Texas Temptation

by Kathryn Brocato

  Hopping down from the wing, Jack plucked a towel from the workbench, wiping his hands as he stepped into the open doorway and scanned the backyard. Tucking the towel into his back pocket, he walked around to the front of the house.

  He glanced in the garage. No cars. Maybe she was around the side playing with Kisses. A hurried look told him she wasn’t there, either.

  There was no one around except the scattering of livestock gathering on the other side of the fence.

  He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Dee? Dee! It’s Jack. Where are you?”

  With no response, a ripple of panic started in his stomach. He wanted to kick himself for letting the child out of his sight. He knew kids needed to be watched. She was more important than whatever work he’d accomplished on the plane.

  He strode hurriedly around to the front of the house. Maybe she had gone into the house for a drink. Maybe he’d find her sitting in front of the TV watching a square yellow sponge cartoon or those talking vegetables she liked to watch.

  He stepped onto the porch and Kisses, who had been dozing in front of the door, rose to greet him. The dog’s thick tail beat against the side of the storm door.

  “Hello there, Kisses.” He patted the dog’s head. “Seen Dee lately, fella?” He pulled on the door handle and stepped inside. His eyes adjusted from the bright sunlight to the dim quiet living room. “Dee?” he shouted into the house. “Dee!”

  No answer met him, just the whirl of the air conditioning unit kicking on.

  He stepped out and closed the door behind him, calling her name as he made his way across the porch and back down the steps. Kisses followed at his heels. “Where could she be, boy?”

  Jack’s eyes searched the fields beyond the front gate. “Dee! Answer me!”

  The same dead air met him. He patted Kisses on the back. “Stay here, boy. I’ll find her.”

  He made his way through the gate and headed back toward the rear of the house. Where in the world could she be? Surely her dad couldn’t have driven up without him noticing and taken the little girl. No, he’d have heard that rattly old pickup. And Kisses certainly would have alerted the entire county of the unwelcome presence.

  Maybe … his mind raced and a glimmer of hope filled him. Just maybe she’d gone out to that old flatbed trailer to play. That’s where she has to be. I’ll probably find her sitting on the rope swing, laughing and bouncing those little curls of hers.

  Now a surge of hope pushed him forward and he found himself racing to the shady spot in the pasture where Hailey and Dee had taken him. The secret hiding place. He was sure glad she hadn’t kept it a secret from him.

  Reaching the flatbed, his heart sank. No sign of her. He turned a complete circle and scanned the grassy pasture. Okay, God, this is what You do, right? You help lost people? He cupped his mouth again and shouted into the air.

  He was about to turn to leave when a tiny voice called out.

  “Help. Jack?”

  The muffled plea came from beneath the trailer. He fell to his knees and peered into the low, darkened space. A tightness gripped his chest. “Dee!”

  “Jack.” She sniffed loud. “I thought I had to be under here forever. My hair got stuck. It’s so hot under here! Jack, help. Pleeeease.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God … thank goodness you’re okay.” His eyes focused on the little girl. Sure enough, from what he could make out, her hair was somehow wrapped around something beneath the trailer. The tightness in his chest intensified. “Can you reach up and unwind your hair, Dee?”

  She burst into tears.

  “Okay, okay, maybe not.” He surveyed the situation further. “You just hang on, Miss Dee, I’m going to take care of everything.” He stood and grabbed onto the side of the trailer. “Dee, I’m going to lift the side up a bit and you tell me if you can undo your hair, okay?” This had to work.

  A shaky “okay,” drifted at him from beneath the flatbed. He positioned both hands on the trailer, but knew instantly that he’d never be able to lift even an inch of what had been welded by time and the elements into the rock hard ground. He dreaded telling her. “We’re going to try something else, Dee. I’ll have you out of there soon.”

  “Okay,” And then he heard her begin to sob again.

  “Dee, why are you crying, honey? I’m here to help you. I promise I’ll get you out!”

  “But you’re mad at me. I cry when people get mad.”

  “But I’m not mad. You didn’t get stuck under there on purpose, did you?”

