Under the Open Sky (Montana Heritage Series)

by Michelle Maness

  “Like that,” he told her before standing. Amanda straightened to find both her brother and Chris glaring at them.

  “Thanks,” she offered Cade a nervous smile as she grabbed her pool stick with both hands to hide their shaking.

  “Was that necessary?” Trent demanded of Cade.

  “I warned Chris to watch his step with Manny; anything you want to add,” Cade ignored his friend’s anger.

  Trent glared at his friend a moment longer before turning to Chris beside him.

  “That’s my baby sister; if you mess with her I will take it personally,” he informed the younger man and then turned to pin Cade with his gaze as well.

  “Enough, both of you!” Amanda inserted, her ire rising. “I’ll get a ride home with Jenny; later guys,” Amanda grabbed Jenny’s hand and dragged her toward the opposite end of the bowling alley; Chris followed. Later that evening Amanda kept her word and left the bowling alley with Jenny. Last she knew her brother and Cade were catching up with some old school mates. That was fine with her as long as they weren’t embarrassing her and harassing her date for next weekend.

  “I have to say that was an interesting night,” Jenny commented.

  “How so?” Amanda glanced over at her friend.

  “You and Cade, dang Mandy, he sent a pretty strong message to Chris tonight.”

  “I didn’t appreciate the big brother act; I get enough of that from Trent.”

  “Um, sweetie, I don’t think that was a big brother posture,” Jenny countered.

  “Whatever, thanks for the ride home.” Amanda was still feeling irritable.

  “Think what you want, Mandy. How are things with your dad and brother?”

  “Better, thank God. Christmas would have been a miserable experience with them still fighting. What about your folks? You never have said what your Christmas plans are.”

  “We aren’t going to Hawaii, but we aren’t really celebrating either,” Jenny’s voice was tense. “They gave me my presents already and we’re having a quiet night at home.”

  “So, Jenny, you are invited to Christmas dinner at my house,” Amanda announced.

  “Thanks, Mandy; I’ll probably take you up on that.”

  “Good,” Amanda smiled at her friend.

  After Jenny dropped her off, Amanda showered, dressed for bed, and then settled in to read a book. It was just before midnight when she heard her brother and Cade return. She considered going over and bidding them good night but decided she was still perturbed at the both of them. Amanda flicked off her lamp with a decisive motion and lay down, her thoughts immediately betraying her by straying to the sensation of Cade’s arms wrapped around her and his hands over hers. Had that been what Jenny meant by posturing, she wondered; her eyes widened?

  Thirteen

  “Thanks for the ride,” Amanda waved to Jenny before she closed the passenger door the following Friday night. School was officially out for Christmas and she had just returned from hanging out with some friends in Dede’s basement.

  Noting that the house looked empty, Amanda climbed the front porch steps and let herself inside. A note lay on the hall table.

  Mandy,

  Taking Naomi to a meeting at church, we’ll be back late.

  Love,

  Dad

  Amanda dropped the note back onto the table and bounded up the stairs to put her purse away. She knew Trent was in town because she had seen his truck at the diner as she and Jenny were leaving. Amanda dropped her purse onto her desk and returned downstairs to glance around at the empty rooms. Was Cade with her brother or was he still working on the engine her dad had asked him to look at? Amanda decided to see and let herself back out to make her way toward the barn; Big Boy dogged her steps. The bright moon reflected off the fresh snow so well that it lit her path perfectly. Amanda entered the barn and found the lights already on. Big Boy, a growl emitting from his throat, rushed to an open stall. An answering growl and hiss let Amanda know he was picking a fight with one of the barn cats. Sounds from one of the back work rooms propelled her that direction where she found Cade washing his hands in a second, smaller sink.

  “Burning the midnight oil?” Amanda queried.

  “Hey, Manny; just finishing up with the motor your dad asked me to look at. What brings you out here?” Cade was drying his hands and moving her direction.

  “The house is empty. I decided to see if you had jumped ship too.”

  “Nah, I wanted this done so your dad could be using it. Where are your dad and Naomi?”

