Chapter Ten
Jack steered his truck onto Main Street. A part of him longed to stay a little longer, bathed in the afterglow of her presence, but he resolved that they needed more time to truly connect. He craved to know her fully, beyond the sizzling heat they shared in bed.
Restlessly, Jack fidgeted in his seat, every mile deepening his inner conflict. The magnetic pull she exerted over him made it almost impossible to resist her. He found himself irresistibly drawn to her every time she was near. Never before had he been so infatuated, so rapidly captivated with a woman, even in comparison to memories of Brenda.
From the very first moment he encountered Randi, Jack had been utterly captivated. She radiated an aura of mystery and allure, so clearly out of his league that it almost seemed like a cosmic joke, but against all odds, they had connected seamlessly. Perhaps she was intrigued by his dual identity as a Deputy and a cowboy; after all, there was an undeniable charm in men who embodied both the discipline of a uniform and the free spirit of the West. Some women, he mused, were drawn to the rugged mystique of cowboys, while others were enchanted by the disciplined presence of lawmen.
Shaking his head in bemused disbelief, Jack admitted silently that the inner workings of a woman’s mind were an enigma. If he could decipher that mystery, he’d be a billionaire peddling his secret insights. He chuckled at the thought, such a revelation was beyond any man’s grasp.
Soon, Jack pulled up to his barn, parking his truck beside the building. As he stepped inside, the comforting aroma of fresh straw and lingering sweat filled his senses. There was work to be done; he needed to replenish fresh water for the horses and refill their buckets. Earlier that morning, he had spread a new layer of straw in each stall, a ritual that had to be completed every day before confronting the hectic pace of the office. Though laborious and time-consuming, the daily chore of mucking stalls, shoveling out the old, and laying down the new was essential to keep his horses in top shape. A thought flitted through his mind: maybe he should hire some help, to steal away a few extra hours of sleep in exchange for freeing him from these early morning toils.
After meticulously filling each bucket, Jack walked down the aisle of the barn, opening the gates of each stall. Grabbing a lead, he strode to the fence where the horses were, and with a resounding whistle that echoed off the surrounding mountains, called them to him. One by one, they trotted eagerly toward him, their hooves drumming a steady rhythm on the ground. He waited until they halted at the gate and then opened it, taking hold of Zorro’s halter and securing him with the lead. One after another, the others followed into their designated stalls.
Jack closed each gate and latched them securely, his every move a testament to routine. The horses, content and unperturbed, remained engrossed in their buckets, their heads lowered as they drank. Shaking his head with a mixture of fondness and resignation at the unchanging rhythm of his day, Jack stepped out of the barn and strolled across the yard toward his house.
At first, he had begun his approach toward the front porch, but soon steered in a different direction. He circled around to the back of the house, opting for the mudroom entrance rather than the front door. After a long day spent shoveling manure and working with unyielding soil, he was all too aware that anything could be on the bottom of his boots and he’d rather not traipse through the living room. The back door offered a refuge, a way to leave the grunge behind and step into a cleaner space.
Inside, Jack sank onto a weathered bench in the cool interior of the mudroom, removing his dusty boots with a quiet sigh. Leaning back, his thoughts wandered inevitably to Randi. It wasn’t only that she was stunning; it was the entirety of who she was. Her warm laughter, wonderful sense of humor, and an undeniable sex appeal combined to create an almost perfect image of womanhood, though he knew perfection was but a myth, in his eyes she was flawless, an ideal perfectly suited to him.
Muttering under his breath in a mix of self-admonition and wonder, “Man, you are crazy. You just met her a month ago,” he rose from the bench, shifting his focus to his nightly routine. With deliberate slowness, he began to unfasten his well-worn jeans, lowering the zipper as he let them and his boxer briefs fall away, a shedding of the day’s burdens. Next, he removed his soft, faded T-shirt and casually tossed all his clothes into the hamper. The lure of a hot, refreshing shower beckoned him onward, as he made his way to the bathroom while the sky outside still hinted at the early dusk, though darkness was not far off.
