She drew her feet up and wrapped her arms around her knees.
“Sorry, I guess that’s a bit personal.” The roast beef sub was just delicious. He’d have to thank Nancy later.
“No, that’s okay. My mother died about ten years ago of pneumonia. She wasn’t very good at taking care of herself. But my dad is locked up.”
“Oh, sorry.” Damn! He wasn’t good at this at all.
She smiled and said, “How could you know unless you asked? I don’t mind you asking.” After a minute she took a deep breath and said, “It’s beautiful out here in Collinswood. Nothing like Dallas at all. It’s so frantic in the city; I never thought about how peaceful it would be out here but I kind of like it.”
“You mean you don’t miss the traffic and the sirens?” He noticed that she didn’t answer the question.
“Well, I’m not ready to relocate but it’s a nice break, being here. Thanks for everything by the way. I know this project with me wasn’t your idea and you might have doubts about my abilities but I can take a challenge. It’s worth it for these families.”
“I’m sorry you heard that. I’m mighty embarrassed that you did. I hope you know it wasn’t personal. The terrain out here offers up surprises all the time. That trail is no exception. Even an experienced trail guide has to keep sharp. Granted, most of the time there’s nothing to worry about but just when you let your guard down, something happens.”
“I won’t lie. It stung a little but I’m a big girl and I agree.” He stared at her, unsure of what to say. He had let his mouth overload his behind when making that comment but what was she doing? Was this some sort of psychology? Trey wondered as he waited for her to continue.
“That’s why I want you to come on the first family ride. It’s only two weeks away and I know I would feel more confident having you there, just for this one trip. Would you please consider it? I know this is short notice but it would mean so much.”
Maybe it was the fact that she’d brought him a delicious sandwich or that she was practically an orphan too. Maybe it was that she smelled so feminine or that she had impressed him with her hard work that day. Whatever the reason, he said, “Sure, I can take you out, but no small children, right?”
“No, Trey. No small kids. It’s two mothers and four children and me. So that’s seven, eight counting you.” Her big smiled said it all. Trey could see the relief wash over her. He had to admit that this was a better idea. No way could he send out three women and a bunch of kids into the canyon without a guide. He nodded to her. “You really mean it? You’ll do it?”
“Yes, I’ll help you. I can’t commit to it every time. I’ve got a lot to do around here for Uncle Robert, especially since he’s … well, let’s just say I have a long list of chores.”
“Thank you, Trey. You won’t regret this, I promise.”
He polished off his sandwich and wadded up the paper. He kicked back in the chair looking at the stars that began to appear in the night sky. Music played from a hand’s radio but it wasn’t loud or obnoxious. Over the sound of guitars he heard a whippoorwill singing to his mate. Carissa sat on the porch next to him, not moving.
She startled him when she spoke after several minutes of comfortable silence. Trey was a bit surprised at how comfortable it was to just sit with this woman. “So what’s our agenda for tomorrow?” she asked. “We probably should map out the week, actually. I want to make sure I don’t keep you from anything too important and that I don’t waste your time.”
This certainly doesn’t feel like wasting time, he thought. Aloud, he said, “I’ve been thinking about that, about the best way for you to learn what you’ll need to know. We take off tomorrow. Most of us around here go to the Methodist church in town. You’re welcome to join us. There won’t be very many folks out here tomorrow, so it’s a day of rest. How about Monday we just take an overall tour of the ranch so you can see where everything is—especially things you’ll need to know, like who you can ask for what, where to find everything you might need.”
She nodded. Her eyes were intent on his, taking in each word. He swallowed, trying to remember where he was.
“And I, uh, I … oh and then on Tuesday, we’ll go out on the trail on horseback. Then, I really have some important things to take care of Wednesday, so you can either stick around here and learn more about what Aunt Nancy does or you can shadow me while I do some repairs and work on the truck. Either one will be valuable to you and teach you more about who does what and why.”
She nodded again and moved a strand of hair away from her neck. He saw the edge of a tattoo touching her collar bone and was intrigued.
