On a Gamble

by Rose Lange

  It’d been a long time since one man had her smiling for no reason. She’d been lighter on her feet, and anxious for the next time she would see him. It wasn’t just his chiseled good looks, but he seemed to have a heart of gold. Like today, when they’d fed the chickens, how gentle he was. The way he’d put his all into the chores, as they worked side by side. That mega-watt smile on his face, and his relaxed posture, as if he’d been genuinely happy to be there.

  A chill shot up her spine as she recalled his brother’s death, remembering the haunted look on his face, and how she’d unknowingly put it there. It broke her heart to think of the weight he still appeared to be carrying. She knew the feeling, because even though many years had passed since her parents died, it still made her heartache at the thought.

  A soft rap at the door broke her thoughts loose.

  She sat up in bed. “Come in.”

  Her grandma poked her head in, a smile on her face. She held a warm cup of what smelled like hot cocoa. Gently, she shut the door behind her. “I thought you might be able to use this, figured you couldn’t sleep.”

  Charlie frowned. “And what gave you that idea?”

  She sat on the edge of the bed, handing her a cup. Charlie took an appreciative sip, the warm, soothing liquid like honey going down her throat.

  “Oh, just figured you were thinking of a certain someone, by the name of Alex.”

  Charlie said nothing, trying to ignore her grandma’s giggles. She could see right through her, as she’d never been very good at hiding her emotions. She cleared her throat. “I was not.”

  Grandma shook her head. “Goodness dear, I’ve known you since you were in diapers. I know when the love bug has bitten my granddaughter.”

  Evading the direction of the conversation, she took another sip. “The love bug did not bite me, Grandma.”

  Pearl shook her head. “Well, something bit you that’s for sure. I know it when I see it. You could barely take your eyes off him at dinner, even if you were trying to be coy. And that boy definitely returns your affections.”

  “Grandma!”

  Right away she was shushed, and lovingly tapped Charlie’s knee. “The way he looks at you, oh goodness. If I was your age, and single, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed for eating crackers,” she teased.

  Charlie’s neck heated. Grandma Pearl had never been so frank in her speech before. “Grandma, you’re embarrassing me.”

  She waved her comment away. “I’m only being honest. Why, I love your grandfather very much, but I can appreciate a good-looking man when I see one. And I see one that has eyes for you, Charlie.”

  Charlie slunk down into the covers, and wrapped her hands around the still warm mug; about finished with the tasty beverage, the conversation was getting out of hand. She figured the best way to end it was to feign fatigue. Putting a hand over her mouth, she faked a yawn.

  “I think you should ask him out.”

  Charlie frowned, well that obviously didn’t work. “But I’ve only known him for a few days.”

  “A date is just the place and time to get to know him more.”

  She shrugged, setting the mug on the nightstand. “I’ll think about it.”

  Her grandmother didn’t say another word as she gathered the mug, gave Charlie a cunning smile, and let herself out.

  She turned out the light, snuggled into the covers, and tried to get some sleep.

  Charlie looked at her appearance in her bathroom mirror the next morning. Running a brush through her hair, she wished she could wear it down past her shoulders, but it would only get in the way. Her grandma’s advice teased her brain. Thinking she wouldn’t mind dressing up, going out on a date. But seeing as she was his employer, she felt it would be awkward. She frowned, wondering if maybe her grandma tried to play matchmaker, and made all these disappearing acts on purpose. Heck, they weren’t even disappearing acts. She was just never around. Usually she’d frequent the barnyard to help out during the day with the lighter tasks.

  After their conversation last night, it wouldn’t surprise her in the least.

  A sharp knock at the front door broke her thoughts free. Quickly throwing her hair in a ponytail, she walked downstairs to answer it. Even though she knew it was Alex, she couldn’t resist as she looked through the kitchen window. Grinning from ear to ear, his smiling face greeted her from the other side.

  Gathering her wits about her she opened the door.

