“Until he gets the answers he’s looking for. Don’t be concerned.”
“What I’m concerned with is Jerry getting into trouble for doing all this for me. He could lose his retirement. Go to jail.” She’d had it for today. “I’m going to bed.”
“Good idea, why don’t you? I’m ready for a break.” She glared at Kimber.
Kimber hadn’t been mistaken about the kinds of smirks and nasty looks from Melinda of late. She pivoted, heading back toward Melinda. “You need a break from me? I’m in my own place now, ready to start living. I’m nobody’s responsibility but my own.”
“I’m cranky because I’m tired. Go to bed, Kimber.”
Before exploding, she tromped down the hallway. What had come over Melinda? She’d become a mystery in herself. Had Jerry been fooled by her?
***
Kimber woke at three-ten in the morning and quietly left her bedroom for a drink of water. Melinda had fallen asleep in the chair. Then the back door closed. She stepped back, but Melinda remained in her view. Kimber stood in the dark and out of sight. What would Jerry say about the stranger? Melinda sat up. “I didn’t hear you come in.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “What did you find out? Is the little darling in danger?”
Kimber nearly gasped. Again with the little darling?
“Hell no. He checks out. Not to worry.”
“Now how can this be a coincidence?” Melinda asked him.
He shrugged. “I don’t know, but the man is clean, and he’s who he’s supposed to be. Let it go.”
Jerry walked into the kitchen mumbling. Kimber didn’t hear what he said. She remained in the dark pinned against the wall out of their sight. Curiosity buzzed through her brain about the guy who popped up everywhere she did. Jerry returned to Melinda’s side. “His family sells Christmas trees and pumpkins in Idaho for God’s sake, which makes sense why Kimber saw him at the doctor’s in Boise, not far from where he’s from.”
Melinda sat forward, placing her elbows on her knees. She yawned. “What about the guy and little boy with him?”
“Listen, I said he checks out. Everybody knows everybody around here.”
“I don’t want any more delays in leaving.” Melinda took a drink of the leftover wine in her glass and gave him an unfriendly stare.
“Frank Brooks knows all about him. The sheriff had first hand news about this guy. I’m tired. Let’s turn in.”
Kimber peeked around the wall she hid behind. Jerry reached for Melinda’s hand, but she jerked it out of his.
“I know my way.” She got up and headed for the hallway.
Kimber ran, ducked into her room, and leaned against the door, her heart beating hard enough to rattle it. She covered her mouth with her hand.
Jerry mumbled in the hallway, “Well, I see nothing’s changed. I don’t know why I trusted you again.”
“Because you needed a female on this job. Look, we tried a second time, Jerry. Let’s face that it failed. Please leave it at that.” A door shut. Who was the real Melinda Richards, anyway? Her role of the caring protector must’ve been a front, though Kimber was glad she’d been there these past months. She crawled back into bed and pulled the light blanket up to her neck.
***
Barely daylight, Kimber rose before anyone else, searching the cupboards for coffee. Once she found it in the pantry she started a full pot, remaining quiet so she didn’t disturb Jerry on the couch.
She tied the cotton robe tighter around her and searched the front step for the paper, surprised not to find one there. Look where I am. A paper wouldn’t come to her door. She spotted the mailbox and paper box at the end of her long road. Not caring if she wore a robe in this barrenness, she rushed out to get it. As she bent over to get the paper, a pickup drove by honking, and the guy yelled out the window, “Hey, baby!”
Lesson learned. Tomorrow she’d dress when she got out of bed. Back in the kitchen, she opened the thin paper and sat at the snack bar with a cup of coffee. Glancing through to the great room, she didn’t mind the contemporary furniture in the place. In fact, it looked new or near new. She wrinkled her nose in a sniff. It didn’t smell old or bad in here.
Reading news about places and things she knew nothing about seemed strange and pointless, but she needed to learn about her new town. The Gazette showed more ads and announcements than anything. She’d much rather be reading the Wall Street Journal.
