him get down."

  "You started this. You make him get down."

  He hit the ground. Hard. For several seconds, he didn't move. Then he shook his head and climbed back on the bull.

  "Bob, what are you doing?" Lisa yelled, but the crowd yelled even louder. Apparently, he had some fans.

  At least, he left it on the cowboy setting. If he'd raised it again, she would have marched up there and pulled him down herself.

  That steely glint which she knew so well lit his eyes. His grip tightened, and the bull took flight. He stayed on and on. She glanced at the clock. He was close to the record. The crowd starting counting down, and she knew he wouldn't give up until he beat it. When the people started cheering, he released the bull. He'd done it.

  He walked stiffly toward them but got intercepted by several well-wishers, including some scantily clad females that didn't want to take no for an answer. Not that he was pounding them off. She intervened, pushing her way through to wrap his arm across her shoulder.

  Breathing hard, he grinned at her. "Marking your territory."

  "You bet, you maniac."

  She got him to the table and shoved him in a chair.

  "Ouch! Be gentle."

  "You're such a man."

  "Would you rather I was a lady?"

  Julianne giggled. "You were awesome! And crazy. I can't believe you did that."

  "All for you, Jujube."

  "Hah!" said Lisa. "It was all for that screaming crowd."

  He tried to sit up straight and groaned. "Oww. I might have overdone it."

  "Ya think? Too bad. You owe me another dance."

  "Lisa, honey." He gave her a pained expression.

  "If you can clown around for the fools, you can hold me on the dance floor."

  "I would love to, but I'm not sure I can move."

  Julianne laughed. "I'll help you up."

  Bob pushed his chair back. "Thanks, but a man's got to do what a man's got to do."

  "I think that's what got you into trouble in the first place."

  They headed to the dance floor, and Lisa caught more than one envious glance from the women in their path.

  "I think you've broken a few hearts."

  "More like a few bones."

  "Serves you right."

  He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her in. "Aren't you the least bit impressed?"

  "Of course." She laughed softly. "You're such a man, but I love you anyway."

  "Do you?"

  Her head jerked up. "It was just an expression. I didn't...I mean..."

  "We'll talk about it later," he said with a smile.

  Lisa rested her cheek against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. This was going to be some talk. In a very short time, she'd gone from wishing he'd communicate more to dreading it.

  "Mom."

  Lisa raised her head to find Julianne beside them, clutching her stomach.

  Bob froze. "Uh oh. Too much cheesecake?"

  "I think I'm going to throw up."

  Lisa took Julianne's hand. "Let's go, sweetheart. Can you make it to the room?"

  "I don't know."

  "It's warm in here. Let's get her outside," said Bob, moving to Julianne's other side.

  They made it back, but she threw up as soon as she got in the bathroom.

  Lisa washed her up and got her to bed then went back to Bob who waited on the couch.

  "Is she all right?" he asked.

  "She will be. Sorry about that walk."

  "Never mind. We've got all day tomorrow. How would the two of you like to get away from here and go somewhere? Think she's up to it?"

  "A road trip?"

  "Well, not Disney, but somewhere."

  "I think she'd like that."

  "What about you?" He put his arm around her and pulled her tight against him.

  "Definitely."

  She raised her face for his kiss and sighed with the pure pleasure of his mouth on hers. The gentle pressure increased, and waves of longing flooded her thoughts. She twisted to lean against his chest. How she enjoyed the solid feel of it.

  He leaned back on the couch and pulled her over him. When her hand came under his t-shirt and touched his bare stomach, she thrilled to the sensation explosion. This was getting out of hand. Her daughter was in the next room, and she was ready to do something she'd never even considered before.

  "Bob."

  He stopped kissing her neck. "It's all right."

  His hand caressed her back then he moved her away from him so he could sit up.

  "I'm sorry," she said.

  "No, you're right. I'm sorry."

  He got up and walked to the door. "Call me in the morning and let me know how she feels."

  "Bob, wait."

  "Good night, Lisa. Lock the door."

  He closed the door behind him.

  She locked the door then went to her room and cried.

  Chapter 10

  Would You, Could You...on a Road Trip

  Despite the early hour that Bryce turned in, he didn't get much sleep. He tossed and turned, troubled by a guilty conscience.

  At five in the morning, he rose and hobbled out to the balcony, a little stiff from his encounter with the mechanical bull.

  The resort was still at rest, blanketed by darkness and slightly humid air. He wished he was still at rest, but his thoughts wouldn't allow it. He wanted Lisa Engles. More than that. He wanted to marry her. He wanted to be Julianne's father. He cared about them, and he wanted to take them away from every bad memory they had of this place. But, did Lisa feel the same? Sure, she desired him, but that wasn't enough. And last night, he had nearly lost his head.

  He was such an idiot! He was trying to show her how reliable he was... that she and Julianne could build a life with him, and he nearly lost it. Again. His intentions to think like a religious person just weren't working.

