Randall Riches (12 page)

They cleaned up the last dishes, leaving the kitchen as clean as Lavinia liked it.

Rich took a last look. “Nice job, partner.”

“Same to you,” she said with a smile. “I’m going to give Lavinia her pill and settle her in for the night.”

“I’ll come with you and tell her good-night.”

“I’m sure she’ll like that.”

When Rich opened the door to his grandmother’s
room, she was already dozing, propped against two pillows, the television playing.

“Oh, dear. I hate to wake her but she has to have her pill,” Sam said.

“It’s okay. She’ll go right back to sleep. Grandma?”

Lavinia’s lashes fluttered. “Is that you, Rich?”

“Yes, ma’am, it is. Sorry I got in so late.”

“I ’spect you were busy. Your grandpa used to run late some nights.”

“I came to give you a good-night kiss.” He bent down and put his lips on her weathered skin and brushed back her hair from her face. “Are you behaving yourself so you’ll get well?”

“Yep. Janie and Sam don’t give me a choice.” But she wasn’t complaining. She sent a loving look at Samantha.

“Sam’s going to help you to bed, and I’ll get in early tomorrow, okay?”

“’Kay.” She smiled sweetly.

Rich walked to the door. “I’m going to grab a shower if that’s okay.”

“Of course.”

He started to say, “Come get me if you need me,” but that thought was a dangerous one. “I’ll hurry,” he said instead and scooted out of the room.

After his shower, which helped revive him slightly, he put on clean jeans, along with a clean T-shirt, and carried his dirty clothes to the laundry room.

He found Sam in the kitchen. He stood at the door and watched her take a pill. Which reminded him of the
shoulder cream. “Are you going to be able to rub that cream into your shoulder?”

He could tell he’d startled her. “Oh— Yes, of course, I’ll manage.”

She was lying and they both knew it. “Are you taking a shower?”

She nodded, her eyes wide. Beautiful green eyes.

“When you’re out of the shower, wrap a big towel around you and call me. I’ll come rub it in.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

He didn’t ask why. He knew the reasons even better than she. “I promised Mom I’d take care of you as well as Grandma. Everything will be fine. It won’t take but a minute.”

He’d make sure of that.

When he heard her softly call, as if she were hoping he wouldn’t hear her, he knocked on her bedroom door. He’d lectured himself the entire time he waited and he was prepared to touch her.

The first sight of her told him he was mistaken. Her slender shoulders, one black and blue, the other a creamy pink, were exposed over the bath towel she’d wrapped around herself. Her long dark hair was loose and forming an enticing curtain about her shoulders.

“Shall—shall I sit on the bed?” she asked, avoiding his gaze.

“No! No, it’ll be easier if you sit on the vanity bench.” Something the two of them couldn’t fit on at the same time.

She reached out to the vanity and handed him the tube. “Here’s the cream.”

“Okay.” He read the directions carefully, trying to delay touching her. Finally, he had no excuse to postpone the massage. He squirted the proper amount of cream into his hand and then gently touched her skin. In spite of the bruising, her skin was soft, warm, wonderful.

His hands slid over her shoulder, down her back and up again. He remained standing, which allowed him to stare down at the shadowy cleft where she’d tucked in the towel. His breathing sped up and he looked away, hoping she wouldn’t notice. He hurriedly covered the bruised area two more times, but he couldn’t hold his breath any longer.

“I hope that will do. I’m not very good with my hands,” he said, then turned bright red. The innuendo hadn’t been intended. He stepped back, his hands in the traditional surrender position. “Uh, is there anything else you need done before I go?”

“No, thank you,” she said.

He was pleased to notice that she sounded a little out of breath, too. He didn’t want to be the only one to suffer.

“I’m going right to bed as soon as you leave,” she said pointedly, staring at the door.

“Oh, oh yeah. I’m going to bed, too.”

“You don’t have to cook for us in the morning. I’ll wait until Lavinia awakens and cook then. But be sure to eat breakfast yourself.”

“Yeah, I will,” he promised, backing to the door, taking one more look at her. Then he bumped into the door and almost lost his footing.

“Are you all right, Rich?” Samantha asked. She jumped up and then grabbed her towel as it started a fast descent.

They stood there frozen in time, she protecting her modesty and he leaning against the door, praying the towel would fall away.

