Chapter Seventeen
Nate parked his truck in front of the house and turned to Markie, handing her a key from his keychain.
“Go inside and lock the door. I’ll be right there. I just need to unload Mystic,” he said.
Markie’s face was filled with worry and concern. “Nate, you’re scaring me.”
He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss before looking deep into her eyes. “I don’t want to scare you, but we have to be careful. What if it was him?”
Markie nodded understandingly. “Okay, I get it. I hope Rafe let Sam know about this.”
“Don’t worry, he did. And I trust Rafe with my life. He won’t let us down.”
“Alright, but I want to stay with you.” Markie stared at him and he could see she was terrified.
Nate sighed. “You’re safer inside. Please.”
After a few seconds she nodded, then quickly ran to the house. He drove the truck to the nearby barn, backed it inside and got out, heading toward the trailer at the back.
After opening the gate, he led Mystic out, removed his saddle, and cooled him down before putting him in his stall for the night. Nate patted the horse’s neck affectionately.
“You did good today, boy. We may have lost, but you ran your heart out.” Nate chuckled as Mystic looked at him as if to say, ‘I didn’t really feel like running anyway,’ before digging into his bucket of oats.
As Nate closed the stall gate and headed back toward his truck, he stopped when he thought he heard something, but shook his head. Now he was getting paranoid. He walked from the barn and entered the house.
“Markie?”
“I’m here.” She entered the kitchen, walked toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He heard her sigh when he put his arms around her, pulling her tight against him.
“You okay?”
“No. I’m scared, Nate. What if it was Jarrett?”
“I don’t know. He has some balls showing up there if it was.”
“We don’t know for sure though.”
Nate huffed. “Markie, I think it was him. I looked straight at him. The way he stood, and I swear I saw him smirk when I saw him. The only difference was his hair was cut short and blond, but he could have dyed it. The APB is for a man with dark hair. No one would notice him as a blond.”
“You did.”
“Yes, but I know him. I know his damn cockiness and he was letting me know he was there.”
“I don’t know what we can do.”
“Rafe was going to tell Sam, so we’ll see what happens. I’m glad you’ll be here tonight. I’ll take you home tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’m just glad I can walk to work.”
“I’d use the back door if you can.”
“Yes, I should do that. I wouldn’t be walking too far. That alley is creepy all the time. The back door is closer for me.”
“Yes. Please do that.”
“I will. Now, go take a shower. You’re filthy.” Markie grinned.
Nate chuckled. “I am. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you want me to start dinner?”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. There are thawed steaks in the fridge.”
“I’ll start them. You like yours medium rare, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nate sat on a chair, removed his boots, then set them in the laundry room. He returned to the kitchen and kissed her lips.
“I won’t be long, sweetheart.”
Markie nodded, and Nate walked toward the bathroom.
He entered his bedroom, then the bathroom where he stripped off his dirty clothes and dropped them to the floor. Dust billowed up from them. Reaching into the shower, he turned the water on, waited for it to warm, then stepped into the stall. He groaned as the hot water hit between his shoulder blades. His muscles were tense because he knew Knowles was back.
Nate would bet a year’s salary that he was back for two things, and that was him and Markie. He blamed her for Stella divorcing him, and Nate for stopping him from getting away with stealing the medicine that night in the hospital.
Nate was also sure Knowles needed to get a fix. How did he not see it when they first met? Of course, a lot of addicts hid their addiction.
“Nate?”
He turned the water off and opened the shower curtain to see Markie standing there.
“Are you finished already?” she asked him with a frown.
“No. I turned the water off so I could hear you. What’s wrong?”
“No. I just wanted to remind you text Rafe.”
“Shit. I forgot. Too much on my mind. I’ll do it as soon as I get out. He’ll be here if I don’t.”
“Okay. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nate pulled the curtain closed and turned the water back on.
****
Markie put the steaks in the air fryer, set the temperature and timer, then walked to the living room to wait for Nate. Picking up the remote, she turned on the TV and watched the weather channel. She shook her head when it showed a drastic drop in temperatures tomorrow.
She looked toward the hallway when she heard Nate walking from the bedroom. When he appeared, she mentally swore. He wore gray sweatpants and there was absolutely no doubt in her mind, he was wearing them commando. The black T-shirt he wore hugged his pecs and arms. She was so in love with him.
“The steaks should be done in another minute or two.”
Nate nodded and sat down beside her, and she could smell his aftershave.
“That’s fine. Damn, that shower felt good.”
“I’m sure it did.”
She sighed when he put his arm around her, pulling her close, then kissed the top of her head.
“I am not going to let him get to you.”
“Call me crazy, but I think he’ll be after you too. Possibly Rafe since you two messed it up for him getting those drugs.”
