Authors: Cate Beauman
He covered his mouth with a slide of his hand, attempting to disguise a chuckle.
She dropped her ‘outfit’ to her side. “Are you laughing?”
“No.” He coughed.
“Jerrod.” She reached down and pulled a bright blue and pink flowered shirt from the bag and a bra big enough to wrap around them both. “Are you
serious
?”
His cough turned into a full-fledged burst of laughter. “Jesus, Abby, I’m sorry.” He struggled to shore himself up and laughed again. “I’m sorry,” he repeated.
“This is not funny.” She grinned, delighted to hear that deep roar. “It’s absolutely not.” She pulled the other outfit out, the sizes no better, the shirt and pants no less atrocious. “I mean, come on.” She started laughing herself. “Who picked this stuff out?”
He shook his head, snorting out another chuckle. “I don’t know, but it looks like we need to go into town. Put your jeans on and come with me. We’ll find you something to wear for now.”
She pulled on her pants and dashed across the hall, covering her scantily clad chest with her arm.
He opened his closet. “Everything’s going to be huge and about nine years out of fashion.”
“As long as I don’t look like a geriatric Easter egg, I won’t complain.”
They both grinned.
“Go at it.” He stepped out of the way.
There were a couple of sweaters, heavy work jackets, a pair of slacks, a polo or two, and several Huskers options. “Mmm, I think I’ll take this.” She pulled the dark red sweatshirt from the hanger. “It looks nice and warm.”
“Be my guest.”
“Do you have any t-shirts?”
He walked to a drawer. “Take your pick.”
She pulled a simple white undershirt from the selection and slid it on, followed by the sweater. “Perfect. Warm and comfy.”
“That’s the name of the game around here. You want something to eat?”
She shook her head, rolling the sleeves past her wrists, studying him. She’d never seen him dressed for the day so casually. He looked good enough to eat in his relaxed attire, like someone she could relate to on a non-bodyguard-to-principal level. “I want in that barn. Will you give me a tour?”
“After I grab a cup of coffee.”
“Can I touch the animals?”
He raised his brows. “If you want.”
“I’ve never felt a cow before or a pig or a chicken. I can’t wait.” She flashed him a huge grin.
He smiled. “The cows will be busy with the milking, the chickens will more than likely peck at you, and the sows would rather eat that hand of yours than have you petting them.”
She grimaced. “Pigs eat people?”
He chuckled. “They can.”
She swallowed. Maybe going to the barn wasn’t such a good idea after all. “I thought that was some kind of urban legend.”
He shook his head. “These aren’t pets, Abby.”
“What about the piglets? There must be a Wilbur out there for me to love.”
“I guess we should go find out.”
They walked down the stairs, and she moaned, breathing in something doughy and delicious. “Oh my god, what is that?”
“Fresh bread.”
She moaned again. “Your mom makes fresh bread?”
“Every morning.”
“Wow.” She followed him past the formal dining room with its long antique table and cabinetry and into the kitchen. She gaped. The space was huge and not what she’d expected. Major renovations had taken place. Dark wood, stainless steel, and yards of chocolate-colored granite were everywhere she turned. “Now
this
is a kitchen.”
“Good morning.” Mary smiled, stirring a large bowl of some sort of batter.
“Morning, Mom.”
“Good morning,” Abby returned, studying Jerrod’s mother. She was young, no more than fifty—tops, with the same dark blond hair and calm blue eyes as Jerrod. Her high cheekbones begged for blusher, and her full, firm lips a bit of gloss. She was tall and sturdy in her jeans and plaid button down, emanating an inner strength Abby envied.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee, Abby?”
“Oh, no thanks.”
“Abby doesn’t drink coffee.” Jerrod handed her a steaming mug of tea.
“Thank you.” She smiled, examining the gorgeous bold red pottery. “I love your crockery, Mary. It’s beautiful. Your whole home is beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Mom’s a hell of a potter.”
“Mary, you made this?”
“I did.”
Abby sipped her tea, scrutinizing the excellent craftsmanship closer, in awe. “I’ve never made pottery before.”
“You’re welcome to join me in the studio any time you like.”
“I would love to.” She smiled, wiggling her brows at Jerrod, earning a grin and shake of his head.
Mary glanced from Abby to Jerrod. “Like I said, any time.”
The side door opened, and in walked a tall man in jeans and a thick, dark Parker Police Department jacket.
