Tally awoke at her normal early hour the next morning, her light still on, the book fallen to the floor. Had Devon stayed out all night? Anything could have happened. How could she have slept with the house unlocked and her newest guest who knew where?
Quickly dressing, she tied her hair back remembering what Devon had said last night about her looks. She stared at her reflection. He was right. She did appear dowdy. Lifting her heavy hair, she tilted her head. Maybe she should get a haircut, start wearing a little makeup. Pick out some clothes that fit, rather than going for total comfort.
Slapping on her glasses, she left the room. Foolish thinking would get her nowhere. There was no need to go changing anything about her life for the sake of a few words from a man she’d met yesterday. She looked fine just the way she was. And it wasn’t as if a bit of makeup would transform her into a raving beauty.
The door to Devon’s room was closed when she passed through the kitchen. Had he returned in the night and taken Major in with him? Or were they still out? Where could he have gone in the middle of the night? The trucks were still parked near the barn. Her car on the far side.
Tally let the screen door close slowly, softly, so as not to awaken Devon if he was sleeping. She could have peeked into his room, she supposed. Yet that would violate their privacy policy.
She moved quickly to the barn built the summer before last. Sliding open one of the tall doors, she stepped quietly inside to get the food for the chickens, ducks and her pig, Penelope. The donkey and horses would be next. A few flakes of hay would hold them for the day. She supplemented their feed in the winter months or when strenuous work was required. With the majority of the horses on the mustering, she had little to do this morning with the few in the corral but heave in the hay.
Major came racing around the side of the house, barking in delight when he spotted Tally.
“Good morning, fellow, how are you? Have you been out all night?”
Tally ruffled the fur around his ears and petted his head as Devon rounded the corner. Had they been walking for almost all hours? She straightened, relief and a sudden warmth spreading through her at the sight of him. Darn it, she couldn’t keep reacting like this every time she saw him.
He looked tired. There were circles beneath his eyes. A day’s growth of dark beard covered his cheeks. It made him look even more dangerous, especially dressed in the dark jeans and black sweater. Dangerous and sexy. His eyes constantly assessed, watched. Tally wondered what he thought about.
Stopping when he spotted her, Devon’s gaze roamed across her, then moved to examine the barn.
“We heard you. Major took off like a bullet when you crossed the yard,” he said.
“It’s time to feed the animals. Ready to help? Scoop some grain into this tin, up to here.”
She pointed to a black mark on the can and nodded toward the bin. “Scatter it outside for the chickens and ducks. Then we’ll feed Penelope.”
“Penelope?”
Devon took the can and looked at it a moment as if he’d never seen one before.
“My pig.”
Devon’s startled eyes met hers, the gray lightened to silver. A slow smile began to tug at his lips.
Tally paused, fascinated by the change. Her insides began to melt. It was as if every nerve ending in her entire body tingled just from being near him. His smile was lethal.
“I can’t wait to see Penelope,” he said with that lopsided, casual smile.
“Feed the ducks and chicks then come on back.”
Tally moved to the rear of the barn. The stalls for the horses were empty, primarily used in inclement weather. In the back, a pen opened to the outside through a small door. Pacing beside the low rail fence was her large black-and-white Hampshire pig. Tally called to her and Penelope came over for a scratch. Knowing it was almost time to eat, she stood on her short hind legs and placed her front ones firmly on the rail of her pen. Squealing a high-pitched, loud greeting, she nuzzled Tally’s hand.
“What a commotion. Is she always so loud?”
Devon came to stand beside Tally, gazing in disbelief at the pig.
“Always when it’s feeding time. Awful, isn’t it?” Tally laughed, then turned and opened a nearby bin, scooping a bucketful of oats and grains. These she dumped into the pail inside the pen. Penelope grunted, dropped down and began eating, snorting and snuffling as she inhaled the food.
“Eats like a pig, doesn’t she?” Tally murmured, affectionately.
Devon watched the animal for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Tally. Shaking his head slowly, he murmured, “This is the farthest thing from what I imagined. I’ve never been to any place like this.”
Tally grinned up at him, stepping back in hopes of minimizing his magnetism.
“It’s different from the city, isn’t it? You’ll soon become used to everything. As I said last night, we all pitch in on the chores. You can feed her later. Are you ready for breakfast?”
“Yes, and I promise to keep quiet while you fix it,” he said, glancing back at Penelope.
Tally laughed and replaced the pail.
Leading the way to the kitchen, Tally had to step past Devon—close enough to feel the radiant warmth from his body. Nerves tingling, Tally drew in a deep breath. She couldn’t remember when she’d last felt this way. Had it been for young Dr. Merrill so many years ago when he’d started caring for her father? What a crush she’d had on him—though her father had put an end to that quickly enough. But even so, she didn’t remember feeling precisely like this.
Of course she didn’t have a crush on Devon. It was probably just heightened awareness of another’s presence. Once the others returned, things would return to normal. Her purpose was to help Devon reintegrate himself into society, not to develop a crush on the man.
“Eggs and bacon and biscuits okay?” she asked, entering the back door, firmly in control of her feelings.