  The tiny voice issued a weak “No.”

  “Well, see then. No one will be mad at you. We’ll all be so happy to get you out of there. So, see. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

  “Jesus wouldn’t be mad.” Her voice was no longer shaky. She sounded adamant. “He wouldn’t be mad for me gettin’ stuck under the trailer. He’d just come and find me and take me back to the house and let me play with Rena Wayne.”

  “Who’s Rena Wayne, honey?”

  “My baby doll that Santa brought me when I was little. Jesus would let me play with her when I get back to the house.”

  Jack’s heart heaved. She made it sound so simple. Like it was a fact and nothing could change it. He didn’t know how to respond to such innocent assurance. “I suppose you’re right, Dee.”

  “It sure is hot here, Jack. I feel kind of sick. And I can’t hardly breathe, neither.”

  Jack didn’t hesitate further; he plopped down flat on his belly and shimmied himself across the hard dirt under the trailer. Reaching her, he squeezed her sweaty little hand. “You’re right. It’s too hot to play under here today, Dee. Let’s go back to the house.”

  She tried to nod her head. “Ouch. That hurt.” But the sound of her voice was suddenly stronger, and that was music to his ears. He let go of her hand and went to work.

  He unwound her hair from a piece of the metal frame beneath the trailer and slipped his hand back around hers. The two wiggled from beneath the trailer. Reaching the end, a reviving breath of air hit their faces. Jack sat on the ground and propped his arms across his knees.

  Dee threw her arms around Jack’s neck and plopped into his lap. “Thank you for saving me, Jack. You got me unstuck!”

  For a moment, he was taken back by the demonstration of gratitude, but then a slow smile eased across his face and he hugged her in return. “I’m glad I was here.”

  Jack held her at arms’ length. “You’re sure you’re okay?” He looked at the curls that were now drenched ringlets around her head and the red, swollen and dirt-streaked face.

  She nodded. “I’m real good. And it’s a good thing me an’ Hailey showed you our secret hiding place, huh, Jack?” Her red-rimmed eyes were now shining.

  He returned her nod slowly. “A really good thing, Dee.”

  He gave her back a pat and lifted her to stand on her feet, then he pushed himself up to stand beside her. “We’d better get back to the house. Mrs. Holman or Felicia might be back by now. And they’ll be wondering where you are.”

  She grabbed for his hand and began swinging their linked hands back and forth happily.

  “Okay, Jack. Let’s go!”

  He scooped her up instead and cradled her in his arms. “How about I carry you to the house. That way you’ll feel better. We can get you a nice cool drink.”

  Dee smiled her agreement and nestled her head against his chest. “Apple juice.”

  “Apple juice.” He assured her. “Coming right up.”

  His feet began moving in the direction of the hangar, but a startling thought drew his mind back to the shady spot beneath the big oak tree. He turned his head to look over his shoulder.

  Climbing under that trailer had been tough for him. Tougher than it should have been. His heart was still racing. W
hat was that? Fear?

  Fear? Of what?

  The realization washed over him like a tidal wave. Tight places.

  Smothering.

  He’d never wanted to feel the suffocating tightness that had plagued him for the past several years. The four walls of his office had closed in on him until nothing was left except the boxed in feeling of panic. He hadn’t wanted to feel trapped that way, ever again.

  That’s outrageous, he told himself with a long shake of his head. Downright ridiculous. Those words again.

  The thought jolted him. Downright ridiculous.

  He looked down at the curly headed little angel snuggling in his arms. She’d helped a fear surface he didn’t even realize he had. And helped him conquer it, all at the same time.

  She smiled up at him and he returned her smile, tightening his grip around her. “You’re safe, Dee,” he assured her.

  Right now he felt freer than he had in years. He’d call his mom after work this evening to thank her for her prayers. Something like peace was beginning to settle over him. He wanted to share that with her. She’ll be so happy for me. Maybe she’ll see that I really am okay, and will stop worrying about me.

