But, like the children last night, she could hardly wait to see what was inside. Opening one bag after another, Elena’s smile grew wider and wider.
It was like Christmas.
That wonderful, stubborn man. She remembered his frustration, his pleading that he had money to spare.
But Richard, too, had money to spare, and he’d used it to control her. He’d bought her clothes—very expensive ones—and jewelry. She’d known the feel of silk against her skin, the weight of fine stones at her throat.
All of it intended to remake her into someone she didn’t know. Someone she’d never imagined being.
Someone she did not like.
But Josh…She didn’t know what to do. Clasping some of the garments to her breast, Elena walked over to gaze out the window once more.
His behavior had said over and over that he didn’t want to own her. He’d never asked her to do anything she didn’t want to do. He had seemed to gain such enjoyment when she accepted the bracelet and the dress.
She had to stop being so afraid, or Richard would have won. Sighing in mixed pleasure and resignation, Elena swiftly chose an outfit and headed for the shower.
She wasn’t willing to mar whatever precious hours were left with an argument generated by her own stubborn pride and fear. She’d sworn not to let her fears rule her anymore; this would be a good step forward.
Besides, she wanted to follow the laughter.
Crossing the living room toward the large country kitchen, Elena spotted Lorie among her younger children, playing pattycake with Antonio as Emilio balanced on the back of her chair. Clarissa chanted along with her mother, the four of them breaking up in laughter as they threw their hands up in the air at the end.
Josh was nowhere in sight.
She wasn’t disappointed. She wasn’t.
Emilio spotted her first, rising to his tiptoes and teetering for balance on the rungs of Lorie’s chair. “Elena!” he pointed, losing his hold and tumbling to the floor.
Elena rushed to make sure he was all right. Just before she reached him, he righted himself and muttered, “Uh-oh!” then gave her a big grin. He threw his arms around her, pressing a very wet kiss on her cheek.
Elena cuddled him, breathing in the smell of his hair and that young-child sweetness she adored.
Emilio wasn’t holding still for long, though.
“Emilio wiggles a lot,” Clarissa told her solemnly, taking her hand.
The girl’s touch was pure sunshine. Elena had to think to recall what she’d said. “He does?”
“He won’t hardly ever sit still. Isn’t that right, Mama?”
“That’s right, sweetie. But he’s little. And he’s a boy. Grant wasn’t much of one for sitting still either.” Lorie glanced up at Elena, eyes warm.
“Your children are beautiful,” Elena said. “Just like you.”
“Thank you—on both counts.” She chuckled. “I’m too busy to think much about how I look these days. My life is about so much more now—my role as mother of all these children, and my work as a midwife. I’ve never been happier.”
Elena returned her smile. “Josh said your former director would probably faint if he could see you now.”
Lorie laughed out loud at that. “Josh is exactly right. Ben Watkins might never get over the disappointment.” She shook her head. “I still can’t believe how much time I used to spend on my appearance, but it was part of the way I made my living, and I needed to be able to support Grant after Tom died.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“He was a good man.” She stared off into the distance for a moment. “I thought my world had ended then. It’s because of me that the stalker murdered him because he wanted to remove Tom as an obstacle, and that’s hard to accept.” She returned her gaze to Elena. “I loved Tom. But out of that tragedy, my path crossed with Quinn’s.” She placed one slender hand against her heart. “I can’t imagine living my life without ever knowing him. He’s…everything.”
“Soulmates,” Elena said quietly.
Lorie peered at her closely. “Yes, that’s exactly how it feels. As if Quinn is my missing half.” Her gaze narrowed thoughtfully. “Josh has never brought a woman here before, you know.”
Elena’s heart thudded. “But Josh isn’t—that is, he and I aren’t—”
Lorie smiled sagely. “I beg to differ. I’ve watched him look at you.”
“He can’t possibly…I’m not his type.”
Lorie laughed. “No, you’re not his usual starlet, and that’s what’s so fascinating. I think our Josh—well, never mind. As Consuela says, ‘The fates lead him who will, him who won’t, they drag.’ Anyway, it’s none of my business. We all adore Josh, but this is between the two of you.”
