He didn't reply.
"And that reminds me. Maxine called today. Said she hoped you hadn't forgotten about your date."
She thought she saw the slightest tensing in his shoulders, but she wasn't sure because the sun was going down and the shadows engulfed him.
"I haven't forgotten."
Angela felt her heart fall against her ribs with a loud thump. "She wants you to call her."
"I'll take care of it."
There was a long silence. A silence Angela hated. Why didn't he say something about last night? Why didn't he just come out with it? It was a mistake, and he was sorry. Didn't he think she could take it?
"Have you ever seen a sunset like this?" he finally asked his voice low and husky.
"A what?" she murmured distractedly.
"A sunset." He smiled gently, reaching for her hand and pulling her toward him. He obviously wanted to share this moment with her. He was simply taking the time out of a busy day to enjoy God's miracles. "This must be one of the most beautiful places on earth."
Angela sighed, noting the leaves beginning to grow on the trees once more, and knowing spring was, at long last, here.
His closeness shocked her senses. One minute he was saying he'd call Maxine, the next he was pulling her close. Her nostrils filled with the sweet earthiness of him. Her fingers tingled where he touched her hand. Why did her body seem to come alive when he was near?
"Uncle Henry and I used to sit out here in the summers, watching the sun set, feeling the calm that settles over a place as night draws near. We'd listen to the mockingbirds, and the constant trill of crickets. And, every now and then, he'd get his guitar out and we'd sing together. Josh really loved that."
Cooper glanced down at her, and squeezed her closer. "He was a nice man, your uncle. And you and Josh needed family, and Henry gave you that. I'm glad."
This wasn't what she wanted to talk about. It only brought up old memories that hurt and she didn't want to hurt anymore. "What about you? You're one to talk."
Cooper nodded. "I know. That's why I went to Kerens today. We paid a visit to see my mom and Brag."
"Really?" She pulled out of his arms, and looked him straight in the eyes. "That's great. Tell me about it. I mean, if you want to. Was it a good visit?"
He chuckled, a melodious sound to her ears. A sound she would never tire of. "It was good." He paused, and then looked at her again. "They thought Josh was mine."
Angela reddened.
"I told them all about you."
"Oh?"
"They really liked Josh. Said he was so well mannered. Naturally, Josh sat there and ate it all up. What a little ham. He opened right up to them. I could tell Mom was crazy about him."
If only.
"So, did they want you to move back home?"
"It wasn't mentioned. A little late for that, I'd say. But at least we can all talk now."
"I'm glad for you, Coop."
"Yeah, me, too." Then without warning, he pulled her gently against him, and kissed her. It was the kind of kiss that stole the heart of a woman, soft and warm, and searching.
And when he lifted his head, he smiled; a finger dotted her nose. "I better get some sleep if you want me to do an honest day's work tomorrow." He winked, and headed for the bungalow.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
It was hectic at the office, more so than Angela had bargained for. Greg was preparing for his tour and the workload seemed to double. Night work had increased instead of decreased. Angela put in more long hours than she expected, but felt assured that the next week would be better.
She came home so late that Cooper and Josh had eaten and left her a plate in the microwave. What had she expected? She told Cooper she wouldn't be working late anymore, and here she was coming in after nine. But on Wednesday, Maxine really caught her attention.
"I've just got to show you what I bought for my date with Coop Friday night."
She bought a new dress. Maxine spared no expense. Obviously she had every intention of bedding Cooper Johnson. And she was making no bones about it. The dress was gorgeously sinful.
Angela felt something very ugly take hold of her. In all her years she had never been jealous of another woman until now. And why not? She was going to be thirty tomorrow and no one had remembered. Not even Josh. Now this!
All day that beautiful red dress, with no shoulders, and hardly any skirt to it, clung to Angela's mind. She could just picture Maxine in it, and Cooper's reaction. She couldn't blame Cooper. He was a man.
