Hitched (Tarnation, Texas Book 1), page 8
Stella handed over the bottle, took out a notebook and pen from her purse and scribbled, “I can’t talk, but I’m always in the mood for wine and chocolate.”
“Then come on in. I have chocolate souffles in the oven and I’ll grab the glasses.” Once the wine was poured and the souffles were done, they took their rations into the living room and plopped down onto the couch. Abriella turned on the TV. “I thought a good John Wayne classic was in order for tonight.”
Stella gave her a thumb’s up.
“I love these movies.” Abriella covered up with a blanket and sunk deeper into the cushion of the couch.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and read the note Stella was holding up. “Where’s DJ? Out with friends?”
“Yes.”
“You should be out with friends too,” Stella said in a raspy tone.
“You should stop talking before your throat gets sore.” Abriella laughed.
“You don’t have to take care of me too.”
“What are you talking about?”
Stella wrote something down and pointed at her paper. It read, “That’s what these Saturday girl’s nights are all about.”
Abriella shifted so she could face her aunt. “These Saturday nights are about hanging out with you. What could be more fun than being here with a bottle of wine and watching a classic movie?” When Stella wagged her brows suggestively, Abriella smiled. “Get your mind out of the gutter, auntie.”
“Any more run-ins with the hunky cowboy?”
“Nope.” She focused on the TV.
“All five Colts came into the diner today.”
Abriella shrugged. “That’s great.”
“They’re gentlemen.” Stella held the paper up in front of Abriella’s face.
Realizing there was a point to this that she wasn’t getting, she paused the movie and gave all her attention to her aunt. “And how does this affect me?”
“Sometimes first impressions can’t be trusted.”
“He almost ran me over, then destroyed my phone, and not once did he apologize.”
Stella shook her head and scribbled, “There’s more to it!”
“Stop trying to play cupid. There’s nothing in the cards for Baxter and me. Even if by the slimmest of possibilities there was an attraction, and there isn’t, but for theory’s sake let’s say there was, he’s leaving in six months. The icing on the cake is that he and his brothers now own my building. That could get messy if we allowed things to go down that path.”
“What’s wrong with using a bit of seduction to get your way?” Stella smiled mischievously.
Abriella’s mouth fell open. “Stella! I’d never do such a thing.”
“Well, that’s the problem,” she huffed but the huskiness of her voice made it almost comical. “I just don’t want you to wake up one day with regrets.”
“Do you have regrets?”
Her aunt nodded. “Many.”
“What’s the biggest one?”
Stella nibbled her lip as if she debated whether she wanted to admit to it, and then she sighed. “Never experiencing the big O.”
Abriella blinked. “You’ve never had one?” With a jerky shake of her head, Stella’s shoulders slumped. “But you and David…you two seemed like you were in love. Did you and him never consummate your relationship?”
“Yes, but…well, he always told me “I don’t have the time to crack the code’.”
“Unbelievable.” Abriella couldn’t believe her ears. “There hasn’t been anyone since? That could change that unfortunate circumstance for you?”
Sadness filled her aunt’s expression. “No. Am I missing out?”
“I’m sorry to tell you this, but yes. Finding that with a man is, well…absolutely amazing.”
“If it’s absolutely amazing, then why aren’t you having more?” Stella’s gaze was challenging.
Opening her mouth to oppose her aunt’s indictment, Abriella realized there was no defense. She did miss intimacy. Having someone to care about. Someone to care about her. Experiencing those feelings that only happen in a man’s arms. Yet, she’d pushed the desire so far into the back of her mind that it would take a pitchfork and shovel to dig those feelings back out.
Truthfully, she didn’t need a man, but at times she wanted one.
Looking at her aunt, she felt an invisible stab to her chest. What could be scarier than imagining being alone? What would Abriella do when her mother forgot her completely, and DJ graduated and went on with his life?
Blinking back tears, she emptied her glass of wine and pretended to watch the movie when she couldn’t see anything but her thoughts.
Stella touched her arm. “Are you still thinking of selling your home?”
“I feel overwhelmed,” she admitted.
“We all do at times.”
“DJ wants me to sell Bluebonnet.”
With a nod, Stella took Abriella’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Is that what you want?”
She hesitated, not sure how to answer. “Some days yes, and others no.”
“Don’t make any rash decisions. Sometimes we have to get through the storm before we see the rainbow.”
The movie ended and Stella had fallen asleep. Instead of waking her, Abriella covered her with a blanket and started for the hall when she heard a buzzing sound. She followed the noise to her aunt’s purse and found her phone. The screen was lit with a message, “Hi there, stellagothergroove@147. We have found a love match for you. View your email at Love4you and decide where you go from here.”
Abriella couldn’t believe her eyes. She looked across the room at her sleeping aunt and back to the phone. Why didn’t she tell Abriella that she’d joined a dating site?
Possibly because she was embarrassed, or afraid she’d be judged. Stella deserved happiness.