Within his home, he entered the bedroom briefly before stepping into the bathroom. His eyes lingered on the large, inviting bathtub for a moment. Yet tonight, he chose the brisk, invigorating promise of the shower instead, even as a small smile tugged at his lips recalling Randi’s own luxurious jacuzzi tub, a treat he hoped to enjoy one day himself.
Before long, the bathroom filled with a veil of steam as Jack slid open the transparent glass door of the shower stall and stepped inside. A low groan escaped him as the scorching water collided with his shoulders, the heat both a reminder of his weariness and a soothing balm. He lingered under the torrential cascade, the minutes blurring as the water washed away the grit of the day, until he realized he must cleanse his hair and body before the temptation of sleep claimed him entirely.
Jack’s days were long and laden with responsibility, yet his heart swelled with passion for his work. Though he had served in law enforcement for a long time, his dedication ran deep, ever since he was fifteen, he had envisioned a life devoted to justice. Answering the call of duty, he had joined the US Marshals, following in the footsteps of his friend Sam, a former Marshal. Yet, as he had once confessed to Randi, his dreams had jostled between the thrill of the Marshal’s badge and the quieter, earthy allure of becoming a livestock agent. Both paths, in their own way, beckoned him with promises of excitement and purpose.
After thoroughly washing his hair and cleansing his body, Jack stepped out of the shower and reached for a soft towel. He rubbed it over his damp hair before draping it over the top of the stall wall, allowing it to air dry. He pulled another towel into his grasp as he patted down the remaining water from his body.
“Son of a bitch, I have to shave,” he muttered to himself in a moment of exasperation. Winding the towel around his waist, he sauntered toward the vanity. With one firm swipe, he cleared the steam from the mirror to reveal his unshaven reflection.
“You really look like shit. What the hell does she see in you?” he murmured critically, the echo of his self-doubt mingling with the warm condensation on the glass. With a resigned sigh, Jack picked up his razor and began shaving.
****
Randi sat on her sofa staring off into space. Why did he rush off so fast? Did she do something to upset him? God, she hoped not, but as she thought back over the day, she knew he had a good time. So, why did he act like he had to get the hell out of Dodge?
She picked up her phone, then set it back down, and picked it up again. After the third time, she shook her head, drew in a deep breath, then blew it out and sent a text to Jack.
Are you alright? She stared at her phone hoping he’d reply, then she saw the bubbles.
Yeah, are you?
Not really.
Why not? I thought you had a good time today.
I did. It was when the day ended.
What happened?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Okay… ?
Why didn’t you want to come into my apartment, Jack?
I wouldn’t say I didn’t want to come in. I thought it would be better if we slowed this down.
Randi’s heart dropped at his words. Already he wanted to stop seeing her. What had she done?
Okay.
Miranda, I don’t want you thinking that’s all I’m seeing you for. I want to be with you but we really don’t know each other. We went about it the wrong way. We should know each other before sex.
Don’t you think I have a say in this?
Of course, you do. I just thought it would be easier for you.
Easier, how? All I know is that you took off like a bat out of hell. You should have come inside and we could have discussed it.
You’re right. We should have talked about it. I have to work next weekend. Day shift I hope.
Can you stop by one evening? I can make dinner, and we can talk about this.
Sure, and we can meet at the diner too. I don’t want to go two weeks without seeing you.
Same here.
I have to go, darlin’. I’m tired so I’ll probably hit the sheets early. I’ll talk to you soon.
Okay. She set the phone on the table.
She wasn’t thrilled about the situation. Even though she understood he was correct, it didn’t mean she had to be happy about it. She thought the sex had been phenomenal, and in her mind, she could vividly recall the electric chemistry they shared between the sheets. She nibbled on her lip, deep in thought. Maybe Jack was right. They had rushed into the physical side of their relationship, and perhaps, that was the only aspect they truly knew about each other, that the sex was incredible.
“You need more than sex in a relationship,” she murmured softly, almost as if trying to convince herself.
After a deep, resigned sigh, Randi found herself agreeing with him. Just because they were scorching hot in bed together didn’t mean diddly-squat, as her grandmother would say with a wave of her hand and a knowing nod.
