Country Lightning

Chapter 12

“I haven’t been to a musical in ages.” Jillian looked over at CJ as they headed north on I-10 for the 2:00 p.m. performance.

“It’s probably been even longer for me.” He rested his hand on hers on the console, and his touch was warm, strong, and reassuring.

He glanced from the road to her. “How’d you enjoy your day off?”

“It’s been wonderful.” She let out her breath as he returned his gaze to the freeway. “Thank you for encouraging me to do it.”

“You deserve it.” He put on his blinker and changed lanes. “But you called in, didn’t you.”

She eyed him. “Who told you?”

He let out a low laugh. “I guessed. Can’t expect you to go cold turkey.”

“True.” She smiled. “Kristen had everything under control—at least, that’s what she led me to believe. But I trust her. She’s a great employee and assistant manager.”

He was so damned good-looking with his straight nose, strong jaw, and his bordering-on-too-long hair, that she drank him in.

“Are you planning to hire someone to work for you?” she asked. “You mentioned possibly hiring a 4-H kid.”

“I’m to the point of needing to find a little extra help.” CJ gave a nod. “I’m going to ask around to find someone with a 4-H contact.”

“I’m sure Kaycee can help with that.” Jillian pulled her phone out of her purse and typed a message to her niece. “I asked her to text you the number of someone you can get in touch with.”

A moment later, Kaycee responded with Will do.

Jillian relayed the message to CJ and added, “She’s always been a great kid, and now she’s a lovely young woman.” Jillian sighed. “I can’t believe she’s almost an adult now.”

CJ changed lanes. “I was impressed with Kaycee and Tatum when I met them at your grandpa’s birthday party.”

“I miss him so much.” Jillian looked out the window at the scenery speeding by, struggling to keep from choking up. It had only been a month since he’d passed, and she still got teary thinking about him. “Sometimes I pick up the phone to call Grandpa before I remember he’s gone.”

CJ put his hand over hers again, giving her strength without saying a word. She faced him. “Thank you for being here for me.”

He moved his attention from the freeway to give her a gentle smile. “Of course.” He focused on the road again.

She turned her palm up, and he linked his fingers with hers. Her gaze drifted to the eastern sky. “The clouds look dark.”

“Weatherman said we’ll probably have rain this evening,” CJ said.

They arrived at the theatre at 5:00 p.m., close to an hour before the musical was supposed to start. They walked hand-in-hand along the shaded path to the hall, where they waited for the doors to open so that they could find their seats.

She had purchased the tickets, but only after agreeing with CJ that he would pay for them. They were in the center orchestra section with a great view of the stage.

They settled into their seats, CJ draping his arm around her shoulders. Laughter and chatter surrounded them, making it too loud to speak easily without raising their voices.

An announcement to silence phones reminded her to turn hers off, and then she settled in with anticipation.

The lights dimmed, and CJ moved his arm and took her hand as the production started.

The show was fabulous, and she squeezed his hand tighter during the most exciting points and, at times, had to remind herself to loosen her grip. The musical utterly engrossed her, but she remained keenly aware of the handsome man at her side—the man she had grown to love in such a relatively short time.

Chicago ended far too soon, and she applauded with the crowd, which gave a standing ovation.

CJ leaned close to her ear. “That was one hell of a show.”

She flashed him a smile. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”

“I sure did.” He took her hand again and led her out with the mass of people swirling around them.

They strolled back to the parking garage, Jillian gripping the program in one hand and CJ’s hand in her other. Her excitement at seeing the musical bubbled up inside her, and she chatted about it all the way to his truck.

“I’m sorry.” She looked up at him as he opened her door. “I’ve been talking nonstop.”

“Don’t be.” He smiled. “I enjoy listening to you. I had a great time, too.”

She took his hand and let him help her into his vehicle. Once he was in his own seat and had started the engine, he backed up and guided the truck out of the parking garage. Traffic was backed up, so it took a while to make it out.

He pulled the truck onto the street. “I know a great place called King’s Fish House, if seafood sounds good to you.”

“Oh, yes.” She nodded. “I’d love to go there.”

“Great.” He brought the truck to a stop at a red light. “I’ve been hankering for a good swordfish steak.”

King’s wasn’t too far, and once he’d parked, he escorted her inside the packed restaurant. She was glad she’d dressed up because it was a nice place.