  “Some meeting at church. Did you get it working?” Amanda nodded at the small engine on the table.

  “I think so. I decided it was a little late to put it all back together tonight. I was about to tidy up and head back to the house myself.”

  Amanda shed her coat and leaned against the work counter to watch Cade as he put tools away. She found herself studying his thick hair and brilliant blue eyes. His scar caught her attention.

  “How did you get the scar?” she finally asked.

  “Oh,” he grimaced slightly, “my dad.”

  “Sorry I brought it up.”

  Cade shrugged. “You didn’t know.”

  He had a nice straight nose, she noted as she fell silent again. His lips were appealing too. His upper lip was thin, but nicely shaped; his lower lip full, sensual even, though she had never actually applied that term to any one before tonight. What would it be like to kiss him and be kissed by him, she wondered?

  Cade glanced up at her and froze, his gaze holding hers. Feeling something arc between them, Amanda swallowed hard. Amanda pushed off the counter and rose onto her toes as she slid her hand to his neck and pulled him forward until her lips met his; she felt his neck tense beneath her hand. She kissed him lightly, before pulling back only slightly, her lips hovering next to his as she waited for him to make the next move. A moment later his mouth was on hers, one hand on her neck and another at her waist pulling her closer.

  Amanda, following his lead, returned his kiss. When his mouth urged hers open she obliged. She felt as though every nerve in her body had suddenly come alive; her skin on fire. When she had imagined kissing a guy she hadn’t counted on it feeling quite like this.

  They were molded to each other now, his hands at her waist, still trying to tug her closer. Amanda wrapped both arms around his neck, one hand sliding into his hair; it was as thick and soft as she had imagined it. Cade’s hands slid low on her waist his open palms still pressing her closer a moment before he released her so suddenly she stumbled and caught herself on the counter. She watched him swallow hard, his breathing as uneven as hers before he found his voice.

  “Damn it, Manny! What are you trying to do?” Cade shoved a hand through his hair. “Not only are you the boss’s daughter; you’re jail bait!”

  “I’m sorry,” Amanda blinked at him in confusion. How had she ended up kissing him? “I didn’t mean to…I was just wondering what it was like to kiss a guy and…I didn’t mean to,” she shared honestly.

  “You’ve never kissed a guy before?” Cade’s expression was one of disbelief.

  Amanda shook her head and shrugged. “I’m sorry, Cade…as I said I was…curious; I didn’t even realize what I was doing,” she could feel tears threatening; the last thing she wanted was for him to see her cry.

  “What, you thought I was a safe bet? I’m hardly that, Manny.”

  “I said I was sorry okay?” Amanda turned, grabbed her coat and hurried from the barn.

  “Manny! Amanda!” Cade called after her.

  Amanda broke into a run until she came to one of the large shade trees beside the drive and stopped to lean against it as her tears spilled over. How humiliating! What had she been thinking?! Amanda glanced up sharply when she heard the crunch of footsteps in the snow and frowned at Cade as he approached. Couldn’t he leave her to her humiliation in peace? Amanda turned to leave; she was stopped by Cade’s hand on her arm.

  “Look, Manny, you are beautiful
and smart and sweetheart you don’t kiss like a novice; you’re also way too young for me,” Cade paused before continuing. “Your father made it possible for me to go to school and you are his only, underage daughter; you are so off limits it isn’t even funny. I want to be your friend, Manny. Can we be friends, please? I don’t want to hurt you; I don’t want you to hate me. Please say we can be friends?” Cade’s gaze was imploring her.

  “I really didn’t mean to, Cade. I want to be your friend too; I don’t know what came over me back there,” Amanda shared.

  “Are we okay?” he asked.

  Amanda considered her options. She could swallow her humiliation or she could hold onto it and avoid him. The thought of not seeing him, writing him, and being with him when he was home made her heart want to break.

  “We’re okay,” she nodded and offered a tentative smile.

