CHAPTER EIGHT

 

As the final guest drove away, Oscar put his arm around Sherry’s shoulder and walked her inside the house. Stepping into the sunken den he asked her if she would like a glass of wine. Fighting a last minute morality attack, she said yes, hoping it would calm her nerves. What Sherry didn’t realize was that Oscar was having the same feelings. Pouring them both a glass of Merlot he handed one to her and guided her to the couch.

Sherry was trying to think of something witty to say when Toodle bounced into her lap. Laughing she said, “God, I wish I had this much energy. I think she enjoyed the barbecue as much as everyone else. Did you see what happened to Roxanne?”

Grinning at the sound of Sherry’s laughter, Oscar replied, “Yea, I saw what happened to Roxanne and her niece.” Reaching over and patting the dog on the head he continued, “I should have named you Mischief, the way you are always into trouble.”

“Where did you come up with the name Toodle anyway? I mean, it is kind of unusual.”

“The man I bought her from told me she was a toy poodle, so I named her Toodle. It seemed to fit the little ball of fur. It wasn’t until she got a little bigger that I realized she isn’t a toy poodle. I had to do some research on dogs, but I finally found a picture of a dog on the Internet that looked just like her. She is really a Maltese.”

At that moment as if on cue, Toodle jumped out of Sherry’s lap and pranced out of the room. “There she goes again; what do you think she’s up to?” asked Sherry.

“Anything; she is probably looking for her favorite sock to play with.” Changing the subject Oscar asked, “Did you really have a good time today?”

Smiling sincerely at Oscar, she answered, “It was a nice barbecue. I’ve really enjoyed the day.”

“I did too, but there is something I’ve been wanting to do all day.” Saying that, Oscar leaned forward and kissed her. The feel of his lips on hers made her shiver so hard she almost dropped the glass of wine. It had been a long time since Sherry had been kissed with so much passion. Her blood pumping, she kissed Oscar back. Coming up for air, Oscar took her glass and placed it on the coffee table. Before she knew what was happening Oscar was kissing her again. But as he kissed her he picked her up and carried her upstairs. By the time they reached the top of the stairs their passion was in full bloom. Pushing a door open with his foot, Oscar carried Sherry into the bedroom.

They made love the first time like teenagers, only better. At their age they learned quickly how to please each other. Exhausted, they lay in each other’s arms and talked.

“I haven’t made love with a woman since my wife died. Haven’t wanted to,” said Oscar. “There’s just something about you, Sherry, that makes me feel young again. I don’t exactly know how to explain it.”

Sherry pulled him closer, and said, “You don’t have to, I know what you’re talking about.” Kissing him on the chest she smiled up into his face. “You make me feel young again too. Maybe too young,” she giggled.

Lifting an eyebrow he asked, “Why do you say that?”

Sliding upward she whispered in Oscar’s ear.

“Oh you do? Well now, little lady, I think we can handle that.” Rolling her over on her back he began to make love to her again. Sometime after midnight the two fell asleep tangled in a lover’s embrace.

* * * * *

Rachel tried to stay busy the next day. Her anticipation of the evening alone with Jake grew with each passing hour. The conversation she had overheard between Jake and his uncle made her worry, so she spent most of the morning in the study going over the farm’s accounts. Reassured that the farm was in no financial danger she felt a little better until she thought about the other conversation she had overheard. She definitely would have to tell Jake about it tonight. Knowing the person responsible for her attack had been at the barbecue made her paranoid. Was it someone she had met only yesterday, or was it someone she already knew? The one thing she was sure of was that it was a man.

Rachel heard the front door open and went to see who it was. She met Sherry and Oscar in the foyer, and after kissing her mother good morning, she asked, “Did you enjoy yourself last night?” Seeing both Sherry and Oscar blush she quickly added, “At the barbecue I mean.”

Laughing Sherry said, “Yes, we did. Did you have a good time? I saw you talking to Alec. He seems like a nice young man.”

Continuing their conversation in the parlor, Rachel answered Sherry’s question. “I only talked to him for a few minutes, then I didn’t see him for the rest of the afternoon. He may have left early, but there were so many people there I can’t be sure.” Thinking this was the perfect opportunity she looked at Oscar and asked, “How many people were there do you think? I mean, did you have an invitation list?”