A hostess seated them at a curved corner booth, and they scooted close to each other. She asked them what drinks they’d like. He ordered a dark beer, and she decided on a Mai Tai.

“There’s so much to choose from.” She scanned the menu when the hostess left, then looked at CJ. “Do you recommend anything in particular?”

He pointed to the list of specialties. “I’ve had the grilled Mahi Mahi and the seabass, and both are excellent.”

The server showed up and Jillian ordered the Mahi Mahi, and CJ went with his original choice but they decided to forego an appetizer.

When their server retreated, Jillian shifted in her seat so that she could meet his gaze. “I imagine you’ve had some fabulous seafood in your world travels.”

He rested his arm on the back of the seat. “I’ve had it as often as possible when near an ocean. Most times I love a good rare steak, but seafood is a nice change on occasion.

“I’ve lived in King Creek my entire life and haven’t had the opportunity to travel outside the country.” She thought about taking a trip with CJ, and it made her smile. “I’d like the opportunity to visit different places.”

He looked intrigued as she said it but just smiled.

The server returned with their drinks and then melted back into the crowded dining room.

“Where have you been to in the world?” she asked.

He named off most European countries, the UK, a few Asian countries, and the southern Pacific.

Her eyes widened. “Holy cow, you’ve been to a lot of places.” She shook her head. “I’m just a small-town girl who wishes to get a chance to see some of the locations you’ve been to.” She settled back in her chair. “But I’m not complaining. I like my life.”

“We’re both fortunate in how our lives have turned out.” He held her gaze. “I feel lucky to have run into you at the state tax office.”

“Who would have known a chance encounter would end up where we are.” She rested her hand on his thigh. The muscles beneath her palm tightened, and she felt the heat of his flesh through the fabric of his slacks.

He put his hand over hers. “Don’t play with fire, beautiful.”

She looked into his gorgeous, sable eyes. “I don’t mind getting burned.”

His expression turned pained, and he shifted in his seat as if his pants were too tight, and she forced herself not to look at his lap. He picked up his beer glass and took a good long swallow.

She sipped her Mai Tai, wondering if she’d been too forward—but they had been dating for almost three months. As far as she was concerned, it wasn’t too soon to take the next step.

He cleared his throat. “Have you traveled much in the U.S.?”

She shrugged and moved her hand from his thigh. He seemed to breathe easier when she did. “I’ve been to several states on girls’ trips with my sisters and family vacations.”

“Do you have favorite places you’ve visited?” he asked.

“San Francisco, Boston, and Washington D.C.” She wrapped her fingers around her glass, the condensation wetting her fingers. “D.C. is high on my list because of the museums, which I love.”

“You’d enjoy Europe.” He gave a slow nod. “The cities there are so much older than anything in the U.S., and you find countless museums and places rich with history.”

“It’s on my bucket list.” She sipped the sweet Mai Tai, the tropical flavors rolling over her tongue.

The server showed up with their delicious-smelling entrees and set the plate of grilled Mahi Mahi in front of her and the swordfish before CJ.

When the server left, they resumed talking about their travels as they ate. Jillian felt like a novice compared to CJ, but he seemed interested in her stories of vacations with her family. She, in turn, was enthralled by his travels.

She asked him to tell her about his time in the Air Force as a Pararescue Specialist. He shared some of his experiences, but he wasn’t able to go into too much detail due to the nature of his work. What he did tell her was interesting. She couldn’t get enough of listening to him.

Dinner had filled her to the brim, so she waved off dessert for herself, and CJ declined as well. The server returned with the check, and CJ gave the young man cash. He bowed and told them to have a good night, then retreated.

Before they got up to leave the booth, CJ paused and gave a soft smile. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Jillian?”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “Thank you.”

He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers, and she had to fight to not moan with all the need pent up inside her.

When he drew away, he seemed to drink her in. “I wish the night wasn’t ending so soon.”

She tore her gaze from his and looked at her watch before meeting his eyes again. “It’s not too late. Why don’t we go to your ranch before you take me home? I haven’t seen Sadie for a whole week.”

He studied her, and heat crept up her neck. She bit her lower lip—she had to be so transparent that he could see how much she wanted him.

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.” He slid out of the booth, and she scooted over to her side. He came over to her, held out his hand, helping her to her feet.

Her heart pounded a little faster, and her belly fluttered as they walked out to his truck. When they were both seated inside, he paused a moment, like he was debating with himself, and then his expression turned resolved.

