“There’s the words of a healed man if I ever heard them.” Clint says. “You ever want to roll out the carpets again, be sure to let me know.”
“I appreciate that.”
He pats my leg as he finishes his burger. “I should go mingle, before they all come over here, and then they’re all both of our problems.”
“I appreciate that, too.” I chuckle.
He pumps my hand with his once and then walks away. It’s strange, but that handshake felt a lot like the beginning of a business proposal.
Chapter 14
Laura
As the day starts turning into twilight, Will approaches me. “Hey, sis. You think it’s time to bring out the tunes? Get some dancing and dosey doein’ going on around here?”
I ignore his question. “What on earth did you say to Matty Herald to make him up and leave so quickly like that? And so quietly, I’ll add.”
He shrugs modestly. “I said some stuff that I’ve been wanting to say to him for years, but mostly that if he doesn’t leave my sister alone, that I’ll see to it that he has to eat that hot dog that he had in his hand, through his ass.”
I laugh out loud, but then my smile slips. “Just what I need. Now, how am I supposed to get lumber and supplies from the lumberyard?”
He looks at me pointedly. “Sis, do you really think that he’s going to give up his commission in exchange for his dignity? I highly doubt that. His car is all he has, and someone’s got to pay for that.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am, you’ll see.” Will changes the subject. “You want me to get the tunes out?”
“Sure. You can go grab the speakers out of the barn.”
Overhearing, Grayson offers to help. “Sure. Let’s go on and bring everything out.”
Twenty minutes later, two of my brothers, Will and Clint, are behind the table, looking like two DJs in high school. Guests are dancing to all types of music. While I mingle, making sure everyone has everything that they need, Lisa approaches me. “Hey, you want me to bring out the hooch now?”
My first instinct is to look for Grayson. He’s over talking to Lloyd and Johnnie. His crisp white linen shirt and black jeans make him look so handsome I haven’t been able to stop looking at him all day. Without a hat, with the humidity today, his hair has little curls in all the right places. It looks touchably soft, which is punctuated each time he rakes a hand through it in conversation. He’s even wearing dress shoes, versus his usual cowboy boots or work boots, depending on the job at hand.
As I look his way, it’s almost like he senses my gaze. His head turns my way, but I avert my gaze back to Lisa, before he notices that I’ve been staring at him. “Sure, you can bring it out. But make sure that nothing gets out of hand.”
“I think we passed the point of out of hand when your brothers threw Will into the dunk tank.” She points out.
“Fine. Just…”
She raises her hand. “I know exactly what you’re thinking.” Her voice is flat. “He’s a big boy, Laura. If he’s going to drink, he’s going to drink.”
I purse my lips. “Sometimes I hate you.”
She puts her arm across my shoulders, kissing my cheek. “Yeah, but most of the time you love the crap out of me, right.”
“Yeah.” I wrap my arms around her. One of my neighbors comes around with a camera and takes a picture of us in our embrace.
“I’ve been taking all kinds of pictures, Laura. I’ll post them all on Facebook and tag you in them.”
“Thanks, Betty. You’re a dear.”
Lisa turns to me. “You want me to take some family shots while I’m here? The camera is in the car.”
“No, I think we’ve all tortured ourselves enough tonight. Maybe for the next one.”
She shrugs as a slow song comes on. We don’t even notice, until Clint comes over and asks me to dance. “You mind giving the birthday boy a dance?” he asks me.
“You mean you don’t want to dance with me?” Lisa offers.
“I’ll catch the next one.” he says, winking at her.
“I’ll hold you to that.” Lisa says flatly, as if she means business.
As we dance together, Clint says. “So, I spoke with Grayson.”
“I figured that was why you wanted to dance with me.”
“I offered him a spot at the clinic if he wants it.”
I pull back so we’re nose to nose. “Are you serious?”
“Well, I’m not drunk, or even close to it, so yeah.”
