Back In Town

The last time I saw Luke Faraday he came to my parent’s house to say good bye. His horse was in its trailer hitched to the old ford truck he drove. He said he was heading south. I watched the dust rise and settle as he roared out of view. I vowed that day I would never fall in love again if it hurt that much to lose somebody. (And I stuck to that vow through two marriages and I wondered why they didn’t work.)

Not that Luke knew I was in love with him. I was the tender age of fifteen and he was twenty. But he might have guessed it when I was more than willing to do anything to be with him. He never seemed to mind though and sometimes he would ask me to ride out and check the fences with him. I lived for those moments. It was one of those rides where he gave me my first kiss.

It was shortly after that he left. That was one best friend, two husbands, and three dogs ago. I really miss the dogs most of all. The first marriage ending in my finding his cheating ass in bed with my best friend. It was a quick painless divorce for me, painful for him; I managed to gain a few assets. The second husband decided that life with me was too dull and needed to find is inner self. Apparently he found his inner self, a red convertible mustang and a pretty young blonde.

Through the years every once in a while I heard Luke’s name mentioned in a rodeo conversation. From what I gathered he was in the top five ranking for his competitions for the early part of his career. Other names replaced his and I was more concerned with moving on with my life than who was who in the rodeo. Although I must say after my second divorce I found myself listening for his name or scanning the news for any word of him.

It was also during this time my parents were killed in a vehicle accident leaving a very mucky mire of bills behind and the family ranch was mortgaged to the hilt. Unbeknownst to me, my father had a very large gambling debt that became the bane of my existence. I understood my father’s animosity towards the bank and I had my own toward Jed Roberts the man my father owed money to. I missed my mother, and cursed my father.

With keeping the sharks at bay from buying or foreclosing I managed to hold on by a thread. I opened up stables for boarding horses, sold eggs and produce from my garden on the side, leased land for hay and sold whatever asset I could to pay off Jed while keeping the bank happy. I even reverted to wood heat and a cook stove to save money.

To add to the stirred pot the local doctor decided I would make a good wife and was nagging me to sell. Of course to Jed Roberts who had been spurned once by me and was determined to get his hands on my land for a development of some kind. Now a few said it was for a casino, others argue it was for condos, I’m not sure who I should have believed. I was so determined to hang on to my ranch that I shut out everything and everybody in my life.

I hadn’t realized it, until the day Luke came strolling back into my life. I was in town on a rainy Monday taking care of bills and picking up a few groceries. I over heard someone mention that Luke was back in town as I passed by the meat department. I put it down to mistaken identity. After all it had been twenty odd years or so.

I decided to treat myself to lunch in the small café. As I walked in I heard somebody call out.

“Hey, hey, hey if it isn’t the Mrs. Frost stepping off her icy moral high ground and coming in for her weekly trip to town.” I looked over to see Jed. God how I hated that man. Just seeing his fleshy jowls and smug face made me want to reach out and slap him. Even the thought of touching him made my skin crawl. His other cronies around him laughed at the jest.

He cleared his throat and winked to the one on his right. “Thought you’d like to know that Faraday is back in town.” He waited for my reaction. “Saw him at the bank.” He turned to the men, “Still got that heap of crap Ford. Its in sad need of a bullet in its head.” His cheeks shook when he laughed.

I ordered a coffee to go and got the hell out of there. I didn’t need Roberts needling me through what was supposed to be a treat. I guess I should have thanked him. Had I stuck around I would have arrived home late and might have missed the next chapter of my story.

As it was I arrived home after dark, just in time to feed my boarders and lock up the chickens. I ignored the pain in my shoulders when I tossed the bales for the horses. As I counted my flock to make sure they were all there, a habit I took from my mother, I heard the engine of an old truck rumble into my driveway.

I tipped my hat forward and stepped back into the rain, locked the coop and headed towards the house where the headlights were shining. The engine idled to a stop and a door opened. I saw a figure cut into the lights coming towards me.

“I’m looking for Liz Peterson.” I heard faintly through the rain.

“You found her.” I called back stepping through the mud puddles. “Except I’m known as Elizabeth Frost now.” I stopped and looked over to him. His voice caused my breath catch in my throat while my stomach did a flip, then a flop. “Didn’t catch your name?” I lied.

“It’s me Luke, Luke Faraday.” He said as I neared. “I used to…”

“Yeah I know who are.” I crossed in front of him and gave a wave, “I remember. Come on in.” I led the way.

The warmth and dryness of the house enveloped me as I stripped off my rain slicker, boots and hat. I could feel him stare at my curves then up to my face. All the work I did on the ranch kept me trim and fit. My blonde hair was swept up in the usual clasp leaving it askew around my face. I could sense his eyes on mine. I always thought they were a light indiscernible brown.

“Coffee?” I asked not looking back to see if he followed. My heart was racing from his scrutiny.

