Chapter Ten
Nate picked up his phone and sent Markie a text. The upcoming July fourth festival was the talk of the town, and he wanted her to go with him.
Do you want to go to the festival this weekend?
I would love to. Tess told me all about it. Sounds fun.
It always is. I’ll pick you up Saturday around one.
Can’t wait. See you then.
When Saturday arrived, the heat seemed to wrap itself around Nate like a suffocating blanket. He had been hoping for a cooler day, especially since it had rained the day before. But as he climbed the stairs to Markie’s apartment, his thoughts were solely focused on spending the day with her at the festival. He’d deal with the heat for that.
He knocked on her door and it opened to reveal her smiling face. His eyes traveled down her figure, taking in every detail of her outfit; a sleeveless white blouse tucked into denim shorts, with white flip-flops adorning her feet. He couldn’t help but stare at her red toenails before meeting her gaze.
“Hi,” he said, leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers in a brief kiss.
“Hi yourself. Do you want to come inside?” she asked, gesturing toward her door.
“Not if you’re ready to go.”
“I am. Just let me grab my purse.”
“I’ll be right here.”
Markie smiled at him before turning to retrieve her purse and walking out onto the stoop. After she locked the door, Nate took her hand as they descended the stairs together.
“I’m excited to go. I can’t believe they close Main Street,” Markie exclaimed as they made their way through the bustling crowds.
“There are too many people to keep it open. Everyone from the three towns show up, plus most of the tourists,” Nate replied, his eyes scanning the colorful booths and eager vendors selling everything from homemade jewelry to freshly baked goods.
“That’s true,” Markie nodded in agreement as they continued down Main Street, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the lively festival. “The food smells amazing.”
“You can get just about anything you want here.”
“Funnel cake?”
“Yep.”
“Great. I love that.”
They held hands as they continued along the street. Markie stopped at every booth. She ended up buying a few pieces of jewelry and baked goods. Nate bought some homemade bread, but other than that, he just enjoyed being with her. He grinned when he saw Bonner and Stephanie Gentry. Bonner was carrying their son. He smiled when he noticed Nate. They shook hands and Nate introduced Markie to them.
“When are you due, Stephanie?” Markie asked.
“How did you know I was pregnant?” Stephanie grinned, making Markie laugh.
“Just a guess,” she said as she nodded toward Stephanie’s swollen belly.
“I’m due any day now.”
“Well, congratulations. Do you know what it is?”
“It’s a girl and I am going to spoil the hell out of her,” Bonner said with a grin.
After talking for a while, they parted ways, and Markie shook her head, making Nate frown.
“What?”
“Are all the men in these towns good-looking?”
“I am not the person to ask.”
Markie laughed. “I suppose not.”
Nate grinned as he led her through the crowd. It was damn hot out, but he was having a good time.
They stopped at a food truck and ordered funnel cakes, then found a shady spot under a tree to sit.
“Oh, this is so good. I’m glad I don’t know how to make them. I’d be eating them all the time.”
“They are good.” Nate pulled a piece off and put it in his mouth. “I only eat them here.”
“It’s a good thing this is only once a year. Is it always this packed?”
“Yes. Everyone looks forward to this, and the horse race at the fair at the beginning of September. It used to be the end of the month, but it was starting to get too cold, so they moved the fair up.”
“Horse race?”
“Yeah, some local cowboys compete. It’s all for fun. No prize, just bragging rights.”
“Do you race?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because no one can beat Warren Coleman. That horse of his can fly.” Nate shook his head.
“No one?”
“No one has in years. Gage Beckett’s horse is fast and so is Trick Dillon’s, but they can never beat Warren.” Nate grinned. “The only way someone would beat him is if he didn’t race. I wish I could convince Rafe to race. I believe his horse would give Warren a run for his money.”
“Why doesn’t he compete?”
Nate shrugged. “He’s never seemed interested.”
“That’s too bad. I’d love to see the race.”