  “Good morning, Charlie.”

  “Good morning, Alex. Have you had breakfast? I’m sorry but my grandma isn’t here. She and Grandpa went into town to do some shopping.” Why she rambled in the first place she had no idea. Truth was, she was self-conscious, and very aware that they were alone, more so than usual.

  “No, I’m fine thanks. Had breakfast on the way here,” he said.

  Charlie grabbed a light jacket as they made their way to the barn. “Okay, let’s get started.”

  She mentally listed the chores for the day, unlocking the barnyard door she picked up the necessary tools. Blindly grabbing for the feed bucket, but came up empty. “What the heck?” Shaking her head, she looked down to find them missing.

  She stole a glance up at the hayloft. Pursing her lips, she wondered if a certain meddling someone moved it on purpose.

  Damn it, Grandma.

  Well, whatever grandma had in mind, it wouldn’t work.

  “Do you need a hand?” he asked, spying her starting to make her way up the ladder.

  She waved his question away. “No, I’m okay thanks. Can’t imagine why they were moved in the first place.”

  There I go, rambling again. Just get them and be done with it.

  Charlie swiftly climbed the ladder, and made quick work of grabbing them. Making her way back down, her foot made its way to what she thought was the ground, when on the second to last step she hit nothing but air. Flailing backward, she landed against a warm, solid body instead of the cold concrete floor.

  Shaking her head, she tried to gather her bearings. Even in her disoriented state, she realized her backside was pressed indecently against his front.

  He gently rolled her over until her back lay against the barnyard floor. “Whoa, I’ve got you. Are you okay?”

  Swiping the hair from her face, she glanced up, only then realizing he lay on top of her. His hands on either side of her face, pinning her with magnetic chocolate brown eyes, tempting lips scant inches away, and words failed her.

  Oh. My. God.

  Her breath hitched, realizing what it would look like if someone wandered in here.

  God help her, she didn’t care. He looked even more delicious up close, just as delicious as the first time down by the watering hole. The burning need to kiss him twice as fierce. Her lips parted at his proximity. His body as muscular as she’d imagined, but easily molded to hers. He smelled heavenly, of a clean scented body wash, sexy and all male.

  Open, hot desire flared in his eyes, making her lightheaded. She could easily dive into the hypnotic depths of his intense gaze, and drown. Helplessly, her eyes lowered to his lusciously full lips, and that scruffy, sensual as hell facial hair. Making her want to get down on her knees, and beg, for one kiss. She wanted to lean over, kiss the nape of his neck, inhale his intoxicating scent, and nibble every last square inch.

  He moved one hand to softly caress her cheek. His stare bore into hers, sending her pulse flying from zero to sixty in a nanosecond. Using the pads of his thumbs to lightly stroke, entice, and tease. Moving lower still, he slowly skimmed down her neck, brushing along her collarbone. Shivers of white-hot need danced a chorus line up her spine. Even if he was only touching her neck, it lit her up. The hard planes of his chest flattened her breasts. Nipples went pebble hard underneath her shirt.

  Shaking her head, she tried to br
eak free of the spell he had her under. Tried to erase the erotic thoughts running freely through her mind. She finally forced her gaze to meet his. “I’m fine,” she murmured against his mouth, but made no motion to move.

  Coming to her senses, she lightly tapped on his chest and he rolled off of her. She brushed her jeans off, and put herself back together. “I’m fine,”—she repeated—“thank you for your help.”

  He cleared his throat. “Not a problem.”

  Normally she favored T-shirts while working, but today, she was thankful for the extra layer of her jacket. It had hidden her shame. Her attraction wore down a little further each day, growing stronger, and she felt powerless to stop it.

  The barnyard incident had been an accident, albeit a happy one.