“I need to talk with you,” he said. “My place is better than here, in my truck.”

She wrinkled her forehead, not sure what he was saying. “All right,” she said slowly. “We can talk.”

At first, they were quiet on the way to his ranch. But then he started asking her about trips she’d taken with her family again, and she was happy to continue the discussion. He did seem keen on knowing how she felt about it.

As they drove, lightning flashes lit up the sky in the direction of the Superstition Mountains and King Creek.

After parking and going into the house, the first thing CJ did was let Sadie out of her kennel. She jumped and barked and wiggled her butt with excitement. Jillian hugged the puppy and then they took the Aussie outside to relieve herself, and CJ played a bit of tug-of-war with her.

It started to sprinkle, and lightning lit up the night.

“We’d better get in.” CJ gave Sadie a hand signal to return to the house.

When they went back in, CJ produced a bottle of wine and poured her a glass, then grabbed a beer for himself. After making sure Sadie had plenty of food and clean water, they went to his comfy back room and seated themselves on the couch, their thighs pressed against each other.

Rain began pounding against the window, and a flash of lightning was followed by the crack of thunder. It felt cozy in the room with CJ, hidden away from the storm.

Jillian took a long sip of wine, the alcohol warming her chest. She set the glass on the coffee table and eased closer to him, their knees touching. He set his beer down, and she leaned in for a kiss.

He lowered his head and moved his mouth over hers. His lips felt so firm, and his kiss heated her through. He slid his tongue into her mouth, and she sighed with pleasure. The taste of him, the scent of him—she loved everything about him.

With a groan, he brought her onto his lap, and she slid her arms around his neck. Their kiss grew more passionate, and desire flooded her body. He slid his hand over her breast and teased her nipple with his fingers, and sensation flared through her body. She wriggled, arching her body into his touch. The feel of his hard cock against her buttocks fueled the fire.

CJ groaned again and drew back. He put his forehead against hers, his breathing heavy. “We have to stop.”

Jillian’s mind was hazed with her arousal, and she had to pull herself together to process what he was saying.

She managed to get one word out. “Why?”

“We need to talk first.” He raised his head and met her gaze. “I have something to tell you.”

The back of her neck prickled with a warning. What could he have to say that was so important?

He eased her onto the couch and shifted her so that they were facing each other, their knees touching. He looked so serious that her belly twisted.

She swallowed down the rush of fear that threatened to engulf her. “What is it?”

He closed his eyes a moment before opening them. “You mean the world to me, Jillian.”

She held her breath. It wasn’t an “I love you,” but it was a step closer.

Yet, she sensed a “but” coming.

He held her gaze. “I’m selling the ranch, and I plan to travel the world.”

She reeled back, not quite comprehending what he was saying.

“The corporation that offered to buy my place when I inherited it is paying me more money than I could use in a lifetime.” His throat worked as he swallowed. “I want you to go with me.” He waited for her to respond, but she couldn’t speak. “Please.”

Prickles ran along her flesh. “I—” She shook her head. “I have my family and my business, something I’ve always dreamed of. I can’t just take off.”

A disappointed expression crossed his strong features. “Think about it.”

“No.” Her tone was resolute. “I’d also like to start a family. I can’t do that while jaunting all over the place.”

He studied her for a long moment before he asked again, “Please, just think about it.”

She ignored his request. “What are you going to do with Sadie?”

“Take her with me.” CJ continued to hold Jillian’s gaze. “By the time the place is ready, and the contract signed, she’ll be old enough and well-trained. I’d really like you to go with us.”

Jillian bit her lower lip. She loved him enough that she could imagine going with him and Sadie. But this was her home, and she had plans and dreams of her own.

And he just cared for her. He hadn’t even said he loved her.

“I’m ready to go home.” Jillian got to her feet.

“I’m sorry.” He stood and took her hands. “I should have told you sooner, but I hadn’t made up my mind until yesterday.”

“Yes, you should have told me.” Tears pricked at the backs of her eyes, but she wasn’t going to cry. She pulled her hands away and walked to the kitchen.

Sadie trotted at her side, and CJ followed. She took her purse off the kitchen table, where she’d left it, and held it tightly to her chest.

He had a regretful expression in his gaze, but he couldn’t have more regrets than she had. She’d given her heart to this man, and he was walking away from her. He had made that decision without telling her that it was a possibility. If she’d known from the beginning, she wouldn’t be torn up inside like she was now.