“We can go to it if you’d like. I enjoy watching it.”
“I think you should compete.”
“I’d be wasting my time.” Nate smiled.
“But you said it was fun, so why not?”
“I guess I could. Mystic is fast, but not as fast as Warren’s horse, Blaze.”
“Is Rafe’s horse faster than Mystic?”
“Yes. Rocket is damn fast. He could probably beat Warren’s horse.”
“Then you need to talk him into racing.”
“Why? So both can beat me?” He grinned.
“I’d just love to see you enter.”
“Alright. I’ll do it.”
Markie kissed his lips. “Can’t wait to see it.”
Nate nodded as they walked through the festival. So many people stopped him to talk. It seemed he was well liked, Markie thought, but what’s not to like?
****
Nate stopped at a lemonade stand and got two lemonades, then they walked through the crowd again.
“It’s so hot today,” Markie said.
“We can go if you want. We could go to my place and swim.”
“That sounds good. We’ll head back to my apartment, so I can get my swimsuit.”
“I was disappointed the last time when you brought a one-piece, but after seeing you in it, there’s no way a bikini could be sexier.”
“Sometimes more is better.”
“Especially you in that one-piece.”
“I do have a bikini.”
“It’s up to you, darlin’. I’ll be happy either way.”
They made their way through the crowd, to her apartment, and climbed the stairs. He waited for her to open the door, then they entered.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.” He looked down when he felt something and saw her cat winding her way around his legs. “She’s grown a good bit in such a short time.”
“She’s a good cat.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
Nate grinned. “I’m not arguing with you.”
Once she made sure the cat had fresh water, they left the apartment, and Nate drove them to his cabin. A swim sounded good, unless the water was too warm. On very hot days, it could feel like bathwater.
He pulled the truck into a double-car garage to keep it from getting too hot inside when he had to take her home.
“That car is beautiful,” Markie exclaimed.
“It was my dad’s. It’s a nineteen sixty-nine Camaro RS/SS in perfect condition.”
“A convertible too. Do you drive it or let it sit?”
“I drive it. I’ve never understood why people let a car just sit in the garage. Life is short. Drive that baby.”
Markie laughed. “I agree. It’s beautiful.”
“We’ll go for a ride in it one day. Drop the top.”
“I would love that. How long have you had it?”
“Four years now. My dad bought it, as he puts it, off the showroom floor.” Nate opened the door so she could look inside.
“That’s amazing. It’s in mint condition.”
“Yes, it is.” He shrugged. “I baby it.”
“Oh, it’s a straight stick. I could never drive it.” Markie laughed.
“Like I’d let you, even if it was automatic,” Nate scoffed, then laughed when Markie punched his arm. He pulled her close. “Let’s go get in the pool.”
“I’m ready for that.”
They entered his house, and Markie carried her suit to the bathroom to change. Nate sat down, removed his boots, socks, and the rest of his clothes, then he walked out the patio doors to the deep end of the pool and dove in. It felt fantastic.
He did a few laps while waiting for Markie. As he swam to the shallow end, he stopped beside the steps and folded his arms on the top of the pool when he saw her come outside. She wore the blue one-piece, and it fit her like a glove. He knew he was getting in deep with her and was hoping it would amount to something serious between them. He wanted to get married again and have kids.
“Come on in, sweetheart. The water’s great.”
“You’re naked, aren’t you?”
Nate chuckled. “Yep. You could be too.”
“Nope.” Markie walked toward the steps, walked down them and then swam to the other end. Nate watched her glide through the water, then he swam after her. He dipped under the water and grabbed her ankle, making her scream. He came up, laughing. She splashed water at him. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
He pulled her close, pressed his lips to hers, and groaned when she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.
“I would never want to do that,” Nate said then nipped at her neck with his teeth. He looked into her eyes. “You are the most amazing woman, Markie.”
“Right back at you.”
