Chapter Two
Markie glared at Sydney when she laughed, then shook her head, and picked up her whiskey.
“You, Sydney Wright, are a terrible friend.”
“Why? Because I talked to Nate? He’s a friend of mine. You, on the other hand, were rude as hell to him. He never did anything to you, Markie.”
Markie sighed. “To me, he’s so arrogant. Just like Jarrett.”
“Oh, please. From what you’ve told me about that prick, I cannot believe you think Nate is anything like him. He’s not arrogant at all. He’s a good man. I sure wouldn’t have gone out with him if I hadn’t thought so.”
“But you only went out with him once.”
“Not because he was vain or arrogant, but because we knew we were better off as friends. No matter how good-looking a man is, doesn’t mean you should continue to see him. There was no connection, and trust me, I wish there would have been. He’s sexy as hell and man, can he kiss.”
“He kissed you?” Markie asked in surprise.
“Well, of course he did, but that’s when we knew there was no click for us. He can kiss but, we looked at each other and laughed because we knew, though the kisses were toe-curling, there would be nothing more.” Sydney touched her hand. “You’re judging him before even knowing him.”
“I have had no luck with men. Ever. Anytime I’d go out with one I liked, he’d get all touchy feely and saying no never seemed to register, and they’d never call me again. I don’t hop into bed with every man I date. Then to deal with my mother’s husband. I had enough when Jarrett tried to kiss me. If my mother’s housekeeper hadn’t come outside…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what would have happened. That man is so arrogant and thinks every woman should fall at his feet. I know he screws around on my mother but she either doesn’t care, or simply ignores it.” She looked at Sydney. “She didn’t even believe me when I told her about him. I hated him the minute I met him. My mother will be fifty-five next month, and he’s thirty-four. Four years younger than me. He is a good-looking man, but he’s ugly inside. He’s so full of himself.”
“He tried to kiss you?” Sydney asked in shock.
“Yes. Ever since I met him, he has been trying to get close to me. I told my mother. She said I was just reading too much into what he was saying.” Markie sighed. “I said, he told me exactly what he wanted to do to me. How am I reading too much into that?”
“When did he try to kiss you?”
“I was leaving their house after dinner, and he followed me outside and started talking to me. I kept backing away, but he kept advancing. When I opened my car door to get in, he pushed it closed, then grabbed my arms and pushed me against the car. He tried to kiss me, but I kept telling him to stop, and he said all I did was tease him and he was tired of it. It was time I admitted I was attracted to him. I pushed at his chest, and just as he reached for me, Carlotta, the housekeeper, asked me if I was okay. Jarrett smirked and said, ‘tell her you’re fine’. I shook my head then kicked him in the balls and told him to never touch me again or I’d go to the police. Carlotta has to see how he is. She steers clear of him too. She’s in her thirties and a beautiful woman. I’m sure he’s tried things with her.”
“You should have called the police. Markie, that’s sexual harassment.”
“Oh, I wanted to, but I also knew it would destroy my mother. She’d be hurt and embarrassed and I couldn’t do that to her. But if he ever touches me again, the hell with it. I will report him. If I get a chance, I’m going to ask Carlotta if he’s tried anything with her. She’s married and her husband is one big man. He’d hurt Jarrett for sure.”
“Some men think it’s fine to do whatever they want to a woman. Not all of them, but there are a few who think a woman should drop to her knees in front of him and do all his bidding. I hate men like that.” Sydney shook her head. “I’m so sorry you went through that, but for your mother not to believe you just blows my mind.”
“She believes everything he tells her. He lies every time he opens his mouth. I think it’s mostly because she doesn’t want to make him angry and he’d leave her.” Markie shook her head. “He’s never going to leave. He likes her money too much. She is planning a party for her birthday and has already told me to be there.” Markie shook her head. “I don’t think I can, but it will hurt her if I don’t. I love her, but she made a huge mistake marrying that prick.”
“Tell her you’re sick when the time comes, and you can’t make it.”