  I'm sorry, God. I don't know how to do this. If you could just help me. Show me the way.

  The sun edged over the horizon, revealing a hazy mist over the duck pond. This was a beautiful place. Why would Lisa leave? Especially since she'd be leaving the tangible evidence of her husband and son behind. Would she fall in love with him? Could she, when he confessed his part in Roger's death?

  His phone rang, and he checked the ID. "Hello, boss. What's up?"

  "Me, and I'm not happy about it. Look, you're going to have to come in. I know you've got three more days, but the prosecutor says he needs a deposition or he can't hold our suspect."

  "When?"

  "Tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

  "I see."

  "I take it you'll be here."

  "Yes, sir. Of course."

  "Call me when you make town."

  Bryce set the phone down. He had one day to make Lisa fall in love with him. Julianne wasn't a problem. They got along fine. But, Lisa... He nee
ded to convince her that it wasn't his fault that Roger and her child had died, even though he struggled with that feeling himself.

  He didn't know how long he sat there, staring into the distance, but the sun rose and the golfers hit the course. Joggers took to the running path, and tennis players occupied the courts. Still, no word from Lisa.

  He took a shower and dressed. He had serious bruises in places he didn't even remember falling.

  He went to the lobby to make arrangements for the day then got flowers and rode the elevator to their suite. Perhaps he'd have better luck if he knocked on the door.

  When she opened it, he was surprised to find her still in her robe and with swollen, red eyes as if she'd been crying.

  He hurried inside as she moved away from the door. "Lisa, what is it? Is Julianne all right?"

  He kissed her cheek then held up the red roses. Even with puffy eyes and no make-up, he found her attractive. "Tell me what's wrong."

  "You brought me roses? But last night..."

  "What about last night?"

  "You left. You wouldn't talk to me after..."

  He should have known she would see that as rejection.

  "Lisa, I…I was angry with myself."

  She shook her head and started to cry. "I was so sure..."

  "What?" He tilted up her chin. "What's going on? What are you thinking?"

  "The worst. That you didn't care. That you only wanted...Or that you didn't even want that."

  "How could you think that? No. Never mind. I shouldn't have left without talking it out. I won't do that again."

  "Promise?"

  He grinned and put his arms in the air. "Promise."

  Julianne came out of the bedroom, wearing a yellow t-shirt and shorts outfit. "About time. She's been crying all night."

  "You didn't show up for our tennis date, young lady."

  "I was sleeping because somebody kept me awake."

  Lisa shook her head and sank on the couch to stare into space. "That's not true. She puked again."

  "No cheesecake today, Jujube."

  "Ugh, if I never see another piece, I'll be happy. It doesn't taste so great when it comes out your nose."

  "No, it doesn't." He held out the daisies. "These are for you. Are you feeling better?"

  "Much, but I could go for some breakfast. I think I lost all my dinner."

  He glanced at Lisa who still stared blankly ahead. "Why don't we go down to the café and let your mom get ready."

  "I want a waffle."

  "Do you think that's a good choice? More sugar?"

  "Haven't you ever seen Elf? Maple syrup is one of the main food groups."

  "If you say so."

  He bent beside Lisa. "I made arrangements for us to take a road trip if you're up for it."

  "I'd like that."

  "Good. We'll be back in about forty-five minutes."

  As the elevator started its descent, Bryce confronted Julianne. "She cried all night?"

  "It felt like all night. It didn't last as long as usual."

  "She does that often?"

  "Not in a few weeks. She tries to hide it from me...cries after I go to bed, but I hear her. The walls in that suite are paper-thin."

  "Your dad and Jonathan, huh?"

  Julianne turned big eyes toward him. "This time I think it was for you. I don't know what you did, but it must have been a doozy. Don't do it again."

  "I'll do my absolute best."

  They were back in forty minutes. Julianne opened the door and yelled. "Mo-om, we're here!"

  Lisa came into the living room, dressed in a pale pink blouse and white slacks. "I'm ready. Just let me grab my purse."

  Bryce studied her face. No trace of her earlier distress remained, and the roses now resided in the middle of the kitchen table. Apparently, his apology had been accepted.

  As they moved to the door, she glanced back in the room. "Do we need to bring anything else?"

  "Swimming supplies."

  When they reached the double glass doors of the lobby, Bryce pointed at the jeep waiting in the driveway. "Your chariot awaits, ladies."

  "A jeep?" swooned Julianne. "I've always wanted to ride in a jeep. Is it yours?"

  "It is today."

  When they reached the tree-lined highway, Lisa leaned back and sighed. "Where are we going?"

  "It's a surprise," he said with a smile and reached for the CD player.

  Strains of a banjo issued forth then a voice spoke. "This is Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security."

  "Bob, you found it!" Julianne's squealing voice overpowered the narrative for a second.

  "Well, I found one. I don't know if you've heard it, but it's all they had in the gift shop."

  "It's perfect! I could listen to them over and over."

