Rocky Mountain Match

by Pamela Nissen

  He caught the faint gurgling sound of the mountain stream. “Is it the biggest tree out here?”

  After a short pause, she answered, “Yes. There’s an old rope hanging from one of the branches. Is that the tree you’re looking for?”

  Childhood memories with his brothers came rushing back. They’d scale the rope, hand over fist to sit on the thick branches that spread like sturdy arms from the tree’s broad trunk. “That’s the one.” Breathing a sigh of relief, he quickened his pace. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I didn’t know how much I missed this place.”

  “I can see why. It’s beautiful.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Tilting his head back, he breathed deep, invigorated by the clear mountain air. Although he wished he could see it for himself, he could conjure up a clear mental picture of the landscape. Tall pines infusing the area with rich, dark green patches of color. Slate gray rocks positioned here and there in an order all their own. The quaint little valley nestled in between the mountains.

  “It must be a beautiful day,” he said. “The sun’s already bearing down and it can’t be past ten o’clock. How ’bout if we find some shade so you don’t get too hot?”

  “I don’t mind the sunshine if you don’t.”

  Slowing his pace, he came to a stop, turning her toward him. Tenderly slipping his fingers down her slender arm, lightly covered in soft cotton fabric, he grasped her hand—so petite in his, so smooth, so perfect. When he held her hand, his nerve endings hummed to an altogether different awareness. He could hear her breath catch in her throat, could almost feel her pulse pounding a rapid beat at her wrist. Threading his fingers through hers, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, thankful for her presence today.

  “No…I don’t mind sunshine at all.” Joseph’s throat had gone thick and suddenly raw. “Sunshine.”

  Every moment spent together made him desire her brightness in his life all the more. As much as he wanted to rein in his heart, he felt helpless to hold it back. He may as well have been trying to lasso the wind. Like warm embers glowing to life by a gentle breath, his feelings for Katie sparked brighter.

  Was he playing with fire? What if he’d never see anything more than dim shadows for the rest of his life? He wouldn’t strap a woman with that—especially not Katie. Even though she was used to being around blind people, he wouldn’t think to saddle her with that until death do them part. She deserved a whole man, not half a man. No matter how seemingly normal she said his life could be without sight, he’d never be a whole man, able to see trouble before it came, able to protect the ones he loved, able to provide an adequate living.

  No. He’d have to bat down his heart until he knew what his future held. If his vision was restored, there’d be nothing stopping him from pursuing Katie. But if his vision didn’t change, he’d have to settle for simple friendship with her.

  Shrugging off the pain searing his heart at the thought, he released her hand and reached down to ruffle the fur on Boone’s boxy head. “Come on, boy. I intend to enjoy the sunshine while I can.”

  Katie’s hand still tingled from his touch. It felt as though his long, work-worn fingers lingered there, entwined in hers still, even though she and Joseph had been settled beneath the majestic tree for nearly an hour already. She brushed her fingertips across her lips. However gentle and tentative his grasp, the contact had affected her far more than she could’ve imagined.

  And far more than she could allow to happen again.

  She had to remain professional. She couldn’t allow her emotions to wander about, unchecked. It just wasn’t safe. Not when everything within her felt a strange pull to this man.

  She stared down at the colorful scrap quilt where Joseph had stretched out on his back, hands stacked beneath his head. Her gaze roamed to his lips. The smile she’d glimpsed there the past few days had warmed her from the inside out. Her gaze lingered on his defined chest muscles stretching taut his cotton shirt. What would it be like to rest in the strong protection of his embrace? He was beautiful and honorable. So masculine and so…so taken!

  She slammed her gaze down to where she’d clasped her hands in her lap. He obviously had an attachment to Miss Cranston that Katie would never be able to figure out. Why a humble man like Joseph would be attracted to a woman like Julia Cranston—so full of herself and thoughtless—was beyond Katie. She’d dismissed the possibility in the past couple of days, thinking perhaps the relationship was just one-sided, but after seeing the way he’d embraced Julia this morning, Katie’s certainty crumbled like a day-old biscuit.