Antonio climbed onto Elena’s lap as she sat on the floor, and the distraction was welcome. Absently, she rubbed her cheek on his hair as she puzzled over Lorie’s remarks.
“You love children, don’t you?” Lorie observed.
Elena’s arms tightened around Antonio as she thought of her child, who would have been older than Clarissa.
Despite the grief that never fully left her, she was almost grateful not to have had a child at Richard’s mercy. She’d taken steps to be sure he’d never father and murder another innocent.
Around the lump in her throat, she answered, “Yes. I really do. I lost my own—” She had never discussed it with anyone.
“I’m so sorry. Would you rather I kept the children away? Is it painful to be around them?”
“Oh, no. They’re beautiful children. I—I should be over it by now.” Blinking back tears, she looked away to gather herself.
“How does a mother ever get over losing a child?” Lorie said. “You go on, of course, but…that love lives inside you forever, don’t you think?”
Such a kind woman. Lorie was so unlike what she had expected, unaffected and warm, her inner beauty rivaling her exterior. “Thank you. Your children are fortunate. It’s obvious that they are surrounded by love.” She unbent enough to confide. “I’d like to help other children who’ve been denied love or been…abused.”
“They would be lucky to have you. I can tell you have a good heart.” Lorie hugged her.
Elena returned the hug. Soaked in the kindness and warmth Lorie exuded. She would like to have this woman for a friend.
But that wouldn’t happen. Her stay here would be brief.
“Well,” Lorie said, rising to her feet. “You must be starving, having had no supper last night. What would you like to eat?”
“I can fix it,” Elena offered.
“I’m sure you can, and I’d be happy to accept your help later, but right now, I want to feed you. How about pancakes?”
“Mickey Mouse pancakes, Mama,” Clarissa suggested.
The boys chimed in, “Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse!”
Elena laughed, delighting in their enthusiasm. “What are Mickey Mouse pancakes?”
“Watch Mama,” Clarissa pointed.
Lorie looked at her. “You’re game?”
“I’m sure I’ll love them.”
Lorie turned to the griddle, pouring one big circle with two above, like mouse ears. Elena laughed when she saw what she was doing. The children cheered and clapped with her.
“Thanks, Clarissa. I’ve never had Mickey Mouse pancakes before. This is a treat.”
“Coffeemaker’s over there, if you want some,” Lorie pointed with her spatula. “These will be ready in a jiffy.”
As Elena poured her cup, she gestured. “You?” At Lorie’s nod, she poured another cup and set it beside Lorie. Turning toward the woman whom she’d thought would be so intimidating, she asked, “Did you ever think back then in New York that you’d be making Mickey Mouse pancakes in the canyons of West Texas?”
Lorie grinned and shook her head, eyes shining. “Not in a million years.”
They broke up in laughter.
“And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for al
l the Emmys and designer gowns in the world.”
Elena smiled at her new friend over the steam rising from her cup. She didn’t blame Lorie one bit.
A few moments later, as she tried to finish the plate of pancakes, Elena asked casually, “Lorie, is that your nightgown I was wearing?”
“Is that all right? Josh said you’d fallen asleep in your clothes. He wanted to make you more comfortable but he said he’d forgotten to buy you a nightgown and thought you’d be too cold in one of his T-shirts.”
Which meant Josh had undressed her. “I…see.”
Lorie grinned. “We don’t get shocked too easily around here. I don’t care if you and Josh share a room, if that’s what you want.”
Elena was saved from answering when Grant bounded in the back door, out of breath.
“There you are,” he exclaimed.
Elena smiled. “How are you this morning?” She could have kissed him for the interruption.
“I’m great! Dad and I are going to town, but Uncle Josh sent me to fetch you first and see if you wanted to go riding with him.”
Elena’s heart leaped. She hadn’t ridden in a long time. After what Richard had done to her palomino, she’d never even considered it. “There’s a horse for me to ride?”
