A Taste of Country Page 4

  She smirks as she leans her arms on the counter, getting closer. “Why do you think she’s Delia? I mean it would be cool but yet scary if she is. I know it says her books are fiction but they sound so real. Did something happen? I love her series and am dying for the next book to be released. It’s really gonna get even better in the third book. But I’m also scared.”

  “I dunno. I just get this strange feelin’ when she talks about stuff.” I run my fingers through my hair and know it’s stickin’ up all over the place. “Maybe I’m wrong. I must be. Damn, I need a night out or somethin’.” I laugh, but it’s not very convincin’.

  “Why don’t you bring Shiloh over tomorrow for dinner? You can have a couple of drinks with Memphis and we can get to know her.” Sadie asks and her eyes gleam with her idea.

  My eyes light up. I’d really love them to get to know her, especially Sadie. I’m dyin’ to know if she gets the same feelin’s I do about her. But that may take some time too. “That would be great. I’ll ask her if she wants to. She’s kinda odd about meetin’ people.” I grab the plates and nod at Sadie then take them over to the table, sittin’ down across from Shiloh. Her eyes light up at the turnover. She picks up her fork, and I watch her full lips cover it as she takes a bite. I don’t think my cock’s ever reacted to seein’ a woman eat before. It twitches again, pushin’ against my jeans as she pulls the fork from her mouth. I need to do somethin’ before I explode. “Uh. Sadie asked if we want to go to their house for supper tomorrow night.” Creases appear on her forehead. “We don’t have to, if you don’t want to, but I think you’ll really like Sadie.” I look over at Sadie, who’s helpin’ a customer who came in then back at Shiloh. “She’s got a little bit of a story with her past and how she and Memphis got together. I’m sure she’d share it with ya. I know you’d like her.”

  “Hmmm, I dunno, Colby. I….”

  “Never mind,” I state quickly. I don’t want her upset or nervous.

  We both look up as Sadie walks to the table, carrying a small vat of vanilla ice cream. “Where are my manners? How can anyone eat an apple turnover without ice cream?” She smiles as Shiloh and I look at each other. Shiloh smiles and shrugs, holdin’ up her plate. Sadie winks and scoops up some ice cream then releases it on top of Shiloh’s turnover. I look at Shiloh and tilt my head, winkin’ as I hold up my plate. She giggles as Sadie plops some ice cream on top. “There. Okay, I feel better,” Sadie says then turns and walks off.

  Giggling erupts and I look at Shiloh. She has her spoon in her mouth, smilin’ around it, and I imagine a large helpin’ of turnover a la mode is on it. I watch her mouth slide off the spoon and her face as she chews. She smiles as she swallows and my cock is seriously strainin’ against my jeans. “I think it would be a lovely time to go over there.”

  I smile, my mind tryin’ to deflate my cock that seems to have its own plans. “Great. We’ll tell Sadie on the way out. This is a great apple turnover.” She nods, eagerly. If anyone can get her to open up or even relax, it’ll be Sadie.

  Shiloh

  Meeting Sadie wasn’t that bad. I have a good feeling about her. I’m still leery, though, not only for myself but for anyone involved with me. He’s out there. I know it. I don’t want anyone to get hurt or worse because of me. We said our goodbyes then I followed him to a store a couple of buildings over. I bought a really nice leather coat, fleeced lined with a hood. Then, we went to the grocery store, and I bought all the ingredients I need to make some different dinners and some things to bake. Of course, he wouldn’t let me pay for them, saying I’m cooking for him, sort of. He’s actually quite funny and too sexy for his own good. Thing is he doesn’t even know just how sexy and gorgeous he is and that makes him even more wonderful. He seems caring, kind, and makes me feel like he’s really worried about me when I tell him I have a migraine or when he awoke me from one of my nightmares. I almost feel like I could open up to him. Almost.