  She was so confused. Had she read more into Joseph’s touch and his sentiments than he’d intended? She must have.

  But she hadn’t missed the way he’d caressed her hand not more than an hour ago. Something had happened in that moment that had made them both struggle to breathe evenly. For some reason, his touch hadn’t evoked the fear she’d battled since the attack a year ago, but instead filled her with comfort. And for the first time, she felt as if there might be hope for freedom.

  Did she innately trust Joseph? She was beginning to think so. But as much as she felt a compelling draw toward him, she had to maintain her professionalism. Even if he did echo her feelings, he’d dismiss them if he discovered what had happened to her. There were just certain stains that could never be removed—no matter how hard you tried.

  Katie drew her knees up to her chest, shutting out the shame that pricked her once again.

  “So, Sunshine…” Joseph’s soothing voice lifted her attention as though he’d gently crooked a finger beneath her chin. He rose on an elbow, facing her. “When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?”

  She peered at him. “We’re not here about me, Joseph.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” he responded with a shake of his finger. “What sort of things do you enjoy? Reading? Needlework? Big dogs that resemble bears?” A smile spread across his face as he reached to where Boone had dropped his hulking, dripping-wet form just off the blanket.

  Katie laughed at the memory. “That was definitely not one of my better moments.” She reached to stroke Boone’s massive paws, noticing the fur that grew between his toes. “I’m sorry, boy. I hope you’ve forgiven me.”

  Joseph pushed himself up to sit and leaned back on his hands. “I’m sure he has. He doesn’t hold grudges.”

  “Good. I’d hate to be on his bad side.”

  “Boone doesn’t have a bad side.”

  “That’s good to know. But you have to admit, it’d be unnerving to have a run-in with a dog like him. I thought I was a goner that first day on your porch.”

  She peered over at Boone, whose big brown eyes eased shut as though he was pretending not to eavesdrop on their conversation. In one deliberate, weighted movement, he rolled onto his back, his paws poking up in the air.

  Katie laughed. “Not that you’d think he meant harm the way he looks now. You should see him, Joseph.”

  “Oh yeah?” he asked, smiling. “What’s he doing?”

  She leaned over to run her hand up and down the dog’s long form. “He either wants his tummy scratched or he’s sunning himself. He rolled over and has his feet stuck up in the air like wild flowers.”

  “He’s done that since he was a young pup. He was one of Ben’s strays, you know. Just a bag of bones with the most forlorn look in his eyes when we first found him. But Ben gave him lots of love and good care. I couldn’t help myself from pitching in.”

  “The poor thing. That must’ve been horrible to see him like that.”

  “It was. But he’s well-cared for now. Aren’t you, boy?” Joseph ruffled the dog’s fur. “Go on, Boone, play to your heart’s content. It may be a while before we get back here.”

  When the dog lumbered off toward the stream, breaking out into an awkward lope, Katie turned back to Joseph. “Do you think he’d sense danger?”

  Joseph nodded. “Boone’s smart. He may look dead to the world the way he lazes about all
day, but believe me, he has a keen awareness of people and what goes on around him. Far as I know, he’s never bared his teeth at anyone, but I’m sure he’d sense it if someone meant harm. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he did something about it, too.”

  Katie watched as Joseph leaned his head back for several moments. The sun splayed over his face in a golden glow, and a look of utter contentment spread across his features, his mouth curving slightly in a look of pure pleasure. The radiance diffused through the tree’s silvery leaves enhanced his chestnut waves, turning them into strands of rich burnished bronze.

  She couldn’t deny the way she felt so safe and protected out here with Joseph. Ever since the attack, she’d avoided remote areas like this, determined to keep herself far from harm. But this place, this haven tucked away from the world, was so peaceful. Katie could easily see why Joseph had so many good memories here. She already felt refreshed.

  “This was a good suggestion, coming out here today.”

  He snapped his attention toward her, his brows raised over the white bandage. “You didn’t answer my question. What do you enjoy doing?”

