Alexander Ranch

by Marla Josephs

  I couldn’t deny the anguish I saw in his face after he’d left me alone and I’d been attacked. However, that could feasibly be explained as guilt. I’d technically been attacked on his watch. Still, the days prior to that he’d made a great effort to be nicer and cordial to me. But, he’d still seemed uncertain or uncomfortable.

  What was more alarming was how aware I was of him. I told myself it was because I knew he was uncomfortable around me, so I was naturally uncomfortable around him. Of course, I’d be constantly aware of my source of discomfort. But, if I were truly being honest, I found myself constantly trying not to look at his handsome face and delectable body.

  Becoming even more concerned about the direction of my thoughts, I turned them to Daisy. I hadn’t seen much of her lately. She’d obviously gone to my house and picked out clothes. At least, I sure hoped it was Daisy.

  Finished with the shower I stepped out, dried myself, put my clothes on, and finger combed my unruly curls. I didn’t have a comb, so I ran my fingers through it until it was somewhat tamed and braided it in one braid at my back. When I stepped out of the bathroom I was met by Jordan, entering the room.

  “Oh,” I said, in surprise. He’d stopped the moment he saw me, just as I’d stopped.

  “I’m sorry,” he said looking calm, cool and collected, “I was just going to leave the tray for you. I knocked, but it sounded like you were still in the bathroom and hadn’t heard me.”

  “I didn’t hear you. But, it’s ok. Come in,” I waved him in. “I’m starving.”

  He hesitated for only a moment. He looked around as if he wasn’t sure where to put the tray.

  “On the bed is fine. I’m not going to get back into it, but I’ll sit there and eat.”

  He sat the tray down and stepped back. He looked at the chair I’d found him sitting in when I awoke before, but walked past it to the window and leaned on the sill. Clearly he wasn’t planning to exit.

  “Have you heard from Ethan? Is he alright?”

  He frowned that same slight frown he’d given me yesterday when I asked about Ethan. “He’s fine.”

  “Oh, well, that’s good to hear,” I sighed with relief then noticed he seemed to be waiting on me to eat. “You don’t have to wait on me to eat. Will Daisy be coming up to babysit me?”

  “Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?” his eyes narrowed.

  “No, I – I , no,” I said flustered. He wasn’t kidding this time. He was practically glowering at me. Jeeze, grumpy much? “I just know you have work to do.”

  “My work can wait. I’m here to protect you, and protect you I will.”

  I thought to apologize, but what would I be apologizing for? So, I looked down into my tray, forked up a strawberry and stuck it in my mouth. There were strawberries with whipped cream, eggs and sausage. I chewed in silence studying the food on my plate.

  “Look, I know you’d rather have Ethan, or Daisy, or anyone but me protecting you,” Jordan blurted out. I looked up to see him running his hands through his hair. I could swear I heard a harder note in his voice when he said Ethan’s name. He continued, “But, for now, is it ok if I do it?”

  “That’s not true,” I said softly.

  “What’s not true?”

  “That I prefer Ethan or Daisy. It’s just that they are the ones who have been working with me until recently,” I stated unperturbed. I wasn’t going to let him get me riled up. “So, I’m sorry for asking.”

  “Ok, well, can you just accept that I don’t mind guarding you in the least?”

  I didn’t have much choice did I? But, that didn’t mean there wasn’t some issue with it. I changed the subject. “It wasn’t your fault you know.”

  He stiffened, “What wasn’t my fault?”

  “Me being attacked.”

  His irritated face changed into a face of regret, “It was my fault and I am the one who is sorry.”

  “There was no way you could have known – ”

  “Yes, I should have known,” he said cutting me off. “He wasn’t a trusted member of our staff. And as long as anyone was around who was not, you should not have been left unguarded. There was no excuse.”

  He’d paced over to me and was standing before me.