“I’m an amazing woman? I take offense to that.”
She laughed. “You know what I meant.”
Nate grinned. “I did. I love teasing you. In every way possible.”
“Maybe I’ll tease you.”
“I’m not sure I could handle that.”
“We’ll see, won’t we?” She pushed away from him, went under water, and swam toward the shallow end.
After spending an hour in the pool, they decided to head inside to get out of the heat of the day. Nate dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. The house felt cold after being in the pool. Markie mentioned she was hungry, and Nate agreed.
“I’ll make some sandwiches.”
“That’ll work. Do you mind if I take a shower to get the chlorine out of my hair?”
“No, go right ahead. I’ll get the sandwiches ready.
“Okay. I’ll make it quick.”
“Take as long as you need.”
She smiled at him, then walked down the hallway toward the bathroom.
Nate got everything out for the sandwiches, not sure what she’d like. He figured she would make her own. He decided to see how much longer she would be, since he didn’t want to eat without her.
He strode down the hall, entered his bedroom, just as the bathroom door opened. Nate’s eyes fixated on Markie as she emerged from the bathroom, her body swathed in nothing but a towel. The damp fabric clung to her skin, outlining every delicious curve and valley of her body. Her hair, still wet from the shower, cascaded around her shoulders in thick strands. Nate couldn’t help but feel his cock stir in his sweatpants as he drank in the sight of her.
Markie sauntered over to Nate, her hips swaying seductively with each step. She stopped in front of him and slowly peeled back the towel, revealing her bare, glistening skin beneath. Nate’s breath hitched in his throat as he took in the sight of her breasts and tight, toned stomach.
Without a word, Markie reached down and slipped her hand into Nate’s sweatpants, wrapping her fingers around his thick, throbbing cock.
“Commando? Lucky for me,” she said. Nate let out a low groan as she began to stroke him, her delicate fingers gliding up and down his shaft.
Markie’s eyes sparkled with desire as she looked up at Nate, a seductive smile playing at her lips. She pushed his sweatpants down and his cock twitched as he watched her get on her knees and take him into her mouth. She sucked on him as she moved her hand along his cock. Nate groaned as he tried to keep from coming, but her wet mouth was driving him insane.
“Markie, baby, stop. I want to fuck you.”
She stood up, then pushed him toward the bed and when the back of his knees hit it, he sat down, then moved up the bed.
“Condom. My wallet is on the nightstand.”
She handed him his wallet and he removed a condom. She took it from him, opened the packet, rolled it onto his hard shaft, then climbed onto his lap, straddling him as she positioned his cock. Nate’s heart raced with anticipation as he felt the head of his cock slide inside her, then took him fully inside.
Markie began to ride him, grinding her hips against his with wild abandon. Nate’s hands gripped her waist, guiding her movements as he thrust his hips up to meet hers.
As the intensity of their lovemaking reached a fever pitch, Nate sat up, pulling Markie close as he buried his face in her cleavage. His tongue darted out, tasting the water that still glistened on her skin. Markie let out a throaty moan as Nate moved against her. He stared into her eyes, then pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.
Their bodies moved together as they chased their release, sweat making their skin stick together. Nate could feel her clenching around his cock as she approached her orgasm, her moans growing louder and more desperate with each passing moment.
With a hard thrust, Nate felt himself reach the edge, and Markie’s body shuddered with pleasure as she came, and Nick followed her over.
As they came down from their high, they collapsed onto the bed, their bodies slick with sweat. They lay there, entwined in each other’s arms, their hearts still racing as they caught their breath.
But even as they lay there, sated and satisfied, Nate couldn’t help but feel the familiar stirrings of desire once again. He looked over at Markie, her naked body still glowing from their lovemaking, and knew that he would never get enough of her.
“Now, I need another shower.” Markie smiled.
“I could use on too.”
“Then let’s do that, then we can have sandwiches. I seem to have worked up an appetite.”