“True. I need to text Rafe.” He removed the phone from his pocket, and she watched him type a message and send it. A few seconds later, the phone buzzed. Nate laughed when he read the response.
“What?”
Nate showed her the message.
It’s about time. I was about to head your way! Damn, Nate!
“I told you.”
“You two are really close, aren’t you?”
“Yes, like I told you, since grade school.”
“That’s great.”
“He had a rough childhood.” Nate shook his head.
“Can you tell me?”
“Neither of his parents treated him very well. His father would hit him all the time, while his mother drank so much, she’d pass out. If it wasn’t for Fred Hancock taking him in, there’s no telling where he’d be by now. Rafe spent more time at my parent’s house than his own. He started working for Mr. Hancock when he was seventeen. Rafe would work after school, and during the summer. He thought of Mr. Hancock like a father. A man who treated him as he should have been treated.”
“Mr. Hancock sounds like a wonderful man.”
“He is.” Nate leaned forward and kissed her lips.
Markie heard the air fryer beep, indicating the steaks were done, and got to her feet.
“We’re having salads with them, okay?”
“That’s fine. Let’s go eat, sweetheart. I’m starving.” Nate stood, put his hand out for her to take, then led her to the kitchen.
They entered the kitchen and Markie started on the salads while Nate removed the steaks from the air fryer and put them on plates. He carried them to the table and set them down.
When she turned to carry the salads to the table, she grinned when she saw Nate standing beside the table, waiting for her. She smiled at him when he pulled a chair out for her. She kissed his lips, sat down, and watched him sit down across from her.
“You have such good manners, Nate.”
“My parents thank you.” He winked.
“I bet they’re wonderful.”
“We’ll go see them one day. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”
“I’d like to meet them too. Nate, I—” She shook her head. She almost told him she loved him.
“You, what?”
“I forgot the salad dressing.” She mentally groaned. I forgot the salad dressing? Seriously, Marjorie Ann?
“I’ll get it.” Nate shoved his chair back, stood, got the salad dressing, then sat back down.
“Thank you.”
“Sure. It smells amazing.” Nate cut into his steak, speared a piece, chewed and after swallowing, he groaned.
“It does. Oh, did you want steak sauce?”
“Nothing goes on my steak. I want to taste it.”
Markie tilted her head and smirked. “But yet, you put ketchup on your fries.”
“That’s different.”
“Is it? Is it really?” She bit her lip when his eyes narrowed.
“Yes,” he said with a firm nod.
“How?”
Nate waved his fork around. “It just is.”
Markie leaned back, folded her arms, and stared at him.
“You just won’t admit it’s the same. You don’t like anything on your steak, so you can taste it. I don’t put ketchup on my fries because I want to… taste them.”
Nate stared at her, then grinned. “Touché.”
Markie laughed. “I don’t use steak sauce either, but my father would drown a steak in it.”
“I know some people who do that.” Nate yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m exhausted.”
“We’ll watch some TV after dinner, then go to bed. I’m tired too.” Markie sighed. “I hope I can sleep.”
“I’ll be right beside you.”
“I know.”
“How about we go fishing tomorrow? It might make you relax.”
“I’d love that.”
“Okay, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Markie smiled. She knew he would be with her as much as possible. To keep her safe, but she was worried what Jarrett would, or could, do to Nate.
****
Nate lay in bed, his arms wrapped tightly around Markie as she slept peacefully against his chest. The events of the day had left him restless and wide awake, unable to shake off the thoughts of Jarrett out there, lurking somewhere in the darkness. He knew that Jarrett would do whatever it took to get to Markie, and the knowledge gnawed at him, filling him with a mix of anxiety and protectiveness.
As he lay there, staring at the window, he couldn’t help but notice the moon’s beam filtering through the curtains and casting a soft light across the bed. Its glow illuminated Markie’s features, making her look even more beautiful in her slumber.
Nate’s heart swelled with love and worry for her, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could keep her safe and away from Jarrett’s reach. He wanted to protect her, and he knew he would do anything to ensure her safety.
Gently, he brushed a strand of hair off her face and leaned down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. She stirred slightly, nuzzling her face into his chest before settling back into a peaceful sleep. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, only added fuel to Nate’s fierce determination to keep her away from harm.
The following day, they sat on the grassy bank of the serene pond, Nate couldn’t help but notice the big smile on Markie’s face. The sun was shining down on them, casting a warm glow over the water and their faces.
“What are you smiling about?” Nate asked, curious.
“A fish keeps tugging on my line,” Markie replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Are you going to catch it or just tease it all day?” Nate grinned as she laughed. She gasped and Nate looked at her. “What’s wrong?”
“It jumped off my hook,” she said, pointing to the water making small waves.
Nate nodded. He hadn’t had any luck with his own fishing. As they enjoyed the beautiful day, he knew that soon cold air would be arriving and coating Clifton in snow.