“This is the country, Rachel, you don’t send out formal invitations. People hear about it by word of mouth. You never know who’s going to show up. But you can always count on good food and a lot of people!”

Trying to hide the disappointment she felt, she said, “Oh, I see.” Changing the subject she asked, “So what have you two been up to this morning?”

The look that passed between Sherry and Oscar was startling to Rachel. If she didn’t know better she would think they looked like lovebirds. Not wanting a mental picture of that she tried to dismiss it from her mind. Sherry rescued her from her thoughts by saying, “We went horseback riding again this morning. Oscar has some beautiful horses in his stable.”

“I don’t recall seeing a stable yesterday,” said Rachel.

“Oh, it’s not at the house. You have to drive further down the lane to reach it. I don’t get much time to spend with the horses like I used too. My foreman lives over the stable in an apartment and he takes care of them. Between the actual working of the fields and my other financial responsibilities I stay too busy. You can’t see the fields from the house either. I’m not bragging now, but my place is so big that the rest of my workers live in several duplex apartments I built about a year ago. Now days we have whole families who come in to help work the fields. It’s not like the old days where a bunkhouse held men only. That’s where Maria and Juan stay when they leave here every day.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize your farm was that big. Were some of your workers at the barbecue yesterday?” Rachel asked, thinking that maybe one of the men she had overheard was one of Oscar’s workers.

“Of course. I always include my workers in all the activities. It’s part of their benefits, I guess you could say.”

“I see,” said Rachel. A lull in the conversation made Rachel start to fidget. Finally she said, “Well, speaking of workers, I think I’ll go down to the chicken house and see how things are going.” Saying good-bye to Oscar she left the house.

When she entered the main room she found Ollie, Juan and Maria all sitting on the couch eating lunch. Remembering that it was lunchtime, she told them she would come back later and give them a hand. Inviting her to stay saying they had plenty, they shared their lunch with her. After lunch Rachel sat down at a workstation and started cleaning eggs. This time she was not alone—Maria was with her all afternoon. Although Rachel was enjoying Maria’s company, she noticed Maria never left her side for a minute. When Maria followed her into the refrigeration room to store the clean eggs, Rachel said, “Maria, don’t take this wrong, but I get the feeling you don’t want me left alone. Either that or you don’t think I know what I’m doing.”

“Oh, I know you know what you’re doing, Ms. Rachel. I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel uncomfortable. I’m just doing what the sheriff told us to do.”

“Jake? What did he tell you to do, Maria?”

“He said anytime you come down to the chicken house we weren’t to leave you by yourself. I guess he was worried that something else might happen to you.”

Rachel was secretly pleased that Jake cared enough about her to have someone looking out for her when he wasn’t around. But knowing that someone was out there ready to harm her or anyone around her, she didn’t feel comfortable being at the chicken house any longer. The idea of Maria or anyone else getting hurt because they were babysitting her made Rachel angry with Jake. She finished storing the eggs and said, “I have other things to take care of, so I’ll let you get back to work. Talk to you later, Maria.” Not saying anything else she left the chicken house and walked to the farmhouse.

The sun was getting low in the sky as Rachel left the chicken house, so engrossed in her own thoughts about her feelings for Jake and being angry with him at the same time, she didn’t see the man standing at the side of the chicken house. He managed to reach the end of the building without being seen by anyone. He knew he risked being caught, coming here before it was really dark, but he knew he had to get the job done before Ollie locked up for the night. Quickly finishing the job he had come to do, he left the same way he always did.

* * * * *

By the time Rachel was ready to go to Jake’s for dinner, she was a bundle of nerves. Going into the kitchen to get the bottle of wine she had thought to chill after returning from the chicken house, she jumped when her grandmother spoke behind her.

“I see you are ready for your date. Here, you might need this,” she said handing her a piece of paper.

“What is it?”

“Directions to his house…I don’t think you’ve been there before, have you?”

“No ma’am, I haven’t—thanks,” she said taking the paper.

Opening the refrigerator Barbara took out a plastic bowl and put it in a paper sack. Handing it to Rachel she said, “Here, take this to Jake. I told him I’d send something along to go with your dinner.”

Taking the bag, Rachel kissed her grandmother and said thanks. Reading over the directions to Jake’s house, she found that he lived in town. She had assumed that he lived in the country, but being sheriff she guessed it made more sense that he lived closer to his office. “I need to hurry or I’m going to be late. Don’t wait up for me, I’m not sure what time I’ll be home.”

