A Taste of Country Page 3

  His brows lower, forming creases on his forehead. “Do you have them often?”

  Do I have them often? How about every time I close my eyes. “No, not really. Maybe it’s just from being so tired.” He looks at me skeptically. I start to rise. “I should get up and get some cleaning done. I’m sorry. First day on the job and I don’t do a thing.” I stop when his hands grasp my shoulders, the look of concern back on his face.

  “No. I think after such a long drive you should relax today. It’s fine. You can just start tomorrow.” I lean back and watch the corners of his mouth turn up. “Besides, it’s almost suppertime now anyway.”

  My head turns to the alarm clock, and my eyes widen. I turn back to him, sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I had no idea I was that tired, but I guess the rest did get rid of my migraine.”

  He sits back, his arm resting on his leg. I notice callouses on his fingers and a flash of imagining their roughness against my skin enters my head. “Oh, you get migraines?” I blink rapidly, shaking my head slightly removing my thoughts.

  “Yes. I’ve always gotten them when I’m stressed. I have meds for them, but they always wipe me out. Thank you for asking and waking me from my dream.” He smiles, showing those white teeth, his eyes sparkling. The more I look at him, the more I think he could be an inspiration for a book. “I’m better now. I’ll come down and cook dinner.”

  He stands and starts walking to the door. “No, you’re not. I want you to take it easy.” He stops at the doorway, his strong hand holding the frame, and turns his head. “You can come down and keep me company though.” His smile brightens in my eyes. I follow down his body, looking at his slim waist that twisted when he turned. My eyes snap back to him, seeing he’s watching me look at him. I’d be embarrassed, but I’m not. He winks and closes the door as he leaves, and I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

  I stand and walk over to the bay window, sit down and pick up my laptop, powering it on. I look out the window as I wait, the sun setting over the mountains and the lake giving me the most beautiful picture. I look down and pull up my word document, my nightmare so fresh in my mind.

  I don’t know how I managed to find a small clinic in the town I’d never heard of. The people were friendly enough. However, I’m not sure you could call the doctor very legitimate, but I had no choice. I went through surgery, the many stitches in my side pulling as I walk back and get in my car. I feel sluggish yet I must push on. I need to get as much distance between my old life and me that I can. The feeling of him finding me, torturing or killing me, keeps me determined. On my lonely drive, I think about how naïve we can be. How we can be sucked into falling for something that seemed so real, so great at the time, only to find out it was a scam, a ploy, one that could end our life.

  I stop, rereading my words. My hand moves to my side, feeling up and down the long scar that will be with me forever. I look back out the window, imagining living here for a long time. Is that attainable? Is that something that could actually happen or will he eventually find me again. Then I think about Colby, his face in my mind. I smile. He’s so sweet, so caring. Am I putting his life in danger? Would it be better for me to move on? Or do I tell him and let him make the choice?

  My instant messenger dings and I see it’s Trevor, and my smile grows. I’ve missed him.

  Cboy: Hey, gorgeous! How r u?

  DS: Ah! Trev! So good to hear from you. I’ve missed u.

  Cboy: I miss u 2. When should I come out there? Can you give me the link to the ad?

  I open another tab and find the link to the ad, copy it and then paste it in our messages.

  DS: Here you go. I guess whenever you’re ready. Are you sure u want to do this? U know I’m afraid for u.

  Cboy: Darlin’, u know I’d do anythin’ for u. I want to kill that SOB. You know this. Quit tryin’ to protect me, sweetheart. I’m here for u. Always.

  I sigh, knowing he can’t hear me. He hates when I do that.

  Cboy: And quit sighing. I know ur doin’ that. 

  DS: You always did know me too well.

  Cboy: Eh, you’ve always been like a sister to me but it wasn’t for my lack of tryin’. I’m winkin’ at u right now.

  DS: Ha. Smooth.

  Cboy: Only for u. K. Gotta run. It’ll take a bit to setup but I’m on it. Stay safe, will ya?

  DS: Def, for u.

  Cboy: Do it for u, darlin’. TTYL

  I shut down my laptop and look outside. It won’t be light enough to do anything soon. Since my migraine is at bay, I think I’ll go for a walk. That lake seems to beckon me.