He set his pole down on the soft grass, leaned back, covered his face with his hat, and folded his arms behind his head. Contentment washed over him as he took in the peaceful sounds of nature around them.
“You’re not going to fall asleep, are you?” Markie teased.
Nate chuckled. “No, ma’am,” he replied, though he could feel himself getting drowsy. He lifted his hat when he felt Markie sit down beside him. She then laid down, resting her head on his chest.
“I thought you wanted to fish?” Nate murmured softly.
“I’m not really in the mood. I can’t keep my mind off Jarrett,” Markie confessed.
Nate removed his hat and looked at her with concern. “I know. That’s why I didn’t get much sleep last night. Markie, I swear if he hurts you in any way, I will make his life a living hell.”
Markie reached up and gently cupped Nate’s cheek in her hand. “I feel the same way, if he did something to you.”
Nate sat up, taking Markie by surprise as he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately. Slowly pulling away, he gazed into her eyes.
“I’m in love with you, Markie,” he whispered, holding his breath.
“You are?”
“Head over heels, sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Nate. So much.” she replied.
“That makes me very happy, baby.”
“Me too. I think I loved you from the start, but I fought against it.”
“No shit?”
“Was that sarcasm?” she asked.
“Yes. Yes, it was,” Nate laughed as she narrowed her eyes at him. “Ready to head back?”
Markie let out a sigh. “Yes, I should probably go home. My cat must be wondering where I am.”
“You’d think she’d be used to it by now. You’re here most weekends.”
“True. But I still feel guilty leaving her alone.”
Nate raised an eyebrow. “Do you feel guilty leaving me alone?”
“Of course, I do.”
“But your cat comes first?” He shook his head playfully.
“Nathanial – what is your middle name - Jefferson?” Markie teased.
When Nate pulled her in for a hug, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“My middle name is James,” he revealed.
“Nathanial James Jefferson. I like it. Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Because I knew you’d use it when you got mad at me.” He shrugged.
“Well, don’t give me a reason to get mad.”
Nate chuckled. “Yeah, like that’ll happen.”
Markie stood up. “You know what? You’re right. You’re a man. It’s inevitable.”
Nate laughed as he stood, grabbed the fishing poles and loaded them onto the back of the ATV before offering Markie a hand to get on behind him. They rode back to Nate’s house.
As they climbed into his truck, Nate couldn’t help but feel nervous about leaving her alone. But it was unavoidable.
He drove Markie home and parked next to the stairs leading up to her apartment. They climbed the steps together and when they reached the door, Markie turned to face him.
“Do you want to come in for a bit?”
“I wish I could, but I need to get home. I probably won’t get much sleep tonight.” Nate sighed. “Promise me you won’t open this door for anyone.”
“I promise.” She leaned in and kissed him, moaning as he deepened the kiss and then pulled away.
“Please be careful going home. Text me when you get there,” she reminded him.
“I will. Sleep well, baby. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Nate grinned. “I know. Close the door and lock it.”
Markie smiled. “Alright.”
Nate watched as she closed the door and locked it before descending the stairs.
****
Locking the door behind her, Markie made her way to the bedroom. She quickly changed into her comfiest lounge pants and a soft cotton T-shirt before returning to the kitchen to feed Socks. The cat followed her every move, emitting a continuous stream of meows.
Markie chuckled and crouched down to pet Socks. “I know, sweetie. I wish I could take you with me when I stay with Nate,” she said fondly. “Guess what? He loves me, and I love him too.”
Socks purred louder as Markie scratched her under her neck. With a contented look on her face, she picked up the cat and carried her over to the sofa.
“Let’s watch some TV before bed, alright?”
She settled onto the couch, still holding Socks in her lap. After flipping through several channels, she finally settled on a sitcom that she had seen a million times before but still found comforting. As she tried to watch the show, she couldn’t shake her nerves about Jarrett.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed loudly, jolting her awake. She must have dozed off. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she read Nate’s message that he had made it home safely and was going to take a shower before bed. She quickly responded that she was heading to bed soon too since she was struggling to keep her eyes open.
Markie couldn’t stop smiling at Nate’s reply that he loved her. After replying she loved him too, she got up, turned off the TV and lights, then walked to her bedroom. She plugged in her phone and crawled under the covers. With thoughts of Nate swirling through her mind, she closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.
The following morning, she made her way down the stairs to the back door of the hospital. She unlocked it, entered the building, then locked the door. She made her way to her office, put her purse in the file cabinet, and then looked at the computer to see what appointments were scheduled for the day.
Later, she passed Tess in the hall, while heading to an exam room.
“Good morning,” Tess said.
“Good morning, Tess. I’m going to be coming in the back door until we find out where Jarrett is, okay?”