“You be home at a respectable hour, young lady. I’m an old woman and I don’t need to be up all night worried about you!”

“Oh, Grandmother, what could possibly happen? What could be safer than spending time with the sheriff?”

“I guess you have a point,” Barbara relented. “But try not to stay out too late, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Hugging her grandmother, Rachel left for Jake’s.

Reaching the city limits, she mentally went over the directions she had read. Taking the first right after crossing the bridge into town and making another right at a stop sign, another right and then a left, Rachel ended up on a street that took her parallel with the bridge. The road curved and went downhill, but she found Jake’s house with no trouble. Getting out of the car she looked at the house. In the gathering darkness, she wasn’t sure if the house was in a state of restoration or ready to be condemned. The front light was burning and as she walked up the steps to the front porch she could see holes in some of the floorboards. Stepping lightly to the door, it opened before she could knock.

Smiling broadly Jake warned, “Enter at your own risk. Anything in your way, step over it or move it.”

Laughing at the unusual greeting she replied, “Well, hello to you too!” Entering the house she immediately understood why he had said what he did. The house was in complete disorder. Amazed at the chaos Rachel just stood and looked around.

“A mess isn’t it.”

Trying to be diplomatic she said, “Let’s just say it’s not what I expected.”

His turn to laugh, he said, “Come on back to the kitchen. It will be more to your liking I think.”

Following Jake to the kitchen was tricky to say the least. She had to squeeze between a ladder and the wall, step over an assortment of tools and paint cans before she reached the kitchen. Walking into the kitchen she thought she had stepped through the looking glass. In front of her was a fully remodeled kitchen complete with new appliances. Blue tile counter tops graced white cabinets. An island workspace separated part of the kitchen from the breakfast nook. Setting her bottle of wine and the paper bag on the counter, she looked at the professional job done in the kitchen, and asked, “Did you do this yourself?”

“Yep, when I can find the time. That’s why the rest of the house looks like it does; I’m taking a room at a time in order of priority. The master bedroom and bath are the only other rooms I’ve finished inside.” Opening the French doors and leading her outside, he continued, “This is what I’ve done outside.” Stepping out onto a newly laid deck, she looked out on the backyard.

“This is nice. You have a large backyard. It would look better with the grass cut though,” she teased.

“You’re welcome to come do it any time you like, smarty pants!” he teased back.

“Maybe I will, and plant some flowers while I’m at it!” she said indignantly.

Still teasing her, he put his arm around her shoulder and said, “Flowers would be nice; might make it homier. What kind did you have in mind?”

Stepping away from his arm she turned and punched him in the shoulder saying, “Hire a gardener, Sheriff. I’m not your wife.”

Chuckling he said, “I was just teasing you, Rachel. Come on inside while I start getting supper ready.” Seeing the wine on the counter where she had left it he asked if she would like a glass.

“I wasn’t sure what we were having for dinner; I hope white wine is okay.”

“I always heard white was for fish and red was for pasta. That’s the end of my wine knowledge. So I guess this should do fine since I thought I would fry some catfish.” Picking up the bag and looking inside, he removed the plastic bowl and placed it in the refrigerator before opening the wine. As he opened the bottle he caught her looking around the kitchen. Smiling he said, “You do like fresh catfish don’t you? I caught them myself out at Uncle Russell’s fish pond.” Still not getting a response from her he handed her a glass of wine saying, “Earth to Rachel!”

Snapping out of her reverie, she realized that Jake was talking to her. Embarrassed, she blushed and said thanks as she accepted the glass of wine. “And yes, I do like catfish.”

Touching her cheek with his fingertips, he said, “Where did you go just then?”

Seeing the worried look on his face, she smiled up at him and said, “I was just looking at this wonderful kitchen and thinking to myself that even I might be able to learn to cook in a kitchen like this. It looks like it came out of one of those magazines that showcase beautiful homes.”

“It did come out of a magazine…a home improvement one at least.” Desire rising in him, he stepped back and said, “I better go start the fire for the fish or we won’t be eating any time soon.” Never before had just looking at a woman made Jake almost lose control, but Rachel was so beautiful all he could think about was making love to her. Telling himself to slow down or he was going to blow his plans for the evening, he went outside and started the fire under the gas cooker he had set up earlier.

