Chapter 13
“Darling, your hand!” Leonie exclaimed as he lifted the coffee cup to his mouth.
“It’s nothing.” He clipped. He had started to feel the pain moments after the adrenalin had left him but had refused to take anything for it. In retrospect, he realized that he should have put something on it to ease the swelling.
“I didn’t notice you were hurt…” She inhaled a sharp breath as she left her place at the table to come and take a closer look. “You should have the doctor look at it.”
“It’s nothing,” he repeated. “I was not the one who was shot, and this is self-inflicted.”
Understanding dawned and she carefully schooled the worry from her face. It was business as usual at the ranch. The men were out in their numbers, going about their usual tasks.
Breakfast was being served in the main kitchen on her instructions. She certainly did not want them men fending for themselves, after what had happened yesterday.
But her son was a different matter altogether.
“You cannot blame yourself…”
“Who else is there?” Reining in his temper, he tossed back the coffee and jammed his hat on his head. “The hospital called. Kamilah had a restless night, but she’s sleeping now.” He ran his hand at the back of his neck. “I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
He smiled at her fervency.
“I need to get in touch with her mother and she mentioned a grandfather. As well as her friends. We need to alert them before they hear about it in the media. I also need to arrange transportation for them if they need to fly over.”
“Of course, I’ll take care of it.”
He nodded and just stood there in the middle of the room. “I wasn’t there, and she went through all that trauma. I am having a difficult time accepting that she had to go through it all because of me.” He shook his head when she started to speak.
“It’s going to take me a minute to get ahead of it, mother. I almost lost her and that is weighing heavily on me.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “I need to see her, touch her and convince myself that she’s still alive.”
“Then go.” She urged him quietly.
“Yeah.” I just need to deal with some matters, talk to the men and then head on out. I’ll probably be there for a while.”
“Don’t worry about it. We can cope. The sheriff already called and said that there’s no need for you to go in. It’s an open and shut case.”
His expression hardened. “I cannot help but regret that I was not the one who put a bullet in in him. That’s another thing I have to live with.” With that, he turned and walked out of the room.
Helen bustled in as if on cue.
“Master Jonathan has not eaten anything.” She fussed as she stared at the array of food on the sideboard. “And neither have you.”
With a heavy sigh, Leonie went to sit back down and retrieved her cup of coffee. “He has a lot on his mind.”
“A heavy burden to carry with that young woman getting shot.” Her round face was sympathetic as she prepared a plate of fruit and some pastries and put it in front of Leonie.
“He’s in love with her.” She toyed with the grapes, before breaking one off and putting it into her mouth. “And he’s feeling guilty.”
“Nonsense.” Helen retorted briskly. Puring herself a cup, she pulled out a chair. She had work to oversee. The jam making was still in progress and there was a new maid that had been hired to help with the process.
Winter was coming rapidly and that meant they had to check the storage areas and make certain that the occupants of the various cottages were well prepared for the harsh climate.
But her mistress needed a shoulder, and she was going to take the time to offer it. She had seen the young master’s anguish and was helpless to do anything about it.
Master Jonathan was a man now and did not appreciate people shoving themselves in his affairs. When he was a boy, she was able to bandage his bruises and there had been many because he had been an adventurous child! When he was a teen, he had come to her to tell her about his latest crush.
But now he was a man and preferred to face his battles alone. She was hoping and praying that this young woman who was absolutely stunning would survive okay! She was praying to the good Lord that she would see his worth and love him for who he is. Not for his money.
Reaching out a hand, she placed it over Leonie’s in comfort. “Master Jonathan can take care of himself.”
She nodded, her expression pensive. “I am allowed to worry, it’s part of the job of being a mother. Oh, I hope that she is not stringing him along. I know it sounds dreadful, Helen, but I am upset that he’s suffering because of her.”
“It sounds like a mother.” Helen patted her hand. “It will work out.”
“I hope so.” She sighed. “I really do.”
*****
She looked tired, he thought with a pang as he took a seat on the chair next to the bed. He had consulted with the doctor and was reassured that her vitals were stable.
