A Taste of Country Page 6

  Egirl: Haven’t heard from you all day. Naturally, I’m worried.

  Cboy: Arrangements are made. Cya day after tomorrow.

  Egirl: Where are you? I’m about to call out the troops.

  Egirl: If you don’t touch base with me soon, I’m coming out there!

  I smile, the concern of my friends overwhelming me.

  DS: Calm down, woman, I’m fine. Just been busy today and went over to neighbors for dinner. All’s good.

  DS: Can’t wait to see you, Trev!

  Egirl: Thank fuck! I almost left to come there. I’m glad ur ok. How’s the writing going? R u getting any done or just hanging back. I’m fine with you taking some time for yourself. You need to. I heard Trevor will be there soon. Thank God!

  DS: I’m writing, a little. You know it helps me, but it also makes my nightmares worse. Can’t win for losing. Yes, can’t wait to see Trev.

  Egirl: Ok. Well, know that right now you have no deadline. You need time for you and it can wait as long as needed. I miss you. Maybe I should take a trip out to the country soon. 

  DS: I know. I appreciate that. Maybe you should. Soon. 

  Egirl: Yea. Get some sleep. Trev’s bringing more meds and some sleep aids too.

  DS: Great. That’s one thing I forgot to bring and then didn’t pick up when in town either. Thank for thinking of me.

  Egirl: Always my sister from another mister.

  DS: Ha, night.

  Egirl: Night. Sleep well or at least try to.

  I close the message windows and turn off the computer, not feeling like writing. I don’t want anything to spoil the first nice day and evening I’ve had in a long time. I climb into bed, laying on my back and stare up at the ceiling. Memories of tonight sweep through my mind. I smile when I think of my talk with Sadie. The feelings I get deep inside tell my heart she can be trusted. Seems like she may have gone through some heavy stuff and survived. Could I trust her enough with my secrets? Could we actually become friends? I remember her words and feel like I could almost take the risk, and my heart tells me yes but my body tells me I’m scared. I’m not just scared for me though. I’m scared to put her or anyone’s life in danger. Telling anyone would do that. But then again, being here could be doing that anyway. I close my eyes as I turn onto my right side, praying for no dreams tonight.

  My eyes flutter open. I stretch my arms up over my head and look at the clock. Five o’clock. I haven’t slept this well in a long time. Maybe it was the combination of not writing and feeling a little more comfortable in my surroundings, meeting Sadie and Memphis last night and Colby holding me in his arms the night before. Whatever it was, I’m thankful for the reprieve.

  Feeling rested, I get up and go to the bathroom, take a nice hot shower and get ready for the day. I think I’ll put my hair up in a ponytail and wear a pair of my yoga pants and a long sleeved t-shirt. Need to be comfortable for cleaning. I’m also in the mood to do some baking. I wonder what he has that I can use. When I was young and carefree, I used to love to bake. Until I made that apple pie, I hadn’t made anything for years. Then again, I hadn’t been free enough to do so.

  I walk downstairs, finding it quiet until I reach the kitchen. Colby’s sitting at the table eating breakfast. Damn, I meant to get up earlier so I could fix it for him. He looks up and smiles. “Come. I made some for you too.” I walk over as he stands. I sit down and watch him walk over to the coffee pot, pouring some in a cup for me. I look down to find a beautifully made omelet. I pick up my fork, cutting a piece and see there’s tomatoes, onions, peppers, ham with cheese melted over the top. He returns, setting down the cup in front of me as I take a bite. My eyes close as I taste the wonderful ingredients. I look at him, seeing his gorgeous smile, and my heart skips a beat. I reach for the cup, holding it up to my nose. I smell more than just coffee and take a sip. Chocolate and a bit of something else. “The omelet is wonderful. I love that you can cook and the coffee? What’s in it besides chocolate? It’s divine.”

  His eyes light up. “Well, I love to cook. Learned from my mom and found I like doing it. Just a dash of cinnamon. Wasn’t sure if it would be good in coffee but I like experimentin’.”

  “Cinnamon. I wouldn’t have guessed. It adds a uniqueness to it. Tastes great. Thank you.”