“And what did he say?” I can’t hide the ghost of a smile forming on my face.
“He just said thanks and that he’d think about it. I’m not really sure, though. It seems to me like he’s questioning his own…stuff.”
“Like what…stuff?”
He leans in, pulling me closer. “Oh, Laura. Let it be. If the man’s ready to take the leap, he will.”
When he says this, I wonder if he’s talking just about Grayson’s desire to move on in many respects.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
I slap him in the back of the head playfully, and he feigns being hurt by rubbing the spot. “Still a bull, aren’t you.”
“Quiet or I’ll do it again.” I giggle.
“That’s a fine thanks I get.” He says facetiously.
“Thanks for what?” I mimic his sarcasm.
“Well, if I’m not mistaken, your Grayson here, hasn’t been able to peel his eyes off you all day.” Clint states. “You’d have to be blind not to see it. Now, you know that if he isn’t happy slopping horses and tending to this here ranch, and he wants to go back to his old life in El Paso, why, he’ll just pack his things and be off. This way, he’s got two reasons to stay.”
I’m speechless. And I know better than to argue with Clint. He and I are alike on so many levels, I would never question his astuteness. As the song comes to a close, I can see Grayson making his way towards me. Small, short steps, inching his way, making it look less obvious, and I wonder what he wants. When the song ends, Clint kisses my cheek. “Now behave…but not too much.” He winks as he walks away, right into Lisa.
I see Grayson next to me, as another slow song comes on. “Did you need something?” I ask cordially.
A cute, semi-smile forms on his face. “I was going to try and make something up. Not sure how appropriate it is to ask my boss to dance with me, but I figure if I use this line, you’d have a harder time saying no.”
“It’s not inappropriate at all. Louie and I used to dance all the time.”
“Well, I’ll take it.” Grayson says, taking a step towards me. As his arm snakes across the small of my back, and his other hand takes my hand in his, and rests it on his chest, I feel an unfamiliar pull in my chest. Something I haven’t felt since way back in high school. My hand is at the back of his neck, and I can feel all his little curls brushing against my skin. He smells like wood, pine, and fruit. Breathing in, I feel myself relax. Something about this man relaxes me. With his cheek next to mine, he’s bent down a little to match my height, and he sways perfectly, in time with the music.
“I’m hoping you don’t swat me up the back of the head like you did to Clint.” Grayson comments.
I pull back, so our faces meet. “Have a smart comment and I might.”
His eyes search mine as he grins warmly. “You’re a force to be reckoned with, Laura Warner.”
“Don’t you forget it, Grayson Thomas.” I say softly. Grayson’s gaze slides down to my lips, and then he slowly moves his cheek forward, grazing his skin to mine, as we dance.
“I hear Clint had a conversation with you.” I murmur in his ear.
His gaze finds mine again. “Is that why you slapped him?” he teases.
I roll my eyes. “Not exactly.”
“Was he teasing you?”
“When aren’t my brothers teasing me.” I state, smiling.
His hand gently caresses mine as it lays on his chest. His pectoral muscles are solid yet soft. While the other hand stays respectfully at the small of my back, as he allows his thumb to skate up and down an inch, giving me delicious little warm shivers.
“You want me to beat him up? I could take him.” he says, good-naturedly.
“Na. He’s a good guy.”
“Can’t disagree with you there.” He says and pulls me closer. His body is so warm and inviting, it feels like we melt together as one. His feet move in time with the music. When the song is over, he gently kisses my cheek. “Thanks for the dance.”
“You’re welcome. Do you want to help me with the cake?”
“Sure, I’ll give you a hand.”
He follows me into the house. All the lights are off, so I turn the kitchen light on. It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop. “Is it in the fridge?” Grayson asks, as I search for the candles in the drawer by the sink.
