Chapter Eleven
Opening her eyes, June smelled coffee. As she turned her head, she found Dylan standing at her side of the bed with a tray, looking a bit uncertain. Seemed they had eventually made it to bed and weren’t still on the carpet near the front door.
“Hi.” He put down the tray and sat down on the bed next to her. “I should’ve left earlier, given you time to rest, but every time I turned around, I had to touch you again and when I touched you … I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Smiling, she stretched her arms above her head, the sheet moving down ever so slightly. Dylan’s eyes dropped and when their eyes met again, his had darkened.
“I don’t know …” she teased. “I’m a little bit hurt that you’re fully dressed while I’m totally naked beneath this sheet.”
“Damn it, woman,” he growled as he got up and quickly got rid of his clothes. “I have to get back to the ranch …”
She pulled his head down and swallowed the rest of his words. Later, there would be time to be sad about this very temporary arrangement, but while he was here, she was going to enjoy every minute.
It didn’t take long. By this time, she knew just where to touch him, she knew what turned him on. The need to be with him was so fierce and so intense and so many different emotions were stacking up inside of her, her body felt like exploding.
When he finally entered her and tears rolled down her cheeks, she wasn’t surprised. All those feelings had to go somewhere.
As he surged forward, he noticed the tears and stopped. “You’re crying!” he called out as he tried to lift his body from hers.
Slipping her legs around him, she kept him in place. “Happy tears,” she whispered as she moved her body.
*
It was nearly nine by the time he was finally walking toward the front door. June had insisted on making him a quick breakfast. “I’ll pick you up for lunch at Arlene’s.”
June was zipping up the tracksuit top she’d put on to see him to the door. “I don’t know if I …”
Her phoned bleeped. “It’s Arlene. With an invitation to lunch. Did you ask her to invite me?”
Shaking his head, he pulled her closer. “No, but she loves to see people around her table. The more, the merrier.”
“Okay, I’ll bring a salad.”
“I’m sure there’s more than enough food, but she’d appreciate it. Kiss me, I have to go.”
Stepping into his arms, she slipped her arms around his neck. “Drive safely.”
He made the mistake of looking down and got a glimpse of her cleavage where the zipper had stopped. “Oh, June …” Groaning, he pulled down the zipper and cupped her breast as he kissed her.
Within seconds, he was ready for her. With the sound of his blood racing through his veins, he unzipped his jeans, pulled down her tracksuit pants, and pushed her against the wall.
“I’ll never not want you,” he ground out as he entered her.
*
June was waiting for Dylan to pick her up when he called to say they had a problem with one of the calves. He was going to be late, would she mind going to Arlene’s on her own.
Holding the salad in one hand and a children’s mystery adventure book she brought along for Luke in the other, she walked the short distance to Arlene’s house.
There was a scratchy feeling in her throat, but it was another beautiful day, she was simply going to ignore it.
It was probably only an allergy or something.
Above her, Copper Mountain rose up high into a cobalt-blue sky.
Birds were singing, a few kids were playing in the street, their laughter ringing in the air, a dog was chasing a cat.
This wasn’t a scene she was used to. In Seattle, her small apartment was close to her place of work. There was no park nearby, so she seldom saw kids playing, and she’d definitely never seen a dog chasing a cat on a Sunday just before lunch.
They hadn’t been allowed to have pets in foster care and somewhere along the way, she’d buried the need for something warm and furry and forced herself not to think about it. In a place like Marietta, though, she would be able to have a pet …
Groaning, she shook her head. One night with Dylan and she was ready to play house. She knew better. Nobody was coming to save her, to give her a home and a dog and tell her everything was going to be okay. That was a lesson she’d learned a long time ago.
Anyway, her life was back in Seattle. She had a job she loved, a nice apartment, a best friend who had seen her at her worst and loved her anyway; she didn’t need rescuing anymore. It was way more than she’d ever expected to have.
Her phone rang, it was Abby.
“I’ve just been thinking about you,” June said.
“Is that why I don’t hear from you? What on earth do you do with yourself in a small town?”
June laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a busy social life!
I’m on my way to a Sunday lunch; I went to a farmer’s market yesterday, then there was a picnic at the courthouse gardens, and last night I went to a dance at the Graff Hotel.
