by Tina Gayle
She strolled toward the front of the store. Karen Ann wrapped an arm around her shoulders when she stepped beside her. “I can wait until tomorrow. Do you still want to hand out seeds?”
“Yes, it’s good advertising for the store. I’ll get the baggies stuffed with seeds and candy so that they’ll be ready to go for the parade.” Jillian glanced around the store for Derek or John Paul.
“Why don’t you see if Michael wants to ride? That way there can still be a Wilson to represent the store,” Karen Ann suggested when they reached the counter.
“That’s a good idea. I’ll call him tonight.” Jillian hugged her best friend and ignored her husband who was standing behind the counter. “Thanks for being a friend.”
Karen Ann waved and stepped to the door. “I’ll see y’all later. Goodnight, Derek.”
Jillian glanced at the clock on the wall. It was past closing time. “If you’ll close out the cash register, I’ll lock up the front door.”
“Already done, I just needed to put this in the safe.” He indicated the cash receipt bag.
A twist of her wrist and the front door was locked. Jillian tried to figure out how she'd handle the rest of the evening. Resentment stilled dogged her over his high handedness, and she wanted to avoid him but couldn’t. She turned and started for the back of the store. Silently, they rode home. She didn't have the energy to make conversation with a man who didn’t want to talk.
As they entered the house, he paused. “What would you like for dinner?”
She had no desire to be stuck in his company. “I’m not really hungry. You go ahead and get whatever you want. I’ll get something later. Right now, I want to call Michael.” Not waiting for an answer, she marched out of the room without even looking in his direction and stopped by the study to make her call.
“Hello.”
Glad to hear his voice, Jillian responded. “Hey, Michael. How would you like to ride in the Labor Day parade?”
“You mean on horseback,” he mocked.
“Yes, that’s usually the way we do it.”
“Are you going to ride?”
Taking a deep breath, she answered. “No, Derek doesn’t want me to with the baby and everything.”
“Good. You have no business on a horse in your condition.”
Angered by his support of her husband, she pressed, “So how about you? Karen Ann and John Paul are riding. Would you like to ride along and represent the store? Or is your schedule full?”
“Will it get you off Derek’s case?”
“Who says I’m on his case?”
“Come on, Jillian. If he’s trying to keep you from riding in the parade, then you’re all over his case. That’s your special little project. Every year, you make a big fuss about it.” Michael’s voice grated on her sensitive nerves. “You’ve always said its good advertisement for the store but it’s only because you want to be in the parade. Daddy let you do it because you got such a big kick out of it, but he never thought it really helped the store.”
“Well, seeing as it doesn’t help the store, there’s no point in your being in it.” She lifted the phone away from her ear, ready to hang up.
“Now don’t go getting all upset. I’ll ride in the damn thing if it’ll make you happy.”
“Don’t do me any favors.”
“Jillian,” he started. “I...”
“Look Michael, I got to go. I’ll talk to you later.” She set down the receiver.
Frustrated, she walked upstairs to the master bathroom. Maybe what she needed was a nice long bath to relax. She ignored the sound of the phone ringing.
Closing and locking the door to the bathroom, she ran the water for her bath. There was no point in getting upset. Michael had never understood how she felt about the store, or the parade. It was just better to let the whole thing go. The men in her life just didn’t get it.
The tub full, she sank slowly into the warm water, and leaned back, hoping she could relax. But her mind wouldn’t be quiet, it kept bombarding her with questions.
What did it matter if she rode in the parade or not? It wasn’t as if she would get hurt. And what was this about “not with her carrying his baby”? This baby belonged to her. Not him.
Was the baby the only reason he claimed they were married?
Was she just part of the package?
But if that was true, how could he make love to her the way he did? It had been over six weeks since he’d gotten home. Yet he still hadn’t told her that he loved her. Why couldn’t he say the words?
The soothing water helped to relax her muscles. Her brain fizzled with other questions but she was too tired to let them bother her. She closed her eyes.
A knock sounded on the door. His voice echoed through the wood. “Jillian, are you all right in there?”
She paused, uncertain if she wanted to answer or not. A click sound and the key turn in the lock and the door opened.
“What are you doing?” She asked still half asleep.
“I was getting worried. You’ve been in here awhile. I wanted to make sure you were okay.” His tone held a note of concern.
“I’m fine.” She leaned forward and unplugged the tub.
Derek held a towel for her, and waited for her to step out of the bathtub. He wrapped the towel around her and hugged her close. Each pat served as a caress as he tenderly dried her off.
She couldn't argue, the feel of his hands too intoxicating to resist. Melting under the gentle invasion of her senses, Jillian responded to his touch.
He led her into the bedroom, pushed the large teddy bear onto the floor, and helped her into bed. His goodnight kiss reminded her how good it felt to be held in his arms.
When he would have risen, she didn’t release him. “Don’t go, Derek. I don’t want to be alone.”
****
Derek only wanted to please her after the fight they’d had earlier. He had changed while she was in the bathroom and only had on a T-shirt and shorts. He threw both over the chair near the bed and slipped into bed beside her.