Curiosity ruled her every thought. Who would be her friends, or better yet, would she have friends? Making friends didn’t come easy for her though. On the other hand, being a recluse would mean she wouldn’t have to explain anything, ever, to anyone. From this point on her life would be a lie.
She scanned the newspaper. An article in particular caught her eye. An adult day camp with a horse trainer would be available on a first come first served basis up to thirty people. How cool. A refresher about equine care wouldn’t hurt. The camp took place at the Double Dutch Ranch in three weeks. She hadn’t put in her green contacts yet this morning, so she went to put them in.
Would Jerry want her to socialize so soon? No one has ever gotten killed as long as they obeyed. “Dammit.”
“What’s up? You always curse this early in the morning?” Sleepy-eyed, messy-haired Jerry reached for a cup from the cupboard. “Thanks for making coffee.”
Jerry looked good for his age with a touch of gray in his hair. He had a strong build and nice smile. “Good morning. I was reading the paper.” She chuckled. “If you can call it a paper.”
Melinda came in wearing a blue satiny robe, her strawberry hair disheveled. With no make-up, she looked as pretty as she did with it. “Did everybody sleep well?”
She lied. “I did, yes, but woke early.”
Melinda didn’t make eye contact with Jerry and poured coffee.
“I’m off to take a shower.” Kimber put the paper down. It wouldn’t be normal for her not to ask, so she acted as though she hadn’t heard the news about the stranger or stalker. “What did you find out about the guy at the restaurant?”
Jerry sipped his coffee and picked up the paper. “Your guy checks out. Don’t give it another thought.”
She raised her palm to him. “Whoa, he’s not my guy. I doubt there will ever be a guy again unless he’s a friend, then I’ll have to think strongly about it.” She stood in the doorway with her hand on the jamb. “Why do you think he keeps showing up?”
“Must be a coincidence. He lives here, Tress…Kimber. He had a reason to be in Boise.” Jerry gave her a quick glance but turned away. Had he been keeping something from her?
Jerry yelled from the kitchen. “Hah, coincidence or destiny.”
Kimber almost went back but changed her mind. Today was a new day, and she had so much to investigate about her new house and the area. Loud voices brought her to a halt.
“When are we going back?” Melinda’s voice sounded sarcastic. “It’s time we get out of here. I have a life you know.”
Jerry stared her down. “It was your choice to come.”
Kimber tiptoed back to her room. Jerry must’ve known Melinda a long time for him to trust her like this.
***
She wanted to cling to Jerry before he left. “What about my car being delivered? I have to get around. There’s hardly any food in this place. I’ll need—”
Jerry tossed her a set of keys. “It was delivered while you were in the shower. Yours at home will be sold.”
She rushed to the window and pulled the curtain back. She didn’t have a four-wheel drive at home, but this red SUV fit her perfectly. Tressa would’ve wanted blue. Kimber preferred red. “It’s new, Jerry. My other car isn’t worth enough to buy this. I can’t take it from you.”
“Nothing comes without a price. You have a credit line, and this is your car loan. You put it together online and ordered it yourself. It’s yours as long as you pay for it.” Jerry’s facial features hardened. “There is a list of numbers on your dresser. Don’t hesitate in ca
lling. In an emergency, call the sheriff. The first year will be the hardest. You’re one of the strong ones.”
Not today.
Melinda gave her a tight hug. Kimber returned it with the same. When they left, this episode of her life would be over. “Thanks for your support through all this, Melinda.”
She picked up her luggage and headed to the car. Melinda hesitated. For a second, Kimber thought Melinda might cry by the look on her face. “You’re welcome. Take care of yourself.”
Kimber peered at Jerry. “Whatever it is between you two, I’m sorry it isn’t working out.”
Jerry placed his hand on her shoulder. “Good luck with everything. Remember, no one ever—”
She smiled. Fighting back tears, she got out, “I’ll miss you so much.” He joined Melinda in the car, and they drove away. Kimber breathed out a held breath. Folding her arms, she shivered at the thought of finally being alone in a new life. Who am I now?