Oh, and on Wednesday I went shopping with a wonderful group of women I’ve met. ”
“Back up a bit. You’ve been to a dance? Did you dance with a cowboy?”
June grimaced. Abby was way too sharp, she had to keep this light. “With two actually. Look, I’m going to have to call you back later, but first tell me how you are.”
“I’m fine, don’t change the subject. There is something in your voice, I want to know the whole story.”
“Talk to you soon!” June said before she ended the call.
Willow’s car was already in front of Arlene’s house, but none of the trucks were there. Arlene opened the door.
“Welcome, June. I’m so glad you could come.”
“Thanks for having me again, Arlene. I’ve brought a salad.”
“How lovely, thank you. Come on in,” she said as she moved toward the living room. “The women and Luke all came in Willow’s car. Apparently, there is some kind of crisis on the ranch.”
“I’ve heard. Hi, everyone,” June called as she entered the living room.
Four pairs of eyes swiveled in her direction, all with a knowing glint.
Grinning, Ellie patted the seat next to her. “Come and sit. We want to know everything.”
Blushing, June sat down. “I … I don’t know …”
“Oh, come on,” Willow grinned. “One moment you and Dylan were at the ball and the next he was dragging you outside. And you’re still wearing the necklace he gave you. So if you’re not ready to share, tell us at least when the wedding will be?”
“Oh, my goodness, no!” June called out aghast. “Nobody is talking about weddings! Dylan made it very clear he’s not interested in anything serious.
And I … well, I have a life back in Seattle.
We’re having fun, that’s all. Laura, I brought a few children’s books with me from home.
I was thinking Luke may like this one. Would it be okay if I give it to him?
” She turned the cover so that Laura could see it.
“Oh, yes, of course,” Laura smiled. “Luke is an avid reader. That was actually how Hayden and I met. I don’t know if you’ve heard the story?”
June shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Luke was in my class,” Laura said. “From the beginning I could see he loved books, so I lent him some of mine to take home. When Hayden caught him reading instead of doing his chores, he charged into town to confront me.”
“And?”
“And that was it,” Laura laughed. “He knocked on my classroom door and my heart at the same time.”
“Oh, that’s so romantic,” June sighed. “I haven’t thought happy endings were possible before I’ve met all of you.”
“Dylan is also a Weston,” Rose said, her eyes twinkling.
June jumped up. “Where will I find Luke?”
“He’s playing in Arlene’s study next door,” Laura said.
Ignoring all the knowing looks, June quickly escaped.
*
By the time Dylan parked in front of Arlene’s house, he couldn’t wait to see June. The others had left in Hayden’s truck, but Dylan wanted to drive himself, he wasn’t planning on going home after lunch. They’d also only just arrived and were waiting for him on the porch.
Barking excitedly, Daisy reminded him she was also in the truck. Taking her out of the car, he put her down and with the leash in his hand he walked toward the front door.
He’d only left June a few hours ago but just the thought of touching her again had him just about hyperventilating. Neither of them slept much last night but that had been the last thing on his mind.
Hayden opened the front door as he joined them.
“He’s still smiling,” Becket said and slapped him on the shoulder. “You haven’t said a word all morning, coz. Every time I’ve looked at you, you’ve been grinning.”
“I’m happy,” Dylan said, only as the words left his mouth did he realize how true that was. Being happy or excited weren’t emotions he could remember experiencing as a child, and he’d certainly never felt like this about any woman.
“So are we having a wedding soon?” Becket smiled.
His question hit Dylan right in his solar plexus, wiping the smile instantly from his face. “Nobody is talking about a damn wedding,” he mumbled as he entered the house after Hayden. “We’re just having fun.”
“I called Mom to say we’re late and hungry. They’re probably already in the dining room.”
Soft feminine laughter floated in their direction. Everyone was suddenly moving faster.
All the women were already around the table, except for June.
“She’s in the study,” Arlene said as she caught his eye. “Reading to Luke.”
“So that’s why my son isn’t here.” Hayden smiled as he bent down to kiss his wife. “He’s reading, I should’ve guessed.”
