Texas Fire

by Gerry Bartlett

  Rowdy waited on the porch while Megan printed out some pages she said she wanted to take back to the RV with her. It was strange. Stephens was up there yelling at his crew now. It was almost as if he had a personal stake in the outcome from this well. Rowdy felt the door hit his back as Megan came out behind him.

  “You doing any of your research on our super there?” He nodded toward rig number five. “What’s his background?”

  “Funny you should ask.” Megan waved her papers in front of him. “It’s all right here. I found something very interesting.”

  “Am I going to like it?” Rowdy followed her to the truck.

  “Probably not. So I think I’ll wait until after we enjoy the festival to tell you.” She had that twinkle in her eyes that matched the dazzling blue of the sky over their heads. Rowdy figured she was planning her own special brand of fun in Marfa and he couldn’t wait.

  He wanted to kiss her right there, in front of the crews on both rigs. They hadn’t laid off the men from rig number four yet, so there were a lot of guys still here. Stephens had insisted they keep them on so they could complete the last two rigs faster. His excuse had been that it would make Dr. Wallace happy to see this work done quickly. Rowdy had gone along with it.

  He helped Megan into the truck, something he realized he should do more often, then looked back at the busy site. He knew the railings were up to code now and that everyone had been warned to be careful. He’d be damned if an accident happened while he was around. Maybe leaving right now wasn’t such a good idea. But then, this was an experienced group of workers and he shouldn’t have to babysit the job. So he walked around and climbed in. Damn it, he also shouldn’t have to work seven days a week. He needed a break as much as the next guy, and he was going to take one.

  * * *

  Megan was happy to be in clothes that showed off her figure for a change. She knew when she came out from the extra bedroom wearing the white outfit she’d bought in San Antonio that Rowdy appreciated it, too. They’d decided to leave Lucky with Raylene so they could enjoy the festival without worrying about the dog. The landlady sent them off with her blessings and a list of “don’t miss” sights to see.

  “I feel like a kid playing hooky.” Megan grinned at Rowdy once they were on the road. “Are we being naughty, boss man?”

  “Hey, we’ve worked our tails off. Time to take a break.” He drove fast, following directions from the navigation system, then reached over to capture her hand. “What do you want to do first?”

  “Listen to music. Raylene said there’s always a good band in the lineup. You like to dance?” She rubbed her thumb across his knuckles. She loved his big hands.

  “I can manage. Depends on what we find. I’m pretty good at a two-step. If you don’t get too fancy on me, I can usually hold my own.” He grinned. “But this time I did research. They’re featuring a Latin artist. You into salsa?”

  “Oh my God. Tell me you’ll try it.” She almost bounced in her seat. If she’d found a man who would salsa dance, she was going to marry him. She froze. She did not just think that. Thank goodness she hadn’t said it out loud.

  “Not only will I try it, little lady, I’ll slay it.” He tapped a button on the steering wheel and roamed through stations until he found Latin music. “Getting you warmed up.”

  Megan sighed and leaned back. “Where, oh where, did you learn to salsa?”

  “Cassidy and I took lessons.” He concentrated on the highway when the navigator told him to prepare for a turn. “I realize now it was an act of desperation. We weren’t getting along too well. I’d been out on the road for a long trip, and she felt like we’d grown apart. So we came up with something we could do together when I was home on a break. She picked dancing.” He glanced at Megan and smiled. “I liked it.”

  “And I know for a fact that you have rhythm.” Megan’s face heated. “Oh, me and my big mouth.”

  “I appreciate the fact that you noticed my excellent rhythm.” He touched her cheek. “You’re cute when you blush. For an uninhibited woman, you do get embarrassed.”

  Megan grabbed his hand again. “Yes, when my mouth overloads my brain.” She kissed his knuckles. “And thanks for telling me about Cassidy. So you’d been having problems for a while.”