“Oh, yeah,” Grant enthused. “Dad picked out Moonglow, one of Wind Dancer’s fillies.” His smile widened. “She’s a beauty, Elena. You should be honored. Dad doesn’t let just anyone ride her.” His forehead wrinkled. “You do ride, don’t you?”
She smiled. “Yes—that is, I used to. It’s been a long time, but when I was a girl, I had my own horse.” She still couldn’t speak of her palomino, Luz, the horse Richard had murdered.
“Yeah? What was the horse’s name?”
She dragged her thoughts back. “His name was Daisy.”
Grant goggled. Clarissa’s soft giggle accompanied Lorie’s laugh. “Why would you name a colt Daisy?” he demanded.
“That’s what my father wanted to know, too.” She realized that it was the first time she’d thought of her father or her horse with anything but sorrow. Bless these people for reminding her that life could be bright.
“He was my birthday present, and I really wanted to name a horse Daisy from a book I’d read as a little girl. It was just his bad luck to be a boy.”
Grant snorted. “I’ll say.”
“If it’s any consolation, he didn’t seem to care. I really loved him, and I took very good care of him.”
Grant smiled. “Yeah, maybe he never realized it was dumb name for a boy. Um, sorry. Didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”
“You didn’t,” she answered, rising from her chair and carrying her dishes to the counter. “It was a dumb name,” she grinned.
“You go on, Elena,” Lorie urged. “I’ll take care of these. God bless dishwashers.”
“Are you sure? I’m happy to help you.”
“No, you go ahead. I wasn’t sure who was more interested in making enough noise in the hall to wake you, Josh or the kids. He’s eager to see you, so you go have fun and don’t worry about when you get back. There’s always something to whip up if you arrive too late for mealtime.”
She hugged the other woman. “Thank you. I don’t—I appreciate you being so kind.” Embarrassed, she drew back and left the room quickly, following Grant.
“You be good to that one, Josh Marshall,” she thought she heard Lorie whisper.
Josh glanced up at Quinn as he heard Elena and Grant approaching the barn. Warmth spread through him at the sound of her laughter. Quinn shot him an answering smile.
“Do you miss New York, Grant?” Elena queried.
Quinn’s head cocked just a little as he listened.
“Are you kidding?” Grant sounded incredulous. “When I can have my own horse and work with my dad?”
Josh’s heart warmed further still at the contented smile that spread across his brother’s face. Then all opportunity to comment fled, as Elena and Grant rounded the corner.
She had on a knit t-shirt that skimmed the lines of her body and another pair of jeans that made him want to howl. He’d had a hell of a time keeping his hands impersonal as he’d undressed her and readied her for bed last night. If he hadn’t been in his brother’s house… Josh swallowed hard and dragged himself away from dangerous thoughts.
“Good morning, Quinn,” Elena said.
“’Morning, Elena. Did you sleep well?” Quinn asked.
A blush spread across her cheeks as she shot a glance in Josh’s direction. She quickly returned her attention to his brother. “Yes, I did. Your place is wonderful. I love the clean, crisp air. I slept like a baby.”
“Better than our babies, I hope,” Grant grumbled.
Quinn laughed and ruffled his hair. “They were pretty rowdy as babies, weren’t they?” He stepped toward the door. “You ready, son? We’d better get a move on.” He turned a piercing gaze on Josh. “You two be careful.”
Josh knew the warning extended to Josh’s care of Elena herself. Already, Quinn had assumed the role of father and protector. He shot his brother a glance, silently telling him to butt out. “We will.”
“Quinn, thank you for loaning me a horse to ride. It’s been a long time, but I do love riding. I’ll take good care of her.”
Grant spoke up, “Dad, did you know that she had a colt she named Daisy?” Indignation colored his voice.
“Daisy, huh?” Quinn looked up quickly, a broad smile on his face. He winked at Elena, placing his arm across Grant’s shoulder. “I’m sure she had a good reason for doing it, son.” He shook his head, laughing at Grant’s dismay. “See you two later.” Tipping his hat to her, he strode quickly out of the barn.
