Montana Wild (16 page)

“Oh my gosh! Kevin!” Jamie exclaimed, at a loss for words. She didn’t realize it had gotten so dark since they returned from their ride but there was no disputing the evidence. “Wow,” was all she could say. The angle of the back of the chair was perfect for stargazing, and she settled in comfortably to watch nature’s display.

“Pretty amazing, huh? I never tire of it, even though I am a repeat customer for this show, night after night.”

They sat there side by side,
oohing
and
aahing
, counting the shooting stars that would perform then exit the stage. He reached over to hold her hand as they shared the night’s performance.

Two hours and one liqueur refill later, she said, “Well, I am either going to curl up here on your deck or I should head back to my cabin. I don’t want to leave but my body is telling me she needs sleep.”

“I’ll drive you home.”

Jamie rose from her chair a bit wobbly. Sitting in that reclined position for hours made her a bit unbalanced and Kevin steadied her.

“You okay?”

“Yes. I just had to get my bearings for a second.”

As he held on to her arms, he pulled her in to him and they locked eyes. He leaned in to kiss her lips and she did not protest. As he pulled her body closer he kissed her deeper. His closeness dizzied her more than the brandy and she wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself. His taste was intoxicating and she wanted more. Finally, their lips parted.

“Jamie,” he whispered, his voice liquid fire. Their foreheads touched as she tried to cool the fever she felt rising. She wanted more but knew this was enough, for tonight.

“It’s time for me to go.” She sighed and he did not argue with her but pulled her in for one more deep kiss. Both coming up breathless, his lips traveled from her lips to her cheek and down her neck. Finally he released her from his embrace but not from his eyes. Barely nodding his head in sad acknowledgment that the moment was over, he escorted her hand in hand, through his house, out the door and down the short walk to her cabin.

“Good night.”

“Good night, Jamie.” He kissed her lips again ever so lightly before releasing her from his arms.

Jamie woke the next morning with the same thought that was on her mind when she’d gone to sleep: Kevin. Being with him was so easy, so effortless. Cutting the evening and her desires off before the embers ignited fully was her safety valve. She’d promised herself, albeit before she even met Kevin, that she would not get involved again too soon. But Jamie knew she was falling fast for Kevin. Did he feel the same about her? What if he didn’t? How long should she stay? This last question weighed on her mind a lot lately. She could not stay here indefinitely yet she had no desire to go. Her work furlough was still good and she had some savings, but she knew she would have to leave soon even though she loved this land, this ranch, and being a part of the working gang here. Time to pull a Scarlett . . . think about that tomorrow.

Jamie rose with enthusiasm for the day ahead. Heading out for her tea, she couldn't wait to see Jack and the other horses. Kevin was in the mess hall drinking his morning coffee.

“Good morning.” He greeted her warmly.

“Good morning.” She appreciated the pleasant surprise of seeing Kevin so early today.

“Did you sleep well?”

“As a matter of fact I did, thanks to all that fresh air and a little help from your brandy cabinet.” She made her tea and started out to the barn. Kevin followed with his coffee.

“There’s going to be a live band at the town hall tonight. They’re on their way up in the business and they’ve asked me to introduce them. It’s been advertised on the radio so I think there’ll be a pretty good crowd. Would you like to go with me?”

“Sure, sounds like fun. What time?”

“Why don’t we catch a bite to eat in town before we head to the hall? Around seven?”

“Perfect.” She headed toward the barn, light on her feet, thinking about the day and evening ahead.

Jamie enjoyed her time with the horses but couldn’t wait for the day to be done. Taking extra time in the shower, she wanted to make sure her skin was soft and clean. Though she loved Jack dearly, she wanted to shed any lingering horse scent. She blew dry and brushed her hair until it had a silky sheen. Precisely at 7 o’clock, Kevin knocked on her door.

“Ready?” Looking freshly shaven and showered, he made it difficult for Jamie to appear nonchalant as the scent of his aftershave triggered quakes on her inner Richter scale. “You look pretty. And you smell great, too.”

“Thank you.” Feeling the heat rush to her face, she looked away.

