Lost Together

by Cynthia Knoble

  “I think I’ve managed to thank most of you individually, but I know I’ve missed a few, given how busy everyone was today, so I will take this opportunity to thank you all at once. I’m blown away by all this, I didn’t know any of it was in the works and, well, you all have helped me more than I ever imagined you would. This town truly is remarkable, and I’m so proud to be a part of it. I could go on and on about how wonderful you all are, but I’m sure you know, and we’re all hungry, so let’s eat.”

  Friendly laughter and applause sounded as she retook her seat. Rory leaned closer to her. “Great speech,” he said softly.

  It really wasn’t, but she had managed to get through it without getting tongue-tied or saying something dumb out of nervousness. She was glad she had spoken, and made up for her stunned behaviour earlier that day. Realizing Brad was still standing, she focused on him as he evidently had something further to say.

  “Okay, before you all have a go at me for delaying our meal, I just have one more thing to add. After dinner, I’d like everyone to pitch in to clean up quickly so we can all then meet up in the new barn for a dance. After all, what would a barn-raising be without a follow-up barn dance? So, let’s eat, clean up, and then dance the night away!”

  Excited applause and chatter followed Brad’s announcement. Saffron turned to Rory in surprise. “Your idea, too?” she questioned.

  “Oh, it’s pretty much a given at an event like this. I did ask Shane to DJ it though, he’s got the best equipment. He used to be a professional DJ.”

  “That’s awesome. It sounds like it’s going to be a blast.”

  “You can count on it,” he returned, with a warm smile.

  As she began eating, she hoped the event would provide an opportunity to dance with Rory.

  Chapter 27

  Skip spun Saffron around the dance floor in the new barn, and she laughed. She adored Skip and he was quite the dancer. It was the third dance they’d shared and she could dance with him all night, even as she longed for another dance with Rory. He’d asked her early on, to a fast dance, and he was a surprisingly good dancer, shaking his hips, and employing some fancy-looking steps. She considered herself okay at dancing, able to move with the beat, but not capable of intricate footwork.

  Murray replaced Skip as another song started. While lacking Skip’s fluid movements, Murray efficiently led her in dance, and inclined his head to speak in her ear.

  “This is a great night. Are you enjoying yourself?”

  As he straightened up, she nodded. It was a great night. After dinner, as per the mayor’s request, everyone had pitched in to quickly clear away the mess, and then convened in the barn. Shane had equipment set up, and soon starting playing one awesome song after another. She’d danced to most of them, alternating between the men who’d requested dances, and the group of women who dominated the dancefloor. As when out at The Goose with the girls, she loved dancing with the group that included Zoë, Anya, Zandra, Faye, and Arden. While she was growing close to Zoë, she truly enjoyed spending time with the others as well. Murray slid behind her, his hands on her hips, to dance seductively. He didn’t grind on her, and she knew he wasn’t flirting. She’d seen him and Arden together and knew they were a couple. Well, at the very least they were sleeping with one another, that much was evident.

  She saw Zoë wave wildly at someone to join her and the girls. Knowing she hadn’t targeted Ethan, who had only been on the floor for a few slow dances with Zoë, Saffron soon discovered Cole was the recipient of Zoë’s invitation. With a huge smile, he joined the women who swarmed around him. She couldn’t miss how Zoë pushed Zandra into place directly before Cole, and then laughed when Cole danced faster than the rest of the group, as if to his own beat.

  Everyone seemed so happy, and it was a perfect evening. She’d had the opportunity, between dances, to talk with a few people she’d missed seeing during the busy day. While she’d been introduced to Sawyer Rutherford, a horse breeder, at the feed store before, she hadn’t conversed with him before tonight. He could possibly be the best-looking man in town, possessing a face so handsome she’d gushed to Tansy about it, but that prick-vibe she’d detected upon their first meeting was present again tonight. Not that he was rude, but he gave her the impression he’d rather be elsewhere. The only time she’d seen him not looking grumpy was when he spoke with fellow ranchers. Rory had told her Sawyer was a great guy, just a little short on social skills, but she thought it was more likely the rancher was just an asshole.

