Jesse's Brother (14 page)

CHAPTER 17

“Well, I thought I’d be making breakfast this morning.”

There was another set of footsteps on the stairs.

“I figured it would be nice for you to sleep in once in awhile,” Samantha said, already feeling the burn of her mother’s disappointment.

Mom sighed, then looked in her father’s direction as he came into the kitchen.

“Look at all the food. It looks delicious.” Dad patted Samantha’s shoulder as he walked past her. He slid into his chair at the end of the table.

“Then maybe she should be the one getting up to cook every morning instead of me,” Mom snapped. “Let’s pray.”

Their heads dropped down as Mom said the prayer.

As soon as she said, “Amen,” everyone grabbed plates, hoping to divert the attention to something other than her rude comments.

“What are your plans for the farm today, Noah?” Samantha asked.

“Your dad and I are going over to the McLaren Ranch. They’re having some problems.”

“That’s too bad. I wanted to do some work with you guys today.”

“Do you want to go for a horseback ride after breakfast? I’ll still have time to go to McLaren’s afterward.”

Her hand froze halfway to her mouth. “No. I don’t ride Culata.”

“Isn’t that ridiculous, Noah?” Mom snorted. “We pay all that money for a horse she’s afraid to ride.”

Daddy let his fork fall on the plate the same time as Noah’s mouth dropped open. Samantha shifted her eyes down to the table.

“That’s enough, Frances,” ordered Daddy.

“Fine.” Mom began to eat her food. Her face remained crunched up as if the food was rotten and she was being forced to choke it down.

“Those are pretty flowers. Did you pick them, Sammy?” her father asked.

“Noah did. They smell great.” She leaned forward to smell the colorful bouquet but her mom got up and yanked the flowers from under her nose.

“What are you doing?” asked Dad. “Leave them on the table.”

“Martin, I’m allergic,” her mom claimed.

“Since when?”

“Since my last doctor visit.” She dumped the flowers into the trash.

A stormy look settled into Noah’s eyes. Everyone focused on their plates.

Once in awhile, Noah’s foot brushed against hers but no one was the wiser. When the two men had hurried through their food, Noah said, “We, uh, have some work to get done.” He scooted his chair away from the table and quickly kissed her goodbye.

“I’ll clean up the kitchen,” said Mom once they were alone.

“Fine.”

“We need to talk, Samantha.”

“I don’t feel like talking to you.” She got up from the table with a diminished appetite, walked over to the trash and dumped her breakfast.

“Where were you this morning before you cooked breakfast?” Her mom started stacking the dirty plates and Samantha avoided eye contact.

“I was with Noah and it’s none of your damned business. Remember? I told you not to butt into—”

“That isn’t important right now.” She motioned toward the phone in the hall.

“What is it then?” Samantha began to grow curious as her mother anxiously waved toward the phone. She was still fuming mad, but curiosity made her stick around long enough to find out what was going on.

“Jesse Lincoln has called you three times this morning. There are messages for you on the voicemail.”

“Oh, he did?” Samantha’s face brightened.

“Samantha, he’s from the law office of Lincoln and Lincoln!”

“Yeah?” Her mouth formed into a big smile at the thought of Jesse.

“Is someone suing you? Is that why you’re really here? Are you in trouble? What did you do now?” Her mother kept waving her hands in the air, as if the action was the cure-all for the family.

“No, Mother. Jesse is someone I know. I didn’t do anything
 
wrong. I’m fine.” She spun on her heel and ran up the stairs so she could call him on her cellphone from the privacy of her own room. She’d rather pay for the cell minutes than have her mother listen on the extension downstairs.

“Hello, Jesse Lincoln speaking.”

Shivers of excitement rushed through Samantha. “Jesse, it’s Samantha. I’m returning your call.”

Her face flushed. She began to twirl a curl that had fallen across her shoulder, and tapped her foot against the footboard of her bed. She tried her best to push the butterfly fluttery feeling from her stomach.