“Yeah that would be great.” Luke followed. “I saw you leave the coffee shop earlier.” He said settling in a chair. “The place hasn’t changed.”

“Haven’t had the time.” I said emptying the pot of the morning’s sludge.

“I meant Casper.” He grinned at me.

“That too.” I said blushing and thanking God in secret I wasn’t facing him. I was feeling like the fifteen-year old he left behind. But I wasn’t, I reminded myself. I was a woman with two marriages under my belt and the scars of unrequitted love towards the man sitting at the kitchen table. I let out a slow quiet deep breath, digging deep for the woman I was to emerge.

I stoked the coals in the stove, added a few more logs before setting about putting on the coffee. Luke watched with interest at all. I tried not to feel self-conscious when I felt his eyes on me.

“Wood?” He asked curiously.

I straightened defensively before realizing his tone was not mocking. “I…” It was stinging my pride for some reason to tell him the truth. I wanted to seem strong and yet it was starting to waver. “I had to make a few sacrifices to pay off my father’s debts.”

I turned around and looked at him for the first time. He hadn’t changed. Curly blonde hair loose about his face, sky blue eyes and a smile to knock any woman off her feet, including me. He still held a boyish grin on his face despite the years.

“So what can I do for you.” I sat across from him with my knees shaking beneath the table. I stared at the coffeepot wishing it would perk soon.

“Christ you’re to the point.” He smiled. I waited for an answer. “I was hoping I could board my horse, and maybe crash here for a while.”

“Crash?” I raised my eyebrows. The aroma of the brown liquid hit the air. I got up and took out two mugs from the cupboard. I automatically gave him two teaspoons of sugar and a splash of cream after pouring the coffee.

“Maybe crash isn’t a good word. How about stay awhile and help out?”

I sat back down after giving him his coffee. I stirred mine awhile and thought about my response. “Luke,” I looked up into his eyes. I could feel my shoulders sag. “I’ll be honest, I have no money to pay for help, your welcome to board your horse for a hundred and twenty a week or four hundred a month. But as for staying…”

“I realize, I’ve but you in a spot.” He slumped back in his chair. “Listen I don’t expect you to pay, I’ll pay to board my horse, but I…”

It suddenly hit me that he may be down on his luck and not have any where to go. “Here’s the deal,” I offered, “You can stay for as long as you like, in turn for boarding you and your horse, you can work around the place. Lord knows I need the help.”

Luke gulped down his coffee. “That’s fine, where do you want me to put my stuff.” He stood up.

“The first stall in the barn for your horse and you can have my old room.” I stayed seated. He stood beside me facing the opposite way.

“I’m sorry about your parents.” He put his hand on my shoulder. I stiffened not from his touch but from the pain shooting through my muscles. “They were nothing but good to me. I only wish I had made it back for the…”

“Yeah I know.” I stood up cutting the topic to an abrupt end. “I’ll help you with your stuff.”
***
Luke settled in with ease as he did everything else. I found it hard to adjust to someone in the house but by the time summer rolled in, the fences and barn were mended which made up for my uneasiness.

People started coming out to work with horses as soon as the warm weather struck which included the town’s doctor. He came faithfully once a week for his eggs and to nag me. To give the man credit he had a whole new angle to hit me with.

“You can’t keep this up Liz.” He said as I winced handing him his eggs. “Your body won’t hold up.”

“Doctor, I’ll be fine. It’s nothing a hot bath can’t take care of.” I said trying to get him off my back.

“This piece of land isn’t worth it.” He stepped towards the door.

“It’s all I’ve got. I’m not selling to you or Jed or anybody else for that matter. I swore…”

“I know, I know.” He threw is hands up in surrender, “You swore to your mother that you would keep it. At what expense, yours. You are already at the brink of exhaustion. How much longer?”

“Until it’s afloat and I don’t have to worry about the town’s vultures. Besides, Luke is back and he is helping out. Now you’ve got your eggs and I have a stall to fix.” I said picking up my hammer. I stormed out of the house and past the doctor as Luke was coming up the front stairs.

“Damn Doctor.” I muttered under breath as I passed Luke.

“Luke,” Dr. Lowen greeted him, “Liz said you were back.”

“What was that all about?” Luke looked at him.

“We were just having a little conversation.” The Doctor said.

“About what?” He asked.

“It really doesn’t concern you.” Doctor Lowen smirked.

“If it concerns Liz it concerns me.” Luke stared at him.

“Staking your claim Faraday?”

“You might say.”

“Well be prepared.” The Doctor grinned, “The ground may be a little rocky to put that stake into.” He left leaving Luke standing on the porch. “She’s already run through two men, figure you’re lucky number three huh?” He called out before getting in his car and driving away.

That night at dinner Luke asked me about the conversation I had with the Doctor.

