Jamie (10 page)

“The way you've gotten to know him?”

Jamie ran a hand through his hair. Instead of answering, he went on with his recount of Visitation's citizens. “Bryan tailed Joe here. Back then, Bryan was a bounty hunter after the man who was after Joe.”

“Okay.” Faith thought her eyes might cross trying to follow that one.

With no consideration to her confusion, Jamie said, “Bryan married Shay and came back to settle here, and then his twin, Bruce, who's a preacher, also moved here.” He paused, his eyes lighting as he added softly, “Bruce fell head over heels in love with Cyn, and now they're married, too.”

Faith eased closer to Jamie. “You're smiling.”

At her gently spoken words, Jamie's eyes widened in incredulity, then narrowed with annoyance. “I am not.”

She took great pleasure in saying, “Are too.”

He stared at her.

Faith tilted her head, studying him with a smile of her own. “Is it Cyn? You like her?”

After blinking twice, Jamie muttered a foul word under his breath. “Yeah, I guess I do. She's . . . pushy as hell, and her life was a nightmare—that is, until she met Bruce. She's . . .”

“Special?”

Jamie glared at her. “Do you always finish other people's sentences?”

Faith had to bite back her grin. “Yeah, I do. It's yet another of my many faults, like clumsiness and gabbing too much. I'm sorry.”

Skeptical, he studied her face. “You don't look sorry. You look amused.”

A laugh bubbled out, and she shrugged helplessly. “Sorry again.”

Jamie rolled his eyes—which for Jamie, was pretty demonstrative.

Proud of herself, Faith asked, “So who else do you know in Visitation?

“There's Alyx Winston, Joe's sister and a real hell-raiser. Poor Scott, the deputy, has his hands full with her. But it's easier for him now that Clint is here, because Clint rightfully took the position of sheriff, which freed up some of Scott's time and allowed Clint to stay close to Julie.”

She'd never be able to keep so many names straight. “For a recluse, you know an awful lot of people. Do they all care about you?”

Jamie set his mug of coffee on the table and stood to pace. Head down, hands on his hips, he nodded. “They do. I don't know how to stop them.”

Faith moved to the very edge of the couch. “Why would you want to stop them? You care about them, too. That's how friendship works.”

His shoulders hunched in a posture of self-defense. “No.”

“Yes.”

He jerked around to face her. “Damn it, Faith ...”

Ignoring the pain in her leg, she set the ice pack aside and left the couch. Raising her voice to match his, she said, “Denying it doesn't make it less true.”

Jamie looked ready for more arguments.

In two hobbling steps, Faith reached him. She put her hands on his shoulders and leaned into him, using him to help support her weight rather than stress her throbbing leg. “Don't you see, Jamie?”

“See what?”

She tried to shake him, but he didn't budge an inch. “You care about them, all of them, but you can still read their thoughts and intents. You can still see future problems, can't you?”

Jamie's gaze locked on hers like a lifeline. Appearing very uncertain, yet at the same time astonished, he nodded. “Sometimes.”

“Whenever necessary,” Faith insisted. “And I'm betting you could do it anytime you wanted.” She had to believe that. “You just respect their privacy too much to tune into them when there's nothing wrong. But despite your feelings, the moment something is wrong, you know it.”

Jamie worked his jaw, considering what she said, and then suddenly he lifted his head in alarm. He seemed to see beyond Faith.

Pulled from the moment of revelation, Jamie cursed.

Faith's heart shot into her throat. “What is it?”

Groaning long and low, Jamie muttered, “Alyx Winston.”

Oh. Not a tragedy? “What about Alyx?”

“She's coming here.”

“Now?” New panic settled on Faith. Good grief. She hadn't even been to the bathroom yet, hadn't had a single cup of coffee or cleaned her teeth or her face, or combed her hair....

Jamie shook his head. “Calm down. You have time to do everything. She won't be here till later.”

“But... you looked so put-upon. I expected her to burst in on us any moment.”

“You haven't met Alyx. She's like a small tornado, determined to be my damn pal, dropping in for visits uninvited because she thinks she can force some kind of closeness.”

Faith softened. “She cares about you.”

Jamie nearly fried her with a hot glare, but when Faith just grinned, pleased with any show of emotion from him—even frustrated emotion—he gave up with a long huff. “Go use the john, do whatever prettying-up you think you have to do, but make it quick. I want you sitting down so you can ice that leg. It'll help with the swelling.”