Rising from the plush sofa, she headed to the bedroom. There, she decided to watch TV until she was drowsy enough to drift off to sleep. She couldn’t wait to see Jack again, but the uncertainty of when that would be lingered in her mind like an unanswered question.
The following morning, she unlocked the back door of the shop, quickly slipped inside, and secured it behind her. She hoped it would be a productive day, but the weather seemed to have its own agenda. The morning was dreary, and the sky was a tumult of dark, brooding clouds that seemed to seethe with anger. Randi wondered what kind of storm they were about to unleash.
She placed her purse in the drawer of her wooden desk, locked it, and turned on the radio to hear the forecast, hoping for a glimmer of good news amidst the gray.
As she prepared a steaming cup of coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the morning air, she listened to the weather station’s forecast; today promised dismal rain, along with thunderstorms.
“Thunderstorms?” Randi muttered, shaking her head.
She made her way to the front of the store, the floors creaking softly beneath her steps. She flipped the sign to “Open” and unlocked the door, though she suspected the usual bustle would be subdued. Jack had mentioned that the Bur Oak Guest Ranch had closed its doors for the season, and the town’s only remaining visitors were those tucked away at the Clifton Bed and Breakfast, which was set to close in mid-October, or the local motel.
Randi silently vowed that come spring, she would make time to visit both the B and B and the guest ranch. She longed to experience their rustic charm firsthand.
By ten o’clock, the heavens opened, and rain cascaded from the sky with relentless intensity. Randi ambled over to the window; her gaze fixed on the torrent that slammed against the glass. The rain fell in thick, unrelenting sheets, each drop rebounding a good foot off the ground, creating a mesmerizing dance of water.
Just as Randi was lost in the hypnotic rhythm of the rain, a sudden flash of lightning illuminated the sky, followed by a deafening crack of thunder that rattled the windows. Startled, she took a step back, her heart racing at the unexpected display of nature’s power.
As she regained her composure, a shadowy figure caught her eye across the street. It was a man, his dark silhouette barely visible through the veil of rain. He seemed to be studying the storefront intently, his presence sending a shiver down Randi’s spine.
There was no doubt who he was. She locked the door, turned the sign over to ‘Closed’ and moved behind the counter.
After pulling her phone from her pocket, she immediately dialed Jack’s number. The phone vibrated with its persistent ring until it finally slipped into voicemail.
“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath, her fingers flying over the screen to type out a desperate text.
That man is back . Her gaze drifting to the figure standing across the street. He was fixated on the shop, his eyes locked in silent observation. The storm not seeming to deter him.
Randi settled onto the stool behind the counter, her hands resting on its cool surface. She clenched them into tight fists in a vain effort to steady her trembling nerves.
“Where are you, Jack?” she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible over the pounding of the rain. Her heart leapt into her throat when her phone rang. With a burst of urgency, she snatched it up to see Jack’s name flashing on the screen. “Jack—”
His voice was calm yet edged with determination. “I’m on my way. Lock the door, but don’t go outside. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I already called Sam. I’m sure he’ll send one of his guys over.”
“Okay. I already locked the door. I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling as much as her hands.
“I know, baby, but I’ll be right there,” he reassured her.
“Please hurry,” she pleaded, her whisper punctuated by the sound of his quick, decisive goodbye.
After hanging up, Randi set her phone aside and trailed over to the window. Outside, the mysterious man lingered, his presence a silent threat under the dim streetlights.
What could he possibly want from her? Why would he intrude upon her life? She had never seen this man before, yet he assumed they shared some hidden connection. The notion was as baffling as it was unsettling. One thing, however, was unmistakable in her mind: she wanted him gone.
Even though Jack had commanded him to leave Clifton, there was no sign of compliance.
“Please, just go back to where you came from,” she murmured, her thoughts echoing in the empty spaces of her worry.
Randi tensed as the man’s eyes flickered up the street. In an instant, he dashed into the diner’s parking lot and disappeared.