When he came back inside Rachel was standing by the breakfast table. Seeing that the table was all set she turned and asked, “What can I do to help?”

Taking a clean paper bag from a drawer he said, “Nothing. I’m just going to batter these fish and fix some hushpuppies to go with what you brought. It shouldn’t take too long and supper will be ready.”

Curiosity finally hitting her, she asked, “What was in that bowl any way?”

“Some of Ms. Dora’s coleslaw, or at least that’s what your grandmother suggested when I talked to her today.”

“Oh. Dora makes the best coleslaw!”

Refilling their wine as Jake battered the fish, Rachel tried to think of the best way to bring up the subject she wanted to discuss with him. As if he could read her mind he said, “Uncle Russell and Oscar had some news that might be a lead about what’s happening out at your farm.” Thankful that she would not have to admit to eavesdropping, she listened as he told her what she already knew. But then he told her something that she didn’t know. “One other thing I learned today was that all the farms that have gone bust were owned by women.”

“That’s interesting, but it still doesn’t help much, does it?”

Walking outside he started putting the fish in the hot oil to fry. Rachel followed him and was leaning against the rail waiting for him to answer her question. Finally he said, “I’m sure it’s a clue, I just don’t know how it fits into the puzzle yet. This is almost ready—will you go get the hushpuppy mix out of the refrigerator for me?”

“Sure,” she replied.

As she went into the kitchen she thought how nice it was to have a man cooking for her. The entire time she had dated Jason he had never done anything this domestic.

Retrieving the hushpuppy mix she returned to the deck. “Here you go,” she said handing him the bowl. Deciding now was as good a time as any, she continued, “Jake, something happened at the barbecue yesterday. I think I should tell you about it.”

Tension and concern radiated off him, “What happened? When? Did Alec do something to hurt you?” Jealousy flashed in his eyes.

“Alec? No, I didn’t see Alec again after you ran him off.” Seeing the look on his face she was pleased to see his jealousy, but didn’t say anything about it. Telling him about the conversation she overheard in the hallway, she thought he would be pleased that she had a clue that might help his investigation. Instead, he got angry. Turning off the fire under the frying pot, he stormed into the kitchen and placed the food on the table. Stunned by his reaction, Rachel followed him inside. Turning around, Jake grabbed her by the arms and said, “Do you know how stupid that was? You could have been hurt!”

Realizing too late that he was hurting her himself, he loosened his grip and apologized saying, “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I don’t mean to scare you. I just don’t want anything else to happen to you!” Gently pulling her into his arms, this time he kissed her softly at first, then the fire inside him made the kiss turn more passionate. Stopping himself before he lost complete control, he released her.

Not sure how she felt about what just happened, Rachel smiled and said, “Maybe we should eat, before it gets cold.”

Regaining some of his composure, he agreed. Taking the coleslaw out and placing it on the table he pulled a chair out for her to sit in. As they ate, Rachel tried to think of something to say. Thinking it best if they didn’t discuss the case she decided to ask him about Bonnie. “Tell me, what did you mean yesterday when you said you weren’t going to be the fourth bee in Bonnie’s bonnet?”

Laughing, he said, “I forgot I said that. Roxanne got me started with that. It’s a little joke between us. You see Bonnie has been married three times, each time to a man whose last name starts with a “B”. Since my last name is Brewer…well you get the picture.”

Now it was Rachel’s turn to be jealous. “Yea, I get the picture. The way she was hanging onto your arm yesterday I don’t think you were discouraging her.”

The last thing Jake wanted was to get into an argument and spoil the evening. Ignoring Rachel’s statement he asked, “Are you finished eating? You want another glass of wine?”

Afraid she had made Jake mad, she said, “Yes, to both. Let me clean the table while you get us some more wine.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s the least I can do after the fine dinner you just fed me.” Taking the plates to the sink she began to rinse the dishes.

Before she knew it, Jake had placed his arms on both sides of her and started kissing her on the neck. Turning into his arms she wrapped her arms around his neck and teasingly kissed his jaw. The dishes forgotten, Rachel felt the flame of desire spiral through her. Looking into his eyes she saw his desire for her was just as strong. She pressed against his firm body as she unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest.

Leaning his head against hers he asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?” Feeling her nodding her head yes, he tilted her face up with his finger to look into her eyes to see if she really meant it. Seeing the reflection of his own desire in her eyes he smiled and took her by the hand. Leading her through the obstacle course in the hallway, he put his arm around her as they climbed the stairs to the bedroom.

