“Ya know...I’m kinda getting used to this,” she breathed into his ear.
Joe’s eyes were closed as he entwined his fingers with her hair.
“Yes ma’am. I’m at your service…night and day,” he smiled.
After another passionate kiss, the two composed themselves to take the RV into Paris, Texas. Once the RV maintenance was finished, they stopped for lunch at a nearby café.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so at ease with a woman before,” Joe said over lunch. “You’re just SO easy to be with, Libby. I’ve never met anybody that asked nothing of me. It’s never crossed my mind…well, I can’t believe I’m admittin’ this, but I can’t remember ever wishin’ a woman wasn’t in a hurry to leave.”
Libby smiled, “This morning, with your family…that was amazing. Y’all took me back to my childhood. I’m just so sorry I lost it.”
Joe smiled at Libby, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. He pulled it close to his heart as he looked deeply into her eyes.
Smiling, she touched his cheek. “I don’t think I ever allowed myself to stop and feel back then. It all felt so surreal. And it was so obvious that Muggs and Mom needed me—that I don’t think I ever really thought about everything I lost that day. Until today, that is. I miss family.”
“You can have mine,” Joe laughed. He squeezed her hand, “No, but seriously, I’m glad you’re here…and I’m so sorry for all you’ve had to deal with on your own. You’re a very strong woman, Libby. Most folks wouldn’t have been able to handle everything as well as you,” Joe’s admiration was reflected in his blue eyes, and her heart melted as she gazed into them.
“Joe, you…”
“So, looks like heaven sent an angel to bring home the prodigal son! Now I know you had to make a deal with the devil, boy. But how do you get an angel like this to look twice at your ugly mug? Darlin’, dump this loser and come on with me. I’m so much prettier, and I’ve got a much better six-pack…among other things that shouldn’t be mentioned to a real lady in the daylight,” a deep, hearty laugh bellowed out of the man who stepped in between Joe and Libby.
Joe rose quickly to his feet and threw a punch into the round belly of the man standing beside him, pulling just short of impact.
“Six pack? Damn, Bull, that’s a fully loaded grocery sack, son! I’m thinkin’ a few six-packs, some steaks, taters…whole by the looks of it,” Joe laughed as he popped his hand into the rotund belly, then grabbed and hugged his friend.
“Libby, I’d like you to meet Bull, uh, my ol’ buddy Billy Boulware. We played football together in high school.”
“Best damned quarterback the Savages ever had, right there!” Bull pushed Joe’s shoulders. “Hells yea! The three years he called the plays…we took State every time with the most goals ever recorded! Joe brought a bullet like nobody’s done since!”
“Ah…you pushin’ that line back every game…that’s what made me look good. We didn’t need a whole line, see, all we needed was this Neanderthal!” Joe laughed. “Pull up a chair, man. Tell me what’s what.”
“You back?” Bull pulled the chair around and straddled it backwards, folding his arms across the back of the chair.
“Nah, just a few days, then we’re headin’ to the OK fair this weekend. I’m shootin’ a film in South Dakota afterwards. What’cha been up to…besides eatin’?” Joe laughed as he nodded toward Bull’s belly.
“Ah, bud, since school, I got married and had a little girl, actually,” Bull looked down at the table, moving the salt and pepper shakers around.
“Hey, Daddy Bull, that’s great!” Joe punched his arm.
“Yeah, it was…while it lasted. My little girl had heart problems from birth. We had her for two years, though. Most of that time was spent back and forth at the hospital.”
“Ah, Bull, I’m so sorry!” Joe’s hand gripped the big man’s shoulder for support.
Libby instinctively reached for his hand on the salt shaker. “Bull, I’m so sorry. That’s so tragic.” Tears filled her eyes as she watched the massive man shrink from the weight of his words.
He just shook his head and squeezed her hand. Managing a smile, “Nah, they say everything happens for a reason. I don’t exactly know what that reason is—even now. The wife left a year later. We just couldn’t get it together.” He wiped a tear from his eye trying to appear aloof.