  “Good. Here, let me help you put your coat on; it’s cold,” Cade took it from her and helped her shrug back into it. They walked toward the house, neither speaking for a moment.

  “Do me a favor, Manny?”

  “What’s that?” Amanda glanced over at him.

  “Don’t be kissing guys like that.”

  “You sound like my brother now,” she accused.

  “No, I didn’t say no kissing as your brother would say. I’m saying don’t be kissing a guy like that,” Cade opened the door for her to proceed him into the house. “It’s dangerous,” he informed her.

  Amanda paused and glanced up at him. He offered her a sardonic smile, his eyes giving away the affect she’d had on him. Amanda felt her stomach flip as pleasure swirled through her and left her heady. She moved past him and removed her coat to hang it in the closet. She couldn’t stop the smile that tilted her lips or the compulsion to glance over at him where he stood beside her.

  “Damn, Manny; I liked it better before you found your confidence,” he accused.

  Amanda moved into the living room and seated herself in the corner of the sofa. She didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks were flushed, she could feel the heat in them. She found a program on TV and tried to follow the plot to little avail. She kept glancing over at Cade, often finding him watching her. She was relieved when she heard a vehicle in the drive.

  “Hey, Mandy; Hey, Cade. Where is everybody?” Trent questioned as he entered.

  “Dad took Naomi to a meeting at church,” Amanda explained. “Jenny had to be home early tonight so I had to come home early too. Did you have fun?”

  “I guess, just visited with a few friends mostly. How’s the engine coming, Cade?” Trent seated himself in one of the recliners.

  “I think I’ve got it. I’m going to finish putting everything back together tomorrow and try it out.”

  “Anything exciting happen tonight?” Trent asked of his sister.

  “Nope, boring night,” Amanda shook her head and congratulated herself on not even glancing in Cade’s direction.

  “I think I’m headed on up to bed,” Trent announced.

  “Good idea,” Amanda agreed. She was ready to shut herself away and mull over the night she’d had.

  “Guess I will too,” Cade stood.

  Leaving only a hall lamp on for her Dad and Naomi, Amanda turned off the TV and followed her brother. At the top of the stairs Trent turned toward the bathroom; then paused to turn to his sister.

  “Night, Mandy.”

  “Good night, Trent.” Amanda turned to bid Cade goodnight to find him standing arms crossed and leaning against the stair rail.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Amanda demanded.

  “I think my ego may take some time to recover,” he informed her.

  “Oh?” Amanda frowned at him.

  “Boring?”

  Amanda smiled, “I can always tell him,” she shrugged. “Hey, Trent,” she called.

  Cade grabbed her and slapped his hand over her mouth.

  “You want to attend my funeral?” he whispered furiously.

  “Yeah?” Trent called.

  Amanda was giggling as she managed to free herself. “I love you!” she finally called to her brother.

  “I love you too,” he returned, his tone somewhat quizzical.

  Amanda was still laughing as she crossed the hall to her room. She paused at her door to turn back to Cade. Smiling and shaking his head, he was leaning against her brother’s door. Trent stepped from the bathroom and looked between them quizzically, his gaze saying he was almost afraid to ask.

  “Night, Trent, Night, Cade,” she offered before closing her door and leaning against it; her smile returned. She finally pushed off the door and changed into her pajamas. She sank into the chair of her dressing table and slowly pulled her brush through her hair as she thought over the events of the night.

  She could still feel Cade’s lips on hers when she closed her eyes. She had never expected a kiss to have the ability to so thoroughly rattle her. For the first time she understood what her brother was always trying to warn her of. That heady rush and sheer surge of pleasure that came from sharing contact and kisses with someone you already liked. She somehow doubted that just anyone would be able to make her feel that way, though; at least she certainly hoped not! Amanda shook her head and resumed brushing her hair, only just becoming aware that her hand had dropped to her lap.