“Yes, very bottom.” I answer, pulling the box of candles out. There is a lighter in the same drawer. Grayson sets the cake on the counter, and we try to make light work of removing the large plastic dome off it. It’s jammed on the base like it’s meant to survive a mine blast. “My lord, why in heaven’s name do they make these things so snug?” I comment.
“I don’t know.” He grunts, trying to pull the top away from the bottom, as gently as possible. When it finally comes free, it happens with a loud pop, that startles me. I squeal and Grayson finds the sound funny, because he smiles at me and starts laughing.
“What’s so funny…” I ask facetiously.
“The fact that you scream like a girl.” And I’m about to have a mouthy retort, when his eyes slide to a spot on my face. “That, and the fact that you have icing on your face.” Using his thumb, he gently wipes it off, and licks it off his thumb.
My eyes can’t stay off his lips as he licks his thumb clean. Catching my gaze, Grayson divides his glance between my eyes and my lips. An expression of physical intent that I haven’t witnessed in over ten years. My heart is pumping, my hands are shaking with nerves of both anxiety and excitement. His hand lifts and his fingers brush the side of my face, as he leans in, and I know, with every beat of my heart, that he’s going to kiss me.
When suddenly the front door slams. “Laura?” It’s Will. “You getting the cake?”
“Yes. In here.” I say. Grayson gives me a look that I can’t decipher. I’m not sure if it’s relief that he didn’t have to go through with it, or relief that we didn’t get caught, or maybe it’s frustration, guilt, I’m not sure of anything right now, except that now I know it’s true…there is something between this man and I. Something that I’d been trying to deny, but it is, in fact, real. What I do with that knowledge is beyond me. And do I do anything about it, is another question rolling around inside my head.
“You got candles and everything?” Will asks as he enters the kitchen.
“Yes. We’re all set.” I answer, reaching for the box of candles, opening it, and then placing them strategically on the cake.
“Alright, I’ll go get everyone sitting down.” Will says, and I wish like hell that he doesn’t walk out the door, leaving us alone again.
Grayson, at least, has the grace to change the subject. “I’ll go get the door.” He says, trotting out ahead of me.
After we eat cake, the crowd starts to thin, as people begin leaving. By the time it’s dark out, all that is left is a few neighbors, the hands, Lisa and Will and Clint. Clint walks up to me, after helping for about ten minutes with clean up. “Laura, I hate to leave you with this, but I do have to work tomorrow morning. Early.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I say, acting like I don’t believe him. “Go. You need that extra rest, now that you’re a year older and all.”
He gives me a quick hug, and salutes everyone before leaving. Lisa uses the same excuse, only citing that she has a photo shoot early in the morning. “I’ll send you the pictures I took tonight in the morning.”
“Sure. Thanks.” She says, before smiling her vindictive smile. She looks over at Grayson, but he’s helping Lloyd pull the garbage bags out of the bins.
I lift a finger in warning. “Don’t.”
She winks. “I’ll see you later.”
“See you.” I say, kicking her playfully as she walks away.
She waves but is otherwise unscathed.
An hour later, I’m upstairs in my bedroom, bathed, and ready for bed, when I feel chilly. Switching my fireplace on, I grab my paperback, and lay in bed, waiting for sleep to come. As I try to push thoughts of what happened in the kitchen tonight out of my head, I realize that my gas fireplace isn’t working. Walking downstairs, I try to find the manual in the kitchen drawer, where I keep all the other manuals, and as I’m searching, I hear a soft knock at the front door.
Walking to the door, I see that it’s Grayson and Chip. I open the door and Chip trots in like he owns the place. “He was scratching at the door, and he’d already done his business, so I figure he was looking for you.”
Is he the only one who was looking for me?
Grayson’s eyes move to my hand, where I’m holding a manual for my oven. “Your stove not working?”
“No. My fireplace. Upstairs. Just trying to find the manual for it.”
“I can take a look at it if you want. Are you cold?”
“Very, actually. I even took a bath and that didn’t help.”