  “Please don’t beat yourself up,” I said, reaching out and touching his arm. He looked at me sharply with such surprise I snatched my hand back. I didn’t know whether it was the words or the touch that caused his reaction, but his face softened and stiffened all at the same time. I sensed some inner struggle again and closed off the sense I didn’t realize I was leaving slightly open.

  “Anyway,” he said gathering himself, “I will be with you today and not out of obligation. I want to make sure you’re safe. And, we are going to have fun today. Agreed?”

  I nodded.

  Chapter 18

  We did have fun. It was Friday but Grace forbad me to work and everyone else agreed. Daisy joined us and we all went to a movie. I was assured that this was safe.

  “The more people that are around the better,” Logan explained, “These guys don’t work in the open. They work in the dark and in times and places where no one will see.”

  I was starting to feel more and more like some stalked celeb who had to go everywhere with a security detail. Or maybe I felt like the president who seemed to always have someone after him, but he still went out everywhere. What next, bomb sniffing canines?

  When we got back to the ranch, Jordan and I ended up eating alone. Everyone else was either gone or busy. I thought it would be awkward, but it wasn’t. He’d asked lots of questions and answered some too.

  “How did you come to live with your brother?” He asked as we piled food onto plates from the buffet in the dining hall.

  “We’ve always been close. He’s 5 years older than me. When I got out of college he invited me to come stay with him. I’d looked for and found a great position near him.”

  “What about your parents, are they nearby?”

  “They aren’t that far away.”

  “Why didn’t you come back and stay with them?”

  “Why would I? Who wants to live with their parents forever?”

  “True, I guess. I just thought, since you are so young…,” he shrugged and his words trailed off.

  “I’m 22 not 18.”

  “Yes, 22 and already a director of operations. I would ask how you accomplished that, but I have seen you and your focus minded approach to everything. You are a very determined individual.”

  “I hadn’t set out to become a director in a certain amount of time.”

  “No, I imagine your intelligence along with your determination did that.”

  “Intelligent and determined? You’ve been giving me a lot of compliments.”

  “I was simply stating a fact. You must have graduated from high school at, what, 16?”

  “Actually, 15. But, I was almost 16.”

  “And?”

  “And, I went on to complete my BA by 18 and entered a 2 year veterinary program. That’s all.”

  “You have to be fairly smart to pull that off.”

  “Or bored. I’d always loved animals and knew I wanted to be a vet. How about your parents?” I asked changing the subject. “Do they live far from here?”

  His lips twitched but he allowed my change of subject.

  “Actually they live here. They’ve just been out of the country.”

  “Wow, you all live here together?” I asked amazed.

  “Yes. Daisy and Grace’s parents also live close by. But, they are out of the country with mine.”

  “Really? Well, it’s good the in-laws get along,” I chuckled.

  “Maybe a little too well,” he said dryly, but I could tell he was happy the in-laws got along so well. “They spend months at a time travelling around the world.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  “They enjoy it,” he shrugged.

  The next day, Jordan allowed me to follow him around and participate in some of
the chores. It was Saturday and, just like at Hanley’s all in one pet care company, people were working on the weekend. Taking care of animals was an everyday operation. However, I was not scheduled to work weekends so I had to beg a little just to be able to help Jordan.

  He didn’t hold out long against my pleading though and even let me ride Cervantes, after I promised I’d only walk and not have him running with me on his back. I really did feel fine by now, but Jordan was taking no chances. Daisy had come and decided I didn’t need any more of her warm hand trick healing power. I simply needed time and rest. Most of my aches and pains were gone. I only had a twinge here and there. I was fine. But, Jordan insisted I take it easy.

  I’d insisted on going back to my home tonight though. When he walked me to my room to get my things, or rather the room I’d been occupying, he opened a drawer and began pulling out articles of clothing.

  “This is your room?” I blurted out louder than I’d intended, the realization startling me.

  “Yes,” he looked at me inquiringly.

  “But, where have you been sleeping then? Why did you let me put you out of your room?”

  “I slept in the guest room,” He shrugged and pulled more things out.

  “I could have slept in the guest room,” I mumbled.