“Sounds great.”
He walked right behind her, caught the screen door before it slammed and slowly closed it. He wondered if he had time for a quick shower. Watching Tally’s hips sway as she walked in front of him caused a reaction he’d not experienced in a very long time. He wanted her.
She wasn’t sleekly sophisticated as Sheila had been. Wasn’t trendy or flirtatious like the women where he used to work. But there was something about her that drew his eye, that made him curious to discover what made her tick. And to find out if that hair was as heavy as it looked and as silky.
“Orange juice’s in the fridge, utensils in that drawer. You can set the table,” Tally directed washing her hands.
As she pulled down the flour and shortening Devon made an attempt to get his libido firmly under control. The last thing he needed was any complication of that sort. Hadn’t he sworn off women with good reason?
When breakfast was on the table, they ate in silence. Tally watched him surreptitiously. She was intrigued with the firm line of his jaw, the dark beard that bristled on his cheeks, the muscles moving as he chewed his food. He caught her gaze on him and she looked away quickly, though she found it almost a physical effort to keep her eyes averted.
She wished the others would hurry up and return home before she made a blithering idiot of herself.
“If I can use the phone, I’ll call my lawyer and get clear on where I stand with a few things. He’s been handling my finances for the past few years,” Devon said when they finished eating.
“I said before, while you’re here, you’re to treat this as your home. Call whomever you like, whenever you like. Invite friends over, raid the refrigerator, help with chores. You need to get used to freedom. This is not prison.”
“It’s an extension and you’re my jailer,” he said bitterly.
Tally blinked at his tone, disappointment piercing at his words. Had she secretly hoped for more?
Gently she said, “This is not a prison, Devon. You can come and go as you like. You just have to check in with me.”
She didn’t like being thought of as a jailer. She had never thought of herself in that light. Did the others resent her? Resent the time they spent here?
Maybe initially. But every boy and girl she’d helped were now leading lives vastly different from what they had expected when in prison. She raised her chin determinedly. She would not be hurt by any imagined slights. And she’d do her best to make sure he benefited from the program as the others had.
He looked at her, eyes narrowing. “The state pays you for my keep, right?”
She nodded, not mentioning that the money the state paid for each one in the program barely covered food, much less her increased costs in other areas. He didn’t need to know that. Her painting provided her ample means to take on an additional expense with her guests. And the ranch almost operated in the black.
“So, consider yourself a boarder. Look on this as your home,” she said briskly.
He glanced around noting the cheery room with gleaming appliances, warm wooden cupboards and bright-blue gingham curtains fluttering in the light morning breeze. She’d made it a warm, welcoming place, totally different from the sterile condo he had in the city with its modern furniture and sleek design. He liked Tally’s place. And that surprised him.
“Thanks.”
Suddenly Devon felt awkward. She was being kind to him. He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He shouldn’t be here. He should never have been such a fool in the first place to end up in jail. But he couldn’t change the past, he could only accept it and go on.
“As soon as I do the dishes, I’ll leave you the kitchen. This is the only phone I have. Cell service is very sporadic out here, so I don’t bother with one. Do you want to track down eggs while I’m washing?”
“Track down eggs?”
“The hens lay them all over. It’s like an Easter egg hunt every day. There’s the basket we use. They lay them under plants, in the barn, all over, just look where you think a hen could fit. Want to give it a try?”
“Sure,” he said, shrugging. “A new experience.
Which was exactly what he was looking for—he sure didn’t want to repeat the old ones.
He pushed open the screen door and left.
Just as Tally finished the dishes, the phone rang. She dried her hands and answered it. Her friend and writing partner Jimmie May greeted her.
“Well, chérie, how does it go? Is the young criminal behaving himself? Does he want to be a cowboy yet?”
She’d long ago gotten used to Jimmie May’s French. Eight years in the States and Jimmie May still spoke with a strong accent. And Tally was used to her friend’s teasing her about her involvement with Fresh Start.
“He’s behaving.”
For a second Tally remembered her foolish scare of last night when Devon had appeared in her doorway so tall and dark. He’d only wanted to tell her about the coyote, but her imagination had instantly supplied much more.
“Jimmie May, this one’s lots older than the others. And he seems very together, if you know what I mean.”
“No, chérie. I don’t know what you mean. How is he together?”
“Well, he doesn’t seem worried about the future. He’s had a lawyer handling his finances while he was in prison. If he has finances to handle, why does he need Fresh Start? And then, I don’t know, he has a kind of a presence about him.”
She paused, trying to explain how she felt to Jimmie May. “He’s very much a man—virile, actually. I feel out of my depth. His being here is a mistake. I was expecting another teenager, but I didn’t know how to turn him away. I guess I can call Alan tomorrow and find out how to handle it.”
Jimmie May laughed. “Bien sûr, chérie, most men are virile. Your problem, enfante, is in not being around men much. Why send him away? Let him stay and maybe explore some of that virility. Time you got something from that program.”
“Oh, right. I can see the situation now. The coordinator yanks my approval. All my guests leave because of inappropriate behavior. Besides I’m constantly around men. There’s Gus and Rusty and Tomas. I see Philip almost as often as I see you,” Tally protested, aware of what her friend really meant.