  He winks, and I feel those unfamiliar feelings again move throughout my body. He’s sexy, muscular, strong, handsome, caring and can cook, making his own creations. What woman wouldn’t love him? That idea that formed in my head at Sadie’s pops in again, and I push it aside.

  “I have to go run an errand this morning. It’ll take me a couple of hours. I hope you don’t mind being here by yourself.” I cringe internally. Alone. I’m not sure I can handle that. “If you rather I wait….”

  “No! It’s fine. I’m fine.” I feel like I’m making a fool out of myself. “You go ahead. I’ll just busy myself cleaning.”

  He laughs. “Shiloh. There’s nothin’ left to clean. The house is spotless, thanks to you. Why don’t you relax? Maybe do some reading or watch a movie. I don’t expect you to be busy every day you’re here.” I turn my head when a knock sounds on the front door and stiffen. “I’ll go.” I look up at him as he walks by, suddenly feeling ill. I hear Sadie’s voice and relax but wonder why she’s here so early in the morning. Hell, the sun hasn’t even fully risen yet.

  “Look who stopped by,” Colby’s voice makes me turn.

  “Shiloh! Good morning!” I watch her walk to the coffee pot and grab a cup from the cabinet. She pours herself some, making herself at home, and takes a drink. “Wow! Who made this? I love it. Could be the next big thing at the shop.” She walks over and sits in the chair beside me.

  “I did,” he says proudly.

  “Do you mind sharing what you put in it and allow me to make it at the shop? This would go great with Tina’s new chocolate pastries.” He nods, eagerly.

  “Tina?” I ask.

  “Oh, she’s my best friend. She moved here and was staying with Colby for a while.” My eyebrows raise. “Oh, they’re like family, no funny business.” She laughs. “He’s like a big brother to her, just like me. She lives in an apartment in town, close to the shop but comes out to our house quite a bit. You’d like her.” I nod, thankful that he and she aren’t together. Wait! Why would I feel like that? I have no right.

  “Yeah, she’s a piece of work. Speaking of work…. I need to run my errand and why are you here, not that I mind.” She looks at him and sticks out her tongue. Just like a sister would do to a brother.

  “I took today off. Needed a break. Thought I’d come and keep Shiloh company.” She looks at me and smiles. “If that’s okay.”

  “I would love that. I guess I have the day off too and was thinking of doing some baking.” I smile at her as Colby stands.

  “That would be great! I love baking!” She shrieks and claps her hands.

  “Well, you two have fun. I’m gonna head out.” He lays his hand on her shoulder as he walks by. “Glad she’ll have some company while I’m gone.” She pats his hand and he winks at me as he leaves the room.

  Shortly, I hear his loud truck start up and then gets quieter as he drives away. “I’m so glad you came over. I wasn’t looking forward to being alone while he’s gone. I need to look and see what all he has that I can use to bake with.”

  “Finish your breakfast. I already ate. Memphis starts his chores really early so I’d already cooked breakfast.” I nod and start eating.

  We end up having a great time baking. Got flour all over the place, laughed, and she told me some stories of her and Memphis. How they finally realized they had feelings for each other and what it took to overcome everything that happened to them. We made more coffee and took our cups into the living room. I’m a bit surprised Colby isn’t back yet, but I have no idea where he went. I feel so comfortable with her, like we can really be friends. The idea for a book keeps popping into my head, and I can’t seem to shake it.

  She takes a sip of cof
fee and smiles.

  “I’m Delia Shire,” bursts from my mouth. I cover it with both hands as she spits out her coffee, her eyes widening. I come to my senses, which I have so little left and grab a few tissues from a box on the end table, handing them to her.

  “What did you say?” She whispers.

  “Oh, my God! I can’t believe I just told you that.” She blinks rapidly, wiping the spewed coffee from her jeans.

  “Are you fucking serious? You’re THE Delia Shire? The one who’s writing the Deadly Sins series? The one who wrote Deadly Beginning and Deadly Love? That Delia Shire?” I nod slowly, unsure of my mouth anymore. She sinks back in her chair, still staring at me. “No one’s ever seen you. No one knows who you are. Oh, my freaking God!”

