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The electricity between us grew like a summer storm. If I listened closely, I bet I could hear the thunder rumbling, and I forced myself to drop my hand, even though I didn’t want to. It would be so easy to reel her in and kiss her again.
Slow steps. Remember, slow steps.
“Safe trip home.”
Her lips flickered up in a half-smile. “Thank you.”
She slid into the driver’s seat, and I backed away as she drove off. When her tiny little bug disappeared around the bend, I stood there in the dark, wondering if I should have kissed her or if it was wise to stay away for now.
Turning, I trudged back to the house, feeling a bit hopeful and defeated at the same time. It made no sense, but I’d long realize that some things in life were utterly unbalanced and sometimes just whacko.
Stepping inside, I almost bumped into Ben. “Sorry about that.”
“Naw,” Ben shook his head. “I wanted to talk to you for a spell. Walk with me?”
A part of me had known this was coming, and I could not tell Ben no. He’d been with me from the beginning and was like a father to me and my girls. He was my sounding board, and more than once, he’d walked me off a few cliffs I’d been on the verge of flying off.
Stars shone brightly, glittering in a velvety sky, and when the breeze picked up, I smelled rain in the air. We walked toward the stables that would be empty this time of night, and when we got there, Ben turned and rested his back on the closed door.
“You want to tell me about that young lady from earlier? She seemed to have gotten Sam’s number?”
I raked a hand through my hair. “She’s Sam’s guidance counselor from the school. I’d asked her to come by to talk to Sam about a few things to see if she would get a clue as to why Sam is acting up, but…” I shrugged. “It’s too early to tell.”
“Ah, I see,” Ben nodded. “And why is it that she already hasyournumber?”
I tried to play dumb. “What do you mean?”
“Do I look like I just fell off the turnip truck?” Ben guffawed. “I hate to break it to ya, but I wasn’t born yesterday, Johnny boy.”
“Fine, fine,” I gave in. “We met a few weeks ago at the airport in Waco.”
“The night your flight was delayed?” Ben asked. “And by met, do you mean bumpin’ uglies?”
Jesus, I felt like a teenager having the birds and bees talk with his dad. “Yes, Ben, and before you even have to ask, you think she still has my number because she does. I still want to have…something with her.”
“Even though she’s Sam’s teacher?” Ben said. “You know that might make things sticky?”
“Oh, I know it already,” I scuffed my boot on a tuft of grass. “I suppose you’re going to tell me to keep it in my pants?”
“Actually,” Ben plucked his hat off and fingered it. “I think it’s about time you have a woman in your life. Even if things get dicey, you’re a smart man, John; I know you’ll figure it out.”
That was not what I’d expected to hear, but it was welcomed anyway. “Oh…well, thanks.”
“Take care of it,” Ben nodded to the house. “I’m heading to my cottage. G’night.”
“Same to you, Ben,” I replied, watching him wander into the darkness. As the ranch's foreman, he had a two-bedroom place there. It was only fitting, and I felt strange to stick him with the other young guys in the bunkhouses.
Turning back to the main house, I went inside, my gut rumbling with hunger. I realized I’d barely eaten anything that day, just coffee and two trail bars. I felt like I could eat a horse.
Luckily, when I got inside, Ella was ready with supper on the table, brisket with all the fixings. I went to call the girls down and got to Harper first, she hopped up from her homework as if it had burned her, and I lifted her into my arms.
“You’re growing too fast for me, little lady,” I said, kissing her cheek. “Slow it down a little.”
Giggling, she held onto me while I knocked on Sam’s room. “Sam, supper time.” I opened the door and saw her shove the diary Rayna had given her under a pillow. I pretended I didn’t see it. “C’mon, missy. You’ve had a long day.”
We all descended to the little dining room we used when it was just ‘us’ time, as we spent most mealtimes with the guys. Gently, I lowered Harper into her seat and kissed Sam’s head when she took hers. “Eat up, guys.”
Sam made her plate but began pushing her food around. “Dad…”