“Its no secret Luke, I’ve been just able to keep my head above water. Both the kindly Doctor and Jed Roberts have offered to help in their ways. The doctor wants me to marry him and sell the property to Jed Roberts who already tried that route. Roberts wants to develop the area with a group of investors and the good Doctor is one of them.” I reached for the salt and winced not being able to pick it up. “The only reason my hay crops are safe at the moment, is Doug Voight is leasing my fields in return for a portion.” I tried again with the other before giving up. “And Jed isn’t fool enough to go after Doug.”

“Why’s that?” He put the salt shaker in front of me.

“Because Doug has more money and Doug is on to Jed. He was the one to tell me to hold out and not sell. He is also the best damn lawyer this side of the border.”

“What’s going on with you.” Luke put his fork down.

“It’s nothing, just sore muscles that’s all.”

“It doesn’t look like nothing…”

“A hot bath will take care of it.” I said a little harshly. I pushed my supper away and left the table to run that hot bath I had mentioned. I hadn’t expected Luke to follow me upstairs into the bathroom. I pulled off my shirt and swore from the stabbing pain of my shoulders.

“You want to try again on answering my question.” He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. I whirled around covering my chest with my shirt and glared at him. “I’m not leaving until you tell me.” He said with a smile.

“Twelve years ago I got kicked in the shoulder by a filly. I was damn lucky it wasn’t my head.” I said keeping my tone even. I turned my back to him feeling self-conscious. “I was also damn lucky my shoulder didn’t break. Unfortunately I didn’t look after it properly and now I pay for it. Except in compensating for the injury, I blew out my other shoulder carrying a stall gate. It was either the money for the gate or somebody to install it but not both.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry it about it any more.” He stepped in and came up behind me. His warm breath caressed my skin as he examined my shoulder. His hand went on my hip to steady me when my knees wavered at his citron spicy scent.

“Tell me where it hurts.” He trailed a finger along my shoulder blade.

“There.” I told him when he hit the middle.

He started to gently rub the area. His hand holding my hip slipped to my mid drift keeping me in place from the pushing of his massage. Luke rubbed in circular motions all through my shoulder loosening the grip from pain. It became a tolerable dull ache.

I didn’t want him to stop. It felt so good to have a man touch my skin; to feel strong rough hands hold me; to have his masculine scent fill my senses. I turned in his arms and let my shirt drop as I put my arms around his neck.

His mouth met mine in hunger; urgency; desperation. Our tongues feverishly danced; he pulled me in closer; I felt the sensations of my nipples hardening against his soft flannel shirt. My fingers found the coldness of the snaps hold his shirt closed. I pulled back with a grin on my face.

“Oh good, snaps.” I ripped open his shirt and let my hand glide up the rippled torso of his abdomen. His bare chest looked like it had been chiseled from rock. I couldn’t help but let my hand feel the strength of his muscles. His hand caught mine in his.

“Liz. You’re playing with fire here.” His eyes were smoldering.

“No I’m not.” My voice was husky. “I’m fueling it.” His lips hovered above mine. “I have dreamt of this for over twenty years. All you left me with was a kiss before you disappeared.” I raised my mouth closer to his. “You owe me.” I whispered.

“What if I can’t live up to your expectations?”

“Trust me Luke, after my experiences, I couldn’t possibly be disappointed.” I couldn’t keep the sadness from my response.

His mouth covered mine in a soft exploring kiss. It was new and familiar at the same time. Experience had replaced innocence. His hand cupped a breast and played with a nipple. A burning ached raised within my chest. The need for his touch was all consuming as his lips traveled down my neck. Luke’s hand paid attention to one breast as his lips teased the other.

A groan came from somewhere inside my throat. It seemed to encourage him on as his lips lowered. He went down on his knees; his hands undid my jeans and brought them down with my panties. My bare secret below was revealed to him. He smiled and let a finger graze over my lower lips stirring a long forgotten throbbing between my legs.

His tongue tickled a path down to my awaiting hard clit. I nearly climaxed when his mouth covered and sucked on it. A finger found my hot wet slit and slid inside. My body screamed for more.

He sucked and stoked the throb into a primal need wanting only to be released. My hands rested on his head as he continued to send me into a spinning vortex of sensations. Molten lava threatened to spill as his finger dove deeper inside.

“Luke…” I panted, “Oh God please.” My knees came out from underneath me when his tongue dipped inside and fanned the flames even further. He rose up and I reached for his belt frantically trying to undo it. Luke pushed my hands aside. He caught my mouth in his for a brief kiss, freeing himself of his jeans.

He settled in between my legs and I felt the tip of his hard cock against my clit. My body rubbed against his, begging to be fed. His stiff rod slipped into my wet juicy slit filling me. He felt so good pulsating inside of me. I rocked against his cock wanting it all. I closed my eyes feeling the heat rise between us.

“Look at me.” Luke gently demanded.