“Thank you.”

Jamie leveled his brows. “The quicker it mends, the quicker you can leave.”

But Faith, still smiling, said, “La la la. I'm not listening, Jamie Creed, so save your insults. You're just being mean to be mean.” She hobbled toward the bathroom with her fingers in her ears, still singing, and even the pain in her thigh couldn't dampen her mood.

“Faith?”

He spoke so quietly that she winced before pulling one finger from her ear and peering at him. “Hmm?”

The seconds ticked by, and finally Jamie's dark frown relaxed. “I'll get you some coffee, then put on breakfast. I trust you like bacon and eggs?”

Coffee.
“Oh, bless you, Jamie, bless you. And truly, I swear, you won't regret this.”

“I better not.”

He turned away, so he didn't see the way Faith clasped her hands together and swallowed a squeal of pure joy. Things were moving right along. She just had to keep to her course and everything would be okay.

Jamie would see to it.

Chapter Five

Alyx cursed as her foot slipped across slick, wet leaves and sank into a soft, muddy crevice on the mountain. Her ankle boot filled with sludge. “Great. Just great.” She jerked her foot loose and shook off the excess mud. “Stupid never-ending rain.”

Holding up a hand to shield her face, she tried to gauge how much farther she had to go. Finding Jamie's cabin the first time, when she hadn't even known the way, wasn't much harder than slogging blindly through this storm. Of course, the other times Jamie had known she was coming and met her partway. He'd tried to talk her into going back, but her stubbornness had won out.

Groaning at her own audacity and buried in guilt, Alyx kept going.

She'd known that Jamie didn't want his whereabouts uncovered. He wanted to maintain a distance from everyone, appearing only when it suited him, helping only when he deemed necessary.

Yet she'd opened her big mouth and spilled the beans, in part to ensure Jamie didn't get company without warning. But also... to tweak Scott.

Alyx had known how he'd react to her news... and yeah, it had gotten his attention big-time.

When would Scott realize he loved her and wanted to marry her and be with her forever? Better be soon, because she was fed up with waiting.

Never in her life had she met anyone as inflexible and controlling as Scott. Well, except maybe her brother Joe, but on Joe she found it amusing. Scott's controlled nature challenged her, made her proud, and turned her on. He was just so strong, in body strength and in strength of will. He made a fabulous deputy. He'd make an even better husband.

Pushing forward, Alyx mentally checked off the markers she'd memorized: the giant split boulder with a tree growing out of the middle, the rushing stream to the west, the dead fir tree, the... ah-ha. Way up ahead, just barely visible, she could see smoke. Heaven knew it was cold enough up in the mountain on this dreary day to need a fire in the grate. Alyx had goose bumps on her goose bumps, and she couldn't wait to get inside and soak up some warmth.

When she'd first planned this odyssey, she had expected to reach Jamie by late morning and hopefully convince him to come to town before the town came to him. But then one thing after another had come up.

Joe asked her to run by the store to pick up some necessities, and since she was staying with him and Luna, how could she refuse? And then Luna, delayed at the hairdresser's, had asked her to stay with Austin until she got home. And she and Willow, who was now sixteen, had done some online shopping for new clothes....

Hearing a loud crack of thunder, Alyx wondered if she should have cancelled her visit, but it wasn't in her nature to alter plans just because of nasty weather. She wasn't made of sugar, and she wouldn't melt.

So what if the mountain got darker early, or if the storm worsened?

Tucking her package tighter beneath her arm and giving her big floppy-brimmed hat a tug to keep it secure, Alyx forged onward.

Would Jamie be happy to see her? Right. Like Jamie ever showed happiness. Last time he'd looked more annoyed than anything else. Not that Jamie showed any emotion much. It just sort of shone from his dark, mysterious eyes, eyes that made a body feel as if he could see clean down to her soul.

Alyx shivered, more from nervousness—which she'd never admit to anyone—than from the whistling wind and freezing rain.

Jamie would probably—

“I should
probably
refuse to let you come any closer. ”

With a startled yelp, Alyx backpedaled in the wet leaves and mud. She would have fallen on her butt if Jamie hadn't shot out a hand and grabbed her upper arm. He yanked her upright, and the package beneath her arm dropped.

With his free hand, he caught that too, impressing the hell out of Alyx. Next to Joe and Scott, Jamie had the best reflexes of any man she knew.