“There’s a little Italian restaurant in town and I thought we could eat there. It’s not far from the hall.” He opened the truck door for her.

It was a cute, classic pasta place with red-checkered tablecloths and an old wine bottle for the candelabra with melted wax dripping down the sides. The wine list was limited but the food delicious. Holding hands across the table, the two drank, talked, and laughed.

The band was due to start at nine and Kevin needed to be there to make the introduction so they couldn't linger after dinner.

As they neared the hall, Kevin voiced surprise. “Wow, it’s a good sized crowd.” The band had been growing in popularity so the news that they were playing in town had brought out their fans.

Holding on to Jamie’s hand, they entered the crowded hall and made their way to the stage where the band was setting up. Kevin spoke with the lead for a few minutes, then took the stage. He quieted the crowd, introduced the band, then rejoined Jamie. Once the music started, Kevin and Jamie made their way over to a side bar where Ben and Rick had saved seats. The band played classic rock and the lively crowd responded. “I like them.” Rick had to yell to be heard above the crowd and music. He flashed Kevin a thumbs-up. After a forty-minute set, the band broke for fifteen minutes and the lead singer came over to talk with Kevin while Ben entertained Rick and Jamie with his humor.

In the middle of the second set, Kevin shouted to Jamie. “I want to get a feel of the band from the crowd. Want to come with me?” As she nodded, Kevin took her hand and headed toward the back of the packed room. They snaked their way and stood in the rear of the crowd. It was difficult to see the band from there but Kevin watched the crowd and their response to the group. Jamie stood in front of Kevin and as some of the fans were dancing and with the limited space, the crowd pushed back which caused Jamie to bump back into Kevin. She turned around to face him.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” He answered, eyeing her flirtatiously. The crowd pushed back again, causing Jamie this time to fall against Kevin. He steadied her shoulders as their eyes locked and his hands traveled down both her arms till their hands met. Pulling her close they started to slow dance. Keeping her right hand in his, he moved his other hand to her waist. His hot breath on her neck caused her to shiver and her own breath quickened as their bodies moved as one. The crowded room was warm, but the heat she felt was a direct result of Kevin’s touch. Swaying ever so slightly with their hips and thighs touching, he pulled her even closer. Moving his head, he brought his mouth in close. Their lips so near yet still parted, they drew in quick hot breaths, almost touching now. Jamie moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, inside his shirt collar and his hot, moist skin excited her. The music stopped but neither noticed. Nor did they hear the booming voice on the microphone.

“Kevin! Kevin Cunningham!”

Chapter 19

The bandleader called Kevin up to the stage for a song with him.

No!
This is not happening,
Jamie thought and the look in his eyes agreed.
No, not now.
But Kevin had to answer. Over and over they called his name into the mic as the lead singer searched the crowd for Kevin. Looking into her eyes with a sad smile, he slowly pulled away and she reciprocated his look of frustration.

“To be continued,” he whispered in her ear with a kiss. He raised his hand so the singer could spot him. Taking hold of Jamie’s hand, he started toward the stage but it was slow and difficult getting through the tight crowd. Kevin held tight to Jamie’s hand but the crowd stretched their connection until their hands broke apart. As soon as this occurred, he turned back for her and called her name.

“Jamie!” he shouted.

Jamie couldn’t see him but she could hear him. “I’m okay. Go ahead. I’ll get there.”

Kevin answered her, “No, Jamie,” and he tried to go back but the crowd pushed him forward. The lead singer kept calling him and finally the crowd began to chant “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” They were anxious for the music to start again.

“Go, Kevin, I’m fine.” But once Jamie’s hand broke from Kevin’s grip, she got caught in a current that swept her toward the rear of the bar. Even though she wanted to see him on stage, the crowd was too tight and getting more active so she contented herself to stay put until the show ended and the crowd thinned.

