by Cat Johnson
Rohn’s lips tipped up in a smile. “Good. I won’t keep you out too late. I promise.”
She kind of wished he would keep her out late, but that would have to be for another time when she’d come up with a better lie. She’d need to pretend she and Melody were doing something else together. She would think on it.
Right now, all she wanted to think about was how good Rohn’s hand felt on hers.
“Come on.” He stood, tugging her out of her seat after him.
The ice-cream shop was just down the road so they walked. She was grateful for that. He wouldn’t see how she’d chained up her bike to the rack on the sidewalk like a little kid.
All the cool girls had cars, but she still had the first big girl bike she’d gotten for Christmas more than eight years ago.
The ice-cream place was packed, not surprising since it was a beautiful summer night. There were families with kids out for a treat, and also couples on dates, like her and Rohn. That thought made her smile.
What was a surprise, and kind of a relief, was that they didn’t see anyone from school. It was a small town, but not so small that she knew every single person who lived in it.
Tonight she didn’t know anyone in the ice-cream shop, and that was just fine.
The part of Bonnie who waited for the other shoe to drop, the half of her that kept whispering doubt and telling her not to be too happy because it couldn’t possibly last, had her fearing that if Rohn ran into one of his guy buddies he might dismiss her. He could pretend they were just friends. He might stop holding her hand and looking at her like he couldn’t wait to kiss her again. She didn’t want that to ever stop.
They seated themselves at a booth. She slid in first and instead of sitting opposite her, Rohn instead slid in next to her.
She felt the heat of his thigh through the denim as he pressed close to her. “What are you having?”
Bonnie hadn’t even looked at the menu. She grabbed it now.
“I think a small cone.” She was too nervous to be able to fit much of anything in her fluttering stomach, but ice cream in small amounts should go down smoothly enough.
“What flavor?” he asked.
That might be harder to narrow down. She was such a fool for him she’d forgotten this place had dozens of choices.
“Um . . .” She glanced down at the menu.
One flavor jumped out at her. It had a red banner next to it that read Seasonal Special—Strawberry Cheesecake—cheesecake-flavored ice cream with strawberries and bits of graham cracker crust.
Hungry or not, she found her mouth watering just from the description alone. “This one.”
He leaned over to read the line on the menu she was pointing to and lifted his brow. “Wow. That sounds really good.”
Satisfied with her choice, she asked, “What are you getting?”
He glanced down at his own menu, but only for a second before he pushed it to the other side of the table. “I usually get mint chocolate chip. I’ll probably just stick with that.”
That statement, and the fact that he barely had to look at the menu, had Bonnie wondering how often Rohn came here and how many girls he’d brought. She couldn’t think like that.
Against all odds, like a scene from her wildest dreams, he was with her now, and that was all that mattered. That and making sure her parents didn’t find out she’d lied about whom she was meeting.
Maybe she should have just told her mother the truth. That Rohn had asked her out, but her father was so weird sometimes. The littlest things could set him off, depending on what mood he was in.
The year of the big drought when they’d lost so much money and her mother had to get a job at the grocery store, Bonnie had walked around on eggshells. They both did, trying to not do anything to anger her father and send him into a rage.
Nope. It was safer this way. Who knew how he’d react to Rohn and the date. In fact, it had probably been risky to agree to come to the ice-cream shop. Though if she knew one thing, it was that her father had never set foot in here as long as she could remember.
Glancing around, she didn’t see anyone he was friendly with or talked to, either. They were most likely safe.
She looked over at Rohn and found him watching her. He smiled when he caught her gaze. “Awful lot of thinking going on in that pretty little head of yours.”
He’d called her pretty. She swallowed away the mixed nervousness and excitement that caused. “I was just thinking . . .”
He waited expectantly as she searched for the right words. Finally, he prompted, “About?”
“How we shouldn’t mention anything about tonight to my parents.”
His brows rose. “Okay. Why not?”
Because she’d already lied about whom she was with. Bonnie kept that to herself and shrugged, trying to look casual as she made up an excuse. “I’m not sure if my father would like me going out with you, because, you know, you work for him.”
Rohn frowned. “You don’t think so? I thought he liked me.”
“He does. At least, he seems to . . . I don’t know. He’s just strange about things like that.”
“A’ight. If he’s one of those fathers who doesn’t think anybody is good enough to date his daughter, then I understand.”
“Yeah.” She agreed, even though she didn’t think that was it at all.
It was more like her father just liked to control things—her life included. And he really didn’t like any change. He hadn’t even wanted her going to Arizona for college. He and her mother had argued long and hard about that subject. If Bonnie’s grandmother didn’t live in Phoenix, and Bonnie wouldn’t be living with her instead of in the dorms, she had no doubt she’d never have been allowed to enroll there.
She caught Rohn’s gaze. “So, you think we can just keep tonight a secret?”
“Sure.” He tipped his head and then smiled. “It’s kind of fun, actually. You and me, secretly dating.”
His comment made her think there was going to be more than just this one date between them. Feeling giddy, Bonnie said, “Like Romeo and Juliet.”