On Thursday she woke with a start. Her night had been plagued by her dream lover who had suddenly come to life. She got up early, made a beautiful breakfast, and dressed in her nicest suit. No one seemed to notice anything. Not even her son!
There were no "Happy Birthday" wishes. That's all she expected, but they weren't there. Everyone had forgotten her thirtieth birthday. It was bad enough turning thirty, but, to have no one notice, hurt.
"Isn't that your best suit, mom?"
"Yes, it is." She smiled, satisfied that at least Josh noticed that.
"Why are you wearing it today? Don't you usually save it for special days?"
Angela reddened as Cooper and Josh stared innocently up at her from the breakfast table. Grabbing her briefcase, she became flustered. "I just felt like wearing it, okay? I've got to go. Cooper, could you run Josh to school? I'm late already."
"Sure. But I thought I heard you up early this morning."
"Yes, well, I must have wasted time somewhere."
All day long she was in a tiff. No one had remembered her birthday. Not that she expected a lot of attention, but until at least Josh usually remembered. She couldn't blurt out that today was her birthday and she needed to feel good about it. Things just weren't going well.
At the office, Greg seemed ticked off about something. He was running all over the place, muttering under his breath, snapping at her. And Maxine was the worst of them all. All she could talk about was her fantastic plans to get Cooper in her bed. Dear God, the woman wouldn't shut up. The entire office knew about her ploy.
At lunch came the clincher. She ordered a hamburger, like everyone else at the luncheon with Senator Gallagher's table. It was loaded with mustard, and with the first bite she spilled it on her suit. Embarrassed to the limit, she excused herself. Maxine came to her aid, but it didn't help.
"I'm going home," Angela retorted almost angrily.
"Home? But what about the luncheon? What do I tell Greg?"
"Tell him? Tell him nothing. I'm going home. Today is my birthday, and not one soul remembered. And that's okay, but I'm going home, understand? I'm taking the rest of the day off."
What a shrew she had become. This wasn't like her. She didn't recognize herself. So she was a shrew; she was entitled sometimes. And this was that 'sometime' for her.
She tried to calm down. She didn't know what was happening to her. Turning thirty shouldn't do this to anyone. So, what was so bad about thirty? Old maid! That was it!
She glanced in the truck mirror, aware of the tiny lines that had formed about her eyes and mouth. Though her skin was until smooth and creamy, she couldn't hide the fact that she was getting older. She felt life was passing her by and worse until, she would someday be alone.
Maybe if she took in a movie she'd feel better. But movies no longer pacified her. She needed to do something, anything but the usual today. So, she went shopping. It had been a long while since she'd been shopping, and she indulged herself in a whim over a pretty little dress that seemed to beckon her from the store window. She didn't stop there; she needed shoes. She bought two pair and a handbag to match. She wore the dress. After all, her suit was dirty she decided with not one shred of guilt. And it was her birthday. With packages in hand, she decided to go home, it was getting late. She practically flew into the yard, scattering gravel all over. She never did that, but it felt good to let her hair down a little. No one rushed out to see what was wrong. Not one soul. Nothing moved. The ai
r seemed stagnant.
She shrugged. No one was home obviously. At least she could have a nice warm bath and maybe even a nap before she had to face anyone. Right now, she didn't want to face anyone. She was ashamed, and aggravated, that something had got the best of her.
She opened the screen door and slammed it behind her. She tossed her purse and keys on the couch and was about to go into the kitchen to get a drink of water when a crowd of people literally jumped out at her.
"Surprise! Happy Birthday!"
Oh Dear God, it was a surprise birthday party, and after she had acted so ugly to everyone. Her face suddenly reddened, her eyes filled with tears and she ran, crying, to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She heard the concerned voices, and then a soft knock at her door.
Burying her face in her hands, she sat on the edge of her bed and cried out, "Go away, please."