This morning she needed to see the horses, so she went outside but stopped half way between the home and barn. She held her hands on her hips at the waistband of her jeans, glancing around at the arid landscape. The earth had offered up her colors of umber, cinnamon, and gold, and had been accented by the turquoise sky.
Yesterday looked cloudy but different in the sunlight this morning with colors bright and welcoming. The adobe home’s color reminded her of an early suntan in the shadowed areas, but held more of a pink hue in the sun. Cacti grew everywhere in the distance. Elsewhere, bright yellow and orange wildflowers adorned the forefront of the mountain. How picturesque.
Kimber ventured out past the barn and observed the area around her from the edge of the desert, then glanced back at the faded red barn. She trembled thinking of home. Right now, her dad rushed to get ready for work, Charlotte to school. Her mom would sit at the table with a cup of coffee and cry over the loss of her daughter. Kimber’s chin quivered, and tears dripped from her eyes.
Healing wouldn’t come too soon for any of them. The wildflowers brought the only cheerfulness to her morning. Strolling back to the front barn door, she entered. A sound from above made her hop a step back. “David, you startled me.” Cowboy boots and long, denim covered legs were all she could see on the ladder, but she followed them up to a flannel shirt tail. He stepped down and faced her. Kimber gasped. Him!
“Oh, damn. Good morning, ma’am. It’s you, eh, from the plane?”
“Ah, ah…” Her voice disappeared. What the hell was this about? Him? He came toward her with his hand out, but she took a step back.
“It’s time for a proper introduction. Zachary Bryson at your service. Call me Zach. I’m your ranch foreman, ma’am. Wasn’t sure when to expect you. You look kinda shocked.”
“Ah, um…” She couldn’t speak. She held her hand out, and he shook hard when he clasped it. The same warm, calloused hand that helped get her bag clenched hers tightly now. “Yes, it’s me. Small world. T-the restaurant last night…”
“Huh?” He released her hand.
“I saw you last night at the restaurant—”
“I had dinner with my buddy Jake and his boy outside of town. Between him and a couple other buddies, they had everything to do with getting me hooked up with this job. You were there?”
Kimber nodded. “What about David? I met him here yesterday.”
Zach took a step back and burst out laughing. “David? Everybody I know calls the guy Davy. He’ll be around now and then, but he’ll be working for Jake full time. I’ll be here full time, ma’am, for whatever you need.”
His affectionate eyes stared right into hers and smiled warmly. For whatever she needed? “Nice to meet you. Thank you for taking on this place. I don’t think the owner has lived here for a while.” This guy hadn’t recognized her from the doctor’s? Thank God. Why would he? Everything was different including her green eyes.
Zach glanced around the barn. “This is a decent place and lately someone, you I assume, had it fixed up.”
“Um, yes, of course. I’m renting though for now.”
Zach removed the flannel shirt, lifted his hand, sweeping his muscled arm to the side. “Well, I replaced the light bulbs in here and the tack room. Fluorescent lights would be better. I’m about to check the lights in the loft.”
“Thanks.” Phew, the man was ruggedly good-looking in this environment, but on this spot now, she vowed not to look at him that way. She sauntered toward the tack room. Glancing back at Zach, she waved her hand across her face. Today she sweated in the barn. Yesterday it was cool. She searched the walls for a thermostat.
He came toward her a few steps. “Ah, ma’am, you are? Your name?”
Dear heavens. “I’m sorry. Kimber Sinclair. I assumed you knew who you worked for.” At least she got her name right, but she sounded snarky. “I mean, you know…”
He gave a smug grin to die for. Had he been teasing? “Nice to meet you, Ms. Sinclair.”
Kimber stared at his masculine features and well-built body like she had on the plane. “I’m curious. Where were you coming from on the plane if you live here?”
His eyelashes fluttered. “I could ask you the same thing.”
Her breath caught. She needed to mind her own business, so she glanced away from him.
“Bakerdale, a small town not far from Boise, Idaho is where I’m from. My family has a cattle ranch, so I’m familiar with what it takes to run a ranch.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Anything else? And you?”
