Chapter Thirty-Three
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
On the drive back to the ranch Heather and Blake held hands across the console, but lost in their own thoughts they barely spoke. When he pulled to a stop outside the barn, Heather kissed him on the cheek, then said she wanted to hug Apollo and say hello to Henry. Blake understood. Seeing Butch race up to the truck Blake wanted to hug him too.
“Hi, Blake, is Heather okay?” Doug asked, striding up to join him. “Why isn’t she at work? What’s goin’ on? You look beat up, like you’ve been through the mill.”
“I have, and it’s a long story,” Blake replied, crouching down and making a fuss of his dog. “I don’t even know where to start. Bottom line, a couple at the campground kidnapped her and drove to Lake View Point. She got away just as I arrived, but the man and woman…well…they weren’t so lucky. They ended up in that icy water. The sheriff thinks they’ll never be found.”
“Damn. Sounds like you could use a beer.”
“I think a double shot of whiskey is more likely.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Do you have that special chocolate with you?”
“I never leave home without it,” Doug replied with the hint of a smile. “Truth be told, I’m addicted.”
“Could you make Heather a mug of that special drink?”
“I’ll get right on it.”
“Thanks, Doug. I’m goin’ into the paddock to join her. We’ll be there in just a few minutes. Come on, Butch, let’s go.”
* * *
As Heather had reached Apollo and wrapped her arms around his neck, he’d leaned his head over her in a horse hug, eliciting a wave of emotion.
“I love you so much,” she mumbled as tears slipped from her eyes. “I did something really stupid today…it was bad, really bad. Blake saved me. He really saved me.”
A nicker made her look around, and she saw Henry standing at the fence.
“Hello, you,” she exclaimed, stepping back and wiping her wet cheeks. “Don’t worry, I’ll come in and visit you too.”
As she climbed through the rails he lowered his head, then nudged her when she straightened up.
“You’re adorable, and so smart. You’ve already figured out we’re good people,” she murmured, stroking his face.
“Most horses are.”
“Blake!”
“Hey, darlin’,” he murmured, striding up and placing his arm around her shoulders. “How are you feelin’?”
“Better, but still a bit shaky. Spending a few minutes with these two has helped.”
“There’s nothing like bein’ around horses and dogs, but I think that applies to animals in general. Have you ever seen videos of the guys in South Africa lovin’ on the big cats?”
“I have, it’s amazing. I’d give anything to do that, though I think I’d be terrified.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“You? You’re not scared of anything.”
“I was scared today,” he murmured as a frown crossed his brow. “Real scared. Maybe as scared as I’ve ever been. Are you ready to come inside? Doug’s makin’ you that hot chocolate.”
“Ooh, yes, please. That sounds perfect.”
“I’ll be havin’ a double whiskey, and I think I might drop a little in your drink.”
“That might be a good idea. I’m still trembling,” she said, holding out her hand.
“I’m not surprised. We’ll see you two later,” he added, looking across at Apollo and patting Henry’s neck.
As they started back to the house he took her hand in a strong grip, and she leaned against his arm.
“Blake, the awful thing we just went through—it’s beginning to feel like a dream--or rather a nightmare,” she said softly.
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
Climbing up the porch steps and entering the kitchen, they found her hot chocolate and his whiskey waiting on the table.
“Look at this,” she exclaimed. “What a thoughtful thing to do.”
“That’s Doug.”
“He’s awfully quiet though.”
“Yep.”
“Does he have a girlfriend?”
“Not that I know of.”
“He should.”
“Is that right,” Blake remarked, settling into a chair and picking up his drink.
“Yes, it is. He’s really good looking, and he’s…intriguing. I wonder if—”
“No match makin’!”
“But, Blake—”
“No! Stay out of it. Doug’s a resourceful man. If he wants a woman in his life he’ll make it happen. But, Heather,” he said, lowering his voice, “I have to ask--why did you decide to confront Joe? I know I should probably wait to talk about this, but dammit, I can’t. What the hell possessed you?”
“I know I shouldn’t have and I’m sorry.”
He didn’t speak, but raised his glass and downed a swallow.
“So…why did you?” he finally asked again.
“I’m not sure. It was a spur of the moment thing. The tray had to be delivered, and I thought it would be my only chance to ask him why he’d been stalking me. I mean, everyone knew where I was so I felt safe. I never imagined I’d run into Courtney. She was so mad you turned her into the police. That’s why all this happened. I still find it hard to wrap my brain around that.”
“No, it happened because she’s psycho.”
“And I made a mistake,” Heather said softly. “Confronting Joe was a really stupid thing to do. I’m sorry, truly I am. I won’t do anything like it again.”
“No, you won’t. And Heather, there’s something else. If that staircase outside your place gets that slippery durin’ a cold spell, I don’t want you livin’ there.”
“Honestly, Blake, last winter I didn’t think I’d survive. I actually slipped a few times and just managed to catch myself with the handrail. But it’s really scary carrying up groceries. Sometimes I have to make more than one trip. I talked to the owners a couple of times, and they said they’d put down some grid mats, but they didn’t.”
“Do you have much stuff in your place?”
“No, it came furnished. Just my television and—”
“Spend the winter with me.”
“Really?”
“Actually, no…I take that back. I don’t need a trial run,” he suddenly exclaimed. “Heather, when I saw you on that rock with Joe and Courtney, I swear my heart stopped. Then when you jumped off I damn near had a total meltdown. Bottom line…it made me realize just how much you mean to me. Dammit, I love you and I want you here.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, darlin’, really.”
Blake…I love you too…so much. Yes, I’d love to be here. I’d love it more than anything.”
“Fair warnin’, once we’re both over this and our lives are back to normal we’re gonna have a serious talk. You can never put yourself at risk like that again.”