  His eyes scanned the cloudless sky. He suddenly felt the need to know how his father was doing. And how Eric was getting along. It was time to face and conquer many of the issues he’d shoved aside.

  What was it that Dee said? Jesus would find her and save her and take her home. He squeezed her tightly again. “Come on, Miss Dee. Let’s go home.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “Could this mean that big sister has finally found Mr. Right?” Lindsey Holman poked her sister in the ribs, obviously enjoying the scarlet hue creeping up into Hailey’s cheeks.

  “Ok, Lindsey Lou, you can go back and spend the weekend at the dorm if that’s the way you’re gonna act.” Hailey plopped a handful of ice cubes into the final glass and began filling glasses with sparkling brewed tea.

  Lindsey slung an arm around Hailey’s shoulders. “Felicia was right, big sis. I caught a glimpse of him through the window. He’s gorgeous!”

  She shrugged away from Lindsey. “Caught a glimpse, my eye. You spied openly without shame.” A good-natured thread of accusation ran through her voice. “You’re not mature enough to understand this, my dear, but it is possible to be friends with someone of the opposite sex without romantic involvement.”

  She issued Felicia a warning “you promised” glance. The disastrous makeover was history. There was no reason for anybody to get the wrong idea. Or for her image to be spoiled. That foolishness certainly wasn’t going to happen again. The divas could keep their Plum Passion lipstick and helmet head hair spray.

  “Ewwww. Romantic involvement.” Lindsey swiped a carrot stick from the tray Felicia prepared. “Now that sounds promising. You have a way of making it sound so perfunctory.”

  “Perfunctory. Big word college girl.” Hailey showed her sister a playful snarl. “Behave.”

  “Oh, I’ll behave myself at dinner. In front of your,” she popped the last bite of carrot into her mouth “boyfriend.”

  “Business colleague.” Hailey hoped she sounded as nonchalant as she attempted to feel.

  The truth was, she’d been praying for strength where Jack was concerned. Romance. Not in the plan. Closed case. Her heart just needed a little nudge to be reminded once in a while.

  A light knock on the back door caused her to issue one last warning to each sister before hurrying to open the door for Jack.

  Dee rushed in past him. “I’m starving hungry!” She didn’t stop to acknowledge anyone’s presence as she raced through the kitchen and into the hall toward the bathroom. “I know, wash my hands,” she called on her way through.

  Jack smiled his hello and took a step into the kitchen, catching the heavy storm door before it could slam shut. “Smells good in here.”

  “Mom’s chicken salad.” Lindsey drew in a satisfied breath and let it out before rubbing her tummy. “Boy, do I miss her cooking while I’m gone. I am not taking another semester of summer school. I’m staying home.”

  Hailey totally understood. “I used to feel the same way when I was away at school.” She set the glasses filled with tea down on the table and then turned to Jack. “Jack, this is my sister Lindsey.” Hailey’s smile visibly threatened her sister. “Lindsey, meet Jack. My business colleague.”

  Jack extended a friendly hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “And it’s so nice to meet you.” She took the hand he offered, but cast an obvious glance at her older sister. “I’ve heard so much about you, Jack.”

  Before Lindsey could mortify her further, Hailey discharged an order. “See what’s keeping Deedles, please, Lindsey. You know how she likes to play in the water.”

  Jack held a chair out for Hailey. “Where’s your mom? Isn’t she joining us?”

  “Tonight’s her Garden Club pot luck. She worked on a fund raising project most of the day, came home, cooked and went back. She fixed enough for all of us.”

  “Yeah,” Lindsey returned to the kitchen with Dee in hand, and seated herself across from her older sister. “I’m sure they’re having more than twenty different types of Jell-O salads and five bean casseroles. Yum.”

  Dee hurried to the table and stood beside Jack. She grabbed him by the hand. “I want to sit by you.”

  “Good.” His smile was genuine. “I want to sit by you, too.”

  She scooted two chairs close together and hopped onto the nearest seat.

  Felicia and Lindsey exchanged amused looks. Lindsey leaned across the table to whisper to Hailey. “Don’t be zealous, now.”

