In the bank, she withdrew all but fifty dollars of the salary she’d been paid. She didn’t close the account because she figured they might call Pete and tell him. Rawhide was a small, personal town.
“You want it all in cash?” the bank teller asked, her voice rising in surprise.
“Yes, please, I’m going on a big shopping spree.”
“My goodness, that should be fun,” the woman said, smiling.
Her kindness made Sam feel bad. She shouldn’t have lied, but she had no choice.
At the drugstore, she bought a small box of condoms, hoping no one would recognize her. She didn’t want rumors to start and embarrass the Randalls after she left.
Her last stop was to the feed and general store where the Greyhound bus made a stop every other day. The young woman behind the counter sold her a ticket for Thursday on a bus that would take her to Denver.
When she got back to the clinic, her secrets hidden in her handbag, Rich was waiting. He wiggled his bare foot at her, grinning. “Look! I’m not a cripple anymore.”
“Congratulations!” she said. Another memory she’d have. “Ready to go?”
“Doc wanted you to step inside when you got here. He wants to be sure you’re healed.”
“Oh, there’s no need to bother him,” she said, backing toward the door.
Rich stood and took her arm. “We all do what Doc says. We’re lucky to have him.” He pushed open the door beside the little desk and hollered, “Doc, she’s here.”
The elderly man came out at once. “Hi, there, Sam. How’s that arm and shoulder?”
“Just fine, Dr. Jacoby. I’m fine. I didn’t mean to bother you.”
“No bother. May I?” he asked as he lifted the arm of the T-shirt and peered under it. After Samantha nodded, he slid his hand to her shoulder and rotated it a little. Sam made sure she didn’t grimace, even if there still was a little pain.
“All right. Good as new. I’m glad I put in those stitches that disintegrate. Hardly left a scar. You take care now,” Doc said cheerfully.
“I will, thank you.” She liked the doctor, but she knew she wouldn’t be seeing him again.
When they returned to the sidewalk where they parted less than an hour ago, Rich asked, “Did you get all your errands run?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m ready to go back to the ranch.”
“I need to go to the drugstore. I ran out of aftershave this morning. Come on, it’s a good little store.”
Sam stared at him. She couldn’t go into the drugstore now, with Rich. The salesgirl might link her purchase to Rich.
“I’m a little pooped, Rich. I think I’ll sit in the car while you go in.”
“Don’t want to be seen with me?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.
“Yes, that’s it. I’m afraid my standing in the community will scrape bottom if I’m seen with you.” She smiled at him and got in the car.
He gave her a strange look before crossing the street and disappearing into the store.
After five minutes, he returned. “Anything you need?” he asked again, but she refused. Before she could start the engine, he said, “Well, I need something.”
Surprised, she stared at him. “What?”
“A cup of coffee. Park by the café.”
“Can’t you wait until we get home? I’m sure Lavinia will have a pot on.”
“Nope. I can’t wait.”
She did as he asked, but she didn’t understand his insistence.
Inside, he waved at the waitress and led her to a booth nearby. “Hi, Mona. We need some coffee.”
“I’ll be right there, Rich.”
Samantha stared at the woman, wondering if she’d been one of Rich’s conquests. When she brought over a pot of coffee and two mugs, Sam realized the woman was older than she looked.
“Hi, there. You’re the young lady living with Lavinia? How’s she doing?”
“Very well, thank you. I’m Samantha Jeffers.”
“I’m Mona Woodruff. Keep your eye on this rascal. I baby-sat him a few times.”
“Now, Mona, don’t start telling those stories about me and Russ running around without our diapers,” Rich protested. His cheeks actually reddened.
Samantha couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
“No, ma’am, no modesty at all,” Mona agreed with a grin. “Can I get you anything else? The cinnamon buns are really good today.”
“That’s what you always say,” Rich complained.
“And am I ever wrong?”
“Nope. Bring me one. How about you, Sam?”
“No, thank you. I’ve been gaining weight ever since I moved in with Lavinia. My jeans are too tight.”