Her heart pounded as she frowned, only to see an SUV cruiser pull up and come to a halt in front of the shop. Without a moment’s hesitation, she rushed to the door, unlocked it, and ushered the deputy inside. As soon as he stepped in, he removed his hat and ran a hand through his tousled hair. The first thing Randi noticed was his deep, captivating blue eyes, a shade darker than Jack’s, set against his tanned face.
“Ma’am? I’m Sheriff Sam Garrett. Jack called me. He’s on his way,” he stated, his tone firm yet considerate.
“Hello, Sheriff. I’m Randi Guthrie. The man is gone now. He was standing right over there,” she explained, gesturing vaguely toward the spot where the unknown visitor had lingered. “Did Jack tell you about him?”
“Yes, ma’am. I don’t appreciate trouble in my town,” he replied with a hint of irritation.
“I’m sure you don’t,” Randi murmured, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Jack emerge from another SUV parked nearby. In one swift motion, he entered the shop, strode over to her, and pulled her into a comforting embrace. Overwhelmed, she wrapped her arms around his waist and let her tears flow freely.
“Did you find him?” she managed to ask between sobs.
“No,” Jack said quietly.
Randi’s eyes darted between Jack and Sheriff Garrett, uncertainty still clouding her face. “I can’t be certain it was him…”
“Who else would it be, Miranda?” Jack pressed gently.
“No one,” she replied, her voice barely audible.
“Jack, if you’ve got this sorted, I’ll leave you two be. I have a meeting with the mayor. Nevada is checking around the area,” Sheriff Garrett interjected, his tone professional yet sympathetic.
“Alright, Sam. Thanks for coming so quickly,” Jack responded.
“Yes, thank you, Sheriff,” Randi added, her voice filled with relief and lingering apprehension.
“Sam, and you’re welcome,” he responded in kind, then carefully replaced his hat before walking out into the drizzling rain that now fell steadily.
Randi exhaled a shaky sigh as Jack’s arms tightened around her.
“I don’t know what he wants,” she admitted softly, her words mingling with the patter of rain.
“I don’t either, but he’s not who he claims to be. I bet Kent Bridges isn’t his real name,” Jack revealed, his tone carrying the weight of unspoken dangers.
“Then who is he?” she asked, her voice barely concealing a tremor.
“I haven’t the foggiest idea,” he replied, his tone laced with uncertainty. “The only thing I know is that he didn’t leave when I told him to.”
A heavy pause settled between them before she murmured, “I think I’m going to close up and head home.”
“I’ll walk you up,” Jack offered, reassurance woven in every syllable.
“Thank you,” she responded, a note of gratitude softening her anxious tone.
“Go grab your purse and double-check that the back door is locked,” he instructed.
She hesitated, “We can always go out the back.”
“No,” Jack countered firmly, his protective tone intensifying, “if he’s still watching, he’s going to see you get into my cruiser, and I’m taking you home. Maybe my presence will at least force him to disappear for a while.”
Her eyes filled with worry. “I wish he’d leave for good,” she whispered, the words heavy with unspoken fear.
“Me too, darlin’. Now come on,” Jack said.
They stepped out into the cool rain as the day seemed to darken, making it look well past evening when it was still before noon. Jack took her keys and locked the door before handing them back to her, and led her to his waiting cruiser. He swung open the front passenger door, his eyes scanning their surroundings, a silent guard against any lurking danger as she climbed into the vehicle.
It struck her as almost absurd that Jack had chosen his SUV to escort her to the back of the building when she could have simply walked; yet the thought of a hidden threat waiting to ambush her made her shudder. With Jack by her side, a fragile shield against the uncertainties, she felt marginally safer.
Once they reached the base of the building’s stairs, Jack pulled up beside them. He opened his own door and stepped out into the rain. Crossing over to her side, he opened the cruiser door and gently took her hand, leading her up the worn metal steps. When they reached her front door, he carefully retrieved her keys, unlocking it with a soft click before returning them to her trembling grasp.
“My hands are shaking so much,” she confessed in a hushed whisper, as if speaking too loudly might summon the very fear she fought to contain.