He reached out and gently took her hand in his, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. "I'm here," he whispered softly, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't have to go through this alone."
Her eyelids fluttered weakly, and she managed to make a faint smile. "Jonathan," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I'm glad you're here."
He squeezed her hand gently. "I thought I lost you," he admitted, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I can't bear the thought of you being hurt because of me."
"You didn't do this," she reassured him, her voice gaining a little more strength. "It wasn't your fault."
"But I should have been there," he insisted, his jaw tightening. "I should have protected you."
She shook her head slowly. "You're here now, and that's what matters."
The room fell silent for a moment, the only sound the faint beeping of the heart monitor. Jonathan took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
"I'm going to make this right," he vowed, his voice firm. "I don't know how yet, but I will."
She stared at him steadily, noticing the shadows under his eyes and the weariness on his face. “Did you sleep at all?”
“A few hours….” He brushed that away. “I heard you had a restless night.”
“Dreams, nightmares. I kept seeing myself being chased by that monster and could not escape.” Her fingers tightened on his. “I keep seeing his face,” She shook her head. “Keep smelling that mold in the cottage and seeing the filth. It’s going to take me a while to get the image out of my head.”
“You should consider counseling.” He felt wretched and wondered how he was going to make it up to her.
“I might.” She managed a smile, hoping to wipe the worry and torment from his eyes. “I don’t expect you to be by my side every day.”
“It’s where I want to be.”
“You have a ranch to run.”
“I have people for that.”
“I got the impression that the place would fall apart without you,” she teased.
He knew what she was doing and loved her for the effort. “Not for a couple of days.” He linked their fingers. “I asked mother to get in touch with your family.”
“Oh. Of course.”
“Was it the right thing to do?”
“Yes.” She nodded and heaved a sigh. “It’s just that I never told mother where I was going.”
“I see.”
She sighed softly. “We don’t see eye to eye and now she’s going to use this opportunity to slip by an ‘I told you so’, which will in turn piss me off.”
“Kamilah…”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s fine. I am accustomed to dealing with her theatrics.”
“I don’t want anything to upset you.”
“I am not a fragile piece of glass and if you’re going to continue to treat me like one, I am going to be royally pissed,” she warned.
“You were shot…!”
“And I am still here. Look, I know you think all of this is your fault, but you’re going to have to get over yourself. The bastard who shot me was to blame, not you.”
“It happened because of me,” he said tightly.
“It happened because of him,” she corrected.
Jonathan looked away; his resolve tested by her words. “I can’t just let it go, Kamilah. I can't forgive myself that easily.”
“You don’t have a choice,” she replied softly, her eyes searching his. “You have to learn to forgive yourself, just like I have to learn to get past this.”
He hesitated, then nodded slowly. “You’re right. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do everything in my power to help you heal.”
She smiled at him, a real, genuine smile that reached her eyes. “I know. And that’s all I need from you.”
They both lapsed into silence for a few minutes, each busy with their own thoughts.
“If you need me to fly your family over, it can be arranged.”
She sent him a faint smile. “Perhaps my friends, but I am not sure I can deal with them right now. Salome is high strung, and Lauren is…” She considered for a second, a smile curving her lips. “She’s a lawyer, a corporate lawyer for a billion-dollar company and she’s always finding something wrong with everything.”
“And Salome? What does she do?”
She laughed softly. “A lingerie model, a rather successful one at that. You’re probably seen her in magazines.”
“I don’t think so. I am not one to read those types of magazines.” He grinned when she rolled her gorgeous eyes at him.
“Of course you don’t. Do you read at all?”
He gave her a wounded look that had her laughing. “I would have you know that at the ranch, there is an entire room dedicated to just books. First editions included.”
“That means nothing. Most mansions boast a library or two. It’s part of the décor.”
“I assure you; it's not just for show. I spend countless hours there, lost in the pages of those books. They have been my solace in many difficult times.”
“Really? What kind of books do you enjoy?” She asked, curiosity piqued.
“History, primarily. There’s something about understanding the past that helps me make sense of the present.”