  As easily as those words left my lips, now I have no idea what to say. I just sit there looking at her, dumbfounded for the first time in my life. Me, Shiloh Willson, aka Delia Shire, bestselling author, has no words.

  She sets her cup down on the table, calmly, then stands and starts pacing the floor, her arms waving around wildly as she speaks. “I can’t believe I’m in the same house with Delia Shire. No! I’m in the same freaking room with Delia Shire.” She suddenly stops, making me jump. “Oh, my God! I baked with Delia Shire!”

  “Sadie, I….” I finally find my voice when I’m stopped by a dog’s bark. Well, it’s more like a soft whine. I turn my head and see Colby standing there holding a furball of a German shepherd puppy. My eyes fill with tears as I look up into his. Suddenly, I feel lightheaded. Did he hear us talking? Does he know who I am?

  He walks into the room until he reaches me, setting the puppy down on my lap. I feel its soft fur. Its eyes are brown, its coat is all black just like Bandits. I look up as a tear falls down my face. “I thought you might like him. Found out yesterday a guy in the town over had puppies for sale so I contacted him. This was my errand. I hope it was okay to assume you’d want him.” His eyes are hopeful and I smile, my chin quivering.

  “He’s beautiful,” I whisper as he licks my face.

  “Colby! You’re not gonna believe….” Sadie begins to speak and I snap my eyes to hers, shaking my head slowly when Colby turns to her. “Uh…. You’re not gonna believe what an awesome baker Shiloh is.” Her brows lower as confusion moves across her face.

  He smiles then laughs. “I know.” He turns to me, and I smile up at him. “She’s wonderful.” My heart pounds against my chest only I don’t know if it’s due to the scare of her telling him who I am, the sweet puppy in my lap, or my feelings that are developing so quickly for this wonderful man. I look down at the puppy on my lap and kiss his head. He looks so much like Bandit did when he was a puppy. “What are you going to name him?” I look up and see Colby squatting down in front of me. His hand reaches out and pets the puppy.

  I cup the puppy’s sweet face in my hands and smile. “I don’t know. He looks so much like Bandit.”

  “You could name him Bandit Junior,” Sadie suggests.

  I look into the puppy’s eyes. “Nah, Bandit was one of a kind.”

  “How about Ditto?” I look up at Colby and laugh.

  “That’s a silly name. Who calls their dog, Ditto.” Sadie laughs.

  I look back down at the puppy. “Ditto. It’s perfect.”

  Chapter Five

  Colby

  “Still can’t believe you’re naming him Ditto. But it is kind of cute and different.” Sadie laughs as she kneels down beside Shiloh and ruffles Ditto’s head. I couldn’t believe my luck when I got to the farm. They only had two pups left, a male and a female. This one was the only one that was all black and was much friendlier when I picked them both up separately. Hell, this one followed me around after I set it down. I couldn’t wait to get home and give him to Shiloh. She really seems to need a friend and that sad story she told me about losin’ her dog broke my heart. But from what I walked into, I think she and Sadie might be gettin’ a little closer. I’m glad. Sadie’s a great person for her to be friends with. Seein’ Shiloh’s eyes light up, the expression on her beautiful face, I knew I was right in gettin’ the pup for her, and it was worth the two hours it took to get him and bring him back to her.

  “Well, I better get home.” Sadie leans up and pets Ditto again then kisses his head. She stands and looks down at Shiloh. “What a fun day and topped off with you getting a puppy.” She turns and starts walking to the front door then turns her head. “We’ll have to get together again soon, Shiloh.” Shiloh smiles and nods eagerly. Sadie looks at me. “I think someone’s getting sweet on someone, bringing them a puppy and all.” She sings then she waves. “Bye.” And walks out the door.

  Runnin’ my fingers through my hair, I turn back to Shiloh. She’s starin’ at me, her lips parted, like she wants to say somethin’. She smiles, shakin’ her head, and looks back down at Ditto. “I can’t believe you got me a puppy and a German shepherd of all things.” I walk over and sit on the end of the couch closest to her.