“Great,” Jamie complained. “Third in line. What a boost to the old ego.”

Alyx blinked several times, trying to clear the rain from her vision. Jamie,
joking?
She scrubbed a hand over her face and gave him a toothy grin. “Well, Joe's my brother, and you know what a badass he is.”

Hauling her along, Jamie continued up the hill.

Alyx hustled rather than be dragged through the mud. Clearing her throat, she added, “And you know I have a thing for Scott.”

“A thing, huh? You're in love with a capital L. You should tell him so.”

What an appalling thought. “No way. He has never, not once, mentioned love to me. Why should I be first?”

“Why should he?”

Alyx bristled. “I'm always the one having to chase him.” Besides, what if she told him and he said ... nothing in return?

Jamie shook his head. “You don't give him much of a chance to make the first move. You taunt him, provoke him, and then jump him. All he can do is react.”

Alyx dug in her heels. “You're saying I'm too forward? Is that it? Just because I'm a woman, I shouldn't go after what I want? Is that it, Jamie?”

He let her go but kept walking. Well, damn. Alyx scampered after him, slipped twice, lost her hat once, and finally got next to him again. “Why are you in such a rush? I've never seen you rush.”

“I have company—as you already know.”

The change of subject brightened her. “That's right! A naked lady.” She gouged her elbow into Jamie's ribs. “What's up with that anyway? Did you invite her here?”

The question no sooner left her mouth than Jamie's shoulders stiffened and his bearded jaw started flexing.

He said flatly, “No.”

Hackles rising at this unusual sign of his distress, Alyx knotted her hands into fists and evil thoughts crowded her mind. “Want me to get rid of her for you?”

Jamie stopped, dropped his head forward, shook it. “Unbelievable.” Then he started on his way again. “I don't need you to defend me, Alyx. Scott doesn't need you to defend him.”

“What does Scott have to do with this?”

“You attempt to emasculate him. Publicly. All the time.”

“I do not!”

Jamie glanced at her. “He cares for you, you know. ”

Just peachy. Except she wanted more than caring. She wanted love. Full-blown. No holds barred. The forever kind. “Yeah ... like, how much?”

Jamie, not exactly a ray of sunshine today, shook his head.

The cabin finally came into view, and Alyx hurried her step, anxious to get out of the rain. “Jamie? Okay, come on, explain that stupid comment.”

“I don't make stupid comments.” He kept walking.

“Explain it anyway. How could I possibly emasculate Scott?” She snorted. “The man is so macho, it's unnerving.”

“Doesn't unnerve you.”

“And he's got an ego the size of this mountain.”

“Now that's the pot calling the kettle black.”

Scowling, Alyx charged forward, filled with indignation. “He takes charge in every situation—”

“Except around you, because you never give him a chance. As a deputy, maintaining a cool head at all times is important to him. But you make him lose his temper. On purpose. Over and over again. ”

Remembering some of the times Scott had lost control, Alyx fought a grin. “It's funny when he blusters and clomps around and carries on.”

On a rock path that led to his porch, Jamie stomped some of the mud from his boots. At the porch, he pulled the boots off and set them aside out of the rain, then removed his jacket and hung it on a peg.

With a shrug, Alyx kicked out of her boots, curling her sock-covered toes against the cold.

When Jamie faced her, she looked up and raised a brow at his severe stare. “What is it?”

“Her name is Faith.”

Eyes widening, Alyx looked past Jamie to the uncovered window. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “She's in there now?”

“Did you think I threw her off the cliff

“I don't know what you'd do, Jamie.” She stepped forward and put a hand to his forearm, as serious and sincere as a nun. “But whatever you'd choose to do, I'd back you on it. I know you're hiding from someone or something, and I only want to help. Whatever you need done, you can count on me. You can trust me.”

To her surprise, hot color stained Jamie's cheekbones. Before she could decide if it was embarrassment or something else, he shook off her hand and pushed the front door open.

Even hermits had gallant tendencies, Alyx decided, when Jamie stood aside and allowed her to enter first.

Feeling unusually reserved, Alyx dropped her package, pulled off her sodden hat, and stripped off her jacket. As she crept forward into the small cabin, her curious gaze flitted around, going over the chair at the table, the ladder to the upstairs, the couch, the—

Her eyes shot back to the couch.
Well, well, well.
Sitting prim and proper, wearing a flannel shirt with a quilt draped over her lap, the woman watched her.