My eyes opened and flew to his blue ones. His eyes held mine as our bodies rocked against each other. The orgasm building within me was so intense I was afraid to go over the edge. I hung on to Luke as the molten lava in my veins raged; his name tore from my lips; he stroked me harder and harder rubbing his bone along my clit.

An explosion rippled through my body in crashing waves, each one longer and harder than the one before. I was only aware of the rhythm of his body against mine sending me on a slow sweet ride back to earth resulting in his own release.

And I still slept alone.

***

July rained. I began to worry that the hay would rot before it left the ground but August brought hot weather right into September. Things were beginning to look up for once and I had to give the credit to Luke.

Luke didn’t discuss much of his past. Some where was an ex-wife, I managed to learn. After his stint with the rodeo, he settled down and bought a ranch. After that his details get a little sketchy. I figured out he stayed away from alcohol after several beers were refused. I didn’t drink the stuff; I had just bought because most men like a beer after being in the hot sun all day. (But then Luke wasn’t most men)

“Don’t feel the need to do that any more.” He said reaching for the coffeepot. I used up the beer in batter, bread and in stew. I hated to waste money.

Two days before haying was to start I received a phone call from the Doug saying there was a problem. The barn his machinery was parked in mysteriously caught fire. The police suspected arson. I had figured as much. He wouldn’t be able to take the hay, until his equipment had been replaced or repaired.

“The insurance company will be the hold up. Until the police have finished their investigation, they won’t act. My hands are tied.”

“Hey, not your fault.” I said understanding his situation. I hung up the phone feeling like somebody had kicked me in the gut. I was relying on Doug to bring in the hay for the horses during the winter. It was enough for my own use and to sell off for extra cash. I felt worn out, tired and defeated. I wanted only one thing. And Luke was in town on personal business.

I stood up and went over to the desk where I kept my liquor. I dug around for the key finally finding it taped to the back drawer. I pulled out a large bottle of vodka and ransacked the kitchen for some orange juice.

I hadn’t realized the mess I left until Luke came home in the evening. I was sitting in my father’s huge chair staring out the window. I didn’t even bother to turn the lights on. Luke came in with a hello that I never acknowledged.

“What the hell?” I heard him say as he brought a bag of groceries into the kitchen and flick on the light. He came into the living room and turned on a lamp. Pictures that I gave up looking at after the sun had gone down surrounded me. He sat down on the sofa.

“It’s no use.” I said in my drunken state. “I can’t do it.” I looked over to Luke and gave a half smile with a shrug. “Even with all your help.” I shook my head, sighed and took another drink wishing the alcohol would numb me. It didn’t and I cursed. He didn’t say a word.

“Doug called and said his machinery was burnt in a fire. Police think its arson.” I told him. “Last year it was construction that blocked the path for the equipment to get here. Coincidentally it was Roberts Construction blocking the entire way, year before that, too much rain. This will be the third year in a row that my hay goes to waste.” I drained my glass. I stood up and refilled my empty glass. “I hadn’t realized how tired I was until you came back.” I swayed slightly swirling the vodka and orange juice together. “Why did you come back?”

Thunder rolled in the distance. The black clouds looked angrier than usual. Summer’s heat could really trigger some vicious storms.

He came over to my side and put an arm around my shoulder. “The wind whispered you needed me.”

***
Flashback! I was fifteen and staring into his blue eyes. I wanted to know how he knew my Daddy was hiring.

“The wind whispers when I’m needed.”
***
I sniffed at his answer. “If that were true, the wind would have whispered long before you showed up.”

“I had to take care of business before coming back.” He said. “Knew once I set foot back here, I’d never want to leave again.”

“Was I in the picture?” I asked softly, unsure if I wanted to hear the answer.

“Always.” Thunder rumbled closer.

“Look if you want to go, I’ll understand.” I faced him. “You’ve been so help…” I lost my words.

“And give up?” He raised his eyebrows at me. “Not me Sugar, I figured something like this would happen so I formed a back up plan.”

“I’m tired.” I said not absorbing what he had just told me. “It’s been too many years of smelling like horses, worrying about debt, how am I going to bring in hay. I don’t even have time for my horse anymore.” I looked out the window and watched the rainfall. “I appreciate everything you have done Luke…” Thunder struck over my head. “Christ!” I slammed down my drink, “The horses.” Sobriety took over. I ran to the door not bothering with boots or a coat to get to the stable.

Luke called my name as the rain poured over me. I shivered form the cold as I stomped over to the chicken coop. I closed the door just as another flash of lightening streaked over the house. The rain came down really hard. I made my way carefully to the stable. Thunder shook the ground. One horse in paticular was skittish in bad weather. The rain hurt has it hit. I could hear Luke calling me.
I didn’t stop determined to get to the horses. My foot slid ahead of me and I felt my legs go out from underneath me. The back of my head hit something hard as I landed. Stars twinkled in front of my eye before a blanket of blackness shrouded me. The last thing I heard was the thunder laughing.

