Authors: Nancy Hopper
He watched her with a very grim face. “I think I’d better stay, then.” he said evenly. He had no intention of letting her drive home.
Tim knew fully well that, as usual, people were watching. Pattie Danniels and a few other magazine reporters, curious people from the conference, and a number of locals.
The waiter seemed to know Tasha well, and gave her whatever she wanted. He wouldn’t let Tim pay for the drinks while Tasha was gone to the restroom.
“
She said they were to go on her bill, sir. I’m sorry, but I can’t mess with Ms. Taylor.” he warned. “It’ll have to be her way.”
”
So, does she get blitzed very often?” Tim asked wearily.
”
Naw. She’s a class act. Never seen her have more than one, before.” the waiter laughed. “She must have had a real bad day.”
Tim raised an eyebrow and sighed unhappily.
When Tasha came back, Tim took her hands in his, and forcefully bundled her into her coat.
“
What’re ya doin’?” she asked fuzzily.
“
I’m taking you home.” he answered tersely.
“
I’m not ready. And don’t think you can start
managing
me, I’ve got a big bottle out in my car.” she said quite loudly. “The biggest bottle they’ve got!”
Tim sighed heavily and waited while the waiter got her bill. When she had it taken care of, she allowed Tim to lead her out to her car. She took out her keys only to have them snatched from her fingers.
”
Hey! Gimme those back.” she demanded.
”
Fat chance, sweetheart. Get in.” Tim ordered evenly. He held the passenger door open, and she obeyed. Judging from the burning look he was giving her, he’d do whatever he had to do, to drive her home.
”
I could do it fine.” she sniffed. Her dark gray satin skirt was swirled high up over her left thigh; her thin shoulder strap had fallen, and was limp on her bicep; and her cleavage was deep and inviting.
”
I don’t care if you could, or not. I will.” he answered smoothly.
It was a quiet drive. Tasha produced her bottle from under the seat, and drank liberally. ”So.” she said lightly. “Are you over your silly idea that we’re supposed to get married?”
Tim gave her a dark look. “Is that why you’re doing this?” he asked tiredly.
”
Well, it seems to be doing the trick.” she laughed. “I’m feeling no pain and you’re totally turned off. By Jove, that’s all right.” she sang in a slurred voice.
By the time he parked the car in her garage, she was out cold. She’d managed to drink a healthy amount of the whiskey. He hauled her out of the car, carried her up the steps and pushed open the door.
Lucinda met him in the hallway with a gasp. “Mr. Timothy, what has happened?” she asked fearfully.
“
She’s drunk.” he said, sounding almost angry. “Get the doors for me, will you, Lucinda?”
“
I can’t believe it! She doesn’t drink! Not more than the occasional one.” Lucinda exclaimed. She closed the automatic garage door and then led him to the stairs. “Just follow me.”
Her room was feminine, but with substance. Her carpets were dark green, her bedding, a combination of a cool purple, ivory and forest green. Her bed was of brass, and she had Ivory lace overlays on some of her pillows.
He laid her down gently on the bed, and walked out of the room without looking at her, even once. Lucinda worriedly followed him.
“
Mr. Tim, how are you to get back to your hotel?” Lucinda asked worriedly.
“
I don’t know. I guess I’ll call a cab.” he answered shortly.
“
Why ... why don’t you stay here again?” Lucinda offered hesitantly. “Mr. Brent is home. He has already retired, but I know it is what he would want. He will be grateful to you for looking after Miss Tasha.”
“
Who?” Tim asked tersely.
“
Mr. Brent, her father.” Lucinda explained worriedly.
Tim sighed. “It is rather late. I guess it’s okay with me, if it’s okay with you.”
Lucinda smiled nervously. “Please. I will extend the invitation, even if it is not my place.”
She showed him to the guest room that was decorated in royal blue and turquoise. Tim found it most pleasant, and wasn't sorry to be using it again. He washed his face and fell into bed. He lost no time getting to sleep. He was exceedingly tired.
Tim awoke early. He spent a couple of hours in prayer, then went downstairs. He found a man there, drinking coffee at the kitchen table. The man looked up at him with considerable surprise.
“
You must be Tasha’s father.” Tim said evenly. He held his hand out to Brent Charles. “I’m Tim Rain.”
Brent looked at him critically. “You’re a friend of Tasha’s?”
Tim thought that one over. “More or less.” he said. “I brought her home last night, and Lucinda decided I should stay.”
Brent raised an eyebrow. “Have some coffee.” he offered.
“
Do you have tea?” Tim asked with a yawn.
“
I’m not sure. See what Lucinda’s got in the cupboard.” he offered.
Tim made his tea, and joined Brent at the table.
“
Want part of the paper?” Brent offered amiably.
“
No, thanks.” Tim said. He stirred his Peppermint Tea with a furrowed brow.
“
You don’t look too happy. That doesn't bode well, first thing in the morning.” Brent commented wryly.