  Hailey scowled and mouthed “I’m warning you” at each of her sisters.

  “I’ll say the blessin’, okay, Hailey?” Dee’s eyes sparkled as she waited for Hailey’s nod.

  The little girl squeezed her eyes shut and folded her hands under her chin. “Dear God, thank You for all this good food and for lettin’ my friend Jack save my life and for Hailey and Lindsey and Felicia and Granny Rinnie and my grandmama and for Kisses. And thank You, too, for lettin’ me stay here. And thank You for my daddy and let him be better. Amen. And thank You. Again.”

  A twinge of humility flickered in Hailey’s heart. Lord, forgive me. Help me to be kinder to Neal and Paul. Her eyes rose to meet Jack’s eyes. He gave her a slight knowing nod.

  As the plates were served, Dee launched into another recount of the morning’s rescue. No matter how Jack tried to shift the conversation, she repeatedly focused the attention back to him, much to his growing embarrassment. Hailey found herself enjoying the increasing redness of his cheeks.

  The group had finished their meal, cleaned the kitchen, and settled down to play a game of Monopoly when Rinnie returned from the potluck dinner. She stood scowling at the front door for half a minute and then without a word to anyone retreated down the hall to her bedroom.

  Lindsey shook her head and gathered her play money along with the property she’d acquired. “What have you people done to her while I was gone? She looks like she’s so mad she could spit hornets.”

  She turned in her assets and cash. “I quit,” she said, collecting the steamboat token she’d been using to mark her place. “Carry on without me. I’ll go talk to Mom.”

  Hailey nodded and continued with her throw of the dice.

  Jack watched her. “Let’s call it a game. I think you need to talk to your mother, too.”

  She moved the miniature iron six spaces. “Jack, you know there’s nothing I can do right now.” She counted out several bills from her wad of colored money. “I’ll buy St. James Place, thank you very much.”

  Jack put his hand on top of hers. “I think you should go in and talk to her.”

  “Lindsey is. They haven’t seen each other for over a mon
th.” Her face softened. “Listen, it hurts me, but I can’t do anything right this minute. Lindsey coming home is the best thing for her right now. I’m putting on my strong face.” She leaned toward him with a deep forced smile. “See?”

  Felicia turned in her money and property. “I don’t feel like playing anymore, either. I think I’ll go to my room and just chill out.” She turned to Dee, who was busy arranging hotels and houses along an imaginary road she’d constructed on the shiny hardwood floor. “Come on, Dee, let’s listen to my new CD.”

  The little girl jumped up and threw her arms around Jack’s neck. “Bye, Jack. I love ya’.” She threw herself at Hailey. “I love ya, too, Hailey.”

  And then she grabbed Felicia’s hand and tugged on it, smiling up at the teenager as she led her down the hall.

  Hailey smiled after them. “I think you’ve found a lifelong friend.” She slipped assorted money denominations into the appropriate slots.

  Jack cleared the board and folded it, placing it back into the box to put away. He rose. “Yeah, I guess I have. Think your mom will ever be my friend? Or is there just going to be a big wall of animosity toward me? It would make a great deal of difference.”

  She cocked her head up at him. “How?”

  He fit the top back on the box and set it down on the coffee table. “What do you mean, how? Everyone feels the anger in the air around here. How can you be so casual about it all?”

  The old defensive tug of war seared through her heart. “How can you say I’m casual about my mother’s feelings? I’m not, and you know it.”

  “Well, I’m telling you there’s much more to this than simply your mother’s dislike for the business. It’s deeper than that, and frankly, it irritates me that you can’t — or won’t — see it.”

  Her eyes burned and the years of listening to her dad try to reason with her mother came through her mind. “Are you judging me, Jack?” She tossed her head. “I hired you to do a job and to do what my father would have had you to do. Not to sit here and criticize the decisions I have to make. I’ve told you from the first day how much my mom’s disapproval hurts. And I don’t ever — ever — want to hear you criticize me for doing what I have to do again.”