She managed to catch glimpses of Kevin onstage. The bandleader, giving him accolades for all he had done for them, coerced Kevin to play keyboard. She wanted to get closer so she could see Kevin in the act of performing but knew if she tried to move now she would miss any view of him at all. The crowd seemed larger and rowdier now, with the noise level rising. Keeping her eyes glued to the stage, she was oblivious to the changing crowd around her until she felt a hand on her waist. Turning in response, she expected someone she knew only to find herself surrounded by three men who looked like they were up to no good. Scanning the crowd for a familiar face, she saw none.

Jamie’s instinct told her to get out of there, but the crowd was too tight. The three men surrounded her and started moving her farther back in the room. They reeked of alcohol and weed, slurring their words.

“Hey, sugar, what’s your name?” One grabbed her waist, pulling her to him until his sandpaper face met hers; his foul breath assaulted her senses with the stench of someone who had never owned a toothbrush. His other hand fondled her breast roughly as Jamie tried to pull free. Still in his hold, the other two pushed her toward the rear door.

“Get your hands off me! Don’t touch me!” Her shouts were drowned out by the crowd and loud music. “STOP! HELP! Someone help me!” Her cries were barely audible to the crowd facing forward. Jamie realized they were herding her out the door and panic set in.

“Don’t worry, pretty momma. We won’t hurt you. We jus’ wanna have some fun.” Again they put their hands on Jamie and she met theirs roughly with hers.

“Get your hands off me! HELP!” Could this really be happening? A mixture of fear and anger filled her. The crowd around her focused on the stage and were oblivious to what was going on behind them. Her cries were drowned out by the music.

As they fondled her crudely, Jamie tried to defend herself. Outnumbered, they grabbed her hair, pulling her toward the exit. Jamie felt faint as she grasped what these guys had in mind and how ironic something like this could happen in the middle of a large crowd.

Her thoughts were wildly trying to think of how she could best protect herself when an angel appeared out of nowhere. A large shadow crossed in front of her and massive hands grabbed two of her assaulters by the neck, bashed their heads together hard and down they went. Then that same large hand grabbed the neck of the third man.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Get your filthy hands off of her!” Like an iron sledgehammer, Rick put his fist into the man’s jaw and down he went. Turning his attention to her, his eyes softened.

“Jamie, are you okay?” Any strength she’d had vanished at Rick’s tender words and she began to shake. With his arms around her, he pushed through the crowd toward the bar. Ben saw them coming and his eyes widened with alarm.

“What happened?”

“Kevin sent me to get her when he got pulled onstage, and some assholes were all over her.” Rick looked pissed. “Sit down, Jamie. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

“No, I’m okay now, thanks to you, Rick. Thank you. Thank you.” As she extended her hand to Rick, they all watched as it trembled uncontrollably. Wanting to scream, she held it in but her eyes watered with the pent up rage and fear.

“Let me get Kevin.” Ben turned to go.

Grabbing Ben’s arm, she took a deep breath to steady her voice. She knew if she saw Kevin now she would cave and she hated appearing weak. “No. Don’t bother him. It’s over. He’s on stage. Let him finish.” Kevin was still playing keyboard.

“Do you want me to take you home?” Ben asked, putting his arm around her shoulder. Looking at him, the tears appeared again. Not trusting her voice, she nodded.

“Sure. No problem. Should we tell Kevin?” Ben looked toward the stage.

“No, not now. Tell him I’ll see him tomorrow.”

“Sure, Jamie. Whatever you want. You sure you’re all right?” Eyebrows raised, Rick didn’t look convinced.

“Yes. I just want to get out of here. Thank you again.” Standing up, she hugged him long and hard. Planting a kiss on his cheek, she held him tight, feeling secure in his arms. His grim expression melted at her touch and he hugged her back. Ben put his arm around Jamie and escorted her out the side door as Rick headed back toward the rear of the hall.

As they reached the truck, Ben opened the door and closed it behind her. They rode in silence most of the way home and when they got to the ranch, Ben walked Jamie to her cabin.

“Is there anything I can do for you? Would you like me to stay?”

“That’s sweet of you, Ben. Thank you, but no, there’s nothing for you to do. I’m okay, just a little shaken . . . but nothing much to do about that. It’s over. Thank you for driving me home, I know you probably didn’t want to leave that early.”