Tim shrugged and grinned. “Sorry.” he said. He looked thoughtfully at the man with black hair and green eyes, so like Tasha's. He could definitely see the resemblance. He had a certain something about him, that Tim recognized in Tasha, too. It made him feel that he knew this man, already.
“
Bad night?” Brent pried.
Tim shrugged. “Tasha got drunk. Just disappointed, I guess.”
Brent sat forward, and looked at Tim as if he’d grown another head. “
My daughter
tied one on?” he asked incredulously. Then, he burst out laughing. “You must scare the hell out of her! Who are you?” Brent insisted.
Tim shrugged. “Just a visitor from Wyoming. I think you could safely bet that I scare the hell out of her. You're quite accurate about that.”
Brent looked at him quizzically. “You must be the wonder man Lucinda told me about. You’ve been here for dinner a couple of times, right? Tim, forgive me if I’m prying; but this is absolutely fascinating.”
He stared into Tim's crystal, blue eyes and saw great purpose there. “You’ve been taking my daughter … out? More are less? Are you serious about her?”
Tim looked directly into his eyes. “Very.”
Brent stared back, then he smiled. “Wow. Well, you’ve got quite a challenge on your hands. She’s built her life around memories. And she’s not about to let anyone in.” he sighed. “But, perhaps you’re just the man to shake her loose from all that.” He looked at Tim with satisfaction. “We’re in for quite a rodeo, I suspect.” He thought it over for a moment, and laughed aloud again. "Oh, boy." he sighed.
CHAPTER TWELVE
When Tasha woke up, it was lunch time. She could hear the children laughing downstairs. She sighed, and tried to get up. Her head was pounding.
“
Oh, dear. That was not wise.” she sighed. She laid back down, immediately.
“
I would have to agree.” a man's voice said, dryly.
She looked up to find Timothy Rain sitting in a chair beside her bed, with his Bible open on his lap.
“
Try three aspirin.” he advised, handing her a glass of water and the aspirin. Warily, she sat up in bed and stared at him.
“
What are you doing here?” she grumbled.
“
Staring at you, obviously. I want to talk to you.”
“
Even though I’m a drunk?” she jibed. “I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with a drunk.”
He stared evenly at her. “All you’re going to get out of that is a little embarrassment and a sore head.” he advised. “If you thought that you could drive me away just by getting drunk, you’re sadly mistaken.”
She groaned and sat up, glaring at him. “Tim, don’t.”
“
No,
you
don’t.” he snapped. He grabbed her hair at the nape of her neck and kissed her deeply. She slowly gave in. She couldn’t help it, she had to. As she softened, he softened. As she yielded, he grew more tender.
He was awesome. Gorgeous. Captivating. His hands were like fire, igniting her wherever he touched. But he kept them in safe places. He was all gentleman, yet he was invasive at the same time. There was no chance of keeping him at arm’s length. She felt stripped bare by his kisses.
“
Now, you listen to me.” he hissed against her mouth. “No more shadow boxing, no more evasive maneuvers. I don’t have time, and you can’t afford them. I want you to marry me, Tasha.”
She pulled away from him. “Are you crazy? I don’t know the first thing about you.”
“
No quicker way to find out everything about me.” he said pointedly. “I’m going back to Jackson Hole at the end of the week, and I want to take you with me. We can get married now, or we can get married later. You and the kids can live in my house and I’ll stay with my parents, until you’re ready.”
“
No, Tim. It’s no today, no tomorrow, no forever. I’m not getting married! Please stop this, right now. Go away. And don't ... don't come back." She added tightly.
He just watched the emotions play over her face: fear, anger, confusion, anxiety, wariness.
"Who do you think you're kidding?" he demanded in a low voice. He bent over her, and kissed her again. By the time he pulled away, he could have done whatever he wanted. She wouldn't have said one word if he'd taken off every stitch of clothes and climbed into bed with her. She was dying for more of him. She wanted him desperately. And they both knew it.
He looked at her with a mixture of desire and frustration. “I guess that now, I wait.” He said grudgingly. “Are you absolutely sure you won’t change your mind? Tasha, please. Don’t make this difficult, sweetheart.” He kissed her, and nuzzled her neck.
“
Everything will be fine. Trust me. Baby, come with me. We don’t have to get married right away, I won’t rush you. Just be near me. Let me be close to you, so you can see what it would be like. Don’t push me out of your life without at least exploring the possibility.”
Tasha groaned. “You’re impossible.” She chastised. “I live
here
, Tim. I am happy here! I don’t want to move! I don’t want to get married. I don’t even want a boyfriend. Please understand this. I’m not cut out for ministry, and I am no good for you! I don’t want to be anybody’s wife. I don’t want to be anybody’s lover. Not ever. Not even yours.”
“
Liar.” He said with certainty, and an infuriating lack of concern. “You want me as much as I want you. But that’s all right, I’ll wait. Not that I’ll enjoy it. You call me when you’re ready to see me again. I’ve got the meeting tonight and the meeting tomorrow night at the Cedars. Then, I’ll be going home for a short time.”
“
Where are you … going after that?” she asked in a frightened voice.