  Alex drove home with those particular thoughts on repeat, unable to shake the images, the memories, free. Lush, feminine curves, easily melded against him, beautiful, dark chocolate colored hair, fanning about porcelain skin, and an angelic face. And who could forget that sinful perusal of hazel eyes, roving toward his mouth? Drawing him in, and my God, desperation almost made him give in to her obvious invitation.

  He grinned, thinking of all the improper things he wanted to do to Charlie. Right there in the middle of the barn, and in broad daylight no less.

  Good grief, even if he’d been tempted as hell for more, he feared one kiss would not satisfy his appetite. He pulled into the driveway, sending the sexy daydream scattering. Which had been happening more often than not lately. He wanted to ask her out on a date, but held back. A big helping of guilt over withholding his true purpose, and identity didn’t help matters.

  That was the problem. What would happen if they become involved beyond employer and employee? And speaking of which, he needed to find a way not to accept any money from them. He didn’t need it, but how in hell was he going to work his way around that one?

  With these somber thoughts he walked into his condo, and flicked on the lights. Removing his jacket, he tossed it on the floor because it desperately needed washing. Looking at himself in the hallway mirror, he felt ashamed and confused. He had to start writing down information as he took it in: the lay of the land, proximity to town, any other desirable traits, or notations.

  Honestly, though, he didn’t give a flying fuck.

  His dad wasn’t harping, but was afraid he’d start soon.

  He made his way into the kitchen, seeking a cold drink. The ringing phone blessedly cut off his train of thought.

  “Hi, Dad. What’s up?”

  “I don’t know son, you tell me. What’s the latest news about the land?”

  Alex let out a deep breath as he poured himself a glass of orange juice. He tried to think about how to explain this, but couldn’t think of a suitable lie so he opted for the truth. “I haven’t got much news to tell you, I’m sorry.”

  There was a long pause at the end of the line, then, “Well, okay, can you tell me why?”

  His dad didn’t sound angry, just honestly curious. Or at least he hoped so.

  Alex took a seat on the barstool, and rubbed his hand over his eyes. “Because I like her, Dad.”

  There, he’d said it out loud, and boy had it taken a complete burden off his shoulders. Well, not exactly because he knew things would only get more involved, and for goodness’ sakes he hadn’t even kissed her. Yet. Good grief what would happen then? Or they went on a date and had a great time, and he kissed her some more . . .

  It would be the beginning of the end.

  Then he remembered one of her smiles, and his heart beat double time. Even this early in the game, he’d kill for one of her smiles.

  “I suggest you try your best, Alex. You know how important this deal is to us. Keep me posted.” His dad hung up.

  Alex bit his tongue. He knew exactly how things would progress, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the business deal.

  Charlie blew a lock of hair out of her face. Indian summer was in full swing, as a thick, warm haze filled the barnyard. Her clothes grew sticky from the dampness. They’d finished the usual, run of the mill routines, and were now finishing the horse stalls.

  It was mid-morning, but she didn’t care as she asked her question. “Do you like ice cream?”

  Swiping the sweat off his brow, Alex smiled. “Who doesn’t?”

  “Let’s take a break and get some. There’s a neat place in town that has the best custard you’ll ever have.” She gleefully rubbed her hands together, already making her way to wash up.

  He followed suit, and ten minutes later, they hopped in her truck and took off. She rolled her window most of the way down, allowing somewhat of a breeze to flow through, whipping wayward tendrils about her face.

  They arrived to a minimal crowd at Dolores’ Custard, a small hole in the wall shop that had been around since the fifties. A tall, wooden strawberry cone hugged the side of the building, the chipping paint showing its age. The freestanding building only offered outdoor seating, but had the best, richest custard you could ever find. Her tummy grumbled, and her mouth salivated at the idea of it. Two outdoor speakers stood guard on either side of the building, and Paul Anka sung about whispered words, romance, and dancing close. She loved the fifties and sixties music piping through.