Alyx drew back. Huh. She was ... well, pretty darn plain. Her features were mostly nondescript: an average nose, average eyes with brown lashes and brows, an oval face and flushed cheeks. For some reason, Alyx had expected a femme fatale, or at the very least someone especially cute or adorable—a woman to wiggle her way around Jamie Creed's barriers.

But this woman just sat there, long reddish-brown hair twisted around her shoulders, her hands clasped together over her thighs.

A polite, cautious smile appeared, and she said, “Hello, Alyx. We were expecting you.”

“You were?”

“Jamie said you were coming.”

“Oh. Yeah.” Wondering just what Jamie had said about her, Alyx sauntered forward. “That's our Jamie. Always on the ball. Nothing gets past him.”

“I know.” Her head tipped. “I'm Faith. I'd get up to greet you, but—”

“You don't have any clothes.” Alyx stopped right in front of her, her hands on her hips, her feet braced apart. “So, Faith, what are you doing here? And naked at that. What are you up to?”

Faith almost laughed, and her dark blue eyes sought out Jamie as she said, “I wasn't naked when I got here. Jamie took my clothes and threw them away.

Alyx blinked, not a single retort coming to mind. Jamie had stripped her? “Um ... ”

“Jamie?” Faith asked. “Aren't you going to strip Alyx, too?”

Alyx went military straight, and her chin tucked in. What kind of craziness had she walked into? “No, he's not.”

“But Jamie insisted it was necessary.”

“If he even tried, I'd—”

“Put away your fists, Alyx.” And to Faith, Jamie said, “She wouldn't let anyone trail her up here. I trust her.”

Alyx said, “You do?” But realizing how surprised she sounded, she frowned. “Of course you do. I already told you, if anyone bothers you, just let me know and I'll take care of it.”

As droll as ever, Jamie nodded. “Yeah, I'll be sure to do that.”

With a nod, Alyx said, “Okay then. Just know, Jamie, I always have your best interests at heart.”

“Uh-huh.”

By way of explanation, Faith leaned forward and whispered in confidence, “Jamie is very cautious, and he was afraid I might have some sort of tracking device or something on me. Of course, I didn't. Like you, I want to protect him. But Jamie doesn't take chances. So he took off all my clothes and pitched them. I don't really know where. I have a cold and getting here wasn't easy, and I admit I was a little disoriented when he carried me in.”

“I see.” Alyx didn't see a blessed thing.
Jamie had stripped her?
She turned to Jamie—and jumped to find him right behind her with the kitchen chair. He plunked it down, caught her shoulders, and all but pressed her into the seat.

Faith scowled at him. “Jamie, where are your manners? Don't you want to offer Alyx something to drink?”

In his bland, monotone voice, Jamie explained, “She's not staying.”

Faith said, “She's not?”

Alyx asked, “Why not?”

Jamie's piercing gaze bored into her. “Because you have to get back.”

“Oh.”

Faith prodded at him. “Well, at least get her a towel so she can dry off.”

Never had Alyx seen anyone boss Jamie around. She didn't think anyone, especially not anyone female, would dare.

Fascinated, she looked from Jamie to Faith and back again. Jamie stared down at Faith, his arms crossed over his chest, his pose reeking of intimidation.

Faith huffed out a breath. “Never mind. I'll do it.” She pushed aside the quilt and started to stand.

A sound reminiscent of a growl rumbled out of Jamie, but by the time Alyx got twisted around in her chair to see the phenomenon for herself, he'd turned away, saying, “Stay put, Faith. I'll get the damn towel.”

Faith smiled. “Thank you.” She leaned toward Alyx again. “He doesn't want me up and about since I hurt my leg.” She lifted the flannel and stuck out her leg. Dark purpling bruises and a painful scratch ran the length of one thigh.

“Ouch.” Alyx didn't know what to think. First Faith had teased Jamie, then ordered him around. Very weird. She nodded at Faith's leg. “How'd you do that?”

“It was an accident—not that Jamie wants to believe it. But he was trying to throw me out, and naturally, I didn't want to go. Not that I'd injure my leg on purpose just to get to stay. And who's to say Jamie wouldn't make me leave with a broken leg if that's what he wanted to do? He can be very pigheaded. But—”

“Here. ” Jamie thrust the towel at Alyx, breaking into Faith's tale. “Dry off.”