  She’d liked Quentin Morris better, the town’s sole bison rancher. He’d told her he heard about her troubles, and was sorry for them. He’d faced some harsh opinions when he set up a bison ranch in cattle country, but nothing on the level of her experiences which he claimed were shocking for the close-knit town, going so far as to suggest the perpetrator had to be from out of town. That theory made little sense to her, but she’d politely agreed with him, and then asked him about his bison. It turned out to be a bit of a mistake as Quentin went on at length about how amazing his bison were, and even suggested she might want to get a few for her ranch. According to him, they were docile, gentle, affectionate creatures, and she’d promised to think about it. The appearance of Alice, Quentin’s wife, was a welcome distraction as she swayed the conversation in a different direction while flashing Saffron a look that informed her the woman was well aware her husband had been talking Saffron’s ears off about bison.

  Glancing around, she was certain she’d now spoken with everyone present. She’d had a long talk with the Pattons, all of them, first enjoying a dance with Myles, then a drink with Dean, Cookie, and Anya. She’d met Anya’s boyfriend, Chase, who was also Myles’s best friend, and Chase’s son, Tanner, a happy, talkative young boy she’d taken an immediate liking to. He’d told her all about his video game-playing sessions with Myles, making her smile. Myles would make some woman a great husband, and apparently would also be a good father. Joanie had appeared just when Saffron was leaving, and had delivered a huge hug. Saffron adored her, she was so sweet, and had then danced with Joanie, who seemed to love the occurrence, but seemed more pleased when Myles cut in near the end of the song, asking to dance with Joanie.

  The only person she hadn’t seen today was Mark Astley, the farmer who’d been snippy with her at the feed store. According to Rory, the whole town was present, so why wasn’t Mark here? Could he be the man terrorizing her, perhaps so pissed off about her choice of ranch he’d decided to run her out of town? Quentin had told her of the harsh reaction he’d received when starting up his ranch, and Ethan had mentioned it to her, too. Had Mark been the source of the animosity toward Quentin? Rory had told her Mark was a dick, short-tempered, and intolerant. Could it be him?

  The song ended and, after thanking Murray, she made her way to the tables set up against one side of the barn, laden with drinks. She poured herself a glass of water, downed it, and then poured another. It was hot in the barn, filled with people, most of them dancing, and she welcomed the slight breeze that blew in from the nearby, open door. As she watched Cole and Zandra dance, grinning at each other the whole while, Rory sidled up beside her. She motioned to his sister, and the veterinarian, then popped up on her tiptoes to ensure Rory would hear her over the throbbing music.

  “Is there something going on between them?”

  He stooped, allowing her to stand flat-footed again. “Yeah, they’re getting there.”

  “There? You mean getting serious about one another? Or he’s almost about to propose?”

  Rory laughed. “Propose? He hasn’t even asked her out yet. I meant he’s getting close to doing so.” He shrugged. “They’re both really shy.”

  “I think they’re adorable.”

  He smiled slightly in response. His eyes darted to where Shane was, and then back. “Um.” He appeared to want to say something, and she waited, wondering about his suddenly uncertain expression. The opening notes of a slow song started. She recognized it immediately, Frozen Gh
ost’s “Dream Come True”, one of her favourite love songs. An older song, from the ʼ80s she believed, it was terribly romantic. Rory held his elbow out to her.

  “Could I have this dance?”

  With a nod, she slipped her hand through his bent elbow to rest on his forearm. He was slightly sweaty, but she didn’t care. His arm was warm and she loved the feel of the light covering of hair under her fingers. After leading her through the crowd to an open spot on the dancefloor, he took hold of her hips, and she placed her hands on his chest. His shirt was damp, and, again, she didn’t mind. The firmness of his pecs had her inching closer to him. Their bodies brushing together as they swayed, he stooped to bring his face before hers. He was so close, near enough to kiss. Recalling the feel of his skin under lips when she’d kissed his cheek, she longed to kiss his lips, and then many other places on his body.

  Knock it off, he’s not interested. He’d asked her to dance though, to a slow song, so maybe he was. There was longing in his eyes, she swore there was. Had he requested the song? He’d seemed to be stalling just before it came on. Maybe he’d asked Shane for it, wanting to slow-dance with her, to hold her as closely as he now did. He’d helped her unpack the rest of the boxes in the house, he could’ve seen her CD collection. Wait, she’d been singing along to it one day when he’d come in for lunch, she was sure of it. Maybe he deduced she really liked it, and remembered. And maybe monkeys fly out of your ass on Halloween. It’s just a coincidence this song happened to come on. He’s not interested, get over yourself.