“Ah, you just find your strength and hold your line, right? You play the hand you’re dealt. Hey, listen to me, though, pissin’ my bliss when you’re not wearin’ slickers!”
Libby stood and hugged Bull in his chair. He appeared shocked, “Hey, now, there’s an ace!” he laughed.
“This guy, you should’a seen him! Boy, could he call plays…I’ll tell ya. He could calculate the oppositions’ weaknesses…right on the field. Like he had a sixth-sense about it, ya know? We’d study tapes all week, and they’d throw in some long-shot or curve, and Joe’d be right on top of it…every time. Charmed, we said,” Bull looked instinctively at Libby.
“I tell ya, this boy was charmed. He never lost it, eh?” Bull punched Joe’s shoulder while his eyes were fixed on Libby.
The two friends chatted away, telling tales of their youth as Libby sat smiling. She really enjoyed this different side of Joe.
* * *
It was mid-afternoon when they returned to the ranch. The two were so deeply involved in conversation with each other; they didn’t see the dark van that followed them. The driver slowed as he watched them proceed down the drive, then sped away.
After resetting the RV, they took refuge in its solitude, talking, kissing and snuggling.
* * *
Joe’s phone buzzed, interrupting their cozy retreat. His only response, “Hey.” A second later, he turned to Libby, “Hungry?”
Closing the RV’s screen door, they made their way back to the house for another of Lee’s mouth-watering dinners. The satisfied group retired to the den and watched a movie afterward. Rick excused himself for a phone call, and a few minutes later announced, “I’m outta here. Goin’ to town. Later.”
When the movie ended, Joe walked Libby back to the RV. Holding the door, she stepped up on the step and froze, causing Joe to almost bump into her. She quickly reached into the RV for the light switch and saw contents of the den were scattered around the floor.
“Joe! Somebody’s been here!”
Without hesitation, Joe lifted Libby off the step and back onto the ground, then stepped swiftly into the RV. He checked the bedroom and bathroom, no one was there.
He pulled out his cell and called 911.
He turned the flashlight on his smartphone, then proceeded to look around the grounds, but found no one. While he searched, Libby opened the hidden closet in her bedroom behind the television, where the computer was housed and her camera gear was stored.
“Oh, thank God; everything’s still in here.”
An hour later, a deputy arrived at the house. Chuck met him on the porch and brought him to the RV.
While showing the deputy the disheveled RV, Libby discovered her GPS missing from the dash and $300 in cash missing from her dresser.
“Maybe it was just kids,” the deputy offered. “Well, as you said, you didn’t really lock it up, so there’s just not much I can do. I’ll try to get the report through, but it won’t be up to me.” He signed the report and gave her a copy. “If you find out something else is missing, just give me a call,” he said giving her his business card. “Sorry for the trouble, ma’am,” he offered, tipping his hat. “Joe, good to see you again. Things just aren’t like they used to be, bud. You need to lock up these days.”
Joe walked the deputy outside, and Chuck began picking items from the floor and returned them to their previous places.
“You okay?” Chuck asked Libby.
“Yeah, doesn’t seem much is missing
, thank God,” Libby looked a bit stricken, but was trying to put on a brave face.
Joe returned and began helping put things in order.
“We should’a locked up. I’m sorry Libby, I should’ve known better. It’s my fault. I truly thought things around here were pretty safe.”
“No, Joe…I could’ve locked the door just as easily. I’ll have to think that maybe somebody needed that money more than me. The GPS can be replaced. It’s okay.”
When things were mostly back in place, Joe announced, “I’m stayin’ over here tonight. No arguments,” He said, looking at Libby. “I’ll take the couch.”
Chuck nodded, “It’s best,” he said, flipping Libby’s hair from her shoulder with his finger as he passed her on his way to the door. “I’ll let the folks know all’s okay. You need me to get anything?”
Joe walked Chuck out the door, “The couch? Damn Joe.”
Joe shook his head. “I need you to do somethin’ for me.”
