Slade’s grip on the steering wheel was white knuckled. His jaw clenched and he drew in calming breaths. “Are you all right?”
“Are you?” Tory touched his arm. Beneath her fingers, his muscles were bunched as though locked in place. “I’m fine. The seat belt works great.”
He angled his head toward her, the darkness in his eyes reaching out to her. Then he firmed his mouth into a grim line and eased across the intersection. He didn’t release his tight grip until he pulled into the lane leading to the ranch house. When he’d parked, he sank back, cushioning his head on the headrest. His hands shook as he removed them from the steering wheel.
“Thank goodness Mindy wasn’t in the car,” he whispered, his voice raw. “She’s doing so well, I’m afraid…” His voice faded into the silence.
Tory’s heart broke. She slid across the seat and took him into her embrace. “That was an example of how precarious life can be. In a blink of an eye, everything can change.”
He pulled back to look at her. “I’m glad not this time. But you’re right, which means we need to make the most of what we have.”
“Live for the moment?”
“To a certain extent, but we should always have our thoughts on the future.”
“Well, with that in mind, get changed and let’s go for a ride. I still need to check out the new mare.” She scooted back to her side of the car, aware of their close proximity that did strange things to her insides. She thrust open the door and tossed over her shoulder, “You have five minutes to change. The last one ready gets to cool down the horses.”
With the challenge thrown down, Tory raced for the house, taking the steps two at a time. Slade pounded up to the porch and pushed past her once she’d unlocked the door. When she entered the coolness of the entry hall, he was nowhere to be seen. She heard the slamming of drawers and a closet door and quickened her own pace.
Four minutes, twenty seconds later, a knock sounded at her bedroom door. She threw it open, dressed in jeans, T-shirt and riding boots, and found Slade on the other side, similarly dressed.
His grin was lopsided. “I guess this means I won.”
“You cheated.”
“I did not.”
“I had to open the door.”
“Because you were the first one there. I can’t help it if the key was hard to get out.”
“I should have left it in the door,” Tory muttered, and came out of her bedroom.
“Do you want to race to the barn?” He waggled his eyebrows. “Double or nothing.”
“I think I’ll cut my losses. Your legs are definitely quite a bit longer than mine.”
“I’ll give you a head start.”
“How much?” She paused in the entry hall.
“Out the door and down the steps.”
Tory dug into her jeans pocket and fingered the house key. “Okay.”
She hurried out the door and quickly locked the dead bolt before Slade realized what she was doing. She heard his shouts as she ran down the steps and across the yard.
When Slade finally arrived in the barn a moment later, he said, “You play dirty, Tory Donaldson.”
“You didn’t say I couldn’t lock the door.”
“I had to go out the back door and around the house,” he grumbled, but the frown on his face was a pretense if the twinkle in his eyes was any indication.
She clasped her hand over her heart. “Poor Slade. I feel for you.”
“I get no sympathy.” He scanned the barn. “Which horse do I ride?”
“Black Charger.”
“I don’t like that name. Isn’t he the one you don’t use with the children?”
Tory laughed. “Only because he is so big. Perfect for you but for small kids he’s too tall.”
“Sure. This from the woman who locks me in the house in order to win the race.”
“You have a key to the dead bolt.”
He exaggerated his frown and mumbled something under his breath. “Bring on Black Charger. I have something to prove today.”
Tory saddled her new mare while Slade followed suit with his gelding. Then she led Buttercup out of the barn and mounted her. When Slade was on his horse, she started for the trail that led to the pond. The sun was high in the sky, bright and hot. A light, warm breeze cooled her cheeks and made the ride bearable until they got to the trees. In the shade of the woods Tory stopped and twisted around to see how Slade was doing.
He bounced along, his gelding doing a fast trot. He clutched his reins too tight and he sat too far back in the saddle. Halting the horse beside Tory’s, he sagged forward.
“I think every bone in my body has been jarred.”
“Remind me to give you some riding lessons.”
“Now you tell me, when I still have to go all the way back to the barn.”
“Relax. You need to loosen your hold on the reins. The horse can’t move his head. Sit forward some in the saddle. You’re too far back. The more in tune with the horse, the better the ride.”
“Can I just hold on to the horn if he decides to bolt?”
“He won’t. This is a pleasure ride.”
“Pleasure ride? Your idea of pleasure is very different from mine.”
“Come on. I’ll go slow and easy the rest of the way to the pond. We’ll let the horses graze a while before heading back.”
“If I get off this horse, I don’t know if I’ll ever get back on.”
Tory laughed, loving the teasing tone in his voice. He was enjoying himself as much as she was. She loved to ride, to be one with a horse. What would Slade do if she set her mare into a gallop? Probably panic.
One day she and Slade would race across the meadow. That picture popped into her mind with such clarity that she was surprised. And yet, the vision felt right. She now saw her life with Slade by her side. Maybe those children she wanted wasn’t that far-fetched an idea.
She threw a glance over her shoulder to check on Slade. The grimace on his face made her smile. “Relax. We’re almost there.”
“We still have to go all the way back.”
“I can’t believe a man who was determined to fight a family of skunks would feel that way.”