Nate chuckled. “Me too.”
They entered the bathroom, showered together, and ended up having sex again. Yeah, he would never get enough of her.
When he drove her home the next day, she seemed quiet, and he wasn’t sure if something was wrong or not. Who knew how a woman’s mind worked? No man did, that was for sure.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“I have a headache. I’ll take something when we get to my apartment.”
“Okay. Oh, that reminds me. Your mother said her back was bothering her and she’d take a pill, remember?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because when I went into the kitchen that morning, I saw Knowles taking two pills from a prescription bottle. When he saw me, he said he had a bad back.”
“He doesn’t have a bad back. My mother has had four back surgeries and is in constant pain. That son of a bitch better not be taking her pills,” Markie snapped.
“They could have been his. I don’t know. I didn’t see who the prescription was for. He put it back in the cupboard and I sure didn’t want to call him out on it in front of your mother.”
“If he’s taking her pills, she’ll run out before she’s supposed to, and she can’t get a refill until they’re due again. Damn him.”
“Well, like I said, I don’t know whose prescription it was.” Nate shrugged. “Maybe it was his.”
“I’ll find out somehow.”
Nate nodded as he stopped beside her steps. He stepped from the truck, but when he walked around to her side, she was already out. He took her hand, and they climbed the stairs together.
Markie removed her keys from her purse, unlocked the door, and looked at him.
“Do you want to come in?”
“No, baby. I need to get home and get some rest. You wore me out this weekend.”
Markie grinned. “I like wearing you out.”
He pulled her into his arms, kissed her, then looked into her eyes.
“I like you wearing me out too. Go inside and take something for your headache. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Be careful going home.”
“I will.” Nate kissed her again, waited until she was inside, then he jogged down the steps, got into his truck and drove home.
When Nate entered the barn the next morning, the heat of the day was already making him sweat. July was being a bitch. He saw Jobe heading in his direction.
“Jobe? How’s Drew working out?” Nate asked.
“He’s doing great.”
“Good. I thought he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders.”
“I only have to tell him what to do once.”
“That’s great. He seemed like a nice guy,” Nate said with a grin.
“I’m off to check the fence this morning. Drew will be mucking out the stalls today. I’m not sure which is worse today. It’s going to be a hot one.”
“Yeah, it’s not even six and already a scorcher. I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Jobe walked out of the barn and Nate headed toward his office.
Later, as Nate worked on the books, his phone buzzed from on top of the desk. He picked it up to see a text from Markie.
My mother is coming to visit and bringing the asshat. She had sent, making Nate chuckle.
They’re not staying with you, are they?
No. They got a room at the Clifton Bed and Breakfast. My mom said they lucked out because there was a cancellation. I wouldn’t call that luck.
Nate grinned. So, now what?
I don’t know. I’ll have to spend time with her, which I don’t mind, but I know he’s going to want to be with us.
When are they coming?
Next week. It hasn’t been that long since her party and I would bet money this was Jarrett’s idea.
We’ll take them to dinner one night. The more I let him know I don’t like him, the better.
Okay. I’m just pissed that he’s coming with her.
Don’t let him get to you. I’ll be there with you.
Thanks. Gotta run. Talk soon.
Alright. Have a good day.
I’ll try.
Nate set his phone down and knew she was right about Knowles. He would be with Stella so he could get close to Markie. Nate would make sure that didn’t happen.
****
Markie placed her phone on her desk. At least with her mother coming, she’d be able to check her prescription bottle. If Jarrett was stealing her pills, Markie would chew him a new one. How dare he take them? Her mother needed them and being an opioid, they were strong. Jarrett was either just taking a couple because his back did hurt, or he was addicted to them or getting there. He should know not to take someone else’s medicine. For one thing, it was illegal, for another, her mother needed them too much.
With a deep sigh, she left her office to see patients. At least that would keep her mind occupied. She was just so disappointed that Jarrett was coming with her mother next week. Markie knew they’d never get time alone.