  Removing the confines of her disheveled ponytail, she gently finger-combed her hair before throwing it in a messy, loose bun. She double-checked her appearance in the mirror, glancing sideways at Alex. Finding his eyes trained on her, but when she caught him, he cleared his throat and looked away. She said nothing, but my gosh, he could certainly be adorable sometimes.

  Not that it mattered in the least she chastised herself, as she exited and made her way over to order.

  She needlessly perused the menu, but knew she’d end up ordering vanilla in the end.

  Tony, the tall, lean high school kid who carried a torch for her, smiled. His face flushed a bright red as he met her eyes. She shook her head, and smiled.

  “Hi there, Charlie. Your usual today?” He completely ignored Alex.

  “Yes, thank you. And my friend here will take?” She addressed Alex, amusement crossed his features, and she could see he tried to hold back a laugh.

  “I’ll take a vanilla cone, please.”

  The boy scowled at Alex, before he turned to prepare their order. Patiently, she waited for whatever barb he’d would playfully throw at her.

  “You have an admirer there, I take it?”

  Charlie bristled. “He’s harmless. Just some high school boy with a crush, that’s all.”

  “I don’t know. By the looks of it,” he whispered, “if looks could kill, I’d be dead right about now.”

  She playfully smacked his arm. “Knock it off.”

  Whatever he’d wanted to say remained unspoken as Tony made his way back with their order.

  “That’ll be five fifty.” He spoke to Charlie. Again, ignoring Alex.

  Charlie started to fish out the crumpled up ten stashed in her pocket, when Alex stopped her. He pulled out his wallet and paid. She grabbed several napkins, and they found a nearby bench.

  “Thank you, you didn’t have to do that,” she said, licking a stray drip from her cone.

  “It was my pleasure, Charlie.”

  She veered them toward the far side of the building, away from the burning sun, and potential prying, nosy eyes within the small town. Where gossip spread like crazy, and very quickly. Never knowing whom she might see, or who might see her and Alex together. And of course, they’d assume something was going on, even if it couldn’t be further from the truth.

  Setting a napkin on her lap, she dove in, licking the tasty treat. Enjoying the sweetness on her tongue, she turned to spy Alex enjoying his as well. He turned toward her, grinning from ear to ear. “You’re right. This is the best
custard I’ve ever had.”

  Stifling a laugh, she noted a good size dollop on his chin. Without thinking, she leaned in, and swiped it away with her thumb, licking the excess off. “There. That’s better.”

  Glancing up, she met his gaze, and swallowed the hard lump in her throat. He didn’t speak, just continued to study her. The act of licking stray vanilla off her finger seemed innocent enough, but the way he looked at her, did not look innocent in the least. A fire lit within the brown depths of his eyes, speeding up her heartbeat. She should look away, but couldn’t. Jesus, what was it about this man that could make her feel this way? So alive, so much unlike herself, and ready to give in and steal what they both so obviously wanted.

  She tore her gaze away, but by the time she got back to her cone, it’d melted. White streaks flowed down her hand. She wiped what she could, and continued eating.

  Alex cleared his throat. “So, what do you like to do in your spare time?”

  Thankfully, they were on the same wavelength, as he seemed intent on breaking the awkward silence as well. “I enjoy knitting believe it or not. I know. I’m a nerd. But during the long winter months I get bored when I can’t be outside.”

  His eyebrows rose as he just about finished his cone. “Oh, yeah. Who taught you?”

  “My grandma. That first winter I was here. So from time to time, I’ll knit an afghan or a scarf. Things like that.” Finishing up her dessert, she cleaned up the sticky mess of her hands as best she could.

  “What about you, Alex? What do you like to do in your spare time?”

  “When time allows, I love to travel. Greece is on my bucket list, especially the islands. I think it’d be great to take a cruise and explore each one.”

  She nodded. “That sounds lovely. I’ve seen pictures, and that blue, blue water just takes my breath away. I can only imagine what it’d be like in person.”

  They finished their cones in companionable silence.