“I’d hate to do that to her. I’ll be so tense being close to him, but I should go. I’ll handle it somehow.”
“When is it?”
“The last Saturday of June. Her birthday is the Thursday before.”
“I’d go with you, but the store is so busy.”
“It’s fine. I’m not even going to leave until Saturday morning. Clifton is only four and half hours from my hometown in Idaho. I’ll leave early. The bad thing is, I’ll have to stay overnight, but I’m going to get a hotel room.”
“How are you going to explain that?”
Markie shrugged. “I’ll just tell her I want to leave very early Sunday morning.”
“That’s good.”
“I will not stay there with that man in the house.”
“I don’t blame you at all.”
“I’ve stayed before and I was so afraid he’d try to come to my room that I kept the door locked, with a chair under the knob and sat up, staring at the door most of the night.”
“That’s just too scary.”
“I know. I’m ready to head home. How about you?”
“Yeah, let’s go. I have to get up early.”
“For the ranch?”
“Yes. Someone or something has been tearing the fence down in the west pasture and we’re going to be putting up stronger fence. If it’s an animal taking it down, it will stop when it hits a harder wire.” Sydney shook her head. “I hope it’s an animal. Celine was telling me that a lot of rustling was going on lately. She said Killian was very busy.”
“Oh, I met him. He is so handsome.” Markie smiled.
“Yes, he is. Lucky bitch,” Sydney said, laughing.
“You love Celine, and you know it.”
“I do, but she is lucky. Not a bitch though.”
Markie laughed. “Let’s have Siobhan to get our purses and we’ll go.”
After getting their purses and paying the tab, they made their way through the crowd, and outside. The heat of the day still lingered.
“I hate this weather. It’s never this warm in May,” Sydney said. “Give me fall anytime.”
“I agree. When I was younger, I loved summer because I loved swimming, but as I got older, I didn’t get to go swimming much. I was too busy studying all the time.”
“You need to buy a house with a pool.”
“I happen to be very happy in my little apartment above the hospital.”
“That is a great place. I remember when Tess lived there.”
“Now, if we’re talking handsome men, her husband is gorgeous.”
“He’s not called the sexy sheriff for nothing.” Sydney laughed.
“He is? Seriously?”
“Yes, and he hates it.”
“I’m sure he does, but it fits.”
“He’s even heard Tess saying it and tells her not to call him that.” Sydney laughed.
“He doesn’t get mad at her about it, does he?”
“Sam get mad at Tess? Hell, no. Between her and their kids, they can do no wrong.”
Walking across the parking lot, Sydney got behind the wheel, and Markie got into the passenger side.
“I’m glad we didn’t drink more than one. I don’t like drinking and driving.”
“Neither one of us are drinkers. I just wanted to get out for a night.”
“I definitely needed it. How are your parents? I meant to ask you earlier but had too much on my mind.”
“Like Nate Jefferson?”
Markie gasped. “Definitely not!”
When she looked at Sydney to see her staring at her with a raised eyebrow, she sighed.
“Alright, I admit he’s good-looking. Very good-looking, but he’s too cocky for me.”
Sydney shook her head. “He’s not, Markie. He’s a nice man. I don’t like that kind of man either. Do you think I’d be friends with him if he was?”
“No, I suppose not.”
“Give him a chance the next time you see him. You might find out you like him.”
“Well, if I ever see him again, I’ll be nice,” Markie muttered, making Sydney laugh.
“Oh, and my parents are great, thanks for asking.”
Sydney pulled her car up to the side of the animal hospital, and Markie opened the door.
“Please be careful going home.”
“I will. I’ll wait until you get inside.”
“Thanks. Text me when you get home. Be safe.”
“I will. Night.”
“Goodnight.” Markie made her way up the metal stairs, unlocked the door, waved at Sydney, then entered the apartment.
