Alexander Ranch

by Marla Josephs

  Jordan looked at me and I could see the barely leashed control in his eyes and shuddered. He seemed to be trying to read my face and I wondered if he saw the mingled relief along with my own frustration. Logan had thankfully interrupted what I had been too weak to prevent.

  “Go away, Logan,” Jordan growled, but his growl had lost some of its bite.

  “Jordan, I need to talk to you also if Lela isn’t, uh, free. It’s rather urgent.” Jordan’s voice wasn’t so neutral now. There was a hint of urgency and worry now.

  “We’ll both be down soon. Now go away!” Jordan retorted irritated but resigned.

  “Jordan – ,” came the voice from the door but Jordan cut him off.

  “Lela, tell Logan you are perfectly fine before I lose my temper and smash his face in.”

  “In your dreams, little bro,” Logan snorted.

  “I’m fine, Logan. I’ll be down in a moment,” I replied hastily trying to stifle my amusement at Jordan.

  “Are you sure?” Logan asked reluctantly.

  “She’s sure, damnit!” Jordan yelled before I could reply. “Now will you go the hell away?”

  “I’m sure. Really. I will be right there,” I called out before Jordan could get anymore irate.

  “Ok, then,” Logan’s voice held reservation and reluctance, “I’ll be in the study. And, Jordan, if she isn’t down in the next five minutes I’m coming through this door and dragging you out of there.”

  “You could try,” Jordan challenged.

  I wasn’t sure if Logan actually left. I never heard the sound of receding footsteps. But, after a moment Jordan took a deep breath, sighed and relaxed. “What is it about you that makes everyone so protective? I’m starting to think that all of the previous interruptions weren’t accidents.”

  “That’s an embarrassing thought,” I chuckled despite my embarrassment.

  “Goodness, you’re beautiful. Seeing you in my bed all sleepy and – ,”

  “Uh, Jordan?” I interjected.

  “Right,” he said then gave me a quick kiss on the lips and rolled off the bed. “I’d better leave so you can get ready. Take as long as you need. I’m sure Logan will leave you alone as long as I am out of here.”

  “Tell Logan I’ll be right down,” I said sitting up in the bed now.

  “Are you ok, Lela?” Jordan asked standing in the open doorway with his hand on the knob.

  “I’m fine, Jordan.”

  “Good, because I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you,” he grumbled running a hand through his dark locks.

  “I’ve noticed. And, while I think we need to have a serious talk about that, I can only face one of you Alexander men at a time.”

  “Ok,” he said reluctantly, “but, Lela, can we agree to just take it slow?”

  “Jordan, I’m not sure – ”

  “I’m not either, “he interrupted, “What I am sure about is that I can’t just ignore this thing between us.

  I stood there not knowing what to say.

  Please,” he pleaded, “don’t say no. I’ll do whatever you want as long as you don’t say no. We can slow things down. I can give you time or whatever you need. Just, don’t say no.”

  I looked at his desperate face and was shaken to my core. “Ok, Jordan, I won’t say no but, I can’t promise a yes either.”

  “I can accept that,” he nodded. Then, he stepped out and closed the door behind him. I sat there staring at the closed door for a full minute. I didn’t want to examine too closely this attraction between us. Yes I was attracted to him, strongly attracted to him, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to pursue a relationship. Realizing I needed to get moving, I decided that I would simply take things one day at a time.

  I jumped out of bed and dressed. Apparently, while I was fading in and out yesterday someone had changed my clothes. I could only hope it was Daisy or Grace. But, I didn’t have time to dwell on that. Was it only yesterday that I was almost snuffed out by a crazed super human maniac? I didn’t have time to dwell on that either. I would go see what Logan wanted and then go home, take a long shower, crawl into my bed, and stay there for the rest of the day. Then I would sort out this mess that had become my life.

  Chapter 28

  Logan looked at me critically when I entered the library. Apparently deciding that I was in good health and not suffering any acute side effects from either my ordeal yesterday or from his brother, he gestured me to a chair.

  “Have a seat,” he said gently. I sat. “I wanted you to know how sorry I am, we all are, for our failure to adequately protect you yesterday. I can only hope you can forgive us.”

  “You all saved my life yesterday, Logan. I’m grateful. There’s nothing to forgive,” I said vehemently.

  “Thank you,” he acquiesced reluctantly. “And, I also wanted to let you know that you are welcome to return to your regular job. Though, the offer still stands that if you’d like to consult for us on cases we’d love to have your help. Your gift would be invaluable.”

  “I really appreciate the offer Logan. And, thank you for all that you guys have done for me,” I stated with heartfelt sincerity. “I’d like to think about that offer, though, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course. Take all the time you need. I think you will find that we pay quite generously if you decide to come aboard. But, Lela, don’t feel obligated. There will be no hard feelings if you decide you don’t want to consult.”

  “Thank you, Logan.”

  He stood now and came around his desk to give me a warm embrace. “Don’t be a stranger. You are welcome here anytime. And, tell John that we’ve decided we don’t need to hire a vet. We will be using his services for the care of our animals.”

  “Oh, Logan, are you sure?”

  “Definitely. Jordan and Daisy will be driving you home.”

  I hugged him again. “Thanks again, Logan, for everything.”

  “No thanks needed,” he said hugging me back. Then he released me, “Let’s go say goodbye to everyone else before they burst through the door. I’m sure you’re ready to go home.”

  “I am actually,” I said, letting him lead me to the door. Sure enough when he opened the door to the study, the Alexander clan seemed to appear out of nowhere. I was surprised to see Rene, Maya, Ricky and Beto there too. Vaguely I thought I remembered them last night as part of my rescue team. It dawned on me that they were probably also healers or drainers. I immediately diverted that thought. I had enough to think about and sort out without contemplating that.

  I received and gave hugs to Grace, Rene, Ricky, Maya and Beto. Ethan gave me a big hug and a smack on the lips which brought a scowl to Jordan’s face. Then, Ethan announced that he was coming along with Grace and Jordan to escort me home.

  When I arrived home, Jordan walked me to my door and came inside while Ethan and Daisy waited in the car.

  “Hey, don’t take too long!” Ethan yelled at Jordan from the car window. “We don’t have time for hanky panky!”

  Jordan flipped him off and I flushed with embarrassment as Jordan slammed the door on Ethan’s laughter. Once the door was closed Jordan pulled me into his arms for a surprisingly brief and chaste kiss. Then he released my mouth and buried his face in the side of my neck.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?” He mumbled against my ear.

  “Ok,” I answered.

  He stepped back and opened the door. He smiled at me, stepped out, and then he was gone. What a crazy and unbelievable last couple of weeks it had been. But, I would not think of that now. I walked into my room, stripped off my clothes and took a long, hot shower. Then I curled up in my bed and let the peacefulness of sleep claim me.

 

 

 
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