  “It wasn’t a big deal,” he said closing another drawer and stuffing something in his duffle, “I carried you in here when you were attacked. I guess I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t see any reason to move you. No big deal.”

  I didn’t say anything more. I just didn’t feel right about displacing him when they had a perfectly good guest room I could have been using. But, if it wasn’t a big deal to him then I wouldn’t make a big deal about it either. He picked up his bag and mine and we left. Grace and Logan met us at the door to say goodbye. They hugged me and fussed as if I wouldn’t be back Monday, which was only a day away. Then, Jordan and Daisy took me home.

  It was great to be home. I had been spoiled at the Alexander ranch and I appreciated all they did for me, but there was nothing like being at home and sleeping in my own bed. Daisy had gotten into the habit of watching the shows I’d taped on the DVR with me. We’d missed several episodes of various shows while I recuperated with them. So, we spent the evening catching up. This time Jordan watched with us. He was fairly quiet, but he seemed much less intense or uneasy around me then he had been before my late night visitor and this crazy week.

  Around 10 o’clock I was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. I grabbed the phone seeing it was Bryce on the caller ID. “Hey Big Bro!” I said, jumping up and hurrying in the kitchen so I wouldn’t interrupt Jordan and Daisy watching television.

  “Hey, Baby Girl. Where have you been? I haven’t gotten more than an occasional text from you the last week.”

  “I know. It’s been crazy. I have been working offsite on an assignment.”

  “Really? Where?”

  “At the Alexander Ranch. Have you heard of it?”

  “Yes, I have. Wow, how’d you get that gig?”

  “Well, apparently they lost their staff vet and needed someone to fill in for a while,” I said, giving him the same story that Logan had apparently given John.

  “And John sent you?” Blake asked skeptically. “I wouldn’t have thought he’d spare you. Why didn’t he send one of your staff vets?”

  “I asked him the same thing,” I said, trying to sound just as mystified. “He just said that if all went well they may decide they don’t need a staff vet, and we could provide the services they need. He said I was the only one that could sell our pet services to them.”

  “Well, he’s right about that,” he agreed. “Once they see how committed you are to the service and care of animals they just might give you guys their business.”

  “John thinks so anyway.”

  I wanted to change the subject. “So, when am I going to see you?”

  “Well, if you’d bothered to answer the phone once in a while you’d already know I’ll be home this weekend,” he said in mock irritation.

  “Oh, great!” I exclaimed. Then my initial happiness was eclipsed by an equal amount of concern. I needed to keep my brother safe. I held my cheery countenance though. “What time are you coming in? What day?”

  “I’ll be arriving on Friday and leaving early Sunday.”

  “Wow, just two days this time?”

  “Yes, unfortunately.”

  I have to work on Friday, but I’ll see you when I get home.”

  “No rush. I’m going to have lunch with some of the guys.”

  We talked a few more moments and then said our goodnights. Then, I went to tell Daisy and Jordan the news.

  “My brother will be home for the weekend. I don’t want him to know what is going on.”

  “Agreed,” they said in unison.

  “The fewer people who know the better,” Daisy said nodding her agreement before heading toward the kitchen with an empty popcorn bowl.

  “But, I don’t know how to keep him safe,” I said.

  “Don’t worry. We have that covered,” Daisy said pausing at the kitchen doorway, “All you need do is go about your business. Stay alert, but otherwise, leave it to us to keep you and your brother safe.”

  “We will not have another failure in security,” Jordan vowed, holding my eyes solemnly as he spoke the words.

  “It wasn’t a failure,” I chided.

  “Well. It won’t happen again,” he said in a low uncompromising voice.

  “He’s right. It won’t,” Daisy seconded, coming back into the room. “So, off to bed with you.”

  I hesitated, but Daisy made a shooing gesture so I went off to bed.

  Chapter 19

  I woke the next morning to the smell of coffee just before my alarm went off. I lay there not willing to get up one minute before I had to. Too soon the alarm clicked on and the radio music was playing. As soon as the music started there was a soft knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  Jordan walked in with a cup of coffee, “I thought it would help get you moving.”

