Papina (Bearville County)

by Katie Hamstead

  I groaned.

  "I knew I had to stay out of sight or Sarah would freak out—"

  "Like she did."

  "But I needed to make sure you were safe, and most of all I…" He swallowed. "I got jealous."

  I folded my arms, looking him over. Man, he’s gorgeous. "Paul?"

  "Yes?"

  I stared out the windscreen. "One day, when I'm ready, you'll be the first person I run to."

  He slammed on the breaks, making my seatbelt cut into my neck. "What?"

  "Geez, are you trying to kill me?"

  "Say that again because I'm not sure if I heard you right."

  I met his gaze. "When I feel like I won't be betraying Forrest anymore, I want to be with you."

  He laughed and leaned toward me. His seatbelt caught him as our lips met, but he unclipped it in a flash and climbed on top of me. He unbuckled me and lay down the seat.

  We made out like high school kids, with his hands all over my face and his fingers weaving into my hair. I clung to him, my heart pounding, feeling someone so strong and so full of love for me so close.

  His left hand dropped from off my face and slid up my skirt. I moaned and wrapped my legs around him as he ran his hand up the inside of my thigh. His fingers found my underwear and I gasped.

  "You really want to do that in your truck?"

  "I don't care where I do it, as long as it's with you."

  His fingers slid underneath and I gasped at his touch. He bit down on my neck, and I shuddered. I pulled my knees up around him in anticipation, but his head shot up and he swore.

  He pulled his hand away. Headlights pull up beside us. As much as my body screamed for more, I dropped my legs a moment before someone tapped on the window.

  Paul opened it. "Hey, Clint."

  "Paul?" His eyebrows rose with surprise. "You realize you're parked in the middle of the road."

  Paul glanced around. "Oh."

  Clint rubbed his eyes. "I got a call about you starting a fight at the bar."

  "Nah, wasn't me."

  Clint's eyebrows rose further. "Really? Because they were very specific. Sheriff Davis came in, snatched up the widow of Papina, and hit someone on his way out." He looked down at me. "Looks like Sheriff Davis did snatch up the widow of Papina, but did he hit someone on the way out?"

  "Nope, not on the way out anyway."

  Clint groaned. "I miss having a quiet job. How am I supposed to explain this?"

  Paul sat up and leaned out the window. "Just say you didn't see us and I'll deal with it in the morning."

  "We're grown men," he muttered as he turned away. "Grown! We're both coming up on thirty, you know?"

  "Not for about two years."

  "But you're acting like you're coming up on twenty!"

  Paul laughed. "Thanks, Clint."

  "You owe me."

  Clint climbed into the sheriff truck and drove away.

  Paul looked down at me. "Now, where were we?"

  I smiled and giggled as he kissed my neck, but I pushed him back. "We're in the middle of the road, remember?"

  "Hmm." He sat up and glanced around.

  "Plus, I think I should be getting home anyway."

  He huffed. "Really?"

  "Yes."

  He glanced around again. "Will you let me come in for a night cap?"

  And just like that, reality returned. "No. If Nova sees you…."

  He grunted. "Fine. I'll pull the truck over so we can finish right here."

  "No, Paul." I pushed up onto my elbows. "I think we've gone far enough."

  He climbed off me, muttering something about hitting Clint with a large stick.

  Back at the house, he cut the engine and caught my arm. "Bray?"

  I looked up into his eyes.

  "Where do we stand now?"

  "I'm not sure."

  "It's complicated, right?"

  I smiled. "Right."

  "You want to be with me, don't you?"

  I let out a long breath. "Yes."

  "And you know I love you."

  My heart fluttered. "I do."

  "So… ah…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Why don't we go on a date? But, you know, keep it on the down low so certain people don't freak out."

  I smiled and grabbed his hand. "I'd like that."

  He breathed a sigh of relief and his whole body relaxed. "Next Friday?"

  "Friday it is."

  He leaned over and softly kissed me. "I'll make sure it's great, even for a cowboy."

