by Sandra Cox
He nodded.
Anna. He’d never said her name before. “Don’t distract me. So what did you say to Hank that made you come to an understanding?”
He leaned forward, his expression intense, his eyes clear. “That I’m in love with you.”
Her eyes widened and her heart rapped against her ribs. “And Hank said?” she asked in a breathless voice.
“That’s all right then.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“Well.” Unsure what else to say she fidgeted with the stall door then looked up at Jack. “Are you expecting me to say I’m in love with you?”
He drew closer. The stall door stood between them but they were only a hair’s breath apart. She could see the rise and fall of his chest beneath his fitted tee shirt. Her glance rose to his and she stopped breathing, feeling like she was about to drown in the dark liquid depths of his eyes.
“I know you’re in love with me,” he said quietly.
Maureen opened her lips but before she could speak, he placed an index finger over them, his touch gentle. “I don’t think you know it yet and I’d really prefer you say nothing ’til you do.” He drew back as delicately as he’d advanced leaving her gaping. Remembering to close her mouth she snapped her teeth together.
“Ms. Sinclair,” he began formally.
Her eyes widened in alarm.
“Would you care to join me on a picnic by that lovely little stream I saw meandering through your property?”
Her breath went out in a whoosh, whether relief or disappointment she wasn’t sure. For a moment there she thought… She shook her head to clear it.
“No?” His head tilted to the side, his expression disappointed.
“No. I mean yes. Yes, I’d love to go on a picnic.”
His face lit with relief. “Great. How soon can you be ready?”
She lifted her shoulders and splayed her fingers palms up in a gesture of uncertainty. “Half an hour?”
“Perfect.” He turned on his heels and strolled down the aisle and out of the barn.
Pegasus nudged her with his nose, nickered and threw his head up and down, his long beautiful mane dancing. “Don’t read anything into it,” she warned.
* * * * *
The day was idyllic. Fat fluffy clouds floated in a pristine blue sky while birds sang from trees heavy with the scent of juniper. The horses ambled along the trail swishing their tails to keep the flies at bay.
Maureen glanced at Jack, as he watched a hawk circle overhead, his expression serene, at peace with himself. He is the most centered man I know. Where does he draw his strength from? She cast a look at her amulet and smiled ruefully. The ancient Celtic stones were her anchor. It seemed he needed no artifices.
As they came to the stream, he reined in. “Looks like a perfect spot for a picnic to me. What do you think?”
Maureen looked at the sun glistening on the water and tipped her head to listen to the lapping of the waves against the rocks. She smiled, relaxed. “I concur.”
He swung out of the saddle then walked over and lifted her down.
“I’m quite capable of getting out of a saddle,” she said fighting to ignore the quiver of her skin from his touch.
“I’m well aware of that. You are so self-sufficient it’s frightening.”
Her eyes narrowed and she felt piqued. “So you prefer a yes-woman?”
He grinned at her, the grin that always melted her annoyance along with her insides.
“I prefer red-haired women with clear emerald eyes.” He took a step closer studying her features as if he could settle right into her mind. With a light touch, he brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “Especially one that cares so much she sacrifices herself over and over again to heal a man or an animal. If a man is lucky enough to find such a woman, he’d be a fool to walk away.” His gaze dropped to her lips then back to her eyes. “I’m a lot of things but I’m no fool.”
He slid his hands down her arms in a lingering caress then dropped them. “How about that picnic?”
Maureen nodded unsure she could articulate if she tried to speak. She crossed her arms and could still feel the trail of heat on her forearms where his hands had touched her.
He walked to his horse, pulled off a large leather saddle bag, opened the clasp, pulled out a black and red plaid blanket and, bending over, spread it on the ground.
He motioned with his hand palm up, smiling. “Have a seat.”
She plopped down and watched, with interest, as he pulled out champagne, two glasses and thick egg salad sandwiches wrapped in Saran then sat down beside her cross-legged.
“Um, champagne and sandwiches, looks delicious.”
He popped the cork and handed her a glass brimming with fizzy gold liquid. “And if you are good I just might manage to scare you up a fresh brownie loaded with walnuts for dessert.”
She arched a brow at him, her expression skeptical. “And I wonder just what your definition of good is?”
He wiggled his eyebrows and gave her a look that brought heat to her face and made her take a hasty gulp of champagne. Grinning, he handed her a sandwich.
They ate their sandwiches, sipped champagne and talked like old friends who’d known each other all their lives.
Leaning back against a large rock, Maureen looked around surprised to seen the sun sinking, the sky painted in a palette of pinks, purples and bright reds. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”
He looked as amazed as she felt. “Me neither. Do you need to get back?”
She thought a moment. “There’s no hurry but I’d better call Hank so he doesn’t worry.” She pulled out her cell.
“Hank, just wanted to let you know, I’m okay. Jack and I went out for a ride and we stopped for a picnic. See you before long.” She clicked the phone shut.