“I know,” Jack murmured, caressing her cheek with tender assurance. “It’s going to be alright.” With a silent nod, he swung the door open and beckoned her to enter. Removing his hat, he followed her inside, closing the door behind him but staying near the doormat.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” she offered.
“No, thank you,” he replied, urgency threading his words. “I need to go, Miranda.”
“I’m scared, Jack,” she admitted, her eyes wide with both terror and vulnerability. “Terrified, actually.”
Jack hung his hat on the hall tree, then strode toward her. Placing a reassuring hand on her cheek until she met his gaze, he said, “I’ll stay here for a few minutes, but I do want to get out there and look for him. You’re safe here, sweetheart.”
A soft sigh escaped her lips. “I know…” she murmured; the weight of her worry evident.
“Look,” Jack continued, his voice both firm and soothing, “I’ll come back after my shift. I just want you safe. So please, do not go out. With the weather the way it is, I know no one will be out shopping. Just relax on the sofa, find a movie, and try to forget about him for a while. It’s not going to do you any good to keep wondering who he is or why he’s bothering you. Meanwhile, I am going to do my damnedest to find him.”
“Okay,” she agreed reluctantly, her voice tinged with both hope and worry. “Please be careful, Jack. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I’ll be fine,” he said, a wry smile touching his lips despite the gravity of the situation. “He’s too afraid of me, but I still don’t trust him. In fact, I believe it might be best if you just closed the shop for a little while.”
Her brow furrowed in dismay. “I can’t do that. I have customers waiting for orders.”
“Are they finished?” Jack inquired.
“Yes, but—” she began, then hesitated, as if weighing responsibility against safety.
“Can you call them and ask them to wait a few more days? If they’re locals, they’ll understand. I’m sure even the tourists will manage.” Jack’s voice softened as he added, “You know I’m trying to keep you safe.”
She exhaled slowly before speaking the final worry, “I have one order for a woman leaving tomorrow. What am I supposed to do about that?”
Jack let out a long, frustrated sigh. “Damn, you are so hardheaded. Is it paid for?”
“Yes, that’s how I know she’ll be wanting to pick it up,” Randi replied with a hint of exasperation in her voice.
“Call her. Tell her I’ll take it to her,” Jack insisted, his tone firm yet caring.
“You can’t do that,” Randi protested.
“I can. It’s no bother at all. If she’s at the B and B, I can just run out that way. It’s no big deal. I really don’t want you leaving this apartment for a few days. Simple as that,” Jack explained, his concern evident in his voice.
“Oh, sure, it’s simple for you. You don’t have a crazy man stalking you,” she snapped back, her frustration boiling over. Then, shaking her head, she softened, “I’m sorry.”
Jack gently pulled her into his arms, offering comfort. “It’s fine. I know you’re stressing out. I’ll come back after my shift. I’ll even bring you a burger from the diner,” he promised with a reassuring grin.
Randi managed a small laugh, her lips curving into a smile. “Well, that certainly helps.” She leaned in and kissed him softly. “Alright. I’ll stay here. Shoot. I have to go back to the shop to get the order.”
“Just tell me what the name is on it and where it is. I’ll get it and take it to her. I’ll return the keys to you this evening,” Jack assured her. He walked toward the hall tree, removed his hat, and held it in front of him. “I’ll see you later. Text me if you need anything. Do not open this door for anyone but me, Sam, or another deputy.”
“Alright.”
Randi watched him, her hands wringing together anxiously in front of her. He walked back to her, kissed her lips once more, picked up the keys from the glass dish on the table, and after one last reassuring glance at her, he walked out, closing the door softly behind him.
Randi locked the door, listening to the sound of his footsteps jogging down the metal stairs. She leaned her forehead against the door, feeling the coolness as tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
“Why are you stalking me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Pushing herself away from the door, she sank onto the sofa, her body heavy with worry. She found a movie to watch, hoping it would distract her, but her thoughts were consumed by the looming presence of that man.
****
As Jack navigated his cruiser out of town toward the B and B nestled on the outskirts, he kept casting glances around, though the relentless rain reduced his visibility to barely beyond the vehicle’s hood. The downpour drummed on the metal roof, creating a rhythmic symphony. He had already radioed Sam to inform him of his brief detour, knowing this errand wouldn’t take long.