Her naked body snuggled against his. He could feel her lungs expand and contract. Soft, smooth skin lay under his hand. The baby moved, shifting into a more comfortable position. Everything he’d ever wanted lay beside him. His heart swelled.
His mind worked through the earlier fight with her. Somehow, he had set her off about that stupid parade. She had gotten incredibly angry over it, and he couldn’t understand why. Even after talking with her brother on the phone earlier, he still didn’t get it. Michael said that it was important to Jillian because it was her idea to help the store. But why put herself and the baby in danger by riding a horse? It just didn’t make sense.
Hopefully, she was just overly tired. She did seem to be sleeping a lot lately with the pregnancy. He wanted to understand, but he wouldn’t stand by and let her do something stupid. His job was to protect her, and he couldn’t do that with her on the back of a horse.
Unable to reconcile the problem in his head, he waited until she fell asleep before heading back downstairs to get something to eat. Jillian could be pretty determined when she set her mind on something. A flicker of a prior fight flashed briefly in his head. The lady could be downright stubborn. His determination to protect her strengthened. He strolled out to his workshop hoping the manual labor would help him relax. It didn’t. Nagging thoughts kept buzzing around in his head.
Chapter Seventeen
Upon waking the next morning, Jillian snuggled closer to Derek. The warm feel of his body next to hers always sent a thrill through her. The coarse hair on his chest fascinated her as she rubbed her hand over his muscles, firm even relaxed in sleep. She enjoyed exploring his body because she could do whatever she wanted.
He captured her roaming hand, and bought it up to his lips for a kiss.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He drew her over him. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Much better, thank you.” She didn’t want to dredge up the sore fe
elings from the day before. He’d been so gentle with her when she’d gotten out of the tub and had held her until she’d gone to sleep. The man really did care for her. He just wasn’t very good about expressing it in words. Her mother was right. She did love him. The very sight of him could melt her heart.
Filled with a need to express her love, she began to bombard him with tiny kisses all over his face and neck. He lay quietly beneath her, letting her have her fun. His hands stroked her back while she nibbled the edge of his mouth. Her body demanded she move, rolling off him, she stood up.
He grabbed her hand and stopped her flight. “Where are you going?”
“Sorry, love, but nature calls.” She tugged her hand free and headed for the bathroom.
By the mirror on the way out of the bathroom, she noticed the growing size of her stomach. The morning sickness had abated, and she was feeling better except for being tired. “I believe I’ve lost my girlish figure.”
He shook his head. “Heavenly goddess? Yes. Girlish? No.” He grabbed her hand. “I like you just the way you are. Now come here.” His eyes danced with desire.
Jillian threw herself back on top of him. “Are you sure we have enough time?”
“Not to do everything I want too, but we should be able to work in a little morning delight.” His lip closed around her nipple. The gentle tugging pulled all thoughts but him from her head. With lightning speed, he sent her to the edge of ecstasy and over.
Moments later recovering from the whirlwind round of sex, she glanced at the clock. Maybe they should close the store for the day. A whole day in bed with him might help them to reconnect after yesterday’s argument.
She watched as he got out of bed. “I don’t want to get up. I think you’re just going to have to convince me it’s a good idea.”
Derek stared at her, his eyes glowing with desire. She could see the battle of whether or not he should join her wage war in his head. “How about if I make you breakfast? You didn’t eat any dinner last night. You must be hungry.”
Her rumbling tummy agreed with his comment. She laughed and agreed. “Okay, but only if you make me chocolate-chip pancakes.”
He drew her up beside him, and kissed her before heading for the closet. “Wouldn’t it be better to have bacon and eggs? We want the baby to get the right kind of nutrition.”
She glared at his retreating figure. Not again. Today she didn’t want to do what was right for the baby. She wanted to do what was right for herself, climbing back into bed. She stretched out on the sheets. “Fine, I’m going back to bed.”
“What?” Derek stepped out of the closet, fully dressed.
“I’m not getting up if you won’t make me what I want.”
He eyed her cautiously. “Okay, I’ll fix you pancakes.”
Thrilled that he’d given in, she flew into his arms. “I knew you would see it my way.”
He patted her on the butt. “Get dressed before I make you pay for your breakfast.”
She walked away, smiling over her shoulder. “But I already did that.”
He shook his head, picked up his shoes and stepped to the door. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
Jillian wondered if she’d manage to get coffee too.
****
Hours later, Derek glanced over at Jillian. The blue golf shirt she was wearing was tight around her waist, her hair had escaped the confines of her rubber band, and her shoulders were slumped over the register.
It had been another busy day with just about everyone in town coming through the store. She’d sat on the stool he’d gotten for her to use when she worked the cash register, but she still looked tired.
“I have some paperwork to do. Call me if you need any help.” She stepped away from the register and walked down the main aisle to her office.
He was glad to see her take a break. Most of the people who came into the store today had been talking about the parade. He could see the hurt in her eyes every time it was mentioned. The questions were endless, and even with John Paul and Michael saying they would ride. Derek could tell she was feeling left out of the festivities. He didn’t want her getting upset again. Better for her to hide out for a while.