  Once we get back to his house, I put all the groceries away and when I walk into the foyer, I see him hanging up my new coat in the front closet. I cross my arms, the warm fuzzy feelings overtaking me. It’s like I belong now. Some weird thing I haven’t really ever felt. He smiles as he walks out, going to do his chores, I expect. I walk into the laundry room, down the small hall hidden behind the staircases and find the cleaning supplies. I start cleaning in the dining room, making my way to dusting the table in the middle of the foyer, then the picture frames hanging on the walls. There’s several that I think are family. Him as a little boy standing with his parents out in a field, then one of him, maybe in his teens and then another of him in what looks to be his college graduation. All smiling, looking happy and loved. I shake my head trying to get the feelings I have of being alone out of my mind and walk into the living room. More framed pictures adorn different places on the bookshelves that align along the wall. I can’t stop myself from scouring over the titles of books. There’s a lot of leather bound books, classics and some hard back covered books as well. I could definitely get lost in here for hours.

  I dust everything in here then walk to the doors that lead to the next room, sliding them apart. I’m amazed when I walk in and see how clean everything is. More books in bookcases on either side of a desk, a bay window behind it with a pillowed seat. I turn to look at what books are on one of the bookshelves and almost fall over in shock. There sits my first series, which was a romance, and then next to it is Deadly Beginning, the first book in my second series. Oh, my God! He’s been reading my books! I grab the book off the shelf, shoving it under my shirt. Oh, what in the hell am I doing? If it’s on his shelf, chances are he’s already read it. Holy shit! What if his parents read it? I’m gonna die of embarrassment. Wait! They don’t know it’s me. My shoulders slump in relief. Okay, all of this might just make my migraine reappear, quickly.

  I need to talk to Mandy, but I need to finish cleaning. My head fills with confusion as I dust everything then slide the doors closed and head upstairs to clean the bathrooms and bedrooms. By the time I’m done putting in a load of his laundry in the washer it’s time to make dinner. I’ve just finished pulling the rolls from the oven when I hear the back door open, startled I drop the pan on the floor.

  “Here. Let me help.” I stand back, shaking, and watch him grab the hot pad mitt and pick up the pan, setting it on the stove. I help pick up the few rolls that flew off the pan onto the floor and place them on the counter. My eyes glance up as he takes the few steps to me, grasping my arms with his strong hands, gently. “What’s wrong, Shiloh? Why are you always so skittish when you hear a noise?” His eyes search mine, but I don’t know what he thinks he’ll find. “I know we’ve only known each other a couple of days, but I’m a good listener and I never, ever say anything to anyone that is not to be repeated. You just worry me.” My eyes fill with tears as I look into his and hear his tender words.

  “I…. I wish I could….” I stammer.

  He nods, as if he understands, squeezing my arms gently. “If you ever need to talk, I hope you’ll feel you can come to me, but I understand.” He seems to deflate, like I just told him his best friend left and won’t be returning. I feel bad, but how can I trust him after only barely two days? I’ve trusted before, gave my soul. I can’t do that again, especially now. But what if he’s a good guy? What if I can trust him? My head begins to ache as well as my heart.

  I step back. His hands release me easily. “I need to finish getting dinner on our plates.” I try to smile, but I’m sure it came off more like a wince. “It’ll only take me a moment. I’m sure you’re starving.” I look at him from the corner of my eye as he starts to walk out of the room. He stops at the doorway, his hand on the frame yet he doesn’t turn.

  “I’ll just go wash up.”

  I watch him walk out, and I set the plate down on the counter I’m holding, bringing my shaking hands up and cover my face. God, help me. I don’t know what to do, if I can trust anyone. I need someone I can trust, someone to talk to. I’m
so tired of trying to be strong, fighting for my life. I uncover my face, tears brimming in my eyes. I stand up straight and push my shoulders back. No. I am strong, and I will continue to fight. I have to. I can’t let him defeat me.

  Dinner is quiet. We eat in silence. He tells me he’ll clean up, that I’ve done enough for today. I don’t argue, I just go upstairs. I disrobe and start the shower, not looking in the mirror, not wanting to see my face or worse yet, my scar. I step into the large shower, turning to let the hot water flow down my head and over my body. I used to feel so fortunate. I had unblemished skin and kept it that way growing up, and I was blessed with what I feel are pretty looks. Now, I’m ashamed of my body. Flashes of his hand skimming over my skin. The blade of the knife he taunted me with. I grab the shampoo and wash my hair, always hoping to wash him out of my mind, but it never works. After rinsing, I take the soap, lathering it my hands. I set it back on the soap dish then start rubbing the soap all over my body, always wishing I could wash away the horrible things that happened to it as I feel the raised scar across my side. But I know I can’t.