“And we’ll want to ride out on the trail at least a couple more times. Then if there’s anything you feel you need to learn about in more detail or practice some more, we can go from there.”
“Sounds like a plan,” she said and leaned back onto her elbows again.
He took notice of how the peasant blouse outlined her breasts and thought about running his hands along her sides and stomach. Then he considered the tattoo and pictured her naked back. He felt his face heating up and took a gulp of the iced tea.
She leaned her head back and looked up at him. “So what time tomorrow?”
You’re killing me, he thought and looked away. “Seven a.m. for breakfast and we’ll head out to the church around nine.”
She sat back up and raised her arms up in a yawn. Trey kept his gaze toward the main house, hoping the tea would cool his blood enough for him to stand soon. Carissa stood up.
“Well, I think I’m going to make it an early night so I won’t have any problem getting up in time to get in a decent run in the morning. I only barely got my heart rate up this morning,” she said. “Good night, Trey. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Trey nodded and continued to look away until she was walking away from him toward her bunk and he felt safe to let his eyes follow her body again. Once she entered her cabin and he saw a light in her window come on, he let out a long breath and shook his head before heading to the shower again. A cold one, he thought.
Chapter Eight
On her way to join Nancy, Robert, and Trey for church, Carissa thought about her comfortable, quiet evening on Trey’s porch. When she had returned to her cabin, her peaceful mood was interrupted with a dozen texts from Devon, all asking if she was sure she didn’t want him coming up there. Annoyed, she had turned off her phone and hopped in the bed. In the morning, she responded to Devon’s texts with a simple “see you when I get back next week.” And we’ll talk then, she had added to herself.
Now, she was thinking about her week ahead with Trey. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit down on her lip. Please don’t mess this great opportunity up by jumping the main ranch hand. That wouldn’t good, she thought, not good at all. She hadn’t been with anyone in nearly a year when she met Devon. Her choice. She seemed to have a radar for finding the most narcissistic men. She had determined to break the pattern and work on impulsive decisions when it came to sex. Devon was a relapse, of sorts. But she wanted to make sure she didn’t burn any bridges since Devon had been so helpful to Audrey House. And it was imperative that she not complicate things here at the Easy R.
She absentmindedly rubbed her thigh when she entered the dining hall for breakfast before church and spotted Trey sitting next to Melody. She didn’t realize Melody would be joining them. She felt a twinge of jealousy and decided that it was a good thing that Melody was making a play for Trey. Because she certainly shouldn’t. Maybe watching Melody throw herself at Trey would help keep Carissa’s burgeoning desires in check.
Trey looked up as Carissa walked into the room and couldn’t suppress a smile.
“And are you even listening to me?” Melody put her hand on his and he pulled it away. She looked up at Carissa and frowned.
Trey turned back to Melody and said, “Sorry, I have to go over some things with my protégé. Why don’t you talk with Aunt Nancy about that?”
Befor
e she could speak, he was pulling out a chair for Carissa. Melody got up and left the room in a huff.
***
After church, Carissa joined Nancy and Melody in the kitchen to get lunch ready. Because of church, lunch on Sundays was pretty late, but often it was a big deal with lots of their friends from church coming over. Nearly thirty people were gathered around on the lawn eating Nancy’s fried chicken, talking about the sermon, and laughing about their kids and grandkids.
Carissa was sitting on a lawn chair in the shade of a large oak tree and watched them all, smiling. She wondered if she had grown up with such a community around her if things would have turned out differently … if Audrey would still be alive. Tears started to pool around the edge of her eyes and she shook them away. No use dwelling on what never was.
A voice behind her startled her. “What kind of tattoo you got there?”
Carissa’s hand went to her shoulder as she turned toward Trey. “Oh dear, is it not covered in this dress?”
Trey chuckled. “I saw it the other night, just a bit of it above your shirt line. It was probably the way you were sitting on the porch. Don’t worry, ma’am, your secret’s safe with me.”