Then she said, “Good night.”

With that pointed phrase, he turned the doorknob and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him. Then he bent to his knees, gulping air, wondering if he should shower again, this time with cold water.

The next two weeks passed by more quickly than Rich could’ve imagined. He and Samantha worked out a routine that got the job done. She seemed to anticipate his needs and never complained if he didn’t make it in for dinner on time.

Rich tried to take the pressure off her, lending a hand every chance he could. The only problem they had was actual physical contact. He hadn’t had to rub her shoulder again. Sam got a female visitor to apply the cream before he returned in the evenings. At least she said she did.

They both realized the one time had been a close call. He still had dreams about the towel falling to the floor. In his dreams, they both ended up on the bed.

Unfortunately, at that point, he always woke up.

By the end of the two weeks, she was almost back to normal. In addition, Lavinia, though still taking a daily nap, showed no signs of pneumonia. She was happier than Rich had seen her in a long time. It seemed Sam spent part of her morning knitting under Lavinia’s supervision. And she’d stopped Red and Mildred from
sending over food, except for Red’s chocolate cake. Instead, Sam cooked some of Lavinia’s favorite recipes.

Tomorrow his mom and dad would be home, and he would welcome them with no disasters at hand. He’d gotten used to riding with a cast. Each morning he’d put a plastic bag over his cast and taped it so it stayed dry.

“Boss?” one of his cowboys called, jerking him back to reality.

“Yeah?”

The man didn’t bother speaking. He nodded to the west. Black clouds topped the peaks in the distance, and appeared to be moving toward them quickly.

“Damn!” Rich muttered to himself. He’d forgotten to listen to the weather report this morning. He’d had his mind on Samantha. “Looks like a bad one,” he called to the cowboy. “Thanks.”

He took a minute to think about what he needed to do. He was two men short today. One had asked for the day off for personal reasons, and another had turned up sick. He had two big herds he needed to move closer to the house. One was in a southern pasture with a creek that tended to flood. The other was in a higher up pasture, more susceptible to lightning.

He rode over to Tom Jenkins, one of the ranch hands. “I’m going to go call next door and see if they’ve got any spare men. You take Larry with you and head for the south pasture. Tell Doyle and Bart to move the herd into the open pasture, then head for the north pasture.”

“Will do.”

He’d been impressed with the hands his grandmother
employed. They took orders well and did their jobs efficiently. He hurried his horse toward the barn. He hadn’t even brought the cell phone with him today, things had gone so well.

Big mistake. He knew better. It was going to cost him an hour to go to the house and get back.

S
AM HAD JUST
put in a load of laundry and started the washer when lightning flashed outside the window. Startled, she looked out. She’d been busy this morning, making sure the house was spotless.

“Lavinia?” she called as she walked back to the den where Lavinia was watching one of the morning shows. “There’s a big storm in the west. Lots of lightning.”

Lavinia hurried her way. “How big?”

“It looks monstrous. But I’m not used to weather here.”

“Some of our spring storms can be bad. Did Rich have everyone saddled up today?”

Sam thought back to an early-morning call. “No, I know he let one man off work today because his wife went to the hospital to have their baby. And this morning, one of the men woke up sick.”

“Oh, dear. He’ll need help.”

She picked up the phone and called the Randall ranch. “Red? You’ve seen the storm? You got any spare men? Okay. Thanks anyway. No, I’m sure Rich will manage.”

“They can’t help out?” Sam asked, even though she’d already figured the answer.

“They’re shorthanded, too, and everyone’s already out.”

Sam hesitated, but then she said, “I can ride. If you think you’ll be okay here, I can ride out.”

Lavinia frowned. “I’d be fine but that’s too dangerous for you.”

“I’ll be okay. Do you have an extra rain slicker and maybe a hat?”

“Of course. What size boot do you wear?”

“Size eight.” Sam figured she’d make do with her tennis shoes, but Lavinia beamed at her.

“Me, too, I’ll get my boots.”

In no time, Sam was completely covered, had eaten a sandwich since it was almost lunchtime, and, after hugging Lavinia, hurried to the barn to saddle up.

She was almost ready to go when she heard the sound of a horse running. She hurried to the door of the barn and pushed it open. Rich rode in out of the rain.

“Are you all right?” she asked, frowning with worry.