  Chapter Three

  Colby

  I put the pan in the oven and set the timer. Should be done in about forty minutes. I see somethin’ from the corner of my eye and turn my head. Lookin’ through the French doors, I see Shiloh walkin’ through the grass, headed towards the pasture. I wonder if she’s goin’ to the lake. She has no coat on again, and it’ll be dark soon. Not sure she will make it there and back before the light is gone. I walk into the foyer and get my coat from the closet, grabbin’ the other one for her. I half walk/half jog back to the kitchen doors and down the deck steps. She’s out of sight by the time I get to the pasture gate. As I get close to the lake, I see her in the dim light leanin’ against the big oak tree with Sable in front of her. She’s rubbin’ her nose like I was doin’ before. I can see her lips movin’, but I’m too far to hear. Guess I’d be pryin’ if I got closer, out of sight, and listened. Yeah, I would be. A twig snaps from under my boot, and she turns her head my way. A smile graces her sweet face, but it’s kinda sad. I walk closer, smilin’ back.

  “I decided to come out for a walk and look who I found.” I watch her smile grow, her hand continuin’ to rub her nose.

  “She likes you. Doesn’t take to strangers very well. Guess you must be doin’ somethin’ right.” I smile and she laughs softly, makin’ me have feelin’s I thought I’d never have. Strange to be feelin’ something after only meetin’ her yesterday. Guess when it hits, it hits. But I’m leery. Had these feelin’s for Sadie too, or thought I did, and look what happened. Suppose it’s best to take it slow, see if anythin’ happens.

  “Well, the feeling’s mutual,” she responds as she looks back at Sable. “Animals are God’s gift to us. They love you unconditionally, are there for you when you need them.” Her eyes fill with tears, and I know somethin’ hits hard in her. “Bandit was the first dog I’d ever owned. He was so protective, sometimes too protective.” She looks my way, a lone tear fallin’ down her smooth cheek. “It was really hard on me when he died.” I nod, the feelin’ of regret flowin’ through me. “He died protecting me,” she whispers.

  I take the few steps between us, puttin’ my hand on her arm. “I’m sorry, Shiloh. That must have been so hard.”

  She reaches up and wipes away the tear then smiles. “I’d like to get another one, some day. Another German shepherd. Kind of have a thing for them.” She laughs.

  I remove my hand, reach over and begin rubbin’ across Sable’s side. “Never had a dog. Always wanted one. Heard they can be kind of a handful when they’re little. With all this, I don’t have the time.” I look at the lake and then at her. “We best be gettin’ back. It’ll be dark before we get there and supper’s probably ready.” I forgot all about the coat I brought for her until she nods then shivers, wrappin’ her hands over her arms. “Oh, here! I brought this for you. You can borrow it any time.”

  “Thank you,” she says softly while pushin’ her arms into the too big sleeves.

  We start walkin’ back to the house, Sable followin’ us. “Say. I need to go into town tomorrow. Would you like to come? You can get yourself a coat and there’s this little coffee shop that the town folk rave about. I know the owner and I think you’d like her.” Her body stiffens. “Did I say somethin’ wrong?”

  She shakes her head, lookin’ up at the sky. “Sorry.” She looks over at me as we get to the gate. I open it for her and wa
it until Sable walks through then close it. I notice Shiloh waited for me so I don’t have to catch up. “I guess I’m a little shy at meeting people.”

  I give her a smile. “Well, all the town folk here are really nice and welcomin’. You’ll be fine. I promise.” She gives me a small smile back, but it doesn’t show in her eyes. I keep gettin’ the weirdest feelin’ she’s hidin’ somethin’ or just plain hidin’. But from what? Do I pry? Do I ask her what’s goin’ on or do I hold back? I hate these decisions. Maybe I’ll talk to Sadie, see what she thinks or maybe Memphis.

  We have a nice dinner. She complimented me on my chicken casserole. I explained it’s one that Mom taught me how to make and is such an easy recipe. I’m all for good cookin’ but I also love any recipe that you can just throw stuff in, and it tastes like you spent hours. We decided to watch a movie after we cleaned up, her promisin’ that after we get back from town tomorrow she’d start cleanin’ the house. And if we’d stop by the grocery store, she’d pick up some things to make for dinner tomorrow night. I explained she needn’t worry about the cleanin’ as I kind of went over everything a million times before she got here. The sound of her laugh made me a little relieved. Once the movie was over, we said our goodnights, then I headed to bed.

