Wandering Heart

by Hestand, Rita

  "Neither did I. But they refused to think I could make anything of myself if I had the responsibility of a child. Looking at it from their point of view, and the fact that I was their only child, maybe I could understand some of it. They wanted the good life for me. Daddy had preached it from the time I was little. 'You must always aim high,' he would say. But, it just so happened I didn't believe in abortion. I until don't."

  "They should see you now," Cooper said shaking his head and walking around the kitchen aimlessly. "A home, a great kid, and soon to be the Congressman's wife. What more could Ed want?"

  Angela shoulders shrugged as she turned away from his probing gaze. "I suppose that might impress Dad if he knew."

  "If you ask me, you've done all right for yourself."

  "You wouldn't have thought so with Raif. They never did accept our marriage."

  "That's too bad. Raif wasn't a bad guy. A little on the spoiled side, but until, a good guy. So, then you came to live with your mother's uncle?"

  "After I tried making it on my own for a while. I failed miserably. Dad was right about that part of it. We lived in some real dumps, thanks to my hard-headedness. Sometimes food was scarce. I don't know what I'd have done without Uncle Henry."

  "I sure liked that old cuss."

  "Did you?" She glanced up at him as she began preparing the cornbread.

  "Yeah." His voice sounded far away. "When we got through with the day, we'd grab us a bite to eat. Chili, stew, something that cooked all day usually. Then we'd sit out on the porch, watch the sunsets, and swap tall tales sometimes for hours. I got the feeling he was lonely at times. The man was a real talker. No one ever did that with me before; I mean, listen to my troubles. But he never allowed me the privilege of feeling sorry for myself."

  Again her gaze strayed to him, meeting his glance for a brief moment. "You were very lonely as a child, weren't you, Coop? I mean, you didn't get along with Brag very well. Everyone knew that. And, because your dad forced you to work all the time, you didn't have much social life. It must have been hard for you."

  "Now don't go feeling sorry for me." He shook his head. "I had the best of friends."

  "Oh, who? Your brother Brag?"

  "Hardly. Brag and I were from two different planets. You knew that. I'm not sure we spoke the same language. I'm talking about Cadet."

  "Cadet?"

  "Sure, my dog."

  "Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about him. I rarely saw you without him. He was a beautiful dog. Whatever happened to him?"

  "Dad shot him."

  "What?"

  "Oh, one day when he took him hunting. He said he thought it was a coon. I think he did it on purpose. You see, I got to where Cadet was about the only one I talked to. I think he was trying to communicate with me then. Although at the time I didn't see this."

  "But to shoot your dog? How could your father do that to you?"

  "I don't know. I never had another dog. I guess I was afraid of losing another one. But I'll admit, I always liked them. Guess that's why Partner and I get along so well. I guess I just have a weakness for dogs."

  "He can smell a dog lover a mile away." She glanced at Partner.

  When he said nothing she asked, "I hope watching Tim and Josh wasn't too much for you today. I mean, when I said keep an eye on Josh, it didn't include the entire valley."

  Cooper shook his head again, "You always seem to think Josh is going to be in my way. I can't help but wonder why? Strange as it may seem, I like kids. I've always liked kids. And Josh is a good kid, works hard, and does what he's told. How could I not like him? Or Tim either for that matter? Well raised, well mannered kids."

  She set the cornbread in the oven and wiped her hands on a cup-towel. "Well, I don't mean to sound that way, it's just that I'm sure he probably gets on your nerves. Most of the men I've hired hinted that he did. He's so interested in all that machinery out there. Most ten-year-olds spend the majority of their time asking too many questions, and Josh is no exception."

  "That's how they learn, Angel. But I haven't had such interesting company in a long time. I guess that's the problem with adults today. They don't pay enough attention to their kids."

  She cast him a quick scowl. She was guilty of that herself, especially recently.

  But as she looked at him she saw he was smiling, really smiling. He suddenly looked much younger, much happier, and her fingers itched to run rampant in his hair. He had beautiful hair. But what was she thinking? She glanced down and saw her breast tightening against her t shirt; she turned red. If he saw that she'd die.