  Nervously, she picked at imaginary pieces of lint on her robin’s-egg-blue print dress, then smoothed her hands down her skirt to her brown laced boots. She didn’t like being the center of attention—especially after the attack. For the past year her job had been a good hiding place for her. She’d poured herself and every waking moment into her students. It was a small consolation that they weren’t able to see her—that way she’d not have to worry about unwanted attention.

  “Katie,” he urged. “My question?”

  The sideways grin Joseph sent her way did something uncommonly wonderful to her insides. Her stomach fluttered with the inexperience of a butterfly with new wings. Warmth crept through her like liquid sunshine.

  “What makes Katie smile? What do you enjoy doing?”

  “Hmm…what makes me smile?” she echoed, unable to keep her gaze from taking him in once again. “I’m glad to see you so relaxed.”

  “That I am, thanks to you. But we’re not talking about me.” He shifted to face her. “What about your family? Do you enjoy spending time with them? You must miss them.”

  Sliding her hands over her boots, she fingered each hook with great deliberation. “Oh, believe me, I do. But Uncle Sven and Aunt Marta are wonderful.”

  Joseph drew a knee up and draped his arm over it. “If things go well next week at my appointment like I think they will, do you think you’ll go back home right away? I’d hate to see you take off so soon.”

  Katie sent up yet another silent prayer that he’d see again. But already she dreaded the emptiness she’d feel not being with him every day.

  “I won’t go home if I can help it.” Unbidden, images of Frank Fowler, his eyes full of all manner of evil, played through her mind. “I have no desire to go back—” She cut her words off, her cheeks flushing hot beneath her hands.

  “Can I ask why?”

  “Why what?” Pulling her legs securely against her chest, she tried to block out the shadowy images that had instantly and without mercy assaulted her thoughts.

  “Why are you avoiding going home? Is there a problem?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing,” Katie dismissed, brushing at her skirt, wishing she could just as easily brush away the memories. “I’m just enjoying my time in Boulder. That’s all.”

  “Enjoying your time, huh? I’ve been a real pleasure to be around, haven’t I?” He smirked. “Is there more to it?”

  “Nothing more.” She winced at the quaver in her voice.

  “Katie, I may not be able to see you, but I can hear a difference in your voice. And I’ve never heard you sound like this before. Want to talk about it?”

  When a loud crack sounded from the tree line, she jumped, unable to stop a small scream from piercing the air.

  “What? What’s wrong?”

  Her heart lurched to her throat as she scrambled over to Joseph and clung to his arm. “Did you hear that?”

  “Hear what?” He set a hand on hers.

  She craned her neck, searching the dense grove of trees, sure she would find Frank there. “That—that loud crack?”

  Squeezing her eyes tight, she fought in vain to ignore the memories that came now in crashing waves. Frank Fowler’s leering gaze. His long, tapered fingers clamping down around her arms, her neck, her breasts. His cigar-tainted breath hovering over her like a poisonous cloud.

  She bit back a cry and swallowed against the sickening lump in her throat. Tightened her grip around Joseph’s arm as though her very life depended upon it.

  When she opened her eyes, she saw Joseph’s forehead creased in concern. “It’s all right, Katie,” he soothed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “I think what you heard was Boone. He probably stepped on a branch and snapped it in two.”

  She shot her gaze back toward the stream to see Boone emerge from the trees, his four sturdy legs braced and head hung low. As though building up momentum, he finally broke out into a full-body shake, sending tiny, sun-glinted droplets of water spraying from his glistening black fur.

  “I—I’m sorry,” she breathed, retreating to the other side of the blanket again.

  “Please, don’t apologize. Whatever has you so shaken, I want to help. I’m a good listener.”

  Katie fought for control over her emotions. She bent her head to her shoulder and swiped at the perspiration beading her brow. Rocking back and forth, she silently reminded herself that she was safe now, hundreds of miles away from Frank Fowler.

  “I appreciate your concern,” she finally squeezed out. “But it’s something I’d rather not talk about.”

