Page 20 of Jonathan

“The rain stopped, and I am all dry and safe. I did not bother mentioning anything to gramps because he would have been worried.”

“And we have not said anything either,” Lauren told her, “how are you? I told Salome, you must be climbing the walls about now.”

She laughed softly, looking out the window just in time to see a blue jay flitting around the rose bush. “Far from it.” She watched fascinated as the beautiful bird hovered over the plant, before soaring towards the redwood tree at the edge of the fence.

It was funny how she had never bothered with nature and realize how stunning and relaxing just watching a bird performs. “I went to the museum the other day and attended a local play at the theater. It was quite intriguing. I also had dinner with a travel writer from New York.”

“Did you sleep with him?”

The question had her going back to last night and this morning. “It was just dinner.”

“What about the gorgeous blonde cowboy who owns the town? Surely, you have been introduced?”

Usually, she would be spilling everything or almost everything to her friends. It surprised her that she was reluctant to share anything this time.

“I have seen him around,” she lied easily. Picking up her glass, she took a bolstering sip of the wine.

“And?” Salome demanded. “Was the picture worth a thousand words?”

“More than. Anyway guys, I was in the middle of trying to get a chapter finished. I will call you tomorrow.” To her relief, they accepted that and said their goodbyes. Setting her glass down, she sat there staring at the screen.

Chapter 6

It felt good to go out and just lose herself in the pretty evening. Stars had come out in what looked like their thousands, dotting a sky that was wide and velvety blue and quite unlike anything she had ever seen.

The rain had washed everything clean, the scent of the moisture on the plants, assailing the nostrils.

She had abandoned the effort of trying to finish a chapter she had started and decided to dress up and go out. It was a small town, but the entertainment was still something to be enjoyed. And she was certainly not going to sit around thinking about what had happened inside the bedroom.

He had not called, and she certainly had not expected to hear from him.

She was a sophisticated, modern-day woman who certainly did not need validation from a guy. They had sex. Simple. Yes, itwas the best she ever had, but so fricking what? It was still no strings attached. If it happened again, then so be it. She was desperately praying that her careless act had not led to something permanent.

She had always been careful. Having children had entered her mind fleetingly, when she was in her twenties, but her career took everything out of her and that was fine. She loved what she did, and it was fulfilling. Now she was just going to have to wait a while to find out if she was in the clear.

She was used to being pragmatic and that sense of survival and putting things she could not control behind her came to the fore. She would go out on the town and enjoy herself.

Donning skintight black leather pants and a thin black cashmere sweater, she paired the outfit with soft black leather boots that came to her knees. Putting on more makeup than she usually wear, she considered herself ready. To hell with Jonathan McCarthy, she thought darkly.

*****

Jon must have reached for the phone five times to call her but decided against it. What the hell could he say to her?

“Hi. I left before you woke up but just wanted to see if you were all right?” Somehow, that did not sound like something she would appreciate hearing.

Or: “Look, there’s so much I want to say to you. Last night and this morning was well - it was life altering. I know we just met but I have feelings…,” he broke off the monologue abruptly and reined in his horse at the river back. His brows were knotted, and he was sweating, more from the internal heat than the sun going down in all its glory.

Nature was making up for the havoc she had created two days ago, and the day was dry and cool, with just enough sunlight to attempt to dry out the earth. The repairs were over and done with, the livestock accounted for, and the losses taken into consideration.

Tomorrow if the weather holds up and by all indication, it will, there was going to be a full day of activities on the ranch. The picking and jam making will start at the crack of dawn and then the preparation for the bonfire.

Dismounting, he hunkered down and cupped his hands into the cool clear water and drank thirstily. He was tired, bone weary. He had barely gotten any sleep last night and had been at it since before dawn.

His muscles were aching, but his heart and mind were alive and confused. He had feelings for a woman he had just met. A woman who would never be satisfied with settling here in this small town.

He was right back where he started, and this was even worse. Being with her last night had opened him up to something he had never felt before. Sitting back on his haunches, he rubbed weary hands over his face, realizing idly that he had not shaved in maybe a couple of days.

He also needed a shower and his own bed. Her bed, he thought longingly. Her skin, her unique taste. Lunging to his feet, he swore lavishly, causing his horse to shift slightly.

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