“Well if it isn’t Little Timmy.” Jerrod smiled and walked over, giving Not-So-Little Timmy a guy hug. Timmy was an inch shorter than Jerrod and not as powerfully built, but he wasn’t small by any stretch of the imagination.
“Welcome back, big brother,” Little Timmy said with a grin.
Abby smiled up at the man who looked very much like Jerrod. Tim’s chin was softer, his hair more brown than dirty blond, and his teeth completely straight when he flashed his grin. “Hi. I’m Tim, this lug’s little brother.” He gave a jerk of his head in Jerrod’s direction.
“Hi.” She held out her hand, instantly comfortable in Tim’s friendly presence. “I’m Abby, this lug’s friend.” She copied Tim’s gesture.
He smiled again and gave her hand a firm shake. “Nice to meet you. So how are you handling farm life?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t handled it yet. Jerrod’s going to show me around and teach me how to milk a cow.”
Jerrod paused with his mug halfway to his mouth. “I missed the discussion about that part.”
She shrugged, smiling. “I want to know how.”
“We have machines for that.” The radio belched on the waistband of Tim’s jeans. “Sorry.” He turned it down. “My work is never done.”
“Tim’s the Chief of Police,” Jerrod supplied before he sipped at his coffee again.
“Impressive.”
“It’s not all that glamorous.” He scrubbed at his face. “In fact I haven’t slept in a solid twenty-four. Bar fight at The Wrangler kept things hopping.”
“The more things change the more they stay the same,” Jerrod said as he leaned against the counter.
Can I fix you a plate, Tim?” Mary asked as she set strips of bacon into a hot, sizzling skillet.
“I just ate, but thanks, Mom. Tammy fixed me up at the diner.”
Mary nodded. “Abby, Jerrod, are you ready for a plate?”
“Abby wants a tour of the barn first.”
“Bundle up. It’s cold out there.”
Jerrod set his mug down and left the kitchen, coming back moments later in his black jacket, carrying hers, handing it over. “We’re going to have to do better than this.” He swiped a wool hat from the rack as she zipped and pulled it on her head.
She smiled, her shoulders light, reveling in the sensation of complete relaxation. Jerrod seemed at ease as well. “Thanks.”
“We’ll go into town after breakfast. You can pick out some new clothes.” He grinned and winked.
She chuckled, understanding he was thinking of the horrid clothing she’d pulled from the carryon. “Sounds good.”
Tim stood in the doorway, watching them. “Mind if I join you for the tour?”
“Not at all.”
Tim stepped out first, then Abby and Jerrod at the same time. She blinked back tears, sucking in a sharp breath from the shocking sting of the brutal winds. “Yikes.” She crossed her arms at her chest. “It’ll be a while before I get used to this.”
“We’ll thicken up that California blood,” Tim said as they hurried toward the barn.
She spotted a white Honda Civic barreling up the drive.
“Oh shit,” Tim said as Jerrod muttered something under his breath and closed his eyes.
Abby light mood vanished as she sensed Jerrod’s tension. “What is it? Who—” The screech of tires cut her off as a tall, beautiful redhead got out of the driver’s seat and ran toward them in black tailored slacks and a fitted white blouse.
“I knew you would come home.” She rushed up, throwing her arms around Jerrod, kissing him. “I knew you would come back to me.” She kissed him again and pressed her hands to his cheeks, staring in his eyes. “God, I’ve missed you.”
The pretty redhead’s spicy perfume tickled Abby’s nose, and her stomach sank as she struggled not to stare at the cozy picture of love reunited. The woman twined around Jerrod had to be the “serious girlfriend” Alexa had spoken of. Despite her sister’s best guesses it was clear Jerrod was definitely not a free agent. She glanced up, meeting his eyes, and looked down just as quickly as he untangled himself from his lover’s hold.
“I’m back for a few weeks, Shelby, but I’m not staying.”
Abby peeked up from under her lashes, swallowing the bitter taste of yesterday’s conversation in the safe house as Shelby leaned against his solid chest. Jerrod told her he couldn’t be with her for her own safety, but the truth was he couldn’t be with her because he was already with someone else.
Shelby’s eyes filled as she clung to him. “But Jerrod—”
“Will you excuse us for a minute? Timmy, keep an eye on things.” Jerrod took Shelby’s hand and started toward the house.