  “Before she dumped me, you mean?” He rubbed her chin with the back of his hand. “Yeah. The dancing lessons helped for a month or two. We both enjoyed them. But we had become distant with each other, not the close couple we’d been when we were younger. My work schedule and her job demands kept pulling us apart. Even if Mason hadn’t come along, we were going to have to admit soon that we’d grown up and changed since we’d first met. We tried to keep our relationship working, but you shouldn’t have to try. You know?”

  “Not really. I bail so quickly on any connection I make with a guy that it’s never gone that far.” Megan wished the truck didn’t have a massive console between them. She’d like to sit closer to Rowdy so she could rest her head on his chest. “I have no idea how to make a relationship work.”

  “You think we have one? A relationship?” He glanced at her again. He was serious.

  “Yes, I guess we do.” She kept holding his hand. “And for some reason I don’t feel like running. Wonder why.”

  “Maybe you’re still having fun.” He slowed the truck. “I know how you are about fun.”

  “That could be part of it.” Megan was afraid to say more. Instead she noticed the city limits sign. “We’re here. Already.”

  “Yep. Doesn’t take long when you can drive so fast.” He dropped her hand and put both of his on the steering wheel. “Detour signs. It looks like they’re having a parade on the main drag.” He punched off the navigator. “I’m turning down a side street so I can find us a place to park. Then we can walk over to the pavilion where the stage and music are set to start in about an hour.”

  “You really did do your research.” Megan smiled at him. “I’m impressed.” She sat back and let him take over. Soon they were parked and started walking. He had the blanket he’d thrown into the backseat over his arm and they could hear the band tuning up. There were vendors everywhere and they bought spicy tacos and cold beer to take to the grassy area where they could have a picnic and still see the stage.

  “This is great.” Rowdy was on his second taco. “What do you think?”

  “Mmm. Delicious.” Megan wiped off her hands and drank some of her cold beer. “Look, the music is about to start. That’s a dance floor next to the stage. Finish eating. I want to test your skills.”

  “Isn’t there a rule about waiting an hour after you eat before dancing?” He finished the taco and polished off his beer.

  “That’s swimming. I think you’ll survive if you dance a few steps on a full stomach. Unless you’re chickening out?” She stood and twirled in her skirt. She’d be right at home on the floor among the other women already dancing with their partners.

  “But what about dessert?” Rowdy took her hand and pulled her down next to him. “We always have dessert.”

  “Later. When it’s dark and the Marfa lights come out.” Megan laughed and looked around. “Come on, or I’ll think that whole story about you and Cassidy dancing was bull.”

  “No bull. I don’t know what you have on your mind. But I was thinking more along the lines of some sopapillas and honey from that vendor over there for dessert.” He groaned when she dragged him to his feet. “I think you only like me for my body, woman.”

  “You may be right.” Megan kissed his cheek and pulled him to the dance floor, winding her way through the many people picnicking on the lawn. Soon they were dancing among the other couples in the crowd. Rowdy hadn’t been lying. He pulled her close then swung her out, his hips moving to the beat as he proved he’d mastered the salsa. Of course, neither of them could hold a candle to the people who’d obviously made a serious study of the exotic dance, but they were laughing and having fun.

  When a slow tune played, they clung to each
other, breathless by the time the song ended. The Latin beat and swaying to the music made Megan think of foreplay, and she pulled Rowdy’s face down to kiss him. Whistles broke them apart and their faces were red, but the good-natured laughter around them soon got them over any embarrassment. By the time it was dark, they’d danced to a dozen songs, had two more beers, and even hit the dessert vendor.

  “I need a place where I can wash the honey off my hands.” Megan looked around. “There. Public restrooms.”

  “Fine. I’ll meet you back here in five minutes. Make that ten.” Rowdy took off into the darkness with their blanket under his arm.

  Megan decided he must have had stomach issues with the tacos to be in such a hurry. She was glad she still felt good. She quickly cleaned up, then wandered around the different vendors, looking over the displays of crafts and homemade food items.

  “Here you are.” Rowdy appeared next to her at a stand for salsa and chips. “Surely you’re not eating again.”