He laughed. “Yes, but let’s hope we have better luck than they did. You know, since they both ended up dead.”
She smiled. “Yeah, let’s hope.”
The waitress came to the table and interrupted their conversation, but Bonnie continued to beam with happiness on the inside, and probably on the outside, too. She was dating Rohn. She was Rohn Lerner’s girlfriend.
Who knew? One day she could even become Bonnie Lerner. Yes, it was premature since this was their first date and all, but it could happen.
She tamped down her crazy dream for the future and watched him order for both her and him—just like men did for their dates in the movies. Feeling more adult than she ever had, Bonnie tried to assume the air that this happened all the time.
Meanwhile, she was bubbling over inside.
With all this excess energy, she’d practically fly home on her bike. But before that happened, she’d have to say good night to Rohn. With any luck, there’d be a good-night kiss.
Her heart fluttered with anticipation.
The waitress left, and Rohn reached out to grab her hand in his again. She’d never forget this night as long as she lived.
Chapter Ten
Summer, 2015 (Present Day)
Sitting in his office, Rohn glanced at the pile of mail on his desk. He hated going through the mail. It was always the same thing. A lot of crap he’d have to toss, mixed in with bills he’d have to pay. There was nothing fun about that.
Deciding it could wait, he stood. There was something else he needed to do, anyway. Something more important.
Tyler was in the kitchen pouring himself a cup of coffee. Rohn lifted a brow. “I thought my coffee sucked compared to Janie’s.”
“It does.”
“So why you drinking it?”
“Let’s just say we were running a little late this morning and we didn’t get around to having coffee o
ver at her place.”
He held up one hand to stop any further explanation. “I don’t need the whole song and dance.”
Rohn could very well guess what had Tyler and Janie running late this morning, and he sure as hell didn’t need to picture it.
Tyler’s lips twitched with a smile. “You asked.”
“I know, and let’s forget that I did. Anyway, I need y’all to finish up with the stock and then come see me right after. I got something for you to do.”
“Sure. What’s up?”
Rohn really didn’t want to answer that question. Tyler was too intuitive sometimes for a young guy who seemed to live only for trucks and sex. Rohn knew he was going to suspect something was going on the moment the subject of Bonnie came up.
The clues would all be there. For one, Rohn was going to pull his entire crew and one of his trucks from a day of work at the ranch and send them to Bonnie’s house.
For another, Rohn hadn’t shown any interest in Tilly, even though she was clearly interested in something with him. As the night had gone on, and the wine started to hit her, she got pretty flirtatious, not to mention handsy.
Good thing Rohn had played football in high school. He knew how to evade offensive maneuvers when necessary. He’d evaded Tilly’s advances, in spite of Tyler’s suggestion to grab himself a little loving with no strings attached.
Even if Tyler didn’t know he’d gone over to Bonnie’s directly after dinner, by way of the ice-cream shop, he’d still know that Rohn had left Janie’s house alone.
There was nothing to be done about it. Bonnie needed the help, so Rohn plowed ahead. “I need you, Justin, and Colton to head on over to a friend’s house and help her out.”
“Her? As in a woman?” Tyler widened his eyes.
Rohn drew in a calming breath. “Yes, her, and get any crazy notions out of your head right now.”
“Why? If there’s a woman in your life—”
“There’s not. I went to high school with her. She just lost her father and she’s trying to clean out the house all by herself. I thought it might be nice to lend her a little help.”
Tyler sobered at the news of Bonnie’s loss. “Understood. Of course, we’ll help her out. No problem at all.”
Finally, Tyler was doing what he’d asked, and without complaint.
“Thank you.” Rohn nodded. “Take the truck. There’s a ton of shit in the house that needs to get hauled to the dump.”
A ton might not be too much of an exaggeration, based on what Rohn had seen the night before. Bonnie’s father sure had collected a lot of stuff over the years. Collected being a nice term for what he’d seen. He didn’t know how Bonnie had slept in that mess. He couldn’t call to ask her, either, since she’d never given him her cell phone number, nor had she called him or texted him on his.
Of course, there was a good chance her dad had kept their old house phone and number. He liked that idea enough to give it a try.
“Let me know before you leave,” he told Tyler.
“Will do.” As Tyler took off toward the barn carrying his cup of coffee, Rohn headed toward the office.
Rohn closed his office door behind him. The boys would come busting in even with the door closed, but at least he’d have a little bit of privacy. He sat at the desk and grabbed the big yellow phone book the phone company still delivered annually, even though half of the folks around there no longer had house phones and used only a cell.
He flipped to the M section of the residential listings and from there to Martin. There it was, in black and white. Bonnie Martin’s father’s name and address.
Thinking how nice it was that even with all the change, some things stayed the same, Rohn pulled out his cell and punched in the digits.
It rang a few times, and then he heard her voice. “Hello?”
“Good morning, Bonnie Blue. It’s Rohn. How’d you sleep?” He heard the telltale sound of her stretching. Realizing how early it was, he cussed. “I woke you up, didn’t I?”
Here he was, worrying about her sleeping, and he was the one to wake her.