  Lisa peeked at him from under long lashes and smiled. It made him feel like a million bucks.

  They drove for almost forty-five minutes, listening to the antics of Hank and his sometimes faithful sidekick, Drover.

  Bryce had to agree with their earlier verdict. Pete the Barncat was a humorous character with a comical voice.

  When he slowed to take his exit, Lisa opened her eyes. "Where are we going?"

  "You'll see."

  Five minutes later he pulled into the Lansville County Airport.

  Lisa sat up. "That's the airport."

  "It is."

  Julianne leaned between the seats and ejected the CD. "Are we going to fly?"

  "Yes."

  She bounced up and down. "I can't believe it. Are you going to fly the plane?"

  "Yes."

  Lisa's gaze locked on his. "How big is the plane?"

  "Big enough."

  "I've never been on a plane," said Julianne. "Bob, this is so cool!"

  After he did a pre-flight run-through with the plane, he checked their seatbelts and took the pilot's chair.

  "Here we go. How would you like to see the resort from the air?"

  "Are you kidding? That would be way cool." Julianne leaned toward her window, peering at the world below.

  Even Lisa seemed enthralled with the view, a smile on her face, her lips slightly parted in wonder.

  This was another moment he could have kept forever, their enjoyment and total reliance on him. The moments were adding up. For him, there was no turning back. He wanted to become a family. If only his plan worked.

  As he banked over the resort, Julianne gasped. "Oh my gosh, look at the high dive! It looks like a baby step. How high are we?"

  "About three thousand feet."

  Lisa turned to him. "I had no idea our world was so small. The resort seems like nothing."

  "Want to go lower?"

  "Oh, yeah," said Julianne.

  Bryce spoke into his mic, advising the tower of their course change then waited for permission. He circled the resort again, and they could see the details much more clearly.

  "I can almost see their faces," said Julianne.

  "I think that's low enough," said Lisa. "If we get any lower, we'll be landing on the golf course."

  Bryce laughed. "Not quite. Ready to move on, Jujube?"

  "Sure. Where are we going?"

  "You people are the most impatient passengers. It's a surprise."

  "Ok, ok. I can wait."

  Which she did for about thirty seconds.

  "Are we there yet?"

  "No."

  She waited another minute. "How bout now?"

  "Not even close."

  "Oh, Bob, you're killin' me."

  He laughed at her strained expression. "It'll be worth it. Just hang on and enjoy the view."

  They flew another thirty minutes before Julianne twisted in her seat. "Look at that lake. It's beautiful. Wouldn't you love to go swimming in that?"

  "Sure," said Bryce. "Let's go down."

  "What? Are you kidding! Where will you land?"

  "On that landing field in front of us."

  In front of the plane stretched a long, level area of
dark earth, outlined by markers and lights with a small metal building to the side.

  "We're out in the middle of nowhere," said Lisa. "How did you know about this place?"

  "Connections."

  Bryce turned away from her to concentrate on his landing. The dirt made for a slightly bumpier landing, particularly in a small plane, but they didn't complain.

  He pulled off his earpiece and swiveled to face them. "All right. Who's up for a swim?"

  Julianne jumped up. "Well, come on. Don't just sit there. Where are we goin' to change?"

  "See that little building? There's a bathroom in there," he said as he climbed out.

  He unzipped his duffel bag and handed out their suits then grabbed his own. He planned to change on the plane as soon as they left.

  When they came back together, he was waiting with his legs hanging off the side of the plane. He tossed them some towels. "That was quick!"

  Lisa rolled her eyes. "Someone is slightly excited about swimming in a lake."

  They set up a blanket in the shade of a towering oak, and Bryce handed over a tube of sunblock.

  Lisa glanced up. "Oh, thanks. Julianne, come here, please."

  "Not the sunblock. That's for wimps."

  Bryce shook his head. "It's for people who don't want to be too miserable to enjoy the rest of the day...which is a surprise."

  Her eyes lit up. "There's more?"

  "Unless you get burned and we have to go home."

  "Ugh. Grease me down, Mom."

  Lisa applied the sunblock then patted Julianne on the shoulder. "Ok, wait a couple minutes then you can go in."

  Julianne walked along the edge then waded to her knees. "Ohh, you cannot believe how warm this water is. And there are little fish everywhere." She squealed and jumped. "They nibble!"

  "They won't really hurt you...unless you've got an open sore. I had a scab once when I was a teenager, and it was like piranha went after it."

  "Eww, gross. Did I really need to know that?"

  Lisa turned to Bryce. "Ok, tough guy. Your turn."

  "Lady, you can run your hands all over me whenever you want."

  "Behave."

  "That's practically impossible to do...with you."

  She smoothed lotion in his shoulder, and Bryce sighed.

  "Mmm, I think I feel the same. It isn't exactly easy to do this. I'm glad we've got an audience."

  She finished and set the tube down.

  Bryce scooped it up. "Oh, no. Your turn to get tortured."