  “Thank you, Rory, for all of this. I can’t even begin to think of how to repay you for this.”

  “You already have,” he answered, his voice low. Sexy. “You’re dancing with me.”

  His grip on her hips tightened a little. Oh my God, is he interested in me? She stumbled, and stepped on his foot.

  “Okay, not well, but you are dancing.” He chuckled.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “No harm done.”

  They were farther apart now. Because he’s not interested in you. Why would he be? Right, why would he be? She didn’t attract men like him, sweet, caring, good men. She attracted assholes, abusers, and lowlifes. Still, that look in his eyes—You’re delusional. Truly.

  She stepped back from him, breaking his hold on her. “Um, well, thank you for the dance, but I, uh, have to use the washroom.” She scurried away from him, from the others, through the open door, and out into the dark night.

  Several degrees cooler outside, she breathed in the night air, welcoming its soothing feel. Tears pricked her eyes. She was such an idiot, always torturing herself with thoughts of things she’d never have. Blinking the tears away, she paused before the pen housing the female alpacas. Neenee, a lovely rust-and-white coloured girl, released a small squeak and then hummed as she drew close to Saffron. Soon after, other girls joined in, crowding around Neenee, all humming. It was an odd sound to some, but Saffron found it comforting. She stroked Neenee’s long neck, scratched her throat a bit, and told her she was a good girl.

  There was little point in speculating about Rory’s intentions, for he didn’t have any when it came to her. He was her employee, and her friend, a great one. Today was a testament to how amazing he was as both an employee and a friend. Without him, she might have thrown in the towel, accepted she’d never be able to open the ranch, and returned to Toronto with her tail between her legs. It would still be a struggle to open it, but with the barn no longer a concern, it would happen. Thanks to Rory, and the town, of course, but mostly Rory. As she ruffled the hair on Neenee’s head, she couldn’t divert her thoughts from Rory. He loved the alpacas as much as she did, wanted to do his best for them, get the ranch opened, and oversee its operations. It was his shot at rebuilding his life, and he was grateful to her for granting it. That’s what she’d seen in his eyes. Not interest for her, but gratitude. She’d helped him, he’d helped her. They were building an awesome friendship that would, with any luck, run for years to come.

  Returning to the barn, a calm acceptance descended. Ranch life was scary, filled with disappointments, fears of failure, and still carried the threat of violence from an unknown man. However, it was also filled with amazing friends, friendly neighbours, a caring town, and, best of all, Rory, the man who’d saved her dream, and would help her bring it to fruition. He’d be at her side, as her ranch foreman, and her friend. She was damn fortunate to have him, and the ranch. Thoughts of sex with Rory, a loving relationship with him, fled. There was no place in her mind, or her heart, for things she’d never have.

  Chapter 28

  Having assisted in clean-up, almost everyone who’d attended the dance was gone. Rory helped Shane pack up his equipment, smiling as Zoë’s tipsy voice sounded again. She was speaking with Saffron, loudly, holding her hands, while Ethan held Zoë’s elbow, obviously anxious to leave with her.

  “Saffron,” Zoë slurred, “I love you, so, so much. You’re so beautiful. And,”—she teetered a little, and Ethan righted her—“you’re an amazing friend. Amazing. And I love your alpa—alpapacas.”

  “Thank you,” Saffron said, smiling broadly.

  “Ethan’s gonna buy me some. Did he tell you that?”

  “Zoë, you told her,” Ethan said, with a sigh. “At least ten times. So yes, she knows. When she breeds her alpacas, I’ll buy a few for you.”

  “Yay!” Zoë let go of Saffron’s arms to spin around in a circle, and Ethan caught her before she face-planted. As he steadied her, she grabbed at Saffron again. “Get your alpacas to fuck. I want my babies.”

  Ethan shook his head as Saffron laughed, obviously amused with Zoë’s state. It was damn funny. Rory chuckled, and Shane tittered as he placed cables in a bin. A few folks had seemed buzzed as the night wore on. Rory was certain he’d seen Kit wobbling as he left with Zeke, but no trouble had ensued with anyone who’d had too much to drink. Everyone had enjoyed themselves, and left quietly. Except Zoë.