She loved living here and was so grateful that Tess had offered it to her, and it was even furnished. The row of windows along one wall looked down over the street, and she loved the way the morning sun lit up the apartment. The large red cloth sofa sat centered in the room on an Oriental rug, facing a flat screen TV. Two matching chairs sat catty-corner on each side of the sofa. She walked into the kitchen to get some water. The stainless-steel appliances gleamed, as did the cherry laminate floor. The apartment wasn’t large, but she loved it. It consisted of the living room, kitchen, one bath, and a large bedroom.
The jacuzzi bathtub was to die for. It was huge with a stained-glass window above it. If she wasn’t so tired, she’d get in it, if only long enough to relax.
She couldn’t get Nate Jefferson out of her head. He was a very confident man, but if Sydney liked him, he can’t be all bad. If she ever saw him again, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt and maybe have a civil conversation with him.
He was just so… male. He oozed sex appeal, but if he was anything like Jarrett as she first thought, he would have made a move on her, either in the barn, or tonight. Instead, he was polite. Why didn’t he leave with the woman he’d been dancing with? Shaking her head, it was none of her business.
After undressing, she tugged her T-shirt on, then her lounge pants, and crawled into bed. She was tired but she knew she’d have trouble sleeping. Every time she closed her eyes, Nate Jefferson’s face appeared.
****
Early Monday morning, Nate mucked out the stalls and put fresh straw down. As he walked outside to dump the wheelbarrow, he grinned watching the new filly. She seemed to be having fun irritating her mama.
He chuckled when she’d run and kick. Her mama looked at her like all mother’s do, whether human or animal. He just knew she was thinking, ‘settle down’. Nate placed his arms on the rail of the fence to watch them for a few minutes and the mare walked toward him. He reached his hand out toward her.
“Hey, girl. Is that baby driving you crazy?” He grinned when she blew into his hand, sounding like a deep sigh. He ran his hand along her face, talking softly to her.
“Nate?”
Nate glanced over his shoulder to see his boss. “Hey, Beau.”
“How’s she doing?” Beau asked, nodding at the filly.
“Great. I think she’s going to be a handful for her mama.”
Beau chuckled. “She’s a beauty though.”
“Has Lisa been to see her?”
“Yeah, almost every day. She said she can’t think of what to name her.”
“Really? I would have thought she’d have had that picked out before the birth.”
“She usually does.” Beau looked at him. “Have you called the vet for the vaccines?”
“I’m going to once I finish the barn. I’m sure Tess will schedule it for some time this week.”
“Okay. I figured you did, but wanted to check.” He slapped Nate on the shoulder. “I have to get to the office. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, sir.” Nate grinned when Beau narrowed his eyes at him. “Yes, Beau.”
“Damn, you are hardheaded.” Beau walked from the barn.
Nate chuckled. Since he’d been made manager, Beau told him to call him by his name, but Nate was so used to addressing him as ‘sir’ that he still did it after all these years.
Two hours later, he entered his office, strode around the desk, and sat down. He removed his cellphone from his pocket, scrolled through the numbers until he found the number the was looking for and called it.
“Clifton animal hospital, how may I help you?”
“This is Nate Jefferson at Beau McCallister’s ranch, and I need to schedule vaccines for the horses.”
“Alright. Let me look at the file.” He could hear her typing on the computer. “Are there still twenty horses?”
“Yes, ma’am, and a filly.”
“Okay. Uh, actually, we could do that today if you’d like.”
“That would be great.”
“Alright. One of the vets will be there within an hour. We had a cancellation.”
“That’s good for me, right?” Nate said.
“Yep.” She laughed. “We’ll see you then.”
Nate hung up the phone then called one of the ranch hands to tell them to get the horses into their stalls. He decided to head home and take a quick shower. After mucking out the stalls, he didn’t smell good at all. He walked toward his truck, climbed inside and drove home. He’d be back before the vet arrived. He grinned as he hoped it was Dr. Russell.
****
As Markie drove up the driveway, she couldn’t help but sigh.
“Why me? Why couldn’t Tess have taken this? Damn, I hope I don’t see Nate Jefferson again.” But she knew she would since he was the manager and she knew that his boss was a livestock agent, so he was probably at work, and Beau’s wife Brenna was a schoolteacher. “Wonderful. Just great,” Markie muttered.