“Are you feeling okay?” he takes a step towards me, and he places his hand, palm down, on my forehead. “You’re not running a fever.”
“I get cold when I’m overtired. That’s one of the other reasons why I take a bath every night before bed. Otherwise I’m too cold to sleep. But, tonight, I’m extra cold because it’s so late.”
“You’re not used to keeping these hours.”
“No.”
“Let me come and take a look.” He nods.
I step out of the way so he can enter, and I follow him upstairs. Chip is already on my bed, with his snout rested on the quilt at the bottom of the bed. Grayson fiddles with the switch, and then kneels so he can see what’s going on beyond the glass. “The pilot light is out. Let me see if I can get it going again.” He says, bending down onto his side. My eyes go to his rear end, and I try like hell not to look at it, but I can’t help it. He has the nicest, roundest little bum I’ve ever seen. You could park a car in a shadow of Quentin’s hind end.
He rolls over onto his back to speak to me. “You want to try the switch again for me?”
“Sure.”
After switching it on, I hear the roar of the flames. “Oh, you’re the best!” I gush.
Rising, he dusts himself off. “I don’t believe anyone’s ever said that to me before.” He says with a little chuckle. “Feel warmer now?” he asks, and his voice is warm. I’m not sure which one is making me feel better.
“I will be.” I can’t help the smile. Then I realize how much more often I smile since this man has come into my life.
He dips his head and then he looks at me. “You okay with Chip?”
I look back at the dog, just as the rope around my waist, holding my robe closed, opens a little. When I face him, the rope has opened completely, and my silk pyjamas underneath are showing. Grayson has the grace to turn his head. “I didn’t see a thing.” He jokes, as if I’ve exposed my breast while breastfeeding an infant.
Tying the rope again, I snuffle a laugh. “You’re a funny guy, Grayson.”
“Is it safe to look?” he says, looking at the ceiling.
I slap his arm. “Hardy har. No, now I’m naked.”
“Yeah, me too.”
I laugh out loud, smacking him again. “Are you always such a clown?”
“Just when my boss starts stripping in front of me.” he says, finally giving me eye contact. “Should I call HR and report this as sexual harassment?”
I want so badly to kiss him, to
shut him up. To prove a point. But most of all, just to kiss him. His lips are so full and soft-looking. Inside my head I’m saying, ‘no, but this would be classified as sexual harassment’, and grab him by the front of his shirt, pull him towards me, and kiss him passionately, but I’m such a coward. I’d never do that. My eyes can’t stop looking at his lips as he speaks.
“Anything else you need, Laura?” he says softly, as he realizes that I’ve ignored his question. I try to shake myself out of the trance, but he’s like a goddamn magnet. As much as I try to think of a way to pull myself away, to think of something else to talk about…I can’t think. The question that he’s asked, again, inside my head, I’m saying, ‘You. I need you.’ But I can’t find the courage to say it aloud.
Surprising me, he takes a step forward, closing the gap between us. His arms snake around my waist, and his eyes are on mine. “There…now, that wasn’t so bad, was it.” he murmurs.
“Was it?” I ask him, thinking that he has the same trepidation about taking that first step as I do.
He shakes his head no, swallowing. I watch his Adam’s Apple bob up and down, and then I watch his impossibly blue eyes turn even bluer as he gazes at me. “I’m starting to feel things for you…Laura…and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be feeling them.”
“Because I’m your boss, or because of our pasts?” I ask softly, as my hands gently stroke the hair on the back of his neck. I don’t even realize that I’m doing it until it’s too late. His eyes hood slightly from my touch.
Another swallow, and I start to think that it’s a nervous thing. “Both, I guess.”
“Well, as far as me being your boss, unless the…contact is unwelcome, it’s not against any rules, as far as I know.”
He caresses my back with his hand. It feels so good I want to cry.
“And the other?”
“Ten years is a long time, Grayson.”
No More Tears Page 12