  As Zoë’s drunken chatter continued, Rory made two trips to Shane’s truck with him, to load up his equipment. After biding Shane goodnight, he returned to the barn. When he caught the tail-end of Zoë’s loud statement, he almost tripped.

  “—seriously huge cock,” she said, and then cackled madly. She held her hands more than a foot apart, frowned, brought them closer together, and then nodded to Saffron. “This big. My man’s hung like a horse. A horse.”

  “Time to go, darlin’,” Ethan interjected, an urgency to his voice now.

  Rory couldn’t help the boisterous laugh he released. Turning to him, Ethan shook his head, and then laughed himself. Rory found Ethan’s reactions funnier than Zoë’s antics. Often rigid, sometimes even stodgy, Ethan had changed much since Zoë’s arrival. After pulling her hands from Saffron, Ethan slung Zoë over his shoulder, as Saffron moved closer to Rory. He thought she looked like she had something to say to him. At the sound of Ethan’s surprised grunt, Rory looked to see Zoë biting into Ethan’s ass. As Saffron and Rory let loose with raucous laughter, Ethan swatted Zoë’s butt lightly.

  “Knock it off, sweetheart. Don’t damage the goods if you expect some action tonight.”

  “We’re gonna fuck!” Zoë screeched out.

  “You betcha,” he returned, and then looked at Saffron and Rory. “Thank you both, we’ll be going now, before Zoë causes any damage.”

  “I’m being good,” she protested, “really good.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Sorry about the drunk, I’m taking her home now.”

  “To fuck!” came the shrill voice from behind him.

  “Yes, darlin’, provided you don’t pass out on the way home.”

  With a huge smile, and a playful roll of his eyes, Ethan left the barn, Zoë chattering loudly about the lewd things she would do to him when they got home, as she simultaneously waved at Saffron and Rory. Chuckling, Rory was happy for Ethan. He’d seen Ethan and Zoë together enough to know how close the pair were, obviously deeply in love with one another. Rory had
always revered Ethan, and was pleased he’d found such happiness with Zoë. He wanted the same for himself, and his eyes drifted to Saffron beside him.

  Still chuckling, she swiped under her leaky eyes. If he thought her pretty when he met her, he found her beautiful now. Her cheeks carrying the blush of laughter, her eyes shining with humour, she was breathtaking. He loved the sprinkle of freckles over her pert nose, and the bow of her lips. With wheat-blonde hair, and a gorgeous body, she could make a priest forget his vows. It seemed his thoughts constantly filled with her. Startled, he realized he hadn’t thought of prison in days now. It was because of her. He’d been consumed with a need to get the ranch ready for opening, then with attending to the barn issue, for her. When he wasn’t thinking of issues on the ranch, he still thought of her. As awesome as not dwelling on prison was, thoughts of her were almost as damaging, and he forced his eyes from her.

  “If there’s anything left to clean, I’ll get to it tomorrow,” he informed her. “It’s been a long day and I’m beat. I imagine you are as well.”

  “I am. Today was amazing, and thank you so much again, but, yeah, I’m exhausted.”

  “Come on, I’ll walk you to the house.”

  As they left the barn, he was careful to keep distance between them. A few beers in him, he didn’t trust himself if he caught a whiff of her apple-scented hair. How he wanted her! He swore she’d tossed several longing looks at him over the course of the night, and thought he’d detected arousal in her eyes when they’d danced. That dance had backfired though. He figured she liked that song, after hearing her singing along to it. While she wasn’t the best singer, there’d been a joy in her voice, and he reasoned it was the song. He’d wanted to make her even happier tonight, loving how joyous she’d been all day. Eager to wipe the last few days away, the pain he’d seen in her eyes, the fear, knowing how she worried over the barn, even as he hadn’t been able to tell her of the planned barn-raising, he wanted to rid her of all those thoughts. So, when they’d danced, he’d thought he chosen right and, for a moment, was certain she was about to kiss him. Then she’d pulled away from him and left. Maybe she did need to use the washroom, but he doubted it. The truth was he was a far cry from what she actually wanted, what she needed. Yeah, he had a job, thanks to her, but was still an ex-con. He was still a fuck-up.