***

I awoke feeling woozy and fuzzy unsure if it was still the effects of the alcohol. I was wrapped in my grandmother’s tick beside a roaring fire and yet I wasn’t hot. I could hear voices in the kitchen. I recognized one voice as Luke’s but the other wasn’t familiar at all. Rain was spitting hard against the windows.

“The boys are on their way. Should be in town by tomorrow night. Mayberry is even bringing his three mares with him to board here for a while.”

“Well we can’t pay much at the moment but there is an old shed in the back that I’ve fixed up. I used to stay in it. When Liz’s dad ran the place the hands and I had a great time staying back there.”

“The boys will be happy it has a roof that doesn’t leak and has heat.” The other voice chuckled.

Luke came out of the kitchen and over to the spot where I was laying. “Hey Sugar, it’s nice to see you with your eyes open.” He knelt down in front of me.

I smiled meekly. “Sorry about tonight.” I whispered.

“Actually it was last night. Don’t worry about it. The Doc…”

“You called Lowen?” I squeaked.

“Nope, I don’t want that quack anywhere near you. As luck would have it a buddy of mine showed up just after you fell who looked after us when we were in the ring.”

“Is he a doctor?”

“Yeah. Even has his own office. You’ve got a tough noggin’. Could have taken a few hits in the ring.” He gave me a smile that made my stomach flip. “ Now you just rest. Your shoulders took one hell of a thump. Everything is under control.”

“Remind me to thank you when I’m walking around and not staggering.”

Luke gave me a wink then stood up and went back into the kitchen. “She needs a damn good rest. Is Cookie coming up too?”

“Be here with the rest of them.”

I nodded back off to sleep watching the fire. For the first time in a long time I felt safe.

***

I woke up to Luke putting a log on the fire. I got up and weaved to the kitchen for a glass of water. Five strange men sat at my kitchen table. They stared at me like I didn’t belong in my own house.

“Luke!” I called out in half panic and half out of it. Luke came up from behind me. My legs gave out as I turned to him.

He caught me as I was going down, “Whoa Girl, what are you doing up?” His eyes were full of concern.

“Water. I…I wanted some water.” I said. “Who are those men?”

“They are the new hired hands.” He smiled as he led me back to the sofa. “Do you trust me?”

I nodded as I sat down and curled back on the sofa. Luke left for a moment then returned with a glass of water for me.

“Tomorrow, we start bringing in the hay and getting ready for winter and that includes the house this year too. You are not doing a thing. Cookie will be taken care of you and the house for a while.”

I looked into his blue eyes, “But what about…”

“No arguments. Got me.” Luke warned with a low voice. “You as of now are on an extended holiday. The boys and me will be looking after everything else.”

***

I didn’t see him for a couple of days. Instead I was mothered by a toothless cowpoke that wouldn’t so much as let me pick up a dishcloth. I did have to laugh at Cookie in my mother’s frilly yellow apron yelling at one of the guys for sneaking a biscuit.

Cookie sent me outside while he cleaned the house. I was mesmerized by the sight by my barn. It was a golden mound of hay that seemed to reach the sky. I walked over savoring the earthy sweet smell.

Luke came over to where I stood gazing at the bales. “What do you think?”

“Wow, I’m…” I faced him. “I’m grateful.” I gave him a huge hug. “How can I ever repay you?”

“I’ll think of something.” He teased then kissed my forehead. “Speaking of which what are you doing up and around?”

“Cookie kicked me out. He muttered something about not being able to clean the house if I was lumping around all day.” I looked back to the hay. It had to be the most delicious sight to my eyes. I smiled back to Luke. “You better be careful Boy, I just might lose my heart to you.”

“It’s what I’m hoping for.” His lips gently claimed mine.

“Er…” We looked over to where one of the hands stood, “Sorry to interrupt Boss, but we kind of need your help over here.”

I let go of Luke laughing and blushing at the same time. He took my hand and led me to where the boys where extending the chicken run.

“This way, we figured the chickens would be a lot safer with all the horses going back and forth.” Luke explained.

“That’s a great idea.” I agreed. I let go of his hand and wandered around the yard. The grass was mowed and even the neglected garden was cleaned up. Horses were out in the field and the hands were busy reconstructing the back end of the barn. I noticed two were working on the windows of the house. It was sounding like home again.

***
I drove into town and parked in front of the bank. The manager came out of his office as I walked in and greeted me.

“Thank you for coming in right away Mrs. Frost.” He led me into his office. “Normally I wouldn’t have bothered you but your account was flagged.” He sat behind his desk and punched a few buttons on his keyboard. He indicated to a chair and I sat down.

“Your account…” He turned the screen.

“I know, I know I’m late but I’ve been laid up. The money just needs…”

“That’s not why I called you here. There has been a deposit made to your account, with instructions to pay off the mortgage.” He pointed to the screen.

“Where did it come from?” I asked a little stunned.