“Yeah, but I need more riders if I can find them at Dad’s.” He swung down from the horse, dripping water everywhere, heading for the phone in the tack room.

“They don’t have any,” Sam said.

“How do you know?” he demanded, coming to an abrupt halt.

“Lavinia already called. But I’m ready to go.”

“Go where?” he asked, dumbfounded.

“To help. Lavinia even lent me her boots.”

“You can’t go out there. It’s too dangerous.”

“I certainly can. I know how to ride. And you’ve
been helping me the past two weeks. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

“What about Grandma? She can’t be left alone.”

“She’s well. She insisted I go.”

“Sam—” he began, still determined she wouldn’t be going.

Before he could even get started, she swung into the saddle and hollered, “Last one out shuts the door.” Then she rode out into the storm.

“Damn it!” Rich yelled after her, but he mounted his horse and pulled the barn door closed after he got out into the storm.

He caught up with Sam, who didn’t know which direction to go, and he caught the reins and pulled her to a stop.

“Okay, but you stick close to me and do exactly as I say!” He had to yell to be heard over the sounds of the rumbling thunder, but he would’ve yelled anyway.

She flashed him a smile and reached into her slicker coat and pulled out an apple, tossing it to him. “A snack!”

He muttered, “Thanks,” and led the way toward the north pasture.

Several hours later, he led the way back to the barn. When they’d reached the north pasture, he’d sent Bart to help the other two men to the south. He wasn’t sending Samantha off by herself. The riding in the north pasture had been tricky because of the rocks and bushes and uneven ground, but Sam had managed fine.

In fact, Doyle hadn’t even realized Sam was a woman. When they had secured the herd and called it
quits, he’d complimented her. “Hey, cowboy, you really know how to ride.”

“Thanks,” she’d said and Doyle almost fell out of the saddle.

When they reached the barn, Rich said, “Thanks for the hard work, Doyle. You did a good job today.”

He discovered the man was staring at Sam. He cleared his throat. “Are the others in?”

“I reckon,” Doyle said. “That’s Bart’s horse.” He pointed out one of the stabled horses. Then he looked at Samantha again. “Who are you?” he asked.

“Samantha Jeffers, Mrs. Dawson’s companion.”

Rich stared at the cowboy. But Doyle only said she rode as good as a man, high praise from a cowboy. Then he offered to rub down her horse if she wanted to go to the house.

Sam hesitated. “Do you mind? I had to leave Lavinia alone and I’d like to check on her.”

“Go on, Sam. We’ll be okay,” Rich ordered.

She slipped out of the barn, back into the rain, and disappeared from view.

Doyle was much more vocal once Sam was gone. And for a guy who was supposed to think of her as a member of the family, Doyle’s appreciation of Sam’s talents rubbed Rich the wrong way.

L
AVINIA WAS NOT
only fine, she’d also prepared a big pot of stew. It was early April, but the rain had been cold and the wind brutal. The moment Sam smelled the aroma, she felt a lot better.

“Lavinia?” she called as she hung the slicker and hat in the workroom.

Lavinia appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. “Is everything all right? Where’s Rich?”

“He’s in the barn. One of the men offered to rub down my mare so I could come check on you. Did you manage all right?”

“Yep. Felt good, like I was contributing to our success. After my husband died, I didn’t have anything to do with the operation. Pete and Janie made decisions and I didn’t even have anyone to cook for.”

“My nose tells me that’s a shame. Something smells really good.”

“I’ll put the rolls in and we’ll be ready to eat in five minutes.”

“You haven’t eaten yet?”

“Don’t worry. I had a piece of cake about four.”

Lavinia hurried back to the kitchen while Sam washed her hands and dried her hair with a towel. About the time she finished, Rich came in. She hung up his slicker and hat as he washed up.

“It got pretty cold today,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

“We’ve even had some snow in late April. It’s no surprise.”

“Lavinia’s got a hot meal ready. Be sure to praise her. It made her feel good to play a role again,” Sam said quietly.

Rich frowned and stared at her. “What do you mean?”

“It makes a person feel good to be needed.”

“Speaking of being needed, you were. I didn’t expect you to have to ride herd, but you did a good job.”

“Thanks,” she said with a smile and turned to head for the kitchen.