  I giggled. "Good night, Paul."

  I climbed out and waved as he drove away, feeling giddy. I turned and walked up the stairs, pleased to hear no noise inside.

  As I reached for the door, a shadow stood from the patio armchair. I jumped, gasping. "Sarah, I didn't see you."

  She tossed my handbag at me viciously. "You got Paul to bring you home?"

  "Well, you just left—"

  "But Paul? Couldn't you find anyone else?"

  "He was right there and I needed to get home."

  She shoved me. "You're supposed to be my friend. You know how I feel about him, how could you betray me like that?"

  My own feelings for Paul bubbled up inside me. "Sarah, you know friendship is a two way street, but you are so jealous over Paul that you refuse to see I have feelings for him, too. I didn't do it out of spite, it just happened. But I've been resisting him because I wanted to respect your feelings, but the truth is, we want to be together, not because we want to hurt you, but because we love each other."

  She gasped and stepped back. "What?"

  "I wish you would be happy for me, and support me like I've always tried to do for you."

  "Tried, but failed." She marched down the stairs and out the gate, heading up the street to her home.

  Sighing, I turned around and jumped to see Megan standing at the door. "Is everyone trying to give me a heart attack?"

  A wicked grin swept across her face and she yanked me inside. She pushed me down onto the couch and sat right up beside me. "So… Paul?"

  I groaned and slapped my forehead. "I'm going to bed."

  She pushed me back against the couch. "Come on, Bray! The tension between you is like, argh! And I know all this stuff that's been happening has been keeping you apart, but he's still crazy about you, despite how ridiculous he's been."

  "Megan, I'm tired."

  "And Sarah is furious! Oh, I need to know what happened. Clint called me and said he was going out to find you guys because the Bearville cops called him, and when he did, you were parked in the middle of the road fogging up the windows."

  I groaned.

  "So what happened?"

  I slumped back and looked at her eager face. I ran my hand over my forehead and into my hair. "Is Nova asleep?"

  "Has been for at least an hour."

  I glanced around and leaned closer. "Well, we might be, possibly, thinking about getting together."

  She squeaked.

  "Shh." I grinned. "I'm still not sure if the timing is right, so our date and all of this must be kept quiet."

  She nodded. "I understand. It would be a huge scandal if it got out prematurely." Her eyes widened. "But what happened with Sarah? Does she know? Did she see him kiss you?"

  I shook my head. "He… ah… he got into a fight over me."

  Her jaw fell. "Paul got into a fight?"

  "He didn't start it. I was dancing with a guy—"

  "And he lost it with jealousy?"

  "Not exactly—"

  "Did Paul swing first?"

  "No—"

  "Oh my gosh, what happened to the other guy?"

  I paused. "I don't actually know."

  "I bet he bloodied him up for laying his hands on you."

  "Good heavens, I hope not!"

  "So did you run away together before the cops came?"

  "Well, not exactly, but we pushed his truck down the street so—"

  "What happened to make him just jump you in the car? How far di
d you go?"

  Heat rushed into my face. "Megan!"

  She giggled. "I'm sorry, I'm just…" She squeezed my hands. "I'm just so happy for both of you. You both found each other and can finally be happy. I'm so glad you love him, too. It would be—"

  "Whoa, back up. I never said I love him."

  She stared into my eyes with a wide smile. "Yes you did."

  "No, I didn't."

  She giggled. "Yes you did. When you were telling Sarah to back off, you said you love each other and she just about died."

  "I… no I didn't."

  "Yes you did!" She tapped my cheek. "I'm going to bed. Is it okay that Donny's in with Jackson? They both really wanted to sleep together and I didn't have the heart to refuse. You should see them curled up side by side with their teddy bears. They're so adorable."

  She stood, and I whispered, "Did I really say that?"

  She smiled. "Yes, Bray, and there's nothing wrong with it." She made her way up the stairs.

  I flopped back and let out a long breath. I couldn't believe I'd said that! Did I really feel that strongly for him? Possibly. I'd been fighting it so hard I hadn't given the feelings a chance to surface. I thought I had when we made out in the sheriff station, but then that could have been hormones.