  “I figured you could use the company when I’m out all day doin’ chores. Besides, you needed a friend, someone you can talk to, tell your secrets.” Her eyes move to mine. “Until you can trust me to be that friend, I figured I’d get you one you can trust.” Her eyes become wet. “Hey….” I reach over and cover her hand with mine. “I didn’t mean to upset ya.” Her free hand moves, coverin’ mine, squeezin’ gently.

  “You didn’t upset me, Colby. This has to be one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for me. And your words are so sweet. Thank you. You’ll never know how much this means to me.”

  I swallow hard. “I wanna know. I wanna know everythin’ about you, Shiloh. I wish you’d give me the chance, find out that I’m worthy of your trust. I’d never let you down.” I reach up with my other hand and wipe away the tear that slipped from her eye. She closes them, leanin’ into my touch. Her skin is so soft, her beauty like no other. I long to hold her again, be there for her and show her just how much she can trust me. If only she’d let me. Just then, Ditto starts squirmin’ and whinin’, breakin’ the spell we’re under.

  She laughs as she stands, my hands fallin’ free from her. “I guess this little one needs to go outside.” She starts to carry him out of the room but stops, turnin’ her head to me. “Wanna come with us? I think I need a friend to help me train him.” My heart stops briefly at her words. She smiles, those beautiful eyes sparklin’ as she starts to walk again.

  I stand quickly, feelin’s surge throughout me. “Sure. This friend would be honored. I’m just gonna go get the few supplies I got on the way back and bring them in then I’ll be out.” There’s a little more pep in her step as I follow behind her. I stop at the front door, watchin’ her bottom sway in the tight pants she’s wearin’, her ponytail swingin’ with her movements. Damn! I’m really falling fast for her. I’m afraid my heart is gonna be shattered.

  She called me a friend. Maybe she’ll tell me what’s in the pretty head of hers soon. I hope so. How can someone who’s been with so many women, faceless many, fall so fast for a woman who came here to clean their house? But then, Shiloh isn’t just any woman. She’s special, vibrant. She’s scared of somethin’ or someone, I know it. I just can’t figure her out.

  I get the puppy supplies out and take them up to her room, feelin’ awkward goin’ in there without her permission. I set the big fluffy dog bed down on the floor beside her bed and place a bunch of dog toys in it along with a collar and leash that I’d purchased in town on the way back. I keep one of the toys and stand, lookin’ around her room. She’s definitely a neat freak. I start to walk across the room to go back downstairs when something catches my eye. One of her suitcases is open slightly, a book sits inside. I try not to pry, try not to be nosy, but I recognize the cover. I squat down and pull the book out without openin’ the suitcase more. Well, I’ll be damned. It’s not really a full book but looks like a manuscript. Deadly Game by Delia Shire. How the fuck could she have this? It’s the third book in the series that’s not even
out yet. I open the cover and see handwriting.

  To those who’ve ever been abused, have run for their lives, and have escaped. I admire you as I have yet to achieve this for I’m still running. Forever running and praying that one day I will leave my past behind and begin anew. I just hope I can publish this book before he finds me as I fear if he does this book and my life will be over.

  My heart beats frantically as I read. This has to be a true story. I just know it is and this confirms it. Why would an author put this kind of dedication in if it wasn’t? I hear Ditto bark downstairs and quickly place the papers back in the suitcase, stand and walk out the door, lookin’ over my shoulder into her room. Could she really be Delia? If that’s true then she’s lead a horrible life and is still runnin’. That would explain a lot of her behavior. Her face flashes in my mind. She’s so beautiful, so sweet and so caring. How could anyone do those things to her? I shake my head. Nah, couldn’t be. Could it?

  I walk downstairs and see Shiloh with Ditto in the living room. She’s sittin’ on the floor pettin’ and playin’ with him. I watch her for a few minutes. She takes my breath away every damn time I look at her and when she looks at me, the light coloring of her eyes seem to sear my soul. I know beauty is only skin deep, but she radiates, causing me to catch my breath and send feelin’s through me that I’ve never experienced before. All that wasted time I was usin’ women, not carin’ for their feelin’s, only out for myself. Suddenly, I feel remorseful. She catches me starin’, bringin’ me out of my thoughts, and I smile, gettin’ one in return.