“Shall we watch the stars come out?” He settled back against the rock beside her and looked up at the sky. “It’s what I love most about Wisconsin. The night sky is like black velvet with stars twinkling so brightly they look like a thousand Christmas lights. There’s too many trees in North Carolina to ever have a good view of the sky.” He pointed to the right. “Look. There’s the first star of the night. Make a wish.”
She closed her eyes then opened them and twisted toward him. “I wished…”
He leaned toward her and pressed his lips lightly against hers, murmuring, “You should never tell or it won’t come true.” Then he deepened the kiss.
Thunder and lightning, she thought as her heart pounded out a jungle rhythm.
She murmured a protest as he pulled away.
As the sky darkened to a velvet charcoal, he said, “Take it off.”
She looked at him from lowered lashes, her expression sultry. “That’s just what I intend to do.”
His expression didn’t lighten as she’d expected.
“The amulet.”
She blinked. “What?” A wave of unease washed over her. Had she been wrong? Had he wanted the amulet badly enough to risk death itself to get it? For all his gentleness she’d always felt a core of steel ran through him.
His next words rocked her.
“When the world explodes I want you to know it’s us not the rocks.”
It took her a moment to get her bearings as she realized what he was saying. She tipped her head to the side, her hair brushing her shoulder as she studied him in the gathering gloom. “Most men would want the added edge, the titillation the boji stones bring.”
“I had hoped by now that you realized I’m not most men.”
Still she wavered, uncomfortable. “I don’t take the amulet off. I’d feel naked without it.”
He gave her that heart-stopping grin. “Honey, that’s the idea.”
She felt awkward. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”
He lifted her hair, placed his hot lips against her neck and whispered,
“Green-eyed goddess,
with honeyed kis
ses and sleek limbs,
clothe me in your amber tresses and
ride with me to paradise.”
Without another word she pulled off the amulet and laid it by her side. And as his lips found hers reality disappeared and her world turned to dark heat and a kaleidoscope of color.
* * * * *
She opened her eyes. The world tipped on its axis then righted itself. She looked up at the sky and watched a large gray cloud glide over the moon.
Jack scooped her up and gathered her close. She snuggled against him with a sigh of contentment. Without a word he reached over her, closed his fingers over the amulet and handed it back to her. She slipped it on.
“Do you still feel naked?”
She looked down at her white form, outlined against the dark and giggled. “As a jaybird but my arm feels clothed.” Her head resting on his forearm, she placed a kiss over his warm beating heart. “You were right.”
“About what?” he asked in a drowsy voice.
“If I’d worn the amulet we’d probably have imploded.”
He chuckled. “Shall we find out?”
She scooted back on her stomach, placed her elbow on the ground and held her chin in her palm. “I thought you had a problem with that.”
Pushing a lock of gleaming red hair out of her face, he said in a gentle voice, “I just didn’t want you to have any doubts as to where the real enchantment lies.” He leaned over and kissed her lips. “You and me. Together we’re magic.”
She threw her arms around him and drew his head down to her. “Well then superman lets make more magic.”
* * * * *
She stretched enjoying the soft texture of the blanket on her bare skin. Never in her life had it been like that before. Jack was right. With or without the amulet it was magic.
Turning her head, she saw Jack propped up on an elbow studying her.
“What?” The curve of her lips, moist and swollen, softened the question.
“Do you believe that in this world there is one woman meant for one man and that most of the populace settles for less?”
She stirred, uneasy. “That’s pretty deep stuff, professor.”
He kissed her forehead. “You are transparent as glass. Part of being a good educator is showing students all sides of the question and letting them make their own decision.”
“Speaking of which, when do you go back to school?”
“I took a leave of absence when I brought Pegasus here. And I’m thinking about limiting myself next semester to online courses.” He caressed her shoulder, his hand warm against her cool skin. “What do you think?”
Hedging, she laughed. “How can I think when you touch me?”
He leaned toward her, his voice low and intense. “I appreciate caution but sometimes if you want happiness you have to risk your heart. You have to grab life with both hands and take a wild ride. What are you afraid of, Maureen?”
She straightened and pulled away. “I’m not afraid.”
“Liar.”
“It’s all happened so fast. No candy, flowers and little cottage with a picket fence. It’s like getting hit by lightning. It consumes me.” She twisted and faced him, her voice breathless. “And what if we burn each other out and are just left with the ashes, what then?” She turned her head and whispered so low he had to bend his head to hear her, “Or what if you burn out and break my heart?”
He leaned back, his voice distant. “You are the strongest woman I know, I would have never taken you for an emotional coward.”
She whirled, feeling anger snapping behind her eyes. Placing a hand on her flat bare stomach she took a deep breath then touched the amulet and like someone popping an aspirin waited for its calming effect. Finally she said, “So do you think you can goad me into a relationship?”
He pushed back his hair.
She watched his lips move, counting silently to ten.
“Do you have any idea what a frustrating woman you are? Don’t you realize the same could be said for me, that you could leave me high and dry? I can’t make you believe me but I can tell you I’ve never been in love before and don’t expect to be again. Have some faith, Maureen.”