  I shut my eyes and remembered his kiss, his touch, his smell, his taste. My whole body quivered before I forced the memories aside. There were still obstacles, but his promise rang in my mind: I will break down every wall you see in the way, and I will wait until your heart is ready to love someone again. You keep fighting for Nova, Jackson, and Forrest, and I'll keep fighting for you.

  I forced myself to my feet and trudged up the stairs, collapsing in bed. What a night! I couldn't get Paul off my mind as I wriggled out of my clothes and into my pajamas. Finally, I relaxed onto the pillows and sighed as his face filled my mind.

  The door creaked and footsteps rushed toward me. My eyes shot open as Nova climbed into bed beside me and curled up with her head pressed against my chest. I suddenly felt glad that I'd refused Paul coming up for a "night cap." But then I remembered.

  "Nova, you can't be in here."

  Her head shot up and she shook it.

  "Nova, they could take you away."

  She sat up, pouting. She gave me a kiss on the cheek before she slipped back out of the room.

  Everything was still very complicated, but for the first time in a very long time, warmth filled my heart.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  I sat eating breakfast with Jackson, Donny, and Nova while Megan showered, when the loud banging on the door made us all jump. I rushed over to answer it.

  "Give me my boots, slut," Sarah snarled in my face.

  I frowned. "Sarah, can't we talk about this?"

  "No." She folded her arms and scowled.

  I moaned. "I don't want to fight with you."

  "Shut up and give me my boots."

  Nova rushed over and grabbed my arm.

  Sarah's lip curled. "You already have so many people who would do anything for you. Now give me my boots."

  "Sarah."

  Nova let go of my arm. She reached over and plucked up the boots from beside the door and threw them at Sarah.

  Sarah gasped, wincing as they hit her, but spun and marched away.

  "Sarah, please!" I called as she marched to the front gate. "Can't we work something out?"

  She kept walking.

  The sound of Megan rushing down the stairs caused me to turn. She paused when our eyes met, and frowned. "Are you okay?"

  I shrugged. "This isn't going too well."

  Megan snorted. "She's just being a brat."

  "She's in love with him, Megan."

  "So?" Megan stood in front of me. "He's not in love with her. Does she really think being like that is going to win him over?"

  Nova shot between us, shaking her head. Her gaze shot between Megan and me.

  "I think I know what she's thinking," Megan said with a frown. "Nova, Sheriff Davis is in love with Bray."

  She shook her head violently and clutched my arm.

  "Yes, hon, and Bray has feelings for him, too,” Megan said.

  Nova flinched.

  I held my breath as Nova turned and faced me. Her eyes pleaded up at me.

  "Nova, he's been very kind to us."

  She pulled away as horror shot across her face.

  "Nova, surely after everything that's happened, you'd be able to forgive him for shooting you years ago."

  Her chin quivered as she shook her head. Then she darted up the stairs and into her room, slamming the door behind her.

  I sighed. "I guess telling her about our date on Friday would be bad."

  A wicked grin swept across Megan's face. "You didn't say you had a date. I'm babysitting." She spun on her heel and marched into the kitchen.

  *

  I bundled Jackson up and set him in the stroller. The snow had come down heavy during the night, so heading to Bearville was impossible, which I wasn't complaining about one bit. Not having to drag Nova down to meet with lawyers, and every other profession on the planet, to analyze and pick at her was a relief.

  I pushed the stroller out the front, pulled the door shut, then gasped. I stared at my car, the word slut keyed into the side. I left Jackson on the porch and rushed down. Circling the car, on the other side I found whore keyed into it. I had no doubt who did it. The problem was; I wasn't sure what to do. Should I point the finger at Sarah and make matters worse, or let it go and foot the bill for the repairs?

  I hurried back to Jackson and made my way down the street, running through my options in my mind.

  I headed straight to the grocery store where Reba smiled at me. I hurried to collect what I needed.