Jillian knelt and gave Sadie a big hug and almost lost it. It was probably the last time she would ever see the puppy. She pulled herself together and waited for CJ to put the Aussie into the kennel.

They walked out to the truck, rain pouring down. She blinked against the rain rolling over her face and into her eyes. Lightning lit up the land, followed by thunder. By the time they got to the vehicle, she was soaked through.

It wasn’t long before they were on their way to King Creek.

Silence reigned on the drive back. Either CJ didn’t know what to say, or he realized Jillian didn’t want to talk—maybe both.

When they were parked, rain thrummed on the truck’s roof. She didn’t want to wait for him to help her get out, but he was around the truck before she could climb down, and he took her hand. She pulled it away as soon as she was on her feet.

She stood and met his gaze. “I can walk to the door myself.”

He looked desperate to get her to talk to him. “Jillian, I don’t like leaving things like this between us.”

“There’s nothing to say.” She forced herself to respond calmly. “You’ve made what you believe is the right decision for you. I’ve told you my decision. I wish you the best of luck.”

She turned before he could say anything else, her back straight and her chin high as she strode along the sidewalk, through the rain, and up the steps. She never looked back as she walked or when she used the key to open the door. The latch clicked into place behind her before the first teardrop rolled down her cheek, mingling with the raindrops wetting her face.

“Jill, honey, what’s wrong?” Leeann’s concerned voice came from the direction of the hallway.

Jillian waved her hand like she was brushing off her sister’s concern. “I’ll be fine.”

“Sit.” Leeann pointed to Jillian’s favorite chair. “I can see we need to talk.”

Knowing it was pointless to argue, she took her seat. “I really don’t want to.”

Leeann plopped into the armchair across from her. “Too bad.” She set her jaw. “I need to kill him, don’t I.”

Jillian almost smiled. Instead, she pushed wet hair out of her face as she shook her head. “CJ is selling the ranch for a sum that will set him up for life. When he does, he’s leaving to travel the world.”

Leeann’s jaw dropped. “And he’s just telling you this now?”

“Yes.” Jillian gripped her fingers in her lap. “He asked me to go with him and Sadie. He said I mean the world to him.”

“What did you say?” Leeann asked quietly.

“I have a life here.” Jillian looked at her sister. “I have a new business that’s been my dream for as long as I can remember. All my family is here, and someday, I’d like to have children of my own. This is my home.”

Leeann slowly nodded. “What was his reply?”

“He asked me to please think about it.” Jillian shook her head. “What’s there to think about? I gave him my response, and there’s no changing my mind.”

“And he’s just now getting around to telling you.” Leeann narrowed her gaze.

Jillian let out a long breath. “He said he hadn’t made up his mind until yesterday.”

“That’s no excuse.” Leeann’s expression hardened. “He should have told you that the minute he considered selling it.”

“He said they made the offer when he inherited the property.” Jillian put her fingertips to her forehead. “That means he knew about this when we first met, yet he never mentioned it.”

“That’s it.” Leeann’s voice cut the air. “I’m killing him first thing in the morning.”

“You have to work.” Jillian lowered her hands and did manage a smile, but it faded. “He’s made his choice, Leeann. What’s done is done.”

“I’ll take the day off.”

“I’ll be okay.” Jillian struggled not to cry, but another tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. “I told you earlier that I”d move on if something happened between us. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Kneeling in front of Jillian, Leeann wrapped her arms around Jillian and hugged her. “I’m so sorry.”

Jillian leaned into her sister’s hug, and more tears rolled down her cheeks. She was so glad she hadn’t cried in front of CJ. That would have made the whole situation even worse.

Leeann held her for a long moment before drawing away. She reached for a tissue from the box on the end table and handed it to Jillian.

She took the Kleenex and dabbed at her eyes before blowing her nose, then crumpled the tissue in her hand. “Monday morning, I’ll go to work and keep busy. It might take me a couple of days to get used to the idea that he’s gone from my life, but that’s what I’m going to do.”

“You’re stronger than I am.” Leeann squeezed Jillian’s forearm. “You always have been.”

Jillian gave a sad smile. “We’re both stronger than we think.” She stood, and Leeann joined her. “I’m going to bed now. Everything will look brighter in the morning.”

She hoped.