Chapter Twelve
Late Saturday afternoon, two days later, Carson parked in front of his house. They’d been busy since early this morning feeding the calves. The days were getting shorter, the temperature colder.
As he got out of his truck, George’s happy barking reached him. Since Abby had been staying with him, the puppy kept close to her during the day and went with her when she worked in Dylan and June’s house.
At least he’d have company when Abby left tomorrow. Tomorrow … Inhaling, he shook his head, he was not going to think about that tonight. They still had a few hours before then. As he lengthened his strides, his heart did a few flips. He couldn’t wait to see Abby.
He found her in the bedroom in front of the mirror, struggling with something at the back of a gorgeous green dress. George was sitting in front of her, looking adoringly up at the vision in green.
“Hi,” she said. “You’re just in time. Please help me, I think the zipper is stuck.”
“Wow!” He grinned as he walked to her back. “You look gorgeous.” He quickly fixed the zipper. Looking at her in the mirror, he slowly slid it further down.
“Up, not down!” Laughing, she looked at him over her shoulder.
“You sure?”
Nodding, she lifted her hair that had been hanging over her one shoulder as usual. As he slowly moved the zipper up, he bent down to trail his lips over her skin until he’d pulled it all the way up. The dress had a halter neck, leaving her shoulders bare.
She let go of her hair and slipping his hands down over her arms, he pulled her against him. “Look how beautiful you are,” he murmured against her hair. Inhaling her scent, her softness, her low laugh, he slipped his fingers through her hair. “Like satin, I love it.”
Her eyes glittering, she stared back at him. Since Thursday, neither of them had mentioned the fact that she was leaving the next day. It hung in the air around them, though, no matter where they were or what they were doing.
Dropping his hands he turned away. “I need a shower.”
“June said George could stay with Daisy if that’s okay with you?” she called after him.
Unbuttoning his shirt, he slid it off his shoulders. Instead of dropping it on the floor like he used to do, he threw it in the laundry basket Abby had put in the one corner of the room. “Good idea.”
She giggled. “Look at you. Using the laundry basket and everything.”
The giggle went straight to his loins. “If you don’t want to end up in bed, I suggest you wait for me in the living room.”
Turning his back on her, he marched to the bathroom. His body was on fire, he was literally aching to be with her, but she was dressed and ready for the dance. And she was leaving tomorrow.
He quickly got rid of the rest of his clothing and dropped everything in the laundry basket in the bathroom.
Shaking his head, he got into the shower and opened the tap.
Lifting his head toward the water, his heart sighed.
How the hell was he supposed to get over her when everything in his house reminded him of her?
A soft sound behind him made him turn his head. And there she was, naked and beautiful and so sexy, his knees felt weak.
Pulling her closer, he hugged her tightly against him. For a moment they just stood like that while water poured over them. But the fire inside him was raging and she was still here. Pushing her softly against the side of the shower, he bent down and kissed her. They didn’t have much time.
As long legs closed around him, desire roared through his blood and everything else faded.
*
Abby was still a bit breathless by the time they were finally in the truck.
Her hair was still not quite dry, so she’d left it hanging loose.
George was on the back seat, they were going to drop him off first. As she looked up, the last rays of the sun hit one of the windows, illuminating the whole house for a split second.
“Wow,” she breathed.
“Your house … it really is so beautiful.”
He followed her gaze. “I had no idea what kind of house I wanted when we moved here. Dylan took Walker’s house—you’ve heard the story?”
She nodded. “Yes, June told me. So very sad.”
He nodded. “Anyway, I didn’t mind building a new house, so Dylan took Walker’s.
I knew I wanted a big porch but had no idea what it should look like until I saw a picture of a house with green shutters somewhere.
I can’t even remember where. The white walls, the green shutters, the black roof.
” He turned to look at her. “What does your dream home look like?”
Moving closer to him, she put her head against his arm. “I love a wide porch.” She couldn’t tell him his house was actually her dream home.
*
“So, this is the famous Graff Hotel?” Abby asked as they walked to the entrance.
It was about half an hour after she’d popped into Dylan’s and June’s house to drop George off, but her legs were still a bit shaky after Carson’s passionate lovemaking.