Stopping long enough to light a candle on the nightstand, Jake pulled her back into his arms. As he kissed her, one hand ran through her long silky hair while the other hand softly caressed her small firm breast. Unable to control their passion any longer they silently undressed each other. Finally with nothing left between them, Jake picked her up and placed her on the bed. Committing every inch of her body to memory he stood looking at her in the candlelight. Her skin flushing from the adoration showing on his face, Rachel held out her hand to him. Joining his hand in hers, he lay down beside her. His tongue tracing the curve of her neck, he could feel Rachel shiver with desire. With mounting passion Jake rolled on top of her and kissed his way down to her breast. His mouth suckled tenderly on one breast then the other, while his hands explored the rest of her. His fingers caressed the curves of her body and she gave herself freely and wantonly. Jake could feel the heat of passion soar through her as he touched her thigh, making her shudder with unreleased pleasure. Teasing her with his fingers, he brushed the soft hair that covered her womanhood. Unable to bear the hunger for him any longer she caught his hand in hers and moaned. Fully seduced by Rachel’s beauty he raised his mouth from her breast and kissed her lips as he entered her.

Rachel had not been a virgin since college, but with Jake she felt like this was the first time for her. Riding the waves of passion as they swelled inside her, he took her higher than she ever knew was possible. Fire raced through her body, and looking into his silver eyes she felt their souls reach out to one another, and together they raced among the stars. One bright glowing star playfully called to them and they flew faster and faster until they reached it. Together they embraced the warmth of the star and smiled, knowing they were experiencing something as old as time. The heat of their passion grew stronger as they embraced the star, and suddenly it exploded into millions of tiny sparkling stars. The glistening star fragments gathered underneath them forming a golden cloud, and gently they floated back to earth. Their desire quenched, Rachel felt her soul return to her body and she held Jake until their breathing returned to normal. Rolling onto his side, Jake pulled Rachel closer to him and wrapped his arm around her. Her soft hair spilled out behind her as he tenderly kissed her again.

Her heart fluttering in her chest, Rachel told herself to be careful. She knew it would be too easy to fall in love with this man.

Silently reprimanding himself for being careless, he tried to think of a way to apologize to Rachel for not using a condom. He knew he would have to be more careful next time.

Gently touching his face, Rachel turned his head toward the light. Unable to read his expression she asked, “Jake, what’s wrong?” Afraid he regretted making love to her, she sat up and looked at him.

Recognizing the hurt on her face, he pulled her back into his embrace and said, “Nothing’s wrong, I just…well, I’m sorry I was careless. I promise I won’t be next time.”

Rubbing her fingertips lightly over the lower part of his stomach she said, “Oh, you mean there is more?”

Laughing, he reached down and pulled her hand up to his chest, holding it tight. “You keep that up and it will be sooner than later!”

“And what’s wrong with sooner?” she asked.

Releasing his hold on her hand he leaned over her to the nightstand and pulled out a foil packet from the top drawer. Smiling wickedly at her he said, “You make a good point.”

This time as he made love to her, Rachel knew she had never really made love to a man. His experience showed as he taught her how to please him. Finally, with the candle burning low, they slept.

Sometime in the early hours of the morning, with the last of the moon shining through the window, they were awakened by the ringing of the phone. Reaching over Rachel, Jake answered it. After listening for a minute he sat up, saying, “What! How long ago? Is anyone hurt?”

Hearing the alarm in Jake’s voice Rachel slid out of bed and began to get dressed. Thinking he was being called to an accident, she thought she’d better get home. Her grandmother was going to be angry with her for staying out so late.

Hanging up the phone, Jake started dressing as quickly as he could. Seeing that she was almost dressed, he stopped her saying, “Rachel, wait, I’m going with you.”

“Sounds like you need to go to work to me. Call me tomorrow, okay?”

“You don’t understand,” he said, pulling her toward the bed and sitting down beside her. “That call...there’s been an explosion at your place. The volunteer fire department is on the way. We need to hurry.”

Jumping up and grabbing her shoes, Rachel ran out of the room and down the stairs before he could catch her. Stopping her at the front door, he said, “You are in no condition to drive. Get in my Blazer, I’m driving!” Not arguing, she did as she was told.