Tim looked at Abby, giving her a small smile. “So, should we go check out the barn?” He held out his arm.
The barn and animals inside lost their appeal as Jerrod and Shelby’s voices echoed behind her, but she looped her arm through Tim’s, struggling to find her enthusiasm anyway. “I’d like that.”
“Right this way, madam.”
Jerrod leaned against the frame of the living room
window, staring out at the barn, watching for Abby as the sun began its evening descent. She’d been out all afternoon with Tim at her side, doing whatever chores Uncle Jimmy would allow. He didn’t have to stand here and wait; Tim was more than capable of keeping Abby safe on the short walk back to the house, but he was restless and edgy with it—as he always was when he stayed here too long.
He’d only been back a week, and already he itched for the noise and chaos of the city. Mucking stalls, milking cows, and inoculating piglets didn’t fascinate him the way it seemed to Abby. He pulled his weight, helping with repairs and whatever else he could, but he’d worked his ass off to get away from the stench of manure and endless worries over crop yield reports.
Nothing’s ever good enough for you, son. That’s your problem. You always want more
. His father’s bitter words played through his head, as they did every time he came home, reminding him of why he didn’t come often. Dad had been gone almost two years, but the raw memories still lingered.
Clenching his jaw, he braced his hands against the wooden frame as Tim opened the barn door and stepped out. Abby was at his side in her designer jeans, work boots, and one of mom’s thick, plaid coats. Her cheeks were rosy and her face unframed with her hair tucked beneath her hat, accentuating her breathtaking beauty as she said something to his little brother, smiling as she spoke.
Jerrod cleared his throat and shifted his stance as he tried to ignore the uncomfortable twist of envy. It had been days since Abby aimed one of her killer grins his way. Other than the uncustomarily quiet trip into town last week for clothes, shoes, makeup, and whatever else she’d needed, he hardly saw her. Abby had fully immersed herself in their temporary new life, spending her days with Uncle Jimmy in the barn or with mom in the studio throwing clay and her nights in her room sketching and sewing, avoiding him.
They still spoke at breakfast and dinner or in the evenings when they watched a movie from time to time, but something was different; Abby was different. She didn’t joke with him anymore or dance and sing or pull him to her room to show off her latest fashion ideas. She was perfectly polite…and stiff—at least with him. Abby hadn’t been the same since Shelby entered the picture their first day here. His ex’s daily drop-ins had changed their relationship yet again.
Uncle Jimmy pulled up in his old F-150 and got out, handing off a wrench to Tim from the bed of his beat-up truck. He turned to leave and Abby stopped him, wrapping her arms around the big, burly old man. Jerrod winced, blinking his surprise when Uncle Jimmy hugged her back and kissed her cheek. He smiled, chuckling, shaking his head. There was something about her that no one could resist. In a week’s time she’d charmed the hell out of everyone she’d met, including his mother, and Marry Quinn was a hard sell.
Uncle Jimmy got in his tired vehicle and drove off with a wave. Abby and Tim waved back and started down the path at a casual stroll, arms linked, smiling, talking. They both stopped, bopping their heads as Abby grabbed the tool from Tim, bringing her impromptu microphone to her lips, then to Tim’s as their mouths moved in sync. Tim broke into an awkward dance, pulling Abby along with him. Her hips swayed as she moved her arms above her head. Tim grabbed her hand, tugging her forward, sending her crashing into his chest. They gripped each other close as she tipped her head back, laughing, and Jerrod looked away. How long had it been since he’d heard that sound?
He stepped away from the window as the front door shut and high heels echoed on the hardwood floor.
“Honey, I’m home,” Shelby said as she walked into the room in gray slacks and a low-cut black blouse, smiling. “Did you miss me?”
He shoved his hands in his pockets as he stared at the woman he grew up with, then dated and eventually lived with for almost a year of his life. She was beautiful, coolly so. Beneath her pretty Amazon-like package lay a nasty, manipulative viper ready to strike without mercy. Despite their long history, he and Shelby hadn’t ended well, yet he hesitated to tell her to go away. “Not so much.”
“Don’t be a jerk, Jerrod. I’m trying to play nice.” She set her purse on the coffee table, pausing as she looked out the window he’d stepped away from. “Well, well, well, there’s a cozy picture. Looks like Timmy snagged himself a city girl.”
Jerrod breathed in deep, rubbing at the back of his neck. “They’re friends.”
