Randall Riches (15 page)

Suddenly the excitement went out of her. She had to leave, and she knew it. Buying clothes would be a waste of time. She was fortunate she’d gotten to stay until her arm and shoulder had recovered. She wouldn’t have been able to get a waitressing job while she was hurt.

But she had to leave, even if she hadn’t been well. Because of Rich. He was a good man. And an incredible kisser. She wouldn’t be able to resist him. Or what he would offer because he had to if they— Yes, she definitely would have to leave.

No future here. Not even for a few months. She’d been fooling herself. The thought of going through the summer, with picnics, rides, sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other… Samantha knew she was too weak to resist Rich’s touch. And the moment she did give in to what she wanted, everything would be ruined.

She already knew him well. He might think he was going to remain single for years, but she figured he’d marry soon. He and Russ had spent too many years
sharing life. Now that Russ had Abby, Rich would find someone. Someone he respected and loved, she hoped.

Not someone he’d been forced to marry.

Maybe she should go before next Friday. Before she wasted her money on things she couldn’t take with her. Before she thought too much about leaving. Before she weakened.

Lavinia parked the car in front of her house. “That was fun today, but it’s good to be home.”

“Yeah,” Rich agreed, reaching for his door handle. “Lots of excitement.”

“I reckon Russ and Abby will be next, and I’ll be Great-Grandma. You’d better start looking for your own lady, Rich, or your brother’s going to pass you by.”

“It’s not a race, Grandma,” Rich admonished. “I have to find the right lady. Someone who wants the same things.” Then he opened the door and got out.

Samantha, with her head down, followed him. It occurred to her that Rich had everything any woman could want. So it shouldn’t take much time for him to find his match, if he ever started looking.

Good thing she’d already decided to leave. She was coming to realize how much it would hurt for him to bring his future bride to Lavinia’s. She’d have to leave then, for sure. But she wouldn’t be able to resist temptation that long. She was sure about that.

“Help Samantha with those leftovers, will you, Rich? Red and Mildred sent enough food for supper tonight. No need to do any cooking.”

After they got the food into the house, Sam ran upstairs. When she came down a few minutes later, Rich
and his grandmother were quietly talking in the kitchen. He looked up when she entered.

“Sam, I need to check on a mare in the barn. She’s due any time. Could you come with me and hold the flashlight?”

“There are lights in the barn,” she said in surprise. “Why do you need—”

“The overheads are dim. I’m going to need more light to examine her.”

“Will B.J. be coming over?” Since his aunt was an experienced vet, it seemed Rich should call her.

“Maybe, once I check the mare out. I don’t want to make B.J. drive out if it isn’t necessary.”

“Go help him, please, dear. He’s promised to be good.” Lavinia added a smile to her request.

Samantha’s cheeks flushed and she abruptly agreed. “Sure. Where’s the flashlight?” She would do almost anything Lavinia asked of her.

“You’d better get your jacket,” Rich told her. “It still gets cold at night.”

She got her jean jacket and returned to the kitchen. Grandmother and grandson were talking quietly again, as if they were sharing a secret.

After watching in suspicion, she cleared her throat. “I’m ready.”

“Good,” Lavinia said, smiling again. “I’ll take a little nap while you two work.”

Rich said nothing, just led the way out of the kitchen.

When she stepped out onto the porch, she realized the sun had disappeared behind the mountains since they’d gotten home. The stars filled the night sky, and
a full moon offered enough light to find their way to the barn.

“What do you do in the winter? If it snows, how do you get to the barns?” she asked, looking for a distraction. She was getting very nervous about their trip to the barn.

“We use the rope system. It’s easy to get lost in a blizzard. So we connect ropes between the barns and the house and bunkhouse.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t let you get lost,” he said with a laugh.

She said nothing, knowing she wouldn’t be there for the July wedding, much less the winter storms. She blinked her eyes, to dismiss the tears. She couldn’t understand why she was having trouble with tears. She seldom cried. She’d learned the hard way that tears helped nothing. In fact, it made men think she was weak, easy prey.

She mustn’t let Rich think she was weak.

There was no more conversation until Rich shoved back the big door of the barn. He flicked on a light and Samantha didn’t think it was too weak. But she’d admit she hadn’t examined a pregnant horse before.

“I’ll get the flashlight,” Rich said and strode down the row of stalls toward the tack room.

Her tension lessened somewhat. He hadn’t jumped her, tried to resume what they’d started in the kitchen that morning, so maybe his request was legitimate. She hoped so. She wouldn’t be able to resist that pleasure, she feared.