Carissa lowered her hand and breathed out. “I wouldn’t want to offend anyone out here.”
Trey shrugged. “We’re all grownups. We can handle body art. So what is it? I only saw that you had one. Couldn’t see enough to tell what it was.”
Carissa smiled. “It’s a yellow rose. Audrey’s favorite.”
Trey nodded and reached out his hand. “You wanna go for a walk?”
Carissa raised her hand to his and let him help her up from her seat. “I have others, you know,” she said, mischief lacing her words.
Trey’s eyebrows raised. “Well, you’re just full of surprises, huh?”
Carissa giggled softly and looked back at the crowd. Her eyes met Melody’s for a moment before Melody turned on her heels and stomped away.
“I think your girlfriend is jealous.” She turned back to Trey.
“Who? Melody?” Trey threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, she’d like that, but I like ’em with a little less crazy.”
They walked together toward the bunkhouses and then beyond them.
Trey took her to a smaller trail than the one they had ridden on when she had arrived. “This trail is a hiking trail. I thought you might like to see it in case you want to do your running here.”
Carissa grinned. “How thoughtful of you, Trey. Thank you.”
He started to return her grin but cleared his throat and looked back at the trail ahead. “This trail,” he continued, “is perfect for you because it actually makes a half-moon circle right through this wooded area, where there will be plenty of shade and then comes back around to the other side of the dining hall. It’s about three miles. If that’s too long for you or you want a shorter run sometimes, there’s another small trail that intersects it a little more than half-way and brings you back to just on the other side of the Aunt Nancy and Uncle Robert’s place.”
Carissa nodded.
“We’ll walk to that intersection and come on back so you know where to look for it. I don’t need to show you the full trail because it’ll be obvious once you start.”
They walked slowly, filling the time with easy conversation while Trey pointed out various trees and showed her how to watch for poison ivy. It took about twenty minutes at their pace to reach the cut-through trail. He pointed to it. “Here we are. It’ll be pretty obvious. When you see that big rock and hollowed tree trunk, you’ll know it’s right here.” He turned toward it. “I guess it’s time to head back.”
Carissa wasn’t ready to go back. “Actually, can we go ahead and walk the full trail? It really is nice in this wooded area. I’d like to see the full trail. More than likely, I’ll be running the full three miles anyway.”
Trey let his grin show this time and didn’t look away. He reached out and took her hand and they walked on.
***
Carissa woke up the next morning filled with excitement about the week and the energy to match. Within an hour after finishing breakfast, Carissa had successfully saddled Sterling three times, and she was ready for today’s tour of the ranch which was on the Trey’s training agenda. Now she and Trey were climbing a hill on their horses in the far pasture. Once atop the hill, Trey stopped his horse, and Carissa sidled up next to him. He was looking quietly at a clearing in the distance. A couple of cows and their calves were grazing near a small, old building.
They sat in silence for several minutes until Trey finally spoke. “And that’s where it all began,” he said quietly. “The original house of my grandparents who eventually owned everything around here as far as you can see. We use it for storage for supplies for cattle. You’ll find a handful of small buildings for this purpose scattered around the ranch.”
Carissa sat quietly so that Trey would continue.
“My grandfather was a helluva businessman. He just quietly bought up small pieces of land here and there when he had saved the cash, until it finally all met up into one large ranch. We keep that small building up in their honor. After they died, my dad and my uncle divided the ranch into two halves and continued to work side by side until my parents died. Unfortunately, we lost their half a few years later. We’ll get it back one day, I know that. And this land will be whole again.”
The tour of the ranch took most of the day. Carissa met about fifteen more ranch hands and saw the chicken coop, the barn where the ranch vehicles were kept, a couple of other stables (including one reserved for birthing), and several storage sheds. She met two of the ranch dogs, Australian shepherds who spent more time herding ranch hands than other animals.
Before dinner, Nancy urged Melody to take her on a tour of some of the two large bunkhouses that served as the dining hall and a place for ranch supplies. Carissa noticed that Melody seemed to comply rather reluctantly but she took her from floor to floor and showed her the room where all of the toiletries and supplies for the bunkhouses were kept.