When the B and B’s driveway came into view, Jack eased the cruiser to a slow crawl, its tires crunching softly against the gravel. He brought the vehicle to a stop near the front steps. Grabbing the bag with the order tucked carefully inside, he swung open the door, the air rushing in as he stepped out. With long strides, he jogged toward the steps.
Upon reaching the mat, he paused to wipe the rain from his boots, removed his damp hat, and entered through the grand door into a spacious foyer. The room was filled with the comforting aroma of polished wood and fresh flowers. Jack offered a warm smile to the woman behind the counter, who returned the gesture.
“Hi, I need to drop this off. The woman is a guest here, and she ordered this from Randi’s Scented Haven. The shop is closed today, but the guest is leaving tomorrow,” Jack explained, his voice carrying a note of urgency as he set the bag on the counter, its contents rustling softly.
“Jack?” a voice called, resonating through the room. Jack turned, his lips lifting in a grin as he spotted Gabe Stone striding toward him, hand outstretched in a friendly greeting.
“Gabe! How are you?” Jack asked, his grin widening as their hands clasped firmly.
“I’m doing great. I heard you were back and hoped I’d get to see you. How’s it going?” Gabe replied.
“Good, Gabe. I’m pretty happy as a deputy. How’s Emma?” Jack inquired, the conversation flowing easily between them.
“Beautiful as ever. I stopped in to see if Jake was around, but he’s not. I was just heading out when I saw you,” Gabe explained, the camaraderie between them evident as they shared this unexpected reunion.
“How is Jake, Wyatt, and Trent?” Jack inquired, leaning against the wooden counter.
“They’re doing great,” Gabe replied with a wide grin. “Liv is pregnant again. I think they’re trying to keep up with me and Emma.”
“How many for you now?” Jack asked, eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“Four,” Gabe said proudly.
“Four? Damn, Gabe, give the woman a rest,” Jack laughed, shaking his head.
“We only wanted three, the fourth was a surprise. We’re happy about it, though,” Gabe explained.
“I’m sure you are. Emma is a wonderful mother,” Jack remarked.
“Of course, she is,” Gabe agreed without hesitation. “Hey, I hate to run, but I have to get a horse to Seth for Wyatt.”
“Seth Harrison?” Jack inquired; his interest piqued.
“Yeah. Trick stopped training cutting horses. He was too swamped, so he gave that up and sent his clients to Seth. You know Seth is damn good at it,” Gabe elaborated.
“Yeah, he is. Is Wyatt still doing competitions?” Jack asked.
“No, none of us. We’re getting too old,” Gabe chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
“Man, that’s not even funny.” Jack shook his head.
“We still sell, though. Jake sells his reining horses, I sell tie-downs, and Wyatt sells cutting horses. We still do well. The competitions were more for fun.”.
“Fun or not, you three were the best,” Jack complimented sincerely.
“I appreciate that, Jack. I’d better head out. Come for dinner one evening. I’m sure Emma would love to see you.” Gabe shook his hand firmly, then turned and walked out the door.
Jack turned back to the young woman behind the counter, her eyes attentive. “Could you make sure she gets this?” he asked.
“Of course. I believe she’s in her room, I’ll run it up and give it to her,” she replied with a reassuring nod.
“I appreciate that,” Jack said, glancing out at the dreary scene beyond the window. “Well, as much as I hate it, I’m going to have to go back out in the rain.” He sighed.
“At least it’s not snow,” the young woman offered with a smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of humor.
Jack chuckled, touching the brim of his hat. “Not yet, but it’s not too far off. You have a nice day, ma’am.” With a nod, he headed out the door, the rain tapping against his face as he dashed to his SUV. He climbed in, shivering slightly as the rain seeped through his clothes. The rain was relentless, turning the day into a damp, gray blur.
He drove back to town, his thoughts drifting to Randi. He hoped she was alright. The thought of her dealing with a stalker was unsettling, despite knowing her strength. Determined, Jack resolved to find out more about the man causing her distress.