“If I remember correctly, I didn’t win that battle. It wasn’t until you had a professional come out that we got rid of the skunk family.”
“But you gave it your best shot.”
“All I can say is I hope they’re enjoying their new home miles from us.”
“Skunks are so cute looking. It’s a shame people feel that way about them being around.”
“You have to admit they have a wonderful defense.”
“It sure makes me pause going near one.” Again she looked back toward Slade. “But you on the other hand went toe-to-toe with the mama.”
“Hey, I had a hose in my hand and yards and yards of ground between me and her.”
“Did you know a skunk’s spray can reach across yards and yards?”
He rolled his eyes. “Now you tell me.”
Tory left the trees behind. The glittering water beckoned. She nudged her mare a little faster, relishing the bright sunlight that bathed her face. It was a beautiful day, not a care to disturb her thoughts. When she neared the edge of the pond, she halted Buttercup and swung off her.
Slade came to a stop next to Tory. “I thought you weren’t going to go faster than a walk.”
“I couldn’t resist.” She smiled up at him and the world came to a grinding halt.
The sparkle in his eyes and the grin on his face sent her heart beating at a rapid pace. This man was important to her. He was offering her a second chance at the things she wanted in life. His patience with Mindy and her was unbelievable. Could she trust him with her heart, enough to be a wife in every sense?
His gaze left hers for a few seconds as he dismounted. When he reestablished eye contact, his reins fell toward the ground. He reached out and brushed her loose hair behind her ear, then cradled her cheek.
“Y
ou’re beautiful, Tory.”
She wanted to say something, but her throat seemed to close. He moved nearer. The feel of his palm against her skin, the blue gleam in his eyes, meant only for her, riveted her to the ground.
“I want you.”
The husky words didn’t send her into a panic. Instead, they caused her stomach to flip-flop. Was she ready to put the past completely behind her? To forget about her fears and surrender totally and willingly to another? When he touched her, she didn’t feel dirty, used.
His other hand came up to frame her face. He inched forward and leaned toward her. When his mouth grazed hers, the last thing she wanted to do was push away. She went completely into his embrace while his lips settled over hers. This felt so right. He wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t force her to give more than she wanted.
She stood locked in his arms, her head lying on his chest, for a long time. The quick tempo of his heartbeat matched hers. The warmth of his embrace went beyond comforting. She cuddled closer, enjoying the protective ring of his arms.
“I’m perfectly content to stay here all afternoon,” Slade murmured against the top of her head. “But we need to pick Mindy up in an hour from Laurie’s.”
“Yes, and we still have the slow ride back to the barn and you’ll have to cool down two horses.” She leaned back.
“I protest that bet.” His brow furrowed.
She smoothed the lines away. “Tell you what. I’ll take care of Buttercup while you take care of Black Charger.”
“And I’ll take you and Mindy out to eat tonight. We’ll celebrate.”
“What?”
He waved his hand in the air. “Oh, I don’t know. How about what a beautiful day this is?”
“Sounds good to me. Race you to the barn?” She started toward her mare.
He halted her progress with a hand on her arm. “No way, Mrs. Donaldson. Remember, slow and easy. I’m a beginner. Maybe one day we can race back. But this isn’t the day.”
“Chicken.”
“And proud of it. I know my limits.”
Tory waited until Slade mounted his gelding before getting up onto Buttercup. “I’m impressed. It only took two attempts to mount him.”
“I’m a quick learner.”
The ride back was done in silence. Tory savored the quiet, letting her thoughts wander to what happened at the pond. He had told her she would decide, set the pace, and he’d been true to his word. Maybe this evening they could explore more of their relationship.
After taking care of the horses, Tory headed toward the house with Slade beside her. “I need a shower before we pick up Mindy.”
“I could use one, too.”
His words, spoken casually, doubled her heartbeat. She slanted a look at him and realized his remark was an innocent one.
“I get dibs first.”
“Of course, beauty before brains.”
“I’m not even gonna touch that line.”
His laughter echoed through the house as Tory hurried toward her bedroom, grabbed her robe and disappeared into the bathroom. For four years she’d gotten used to being by herself. Now she couldn’t imagine this house without others in it. But Slade was right. This place was too small, especially if their family ever grew. That thought brought a smile to her mouth as she stepped into the shower and quickly washed the smell of horse and sweat off her body.
After toweling dry, Tory slipped on her terry-cloth robe and belted it. She ran a brush through her long hair, remembering Slade once telling her he liked it down about her shoulders. Was that why she was wearing it like that more? The realization she wanted to please Slade gave her pause. She was falling in love. When had that sneaked up on her? If she was truthful with herself, it had started from the very beginning with his concern and passion for his daughter.
A knock at the door startled her out of her musing. “Yes?”
“There’s a phone call for you from Judy.”
“Tell her I’ll call her back in a few minutes.”
“You’d better answer it now.”
His tone of voice warned her something was wrong. She thrust open the door, aware she was only wearing her robe, and took the portable phone from him. “Judy?”
“It’s Mom. The ambulance just left. She’s been taken to the hospital. She had a heart attack. You need to come to Dallas.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Tory stood framed in the picture window at her parents’ house, staring at the street where she’d grown up. Dusk settled over the landscape, forcing some of the neighbors to switch on their lights. She remained in the dark, needing its comfort and shield.