“Hey, beautiful, I’m so glad to hear from you.” His voiced changed from formal to casual with an extra touch of sexiness, which made her tingle even more. “Would you like to go to the Fourth of July Celebration tonight? I know it’s short notice…”

“I’m sorry, Jesse, but I already have plans.” Her love life was about to get even more complicated. Juggling Noah and Jesse was going to be difficult.

“I should’ve asked sooner. No apologies needed. I might still make an appearance at the celebration. If you get time, look for me?”

“Of course.” Her breath caught in her chest. What if Jesse showed up and saw her with Noah?

“You know, I’d really like to see you,” he sighed. “What about tomorrow night? Any plans?”

“None so far.” She continued to twirl a curl around her finger.

“Would you like to come over for a movie?”

“I’d love to.” She had to tell him she was in love with someone else.

“I could pick you up,” he said.

Her instincts went on high alert. “There’s no need for you to make two trips here. I’m fine with driving. Besides, this way I can remember how to get there the next time you invite me.”

“Good point,” he said, then gave her the address of his house.

Life’s great, she thought with a sigh as she pushed the worries of running into him at the Fourth of July celebration out of her mind. She hit the off button on the phone, then dropped it next to her on the bed. No sooner had she ended the call with him, when the house phone rang. Noah’s name popped up on caller ID.

She leaned back onto the pillows while another ring blared from the phone. It was wearing on her and she couldn’t wait much longer to make the decision. Smiling as she stared down at the caller ID, she pushed the talk button on the phone.

“Sorry about leaving so fast, Sammy baby,” he said. Her smile grew wide as she listened to his voice over the line.

“That’s okay,” she said, “I don’t blame you for leaving.”

“Can I make it up to you?”

“There’s nothing to make up, Noah. My mom caused it, no you.” She sighed and pictured his lips on hers all night long.

“Well, anyway, I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

“Me too,” she said softly. Would Jesse be there too?

“I want to kiss you and hold you in my arms again. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I left.” His voice was soft and she felt like she might melt into a puddle on the bed.

* * * *

Samantha sat on the porch swing, rocking gently and enjoying the sunshine when he pulled up. Once out of the truck, Noah jogged over to where she sat.

Instead of his normal attire, he wore jean shorts, a gray t-shirt and sandals. He’d never looked better. She stood up away from the swing and took a step down from the porch.

“It’s a special occasion,” he said, grinning as if he had been reading her thoughts.

“You’re handsome.” She slipped her arms around his neck. He twirled her up into his arms while planting a sloppy wet kiss on her lips. She squealed with laughter. “Noah Combs! Ew!”

“You look beautiful, by the way.” His voice grew serious again as he set her down on the grass and his lips found hers again, this time much more passionately.

“Thank you.” She had passed on her normal sundress in favor of a pair of white jean shorts, red blouse, and matching red sandals. And her hair was down to flow in the gentle breeze. She looked great, but felt even better.

The Fourth of July Festival was in full swing by the time they arrived. He had the picnic basket in one hand and her hand in the other. He led her from table to table looking for one that was available. For the first half of the park, all they found was occupied tables of people with smiling faces. She’d smile, wave and promise to “catch up” later with old friends.

Finally, a bouncing blonde caught her attention. “Samantha! Samantha!” Tonya yelled, waving her arms in the air.

“Hey, Tonya,” she replied, walking over to the picnic table.

“I’m so glad to see you. Do you remember Brett?” Both the women had gone to school with the tall blond man. As Samantha nodded, Tonya continued in her excited way, “He’s my date for today.”

Hadn’t Brett been married to Mary? She shrugged it off and made a mental note to ask Tonya for details later.

“Nice seeing you again,” she said. “This is Noah Combs.”

With the rest of the introductions made, Tonya asked where the couple would be having their picnic.

Noah shrugged. “On the ground. Doesn’t seem like there’s much room there either.” He continued to look around for an available spot.

“I have a great idea,” replied Tonya. “Share our table with us. That’s okay. Right, Brett?”

Noah exhaled in relief as he set the basket down on the table. They were all soon happily enjoying the day. Samantha hung out with Tonya and the various people that stopped by their table to visit. Noah played Frisbee with Brett and the two men seemed to hit it off. Noah would come by the table every so often for a cold drink or to sneak a kiss from Samantha.