“Of course. It’s closer for you than walking around the building.”
“Nate suggested it. I never gave it a thought, but the door isn’t far from the stairs.”
“Markie, you do whatever you feel is necessary to stay safe. I know Sam and his deputies are looking for him.” Tess tilted her head. “Despite that, you look happy.”
“I am. Nate told me he loved me. I love him too.”
“Oh, I’m so happy for you. It’s so wonderful hearing that for the first time, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’m so crazy about him.”
“I can tell. I am really happy you two worked out. You make a great couple. Oh, did you enjoy the race?”
“I did. I will definitely watch that again.”
“Rafe’s horse is so fast. Not long after it was born, it would be running around the pasture. Rafe told Mr. Hancock that he was a rocket. That’s how he got his name. Mr. Hancock gave him the colt. Rafe and that horse have a bond. I am surprised he raced, though.”
“Nate talked him into it. I’m glad Warren wasn’t upset.”
“Warren would never let something like that bother him. He was happy for Rafe.”
“He did seem to be. I’m glad it’s just for fun. Nate knew he didn’t stand a chance, but he did it anyway.”
“I’d love to see Sam do it, but he’d rather watch and keep an eye on the crowd. He’s constantly watching over the town.”
“He’s a good sheriff. His deputies seem like good men too.”
“Yes, all of them are. Well, I’d better get to my next patient before they think I left.” Tess smiled.
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”
Tess nodded, then entered a room. Markie stopped at the next door, removed the file from the patient chart holder hanging on the door, then entered and got started with her day.
****
As Nate sat in his office, he looked over what needed done this week. He liked to give the men their chores for the week on Mondays. That way, everyone knew what was expected of them. If someone had a problem, they were allowed to switch with another ranch hand, but only if they found someone willing to do that. Most of the time, the men did what was expected of them, but things sometimes came up, and someone needed to switch for one reason or another. Nate never got in on that decision. As far as he was concerned, it was between the men.
After sending it to the men in an email, he also printed it out. He pushed his chair back, stood, walked to the printer and removed the paper, then he opened the door, strode across the barn toward the corkboard, and pinned the paper to it.
“It’s cooled down a lot since the weekend,” Jobe said from beside him.
“Yeah, but it is September. Nice temps one day, snow the next.” Nate grinned.
“How did the race go?”
“Rafe won. I knew I wasn’t going to, but since I entered, I wanted him to. That horse of his is so fast.”
“I can’t believe he beat Warren.” Jobe laughed.
Nate chuckled. “I think Warren knew he had a challenge on his hands, but he didn’t care. It’s all for fun anyway.”
“I didn’t think any horse could beat Blaze.” Jobe shook his head.
“I had a feeling Rocket could. I don’t think I’ve seen a faster horse.”
“I’d better get busy. The guys need to get started. I’ll talk to you later, boss.”
“Alright, Jobe. I’ll be around. If you need me, you know how to find me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nate watched Jobe leave the barn and headed back to his office when he got a message on his phone. He removed it from his pocket to see a text from Markie.
Hi! She sent a heart emoji with it, making him smile.
Hey, darlin’. How’s your day?
Good. I just wanted to say hi. I was thinking about you.
You’d damn well better.
I’ll see you Friday.
Yes, ma’am. I love you.
I love you too.
I know. He grinned when she sent a heart emoji.
At the end of the day, Nate strode through the barn to head for his truck. When he walked toward it, he saw he had a flat tire.
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered, hating the idea of changing it.
With a heavy sigh, he squatted down to see if he’d run over a nail, but he saw a slash in it. Someone had deliberately cut the tire, and he had no doubt who it was. But how did Knowles know where he worked? Unless he followed him and Markie from the fair on Saturday, or when he’d been in town before for the pills.
Nate straightened up and looked around. He didn’t like the idea that Knowles could be out there, right now, watching him. He changed the tire as quickly as he could, then drove home, pulling into the garage.
After pushing the remote to close the door, Nate stepped from his truck, entered his house, and locked the door behind him. In the years he’d lived here, he had never locked his place, now he made sure he did anytime he left.
He made his way to the bathroom to shower, then he’d get something to eat. He was damn tired. It had been a long day. No one left before eight this evening. One of the combines broke down. Nate ran to town for parts, while Jobe worked on getting the broken parts off.
When Nate returned, it took them a few hours to get it running again and then they had to do the rest of the chores around the ranch. He did his part because otherwise, they’d still be working.
After his shower, he headed back toward the kitchen to make a sandwich. He was too tired to cook anything. He just wanted to eat, then go to bed.
He wasn’t sure about telling Markie about the tire. He knew it would just scare her and he never wanted to do that, but he needed her to keep an eye out for Knowles. After eating, he walked toward the bedroom, crawled under the covers, closed his eyes and drifted off.