“All I can tell you is, a private account from Switzerland.” He sat down across from me and pulled out the papers. “We also received instructions that your deed is to be paid in full. I need your signiture.” He was grinning at me while handing over a pen.

“And this is legit?” I asked taking the pen in my hand. My fingers were shaking as the point hit the dotted line.

“Yes Ma’am.” He was still grinning. Mr. Mills of all people had known how hard it had been on me. He had pulled a few computer glitches on my account, waiting for payments.

I looked at the bottom number again. “And that’s what’s left over?” I asked him. He nodded. “If you will excuse me then I have some much needed shopping to do.” I stood up and smiled. “I might even get a hair cut if Troy can fit me in.”

I walked out of Mr. Mills’ office with my head in the clouds. I felt giddy from the relief. I had a suspicion whom my guardian angel was but for the moment I was going to splurge.

Lucky for me, Troy had an opening. He was the first person I told knowing how word spread like wild fire in Casper. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Jed Roberts and the kindly Dr. Lowen heard the news.

***

“What do you mean you are leaving for a cattle run?” I stared at him. That blew any feeling of happy out of my system.

Luke stared at me. “Nice hair.” He complemented. His own was wet from the shower.

“Yeah thanks.” Came out sarcastically. “Now answer my question?”

“We are running cattle to the back fields.” He stared at me like I knew what he was talking about. He grinned at me. “Remember the night I asked you to trust me?”

“It’s a little hazy, but yeah.” I admitted. “Cows are what you were asking me about?” I stared incredulously at him. “Cows?”

“Now just any cow. Black Angus my love.”
“Cows.”

Luke began to chuckle at me as I kept repeating the word. He put his arms around me and pulled me close.

“Your hair does look great.” He ran his hands through it. “Such a pretty colour. Like the wheat fields in Manitoba.” He let the strands fall in between his fingers.

“I just never want to see a calf.” I half-whined. “Or it will end up named Buttercup and be leashed trained.”

“It’s a deal.” He kissed me.

“Are all the guys in on this? I mean I figured it out. You’re the only one possible who could have made this happen.”

“No, the guys bought in on the cattle. The ranch deed was me. I made a little money along the side in the stocks. Then my little bit of money turned into a whole lot of money.” His smile stretched his face. “After my divorce, I sold my ranch, traveled and enjoyed life. But no matter where I was, I dreamt of you and this land. I was hoping you would consider it an engagement gift.”

My jaw fell. “P…P…Pardon?” Who the hell kicked my stomach?

“You know, married. You and me?” He hugged me close. “I don’t want an answer now. I want an answer when I get back. No matter what happens we are in business together. I was hoping to make it all around partnership.” I opened my mouth but my answer must have been printed across my forehead. He held a hand up to shut me up. “I said give me an answer when I get back.”

“How much was the buy in for the cows?” I asked stepping out of his arms changing topics. I headed over to the desk and pulled out the chequebook.

“Six hundred if you’re adding to the pot.”

I ripped off the cheque and handed it to him. “Business partners?”

He took the piece of paper from my hand, then landed his lips on mine. It was a demanding kiss, full of promises of what the night would bring on later. He pulled back leaving my lips still tingling.

“God I love it when you look like that.” He whispered. “Your honey eyes melting.” Goosebumps trailed down my body pricking my senses.

I reached up with my hands held his face in my hands. I swam in the tenderness I saw in blue eyes. God how I wanted that man. My body folded against his as I brought his lips to meet mine. My tongue played with his, inviting his response. His arms went about me tighter.

My hands slipped inside his shirt wanting to explore his solid body. I wanted to make him moan like he had me. My fingers grazed the top of his jeans and something was came to life beneath my touch.

The more I touched and felt the more I had to taste to him, please him and show him I wanted him. I pulled back with a half-cocked grin on my face and watched his reaction as I tugged at Luke’s belt. A slow smile came to his face when I managed to loosen and undo the belt. The rest of the obstacles were easy to overcome.

I lowered his jeans slowly as I went down on my knees. Without hesitation I wrapped my lips around his rod and let my tongue tease the tip. I smiled inwardly at the groan in response. It served to urge me on. I sucked, licked and stroked until he could no longer stand it.

I’m not sure how, but I ended up on my back with Luke looming over me. Not that I didn’t mind. I was hot and ready for him. I thought I was going to climax when he entered. I bucked against him wanting it all. My emotions were running rampant and control was starting to crumble.

“Whoa girl, slow and steady wins the race.” He focused on my eyes. He pulled back and slowly slid into me. I clenched enjoying the burning sensations his hard cock was invoking. Our bodies found a slow rhythm and moved in unison. The burning turned to a pressure within my juicy slit that needed release.

With a hard thrust of his hips, Luke exploded and sent an orgasm cascading through out my entire being. It was soft sweet flow of energies that satisfied my primal hunger but only just so.