Dallas. When she’d left four years before, she’d never wanted to return, hoped she would never have to. Her mother’s heart attack had changed all that, and now she was faced with the past. Across the street and two doors down was Brandon Clayton’s parents’ house. They had thought their son had done nothing wrong, that she had lied about the rape. They had been so vocal in their protest, even though she had ended up in the hospital overnight from a concussion and cracked ribs.
“Tory?”
She pivoted toward the sound of Slade’s voice.
“I got the overnight bag down. You’ll need to pack what your mother needs.”
She’d promised her father she would get some things for her mother, but she hadn’t realized how difficult it would be coming back to this street. “I’m gonna stay at the hospital tonight. You and Mindy can stay here or at Judy’s.” She walked toward her parents’ bedroom, her hands trembling, her legs weak.
“Brad said something about taking Mindy home with him so she could see Ashley and Jamie. I’ll stay with you.”
“No, you don’t have to,” she said in a rush. At his raised brow, she continued in a slower voice. “Mindy’s upset. She’ll need you.” She knew that argument would persuade him as no other.
“I guess then I’ll stay with her.”
“You should be with her as much as possible.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”
No! I’m not sure about anything right now. “Yes.” The wounds of the past lay open, festering with the memories she tried to forget.
Only the day before she’d thrown aside her defenses and had contemplated making her marriage real in every sense. But all the fear and doubts had resurfaced the minute Slade had turned his car down this street—actually, when she’d seen the skyline of Dallas in the distance.
Tory hurriedly stuffed into the overnight bag what her mother would need. She needed to get out of the house before she fell apart. She didn’t to have time for that. Her mother needed her and she was determined to be there for her. She ran four years ago. She wouldn’t now no matter what turmoil she experienced.
Tory took the bag and left the bedroom to return to the living room where Slade was waiting. The worry and concern she’d seen in his eyes on more than one occasion was evident as he rose and reached for the suitcase. His fingers brushed hers. She snatched her hand away, inter-locking her fingers to still their trembling.
The doorbell rang. Tory gasped at the intrusion. She looked toward the door but didn’t move. Slade strode to it and pulled it open.
“May I help you?”
“How’s Eleanor? I saw the car in the driveway and we all want to know how she’s doing.” The gray-haired woman gestured toward the houses on the street.
Mrs. Johnston. Tory closed her eyes for a few seconds before filling her lungs with a deep breath and heading for the door. “Mom’s holding her own. They want to do triple bypass surgery on her as soon as she is stable and her condition is good.”
“Oh, dear me. I was so worried when I saw the ambulance leave here yesterday afternoon.” Mrs. Johnston peered around Slade, her gaze directed at Tory. “I didn’t know if you would come home.”
The censure in the woman’s voice shredded Tory’s composure. She dug her fingernails into her palms and counted to ten. Mrs. Johnston had been one of the doubters. She lived
next door to Brandon’s parents and let it be known she didn’t believe Tory’s version of the events. She schooled her features into a neutral expression and said, “Of course, I’d come home. Mom had a heart attack. She’ll have surgery tomorrow or the next day. I wouldn’t be any other place but beside her. Thank you, Mrs. Johnston, for inquiring about her health. I’ll tell her when I see her in a little while.”
“She can receive visitors?”
“Just family.”
Mrs. Johnston’s sharp gaze shifted to Slade, her mouth pinched into a frown. She stuck out her hand toward him. “I’m a neighbor from across the street.”
“I’m Tory’s husband.” He shook the woman’s hand.
“Ah, I remember your mother saying something about going to a wedding a few months ago.”
“That would have been mine.”
“You didn’t send out any invitations?”
“No, Mrs. Johnston. It was a quiet wedding with a few friends and family.”
The woman snorted. “Tell your mother I’ll be up to see her when she can receive visitors.”
Slade closed the front door as Mrs. Johnston stomped down the porch steps. Tory went to the picture window and watched the older woman make her way across the street and to Brandon’s parents’ house. She clenched her teeth and sucked in several deep breaths.
“A charming neighbor. Did I detect an undertone there?”
“I always said you were intuitive. She doubted my story about being raped and voiced her opinion to whoever would listen. She only came over to check out who was here. Mom and she hadn’t been on the friendliest terms since—” Tory swallowed the rest of her words. She didn’t want to go into the dynamics of the neighborhood right now.
“We’ve got everything. Let’s get going. I’ll drop you off at the hospital, make sure your mother is doing okay and go see how Mindy is doing.”
“Give Mindy a kiss for me.”
“I’ll bring her to the hospital tomorrow morning. If I don’t, she’ll pester me until I do.”
Slade locked the door to her parents’ house while she carried the overnight bag to the car. When he joined her, Tory noticed Mrs. Clayton out on her porch talking with Mrs. Johnston. Both women turned and stared at her as she slid into Slade’s car. A shudder shivered up her spine. She had done nothing wrong, but they made her feel as though she had. When would she be able to put the rape behind her?
A Family for Tory Page 16