Josh was fascinated. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? The kids…Grant had already found out more about Elena’s past life in a few minutes than he’d found out in days. He finished with the bay, then turned toward her.
Elena stood very still, not looking at Josh, the only betrayal of her nerves the fingers that tangled around one another.
“You look lovely.” Josh broke the ice.
She glanced in his direction, then looked away again, coloring. “Yes, well…Josh, about these clothes…”
Here we go, he thought, stifling a groan. “Damn it, Elena, I told you—”
“Thank you for them. It was very thoughtful of you.”
Josh stood stock-still, unable to believe what he’d heard. “What did you say?”
She grinned. “I said thank you. I know it wasn’t part of our deal, but I can’t be mean-spirited about it. You did something very nice for me, and I’m grateful.” She colored and focused on the mare, stroking her softly. “You’ve been so kind to me. I guess…I’m not used to anyone… I guess I was just afraid of what the price would be.”
His temper flared, but he tamped it back. He’d had ample evidence that she’d paid a high price before, even though he had no details. “Sweetheart, I told you before, I don’t want to own you. I just like giving you gifts. It’s sinfully easy for me to make money these days.”
“I’d like to pay you back when I can.”
“No way.” When she started to protest, he forced himself not to overreact. “Please…allow me the pleasure. There is no price tag with me, I swear.”
“I believe that.”
“Do you?”
She smiled. “Well, I’m trying.”
“Thank you.” He smiled back.
For a moment, they just stood there, gazes locked, unspoken words flying between them.
Then her cheeks stained. “Josh?” Suddenly she wouldn’t look at him again. “Lorie told me that you’re the one who…that she didn’t…”
Careful not to grin, Josh touched her shoulder, turning her to face him. “That I put you to bed last night?”
She nodded but kept her head down.
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. Trust me, sweetheart, I thought long and hard before I did it. I had a hell of a time keeping my hands off you
.” He still broke out in a cold sweat when he thought of how much he’d wanted to climb in that bed with her.
“But I sure didn’t want to,” he said, his voice hoarse.
Her head rose, her eyes wide and surprised, if a little wary.
He bent his head to narrow the distance between them. “I won’t promise to stay away, Elena.” His lips now within a breath of hers, he spoke softly. “I don’t make promises I know I can’t keep.”
When her eyelashes descended and she leaned toward him just a fraction, Josh closed the gap. He’d hungered for the feel of her mouth. Last night’s sleep had been troubled and restless, memories of their night together surfacing each time he tried to fall asleep. So many reasons not to do this…but not a one he could remember at this moment.
Sweet…so very sweetly seductive. As she opened to him, he deepened the kiss. There was something still almost chaste and virginal in her hesitant acceptance—yet the fires banked within her scorched his nerves right down to the bone. She was spicy and sweet…and, he had reason to know, an inferno just waiting to erupt.
When Elena rose to her tiptoes and placed her hands on either side of his face, it was all Josh could do not to lower her to the sweet-smelling hay piled nearby. Nostrils flaring with the force of his wanting, he ruthlessly tamped down the need already shredding his willpower.
Slowly, regretfully, he disengaged from her, small strokes of his hands gentling her. He placed slow, reverent kisses on the corners of her swollen lips, then drew her against him, breathing deeply to force the gnawing ache to subside.
Striving for a lighter tone than he felt, he cleared his throat. “Oh, baby, if you want to ride that horse, we have to go now.”
She stiffened in his arms, then turned away rapidly. He grabbed hold before she could retreat fully. “This isn’t over, Elena. Not by a long shot.”
A short nod, but she never turned back, instead mounting the mare.
You two be careful.
Oh, big brother, that is so not what I want to be doing right now.
Josh sighed. Being honorable was overrated some days.
Elena laughed aloud with the joy of riding a good mount on a beautiful day. She rejoiced in the feel of a horse beneath her, happy to know that time had not erased her ability to ride.
The Marshalls Boxed Set (Texas Heroes: The Marshalls Books 1-3) Page 40