Libby glanced at the brothers in conversation just outside the door, then put on a pot of coffee.
“I can’t imagine who would do something like this. Growing up we never locked our doors.” He took Libby by the shoulders, drawing her into a hug. Her arms locked onto his waist as she buried her face in his neck.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered into his ear.
He led her to the sofa and sat down, folding his arms around her. A few minutes later, Chuck appeared at the door and dropped Joe’s overnight bag inside the door.
“G’night you two.”
Joe waved, “Thanks, Chuck. ‘Night.”
Libby waved and smiled just before Chuck disappeared from sight. Joe got up and closed and locked the door. He picked up his bag and dropped it beside him at the sofa as he sat again.
“Thanks for staying.”
He opened the outer pocket of his overnight bag to show her the pistol, “I’m ready for anything,” he said. Laughing, he added, “Hey, it’s not like I beat people up for a living! But, seriously, you alright?”
“I am now,” she replied and reached out for his hand.
He pulled her closer, putting his arms around her.
Libby sighed into his neck. “Well now, I’ve seen how well you can handle yourself,” her hand caressed the muscles in his arm, sliding down to his hand, she wrapped her fingers in his.
Joe pulled his head back to look into her face and kissed her lips tenderly. He smiled at her and said, “I can hold my own...except when those speedbumps trip me up!” Grinning at Libby, he added, “Now, ‘bout that couch?”
Libby smiled back at him, aware of how good he smelled. His eyes seemed to reach in and grab her soul. Their sparkle lit a fire like she’d never felt before. Libby rose from the couch, not letting go of his hand. Joe stood. Libby turned and walked toward the bedroom, turning off the coffeepot as she passed the full pot.
Joe stopped her just inside the door, “Hey, Lily,” he said mockingly. She turned to face him. The lights from the house showed through the slightly open curtain to illuminate his face in the dark room.
Libby stepped into him and looked into his eyes, she whispered “Yes?” her breath brushed his cheek.
Joe sighed as he shook his head, “I...”
Libby put her finger across his lips, then kissed him tenderly. Breaths quickened as they explored their common passion: their hearts raced wildly.
“Libby,” Joe managed to breathe the word, his restraint melting into the last verbal protest. Libby reached under his shirt, stroking his chest with her fingers as she slipped it over his head. She pulled him toward the bed as she folded one leg onto the end of the bed, lifting her body onto it. Joe followed closely, leaning over her.
“We don’t...” his voice trailed off as she pulled her shirt over her head and pulled him into her. His arm wrapped around her back as he followed her movements. He lowered her to the bed with one hand while the other smoothed the unruly strands of hair from her face, and they both fell into the pillows.
Her nails began to explore his back, “Still wanna sleep on the couch?” she laughed, her voice husky and intense.
With a deep sigh, Joe succumbed to her advances with an all-out hunger as he rolled her onto his chest. “No chance,” his voice was also heavy with passion: he barely got the words out.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Day 11 - Friday
Libby woke to the sound of water splashing. Joe’s arm rested across her waist, and she felt the steady rise and fall of his chest against her face. Libby smiled. She lay there for half an hour before Joe moved to indicate he was awake. For a moment, he, too, was afraid to move not wanting to wake her. She pulled his hand up to her face, stroking it against her cheek.
“Good morning,” he whispered against her head as he kissed it. She pulled back to face him and nuzzled his neck. For the moment, she was content to breathe his skin as she ran her hand across his chest, up his neck and across his cheek.
He pulled away from her and kissed her lightly on the mouth. “I could get used to this,” he smiled.
She nestled against his body and nodded. “If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me,” she replied, her voice was so silky, Joe couldn’t deny the physical response.
Stroking her hair, Joe laughed a deep throaty laugh, “That makes two of us. I was on my big empty bed thinking I would rather be here than there last night. I’m sorry about how I got here, but I’m glad I’m here. There’s no place I’d rather be.” As they lay together, peacefully breathing and touching, Libby drifted off to sleep again.