Back in her office, Jillian dug out the candy and seeds for the baggies she needed to stuff for the parade. She stamped the store’s name on each of the seed packages then stuffed one in each of the bags.
There was no reason why she couldn’t be in the parade, but she didn’t want to fight with him over it, so she’d decided to let him have his way. After all, there were still other activities that she could participate in. The picnic and baseball game in the park were always a lot of fun.
Michael had said that he would be coming for the day. It would give her a chance to visit with him. There was no need to let this change of plans get her down. With Labor Day only a few days away, she had to get the goody bags ready.
Happy with her decision to make the best of things, Jillian filled the baggies. She wondered how much of Michael’s decision to ride in the parade had to do with Karen Ann. She hadn’t questioned her friend about it because of everything else that was going on. But she knew they had been out a number of times over the last month or so. Hopefully, it would work out. They could both use a friend.
Not surprised by the knock on the door, Jillian answered. “Come in.”
Expecting Derek, she greeted Karen Ann, dressed in her usual T-shirt and blue jeans. Today’s shirt read Take me, baby.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was taking a break and I thought I would come over and see how you’re doing.” Karen Ann pointed to the baggies. “I can see you’ve been busy stuffing goodie bags.”
“Yes, this is my last one.” Jillian held up the bag. “Do you think a hundred is enough?”
“It should be. Last year we had some leftover.”
“I guess you’re right. But remember there will be three of you giving them away.” Jillian stacked the baggies in a large box.
“Three?”
“Yes, Michael called and said he would do it.” Jillian watched Karen Ann closely. “You did say to invite him.”
“Great, the more the merrier.”
“Really?” Jillian said suspiciously. “I was just wondering how you two were getting along.”
“We’re doing okay, but there’s really nothing to tell. Michael and I both want to keep it friendly, nothing serious. Just fun.”
“And is that working?”
“So far.”
Jillian could tell Karen Ann wouldn't say any more, so she changed the subject. “Michael is also planning to play in the charity baseball game. Derek signed them both up and paid the entry fee this morning. Are you playing?”
“No, I thought I would sit it out with you this year.” Karen Ann knew Jillian never played.
“Great, now I’ll have someone to sit with.” She pointed to the box. “Do you want to take these baggies with you now or do you want us to drop them off at the school Monday morning before the parade?”
“Can you bring them over? That way I don’t have to lug them around.”
“Sure thing.” Jillian followed her friend out of the office and shut the door.
“What are you planning on doing for the picnic?” Karen Ann asked as they started for the front of the store.
“We decided to eat at home and then just take some snacks over to the park. Why don’t you join us after the parade? We can meet back at the house and all go over to the park together after lunch.”
“That sounds good. My uncle will load the horses so we should be done around noon.”
“Great, we’ll have lunch waiting for you.” Jillian paused by the front counter.
“All right, see you later.” Karen Ann waved to Derek and John Paul on her way out.
“Why don’t you head on home, too, John Paul? You’ve been here since ten this morning.”
“Yes, take off. We really do appreciate you coming in early this week.” Jillian supported
his suggestion.
“What time do I need to be at the high school the day of the parade?” John Paul stepped toward the front door.
“The parade starts at about ten-thirty. Karen Ann and her uncle will probably be there around ten.” Jillian walked behind the register and sat on the stool. “Those things never get started on time so there’s really no need to hurry. Thanks again for riding for the store.”
“No problem, it sounds like fun.” John Paul waved good-bye, and left.
“We don’t have many customers left. Maybe we can get out on time ourselves,” Derek commented as he glanced around the store.
****
With that in mind, Jillian threw herself into the paperwork she was finishing between customers and didn’t see John Paul’s father come in, but suddenly he was right there in front of her face. Ignoring the creepy feeling at the back of her neck, she smiled and greeted him. “Good evening. Nice to see you again, Mr. York.”
“Wish I could say the same.” He grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him.
“Ouch, you’re hurting me.” She yelped as he forced her to lean awkwardly over the counter.
“Maybe it’ll keep you from butting into other people’s business,” Martin hissed into her face. The alcohol on his breath, hit her in the gut and a memory of him striking his son flashed through her mind. Rage danced in the man's eyes, and displayed the potential violence of which he was capable.
Jillian tugged on her arm. His fingers bit into her wrist. She couldn’t match his strength. His large hand held her captive. She’d learned through the grapevine that Martin had a drinking problem, but she hoped he wasn’t beyond reason. His eyes were glassy and a few of his words did sound slurred, but she couldn’t believe he wanted to hurt her.
She spoke softly, hoping to reach the reasonable side of his nature. “Why don’t you let me go and we’ll talk about this.”
He ignored her comment, yelling instead in her face. “Who do you think you are, trying to solve my family’s problems? That’s my job? You understand? Just stay out it!”
The odor emitting from his mouth, turned her stomach, but she answered his question. “I was only trying to help. Susan wanted a job.”