  “No, but I wouldn’t mind taking some of this salsa home. They gave me a sample. Taste. Don’t worry, it’s not too hot. I know you’re a scaredy cat when it comes to chilis.” She held out a chip and he tried it.

  “That is good. I’ll get it.” Rowdy dug in his pocket and paid the woman behind the counter. “Gracias, señora.”

  Megan laughed. “Not bad for a man who sucks at languages.” She took his arm. “What now?”

  He took the bag with the jar of salsa and pulled her toward the parking lot. “I have a surprise and a plan. You like surprises?”

  “Love them.” She let him lead her through the crowd. It was darker in the parking lot, and she waited next to the truck while he wrapped the salsa in Lucky’s towel. He set it on the floor in the backseat, then threw the blanket on top of it. After he slammed the door, he took her in his arms.

  “I’ve been waiting all afternoon for more of this.” His kiss was deep and urgent.

  Megan melted against him. When he finally eased back from her, she ran her hands over his chest. “Me, too. I want you, Rowdy Baker. How long will it take us to get back to that RV?”

  “Too long. But I told you, I have a plan.” He pulled open the passenger door and helped her inside. “Trust me?”

  She tugged on his shirt until he was almost lying on top of her in the front seat. “More than you know.” She kissed him this time. Only the fact that the dome light in the truck cab let anyone passing by see their action made her pull back. “Show me what you have in mind.” She shoved him out of the truck and slammed the door.

  * * *

  Rowdy drove out to the place he’d been told about. It should be perfect—isolated and with a good view of the well-known Marfa lights. He had a little something in his pocket that he hoped would make this night even more special. Had he lost his mind? Probably.

  By the time he parked the truck, he was sweating. Yeah, he had a bad case of nerves. No big deal if he just kept his mouth shut. But his heart was full and, damn it, he had something to say tonight. He felt like if he didn’t get it off his chest, he’d explode. Would Megan try to put him down gently? Or laugh it off like he was joking? Either of those reactions would surely kill him.

  “Where are we?” Megan leaned against the dashboard and looked around. “Are we lost? It sure is dark out here.”

  “Nope. I made a friend in the men’s room. Hector. He swears this is a great place to see those mysterious lights you’ve been telling me about all week.” Rowdy smiled at her. “You know, when you weren’t researching something else.”

  “Don’t mock my research, pal.” She opened the truck door. “I want to see them. People have been reporting these lights for a century. You saw all the souvenirs in town. Some claim they’re alien spaceships. Others think our own country has secret experiments going on in the mountains west of here.”

  Rowdy hopped out of the truck and grabbed the blanket from the backseat. “Well then, I think it’s worth a look. But, you’re right, it’s black as pitch out here. Wait till I turn off the lights on the truck so our eyes can adjust.”

  Megan ran around to hold his hand. “Okay, now do it.” She leaned against him when darkness surrounded him. “It’s a little spooky now.” She jumped. “What’s that sound?”

  “You mean the silence?” Rowdy laughed. “Relax, close your eyes, it’ll help. And be glad we aren’t listening to fracking for a change. There aren’t any wells near here.”

  “Oh, you’re right. And, hey”—she paused—“yep, that was definitely a bird chirping. At least Marfa still has some wildlife.”

  “Open your eyes. Can you see to walk now? To the top of that rise?” Rowdy pointed to the mound about a hundred feet ahead of them. “Watch your step, but there is a path. I don’t think we’re the first couple to find Hector’s hideaway.”

  “Yes, I see it.” Megan tugged on his hand. “And look up. There are about a million stars. Surely those aren’t the lights they’ve been talking about.”

  “No, the alien lights are all colors and move across the sky at the horizon. Some people used to think they were just headlights on a highway. But there’s no road there. Wait and see.” Rowdy pulled her up to the top of the hill and got the blanket stretched out to his satisfaction. He bowed and gestured. “My lady.”

  “Ah, a gentleman. Thanks, I believe I will.” She sat in the middle of the blanket, then lay back so she could look up into the sky. “It’s beautiful here.” She got up. “Ouch.” Reaching under the blanket she pulled out a rock and tossed it away. “I see cactus, too. I’m glad you didn’t put us near that.”