It was probably the artist in him, but if what he’d done back in the shower was any indication, he had a rich and creative imagination.
Inhaling shakily, she tried to focus on where they were. “It’s a beautiful building.”
“We are very proud of our Graff,” Carson said. “It has recently been restored. You haven’t really seen much of Marietta, have you?” he asked as he opened the door for her to enter.
“A little. I’ve been to Grey’s Saloon, and you’ve taken me to that Italian place …”
“Rocco’s.”
“Yes, that’s right, but I haven’t seen much else. I haven’t even been to Ellie’s yarn shop; there simply hasn’t been time. I have enjoyed spending time with June, though. I’ve really missed her, especially over weekends. That was the time she and I usually did things together.”
Stopping in the middle of the foyer, he turned to her. “Why don’t you stay another week?”
“I—”
“There you are,” June called behind her.
The next moment she and Dylan had reached them.
“Come on,” Dylan said. “The others are here already.”
Babbling, June grabbed her arm as they moved into the big hall in front of them, but Abby scarcely heard a word.
Why didn’t she stay another week? Yes, she had appointments, but if she really wanted to, she could ask Sarah to take them. Glancing up at Carson, who was smiling at something his brother was saying, her heart sighed.
She was going to miss this cowboy so much, but she couldn’t stay. It was going to be dreadfully hard to leave anyway, staying another week or longer would just make her departure so much more difficult.
Hopefully when she was back in familiar surroundings, working and helping other people organize their homes and life, this deep longing to be with him would fade. He would always be one of her favorite memories, though.
As they approached the table, a big, warm hand touched her back. She didn’t have to turn around to know it was Carson. He was the only man her body reacted to this way.
“What the hell?” Becket growled.
Abby looked up quickly to see all the Westons scowling at something or someone behind her. Cooper and Willow were also frowning but weren’t as stunned as the rest of their family.
Abby turned around to see what had caused the problem. Arlene and a tall, older man, with a crop of silver hair, hand in hand were approaching the table.
“Oh, my,” June said softly.
“Good evening, everyone,” Arlene called out gaily.
“You all remember Jeff Thomas? For those of you who don’t know, your dads and we attended the same local school back in the day.
He and I have been spending time together and well, he asked me to the dance.
Let’s sit here, Jeff.” She smiled at the older man and waited for him to pull out her chair.
“Why is everyone upset?” Abby asked June softly as she and Carson took their seats.
“It’s an interesting story,” June whispered. “Want to powder your nose?”
Nodding, Abby moved to get up, but Carson touched her arm. “What’s wrong?” he frowned.
“Bathroom,” she said, pressing his hand before she got up and followed June.
To Abby’s surprise, Laura, Ellie, Rose, and Willow all got up and followed them.
*
The awkward silence left behind after the women had left, was only broken when Jeff got up. “I’m getting something to drink. What can I get you, Arlene?”
As he walked toward the bar, Hayden, Becket, and Cooper got up and followed him.
Rolling her eyes, Arlene groaned out loud. “That’s why I didn’t say anything before the time. I knew they’d all turn into protective mama bears.”
“They’re just worried for you,” Dylan said. “I think you know that. Do you really know this guy?”
Arlene nodded. “I know enough to know he’s one of the good ones.
Life is so fleeting, you know? First my husband died and then, the one minute I had four sons and hours later, one was killed in an accident.
At our age we don’t know how many sunsets we have left.
Someone who makes you happy, who makes you laugh, doesn’t come around every day.
I’ve learned to enjoy each day, to live in the moment.
Jeff and I are friends, we enjoy each other’s company.
I’m not sending him away because my boys don’t like the idea of me having a male friend. ”
Just then the other men arrived back, all looking much more relaxed than before. When the music started, Hayden walked to his mother and held out his hand. Nothing was said, but it was clear he wanted to talk to her.
As they walked to the dance floor, the women returned. Carson got up and waited for Abby. Only when she put her hand in his, did his heart settle. He’d missed her.
“A hoard of women stormed poor Abby as we were leaving the bathroom,” Willow said with a laugh. “They all have kitchens and closets that need decluttering. She could be busy here indefinitely, if she chooses.”