  Not able to sleep, I turn on the lamp and pick up the book I’ve been dyin’ to get back to. I open to my bookmark, scannin’ where I’d left off.

  No words are needed, only the silence and our heavy breathing. I walk to the bed, my eyes following his hand as he pushes down the sheet, revealing his thick hard length. I lick my lips, my eyes snapping to his. A sexy grin appears on his gorgeous face, and I know I’m done for. He reaches his hand out to me, and I place mine in it, knowing I can’t go back. He sits up, pulling me down until I’m sitting beside him. He reaches up, his hand cupping my face, and I close my eyes as his thumb sweeps over the skin on my cheek. The feeling of the roughness against my soft skin causes tingles to shoot through me. I know this is just a game, one he plays so well. This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen, and I know it won’t be the last, until I can finally get away.

  “You’re so beautiful, Destiny, so perfect in every way.” I open my eyes as he whispers, his mouth coming closer to mine. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my lips, his intoxicating smell invading my nose. He presses his lips against mine, and I taste the Brandy he drank earlier. His hand leaves mine, grasping my arm roughly, pushing me down. His body is on top of me, his hand underneath my shirt and then my bra. I wither beneath him as he pinches my nipple hard. Wetness pools below even though I beg it not to. He leaves me briefly, removing his clothes, watching me. Always watching me. He takes his hard cock in his hand, stroking it forcefully, his eyes telling me it’s something he’d like to do to me. He likes force, likes to be in complete control.

  His eyes are full of desire, gleaming into mind, but there’s something else there too. Hate, contempt. He reaches down, grabbing my arms harshly, turning me over. One hand presses hard against my upper back while he pulls down my panties with the other. This is why he wanted me to wear a dress. I jump and cry out when I feel the smack of his hand against the flesh of my bottom. He doesn’t wait too long until I feel it again. I’m caught off guard as he spreads my legs, slamming his length into me roughly. He grabs my hair, winding it up around his hand, pulling my head back until I’m looking up at the ceiling. My neck is stretched, my scalp hurting with his pull.

  “You’re always such a bad girl, Destiny. The need to punish you overwhelms my desire for you.” I feel him still tugging on my hair as he hits my bottom again. He continues to drive in and out of me in a furry of hatred. I knew he liked it rough, but after trying to flee him, I knew I’d be punished. I just didn’t know how. My orgasm begins to build without my consent. I try to fight it off, not wanting him to get the satisfaction, but it’s coming on way too fast. I hate that my body reacts to him, desires his touch, and craves him so desperately. Just when I feel I’m about to explode, his liquid invades me, and he pulls out. “Ah, my poor Destiny. I can’t let you cum, my darling. That would be too good for you after what you put me through.”

  What the hell? My eyes blink, gettin’ tired, but my mind is trying to wrap around this madman and his games. I look up and across the room. Is this really fiction or did this actually happen to someone? I place my bookmark in my place, then close the book and look at the cover. I rub my finger over the author’s name. Could this have really happened to Delia? Is this an account of her life, her past, or is it still happenin’ to her now? This is the second book in this series and I’m over halfway done. I have the third book on pre order. I set it down on my nightstand, anxious to read more, but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow night. I look at the clock and know I need to try to go to sleep. After turnin’ off the light, I scoot down in bed, movin’ over onto my side and close my eyes, but all I can see is Shiloh’s face and a mysterious faded face of a madman.

  The next morning, she’s quiet as we ride into town. I’m dyin’ to know what she’s thinkin’ about so hard. “Are you okay? Kinda bein’ quiet.” I keep my eyes on the road as we near town but also watchin’ her expression as she looks at me.

  “I’m okay. Migraine again. Not bad yet. I took my meds but they haven’t had time to work. Thank you for asking.” She gives me a pained smile, and I can tell by the paleness of her skin that she’s hurtin’.

  “Ah. We’ll go to the coffee shop first, have somethin’ to drink and warm up before we go shoppin’. Everything’s fairly close in town. It’s pretty small.”