  “I know how you feel about cactus spines. I think it’s turned into a full-blown phobia.” Rowdy sat beside her, then pushed her onto her back again. “Relax, Megan. Take it all in. We’re just tiny specks in a vast universe.”

  “I know. It’s intimidating.” She rolled to her side and propped her head on her hand. “Do you really think there could be aliens out there?”

  “I’d be surprised if there weren’t intelligent civilizations thriving on other planets. I mean, what are the odds we’re the only ones who’ve managed to do what we’ve done?” Rowdy couldn’t look away from her.

  “You mean pollute and ruin it? That’s what people like Sharon Wallace would say.” Megan took a deep breath, then settled her cheek on his chest. “I think she has a point. Right here is perfect. You can’t do this on her land anymore. Listen to birds singing or inhale without coughing.”

  “Can we forget the fracking controversy for tonight?” Rowdy ran his hand over her soft hair. “Look! I think I see what they’re talking about. Colored lights, moving from east to west over there.”

  Megan gasped and held on to him. “They’re beautiful.”

  They both lay there for a long while watching an incredible light show. Finally the sky was back to normal, just the stars and an almost-full moon that had risen in the sky. The old man looked like he was watching them.

  Rowdy kissed her then, starting something he’d been thinking about ever since he’d put the blanket in the truck. Maybe he was a horndog. Didn’t matter. Megan was right there with him, pulling off the shawl she’d thrown over her sexy top, then shoving his jacket out of the way. He carefully unclipped her silver belt and set it aside, then ripped that white top up and off over her head. No bra. He’d been watching her breasts moving under the cotton all evening. He knew he’d never get tired of seeing and tasting them. She dragged his shirt up and off, too, pressing kisses over his chest before working open his belt buckle.

  “Slow down.” Rowdy couldn’t believe he’d said it. The air was chilly, and fast would warm them up. But he liked this part almost as much as the big finish.

  Her eyes twinkled as she leaned over and pulled down his zipper with her teeth. “Is this what you mean?” she asked as she slid his belt out of his jeans and dropped it in the grass. When she unbuttoned him she didn’t pull the jeans off, just laid them open and used her lips to find him hot and ready.

 
Rowdy didn’t say a thing. Couldn’t talk when her mouth closed over him and she let her tongue drift up and down his shaft. He knew slow wasn’t going to be an option now. He slid his hand up her bare leg and found that, praise God, she hadn’t worn panties. He probed her with his fingers. Of course she was slick and ready for him. He started a rhythm that made her press urgently against his hand. She was still being too damn clever with her mouth, and Rowdy was afraid he was going to lose it any second.

  “Did I say slow?” He rolled on top of her, pushing her to her back and bunching her skirt around her waist. “You make me crazy, woman. I can’t wait.” Entering Megan was like coming home. Rowdy sank into her and paused, taking a moment to just savor being held inside her. She clung to him and looked up. Trust him? It was there in her eyes. She smiled and waited, content to let him set the pace. Suddenly that pace was urgent. He wanted to claim her, to take her higher than she’d ever been before. He didn’t give a damn if she’d had a hundred men before him. He wanted to be her best, her last.

  They climaxed together, their shouts echoing in the empty land. Megan hid her face against his damp shoulder, still shuddering with the aftershocks. She finally kissed his skin and fell back on the blanket.

  “God, Rowdy, how do you do that to me? Every time?”

  He managed to roll her on top of him and felt her shiver again. “It’s a gift.” He patted her bottom. “Damn it, you’re freezing.” He grabbed his jacket and her shawl and pulled them across her. “You should have said something.”

  “What? I was speechless most of the time.” She leaned down and kissed him, licking her way into his mouth until they were both breathing fast again. “You’re amazing.”

  “Takes two to salsa, chica.” He kissed her this time, determined to ease up, to keep it tender. Yeah, he could go another round, crazy that he’d already begun to stir again. But he wanted this night to be about more than sex, as great as it was between them.