“But that’s great, Abby,” Rose said. “If ever you decide to move here, you won’t have a problem with clients, I assure you.”
Abby smiled. “I’m sure someone from around here is already doing it.”
“Not that I know of,” Willow said. “Marietta can definitely do with someone with your skills.”
“Thanks, but my life is back in Seattle.”
“Well,” Laura added, “if ever you change your mind, just say the word. We’ll have clients lined up for you in no time.”
“Thank you,” Abby nodded, looking a bit like a deer caught in the headlights of a vehicle.
Time to change the subject. “A glass of wine?” Carson lifted the bottle of white wine he’d bought.
“Yes, thank you. So, where’s your beer?”
“It’s probably time I learn to enjoy wine as well,” he smiled.
“Good evening,” a voice behind them said. “May I have this dance?”
Carson stiffened. Nash Johnson, a cowboy working on one of the neighboring ranches, was holding out his hand to Abby. From the way he was swaying from side to side, it was obvious he’d had too much to drink already.
He was about to get up and state his claim on Abby, when he caught June’s eye. She shook her head.
Grabbing the glass of wine in front of him, he took a big gulp.
“Thank you so much,” Abby was saying, “but I’m here with Carson.”
“Just one dance?” Johnson insisted and tried to grab Abby’s hand.
This time, Carson got up. He didn’t say anything, just gave Johnson a long stare.
Johnson beat a hasty retreat. “You damn Westons!” he shouted from a safe distance.
Only as Carson turned back, did he notice his brother and his cousins were also standing.
“Oh, my goodness, you lot.” Arlene laughed. “Relax. It’s a dance, not a fight.”
“Care to dance?” Carson asked Abby.
Nodding, she took his hand and got up. “Thank you.”
*
As the crooning sounds of a slow country song about making love all night long, filled the air, Carson pulled her close. Sighing, Abby slipped her arms around his neck.
Bending his head, his lips found her shoulder.
Surrendering to the music, his big, warm hands, she laid her cheek against his solid chest. Inhaling his scent, relishing the shelter of his embrace, she tried to memorize the moment.
She’d never wanted anyone as deeply, as passionately as she did this man.
One song slipped into two, then three and still they swayed together to the music, neither of them willing to break the spell.
Finally, Carson lifted his head. “Let’s eat before we go home?” His low voice sent shivers down her spine. Taking her hand, he slipped it through his arm.
“Good idea,” she managed.
The food was already at the table when they returned. June looked up. “There you are. I was wondering if you’d left already.”
As she sat down, June leaned closer. “Will I see you again tomorrow before you leave?”
Abby shook her head. “I don’t think so. But I’ll see you in Seattle in two weeks’ time when you have your second book launch.”
“I’m really looking forward to it.” June smiled. “Although we had such a fun launch here in Marietta, I don’t know if anything can top that.”
“You sold so many books,” Abby said. “I think everyone who was there, bought a copy. I’m so happy for you. You’re living your dream.”
“I know. The only sad thing is that you’re returning to Seattle. You and Carson …?” she added softly.
Abby shook her head, the sudden lump in her throat making it impossible to talk.
“Do you remember what you told me when I went back to Seattle?” June asked.
“Not sure what you’re referring to.”
“You reminded me that we’re not those helpless little girls we were way back when anymore. We’re allowed to leave Seattle if we want to, we’re allowed to be happy. From what I can see, Carson makes you very happy.”
Abby couldn’t talk and just nodded.
The talk at the table became general. Abby tried to follow the conversations around her, but she was so aware of Carson beside her, it was difficult.
“You okay?” he asked as he put a hand on her shoulder.
“Yes, thanks.” Picking up her fork, she tried to eat, but he didn’t take his hand away and within seconds, she was burning up.
Turning her head, she caught his eye. Of course, he knew immediately what she wanted. He didn’t blink, just threw down his napkin and got up. “Excuse us, please.”
With a small wave, Abby got up too. Carson grabbed her hand, and she followed his long strides without question. Tonight, she’d go where he was leading her. There was no place else she wanted to be.
Her plan had been to say goodbye to everyone, but right now she wanted to be with her cowboy. They had one more night and she didn’t want to miss a second of it. Tomorrow, while driving, she’d leave voice messages for everyone.