  I smiled, grateful at not having to drag myself out of bed to get the eye opening brew. “Thank you. You have no idea how grateful I am.”

  He grinned and I caught myself staring at that relaxed grin. I shook myself and then took the mug he was offering.

  “Please, tell me you have heard from Ethan?”

  His grin seemed to get stuck in place. “Yes, we have. He is fine.”

  I sighed with relief and took a sip. “Why do I always have to ask? It’s like you want to keep me in suspense.”

  His face took on a strange look that I didn’t understand. I almost feared that I had offended him. But, he sounded perfectly normal when he spoke. “If Ethan were in any trouble, I promise to let you know immediately.”

  “Ok,” I said cautiously. I still felt like I was missing something but was too tired to try and figure it out. I sipped more coffee and then got out of bed feeling awkward. I seemed to keep finding myself with him in my pj’s.

  “I’d better get dressed.”

  “Lela?” He spoke my named in a quiet, resigned voice.

  I looked up at him, “Yes?”

  “I know hanging out with me isn’t, well, the same as being with Ethan. And, he’s scheduled to be back either tomorrow or the next day. So, you’ll only have to put up with me until then. I hope I can keep you entertained until then.”

  I frowned in confusion, “You’re company is just as pleasant and welcome as Ethan’s, and Daisy’s too for that matter. Why would I prefer Ethan’s?”

  He was the one who’d acted like he didn’t want to be near me until recently. Hadn’t I accepted this new attitude he had towards me? I was skeptical yes, but I wasn’t treating him as if I didn’t want to be near him.

  “Well you ask about him every morning,” he stated, sounding a little confused himself.

  “I’m worried about him,” I said exasperatedly, “just as I would be
worried about any of you. Everyone else is safe. He’s not.”

  “Oh, well,” he sounded distinctly uncomfortable and wasn’t quite able to meet my eyes. “That makes since. I just thought…, well, never mind.”

  “You thought what?” I asked, completely flustered now. What was it with this man? Maybe I should spend more time trying to read his mind. He was so contradictory.

  “Nothing. I’ll go so you can get dressed.”

  “You thought what?” I said again, insistently. He looked uncomfortable, but he met my eyes.

  “I thought you and he were,” he cleared his throat gently, “well, becoming involved.”

  “Involved?” I frowned in confusion. Then my eyes opened wide with understanding, “Me and Ethan?”

  I blurted out the latter and then, for some stupid reason mentally corrected myself, Ethan and I. He was watching me closely now, intently.

  “Was I wrong?” he asked with a cool reserve.

  “Well, yes,” I spluttered in astonishment. How had he come up with that conclusion? I mean, yes, Ethan was a flirt and I flirted back a little, but we weren’t seriously flirting. I wasn’t serious. Surely, Ethan wasn’t either. I would have known, right? He stepped very close to me now recapturing my attention. He was looking into my eyes so intently I couldn’t look away. It was as if he were trying to see something in them.

  “So, you don’t have any feelings for Ethan? Romantic feelings I mean?” he asked, scrutinizing my every word and facial expression.

  “No,” I answered, bewildered. His head began to lower as I spoke the last words, “We’re just friends.”

  His lips were a breath away from mine. Was he going to kiss me? My mind was whirling in confusion. I had not seen this coming. He hesitated as if… what? Giving me a chance to turn away or push him away? When I did nothing but stand there frozen, he gently covered my lips with his.

  I let out a pent up breath I hadn’t known I was holding. His mouth was feather light on mine and I responded automatically. This seemed to please him and he coaxed my mouth open, deepening the kiss. My mind seemed to be frozen but my lips apparently were not. They followed his lead with no permission from me. And, before long he had pressed me gently to the wall, or maybe I’d just started walking backwards and he followed. I wasn’t sure. But, I had handfuls of his shirt now and he was grasping both of my shoulders pulling me closer to him.