  So she and Cade were friends. Amanda grimaced. Friends. She met her own gaze in the mirror and shook her head. More than friends, only they couldn’t be; not really. So that left them friends. She snorted. Right. Amanda laid her brush down and pressed her hands to her cheeks. Good grief, there was something tangible between them; she had only just accepted that tonight. It was what Jenny had been saying she realized and grimaced. Not good. If Jenny saw it…what was she stressing over? Cade would return to college in a few weeks and she would return to high school and maybe by summer whatever it was would have passed. She certainly hoped so. Didn’t she?

  _____________________________________________

  Amanda dressed for the party the next evening; she changed several times before settling on a slim line jean skirt that fell just below mid-thigh and a red baby doll top with long fitted sleeves and bust before flaring to just below her hips. She added her boots, straightened her hair, applied make up, and opened her door to go downstairs. Her brother’s door stood open as though he was watching for her and Amanda moved to poke her head in the door.

  “Hey what are you up to?” she asked the two seated inside.

  “Being bored,” her brother surveyed her with a frown. “Your legs are gonna freeze off,” he predicted.

  “I’m not planning on hanging around outside,” she informed him. She glanced in Cade’s direction to find him surveying her appearance appreciatively.

  “What are you two doing tonight?” Amanda queried as she entered the room and seated herself at the desk.

  “Don’t know. Be careful tonight, Mandy.”

  “I will,” she promised her brother.

  “Good.”

  Amanda glanced at her watch and stood. “I guess I should be getting downstairs; they’ll be here soon. You two have a good night,” she offered them a smile and started downstairs. She turned to survey them curiously when they followed her.

  “Just thought I’d see you off,” her brother offered. Amanda, a smile pulling at her mouth, turned. Her brother was funny; irritating but funny.

  “Hey Pumpkin, you look nice,” her father noted as she entered the room.

  “Thanks, Daddy,” she grinned.

  “Very nice, Mandy. I wouldn’t have chosen boots but you look very feminine,” Naomi noted. Amanda had come to realize that feminine was somehow her aunt’s standard.

  “I think that’s them,” Amanda announced at the sound of a car in the drive.

  “You let him come to the door; a young man should always come to the door and greet a young lady’s family,” her father instructed as he stood. Amanda grinned and moved to kiss her dad’s cheek. Her daddy was the best. A knock on t
he door prompted Sterling into the hallway; Amanda followed. Dropping her bag by the hall table, Jenny was the first through the door; she would be staying the night with Amanda after the party.

  Glancing around nervously, Chris entered. He looked nice in a pair of fitted jeans, a blue western button up, and his boots. He looked every inch a tall handsome cowboy; which was exactly what Amanda liked.

  “Good evening, Mr. Jennings,” Chris greeted her father; then had to clear his throat.

  “Good evening, Chris,” Sterling returned. “You are to have them home no later than eleven- thirty, is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sir,” Chris nodded. “Hey, Mandy,” he finally greeted her; his gaze swept over her once.

  “Hi, Chris,” she returned nervously.

  She was glad that her first date was a double; this was nerve wracking! She watched Chris’s glance bounce off something behind her and turned to find her brother standing, arms crossed, as he surveyed the young man critically. Beside Trent, Cade stood hands part way in pocket, his own gaze intense on the young man. Amanda sighed, both amused and annoyed at the pair. When Cade caught her looking at him, he winked and Amanda had to bite her upper lip to keep from smiling. She turned back to the door to find Jenny watching her with a taunting smile.

  “See you later, Daddy,” Amanda kissed his cheek.

  “Have fun and be safe,” her father instructed.

  “We will,” Amanda offered as she pulled her coat on and stepped out the door.

  “You look nice, Mandy,” Chris finally complimented her.

  “Thanks, Chris,” she smiled up at him. Jenny let Amanda and Chris climb into the back seat before seating herself up front. David had a small car rather than a truck as Chris did and had offered to do the driving.

  “I hope Chloe’s cousin is cool and fun or this evening may be a dive,” Jenny offered.

  “Guess we’ll see,” Amanda offered. It didn’t take long to reach the large house on a small amount of acreage on the opposite side of town. The house was blazing with lights, cars parked up and down the length of the driveway.