  Once I’m as clean as washing allows, I turn off the water, dry off and run a brush through my long hair. I walk into the room, pull out a night shirt and put it on. Will I unpack at some point? I’m afraid to. Life has shown me as soon as I get comfortable, I have to leave. No, I’ll leave everything in my suitcase. Somehow that makes me feel better. I walk back into the bathroom, take out two of my pain meds, and fill up a glass of water, drinking them down. I turn off the light then walk to the bay window seat, sitting down and powering up my computer. It’s completely dark outside, only the various lights on the barn and one’s sporadically spread out in the yard and around the deck show any kind of light. I look down and open my document and begin to remember.

  Tears fall freely as I think of Bandit. I remember when I got him as a puppy, so cute and fuzzy, his coat not one of a German shepherd dog yet. We bonded instantly. He followed me around everywhere. I couldn’t go to sleep without him. His eyes melted my heart when he looked at me. As he grew, he became protective of me. I felt safe with him by my side. The one and only time the horrific man broke into my house and tried to kill me, my sweet Bandit died trying to save me. If I hadn’t been injured that would have given me the adrenaline needed maybe to end this game. I hated that I had to leave Bandit hanging there. I wish I could have helped him as he helped me so many times over the years. He used to lay by my side in bed as I cried myself to sleep. He was there for me when I awoke screaming with the nightmares, and I held him when I’d come home after a night with the terror that was my life.

  I feel my tears run down my face. Enough sadness for tonight. I wonder if anyone found him, got him down, and buried him.

  Cboy: Hey, sis. Burning the midnight oil?

  I hear the ding of my instant messenger and wipe my face with my hands then smile at his nickname for me.

  DS: You know it. Actually, I was thinking about Bandit.

  Cboy: I’m sorry. After we couldn’t get ahold of you, Mandy called the police and they found him. She told them to bury him in your backyard under his tree.

  My chin quivers. He loved that big Weeping Willow in the corner of the backyard. He loved to lay under its shade. Tears well up again, but I hold them back.

  Cboy: U still there?

  I look down at the ping and press my lips together.

  DS: I’m here. Thank you for taking care of me and tell Mandy I appreciate what she did for Bandit. I hated leaving him there. I’m glad to know he’s resting in his favorite spot.

  Cboy: You’re welcome but u know we’d do anythin’ for you. Speakin’ of that. 2 days. Look for me then. Can u give me an address?

  I type out the address and hit send.

  Cboy: Great. Do u need me to bring u anythin’? Pain meds? Anythin’ personal?

  DS: Yes, have Mandy refill my pain meds. I wish I could have the picture of Mom and Dad. I hated leaving it when I got out but I didn’t have time to grab anything. But don’t go there. Too risky. He’ll follow.

  Cboy: No worries. I know his games almost as well as u do now. I’ll get ur meds and I’ll see u in 2 days.

  DS: So Colby hired u? He didn’t mention it.

  Cboy: No, not yet but he will.

  DS: Cocky

  Cboy: Always.  Be safe. Love u

  DS: Luv u 2

  I power off the computer and set it down on the seat. I bring my legs up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them and stare out the window. Bandit’s sweet face invades my mind. Memories of him as a puppy and then how he never left my side as he grew. I’m glad to know at least he was taken care of and laid to rest in his favorite place. I shiver at the thought that he would still be hanging there if Mandy and Trevor hadn’t helped. My head starts to feel better and I yawn. I walk over to the bed, climb in but don’t turn off the lamp on the nightstand. Maybe leaving it on will keep the nightmares away. Deep down I know it won’t, but I’m willing to try anything. I turn onto my right side, never able to be on my left, and close my eyes.