“I know what you mean. Lavinia’s a good cook,” Mona agreed.
“Well, as the only male present, let me go on record as saying I don’t object to tight jeans,” Rich assured Samantha, raising his eyebrows at her.
“Oh, you!” Mona spoke, swiping him with a towel. “I’d better go get that cinnamon bun before the boss yells at me.”
“She’s nice,” Sam said, looking around the café.
“You could’ve been working with her. They’ve got a sign in the window for help wanted.” He watched her as if he thought she’d leap at the opportunity.
“It would’ve been nice. Maybe in a few weeks. I don’t think Lavinia really needs help anymore.”
“But I think she’ll want you around anyway.”
Sam shrugged her shoulders.
“Are you looking forward to the shopping trip at the end of the week?”
“Of course.” She must not have put enough enthusiasm in her voice because Rich looked skeptical.
“Most ladies like the opportunity to shop,” Rich announced as he lifted his cup for a sip. “In fact, most ladies wouldn’t be satisfied with Rawhide. Maybe you should’ve waited until Friday to make your purchases today.”
She knew he was fishing about any purchases she might’ve made. “No, they had everything I needed today.”
“Will you enjoy the big shopping expedition?”
“Anyone would enjoy shopping with their friends.” Sam chose her words carefully.
“Hmm, maybe I should accompany you on the trip. Elizabeth and Toby did a shopping trip in Denver. Russ went with them, he and Abby.”
“I don’t think Janie will want you along.”
“I’m beginning to feel unloved.”
“Right,” Samantha said with a grin, knowing Rich was joking. Or at least she hoped he was.
Mona brought out the promised cinnamon bun, and Sam’s mouth watered. “Oh, my. I bet those are really good.”
“Want me to bring you one?” the waitress asked.
“No, and don’t ask again in case I weaken.”
Mona grinned and headed for another table.
“You’ve got great discipline, Sam. A lot better than mine,” Rich assured her.
“The longer I stay here, the more it weakens. I’m going to be lonely when I leave here.” When she realized what she’d said, she peeked at Rich.
“So, I have a solution. Don’t leave.”
“Ah. That’s an interesting idea.” She hoped that remark would satisfy him.
“Here.”
She looked up to see him holding out his fork, offering her a bite of cinnamon bun. “No, really, I don’t want any.”
“You have to taste it, Sam.” He held the bite a little closer.
Her resolve disappeared and she leaned across the table and nipped the roll off the fork. It was heavenly, she decided as she closed her eyes to enjoy it.
“Aha! I knew it!” Mona exclaimed.
When Sam opened her eyes, she discovered the waitress staring at her. With a half smile, she said, “I couldn’t resist.”
“Oh, it’s not that, honey,” Mona assured her with a big smile. “Couples come in here all the time. But when they start feeding each other, that means they’re going to get married! We’ve been right e
very time, haven’t we, Rich?”
“I haven’t kept track, Mona,” Rich said calmly.
“Well, I have, so you might as well pick out your wedding dress, young lady. You’re church-bound!” she announced to everyone in the café.
“Let’s get out of here,” Sam urged.
WHEN SAM GOT HOME, Lavinia told her to call Abby. Hurrying to the phone, she discovered Abby had the news she’d been hoping for. At lunch, Sam told Lavinia about her plan for her, and Mildred, too, if she wanted, to teach the young women of the town to knit, crochet and quilt.
“Do you think anyone will come?” Lavinia asked, her gaze fixed on the calendar on the wall.
“Abby thinks so. She’ll be there. And I’m sure there are others, too. When Tori comes home, she’ll sign up. She told me she wanted to learn to knit. Their own mothers may not know those skills, or have time to teach them. Everyone’s so busy these days.”
“That’s true.”
“They’re offering a lot of night classes at the high school for adults. Some classes are about reading or accounting, doing your own taxes, and such. But others will be fun activities. And they’ll have free babysitting.”