He followed her. After greeting his grandmother, he sat down at the table. “Grandma, supper smells wonderful. It’s good to get warm again.”

“I figured you’d be cold. How long do you think this storm will last?”

Rich shrugged. “I don’t know. Have you listened to a weather report?”

“No. I got busy making dessert. Hot peach cobbler with ice cream. Your favorite, Rich.”

“I’m ready for it. We’ll watch the late news to see what they say…after we enjoy our dessert.”

After the television weatherman predicted the storms would move out early in the morning, Lavinia and Samantha said good-night and climbed the stairs together. Rich stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching them go.

He felt more content tonight than he ever remembered. He’d done good work today. He’d had a satisfying meal. With good company. Only one thing could make it better.

If he was the one climbing the stairs with Samantha. Sharing her bed. Waking up beside her in the morning.

He knew he was in trouble. He couldn’t seduce Samantha. Not when she was under his father’s protection. He’d be married in no time. His father would march him down the aisle, whether he wanted to marry or not. Then he’d be locked in, all his choices gone. He
couldn’t— He stared up at the empty stairs, suddenly realizing he didn’t want anything in his life different.

He didn’t yearn for the rodeo. He didn’t long for the women who offered themselves to the latest winner. He didn’t want to pack up every week and move on down the road.

Home. He was where he wanted to be. And somehow he didn’t mind Samantha being in the picture. They’d worked well together. He trusted her, admired her work ethic. Admired her body.

He shook himself. What was wrong with him? He was supposed to think of her as his sister. Sister, hell! He thought of her as his dream lover. And his dad was coming home tomorrow.

He was in big trouble.

S
AMANTHA LOVED
being part of the welcoming party to greet Janie and Pete. She’d even talked Lavinia into joining her and Rich in driving over to the Randalls’ ranch to see them as soon as they arrived. She knew Janie wouldn’t relax until she’d checked on her mother, even though they’d called numerous times.

Sam found the number of boisterous, vibrant people to be a little overwhelming. She leaned against the wall of the kitchen, watching the others mill about, exchanging conversation. She couldn’t even identify half the people there.

Rich had mentioned some of his cousins were in from university. And his father’s cousin and his wife and children. Maybe there were some neighbors there, too. How amazing to be surrounded by such a large crowd.

After a few minutes, she moved a few feet closer to another woman she’d seen earlier. She didn’t appear to be one of the boisterous Randalls, with their dark or sometimes auburn hair, and big smiles and even bigger personalities. This lady was slender, with pale-blond hair and blue eyes. Samantha thought she’d found someone else who was an outsider.

After greeting the woman, Sam asked. “Are you as overwhelmed as I am?”

The young lady looked at her, a frown on her face. “Overwhelmed? No, I’m used to them all.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were new to the crowd, too.”

With a smile, the woman shook her head. “No. I was born here. I’m a Randall, too.”

Sam couldn’t hide her surprise. “You’re a Randall?”

“I know. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? My sister’s over there talking to Casey. People never believe we’re even kin. I’m Victoria. Anna and Brett are my parents. Mom always says I look like her mother.”

Samantha looked from Victoria to the young lady she pointed out as her sister, Jessica. The younger lady had auburn hair and dark-brown eyes. She drew attention easily. “Wow. You really are different from each other, aren’t you?”

“Oh, yes. Do you have brothers and sisters?”

“No. I’m Samantha Jeffers. I’m staying with Lavinia to help out.”

Victoria smiled. “Oh, you’re Rich’s girlfriend.”

Sam felt her cheeks burn. “No! No, he gave me a ride, but that’s all.”

A tall handsome Randall crossed the room and slid his arm around Victoria’s waist. “You doing okay, Tori?”

“Fine, Jim. Have you met Samantha?”

“Rich’s girlfriend? No, I haven’t. Glad to meet you, Samantha. Heard you’re a good rider.”

Samantha had no idea who he was. “How did you hear that?” she asked, not bothering to say anything about Rich and her.

“Rich was bragging on you. I’m Jim, by the way, Elizabeth’s brother, Chad and Megan’s second child. It gets a little confusing, doesn’t it? I suggested we put a chart on the wall so we could all remember who we are, but Uncle Jake wouldn’t hear of it.”

Samantha laughed along with Jim and Victoria, but she thought that might not be a bad idea. “There are a lot of you.”