“No problem at all.” He paused. “Can I give you a hug?”

His question caused her to tear up again and she nodded. Ben opened his arms and encircled her trembling body. He held her tight for several minutes and kissed the top of her head.
It’s amazing what a hug can do.
Hugging him back, she wouldn’t let go, letting some of his strength seep into her.

“Thank you.” She squeezed him once again, and then entered her cabin.

Jamie immediately ran a shower, tore off her clothes, jumped in, and released her sobs. She had kept her composure at the bar but what frightened her most about the whole ordeal was her own sense of helplessness and this angered her. So quickly and without warning, others had taken control of her fate for those few moments. Her mind could not stop thinking about the what ifs . . . what if Rick hadn’t shown up? That thought was the real cause of her physical trembling.

With the water as hot as she could tolerate, she scrubbed herself, wanting all traces of those low-lifes off of her. Her tears mixed with the shower water and ran down the drain. Jamie decided that those were the last tears she would shed over this . . . and vowed never to be someone’s victim again.

Kevin played two songs with the band before the show ended. The crowd applauded and was rewarded with one encore performance, which lasted another ten minutes. Finally the band left the stage. Kevin spoke with them again, shook their hands and arrangements were made to follow up by phone. Once his business was completed, Kevin searched out Rick.

“Did you find Jamie? I don’t see her.” Kevin’s eyes scanned the crowd.

“Ben took her home.”

“What?”

“Kevin,” Rick’s tone caught Kevin’s attention, “there was . . . an incident.” Rick paused as if searching for the right words.

His gut tightened. “Incident? What happened? Is she all right?”

“She’s a little shaken up, but she said she was okay.”

“What happened?”

“There were a few drunks that tried to force her to leave with them.” Rick spoke slowly. “They man-handled her a bit. I got there before they got out the door with her, so it could have been a lot worse.” Rick looked pissed just saying the words.

Kevin stared at him, speechless. He left her and he knew he shouldn’t have. He should have let the singer wait while he went back for her. Goddammit!

“They . . . were . . . touching . . . her?” The words made Kevin sick.

“Yes, but luckily when you gave me the nod to check on her, I went right away. So yes, it was bad, but it could have been much worse.” Rick obviously was trying to make him feel better but it sickened Kevin to think what could have happened.

“Why didn’t anyone come get me?” Kevin asked.

“We were going to but Jamie stopped us. She knew you were doing your thing and she didn’t want to ruin it for you. She said she was okay . . .” Rick didn’t finish.

“But?” Kevin wanted him to finish his thought.

“But I think she was pretty shook up. She wanted out of here,” Rick finished.

“Ya think?” Kevin was angry but not at Rick. “I’m sorry Rick. I don’t mean to take it out on you. Thank God you were there. Thank God.” And he stood up and slapped his friend on the back. “I’m just mad at myself for leaving her and angry as hell at those sons-of-bitches. Who were they anyway? Where are they?” Kevin looked out into the remaining crowd with fists clenched.

“They’re not locals, I’ve never seen ‘em before. After I finished with them, I handed them over to the sheriff who luckily was outside, waiting for business.”

“I need to get out of here and check on her. Thanks again.” Kevin shook his hand. Rick gave him a sad grin and put his big hand on his shoulder.

“See ya, Kev.”

On the drive back, Kevin’s thoughts were all over the place. He couldn’t drive fast enough. If only he had gone back to get her. He pounded the steering wheel hard with his fist. “SONSOFBITCHES!”
What if Rick hadn’t gotten there in time?

He pulled in to the ranch too fast, hopped out of his truck and sprinted over to Jamie’s cabin. Her lights were out. If she was sleeping, he didn’t want to wake her, but he needed to make sure she was all right. He knocked softly and called her name but she didn’t answer. Feeling guilty and useless, he stood outside her cabin for a while before he finally walked away.

Jamie lay in the dark, her eyes open. She heard Kevin’s steps outside her cabin, heard his knock and heard him call her name. She did not know why but she did not answer.