“It might work. What a good idea. We could even form a quilting circle for us experienced ones. We could make a quilt and auction it off for charity.”
“That’s wonderful, Lavinia. Talk to Abby about that.”
Lavinia nodded. Then she reached across the table to take Samantha’s hand. “Thank you, honey.”
“Thank Abby.”
“I’m going to call Mildred,” Lavinia said with more enthusiasm than she’d shown in a while.
Samantha began a marathon cleaning, determined to leave Lavinia’s house in perfect condition.
She was scrubbing one of the bathrooms when Lavinia came to find her. “Did Rich tell his dad I want the kitchen redone?”
“I don’t think so. He probably forgot. He was excited about getting his cast off.”
“Of course. I’ll go call Janie now. She’ll remember to tell Pete what I want.”
“Yes, I’m sure she will.”
Before Lavinia returned to the phone, she paused and said, “You’re about to scrub the porcelain off that tub. Why don’t you take a break? I don’t want your arm sore again.”
“Doc checked me out today. I’m fine.”
Lavinia, her mind on her new kitchen, wandered off.
By suppertime, Samantha was exhausted, but the house shone. She showered before dinner and then came to the kitchen to help Lavinia fix dinner.
When Rich arrived and washed up, the two ladies had a delicious dinner ready for him.
“Man, this looks good. You two are spoiling me,” he exclaimed.
Dinner was enjoyable. When it was over, Sam asked about Dixie and if she could accompany Rich to the barn to check on the mare.
“Sure. I’d enjoy the company.”
When they stepped outside into the crisp night air, Sam shivered.
“You need a heavier coat, for sure before this winter,” Rich said.
She smiled and said nothing.
When they entered the barn and approached Dixie, it was clear the mare was in trouble. Rich hurried into the stall, then ordered Sam to go to the tack room and call B.J. and ask her to come at once.
Samantha hadn’t planned on spending her evening in the barn, but she didn’t dare leave, afraid she’d miss something. When B.J. arrived, she and Rich worked patiently with the mare to ensure that her foal was born healthy. Samantha watched Rich’s strong hands work on the mare. When the foal came out, the mare gave a huge sigh and stood with her head down.
“She won’t have any trouble next time, Rich,” B.J. assured him. “It’s because it’s her first. But the filly is a beauty.”
“Yes, she is,” Rich said. He looked at Sam, hanging over the door of the stall. “Are you okay? It’s been a long night.”
“But a wonderful one. She’s so beautiful.”
“A little wobbly, too,” he added, smiling at her.
“Babies need help,” Sam said softly, thinking of human babies, too. She wanted to have that experience so badly. It was tempting to forget those condoms she’d bought. To take the chance that she might have Rich’s child. But that wouldn’t be fair to the baby. Or to Rich. She could picture him, helping his child take its first steps. Picking him or her up after a tumble and tears. He’d be a wonderful father, just like Pete.
Tears filled her eyes.
B.J. was cleaning up and Rich joined her at the big sink. Then he hurried to Sam’s side. “Are you crying?”
“Not really. Little babies are so sweet. They have no idea— She’s trying to nurse!” Sam exclaimed, interrupting her awkward words.
B.J. joined them. “Mother Nature takes over once again. In a day or two, the baby won’t wobble at all.”
“Amazing.” B.J. looked at her. “It is, isn’t it? I’m glad you appreciate the miracle. I’ve hardly gotten to know you, with all of us milling around.”
“There are a lot of you. But that way you know there’ll always be someone to help you if—if anything happens.”
“Yes. Especially when it comes to babies,” B.J. said with a smile.
Rich surprised Sam by putting his arm around her shoulders in front of his aunt. She’d figured after their visit to the café, he wouldn’t be caught close to her no matter what.
“Don’t worry,” he said softly. “We’re not going to let anything happen to this baby, Sam.”
She nodded and smiled. But Rich didn’t know about the baby she was thinking about, the one she’d never have.