  “Sometimes it helps to talk.” He slid his fingers slowly across the blanket toward her, as if searching for her hand. “Can you give me your hand, Katie?”

  Katie stared at his outstretched hand, already missing the safe protection of his arm around her. Her heartbeat sped up inside her chest. She wanted to trust him, wanted to believe he could help her. Seeing the way his hands bore all the marks of hard work and sacrifice, she nearly groaned with the need to feel his strength, his support, his care.

  “Listen. I realize you haven’t known me long, but I mean it when I say I want to help.” His words were offered like some lifeline.

  Although she’d vowed that no one would ever know what had happened over the past year, a desperate part of her yearned to tell someone her secret. Someone she could trust. Someone she could lean on. Someone she could run to when the haunting memories nipped at her heels.

  Like now.

  She gulped back the all-too-familiar bile burning in her throat, slid trembling hands to her face and covered her mouth. Blinking hard, she fought to focus on Joseph’s strong, capable hand. But the images, the haunting memories clouded her vision, turning the bright day upside down.

  Frank Fowler’s sharp, aristocratic features, his tall, foreboding frame, loomed like a sinister demon. A highly respected citizen, part-owner of the railroad and a deacon in the church—some thought he was fit to be a genteel lady’s winning catch.

  But Katie knew better. He was an awful, hurtful man, who’d done the unthinkable, not once, but twice. He’d stolen her—all of her—the first time in a dark copse of trees. Leaving her dress torn and dirty, her simple trust in others wounded and her purity sullied forever. He’d said that she’d always be his. Left her with a pointed threat that if she ever told a soul, someone she loved would die. He’d said that no one would believe her anyway, not when her father had lost a long and bitter court battle with him over a land dispute. Frank had promised that she’d be the shame of the community, a pawn in her father’s hands, lying in a bid to discredit Fowler.

  Katie had been desperate to tell someone, but what if Frank was right? She’d never forgive herself if something happened to a loved one because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. She’d lived with the secret for twelve months now. And she’d have to take it with her to her
grave. No one could know.

  She couldn’t—wouldn’t break her silence, now or ever.

  “Katie? Are you all right?” Joseph’s voice, his calming, rich voice, broke through her pain.

  With quavering hands, she rubbed her eyes, wiped her perspiration-beaded brow and willed her body to stop quaking so. “Yes. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? Because you don’t act like you’re fine.”

  “Boone just startled me, that’s all,” she responded, her voice sounding almost normal again.

  On a long pause, Joseph slowly braced his hand behind him again. “If you say so. But if ever you do feel like talking, I’m here.”

  She tried to shake off remnants of the haunting memories, but they were like tiny, stinging shards of glass. How she wished she could feel Joseph’s hand around hers right now, assuring her everything would turn out fine. But she couldn’t risk losing her job, and she definitely couldn’t risk losing her heart. And she would, because no man—no matter how kind, how considerate, how upstanding—would want her once he knew she was soiled.

  Inhaling slowly, she struggled to gather her composure as she rose to her feet. “We really should head back and get something accomplished today.”

  He gave his head a shake. “Far as I’m concerned, we’re accomplishing plenty. I’m getting to know you a little better.”

  “That’s what I mean,” she countered, adjusting the pleats draping her skirt. “We shouldn’t be wasting our time talking about me.”

  Joseph stood in one slow movement, every bit of his tall, muscled form exuding strength and fluidity. He took one step her way and set his hands on her shoulders. “Katie…I want you to listen to me. You’re not a waste of time. You’re far from a waste of time.”

  Chapter Six

  Joseph knew he should be relieved to have his brothers here, but for some reason he sensed this was more than just a shoot-the-breeze kind of visit.

  He shifted uncomfortably in the wingback chair, feeling like a worm caught in the baking sun. Unable to stand the tension permeating the room, he finally broke the silence. “So, what’s going on? I don’t need eyes to see that you came here for a reason. I can’t imagine what I’ve done this time. I’ve been on my best behavior with Katie.” Which hadn’t taken any effort since she was so easy to like. “We even spent the morning with a picnic down by the stream.”