  She nods. “Sounds quaint.”

  As I pull into town, I notice her stiffen, her hand grippin’ the hand rest of the door. Somethin’s really spooked her or maybe she is just really shy. Haven’t figured her out, yet. Wonder if she’ll ever tell me? I park my truck in front of the coffee shop. Looks like most people have gotten their morning treats and gone on to work or home. I open the shop door for her, and she walks in slowly then stops. I look around only seein’ Clyde and Mark sittin’ at a table to our right. I walk up to the counter, hopin’ she’ll follow me. She does but after a spell.

  “Morning, Colby. What brings you here?” Sadie’s smile reminds me of what I lost or never really had. Still, I’m thankful for her friendship.

  “Sadie. Good to see ya. Oh, just thought we’d come into town and do a little shoppin’ but couldn’t resist stoppin’ by.” She raises her eyebrows. Her eyes snap to Shiloh and back to me. “Oh!” I turn and smile at Shiloh. “This here’s Shiloh Willson.” I look back at Sadie. “She’s here to help me keep up with the farm.”

  I feel her walk closer to the counter. Her unique smell hitting my nose over the other coffee and pastry smells. “I don’t know about that. Seems I haven’t really done anything yet.” She holds her hand out to Sadie. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sadie.”

  Sadie shakes her hand and then winks at me. Real obvious, Sadie. She looks at each of us. “Well, what would you like? Tina made some homemade apple turnovers this morning. Still warm.”

  “Oh, that sounds delicious. I’ll take one of those and a large….” Shiloh’s eyes scan the menu hanging up behind Sadie. “Mocha, please.”

  “A woman after my own heart.” Sadie smiles.

  I run my fingers through my hair. “Uh, I’ll have my usual coffee and one of them turnovers, Sadie.” She nods and starts workin’ on our order. I turn to Shiloh. “Why don’t you go over and get a table and I’ll bring everything over.”

  She looks to our left and then back at me. “Okay. But I’ll buy.”

  I shake my head. “Oh, no. It’s on me.”

  “I insist.” Her face drops.

  She’s proud, I can tell. “How about I get them today and you can buy next time. Deal?” I give her a smile, hopin’ she’ll know that I’m just tryin’ to be nice.

  She smiles again, and I’m relieved. “Okay. Deal.”

  I watch her walk over to the table in the corner, sittin’ down with her hands
on her lap. “How’s it going?” My head turns at Sadie’s whisper.

  I laugh. “It’s going fine. No worries.” Shit, I hope she buys it.

  “Bullshit,” she whispers too loudly.

  My eyes snap to Shiloh, but she’s looking out the window. I look back at Sadie. “Would you keep it down?” She giggles. “Actually, I need some advice.” One of her brows raise, her face saying ‘I told you so’. “It just feels like she’s hidin’ somethin’ or that she’s just plain hidin’. She gets skittish at times and well…. Okay, this is gonna sound really weird.” I lean closer as she leans in over the counter. “Have you ever heard of the author Delia Shire?”

  “What? Are you kidding? Who hasn’t heard of Delia Shire?” She half whispers.

  “Sadie. Dammit, keep your voice down.” She smiles lookin’ over at Shiloh and then back at me while workin’ on my coffee. “Okay, so you’ve heard of her. Have you read her Deadly Sins series?” Her eyes widen as she opens her mouth, but I’m afraid she’ll yell so I stop her. “I see you have. Well, I’m readin’ the second book, Deadly Love. I swear, Sadie.” I look over at Shiloh while I continue. “I have this strange feelin’ that she and Shiloh are one in the same.”

  “Nah!” Sadie says out loud, and Shiloh’s head turns our way.

  “Great! Uh…. Thanks for the coffees. I’ll just…. I’ll be back for our turnovers.” Sadie’s face scrunches up for a minute then her brows raise. I grab my coffee from her hand and Shiloh’s from the counter. “Let me know how much I owe ya.” She smiles as I carry them over to the table, setting Shiloh’s in front of her, the other across the table. “I’ll be right back.” She nods and picks up her cup. I get back to the counter, the turnovers on plates waiting for me. “Geez, not real quiet are you?” I tease her, but I’m also afraid that Shiloh will hear our conversation.