TWO NIGHTS LATER, she asked Rich to take her down to see the baby filly again. She held her breath when Rich agreed and then asked Lavinia to accompany them. But, much to her relief, Lavinia declined. There was a show on television she wanted to see.
On the walk to the barn, Rich told her how well Dixie and the filly were doing. Then he asked if she wanted to name the foal.
“Me?”
“Yeah, you.”
“Oh, I’d love to. Oh, I know. Let’s name her Magnolia! That’s a southern flower.”
“Terrific. It’s a big name for a little filly, but she’ll grow into it. Good choice.”
By that time they’d reached the barn and Rich flipped on the lights. Samantha headed for the stall and reached out to the filly.
Rich came and stood beside her, not touching, but close. After several minutes of praising the animals, he asked, “You ready to go back to the house?”
Samantha took a deep breath. “No, I’m not.”
“No? You pet the filly much more and she’s going to follow you home,” he teased.
“I don’t want to pet the filly. I want…I want you to make love to me.”
Chapter Sixteen
Rich stared at Samantha, blown away by her request. He’d been working so hard to keep everything platonic, in control. “What did you say?”
Her cheeks were flushed, making him want to touch her more than ever. To his surprise, she repeated her words, not backing down. “I want you to make love to me.”
When he couldn’t think of what to say, she asked, “Would you mind?”
“Mind? Would I mind? Sam, any man would be thrilled to fulfill your request!”
“Okay.” Her answer was calm, as if she’d asked him to shake hands.
His gaze narrowed. “Why?”
“I think, once we get over the chemistry between us, we can relax and life won’t be so difficult.”
“I haven’t harassed you, have I? I’ve been trying to keep my distance.” He thought about the last couple of days. Samantha had seemed more relaxed. He’d wondered why. Was it because she was contemplating a change in their relationship?
She shook her head and he stepped closer. Wrapping his hands around her arms, unsure whether he was stopping her from coming closer or ensuring she didn’t run away, he said softly, “Honey, are you sure?”
She nodded again.
<
br /> “Honey, you’re going to have to speak to me before—before anything happens. I can’t just—” He could, of course. His body was racing at even the thought of being with Sam. But he had to know for sure that this was what she wanted.
In a low voice, as she stared at his chest, she said, “Yes, I’m sure. When you kiss me, I—I want more, Rich. What we have is special, but I want more.”
“So do I. Big time. You make me so hot I can barely control myself. These past few weeks have made life difficult for me. But I can wait if this is too fast for you. We can get to know each other better.”
She placed her hands flat on his chest. “I didn’t know I’d have to work this hard to convince you.”
Rich swallowed hard. “Maybe we should, uh, start out kissing and see where it leads. I’ll stop whenever you want me to.”
He waited for her response, his heart beating double time. All he got was a slight nod, her gaze fixed on his lips. That was enough encouragement for him. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against him. A perfect fit.
“You’re sure?” he asked again.
She sighed. Then she took his hand from her back and lay it across her left breast. “Can you feel it beating, Rich?”
“Oh, yeah, honey, I can feel it.” His lips dipped to hers, and the rest of the world disappeared. They were lost in sensations. He slid his hand up her back, under her T-shirt, feeling her bare skin for the first time since he’d rubbed that muscle cream on her shoulder. But this time, miracle of miracles, he didn’t have to hold back.
Her silken skin invited his touch and he was soon searching for the bottom of her T-shirt so he could lift it over her head. “I need to see you,” he whispered as he forced his lips to leave hers long enough to tell her. She pulled his mouth back to hers, but she’d heard him. She helped him remove her shirt. Then her fingers began working on his shirt snaps with such effectiveness, she was pulling his shirt off in no time.
She didn’t even seem to notice when her bra followed. Instead, she reached for his belt buckle. He knew he needed to get something on the hay before they could lie down. He was going to tell her, but his lips were drawn to hers again. He solved the difficulty, lifting her against him and carrying her to the tack room.
Randall Riches Page 17