She stopped beside the barn, opened the door, grabbed her bag from the back and entered the barn. She slowly made her way along the aisle of the barn. She stopped when she saw him walking toward her. Even though she couldn’t make out his face, she’d recognize that tall frame anywhere.
“Dr. Russell, I’m glad you could fit us in today,” Nate said as he strode toward her.
“We had a cancellation.”
“So I was told. We have the horses in their stalls. You can start whenever you want.”
Markie sighed. “Alright. I’ll start here and move down along the aisle.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” He pointed to the door on the other side of the barn.
“Okay. Thank you, Mr. Jefferson.”
“Call me Nate, please.”
When he grinned, she mentally groaned, then nodded. “Nate.”
She watched him cross his arms and stare at her with a raised eyebrow.
“And I can call you, Dr. Russell, right?”
She looked at his face to see him trying not to grin. Clenching her jaw, she nodded.
“That’s fine.”
Nate turned away from her and walked toward his office, but she heard him chuckle.
Opening a stall gate, she cautiously entered, talking quietly to the horse. Once she gave the horse the vaccines, she’d move on to the next stall. It took her almost an hour because two of the horses were being difficult and didn’t want her near them, but there was no way… no friggin’ way, she’d ask Nate Jefferson for help. He’d just love that.
Stepping from the stall, she ran smack into him. His arms wrapped around her to keep her from falling, and she grasped his biceps. His very nice biceps.
“Thank you. I didn’t see you,” she said.
“No problem.” Nate stepped back from her. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. If you hadn’t caught me, I would have hit the floor. Are you alright?”
“Of course. All finished?”
“Yes. I’ll be heading back to the office now. If you need anything, just give us a call.”
“Yes, ma’am. Have a good rest of the day.”
“You too.” Markie looked at him and they stared at each other, then he cocked his head.
“What is Markie a nickname for?”
“Marjorie,” she said with a grimace.
“You don’t like it?”
“No. I hate it, but I was named after my grandmother.”
“I think it’s a pretty name. What’s your middle name?”
“Ann.”
“It’s a pretty name.”
She could feel the heat in her cheeks. “Thank you. Have a nice day… Nate.”
“You too… Dr. Russell.”
Markie took a deep breath and blew it out.
“Please, call me Markie.”
“Thanks, I just might do that, Markie.”
She frowned, then made her way toward the doors before she did something stupid like jump his bones.
****
Nate watched as she stormed away, wondering what he had done to upset her. Taking a deep breath, he followed after her.
“Markie,” he called out, causing her to stop and turn around to face him.
“What?” she asked impatiently.
Nate placed his hands on his hips. “Why do you seem to have a problem with me?”
“I don’t have a problem with you,” she replied.
“Then why do you act like you can’t get away from me fast enough? Did I offend you in some way?”
“No,” she answered dismissively, turning to leave.
“Are you sure about that? Since we met, you’ve treated me like I’m contagious or something.”
“You appear way too cocky,” Markie explained.
“Cocky? How so?” Nate challenged.
“It’s the way you come off. Like every woman should fall at your feet.”
“That’s bullshit,” Nate retorted.
“You asked for my honest opinion, and I gave it to you,” Markie snapped.
“So, you dislike me because I... appear cocky to you?” Nate clarified.
“I didn’t say I dislike you. I don’t really care about you one way or another,” Markie stated.
“Sounds like someone did a number on you,” Nate remarked quietly. “So much that you hate any man who exhibits confidence.”
“I don’t hate all men. Just the arrogant ones who think they’re God’s gift to women,” Markie corrected. “My mother’s husband is the same way.”
“What did he do to you?” Nate probed gently.
“Nothing,” Markie said, trying to leave again, but this time Nate grabbed her arm. She glared at him. “Let go of me,” she snarled.
Nate raised his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. I just want to understand. I’d like to get to know you.”
“I’m sure you have plenty of women lining up for that opportunity,” Markie retorted.