Luke leaned on his arms carrying some of his weight. He had a grin a mile wide on his handsome face. He brushed a few tendrils of hair from my eyes.

“Your hair does really look nice.” He gave me a kiss on my nose. “ And I uh I did notice the new jeans when I took them off. I really like the panties.”

“Those I always had.” I shoved him off playfully. He held up my silky shorts.

“Well, they will just have to come with me, to remind me of what I got waiting for me home.”

“Oh, and what do you have waiting for you at home?” I tried to grab them but he snatched his hand away. He handed me my jeans. I swear his grin widened and my going commando.

“I have the promise of an answer from the woman who has given me the most of herself.”

***

The weeks without Luke seemed long. Cookie proved to be a good guardian, telling Luke everything I did when he called. I took the time and did some healing. I even went to my parent’s gravesite for the first time since the funeral. Everything seemed smoother now that Luke was at the helm with me. I knew my parents would have pleased for us both and somewhere in that visit to their graves I felt their blessing. Peace was finally filling my heart.

The men proved to be fun companions. If there wasn’t a Crib tournament, they were showing off their skills to the locals and if they weren’t doing that they were working. Cookie was impossible to help. If I did a chore, he would come along behind me and do it over chiding that I was still too weak to be left to run the house. Personally I was beginning to think the man like wearing pretty ruffled aprons waving his wooden spoon around like he was some kitchen wizard. But I must admit I did enjoy his cooking.

Luke called and updated us regularly on his locations when his cell phone had range. It grew frustrating when his voice would cut in and out. On the clear calls, I could hear what sounded like thousands of cows in the background.

“Exactly how many cows do we all own?” I asked trying to ignore the bawling.

“Only three hundred.” I could hear his grin across the airways, “I thought it best to start small and work our way up.”

I think he heard my groan. I then worried about the cattle out on the range. With Roberts around whose to say cattle rustling wouldn’t start up. Coyotes and other wild beasts were another worry altogether. I intended to speak to Luke about my concerns when he arrived home.

A few nights later I was cleaning up after dinner ignoring Cookie’s nagging for me to stop when I caught headlights coming into the driveway. It didn’t look like Luke’s truck.

“Er…Cookie, we’ve got company and I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.”

“I’m on it.” He went out into the porch. “What can I do for you gentleman tonight?”

“You can go back inside and finish what ever you’re doing old man.” I recognized Jed’s voice.

“First you’ll tell me what you’re business is here.” Cookie remained polite.

I didn’t wait for the answer. I slipped out the pack door and ran for the shed. I pushed open the door and fell inside catching a few of the men with their pants down getting ready to turn in for the night.

“Jed Roberts is here.” I said trying to catch my breath. “Cookie is talking to him right now…”

“Let’s go.” One said pulling up his jeans. He grabbed a rifle off the wall and led the rest out. I followed behind feeling very nervous. Two broke off and went around the way I came, another two went around towards the chicken coop and stables. I stayed with the remaining six as we headed up to the house.

“Now look here old man, I want to talk to Liz.” Jed demanded. I watched him light a torch. I figured this was going to get ugly.

“Not without us you don’t.” One of the fellows called out. “This here is private property and you are trespassing.”

I stepped out in front of line of men that were protecting me. “Jed I’d like you to meet my partner’s.”

Jed sniffed at my introduction. “Partners!” He scoffed. “Bunch of used up cowpokes.”

“Now that wasn’t nice.” Cookie said. “Now I suggest you put down that torch and just go back to mud puddle that you crawled out of.”

Jed looked at the fire then got an ugly grin on his face. I saw him swing it back and throw it into the air as hard as he could. A shot rang out as I dashed for the hose hooked up the house. Three of the men tackled Jed. Another shot pierced the air.

“The horses!” Somebody yelled. I brought out the hose and aimed it at the stable where the torch landed while a couple of the men let the horses out into the field. Two more streams of water appeared closer the burning blaze.

Sirens sounded in the distance. I wondered to myself who called the police. I was hoping Jed wasn’t dead from the shot. I turned my attentions back to the fire. More lights appeared in the driveway as neighbors came to help put out the fire. Luke arrived somewhere in the middle of the chaos. I was too busy cursing the lack of water pressure as my stables went up in flames.

“You’re bleeding.” He came over to me.

“No I’m not.” I looked down to my arm where my shirt was turning red. “Jesus, who the hell shot me?” Cookie came up, took the hose from my hand and handed it to Luke. He led me back to the porch where I watched the wooden structure burn.

Flashing lights came up out of nowhere. It was the county sheriff. He parked his car behind Jed’s truck and stepped out his car with a scowl on his face.

“What the hell happened here?” He came up to me.

“Jed Roberts.” I said applying pressure to my wound. “He came out here hollering and yelling, threw a torch at the stable then shot me.” I summarized for him.

“Where is he now?”

I looked at Cookie. He motioned to Jed’s truck.