  "You know you haven't had any company since you've been here, Coop. Nor taken any time for yourself. I could always give you the weekends off. I feel guilty for not already offering."

  She had turned away, so he couldn't see the affect he was having on her.

  "You've noticed my dedication then? Good." He winked when she glanced over her shoulder. "I'll have to hit you up for a raise soon."

  "Is that what it is, dedication? But I'm sure you wouldn't mind a little time off. You must have friends, a girl . . ."

  "I'll ask for it, when I need it."

  He wasn't commenting on her question, and she let it slide. Perhaps he didn't want to confide in her. "All right, fair enough."

  Her hand went to the back of her neck and she plopped down in a chair at the table. She was exhausted, and her eyes ached a little from scanning the computer at work.

  "Hey," he barely murmured and stood up. He came closer. "You've had a hard day. Eyes bothering you?"

  "Hmm," she said with a long sigh.

  "I'm sorry about that. Hope the Congressman won't be too mad about it. But I might have a remedy for some of it," he said softly, standing just behind her.

  Slowly his hands came around her neck, almost hesitantly, wrapping her in a warmth that cajoled her into a lazy sense of awareness. His long fingers began a magic all their own. Her head rolled against his hands. She sighed aloud.

  Her breasts grew hard and warm, and pronounced against her shirt. Instantly the hair on the back of her neck prickled with reaction to his touch. Thank God her back was to him.

  His callused fingers worked meticulously. She felt the muscles in her neck begin to relax, as long fingers moved sensuously over her neck and shoulders. She closed her eyes, and daydreamed about those hands, moving over her. Magic hands. Dear God, had she lost her mind, letting herself wander in that direction.

  "My goodness, you do have a soft touch there. Ever try to sell those hands?"

  "Think I could get anything for them?" His smile was magnetic.

  A hint of lime assailed her, a hint of raw, sensual man. A warning of danger Angela kept telling herself. Greg Thompson was the man for her, not Cooper, she had to remember that. Yet what was the real harm in two old friends being together?

  "If I had money you could. You've missed your calling."

  He squeezed one shoulder,and then moved totally away from her. He was through and she couldn't help feeling sorry that he stopped.

  "So, what's been so awful about today?" he asked refilling his glass and glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

  She watched him while his back was turned. He wore a faded pair of jeans and a rather worn chambray shirt, and until managed to look better than most men. She had to drag her mind away from such thoughts. Despite his casual appearance, he always wore clean clothes, and always managed to look devastatingly handsome.

  "Greg wants me to move into town." She glanced up at him, saw him frown as he half turned. "Into an apartment, so I'll be close to work, and him, and far away from you. In fact, the farther the better."

  He glanced at her 'Native Texan' shirt and she blushed. She couldn't hide her bodily reactions from his all seeing eyes. It was a natural reaction, and she planned to ignore it, if he did.

  "And that bothers you?" he queried, a brow shooting upward in what looked like surprise.

  He had nice hands, clean, with short cut nails, and big, she mu
sed before she came down to earth and answered. "Of course it bothers me. He doesn't trust me."

  "Or me?"

  "Or you."

  "So, what are you going to do?"

  Angela swallowed the last of her lemonade and put her glass on the table. "Do? I'm not doing anything. This is my home. Josh's home. I'm not leaving here just because of his insecurities."

  Cooper moved to stand by the back door.

  "Look," he turned to look at her, which was a mistake. Their eyes connected. "I didn't come here to make problems for you and Josh. I thought I was helping solve one. But I can move on …if that's what you want."

  "No," she burst out, before thinking. "I don't want you to leave." Getting up and coming to stand in front of him. The urge to wrap her arms around him was so strong she reached a hand to his arm.

  "You don't?" he asked.

  "No, I don't. You're doing a great job with the place, and with Josh. I couldn't replace you if I tried. Why, I go to work every morning knowing you can take care of it all. I don't even worry about Josh. And Josh, he thinks you're right up there with his father, tops."