She pursed her lips and smiled. “Struck a nerve, did I?”
She did; they both knew it, but he’d be damned if he would admit it. “Why are you here, Shelby?”
“I just got off work.” She stepped closer, stopping almost toe-to-toe. “But I’ve been wondering the same thing about you. Why are you here, Jerrod? You clearly didn’t come back for me.” She slid her finger down the front of his shirt. “Right?”
He gripped her wrist, halting her movement, refusing to rise to her bait. “I’m back for a visit. That’s all.”
“What about her?” She gestured toward the window with a toss of her head. “Why did you bring her?”
He shrugged. “She’s a friend. We work together. We both had some vacation time, so she came with me.”
Her green eyes sharpened. “I’m not buying it.”
He was afraid of that. Shelby worked the news in a small town, but her mind was as sharp as any big-time reporters. “I don’t know what to tell you.”
“How about the truth.”
He wanted to tell her to go to hell, but sending Shelby away mad and curious was asking for trouble. She had the potential to be as detrimental to Abby’s safety as Toni Torrell had been if he didn’t stay cool and keep her close. “Look—”
The back door opened, and Abby’s smooth soprano voice melded with the off-key notes of his brother’s singing while they belted out Katy Perry’s
Roar
. Jerrod adjusted his stance, watching as Tim and Abby turned by the coat hook in the hall, shaking their asses at each other, laughing, while they pulled off jackets and boots. Tim plucked the dark red hat mom had knitted Abby from her head.
“Thanks.” She shoved the hat and her gloves in her coat pocket.
“No problem.” Tim blew on his hands and rubbed them together. “I’m going to have a cup of coffee. Do you want tea or something?”
“I’ll never turn down tea,” she said as they started toward the living room.
“Dollop of honey, honey?”
“You know how I like my drink, Timothy. I feel so…special.” She batted her lashes, grinning, stopping abruptly and almost crashed into Jerrod as they stepped into the room. “Oh.” Her smile faded as she looked from Jerrod to Shelby. “I didn’t see you. Hello.” She nodded politely to Shelby.
“Hi. How are the pigs?” Shelby asked.
“Growing.”
“Dream vacation, huh?”
“Give it a rest,” Jerrod warned as he glanced from Abby to Tim. “Slow day at the office, Timmy?”
“Not much going on. Everyone seems to be behaving.”
“You’ve been lucky all week.” He shoved his hands back in his pockets, eyeing his brother as the tension in the room grew unbearable.
Abby cleared her throat. “You know what? I’m going to take a rain check on the tea, Tim.” Abby took his hand. “Sorry about the milk in the eye.” She and Tim grinned at each other.
He shrugged. “Happens to the best of us.”
“I’m going to go clean up for dinner and hopefully give your mother a hand if she’ll actually let me. Are you staying?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
She nodded and turned for the stairs.
“Abigail,” Jerrod called, stepping toward her, not wanting her to go. “Ethan spoke with Mr. Terron today. He wasn’t able to find what you were looking for.” This wasn’t the time to give her an update on Margret, but he wasn’t sure when he would find a moment to speak to her.
She nodded again.
“Time for dinner, everyone,” Mom said as she peeked her head in from the kitchen. “Shelby, I didn’t know you were here.”
“I was on my way out.” She smirked as she stared at Abby.
“You’re not staying?” Jerrod asked, thinking fast, recognizing the rabid look in her eyes. A look that could only lead to trouble.
Her gaze flew from Abby to him. “Do you want me to?”
“That’s up to you.”
“Of course I will.” She sent him a sultry wink and started toward the kitchen.
He stared into Abby’s eyes, catching the hint of hurt, understanding that he was pushing her further away by welcoming Shelby back into his life, but he didn’t see much of a choice. Her safety had to come before her feelings. He would dance with the devil to keep her alive.
~~~~
Jerrod kept his pace slow as he and Abby wandered the rows of cows, making certain all was well before they closed up the barn for the night. He was in no rush to head back to the house now that he finally had her alone. Mom and Uncle Jimmy were off to Bingo, Timmy was stuck in town on duty, and Shelby was…who knows where? He could have easily checked on the animals by himself, but he wanted this time with Abby. They needed it after the rocky past few days and tense dinner last night.
