Somewhere Montana (15 page)

“Taffy? You had a woman in your unit?” squeaked Sage, scooting around to look at him, astonishment written in her wide-eyed stare.

“No. His real name was Leo. He was from R.I. and in every care package his mother sent she included his favorite candy, salt water taffy. So he got stuck with the radio name Taffy. We all had them. As I said, Taffy was driving, Rob was in the passenger seat, and I was riding the passenger side running board. The other men were in or on the back of the truck, eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary behind the convoy. Rob asked about when we were due for our three-day break and I turned to answer him. That’s when the truck tripped the IED. The front of the truck disintegrated. I was blown about fifty feet away to land a belly whopper in the sand. By the time I could breathe again and got the sand out of my eyes and mouth, the rest of the convoy had rolled up.

What was left of our truck was fully ablaze. I could see Coyote propped against the front wheel of the next rig, his arm hanging at the elbow by a small strip of skin. Tank lay there staring in disbelief at where his legs should have been. Kentucky ran from the back of the truck, his clothes aflame. How he managed to get out of that mangled piece of wreckage I’ll never know. If it weren’t for the driver hauling the water buffalo, a tank trailer, grabbing his hose and turning it on him, he would have been a goner.”

Mac’s arms tightened around her as he recounted the next bit, his voice cracking and filled with self-loathing. Sage held her breath, afraid of what she might hear, afraid for him.

“I tried to get to my men. To help them. But I couldn’t move. My brain was telling my arms and legs to move but they weren’t listening. I could hear the screams, smell the blood and death all around me. Then nothing. The next thing I remember is being carried on a stretcher, loaded into a plane headed for Germany. I tried to tell them I couldn’t go, I had to get to my men. But I couldn’t make them understand. After that everything is all fuzzy till I woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Mom and Dad were standing by my bed.”

“How long were you in the hospital?”

“Three months. After they removed the shrapnel from around my spine, they weren’t sure if I would ever walk again. I sent my parents home. Couldn’t have them see me like that.”

“That explains the scars on your back and arms and legs. What caused this one?” she asked, gliding her forefinger over the scar on his face.

“Rob’s dog tags,” he whispered, retreating into himself again.

She couldn’t let him. “So you were willing to accept their prognosis. You felt you weren’t able to save your men, therefore you shouldn’t be allowed to have any quality of life. What changed your mind?”

“Not what. Who. Tank and Coyote. I didn’t know they were at WR, too, until they showed up in my room one day. Gave me what for. From then until the day I walked out of there, they wouldn’t let me give up. Tank said he’d be so good with his prosthetics he’d tap dance at my wedding. Coyote threatened to slap me upside the head with his new arm.”

“But you still can’t let go of your other men,” Sage stated, cupping his face in her palm. “You have to stop feeling guilty because you’re alive and they’re not. You were wounded, too. You weren’t physically able to help them. Let go, Callum. Set them free. They wouldn’t want you to go on like this.”

Mac stared at her, his eyes never leaving hers. Then it was as if a heavy load lifted from his heart. She could see the pain easing from his features. He seemed to breathe easier now. He bent down to place a gentle kiss on her soft lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered against her lips. “Telling you about it has helped ease the burden. I think that’s what Tank and Coyote were trying to tell me. It may be a while before I’m completely free, but you helped start the healing process.”

What was that fleeting presence he saw before her eyes closed and she sighed? She let him swoop in for a more fervent kiss, his tongue sliding in to explore each crevice. He tasted of mint and honey. She didn’t stop his hand from skating across her belly to wend its way upward over the sleek satin to cover her breast, his thumb inadvertently stroking the nipple. With a gasp of pleasure she arched into his hand.

“Sage,” he murmured, breaking the kiss to place light kisses along her neck and nibble on her ear lobe. Caught up in the heat of the moment, she moved so he could work his way back down her neck with his lips, teeth, and tongue until he reached the edge of her nightgown where it barely covered the tenderest morsel. She could feel he was oh so ready.

Sage didn’t understand the feelings hopping around inside her. Her body was on fire. An ache had started in her chest, gravitating to her belly, to lodge in her female parts that no one else had ever seen or touched. Mac was the only one to stir those feelings in her. She pushed up against him instinctively aligning her pelvis with his.