Rich came out of the tack room and motioned her forward to a stall halfway down the barn. The mare in that stall was standing, looking miserable with her head down, her stomach large. Even Samantha knew she was near her time.

“Is she all right?”

“That’s what we’re going to find out,” Rich assured her. “Dixie, here, is a first-time mom.”

“Oh, poor baby.” She patted the horse’s nose and neck.

“She’s an Appaloosa. I’m hoping her baby has the markings, too.” He began examining the horse.

Samantha stepped forward and pointed the light in the proper direction.

When Rich finished, he patted the horse on her rump and stepped back. Samantha turned off the flashlight and handed it to him as she asked, “Is Dixie all right?”

“Yeah. I think maybe we’ve got a couple of more days, yet.”

A couple of days. She might not be able to stay until Elizabeth’s baby was born, but maybe she could see Dixie’s baby into the world.

Pleasure poured through her.

But Rich’s next words immediately wiped the pleasure away.

“Sam, I lied to you.”

When Samantha began backing away, Rich figured he’d blown it already. “Whoa, Sam! Let me explain.”

She stopped, and he figured it was the first time she’d done as he asked. “I didn’t lie about anything so bad. I just didn’t need you to come out to the barn with the flashlight.”

She stared at him. Then she asked, “Is that it?”

“Yeah.”

“Why did you ask me out here, then?”

“Because I wanted to apologize to you without Grandma hearing us.” He ducked his head in embarrassment.

“Apologize for what?”

He snapped his head up and stared at her. “This morning.”

She didn’t say anything. But she didn’t look at him either.

“Sam, I know kissing you was— I should’ve asked you—” He cleared his throat. “Uh, I’m really attracted to you. If you were someone I’d known for a while, we
could, you know, take it easy. But I don’t want to stop when we—you know. So it’s best if we don’t start.”

“I—I didn’t exactly push you away.”

“Yeah,” he said. What she said was true, but that didn’t take away his blame. “It’s still my fault. I just wanted to tell you I’m going to try real hard not to touch you anymore. I think it’s some kind of chemical reaction. Nothing to be done but avoid each other.”

“Yes, there’s something to do. I need to leave.”

She turned to walk out of the barn, but Rich couldn’t let her leave. He hurried around her to lean against the closed barn door.

“Now, Sam, you can’t do that.”

“Why not? I only promised to be here a week.”

“You can’t do that because Grandma loves you. I don’t want her hurt.”

“She’ll forget me in a while. Abby’s going to arrange some things for Lavinia that will help.” She edged to his side, but he put out an arm to stop her.

“What things?”

“We’re— I mean, Abby is going to get Lavinia to teach a class at night to young ladies. How to knit and crochet. Maybe even demonstrate quilting. As long as she’s needed and has lots to do, she’ll be all right.”

“That’s a good plan, Sam. Thanks.”

“Abby’s doing it.”

“Because you thought of it.” She was close enough to touch. He’d really like to hold her in his arms again. To have her hold him. She was right. It was nice to feel needed.

“I need to go in and get some rest.” She avoided his gaze.

“First you need to promise me you won’t run away. Dad and Mom would be upset, too.”

“Rich, you don’t understand. I don’t fit into this family. I never will. I’m a loner. I move around. We scarcely speak the same language. I left school in middle school. All of you have degrees.”

“But you talk like you’re educated,” he pointed out. “Why is that?”

She dropped her head. “I spent a lot of time in libraries when I was younger. I read a lot. The librarians helped me.”

He pictured her sitting in a chair too big for her, reading books because she had nowhere to go. “Good for you. You probably know a lot more than me.”

She shook her head. “I have to go. Lavinia’s probably fixing dinner.”

“She’ll wait on us. She knows I’m apologizing. She said she’d hold me responsible if you went away.” He tried a smile but it didn’t seem to affect her.

“I can’t promise what’s going to happen in the future, Rich.”

“Okay, promise you won’t run away tonight. Can you do that? Can you promise that I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow?”

She sighed. “Okay, fine, I won’t run away tonight.”

“Whew! Thank you, now we can go to the house. I don’t think Grandma intended to let me eat if I didn’t get your promise.” This time he smiled big, hoping she’d at least smile a little.

But he’d made the mistake of relaxing his arms, and she slipped past him. He caught up with her after turning out the light and closing the door. But she didn’t respond to his teasing.

Lavinia met them at the back door. “Everything okay?”

This time Samantha reached out and kissed Lavinia’s cheek. “Of course. I’m starving.”