  His eyes met and held hers for a moment. A long, breathless moment.

  "I'm glad. I like him too."

  "So, I don't want to hear any more about you leaving."

  "And Greg?"

  "I'll handle Greg. He'll just have to cope with it."

  Cooper's eyes suddenly danced, a lazy smile spread over his handsome face, as he paused at the doorway.

  "You know, this Greg fella is evidently a pretty smart guy. But I guess it never really dawned on him that if I wanted you badly enough, an apartment in town wouldn't stop me. And about the girlfriends, there aren't any…yet."

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The next evening Angela sat at the supper table listening quietly as Cooper and Josh discussed everything from the farm to his father.

  Even Angela seemed to be able to talk about Raif with Cooper around.

  Angela cleared the table and a knock came at the front door. Obviously not expecting company, she looked shocked to see the woman standing at the door.

  "W e l l, it's about time I met this handsome rogue," the woman announced as she pranced into the living room and gave Cooper an instant once over.

  "Maxine, how unexpected." Angela's voice seemed strained even to Cooper. "Maxine Taylor, Coop Johnson."

  "Maxine."

  Maxine was dressed like a female vamp out to kill or collect something. Her tight mini dress and high heels were ordinarily no match for blue jeans and t shirt, but there was something about the way Angel wore those blue jeans, Cooper quickly decided.

  "So, you're the new farm manager," Maxine cooed.

  "I don't like titles. Don't be so formal, just call me Coop," he said with a smile and noticed the edge of Angel's mouth tighten.

  "Coop, I like that."

  A short silence prevailed as the two sized each other up. Then Cooper glanced at Angela. "Nice meeting you, Maxine, but I promised to fix a couple of things for Josh. If you'll excuse me?"

  "Can't it wait?" Angela frowned. "I think Maxine came to meet and get to know you."

  "I'd love to stay and chat but I promised to help him with a science project." Cooper explained firmly.

  "But I can do that."

  "Oh?" Coop's brow went up skeptically. "Are you in to dissecting frogs?"

  "Oh!" Angela gasped. "Forget that."

  "Maxine," Cooper said taking her hand in his, marveling at the beautiful long fingernails, assured the woman had never done a hard day's work, and smiled. "It's been a real pleasure."

  Maxine smiled, letting her full breasts heave just a little, obviously just enough to be noticed. "Don't be a stranger."

  "No, ma'am."

  *****

  Left with Maxine's company Angela settled herself in the wooden rocking chair in the living room and offered Maxine the softness of the sofa. "So, what brings you all the way out here?"

  "Him, of course!"

  Was she being a spy for Greg or simply interested in Cooper herself?

  "Does he work all the time?" she asked.

  "Dawn until dusk, I'd say. By choice only."

  "Really, I like that. I like a man that isn't afraid to work. And shame on you, Angela, for keeping such a dish to yourself. I mean he is a hunk, a real hunk. He's not overly tall, but he gives that impression. No wonder you hired him so quickly. Where ever did you find him?"

  "Maxine, you're a riot. So subtle. I didn't find him at all. Why, I've known him most of my life. We sort of grew up together. We were next-door neighbors. And I just happened to bump into him a few days ago. He needed a job. I needed a farm manager. That's all there was to it. Why, I hadn't seen him in ten years. But I'll be the first to testify that he is a great farmer."

  "And I suppose the fact that he's overly good looking had nothing to do with you hiring him?"

  "What are you getting at?"

  "What am I getting at? Really, Angela? Are you trying to make Greg jealous? Because if you are, it's working."

  Angela pinked. "With Coop? Don't be ridiculous. We have no interest in each other. But he works magic on a farm. See for yourself. He's already got the north pasture in great shape. That was the reason I hired him. He's a natural in the fields. He's practically taken over the place, and Josh. And besides he used to work for my uncle."

  "Really? I'll bet a farm isn't the only thing he can work magic on," Maxine purred, her big blue eyes wandering about the place, obviously hoping to get a glance at him again.

  "I wouldn't know about that." But if Angela were really truthful with herself, she'd admit she responded to that smile much more than she should, and being near him brought all her senses to awareness.