"Not on your life." Cooper's low voice seemed to fill the room as he came and kneeled down in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Hey," he said gently. "I didn't think a party would upset you so. You can blame me. It was my idea. When Josh told me today was your birthday, I insisted we do something big. I never dreamed it would upset you. Hey, relax, I'll send everyone home."
Buried in self-pity, Angela raised her head and looked at him with disbelief. "Don't you dare send anyone home."
He half smiled, half frowned. "No?"
"It's just that I've never had a party before, and I certainly wasn't expecting this one."
He frowned. "You've never had a party before?"
"Well, not in a very, very long time," she corrected, drying her eyes with the back of her hand, like a child.
He smiled, tipped her chin, and kissed her nose. "Then you're way overdue. Now come on. Put on that famous smile, and let's go party. And by the way, I like the dress."
He was irresistible when he smiled, and his kiss did more than he could know.
Josh was at the door. "Is she coming?"
"Yes, honey, I'm coming."
As she re entered the room, everyone shouted again, and she let out a nervous little laugh, greeting everyone with surprise and hugs.
Old, frog-throated Ramsey came up to her and hugged her. "Now, you don't really think we could let you turn thirty and not celebrate, do you? This is an occasion that only comes once in everyone's life and has to be acknowledged."
Angela chuckled. "I guess. Although it's hard to realize anything good about turning thirty."
Pat came up to her and hugged her. "Frankly, I wanted to tell you, but they made me promise. After all, a girl turning thirty is kinda private."
Angela laughed. Maybe turning thirty wasn't so bad, when there were good friends to celebrate with. The party was a complete success thanks to Cooper and Josh. Greg and Maxine showed up about an hour later, bearing gifts and champagne.
Someone brought a fiddle and a harmonica, and music really livened things up. Cake and ice cream were passed around, and Angela was asked to dance by every man there.
Every man except Cooper.
Perhaps he thought better of it. After all, he worked for her and he was obviously trying to keep things straight between them. He hadn't offered her a declaration of love. He hadn't even mentioned the other night. It was as if it had never happened. Maybe it was best left that way.
Mid way through the party everyone showered her with gifts. She opened them one by one, giving each and every person a big hug or kiss, except Cooper. He hadn't given her a gift. And yet, he had. He had thrown the party. That was his gift.
Josh hugged her. "This isn't much, but it's from the heart, Mom."
She grabbed her son to her, and opened the small package. It was a handmade pair of earrings, made of leather and shining tumbled rocks. The stones were bright golden brown, and dangled from the leather.
"Did you make this?" she asked in total surprise.
"Y…yes."
"It's beautiful, Josh. I love it. I never dreamed you could do something like this when I bought that rock tumbler for you." She grabbed him and kissed him on the cheek.
He reddened. "Cooper showed me how. We made it the night he told you we were dissecting frogs. We dissected frogs the next night. I knew you'd get all mushy."
Everyone laughed.
After everyone left, she picked up the dishes in the living room and carried them into the kitchen. Cooper came to stand in front of her, pulling her away from her task. "We'll have none of that, young lady," he scolded.
"But I've got to clean up the mess," she protested.
"Oh, no, you don't. Josh and I will take care of it. You go sit on the porch and enjoy the sunset." He put his finger on her lips when she started to protest. "Go."
She chuckled and obeyed. What had started out as a miserable day had become one she would never forget. All thanks to one man—Cooper.
She listened happily as Cooper and Josh carried on a light bantering in the kitchen. Suddenly, her house felt so much like a home. She loved the feeling. But how long would it continue? There was only one problem concerning her tonight. What would happen if Josh got too close to Cooper, and Cooper left? She was an adult; she would manage somehow, but Josh?
She was half asleep when Cooper came out to join her on the porch.
"Didn't mean to wake you," he said as she straightened herself in the swing.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep," she said with a chuckle, and straightened her hair. "I took your advice and watched the sunset, and before I knew it, I was gone. This was very nice of you, Coop. The party, I mean."