“Me, too,” Rich agreed and hugged his grandma.

“Good. We’ll need to heat things up, son, if you have some work to do.”

Ignoring Lavinia’s questioning gaze, Samantha moved to the sink to wash her hands. She didn’t want to answer any questions right now.

S
AMANTHA LAY IN BED
as late as possible the next morning. It had taken her a long time to get to sleep. She had plans to make. And dilemmas to solve.

She believed what she’d told Rich. She didn’t belong in the Randall family. She had to leave. But she didn’t want to leave without more from Rich. She’d decided that she was going to ask him to make love to her.

Not to trap him into marriage. She would leave immediately afterward. But she’d waited all her life for the feelings she experienced when Rich touched her. She was tired of waiting. It would be a sort of reward. It wouldn’t hurt Rich. Most men didn’t complain about making love. It wouldn’t stop him from waiting until the right woman came along.

But she would have memories, wonderful memories, of sharing such intimacy with the one man she’d found
who made her feel special when he touched her. She couldn’t have a future with him, but she could have her memories.

Responsibly, of course. She couldn’t travel pregnant. She couldn’t properly provide for a baby. But she could have memories of making love to a man she respected and…cared about.

So she hoped to stay for Dixie’s big moment…and her own.

Then she’d go back out into the world and look for another job, another temporary place to live. But she’d have her memories to take with her.

She had a lot to do today.

Breakfast with Rich and Lavinia was good. She watched their expressions, listened to their gentle teasing, stored up the scents of breakfast.

“I need to run into town this morning, Lavinia. Is there anything I can do for you?” she asked. It was the first time she’d asked to go somewhere and both Lavinia and Rich looked surprised.

“Why, no, dear, but you can take Rich to see Doc. I was going to drive him in, but I’m a little tired from our big day yesterday.”

“Don’t you feel good?” she asked, frowning with concern.

“Sure. I’m just being lazy. When’s your appointment, Rich?”

“At eight. Doc said he’d get to me early so I can get some work done.”

“Well, mercy, you two had better hurry,” Lavinia warned, checking her watch. “It’s seven-thirty now.”

Sam stood and began clearing off the table.

“Oh, leave that to me, child. I don’t have to be anywhere. I’ll do it after you’re gone.”

Sam ignored her and filled one sink with hot, soapy water. Then she filled the water with dirty dishes.

“You stubborn child. You remind me of Janie. And me.”

Lavinia looked at Rich. “Tell your father we’re going to need that highfalutin dishwasher, now. I don’t want that child to get dishpan hands.”

“I’ll tell him, Grandma.”

After they were in the car, Samantha driving, Rich chuckled. “I’m beginning to agree with Mom. You’re a miracle worker.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Dad has tried many a time to get Grandma to update her kitchen. She’s always refused. Now she’s changed her mind because she doesn’t want you to get dishpan hands.”

“I think that’s sweet.”

“Definitely,” Rich agreed.

Nothing more was said until she parked in front of the clinic. “I’ll go run my errands and come back and pick you up,” she said, ignoring his curious gaze.

“Or you could come in with me and then I’d help you run your errands.”

“No, thank you. They’re personal.”

Fortunately, she knew Doc would take at least half an hour to examine Rich and remove the cast. That should give her enough time, because she didn’t trust Rich not to follow her.

The bank was just across the street and the drugstore two doors down. She wouldn’t even have to move the car.

In the bank, she withdrew all but fifty dollars of the salary she’d been paid. She didn’t close the account because she figured they might call Pete and tell him. Rawhide was a small, personal town.

“You want it all in cash?” the bank teller asked, her voice rising in surprise.

“Yes, please, I’m going on a big shopping spree.”

“My goodness, that should be fun,” the woman said, smiling.

Her kindness made Sam feel bad. She shouldn’t have lied, but she had no choice.

At the drugstore, she bought a small box of condoms, hoping no one would recognize her. She didn’t want rumors to start and embarrass the Randalls after she left.

Her last stop was to the feed and general store where the Greyhound bus made a stop every other day. The young woman behind the counter sold her a ticket for Thursday on a bus that would take her to Denver.

When she got back to the clinic, her secrets hidden in her handbag, Rich was waiting. He wiggled his bare foot at her, grinning. “Look! I’m not a cripple anymore.”

“Congratulations!” she said. Another memory she’d have. “Ready to go?”

“Doc wanted you to step inside when you got here. He wants to be sure you’re healed.”

“Oh, there’s no need to bother him,” she said, backing toward the door.