“Make love to me, Callum,” she whispered.

“S—Sage?” he stuttered, levering himself off her, his eyes going wide. It was like he just recognized who he was with. As his eyes focused and his breathing returned to normal, he moved away.

“Please. I want you.”

“We can’t. I’ve never brought a woman here to my bed. I don’t have any protection for you.”

“That’s okay. I don’t want anything between us the first time. I want to feel
you.
I want to know
you.
”

He regarded her intently until her words finally seemed to sink in through his fog. “The first time? You’ve never been with…a man…before?” His question came out on a sputtering breath. “You’re a virgin?”

She nodded at him and he groaned, rolling onto his back.

“Sage, that’s another reason we can’t. That is something you want to give your husband on your wedding night. The anticipation through the ceremony, the reception, until you’re alone together to consummate the love you have for one another.”

“You don’t have to go all poetic. I get it,” she said, turning hurt laden eyes to him. She started to leave the bed. “You don’t want me.”

He curled an arm around her, pulling her back to face him, taking her hand and holding it against his hot and hard part. “Does that feel like I don’t want you? I do. More than anything else right now. But I can’t do it. I wouldn’t want you hating me, or yourself, after. You mean too much to me.”

She could see the truth in his passionate gaze. His honesty was something she admired. Now if only she could have his love. She started to move away from him, but he held her in place.

“Stay with me. Please,” he urged. “Tonight I need my friend.”

Her body relaxed as she put both arms around him and snuggled into him. He reached across and turned out the lamp.

He awoke to a hint of roses and a body in his arms. When he realized it was Sage and he had his nose buried in her hair, a smile turned up the corners of his lips. He had fallen asleep and awakened with her in his arms. It felt so right. He had never taken a woman to his bed, only theirs, and he made sure he never stayed the night. He could willingly change that with Sage.

It had taken a while to talk his libido into recession before he got to sleep. Now he eased his body back away from hers so she wouldn’t feel his
Good morning, America
salute.

It took some doing to slip away from her without waking her. He managed to sit on the side of the bed to pull on his briefs, long johns and jeans. Then he felt her stirring behind him. Would it be an awkward moment for them? Nothing had happened. Not because neither of them wanted it. He had been the one to call a halt.

Once he had realized it was Sage, it was like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over him. It stunned him to think how far he almost went. This was Sage, the woman he wanted as his wife and mother of his children. Just because his self-imposed term of celibacy had been a long one didn’t mean he could use her like something he picked up on R&R. He had managed to explain, to negate her feelings of hurt and rejection.

She was a virgin. How rare was that in this day and age? He should have remembered Sage was not one to look for love in unlikely places, or to give it easily.

He thought about their ride the day before and the information about her childhood that she had divulged. How could her parents be so selfish? Just because she wasn’t a son? He knew of several women who led hotel companies and were excellent at the job. He would like to give Sheldon Burnett a piece of his mind.

Mac watched her sleeping peacefully, curled into herself now that he wasn’t there to hold her. For a moment he thought the heck with everything and crawl back into bed with her, but there was too much to do today. He had to take her and Little Mouse into town. If it wasn’t that they needed supplies, he wouldn’t let her off the ranch. His gut was telling him not to let her out of his sight while in town.

He couldn’t keep her like they were joined at the hip. She wouldn’t allow it. He was certain she knew of what danger could be lurking anywhere if she were found alone. But she had convinced herself the greater danger was for him.

He had to keep her there. His ranch hands were well armed and any of them would be willing to give his life to save hers. He was sure she was not aware of that. She still thought she had to handle it by herself.

Could he find Diego first? The sheriff’s hands were tied until the bastard did something wrong. He had to be caught in the act. Preferably while stalking, not when he had her in his grasp.

Mac thought maybe he could entice Diego to attack him first. Then he could take him down before he could get to Sage. If he only knew where the rat was hiding. He could already be in Somewhere. If he was, he was keeping a low profile. Sheriff Deveaux hadn’t called with a sighting.

First things first. The chores, breakfast, then the trip to town, which he was not looking forward to. He couldn’t be angry. Had to keep his senses under control and be watchful, just like he did on patrol in Stan. He would call on his military training. Anything to keep her safe. She had to stay safe. He didn’t know what he might be capable of if she were taken from him. He loved her with all his being.