“Damn it, woman. I don’t. I happen to be a one-woman man, and I have never been with more than one at a time,” Nate declared. “If you don’t believe me, ask Sydney about me. She’ll tell you I’m nothing like what you’re accusing me of being. And if your stepfather—”
“Do not call him my stepfather!” Markie snapped, cutting him off. “He’s four years younger than I am. Whenever I visit, he can’t seem to keep his hands off me. He won’t take no for an answer. I hate men like him.”
“And you think I’m like him?” Nate asked incredulously. “Do you really believe that?”
Markie took a deep breath, clearly flustered. “It doesn’t matter. I have to go.”
“Why the hell would you think that of me?”
“The first time we met—”
“You didn’t even know me! Yet you assumed I was like that.” He moved closer to her, not giving her a chance to say anything. “Thanks for having such a low opinion of me. You didn’t even give me a chance before lumping me in with some prick who can’t keep his hands to himself. Does your mother know about it?”
“Yes, but she believed him over me.”
“You should have reported him to the police.”
“I couldn’t do that to my mom.”
“So, you’d rather let him continue touching you? What happens if he succeeds and rapes you?” Nate’s tone was tense.
Markie gasped. “He wouldn’t—”
“You keep telling yourself that. If he can’t take no for answer, it’s hard to tell how far he’d go.” Nate shook his head. “And you think I’m just like him. Goodbye, Dr. Russell. Have a nice day.” He turned away from her.
As he drove home, Nate cursed under his breath the entire way. How could she compare him to that scumbag married to her mother? He punched the ceiling of his truck in frustration.
“Damn it! I’m not like him.”
But it didn’t matter what she thought anymore. He wouldn’t be seeing her again. He’d make sure someone else came to tend to the animals next time they needed a vet, or he’d disappear if Markie was there. It was a shame though; he had liked her, but he wouldn’t pursue someone who clearly didn’t want him.
Arriving at his cabin, Nate parked and went inside. He made himself a sandwich for lunch and would try to focus on work. But the thought of Markie made it difficult to eat.
“You have to eat,” he reminded himself sternly.
After lunch, he headed back to the barn to work on the payroll. The men were busy stacking hay, and a delivery of animal feed was scheduled for later in the afternoon. It would be a busy day, hopefully enough to keep his mind off of Marjorie Ann Russell.
A few days later, Nate entered the diner and took a seat at the counter. After ordering his lunch, he glanced around and nodded at people who waved or said hello. He noticed a group of women sitting at a table, staring at him. When they waved and laughed, he touched his hat and grinned.
When the bell above the door jingled, announcing another customer, he instinctively looked over and saw Markie Russell enter the diner. Her eyes met his and he saw her take a deep breath, then surprised him by taking the empty stool beside him.
“There’s an empty stool further down, Dr. Russell. I’m sure I’m the last person you want to sit next to.”
“I’ll sit here, if you don’t mind.”
“Sit wherever you like. It’s a free country.”
Her light perfume was driving him crazy, and he thought about moving to the other stool.
“Hi, Markie. What can I get you?”
“Hi, Deidra. Just a southern fried chicken salad, please.”
“You got it.” Deidra looked at Nate. “Hi, Nate. Have you ordered?”
“Yes, thanks Deidra. Rissa got me.”
Once Deidra walked away. Nate picked up a menu and scanned it. A few minutes later, Rissa carried his plate toward him.
“Nate, here’s your lunch.”
“Rissa? I’m sorry, but could you bag that up for me? I’ll take it to-go, please.”
“Sure. I’ll just be a minute.”
Nate stood up. “Enjoy your lunch, Dr. Russell.”
He touched his hat, then walked toward the cash register. He smiled when he saw Rissa returning with a bag. She set it on the counter, and Nate handed her cash. He waved away the change.
“How’s that little boy of yours?”
Rissa smiled. “He’s wonderful and being so spoiled by his daddy.”
Nate chuckled. “I bet. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
Nate nodded and without looking at Markie, he left the diner, walked toward his truck, then drove back to the ranch.