Her eyes softened as she listened to him. “It’s comforting to know that you find solace in books. I find mine in art.”
“Art?” He echoed, genuinely interested.
“Yes, painting and sketching,” she admitted. “It’s my way of expressing what I can’t put into words. And of course, writing. Speaking of which, I need to get in touch with my agent.”
“You have an agent.”
“I happen to be a big deal.”
“I have no doubt about that.” Bending his head, he brushed his lips against hers. “I should let you get some rest.”
“No.” She touched his face. “Stay a while and tell me what’s going on at the ranch.”
“I don’t want to burden you…,” his voice petered off at the look she gave him. “Okay, fine. The son of a bitch shot several heads of cattle and tried to burn one of the barns down.”
She shook her head, “he really had it in for you. The sheriff came to see me.”
His brows creased. “I told him not to bother you.”
“It’s fine. He wanted my statement, and I gave it to him.” She gave him a level stare. “He’s just doing his job, so I don’t need you to confront him about it.”
“He’s an incompetent ass.”
“He’s a small-town cop and unaccustomed to anything like what happened. Give him a break.”
He saw her eyelids flickering and realized that she was getting drowsy.
“I should go…”
“Stay,” She whispered, “Until I fall asleep. I hate hospitals.”
He chuckled. “Who doesn’t? I am here, baby.” Her eyes flickered open and she stared at him without saying anything. Then her eyes drifted shut, her fingers still clinging to his.
*****
“You secretive bitch!” Those were the first words out of Salome’s mouth, the minute she sailed into the elegant gold and tan masculine suite, a maid had shown them into.
Kamilah had been discharged after a week and had finally succumbed to having them flown over for a visit. Her grandfather was suffering from a chest cold and was unable to make the trip but called every day to make sure she was okay.
Her mother, (thank heavens!) was touring Napa Vally in search of some wine to add to the restaurant’s collection and was also unavailable. That certainly did not stop her from delivering a stinging lecture on communication.
“What on earth are you doing in the Godforsaken place anyway?”
She had sent a pointed look at the man standing at the window in order to give her some privacy. He had been the one to strong arm her into moving into his suite at the ranch.
“I would prefer going back to the cabin.”
“That damned place is a crime scene.”
“It’s not.”
“And besides that, I terminated your lease.”
“What?”
“As the owner of the place, I have that authority. You’re coming back to the ranch, even if I have to hog tie you and take you there.”
They had glared at each other for what seemed like ages.
“Your mother does not like me.”
“My mother does not know you. I think it’s time she did. And she agreed with me that you should not be going back to the cabin.”
So, here she was, propped up on mounds of pillows while the man (a complete pain in the ass!) catered to her, or if he was not around, the entire staff was at her beck and call.
A smile touched her lips now as she watched her friends do a small circle around the very impressive bedroom with the massive furnishings. It was a no-frills room, which suited the man to a tee.
“You said you weren’t involved with the cowboy.” Salome shot her an accusing look out of fiery hazel eyes. She was of mixed race and her curly tumble of gold and brown hair was very striking against her coffee and cream skin.
For one second, Kamilah had an anxious moment as she wondered if Jon was going to be bowled over, like every other man who came within staring distance of the stunning girl. But he had been polite and courteous and just that.
“It was complicated.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Lauren asked impatiently as she too looked completely dazed. She was not as beautiful as her two friends but had a strong and elegant physique that drew the eyes.
Her ebony skin glowed with health, and she wore her thick black hair in a loose bob around her angular face. The three women turned heads whenever they were out in public.
“It means that it’s complicated.”
“The man is obviously crazy about you.” She pointed out.
“And I think I am crazy about him too. But it’s too fast and with this happening…” She shrugged. “Can we just focus on the fact that I was shot?”
“We are so going to talk about the gorgeous billionaire cowboy later.” Salome warned her as she rushed towards the wide ocean of a bed. “But my God! You were shot and almost raped. Who knew that this cute little town offered so much drama.”
She flung her arms around her friend and squeezed, forgetting about the shoulder until Kamilah yelped.
“Sorry.”