Rich stood and took her arm. “We all do what Doc says. We’re lucky to have him.” He pushed open the door beside the little desk and hollered, “Doc, she’s here.”

The elderly man came out at once. “Hi, there, Sam. How’s that arm and shoulder?”

“Just fine, Dr. Jacoby. I’m fine. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“No bother. May I?” he asked as he lifted the arm of the T-shirt and peered under it. After Samantha nodded, he slid his hand to her shoulder and rotated it a little. Sam made sure she didn’t grimace, even if there still was a little pain.

“All right. Good as new. I’m glad I put in those stitches that disintegrate. Hardly left a scar. You take care now,” Doc said cheerfully.

“I will, thank you.” She liked the doctor, but she knew she wouldn’t be seeing him again.

When they returned to the sidewalk where they parted less than an hour ago, Rich asked, “Did you get all your errands run?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m ready to go back to the ranch.”

“I need to go to the drugstore. I ran out of aftershave this morning. Come on, it’s a good little store.”

Sam stared at him. She couldn’t go into the drugstore now, with Rich. The salesgirl might link her purchase to Rich.

“I’m a little pooped, Rich. I think I’ll sit in the car while you go in.”

“Don’t want to be seen with me?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Yes, that’s it. I’m afraid my standing in the community will scrape bottom if I’m seen with you.” She smiled at him and got in the car.

He gave her a strange look before crossing the street and disappearing into the store.

After five minutes, he returned. “Anything you need?” he asked again, but she refused. Before she could start the engine, he said, “Well, I need something.”

Surprised, she stared at him. “What?”

“A cup of coffee. Park by the café.”

“Can’t you wait until we get home? I’m sure Lavinia will have a pot on.”

“Nope. I can’t wait.”

She did as he asked, but she didn’t understand his insistence.

Inside, he waved at the waitress and led her to a booth nearby. “Hi, Mona. We need some coffee.”

“I’ll be right there, Rich.”

Samantha stared at the woman, wondering if she’d been one of Rich’s conquests. When she brought over a pot of coffee and two mugs, Sam realized the woman was older than she looked.

“Hi, there. You’re the young lady living with Lavinia? How’s she doing?”

“Very well, thank you. I’m Samantha Jeffers.”

“I’m Mona Woodruff. Keep your eye on this rascal. I baby-sat him a few times.”

“Now, Mona, don’t start telling those stories about me and Russ running around without our diapers,” Rich protested. His cheeks actually reddened.

Samantha couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

“No, ma’am, no modesty at all,” Mona agreed with a grin. “Can I get you anything else? The cinnamon buns are really good today.”

“That’s what you always say,” Rich complained.

“And am I ever wrong?”

“Nope. Bring me one. How about you, Sam?”

“No, thank you. I’ve been gaining weight ever since I moved in with Lavinia. My jeans are too tight.”

“I know what you mean. Lavinia’s a good cook,” Mona agreed.

“Well, as the only male present, let me go on record as saying I don’t object to tight jeans,” Rich assured Samantha, raising his eyebrows at her.

“Oh, you!” Mona spoke, swiping him with a towel. “I’d better go get that cinnamon bun before the boss yells at me.”

“She’s nice,” Sam said, looking around the café.

“You could’ve been working with her. They’ve got a sign in the window for help wanted.” He watched her as if he thought she’d leap at the opportunity.

“It would’ve been nice. Maybe in a few weeks. I don’t think Lavinia really needs help anymore.”

“But I think she’ll want you around anyway.”

Sam shrugged her shoulders.

“Are you looking forward to the shopping trip at the end of the week?”

“Of course.” She must not have put enough enthusiasm in her voice because Rich looked skeptical.

“Most ladies like the opportunity to shop,” Rich an
nounced as he lifted his cup for a sip. “In fact, most ladies wouldn’t be satisfied with Rawhide. Maybe you should’ve waited until Friday to make your purchases today.”

She knew he was fishing about any purchases she might’ve made. “No, they had everything I needed today.”

“Will you enjoy the big shopping expedition?”

“Anyone would enjoy shopping with their friends.” Sam chose her words carefully.

“Hmm, maybe I should accompany you on the trip. Elizabeth and Toby did a shopping trip in Denver. Russ went with them, he and Abby.”

“I don’t think Janie will want you along.”

“I’m beginning to feel unloved.”

“Right,” Samantha said with a grin, knowing Rich was joking. Or at least she hoped he was.

Mona brought out the promised cinnamon bun, and Sam’s mouth watered. “Oh, my. I bet those are really good.”

“Want me to bring you one?” the waitress asked.