  He holds my wrists tight, but I continue to pull as hard as I can. His eyes are full of fury burning into mine. My heart beats so wildly I can feel the thumping roar in my ears. I’ve never been so afraid in my life, terrified. I catch the shimmer of something from the corner of my eye and take a chance to look away as he raises a huge hunter’s knife, his hand grasping it tightly. “You’ve defied me for the last time, Destiny. I’ve grown tired of this game. You’re no more amusement for me. Time to make you as cold as you’ve felt to me recently. Time to end this.”

  “NOOOO!” I screamed in his face. My arms start pulling hard, struggling to get free from his hold. He laughs at my attempt until I hear Bandit barking, growling. I fall, hitting the wood floor hard. I look up and see him lying on the floor, Bandit on top of him, biting, snarling. I turn, starting to stand, when I hear Bandit cry out then the sound of his toenails hitting the floor running away. The only thing flashing in my mind is telling Bandit to run. Get away. My eyes blink rapidly when he grabs my arm, whipping my body around like a rag doll, the blade digging into my skin through my dress, tearing, ripping up my side. Then he’s gone, down on the floor again, Bandit digging into his back. I collapse, blood oozing out of me onto the floor beside me. My hands slap the floor as I slowly begin to drag my body towards the doorway. The front door is so far away. I’ll never make it. Not alive.

  “Shiloh! Shiloh! Hey, breathe. Take a deep breath. Please.” My eyes pop open, my right hand on my side, the other over my heart. I can’t catch my breath. I need air. I look into the worried eyes of Colby. “Try to take a deep breath.” I shakily nod, trying to pull in air. My chest is rising and falling so fast, my heart racing, but finally I manage to take a breath. “Good. Again.” I inhale deeply then open my mouth exhaling. “That’s good, sweetheart. Do it again, slowly.” I nod more steadily and take another deep breath. His eyes bore into mine, his strong hands on my arms. Suddenly, I’m in his arms. My arms move under his, wrapping around his back as his wrap around me. My hands form into fists into his back as I hold him tight. “Shhhh. I’ve got you. I’m here.” He continues to whisper in my ear, his strong arms gentle around me. I don’t know what possessed me to do this. I’m so tired of being alone, not having anyone to hold me, tell me everything’s going to be okay or just be here with me. I feel his hand stroking my head from the top and down my hair then back up again. Like he’s trying to calm an injured or spooked animal, and it’s working. My heart rate slows. The comfort of him being here, holding me, and helping me rid my head of my latest nightmare.

  I pull back, only an inch, looking into his worried eyes. “Will you…. Will you stay? Just hold me? I can’t take the dreams, the nightmares, I….”

  His hand cups my face, his eyes searching mine again, looking into my soul. “I’ll stay.” No more words are spoken. I lay back down finally able to release my hold. He walks around the bed as I turn on my right side, and I watch him
sit down on the mattress. His legs raise and his feet slide under the covers. He scoots down and I don’t hesitate to move closer, putting my arm over his waist. It dawns on me that he’s shirtless and has sleep pants on. My arm tingles. Goose bumps cover my skin, feeling his warm and smooth skin. I lay my head on his chest, hearing the beating of his heart, helping to calm me. I feel his fingers run through my hair, over and over, lulling me. “Try to sleep, sweetheart. I won’t leave you. I’ll be right here.” I’m warmed by his body, comforted by his fingers continuing their sweep, making me drowsy. I close my eyes praying I can sleep with no more dreams.

  Chapter Four

  Colby

  I bolted from my bed when I heard her terrifying scream. I stubbed my toe runnin’ up the few steps and had to catch the door from hittin’ the wall behind it when I opened it so quickly. She was sittin’ up, breathin’ so heavy, and almost hyperventilating. Her face was a sheet of white, her eyes closed and her hands were coverin’ her heart and side. Whatever scared her in her dreams tonight scare the shit outta me too. I didn’t think I was gonna get her to slow her breathin’, but she finally did. I acted on instinct, not really knowin’ what to do. When she asked me to stay, the look in her eyes pleaded and melted me. What she didn’t know is that I would have never left her, even if she’d wanted me to.