He smiled. Her toes curled. Partner came over and laid down at her feet. She took her shoes off and rubbed his back with her foot. Partner grunted and relaxed, spoiled to an affectionate rub.
Cooper suddenly stood over her, looking at her. "You know, we haven't danced all evening."
"You didn't ask me."
"I'm asking you now."
"Okay, but there's no music."
"We'll make our own. I didn't ask you because I'm not a very good dancer. I have two left feet." He smiled gently at her, and pulled her up by the hand.
He took her in his arms, holding her close, and they swayed as though a beautiful waltz was playing. She could feel his heartbeat, hard and fast.
"I haven't given you a present yet, either," he whispered in her ear.
"Oh, of course you have. The party was a beautiful present."
His eyes shone into hers. "Was it?"
She looked at him breathlessly. "Yes."
"Josh promised to do his studies, and hit the sack early," he said huskily looking deep into her eyes.
"Did he?"
The sun had set, but it left an afterglow that bathed them in a golden hue. His arms tightened around her and his lips found hers with unerring accuracy. She had ached for this kiss for days. Her hands wrapped slowly around his neck, and played against his nape. His hair tickled her fingers, sensitizing her.
He deepened the kiss as his tongue encircled hers, tasting her sweetness, as his hands moved over body methodically. He pulled away to look at her and smile. Taking her hand, he said quietly, "Come on. I've got another surprise for you."
"Oh, Coop, you shouldn't have," she began to protest, but he continued pulling her off the porch and toward the barn.
Opening the barn door for her, he motioned her inside. As she walked inside, she saw a dim glow from one of the stalls.
"Come on," he encouraged, pulling her by the hand over to the lit stall.
She stood in awe as he opened the gate and waited for her to enter.
"W…what's this?" She half laughed, half sighed as she took in the candlelight, with red-checkered tablecloth and desert and wine.
"It's sort of a private little party. A romantic dinner for two. Sorry it's in the barn, but nowhere else seemed appropriate. I temporarily moved Elmerine and her bunch out of the barn." He gestured for her to sit on the soft pile of hay on one side, while he took the other side and glanced at her.
She w
as speechless. She watched through dampened lashes as he poured her wine, then his. When he offered her the wine she took it shyly.
"I'm not sure we got off to the right foot, Angel. Neither one of us were thinking straight the other night. Not that I didn't enjoy every moment of it. But, we left out a few things. Like getting to know each other. Like sharing a few thoughts, hopes and maybe even dreams."
Her face went scarlet. Was he apologizing? Was he sorry?
"I'd like to give you my present now," he murmured lowly.
"You don't have to . . ." she began, only to half strangle on her words as he pulled a delicate chain necklace from his shirt pocket, with a diamond dangling at his fingertips.
She gasped. "Oh, Coop, you shouldn't have done this. Really."
He smiled, turning her around and fastening it around her neck. "I wanted to." Then he gazed at her, and kissed her lightly on the nose. She was hungry for more, but dared not.
From the mere sparkle of it she knew the diamond was real, and that it had to cost a small fortune. A fortune Cooper could not afford.
Her hand fell against the diamond, and she closed her eyes for a long moment, then shook her head. Her eyes pleaded with him. "You can't give this to me. It's much too expensive. I can't accept it, even though it's the loveliest thing I've seen."
"You can, and you will. You really like it?"
"Like it? I love it, but I can't accept this. I'm sorry. But you can't afford . . ."
"I can afford it," he replied easily.
"Not on a farm manager's salary," she began only to be stayed by a firm hand.
He slumped against the railing. He hung his head in silence a moment, waiting for his heartbeat to slow, waiting for her eyes to search him out.
"I guess it's time I let you in on something. I'm not just a poor farm boy, Angel. I should have told you sooner, but there were some things I wanted to know about you first."
"You're not just a poor farm boy?" She sat up once more, fingering the delicate chain as she stared at him blankly. The gravity of his voice made her look into his eyes.
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