He watched Sage stretch languidly, like a kitten just stirring awake. Her eyes opened slowly. Then she sat bolt upright. He would bet the night’s events were playing through her mind. She looked around and blushed when she saw Mac standing beside the bed buttoning his shirt, watching her. It was apparent she didn’t know if she should say anything or merely retreat to her room. She slid out of bed and stood as he came around to her side.

“G
-
good morning,” she stammered, her blush deepening.

“It is a good morning,” he said with a smile. He held her face with his palms and dipped his head to deliver a gentle, loving kiss. “That was the most restful four hours’ sleep I’ve had in a long time. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being there for me. For—”
For loving me even though you can’t say it because you think it won’t be returned. How I want to tell you I love you! Would you believe me? No, it’s not time yet.
He read the questions in her eyes, the expression changing from scowl to blank, like a curtain pulled down. “I’m going down to start the coffee. Get dressed. We’ll be leaving right after breakfast.”

* * * *

She watched him stride from the room, whistling a lively tune. What was he doing? His actions were more puzzling. She was embarrassed by her actions the previous night. He said he hadn’t rejected her, and he had remained a gentleman while declining her advances. Yet he seemed happy about the circumstances that morning. She shook her head in bewilderment and figured she better get dressed and downstairs before he left without her.

As soon as everything was cleaned up after breakfast, Sage slid into the truck with Mac and Little Mouse to go into town. He dropped Little Mouse off at Murphy’s and continued on to the mall. Mac pulled into a parking space in front of the bookstore. Shutting off the ignition, he turned to face her.

“You all right?” he asked.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” she answered, frowning. His skeptical expression made her wince. “I’m not worried. Even if Diego arrived, he doesn’t know where I am right now.”

“You sure you don’t want me to go in with you?”

“I’m only going after two books that should be easy to find. It’s not a covert op.” She smiled at him. He glowered at her.

“If you’re sure, I’ll pick up the dry cleaning and I need to speak to Ozzie at the gym. Twenty minutes be enough? I’ll meet you back here at the truck.”

Sage entered the store to the sound of gentle chimes. It made her feel welcome. She could smell the books, see the row after row of filled bookshelves. Some things never changed. She made a beeline for the section her books should be in and had no trouble finding them. Then she stopped to check out a couple authors she had read blogs about, but had never read any of their books. Engrossed in reading the blurb on the back cover, she didn’t notice the man moving up behind her.

“Well, well, Sage. Isn’t this convenient,” said a voice.

She almost dropped the books as she spun to face her nemesis. He reached out to grasp the collar of her jacket, fingering the fur.

“You should know by now you can never get away from me. I will find you and those who help you. Oh, I’m not going to snatch you away today. Too many people around. I’ll just let you wonder when I will come for you.”

Then he sauntered away and when she looked around the end of the row, he had disappeared.

She didn’t dare move. He could be anywhere. How did he find her so quickly? She knew he would follow through with his threats. What did he have planned for her this time? She fingered the scar on her face and felt a twinge in her side.

She experienced a flashback to his initial attack. Her lying on her bed, her hands imprisoned by his one big, beefy one. The smell of his sweat interspersed with his spicy cologne as he knelt between her thighs made her gag. How he flashed the knife around. His taunts.

She could feel again the stinging and sharp pain as he drew the knife over her face. Would he do it again? She didn’t think she would be able to face that disfigurement a second time.

What other atrocities did he have planned for her? Rape was high on the agenda. He had claimed no one would have her first after she had screamed at him in fright that she was a virgin. That was going to be his privilege. She wished Mac had not been so honorable last night. Would Diego leave her alone if he thought she had already given it away, or would it change his diabolical plans to something more scurrilous? Would he have the knife with him? She would bet on it.

She couldn’t stand here in the open. Stealthily she made her way to a back corner in the children’s section. Squeezing into the tight place, she slid down the wall until she sat on the floor. She pulled a movable display in front of her, moving a couple books so she could peek out between them. She wanted to cry as the trembling set in. Screaming was out of the question. It would bring Mr. Harrington and his son into the fray. It would only put them in danger. Mr. Harrington was in his eighties and his son had to be late fifties. They wouldn’t be much help against the younger Diego even if they double teamed him.