“He should be fine. His head is hard enough.” Cookie remarked.

“Does she need an ambulance?” The sheriff asked.

“No, just a graze.” He answered. “How did you know to come out here?”

“Jed was at the bar going on about the fact that Liz got her hay in despite his interference. Somebody over heard him say she was going to pay for not selling to him. I guess they figured he was going to stir up some trouble. I got out here as soon as possible.”

“Not soon enough.” I commented. “Just get him out of my sight.”

The sheriff pulled him out of the truck and arrested him for attempted murder and arson. He called for a tow truck to pick up the vehicle. I looked over to the stable and realized it was beyond recognition.

“Well I guess we needed a new one anyway.” I muttered under my breath. I went into the house and sat down at the kitchen table. Still in disbelief the night had occurred. Cookie came in after me and poured a coffee with something in it. He set it in front of me on the table and explained it was for the pain.

In the early morning the fire was finally out. The men came in tired, dirty and hungry. Luke was still outside. Cookie started to get the men something to eat while I went out to find Luke. I did however have Cookie make me a refill…for the pain.

I found him out behind the charred remains of the stables checking on the horses. “Welcome home.” I said quietly. He put his arm around me.

“I guess we needed a new stable anyway.” He shook his head. “Well it will keep the guys occupied for a while.” He pulled me closer. I winced on the pressure of my arm. We walked back to the house silently.

“Where are the cows?” I asked.

“Tom has Gus and Jake with him pulling the first round of security.” Luke put his hand at the small of my back guiding me to the kitchen. I could smell fresh coffee.

“Good thinking, I was going to ask you about that.”

He nuzzled into my ear, “I thought it would be a good way to get you alone, out on the range.” He whispered. “We could take that kiss a little further this time.”

“Eh! No knoodling in the kitchen. Its bad for the yeast.” Cookie came in waving his magic spoon. “At least until ya made a proper misses of the woman. She is getting on ya know.” He winked at Luke while I recovered from the shock of his jest.

“And you will look great as my matron of honour. Cookie, you’ll look smashing in organza and satin shoes.” I shot back eyeing the coffeepot still steaming. “Besides Cookie, the question may have been asked but I have yet to give an answer.”

“I’d best go check in on the boys.” Cookie headed for the doorway of the kitchen.

“Hey Cookie?” Luke called him back.

“Ya boss?”

“You might want to take the apron off and put the spoon down. I wouldn’t want you to intimidate the boys any more than they already are.”

“Good point.” He set the spoon on the counter before undoing the pink bow at his backside. He left the apron hanging carefully a newly placed hook by the stove. He hesitated towards the door. His shoulders pulled into a hunch, “Feel kinda like I’m naked without the apron.” He grimaced before disappearing.

Luke got up and came over to where I leaned against the counter. He caught me in between his arms.

“I know its late, and I know its been a rough night. The only thing I want to do right now is fall into bed with you and make love.” He kissed my nose and grinned, “But this body is feeling the ride and fight. Just tell me your answer.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled his lips to mine. I kissed him long and hard putting everything I had left in me to give him in that kiss.

“Luke, my answer is the same as it was before you left, only you had this idea I needed to think about it.”

“After two marriages I thought you might be a little skittish to hit the alter again. So I wanted you to think about it first.”

“At any given point had you returned into my life, I would have run to you in a heart beat.” I got lost in his blue eyes. “Tell me why you left?”

“I left because I fell in love with a fifteen year old. She was too young. I knew it and her parents knew it. She didn’t. I couldn’t stay fostering hope, watching her grow up and marry somebody else. But then I found out she was waiting for me. But I was already married. By the time I wanted to come back it was too late, so it was my turn to wait.”

“Am I old enough now?”

Luke chuckled. “Yeah, I think so?”

“Why did you come back?” I wanted to know the real reason.

“To see if I could win your heart a second time.” Luke flashed his killer smile at me. “So whaddya say? Marry me? Grow old with me? I don’t care about kids or anything, I just want to be with you.”

“Yes.” I said calmly.

Within seconds we heard hoots and hollers outside the windows and from the front porch.

“Come on.” Luke grabbed my hand and dragged me outside. “I didn’t ride like hell to get here to be badgered by a bunch of nosy cowpokes.” We ran to the barn where the horses were temporarily stabled. The men followed still hollering and making a ruckus. I was surprised they didn’t shoot off a round bullets into the air.
Luke pulled a large black mare out from a stall and threw his saddle with the blanket on her back. His trail gear was still attached.

“Good thing I didn’t unpack.”

He tightened the belt. He lifted himself up into the saddle then reached for my hand. I didn’t hesitate. I jumped up behind him and held on. As the barn door opened, Luke gave the horse a nudge and it tore out of the barn, over a fence into the open fields of our land.

It’s not often a woman gets a chance to ride off into the sunrise with her cowboy. I took mine and never looked back.