Dylan wasn’t listening anymore as he quickly made his way to the study, Daisy at his heels. June and Luke were lying on their tummies on the carpet, a book open in front of them. With a yelp, Daisy charged closer. She was clearly excited to see June and Luke.
Dazed, Dylan took in the scene in front of him. June was laughing at something Luke had said as she petted Daisy. The little boy was lapping up the attention. The image of her among the kids in the library also crossed his mind. She’d be great mom.
“What’s going on here?” Hayden said behind him and Luke jumped up.
“Dad!” He ran to his dad and Hayden caught him in his arms. With a wink, Hayden turned and walked away.
They could still hear Luke’s excited voice. “June read me a story. It’s a travel mystery, she says. You see, the dog kept disappearing …”
Still baffled and upset at the picture of June and the little boy and not quite sure why, he extended a hand to help June up. “Hey you.”
Within seconds she was in his arms. He hadn’t planned on it, but she looked so pretty in a cute pink dress that ended above her knees, the necklace he’d given her around her neck, her smile so wide and welcoming, he simply had to kiss her.
It’s what he’d been thinking about doing all morning.
Just a quick taste, he’d thought, then he’d be okay.
The problem was though, the moment their lips met, he lost all sense of time and place.
A hard knock on the door brought him back to earth. “Come on you two, we’re hungry!” Becket called out.
Gasping, June tried to tidy her hair. “They’re all going to know what we’ve been up to!”
“You go,” Dylan grimaced. “I need a minute.”
Frowning, she looked at him. “Why …?” Her eyes dropped down and blushing she put her hands around her face. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh,” he muttered, turning his back on her. “See you inside.”
*
Frowning, June walked to the dining room. Was she imagining it, or was Dylan ticked off about something?
“There she is,” Rose called out motioning to the two empty chairs next to her. “Come on, you two can sit over here. Where’s Dylan?”
“On his way,” June said as she got food for herself from the sideboard before she sat down.
Looking up, she was just in time to catch the sideway glances of the women. Was her hair still messy? She probably should’ve gone to the bathroom first.
“You look gorgeous,” Ellie said.
“And glowing,” Rose added.
Fortunately, Dylan arrived and nodding to everyone he also helped himself to food before he sat down next to June.
The conversation around the table moved to other topics. June took part but Dylan was quiet throughout lunch. He’d put his hand on her leg and kept it there, but he didn’t even look at her, let alone talk to her.
“Carson,” she said at some point. “I saw your beautiful photographs at the Summer Festival. If you ever think about putting some of it in a book, let me know.”
Carson’s eyes lit up. “That would be great. I’d love to talk to you.”
By the time the dessert had been served, she was ready to burst into tears. Seriously, she didn’t need this in her life. Last night Dylan couldn’t get enough of her, and now he had nothing to say?
When Ellie got up to gather plates, Becket jumped up. “You gals sit, I’ll bring more wine. It’s our turn to do the dishes today.”
She waited until all the men have disappeared before she got up. “Thanks, Arlene, that was lovely. I will definitely miss this when I leave. Will you please excuse me? I have manuscripts to read.”
Surprised, everyone looked at her. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” Arlene asked.
Feeling close to tears, she turned away. “Everything is fine, I’ll see you around.”
Hurrying toward the front door, she only had one thing on her mind—getting away as soon as possible before she burst into tears in front of everyone.
Minutes later, she sighed in relief as she closed the door behind her. Pacing, her thoughts ran in circles. What could’ve upset Dylan? They’d hardly spoken; he’d kissed her right away.
He had his hand on her leg the whole time but … what did that mean?
Fed up, she walked to her room. She hated the uncertainty of this.
Well, if he couldn’t figure out what he wanted, she couldn’t help him.
Swallowing against the lump in her throat, she took off the necklace, grabbed her running clothes and shoes and quickly changed.
Maybe a long run was all her scratchy throat needed anyway.
It was a beautiful day, she was not spending it inside moping because of a man. Maybe the fresh air would get rid of her scratchy throat as well. Outside, she stretched for a few minutes before she started running in the opposite direction of Arlene’s house.
She’d promised to phone Abby, but that would have to wait until she had her emotions under control.