* * *
For an hour, Joe lay completely still until he felt her move. Her rhythmic breathing told him she drifted off, and he smiled as he enjoyed being next to her. He had never known this kind of peace with a woman. Usually he’d consider chewing an arm off to avoid situations like this. Moving was the furthest thing from his mind. Libby felt like ‘home,’ and he couldn’t imagine leaving.
* * *
A knock at the door woke Libby. She moved as the visitor knocked a second time. “No, let ‘em be...” he whispered in a husky voice. “They’ll go away.” She looked at his face and saw him smiling. She stretched up to kiss him, as the passion again was ignited. She forgot about the door and everyone else outside of the room.
* * *
Two hours later, the two finally made it out of the bedroom. Joe opened the door to let in some air from outside. A note was stuck in the door,
U missed b’fst-Ma said lunch is @ 1. Miss it & u’ll be fodder! P.S. I hope U miss it. Rick
Joe laughed as he flashed the note to Libby. As she took it from his hand, he stepped past her and kissed her head on the way to the bedroom to collect his clothes. She dropped the note on the counter and joined him, sitting at the foot of the bed while he pulled on his shirt.
“Wow, you sure are handsome,” she purred.
“Right back at’cha, beautiful,” he laughed, joining her on the bed. He studied her face for a few minutes, then slapped her thigh, “Let’s go!”
She pouted, rolled over to the drawer and grabbed jeans and a tee. “Shower at your place?” she asked.
“Deal!” he laughed -- with that certain exuberance of a ‘lucky’ man.
“No...” she laughed, darting into the bathroom to brush her teeth.
“I can’t watch? Hey, I’ll scrub your back! Feet?” he said cheerfully. “Okay, you win…head to toe.” Joe poked her in the ribs as she walked by. Both were laughing as she locked the RV.
After they took turns in the shower, they joined the gang in the main house for lunch. Conversation was lively, and eventually turned to the ransacked RV.
“Seriously? I missed all the excitement?” Rick asked. You know, I saw a van parked up on the highway...maybe a quarter to a half mile toward town. It looked deserted. It was too dark to see the color, exactly, but it was a dark
color, I know that. You think they may have had somethin’ to do with it?”
“Hard to say,” Marshall replied. “We’ll all just have to keep our eyes and ears open. I don’t want that kinda ruckus happenin’ around here. I won’t stand for it. I got the shotguns in all the right places…you just let ‘em come back one more time…I’ll give ‘em what-for!”
The brothers snickered, while Libby tried to keep a straight face at his bravado on her behalf.
“Chivalry is alive and well…and living in Broken Bow,” Libby tucked her hand in Marshall’s arm, causing his chest to puff just a wee-bit more.
“Who’s up for a ride?” Rick changed the subject.
“Why not?” Joe asked. “You ride, Lily?” he laughed.
“Ride what?” She set her jaw, then laughed at his purposeful misnaming.
“Horses, of course,” Joe smirked.
She nodded, “Sounds fun,” her black eyes sparkled.
After the lunch dishes were cleared away the group went to the stables.
Horses were saddled. The Kingston boys and Libby mounted, turning the horses to a trail that lead away from the back of the house. Rick and Chuck rode ahead, laughing, talking and picking up their pace. Joe and Libby took a comfortable pace as Joe told Libby about his parents’ ranch and pointed out points of interest along the path. Suddenly, Rick and Chuck took off on their horses in a race, leaving the contented couple alone.
“OK, tell me all about yourself,” she demanded.
“Where do I start?”
“The beginning, of course!” she laughed, dodging a tree branch.
“My Dad’s great-great-great grandfather settled here in Broken Bow. He worked on the railroad. Fell in love with a Choctaw Indian and married her. He was quite the hellion, so stories go. The neighbors didn’t appreciate him marrying a savage,” Joe laughed, “And I guess my stubbornness is in the blood. He was a great man. Worked hard, left a legacy in these parts. He died in World War I.
Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey Page 17