She couldn’t stay there. Mac would be coming back to the truck and would worry if she wasn’t there. She had to leave. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and carefully moved the display stand aside. Slowly she crept out, looking around. Silently she placed one foot in front of the other. She stopped at the end of each set of bookshelves. Cautiously she made her way to the checkout counter.

Sage quickly paid for her purchases and cautiously stepped out the door. It was only a few steps to the truck, but it seemed to take forever. She fumbled with the door handle and tripped on the step getting into the truck. Locking the doors, she sat there trembling, praying Mac would be there soon.

* * * *

When he reached the truck, Mac wondered why it was locked. He didn’t remember locking it, and Sage was inside. He tapped the unlock on his keyless entry. As he opened the back door, Sage whipped around to look, her hand on the door handle, ready to run. One look at her face, he yanked open the driver’s door and leaped inside.

“Sage, what’s wrong?” She was hyperventilating, her face so pale, the pulse in her throat faster than he could count, her whole body shaking. He reached over and drew her to him, wrapping her in his arms. He felt like he was trying to hold onto an earthquake. “It’s okay. I’m here. You’re safe. What happened?”

“D-Diego was in the store. He-he said he was coming for me, b-but I wouldn’t know wh-when,” she stammered, her tears overflowing with increasing intensity. Mac started out the door, but she stopped him. “He’s gone. He wasn’t around when I came out of the store.”

Mac snatched his phone from his inside jacket pocket and tapped a speed dial number. “Dante. It’s Mac. Diego is in town. He just confronted Sage in Harrington’s. He could still be somewhere around the mall, watching her.”

“Oh good Lord! Was she hurt?”

“No. Just scared the wits out of her.”

“Get her out of there. Let me patrol through the area, see if I can spot him.”

“Okay. Better you than me. No telling what I might do if I spotted him.”

“Let us do the police work. No sense in me having to arrest you at this time,” Dante cautioned. “Will you be someplace around town?”

“No, I’m taking her back to the ranch right now. Security is tight there.”

“Best place to be. I’m on my way to the mall as we speak.”

“Keep me posted.” Mac closed his phone and slipped it back in his pocket.

He sat Sage away from him and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. He gave her an everything-will-be-okay smile, even though his mind didn’t agree. Then he started the truck and surveyed the parking lot as he pulled out. After picking up Little Mouse, he headed for the ranch, his foot heavier on the accelerator than normal.

When they reached the ranch, Mac shepherded Sage into the office, seated her on the couch, and moved to the mini bar to pour a shot of whiskey. Sitting beside her, he pushed the glass into her hand. Her hand shook so the liquid sloshed over the rim. He placed his hand over hers to steady her.

“You know I don’t touch the hard stuff,” she said.

“Then it should take only a couple sips to help numb those jangled nerves. Go ahead, drink it. If nothing else, it will make me feel better.” She looked askance at him as she took a tentative sip, grimacing at the taste. With his hand over hers, he tipped the glass until she finished it. Setting the empty glass aside, he wrapped his arms around her, tucking her into his side, determined to support her until her shivering abated and muscles relaxed.

Once he felt Sage had settled enough that he could leave her, Mac rose to check his answering machine, the blinking red light urging him to retrieve the messages. The first two were business regarding the horses and he jotted down the information to return the calls later. The third message had him reaching for Sage.

“I know you’re there, Sage,” it began. “You can run but you can’t hide. I’ll be coming for you. Your lover-boy won’t be able to help you. He’s already a dead man. See you soon.” It ended with a sinister laugh and the receiver slammed down.

When the message began, Sage sprang from the couch ready to bolt. By the end of it, she was frozen in place. Her eyes were wide, pupils dilated, knees shaking and weak, her pulse like a trip hammer, and she was unable to breathe. Mac grabbed her and held tightly. He stared into a pair of blue eyes so filled with fear he couldn’t speak. The reassuring words wouldn’t pass from his brain to his tongue.

“I have to go. I can’t stay here. It’s too dangerous,” she cried wildly.

“This is the safest place you can be,” stated Mac. “The security is tight. He can’t get to you.”

“But you are not safe. If I’m not here he will leave you alone. He won’t hurt you or Grandfather Two Feathers or Grandmother Little Mouse.”