I said, he needs to stop punishing himself and start livin’ again. But he’s a stubborn man.”
Later, after finishing work and bidding Mitch farewell, Dee walked from the barn toward the house. She stopped as a car pulled into the driveway and parked next to her Jeep. Her curiosity grew as a tall blonde slid from the driver’s side of the candy red convertible and waved a slender hand at her.
Dee squinted and held her hand over her eyes as a shield from the afternoon sun. She didn’t know the woman, but Dee politely returned the wave.
“Dee Crawford, is that really you?” The pretty woman pulled off her wide sunglasses and tottered across the grass in three-inch heels. “I hardly recognized you.”
“I...I’m sorry, but I...”
“I’m Melissa Cartel. It’s been years. We met once, when you and Jacob were at my house dropping off some paperwork for Abe.” She patted her big hair and sighed. “He helps with my business. I don’t have a lick of sense when it comes to the financial stuff.”
Dee searched her memory, without luck.
“Of course, you don’t remember me.” Melissa waved a hand. “Last time you saw me I was thirty pounds heavier with dark hair and straight out of a divorce. I guess it’s been a long time, huh?”
“It has,” Dee agreed. “How did you know I was here?”
“My aunt Rita told me.”
“Rita?”
“Rita Graves. She helps Abe around the place. This is her home away from home.”
Dee’s eyes widened. Mrs. Graves? It figured. Everyone knew everyone, and they were all somehow related. In her large downtown Chicago apartment, she’d barely spoken with her neighbor more than three times. “I’m sure your aunt will be happy to see you.”
Melissa shook her head, sending large hoop earrings bobbing. “I’m not here to see her.” She sounded almost offended. “I’m here to see Abe.”
Dee opened her mouth, then shut it. Were Abe and Melissa in a relationship?
Dee gave Melissa a subtle once-over. She didn’t seem like Abe’s type. Although attractive and shapely, Melissa wouldn’t be a woman she could see him dating. Then again, she had no clue what Abe’s type was.
“Abe’s not here,” she finally said.
Disappointment skimmed over Melissa’s face. Crimson lips turned down at the corners, and she fluttered kohl-lined blue eyes with an actress’s sultry flair. “He’s always here on Wednesday mornings. Did he say where he’s headed?”
“I didn’t see him this morning. Your aunt said he was off in a hurry.” Running like a coward, Dee added silently.
Melissa glanced at her delicate silver watch and groaned. “I really expected to see him.”
“I doubt he’ll be gone long. You may want to wait or call his cell.” At that moment she heard tires popping on gravel and the growl of a diesel engine. They both turned as Abe’s truck rolled up the drive and parked.
* * * *
Abe could practically feel the women watching him as he slid out of his truck. Women’s eyes somehow felt different, like they could strip a man down to his soul and cripple him. The last thing he needed was for Dee and Melissa to get chatty. He had horse feed to unload and books to balance–and unfortunately, ignoring Melissa wasn’t an option. He made his way toward the ladies and attempted a smile.
He’d meant to ignore Dee, but she captured him: a disheveled delight, her hair and clothing strewn with hay.
His fingers ached and tingled. He wanted to touch her. Wanting to tease each straw from her hair and body, piece by slow piece. His eyes dipped lower, drawn where they shouldn’t be. Sweat slicked her damp shirt to her breasts. Her erect nipples thrust against the thin material. His stomach clenched; he swallowed a hard gasp. The air was too cold against his heated lips. Damn. Son of a gun. Her tight t-shirt rode high on her flat stomach, baring a slim strip of pale skin. He’d have to be cold-blooded or dead not to linger on her shapely hips and slender legs, wrapped in denim like a leather glove.
What the hell was wrong with him?
Anger shot through him like a hot iron. Was that excitement making his backbone tingle?
She must have been working in the barn with Mitch. He’d hoped morning would change her mind and send her back on the road.
Luck just wasn’t on his side.
He realized he was staring when he caught her staring back, her eyes narrowed, her lips pursed as if she’d read his wayward thoughts in his eyes. He tore his fingers through his hair and looked away.
Melissa snapped her gum. “Boy, don’t you look like you’ve tangled with a bull this morning. Bad day, huh, Abe?”
He made a conscious effort to soften his glare. “I apologize, Melissa. I forgot you were coming. I had to run get some feed.” He kept his eyes on Melissa, but was all too aware of Dee.
Melissa wagged a finger at him. “Were you keeping a secret, Abe?”
Inwardly, he groaned. He wasn’t ready for this conversation. “Not everything has to be front page news in this town,” he muttered.
Melissa giggled. “Abe, you know you can’t change a light bulb without the town hearing the news.” She threw Dee a knowing wink. “And this is certainly more than a light bulb. Jacob’s fiancée is back in town. People will expect you to give her a proper welcome and throw her a party.”
“I’m not a party-throwing kind of guy.” He snarled and shuffled his feet. He should have found more excuses to stay in town.
“But she’s family.” Melissa’s voice teetered on a whine.
“Not to seem rude, Melissa, but I don’t need a party. I know you mean well, but Abe has welcomed me enough,” Dee said. Abe caught Dee’s sidelong glance in his peripheral vision.
Melissa’s mouth formed a perfect O. “You two party poopers. Abe, sweetheart, if you won’t have a party, by all means, I will. You know I love to play host.”
Melissa rested her clawlike hand on his arm and squeezed. He nearly recoiled from the unspoken, unwanted intimacy in the touch, and barely controlled himself. He started to say something, but Dee beat him to the punch.
“That’s very sweet, Melissa, but please don’t go to the trouble for me. I’m really a quiet person.”
Cursing under his breath, Abe pinched the bridge of his nose. He just wanted the conversation to be over. “I’ll give a party. We wouldn’t want the whole town feeling sorry for Dee because she didn’t get a blasted shindig in her honor.”
Dee threw her hands up. “Melissa, it was very nice meeting you again. I’m heading back down to the barn to catch Mitch.” Dee’s hands clenched and unclenched at her sides. “All of a sudden I have a strong desire to use my hands.”
Abe