She’d met his eyes once during the torturous meal, then stared at the table, playing with the roast beef and vegetables on her plate while Shelby shared stories from their long-ago trip to Bermuda. He’d wanted to clear the air after Shelby and Tim left, but her bedroom light had gone out almost immediately after she went upstairs. He tried again this morning before breakfast, but she’d gone to the barn early, staying out all day until mom forced her in for a quiet, uncomfortable supper.
He stopped next to Abby as she peeked into the second to last stall. “I guess everything’s good.”
He nodded. “Everyone’s officially tucked in for the night.” He tried a smile, hoping to keep the conversation going. Abby had barely looked at him, let alone spoken during the last half hour.
She gave him a small smile in return. “Looks like.”
He rubbed his fingers over his chin, trying to figure out how to break through this awkwardness between them. He hated that she had her guard up as she met his eyes. He glanced at his watch. “You know, it’s still pretty early. Do you want to see if there’s a movie on?”
“Oh, I can’t.” She swiped at the loose strands falling free from her ponytail and crossed her arms in mom’s work coat. “I really need to finish up the sketches I’m working on.”
He wanted to push, but nodded again instead. If she didn’t want to watch a movie, he would find a reason to knock on her bedroom door. One way or the other they were going to move past this. “We should probably head back then.”
“Yeah.” She started walking away.
He steamed out a breath of frustration as he tossed a glance into the last stall, stopping when he spotted the heifer lying on the hay. “Hold up.”
She stopped. “What?”
He opened the pen and stepped in, noting the glob of amniotic fluid and two hooves well on their way into the world. “It looks like we have a calving going on.”
“A calving?” She dashed back, stopping at his side. “Oh my gosh. Do we need to call the vet?”
He grinned as she stared down at the cow. He’d watched hundreds of heifers drop their calves, but he’d never done so with Abby. “Nah, I’ve handled a few of these.”
She looked at him, her eyes full of worry as she nibbled her lip. “What should we do?”
“Wait it out. Maybe give Mama here a little hand. Baby’s looking pretty big.” He took off his jacket, tossing it away, and pushed up the sleeves of his sweatshirt as he knelt down at the cow’s back end.
Abby did the same with her jacket and black long sleeves and knelt next to him. “How do we do that?”
“When she has a contraction, we’ll give the calf a little pull.” The heifer’s stomach bunched into a hard ball. “Like right now.”
Mama pushed and Jerrod grabbed hold of the slippery, spindly legs, tugging.
“Oh, look.” Abby grinned as her dark blue eyes widened with excitement. “I think the head’s coming.”
He smiled, sitting on his haunches, while mama rested. “Baby’s coming along just fine. You wanna try with the next one?”
“Yes,” she replied without hesitation.
He scooted back. “Come on over.”
Abby knee-walked her way to the spot he’d just occupied.
Mama started pushing again.
“You’re on.”
She licked her lips looking from Mama to him. “What—what do I do?”
“Hands above the hooves and pull.”
Abby hesitated. “I don’t want to hurt them.”
“You won’t.”
She put her hands on the calf’s legs as he had and pulled. “She’s so slippery.”
He moved in behind Abby, breathing in her shampoo as he pressed his chest to her back, surrounding her with his body as he wrapped his hands above hers on the calf. “I don’t think this is a she. I think we’ve got a bull on the way. This baby’s a big one. Just a little harder.” He gave a strong tug.
“It’s working.”
Jerrod grunted his assent as Mama’s contraction ebbed. They were making progress, but they should’ve had a head with that last round. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried off to the supply cabinet, grabbing towels, the iodine solution they would eventually need, and gloves, pulling the rubber up to his shoulders as he walked into the stall, dropping the extra supplies by their jackets. “When she contracts again I’m going to help with the head. I want you to pull on the legs like we just did.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“Here we go.” He reached in the heifer, wincing, his arm aching with the squeezing power of the contraction as he fought to advance the head while Abby went to work on the legs. “Good. Good. Here he comes.” The calf’s muzzle emerged, and Jerrod tore off his gloves as he hurried behind Abby, resting on his haunches, surrounding her with his body, grabbing hold of the hooves as he did before. “One more good pull,” he said, his voice strained with his efforts. “We don’t want to rip Mama up, but we don’t want to lose the momentum either. We need to get him out.”
Mama mooed her protest as the head was finally born.
“Keep going,” he urged. “Use what’s left of this contraction.” They both gave another solid tug, falling back in the hay as the calf’s body slipped free.