She smiled though as she thought about taking them to dinner. Nate was determined to keep Jarrett away from her and she was happy about that.
At the end of the day, she was exhausted. It had been unusually busy for Monday and there were two surgeries scheduled for tomorrow. A cat being neutered and a dog being spayed. She was happy they had responsible owners. She needed to get Socks spayed soon. Although she didn’t go outside, Markie didn’t want to take any chances.
She climbed the stairs to her apartment, unlocked the door and entered to see Socks on the back of the sofa. She jumped down when she saw Markie, walked toward her then wound around her ankles, meowing.
“Let me get some comfy clothes on, then I’ll feed you.” She walked toward her bedroom, entered, then changed into a T-shirt and lounge pants. She was so tired, but it was way too early to go to bed and she needed to eat.
The following week, Markie was a wreck. Why couldn’t her mother come alone? Why did he have to tag along? She knew anytime she saw him, she’d be trying to get away from him.
When her phone buzzed, she stopped outside of an exam room to see who it was. She never wanted to miss a text from Nate, but she saw it was from her mother. With a sigh, she opened it.
We’re here. It’s a lovely B and B . Her mother had sent.
I’ll have to get back to you, Mom. I’m working.
Okay, honey. I’d love to see where you work and live.
We’ll do that soon. I’ll give you a tour of the hospital. Talk soon.
She put the phone back into her pocket and entered the exam room. She hoped the day went quickly so she could get home and relax. She was so tense about Jarrett being here.
After Tess returned from lunch, Markie left the building to head for the diner. She didn’t have much of an appetite, but she knew she had to eat something. Entering the diner, she smiled at the people who waved or called out her name.
She was so happy she had moved to Clifton. The people were the best at making someone feel right at home. Taking a seat on a stool at the counter, she ordered her lunch, then glanced around. The place was packed as usual, and she was sure a lot of them were tourists.
The bell above the door jingled, and she looked over to see Caysen Anderson enter with his brothers and another man. Mentally shaking her head, she couldn’t take her eyes off any of them.
Caysen stopped beside her. “Good afternoon, Doc.”
“Hi, Caysen. How’s your day going?”
He grinned. “Slow. Oh, this is my cousin, Agent Rawley Bowman. Rawley, this is Dr. Markie Russell. She’s a veterinarian.”
“Ma’am, it’s nice to meet you,” he said in a deep voice.
“It’s nice to meet you too. Is your name spelled like the city, Raleigh?”
He grinned. “No, ma’am. R. A. W. L. E. Y.”
Markie laughed. “That’s different. Enjoy your lunch.” She almost sighed when he nodded, and touched his hat, then he looked at Caysen.
“We’ll grab a booth, Case.”
“Alright.” Caysen looked at Markie. “Enjoy your lunch.”
“You too.”
As she turned on the stool, Connie set her plate on the counter, winked, then waited on another customer.
Markie stared at the mouthwatering burger but just had no appetite. She picked it up, took a bite, and hoped she could do it justice, but all she could think of was Jarrett being in town.
After paying for her lunch, she headed back to the hospital and continued to see patients. She was leaving an exam room when Jodi buzzed her.
“What’s up, Jodi?”
“There’s a man and woman here to see you.”
Markie gasped. Surely her mother and Jarrett hadn’t just shown up.
“Uh, I’ll be right there.”
She leaned against the wall trying to calm herself down when she saw Tess coming toward her.
“What’s going on, Markie?”
“I think my mother and her husband are here.”
“In Clifton?”
“In the lobby. They made a trip to see me, and she said she’d love to see where I lived and worked. I mistakenly said I’d give her a tour of the hospital. I didn’t mean today.”
“Oh, boy. Well, if they’re here, show them around, then they can leave.”
Markie nodded. “I’ll do that. I don’t have any other patients to see right now, so I could do it and get it over with.”