  I headed back outside and stared up at town hall. Should I talk to Sarah? Yes, I needed to resolve this.

  I marched up and pushed through the door.

  Her head lifted and she shot to her feet. "Get out."

  "This is a public place—"

  "Get out!"

  "Sarah, I'm trying to—"

  "Steal my job from me now? What else do you want, my house, my truck?"

  "You're being ridiculous."

  She laughed shrilly. "You knew, Bray. I trusted you."

  "Sarah, I've been resisting my feelings because I didn't want to hurt you."

  "You bitch."

  I growled. "I'm not doing this to spite you."

  Her gaze lifted and she sunk down into her chair, ducking behind the desk.

  Paul brushed by me and leaned over the desk. He spoke in a low firm voice. "Enough, Sarah. Don't think I don't know what you did to her car. I was just on patrol and saw it."

  Sarah whimpered.

  "I have never given you anything to think we had something going on, so if you really care about me, you'd let me be happy."

  She bowed her head.

  "I won't charge you for destruction of personal property if you pay for the damages you caused."

  She nodded without looking at him.

  He lowered his voice. "Sarah, I hate treating you like this, but you're going too far. We used to be close, you were like the sister I never had, until all this crazy came out after Hannah. Please, just move on."

  A tear ran down her cheek.

  He sighed. "Sarah, come on. It's not like you haven't had plenty of opportunities. Now, I know you still love Bray. You were so close with her, so don't let this take away your friendship."

  She sniffed and glared across at me.

  He groaned. "Whatever. Do what makes you feel justified or whatever it is you're going for."

  He hurried toward me, spinning the stroller around to head outside. Once out the door, he rushed us down to the park and unbuckled Jackson to let him play in the snow.

  "Why did you go in there?" he asked in a low voice.

  "I wanted to make amends," I answered.

  He sighed. "Maybe you should just let this sink in for a while. Just give her some d
istance to adjust. She hasn't always been like this, and I think if we just leave her, be she'll become…"

  "Normal again." I stared at my feet. "She said you were getting somewhere before Megan interfered. Was there something going on for a while?"

  He rolled his eyes. "No. Clint got preoccupied for a while when he first got married, so Sarah and I hung out a bit. She must have read too far into it."

  I turned away from him, heading to a bench.

  "Hey." He caught my elbow. "Are you upset?"

  I smiled at him. "No. I just needed to make sure."

  He touched my cheek. "Friday will be great."

  I nodded, meeting his gaze. "I have no doubt it will."

  Jackson tugged on Paul’s pants.

  Paul bent over to match his eye level. "Wanna go on the swing?"

  Jackson grinned.

  Paul lifted him and rushed over to the swing, as Jackson laughed the whole way.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I didn't tell Nova who the date was with, I had no desire to upset her. So, she helped me get ready with great excitement. Ironically, she picked out the black dress Sarah had made me change out of the week before.

  I pulled on skin colored tights, and grabbed a pair of snow boots, just in case. Paul hadn't told me a thing, so I hoped I would be covered for any scenario. I slipped on a gold chain necklace, gold earrings, and a gold bracelet.

  Nova tidied my blonde waves and tucked one side behind my ear. She gave me her nod of approval and I laughed.

  Megan burst into the house. "I'm here! Get out!"

  Nova grabbed my hand and pulled me out after her.

  Megan looked up at me and grinned. "Oh, that's so perfect. You look classy, but sexy."

  I laughed. "Thanks."

  She took my hand as I reached the bottom of the stairs. "Seriously, I might have to borrow that dress so Clint can rip it off me."

  I laughed again.

  She smiled. "I like seeing you smile. It's been too long."

  She stepped back and looked me over. "Nope, nothing like Hannah. Look at that fantastic, juicy butt." She gave it a pinch. "And a nice rack, too. Perfectly curvy. That girl was all skin and bones. He's definitely trading up with you."

  Nova grabbed my arm, then drew a star on her chest.

  I glared at Megan.

  Megan ducked her head. "Crap."