Ignoring the treacherous melting of her heart, she reached for her clothes, her hair falling forward on her bare breasts. “I just want some time. Is that asking too much?”
“You’re a hard nut to crack.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “No darling it’s not. It’s just that now that I’ve finally found you, I don’t want to waste a minute more of my existence without you. I want to get married, wake up with you, discuss current events, argue politics, raise horses and have children with you.” A look of pain crossed his features. “I never thought I’d say that again.”
Her hair fell on his chest as she leaned over and touched her forehead to his. “Oh, Jack, I wish I could have known your daughter.”
“Me too.” He rubbed her back.
“Let’s just enjoy the here and now, okay?” He’s right I’m a coward. But if I cared for him anymore and something happened, I’d shatter and die. It was bad enough seeing him lying in that hospital bed like living death. Now after what has transpired between us it would be almost unbearable and if I completely gave him my heart and something happened I don’t think I could recover.
He sighed then smiled. “I’ll take what I can get.” He kissed the top of her head then slid away from her and pulled on his clothes.
She watched him dress, the moonlight haloing his long sleek body. God he was beautiful, long lean legs, a tight little butt and six-pack abs. What more could a girl want? To have children with you. The phrase flitted through her mind mocking her. She knew she’d hurt him but didn’t know what to do about it. With a sigh, she reached for her shirt and dressed in silence.
As she started to get up, he pulled her back.
Her heart sank as he pulled a velvet jeweler’s box out of his pocket.
“Please accept this as a token of my undying affection and gratitude.”
“Jack, I…”
“It’s not a ring,” he interrupted.
As if in honor of the moment, the moon came out from behind the clouds to light the night as she opened the box. Delicate silver spirals twinkled up at her. She held them closer, her forehead wrinkled as she tried to see. Some dark spots bespoke another stone but she couldn’t make it out in the moonlight.
“They were my daughter’s.”
She felt her eyes widen and a lump form in her throat. She cleared it. “I couldn’t possibly.”
“I’ve been meaning to give them to you since the night you saved Pegasus but the timing wasn’t right. There’s no strings attached but I’m sure she’d want you to have them. I gave them to her when she was in the hospital and her hair had fallen out from chemo. She wanted something pretty.” His voice and face were expressionless but she could feel the sadness radiating from him like a living thing.
“Thank you. I’ll treasure them always.”
Jack nodded, got to his feet and folded the blanket. She shut the box and carefully tucked it in her pocket then picked up the empty champagne bottle and handed it to him. He stuck it in his saddlebag then tossed the leather bag over Pegasus’ withers.
The silence stretched between them.
She gathered Wings’ reins and sticking her foot in the stirrup mounted. “Are you okay?”
He looked at her, blinked, shook himself like a retriever coming out of water then flashed that slow easy smile. “Fine, just plotting my strategy.”
She grinned, relieved. They were back on terms and he’d come back from wherever dark place he’d been.
Jack mounted Pegasus and with a light touch of the reins turned him toward the trail. Wings fell into step and they moved side by side in the direction of home, the moonlight and twinkling stars lighting the path like a beacon.
Jack looked up. “It’s a beautiful night.”
There was no response.
He looked over at Maureen. �
�Don’t you agree?”
She looked around her eyes trying to pierce the shadows, unease lying just below the peace of the amethyst.
“Maureen?”
She turned to him and spoke low. “Someone’s out there. He wasn’t there when we were in the meadow but he’s there now.”
For a moment she was distracted from whatever lurked in the dark by Jack’s transformation. Gone was the gentle scholar replaced by an alert, hard-edged stranger, a man to be reckoned with.
“Did you see something? Hear something?” His voice was equally low as his gaze swept the night, searching the skeletal shadows cast by the trees.
“No but I can feel him.”
He glanced at her, his gaze sharp, startled. “Him?”
“Victor.”
“Marnie.” Neither noticed that he’d used Hank’s form of address for her. “He’s in jail. You’re safe.”
“He’s here, I tell you.” She touched the amulet fighting back fear.
He looked at her and nodded, accepting. And in that moment she fell in love with him.
“Stay close, we are going to pick up the pace.”
“What if one of the horses steps in a hole?” she protested.
“Then you heal him,” he replied curtly and slapped Wings on the rump. “Heeya,” he yelled, sending the horse sprinting in front of him as he raced behind her covering her back.
* * * * *
Like an unholy light, Victor’s eyes glowed from the shadows. Let them run and know they were being stalked. Apprehension built fear. He would get even and get the amulet, in his own sweet time and then he would go back to Atlanta and retrieve the rose quartz amulet as well. He was healed and the dregs of creativity still flowed through him. Getting out of jail had been simple. Having sex with a gray-haired hag had not been fun but it was a small price to pay for freedom.
Chapter Sixteen
A dark sedan was parked in the drive. Jack looked at Maureen and raised his brows in question. She hitched her shoulders having no idea as to their visitor.
Jack pulled his cell out of his pocket and dialed Hank. “Everything okay in there?” he asked when Hank picked up. “What do you mean it depends on my definition of okay? Is it safe for Maureen to come in?”