Hmm. She took a step closer, casually looking for a scar where the bandage had been on his face that day. Maybe she had a slight doubt about him being the same guy. No. He was the same handsome man—those magnificent green eyes couldn’t be denied. “Saying Ms. Sinclair isn’t necessary. Call me Kimber.” She pivoted toward the tack room to get out of answering him as to why she’d been on the plane from Boise.
She ran her hand over the smooth leather of the saddle but jumped nearly a foot when he caught her off guard standing close behind her.
“Sorry, ma’am, I didn’t mean to startle you again. You should go for a ride. The mare is rider friendly, but I was told to be careful of the gelding. He has moments when he thinks he’s a stallion.”
“I haven’t ridden since college.”
“I can give you a refresher on saddling the horse, but if you aren’t familiar with this area, I’d have a guide before going out.” He removed his hat and threaded fingers through his dark hair. Zach sat his hat aside then banded his hair into a ponytail. “Catch ya later.” He donned his hat then turned away.
“I’d love to have you for lunch.” Oh. My. Goodness.
He twirled with a brilliant smile.
Her face warmed when he smiled like that. “I mean…oh, you know what I mean. I can fix lunch, but I’ll have to run to the store.” She hustled away to hide her heated cheeks, but came to a halt. “Where is the store?”
“Come here.”
“Wait. It’s hotter in here today. Did you turn the air conditioning up?” He rolled his damn eyes at her. This was his job. She had a right to ask.
“Follow me.”
Behind the tack room sat another room with a hot water tank, a large sink, and more ranching supplies. Containers of equine minerals and other bottles and cans sat on shelves. She’d check them out later. Her gaze followed his finger to the thermostat.
“I didn’t touch it, but I’ll check out the unit. If you need to get to the store, come on.” He strode toward the door, and she followed him out to the front of the house. They went down the drive, his long legs gaining distance on her. “That road you see ahead leads to the highway you came in on. Turn left on the highway. It’ll take you right to the store in Canyon Junction limits.” He waited for her to catch up.
“Canyon Junction?”
“Ah, yeah. This is Canyon Junction. Arizona?” His eyes questioned for a moment, but he nodded toward the road again. “The store will be on your left off the highway. You’ll eventually find other places to shop.” H
e glanced at her vehicle. “Use GPS. Give me your phone. I’m fairly new here by the standards of this town. I was forced to find my way around.”
“I’m a city girl. I’ll make my way.” She pulled her phone from her jeans pocket and handed it to her bossy foreman. No one told her she lived in Canyon Junction. She reflected on the name of the newspaper—Canyon Junction Gazette. Oh, boy.
“I’m entering my phone number along with the name of the store. You’ll find it.” He handed it back. Glistening white teeth gave way to an inviting smile.
“Thank you.” She read what he had written. “Assuming my vehicle has GPS.”
“You don’t know if your vehicle has GPS?” Now he looked at her as if she were an idiot, which frustrated her.
She rubbed at her arms. “It was delivered this morning. I haven’t looked inside yet.”
“Lucky girl.”
She left his side and hurried down the drive ahead of him. I’m a woman not a girl. And she didn’t feel lucky to have lost everything she ever owned and loved. Her new beginning brought a mouthy ranch hottie with an attitude. She glanced back, and he still stared at her. It made her want to growl out a few four-letter words at him. In fact, she might before the day ended.
Back inside the house she got her keys, but when she came out, he was nowhere to be seen. Good. Kimber started the SUV and perused the dash, taking in the new car smell. Indeed, the vehicle had everything—more than her vehicle at home had. She’d set it before leaving, and she’d also check maps for the Double Dutch Ranch. Nothing would keep her away from the Equine Camp taking place there.
Zach strutted up to her when she got out, his demeanor full of confidence. “Could I ask you something, ma’am?”
“Certainly, but you don’t have to call me ma’am.”
Finding Kimber (Canyon Junction; Hearts In Love Book 2) Page 5