“Sal, you moron.” Kicking off her designer boots, Lauren climbed in and hugged her carefully. “We were so worried about you darling.
But as it turns out, there’s really no need, is there?” Mahogany eyes gazed at her friend curiously. “And as much as you want us to concentrate on the trauma, we are going to talk about the cowboy. When’s the wedding?”
Easing away from her friends, she avoided their eyes and pleated the cotton sheets between restless fingers.
“What?”
“Nothing. He has not asked me, and it doesn’t matter. Things got a little too intense between us. I think he’s trying to slow things down. He has not touched me.”
They both stared at her and burst out laughing.
“What?”
“What?” Kamilah repeated as she tried to hide her embarrassment. “It’s just…, it’s complicated.”
Salome exchanged a knowing glance with Lauren before leaning in closer. “Well, we are here for you, no matter what. But do tell us more about this cowboy of yours before we explode from curiosity.”
Kamilah sighed, resigning herself to the inevitable interrogation. “He’s different from anyone I’ve ever met. Strong, silent, and incredibly stubborn. He drives me crazy sometimes, yet I can’t help but feel drawn to him. There’s this intensity between us that’s hard to explain.”
Lauren’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Sounds like quite the man. But why hasn’t he touched you? Did something happen?”
“It’s not like that,” Kamilah said, shaking her head, “after the attack, he’s been so focused on keeping me safe and making sure I recover. It’s like he’s afraid to be close to me, and I don’t know how to break through that.”
Salome’s face softened with understanding. “Give him time, Kam. He’s probably just worried about you and trying to do what he thinks is best. Men can be frustratingly protective like that, especially when they care.”
Kamilah nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at her friends’ support. “I know. It’s just hard sometimes, trying to navigate all these feelings while dealing with everything else.”
Lauren wrapped an arm around her shoulders, careful to avoid her injured side. “We’ll help you get through this. And who knows, maybe things will settle down and you two can figure out where you stand.”
“Thanks, guys,” Kamilah said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Salome grinned and squeezed her hand. “Well, you won’t have to find out.” Sitting up against the headboard, she took another look around. “This place though, it’s like something out of ‘Ranch Dailey’.”
“Not to mention the town itself.” Lauren added. “You were right, The place has a certain charm that I have never seen anywhere else. Have you explored the entire ranch?” Kamilah laughed, grateful that her friends was finding the appeal that was beginning to grow on her. “That would take days. And we were busy.” A sly smile touched her lips. “With other things.”
“You heartless bitch.” Salome moaned. “I have seen the package, not in its entirety, but that long lean body, those broad shoulders and I did get a peek at what those faded jeans were cupping.”
“You didn’t!”
Salome only grinned. “And if that’s any indication of what it appears like when it’s sleeping, then I can just imagine when it’s alive and kicking.”
“I will not have you describing my man like a slab of beef.”
She was not aware of the words, until she saw her friends staring at her.
“What?”
“Your man.- That’s what you said,” Lauren told her.
“So?” She moved her uninjured shoulder jerkily.
“That’s the first time you have ever used those words – ever.” Salome said solemnly. “Which makes it very significant.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Darling…,” Salome touched her arm gently. “You’re in love with the guy.”
“Which does not matter, because I cannot be a rancher’s wife. Besides which, he has not said anything about permanency. It could be he’s just doing this because he feels guilty.”
“And you would be a damned fool to think that.” Lauren told her impatiently. “Even the blind could see that he’s completely gone over you.”
“His mother does not really like me.”
“She was very gracious to us.”
“She warned me off when I just got here. Apparently, some actress tried to lure him away from the ranch.”
Lauren shook her head. “But that was different. This is you. And from what I’ve seen, you’re nothing like some fleeting fancy. You’re real, genuine.”
Kamilah sighed. “I don’t know, maybe I’m just overthinking this. Or maybe it's too good to be true and I’m scared.”
Salome nodded thoughtfully. “It’s natural to feel that way, especially when it’s something that means this much. But don’t let fear make the decisions for you.”
Kamilah shrugged. “We’ll see. Now enough about me. What’s been going on with you two?”