“Your towels are in the right cabinet. Put all of your dirty linens in that basket there, and get clean sheets from this shelf on the left.”
Carissa watched Melody point vaguely around as she spoke. “And that cabinet is full of toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste … that kind of stuff.” Melody shrugged. “And that’s about it, I guess. I’ll see you at dinner,” and she turned abruptly leaving Carissa to find her way back to the dining hall on her own.
***
“Carissa,” the voice whispered urgently. “Carissa, hide here, hurry! Hurry, Carissa. He’s coming.” Audrey looked over her shoulder before turning back and shoving a twelve-year-old Carissa behind some coats in her closet. “Be quiet as a mouse,” she urged.
Carissa heard heavy footsteps in the hallway and the doorknob being rattled on the locked door.
“Audrey, honey, let me in. Let’s not be difficult.”
From her hiding place, Carissa could hear Audrey sob quietly and then open the door.
“There you are, sweetheart. You don’t want to make your uncle mad, now do you? Your daddy wouldn’t be very happy either.”
With a cry, Carissa flew up from the pillow. He held her hand to her chest and adjusted her eyes to the dark. She found the red glow of the clock—3:25—and focused her sight on it, forcing herself to breathe deeply. Once her breath had slowed, she pinched the skin between her thumb and palm and said aloud, “I am strong and I am safe.” Her breath continued to slow as she repeated the phrase twice more. Then she dropped her hand to her thigh and rubbed lightly. She lay her head back down but found sleep to be elusive, so she sat back up and turned on the bedside lamp. She threw on some shorts and a tank top and stepped out onto her porch. The summer night was cool and felt good on her skin. A light breeze caressed her arms. She sat in a chair and looked toward Trey’s bunk.
She laughed quietly as she pictured herself tiptoeing to his porch and tapping at his doo
r. Would he open his bed to her? “Get a grip, girl,” she said aloud to herself and lay her head back, taking a deep breath. After her skin was completely free of the memory, she yawned and headed back inside and back to bed. She fell asleep within minutes and woke no more during the night.
Chapter Nine
He strode from the dining hall, wiping biscuit crumbs off his blue cotton T-shirt. He glanced up at the bold blue sky—it would be a nice day for a ride. Trey was happy to see none of the forecasted clouds approaching on the horizon. Maybe they wouldn’t have any showers after all—professional weathermen got it wrong from time to time. Still, he had a rain poncho stashed in his saddle bag just in case. He wondered if he should mention that to Carissa but decided against it. Chances are they wouldn’t see any rain today, at least not during the ride. He sighed thinking about the ride ahead and couldn’t help but feel a bit of excitement at spending the day out on the trail with the pretty social worker. She’s got a boyfriend, he warned himself and headed to the stable.
Trey had never been one who made friends easily. Except Chase but then again, they were brothers. He missed him today, especially since Uncle Robert’s health was failing him. What a situation! He wanted to demand the details from him. Trey wanted to know what this heart issue was all about but he’d promised his aunt to keep quiet and let Uncle Robert be the one to initiate the conversation. The young cowboy hoped he could keep that promise.
Uncle Robert was the only family he had left, except for his brother and aunt. Uncle Robert’s daughter Annette had disappeared again, off into a lifestyle of drugs, sex, and rock n’ roll. That didn’t surprise him. She’d always been a handful as a teenager. He liked her but he sure as hell didn’t trust her. She’d ripped off money from his wallet more than once and God knows what she did with it. Once, a couple of years ago, she’d come home swearing that she wanted to change her life. She’d been so convincing that he’d actually believed her. Uncle Robert and Aunt Nancy spent quite a bit of money getting her out of a dangerous, abusive situation. She had legal problems and more. Trey had not wanted to pry but he had ears to hear and eyes to see.
Captivated By A Cowboy (Canton County Cowboys 3) Page 5