Inside the bedroom, Abriella took off her clothes and climbed into bed, but sleep didn’t come right away. An image of a tall, handsome stranger filled her thoughts. She’d been trying her best to ignore the attraction, but at some point, it would be easier to accept that she did feel all strange inside when he was near. He had the ability to tick her off in record speed because she was tied up in knots. Tomorrow she needed to work on purging those feelings. Maybe it was time she listened to her family and friends, and go on a date.
If Stella could step out of her comfort zone, so could Abriella.
The next day, she jabbed the spade into the dirt, still thinking over the revelation that Stella was looking for a date. Abriella was proud of her aunt. Taking a chance at finding love was a big step.
This made Abriella consider her own life.
She had to believe that when the time was right, she would meet Mr. Right. Fate would bring them together.
Loosening the soil, she took out the carrot, placing it in her basket about the same time she heard a clearing of throat. Lifting her head, she peered across the garden and blinked to make sure she was seeing correctly. Baxter stood next to the row of beets. His hat was in place and pulled low on his forehead. The crisp white button down fit nicely against his broad chest and his worn jeans settled nicely on long lean legs.
What was he doing in her backyard?
And why did her toes curl?
“I hope this is okay. Your brother told me you were here working in the garden.”
“DJ told you where I was?” She’d have to make sure to yell at him later.
“He seems like a nice kid.”
Standing, she dragged off her dirty gloves and tossed them into the basket. “If you’re here because you want coffee, this is my day off.” She nailed him with a narrowed eye.
“I’m not here for the coffee, although I will say no one makes it quite like you do.”
Did he just pay her a compliment? Sidetracked, it took her a second to process his words. Sliding her hands into the back pockets of her cut off jean shorts, she finally managed to get her voice to work. “Then how about you tell me why you came?”
One corner of his mouth played with a smile. “I was a little bored and I thought a good razzing from you might make the day less bleak.” His lips curved into a full-blown smile, dimples and all. She felt it all the way down to her lady parts.
“Well, then let’s get to this so I can get back to my busy day.” She crossed her arms, looking at him through her lashes.
“Are you always busy? Don’t you ever take a day off, even on your day off?”
“I think you’re amused by rubbing me the wrong way. If you want entertained, you should visit the afternoon show at the local theater. Five bucks will get you two shows.”
Nothing seemed to ruffle his feathers because the grin remained, and he casually shifted from one boot to the other. “Do you always have to be so angry, Bluebonnet?”
Feeling warmth spread from her scalp, down her neck and along her spine, she resisted the need to squirm in her flip flops. “For your information, I’m only angry when you’re near.”
“Wow! I didn’t realize my own power.”
“No, I think you do, Mr. Colt.”
“Please, lose the Mr. Baxter. Bax. Even Colt will do. But never Mr.”
She opened her mouth, ready for a comeback, but she couldn’t think of anything, not one single comeback that fit. In the distance, she saw her neighbor, Snoopy Lucy, watching their exchange with a stretched neck. Although she and the woman were on fairly good terms, Abriella couldn’t forget the rumor mill in town that was the size of a small country and Ms. Lucy was the guardian. “Since it seems like you don’t plan to leave any time within the next few minutes, how about we take this inside. We’re drawing attention.”
“I actually brought you something.”
“You brought me something?” Although she wished she didn’t, she felt a zap of curiosity.
“How about I run out to the truck and grab it and I can meet you inside? I’ll come to the front door.”
Several thoughts flashed through her logical brain. She didn’t have to let him in her house. If he left now, Ms. Snoopy Lucy would have less to talk about at her bridge club. Yet, Abriella didn’t feel it in her to be rude. What was becoming evident, the more she was around Baxter, the less angry she was toward him. Although she wasn’t in any hurry to share that tidbit of truth with him, or anyone for that matter, she also couldn’t find it in herself to uninvite him into her home. So, she simply nodded, grabbed her basket, and hurried through the French doors while he headed around the side of the house.
Once inside, she toed off her shoes by the door, placed the basket on the counter in the kitchen and rushed into the living room, coming to a sliding stop in front of the decorative mirror. She cringed. Her hair that she’d pulled up into a topknot that morning was now a semi mess with tendrils falling around her sun-touched cheeks. With only seconds to spare, she hurriedly loosened the remaining hair from the elastic band and slid the tie upon her wrist. She was fluffing her wavy locks just as a soft knock came on the door.
Sucking in a deep breath, she reminded herself that she needed to stay calm and behave as she opened the door. Pushing it open wider, he stepped in and she caught his scent. One that reminded her of winter in the woods. It was unfair that he smelled like a freshly cut pine tree and she smelled like soil and sweat. Her brother could have at least warned her that Baxter was coming.
Closing the door, she laughed when her cat bounced across the room to rub against Baxter’s leg. “I don’t know what’s come over her. She doesn’t like strange men.”.
“Who exactly is this?” he asked.
“That’s Ladybug.” She watched him bend and scratch the cat on the head.
Abriella felt a sense of betrayal from the feline.
He stood and held a red bag out for her. “Here you go.”
“Listen, I’m not sure I should take any gifts from you.”