  "Good looking, hard working, and he likes your kid. What more could you ask for? Well, since you have no real interest in him as a man, I'm telling you now. I want a date with him. I don't care how you arrange it, but I want a date."

  Angela's mouth flew open. "I'm afraid I don't go around arranging dates for anyone, Maxine. I've got a farm, a job, and a son to look after. That's enough. But if you're so interested, go ask him."

  "Don't worry, I will. If you're silly enough to let a hunk like that get away, it's your own fault. I suppose you know Greg is a little concerned about you and Cooper living practically under the same roof." Maxine bit her lower lip as though she had let something out of the bag. "Okay. Not a little, honey, a lot. Now, seeing him in person, I can certainly understand why."

  Angela bit her nails, a bad habit she had tried to break many times but always reverted back to. "For everyone's information, he moved to the bungalow down the road. And as for Greg, he has absolutely nothing to worry about. And he knows it. My feelings for Coop are strictly business."

  Maxine crossed her long, graceful legs and smiled coyly. "Don't kid me, honey. He's a doll and we both know it. But, just remember, all is fair in love and war. I mean to have him in my bed as quickly as possible. That man is built for making love. Did you get a load of those arms? Those biceps? The man is all muscle and brawn, and I want every muscle."

  Angela had never seen Maxine this way. She had imagined, but never witnessed. "Built? Well, yes, I suppose he is, although I haven't had the time or inclination to notice. Funny though, I just realized something, Maxine."

  "What's that?"

  "I always thought you were stuck on Greg. This proves me wrong."

  Maxine pursed her ruby red lips, one hand going over her smooth blonde hair, her blue eyes piercing Angela with deadly purpose. "Not really. But right now Greg is stuck on you. Oh," she scoffed raising her hands in the air, "don't kid yourself, Angela. You've noticed this Coop Johnson more than you let on. You're human. More than you probably want to admit. Now me, I want a man. And I don't make a secret of it. A real man. And time is running out. You and I are not spring chickens, so to speak."

  "Listen, girl," she continued with a wide smile, "if Greg would have me I'd have him in my bed tonight.
And he knows it. But he's temporarily got the hots for you. But that will simmer when he realizes what he's passing up. And if he doesn't wise up, I'll do all right. Besides, it doesn't matter to me. A Congressman would be a notch on my belt, but a hunk like that…I bet he's great in bed. So, tell me, does he have a girlfriend? Are there any entanglements in his life? Give me the scoop."

  Angela was in shock, but she couldn't let Maxine see it. Perhaps in a way Maxine was right. They weren't getting any younger. And, in truth, Angela's eyes had strayed almost guiltily to Cooper more than a few times. Cooper was a hunk!

  "Not as far as I know, Maxine. But I'm not an authority on him. He hasn't had any lady friends visit since he's been out here. But perhaps I should warn you. They used to call him 'Love 'em and leave 'em Johnson.'"

  "Perhaps he hasn't found the right lady."

  "Maybe not."

  *****

  A few nights later she heard a lot of noise on the back-porch and glanced out the kitchen door. Cooper was heavily engaged in bathing Partner. The two had taken to each other immediately, and Partner could be pretty choosy about his friends.

  "Oh, Coop, you don't have to do that," Angela called as she walked out onto the porch.

  Cooper glanced up at her, a slight frown feathering his brow. "I know I don't have to do it. But he got into something today and he smells pretty bad. Besides, brings back a lot of memories. Good ones."

  Angela came closer and looked her pet in the eyes. "Why, Partner, I'm surprised at you."

  Partner whined and shivered a little.

  "You got any towels you can spare? I want to dry him off a little so he doesn't catch cold."

  Angela went to get some and when she came back she noticed how gentle Cooper was being with Partner. Partner returned his affection with a big wag of his tail as Cooper spoke to him in a patient tone.

  "You really don't have to do all of this," Angela said. "I mean, it isn't part of your job."

  "Does everything have to be part of my job?" Cooper suddenly frowned.