“Yes, do that. I’d love to meet your mother, but him? Not so much.”
“I’ll introduce you. Let me go get them.” She pushed off the wall and walked out toward the lobby.
She thought she was going to be sick when she saw Jarrett grinning at her but smiled when she saw her mother.
“Mom,” she said, pulling her into a hug.
“This is a nice little hospital, Markie.”
“I love it here. Come on, I’ll show you around.”
“No hug for me, Markie?” Jarrett asked.
“No.” She looked at her mother. “Follow me.”
Markie led them down the hallway and pointed out her office.
“These next three doors are where we see patients. This room here on the right is the medication dispensary.”
“What kind of medicines?” Jarrett asked.
“All kinds. From samples for fleas and ticks to pain meds for after surgeries. Oxycodone, hydromorphone, butorphanol,” Markie told him.
“Animals get opioids?”
“Of course. How else would we help with their pain?”
Jarrett shrugged. “I guess I just didn’t think about it. I bet you keep those locked up tight.”
“Yes, we do.” She stared at him until he smiled at her, then she looked at her mother. “I hope you brought your meds with you if you plan on exploring the town, Mom.”
“I did, honey.”
As they entered the lobby, Markie saw Tess approaching.
“Tess, this is my mother, Stella Knowles and her husband, Jarrett. Mom, Jarrett, this is Dr. Tessa Garrett, my boss.”
Tess smiled as she shook their hands, and Jarrett seemed to hold it a little too long. Markie saw Tess narrow her eyes at him, then the door opened, and Sam entered. She saw him frown at Jarrett holding his wife’s hand. Tess pulled her hand away and walked to Sam and put her arm around his waist, and he slipped his arm around her shoulders.
“This is my husband, Sheriff Sam Garrett. Sam, this is Markie’s mother, Stella and her husband, Jarrett Knowles.”
Sam smiled at Stella but stared at Jarrett.
“Ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.” Sam shook her hand, then just nodded at Jarrett.
“You too. Markie seems to love this little town. Jarrett and I are staying at the Clifton B and B for a week. I wanted to see where she worked.”
“Yes, ma’am. Clifton loves Markie too.” Sam grinned.
Stella laughed. “Well, I can certainly see why you love it here, Markie. First Nate, now the sheriff.”
Markie laughed and saw Jarrett clench his jaw. Knowing him, he thought he was much better looking than Nate and Sam. She snorted out a laugh.
“There are a lot of handsome men around here, Mom.” She laughed when Tess did.
“Let’s go for now, Stella. I’d like to look around this dot on the map,” Jarrett said, and smirked when Sam looked at him.
“It might be a dot on the map to you, but in my opinion, there is no better place to live. We’re all family here,” Sam said. “You probably wouldn’t fit in.”
“Sheriff, I have no desire to live here.”
“And we have no desire to have you.” Sam said in a low tone, but Markie heard him, then he looked at Stella. “Have a nice day. There’s plenty of shops for you to explore.” He looked at Tess, then lightly kissed her lips. “I stopped in to tell you I’m heading home. I’ll see you later, angel.”
He nodded at Markie, then walked out. Markie looked at her mother.
“Mom, I’ll see you later. Have a wonderful day.”
“I’m sure we will, honey. Come on, Jarrett. I want to go shopping.”
Markie watched her mother walk out with Jarrett behind her, but he turned to look at her and winked as he left.
“That man gives me the creeps,” Tess said.
“Now you know how I feel.”
“I understand now. Sam sure didn’t like him and he has great instincts about people.”
Markie grinned. “I think Sam would have loved an excuse to lay him out.”
“You’d think your mother could see Jarrett for what he is. I mean, no one seems to like him.”
“I don’t understand it, Tess.” Markie shook her head.
As they both got back to work, Markie couldn’t get what Tess said out of her head. Why did her mother not see it like everyone else? Markie was sure she’d never understand why her mother stayed with such a narcissist, and she probably never would.