He laughed and she found that she liked the sound, although she shouldn’t. “Trust me. It’s not a gift as much as a replacement.”
Taking the bag and reaching in, she took out the box. “You bought me a phone?”
“Now why do you sound so surprised when you practically ripped me in two demanding that I owe you one.”
“I-I don’t know what to say.” Really, the words were stuck somewhere between shock and gratitude.
“A thank you would suffice.” He dragged off his hat and held it against his chest. The strands of his thick black hair tumbled in waves. Those eyes were like the bluest of water.
“I was angry. Phones are expensive. I should at least pay for half. Just tell me how much and I’ll write you a check.” She sat the bag and box down on the coffee table and started for her purse across the room.
“How about you just say thank you and we’ll call it even.”
She turned back to face him, crossing her arms, hoping the butterflies settled. “I can’t let you do this.” What was wrong with her? She needed the phone. Yet, thinking she would be indebted to someone made her uncomfortable.
“Damn, woman. Is it that hard to allow someone to do something for you without looking like you could bite a nail in half? It’s a gift. Take it. No obligation if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Hesitating, she’d never been given such an expensive gift without a price tag. “Thank you.”
He nodded and that nice smile returned with a vengeance. “Okay.” He put his hat on and touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. “You have a good evening.”
“Wait…”
He turned back. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Do you have any plans this evening? The least I can do is cook you a decent meal. I have all the vegetables.” What was she doing? She was about to do something crazy, and she couldn’t stop herself.
“I had planned on going back to the ranch and listening to my brothers all bitch and complain. I’d like to stay, but no need in feeling obligated, remember?”
“I-I don’t feel obligated. I mean, I do feel like I should return the favor. I can’t promise that it’ll be the best meal you’ve ever had, but it won’t be the worst. I just planned on making chicken stew and I’ll have plenty. DJ won’t be home until later—”
“I’d love to.” He dragged off his hat and hooked it on the coat rack. “You don’t know this, but I’m quite the chef. I can help in the kitchen if you’d like. I think it’s always nicer to have four hands working together than just two.”
His eyes dazzled, and she felt the fortune all the way into her center. “
He rubbed his hands together. “Got more pie?”
Why did her body react like a parched slug? “Not pie, but I’ve been working on a recipe that could use an unbiased opinion.”
CHAPTER 7
Baxter admired Abriella from where he stood at the counter slicing vegetables for the stew. She was on the other side of the island, cutting chicken breasts into chunks.
Her focus was on the task and he felt a bit of envy, wondering what it would be like to be on the end of her undivided attention. He realized he shouldn’t even ponder the idea because the likelihood that he’d ever find out was a rare chance in hell. Then why was he here, standing in her kitchen cutting up carrots? He could have easily turned down the invitation, but he’d wanted to stay. Needed to stay. Although they didn’t get along, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement when they were near each other. He’d never known a woman who could make him angry one second, and the very next turn him inside out.
“You have a large garden for just one person.” Once the words were out, he realized how silly they sounded, but he was willing to try anything to get his mind off how beautiful she looked with her hair falling down around her cheeks, and how the T-shirt lifted to show off a peek of her waist. Her shorts were loose and settled low on her flared hips. The fringe landed on her rounded toned thighs and he wondered if she worked out? Not that she needed to. He guessed she was about five three or four and, although she wasn’t skinny, she had perfect curves. She was completely different than his ex. He really loved that. The entire time he was with Milly he saw her eat maybe ten times. He never could understand why women thought they had to reshape beautiful hips and thighs.
She brought her chin up and a small smile curved her gorgeous lips. “I donate a portion to the local shelter. I share with neighbors and give some to Stella to use at the diner.” She placed the chicken into a sizzling pan.
“Your brother said he’s usually away at college.”
“He’s a senior at Texas U.”
“That’s where I went.” He sliced the last of the carrot.
“Me too. Do you think it’s possible we crossed paths?” She looked at him through thick lashes.
“It’s rude of me to ask how old you are, but…”
“Thirty. You?”
“Thirty-two. It’s a small world.”
“It can feel that way.”
“Actually, I was only at college for a year and I quit to join the military. It turned out to be the best decision.”
“And I had to quit also to help at home.”
“You and your aunt, you seem close.”
“We are.” She stirred the pan and turned the heat lower.
“Do you always lecture each other on the importance of dating?” he teased.
Did her cheeks blush or was it from the heat of the stove? “We might need a glass of wine for this subject. Care for one?”
“Sure.” He wasn’t much of a wine man, but he wouldn’t complain.
She grabbed a bottle along with two glasses and poured them full. When she turned back, her color had returned. “Have you ever heard of Miss Havisham?” She handed a glass to him and their fingers brushed.
Although she seemed not to notice, the tingle that shot up his arm warned him that he needed to be careful. He didn’t come here to get entangled in a beautiful woman with gorgeous limbs. That would be so easy to do with her, but he had to stay in control. She wasn’t the type of woman a man got involved with and forgot easily.