“No, I was mostly awake. I just didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night so I couldn’t motivate myself to get off the couch.”
Beneath his breath he cussed again at the news she’d slept on the sofa when he had a perfectly good guest room for her to sleep in.
“Bonnie.” Frustrated, he shook his head even though she couldn’t see it. He was more upset with himself for allowing her to be uncomfortable all night than at her for making the choice to be that way. “I should have insisted that you sleep here.”
“You could have insisted all you wanted, but I wouldn’t have done it. I was perfectly fine here. Honestly. I sleep best in my own bed, and that happens to be in Arizona. It wouldn’t have mattered whether I was in your guest room or here.”
He didn’t completely believe that. Sleeping in a nice comfortable air-conditioned bedroom had to be better than the sofa in that sweltering pigsty he’d seen. Hopefully, she’d at least turned on the A/C before she turned in for the night.
It seemed the years had made his Bonnie Blue stubborn. Gone was the compliant girl he’d known. He liked a woman with spunk and a mind of her own—he liked it on Bonnie, even though she was no longer his—but not when it caused her to make needlessly foolish choices.
“Well, it’s not going to happen again tonight.”
“Rohn, I’m fine—”
“We’re getting that place cleaned out today, Bonnie.” Rude or not, he cut off her protest. “Then tonight you can sleep in your own bed—or at least your old bed.”
“We? And who is this we?” There was a smile in her tone as she picked up on the way he’d phrased his declaration.
“I got three guys and a truck coming to your place. They’ll be there in probably an hour or so. You might want to put some clothes on. I don’t want them staring at that cute little T-shirt and those shorts you were in last night. They won’t get any work done.” Rohn smiled, knowing the compliment would put her off guard.
He was right, because it took her a few seconds to reply, “Okay.”
“You want breakfast?”
“Rohn, please don’t bother—”
“I’ll take that as a yes. See you soon.” He hung up before she could protest further.
Rohn had been waffling about whether he should go over to her place right away or give the guys a bit of time and check on her later.
He didn’t want to look too pushy, but hell, he supposed that horse was already out of the barn since he was sending over help whether she wanted it or not. He might as well be there, too, and make sure she ate something other than ice cream for breakfast.
Happy with that plan, he smiled and reached for the pile of mail. He’d have to give her a bit of time to get herself together before going over. He could get the nasty task of going through the mail completed, and then head to the diner and grab a couple of egg sandwiches.
He’d better get enough for the boys, too. At their age, they could eat all day and still not be full. Plus, he owed them. They were doing him a favor even if he was going to pay them for the day. Pawing through and hauling away what could very well be twenty-five years’ worth of garbage was definitely not what they’d hired on for.
They were good kids. They’d do whatever Rohn asked of them. They might grumble the whole time, but they’d do it. And unlike having his own children, he could send them home at the end of the day.
Chuckling at that thought, he tossed the first piece of junk mail into the trash can below his desk and picked up the square white envelope below it. Frowning, he tore open the flap and then pulled out a thick invitation.
A few days ago he would have groaned at what he read. Today, it brought a smile to his face. His twenty-fifth high school reunion . . . and Rohn knew exactly who he was going to ask to be his date.
They’d missed going to the prom together because they’d met too late, but they could certainly go to this.
/> Summer, 1990
Rohn sped across the field, bouncing in the seat of the tractor, pushing the machine to the maximum speed he dared.
Only when he reached the barn did he lower the throttle he’d kept on high. He turned the key in the ignition to off and hopped to the ground. He spun toward the house and was surprised to see his boss standing right in front of him.
“You’re finished early today.”
“Yes, sir.” Rohn dipped his head in response to Mr. Martin’s observation. What he didn’t mention was that he’d worked his butt off to finish early so he could go home and change for his secret date with Bonnie.
“You got a hot date tonight or something?” The older man grinned and then spat a stream of brown tobacco-tinged spittle to the ground. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the man’s guess nearly had Rohn choking.
“Yeah, something like that.” Rohn hoped he didn’t sound as guilty as he felt.
“Well, go on then. Don’t let me hold you up. You’re done with your work, so you can go.” Mr. Martin turned toward the house, where Rohn’s truck was parked.
“Thank you for letting me go a little early.” Rohn cut his gaze sideways at Mr. Martin as they walked side by side toward the house.
He and Bonnie were still keeping their relationship secret from her parents and it was starting to wear on him. Especially at times like this when he had to speak directly with her father and fudge the truth.
“You earned it. You’re working real hard here. Besides, a good-looking young guy like yourself should have a little fun once in a while. You’re doing a good job, son.” Mr. Martin slapped Rohn on the back.
All the compliments did was raise Rohn’s level of guilt over deceiving the man.
“Thank you, sir.” They’d reached the house and the last thing Rohn wanted to do was run into Bonnie and have to hold a conversation with her in front of her parents, all while pretending he wasn’t secretly meeting her in town in a couple of hours. He stopped before they reached the back door and hooked a thumb toward the driveway where his truck was parked. “I’m gonna head out.”
“All right. Have a good night.”