“Those cowboys work for you. And Gus is old enough to be your grandfather. It’s not the same, chérie. You don’t give men a chance.”
“I have too much to do to become involved with anyone,” Tally said stiffly.
She knew better than to let her heart become tangled up. Didn’t everyone she love leave? Hadn’t the lessons of the past been enough to prove to her she needed to guard her emotions? And even if she was willing to risk her heart on love, she was not willing to give up her independence. She’d waited too long for it, and had paid too high a price to let it go.
“Live a little. How old is he?”
“My age. What does that have to do with anything? He’s years older than he should be to be in the program.”
“Still, you let him stay?”
“I did yesterday. And I guess the longer he’s here, the harder it would be to refuse.”
Had she subconsciously already made her decision? Would she really call Alan Peters in protest?
“Eh bien, we’d like to stop by today, especially if Alberta will prepare something delectable for us. Primarily to discuss the petite pond you wish to build. I’ve talked to Philip about it and he’d like to see the place you want it.”
“Alberta will be delighted to see you, as always. Your compliments make her feel like a cordon bleu chef.”
“She could be. Until six? Au revoir, chérie.”
“Till then.” Tally hung up.
“I found eight eggs, does that sound right?”
Tally spun around. Devon leaned against the counter. He watched her with that unnerving gaze. Beside him on the counter sat a basket of eggs.
“I heard part of your conversation,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
Tally’s face grew warm. What had she said? She swallowed hard, hoping he had not heard it all. She’d die of embarrassment if he heard her comment about his virility or Jimmie May’s recommendation! The mere thought caused a wash of heat over her face.
She looked into the basket, trying to regain her balance.
“It’s hard to say if these are all. Some of the hens lay every day, others only every few days. Eight sounds fine.” She still felt flustered. Thank God he couldn’t have heard Jimmie May’s suggestion.
When she reached to take the basket, her fingers brushed against his arm. The touch was pure electricity. It was all she could do not to jerk her hand back as if she’d been burned. The shock went clear through to her toes. Watching him warily, she cleared her throat. Was she the only one effected? Or did he feel something unusual as well? His impassive expression gave nothing away.
“That was my partner, Jimmie May. She and her husband will be coming for dinner. They’d like to meet you. Of course you’ll meet the rest of the crew when they get back this afternoon. Dinner will be a lot more hectic than last night.”
Anxiously, she glanced at him to see if he noticed her reaction to his touch.
Devon’s expression hardened instantly. A muscle jerked in his jaw as he withdrew, as if pulling a shade down between them.
He looked out the back door, out over the rolling hills, aware of Tally like he had never been aware of another woman. Her small figure was downright sexy in her jeans and the loose cotton shirt that draped her high, firm breasts. Her hair shone in the sunlight spilling in through the window. Her eyes behind her glasses seemed puzzled.
His lips tightened. He didn’t want to meet anyone he didn’t have to. Didn’t want to see the speculation, the curiosity, the distaste. Her other guests were in the same boat, the cowhands and foreman part of the package for this halfway house. But not strangers. Not her personal friends.
“Devon?”
She reached out and put a tentative hand on his bare forearm. He felt a jolt. He turned back to her, staring down at her slim fingers. Her hand was small and warm. She was petite all over, with too much hair and tinted glasses that hid her pretty blue eyes. Slowly he searched her face, seeing her again as he had last night with her glasses off, her hair swirling around her shoulders. He drew a deep breath. He did not need this awareness.
“I’m uncomfortable meeting anyone I don’t have to,” he said, hating to admit it. His anger flared at her for forcing him to say it aloud. “I don’t want to meet your friends.”
“Why not?”
Frustrated, he dragged his hand through his hair, dislodging her fingers.
“It’s tied up with being in prison. Everyone here knows about it, of course, but one reason I came here instead of going back to my own place was to start a new life without everyone tiptoeing around my past. Your friends would know, of course.”
“Of course. But that’s behind you now. You have to go on. Sooner or later anyone who plays an important part in your life will know about that time. You’ve got to acknowledge that it happened, learn from it, but go on. Forgive yourself for the wrong and strive to do right.”
“Is this a lecture?” he asked, his eyes narrowing as he faced her.
“No, just a suggestion.”
Devon stared bleakly at her. What she said was true. He was a fool if he thought he could put it behind him and ignore it, as if changing the place he lived would change the past. It would haunt him forever. Maybe someday he would forget. But forgive? He didn’t think he’d ever do that. Not himself and certainly not Sheila!
“I’ll be here when your friends come,” he said at last. What choice did he have?
She smiled and he looked away. He was starting to look for Tally’s smiles, watch the way they made her eyes seem even a deeper blue, the way her entire face seemed to light up. He’d be glad when the others who lived here returned to act as a buffer. He didn’t need this close one-on-one time with Tally Newcome.
“I’m finished in here. You can call your lawyer now,” she said.
Whistling for Major to join her, Tally went to the front of the house, giving Devon all the privacy he needed.
Devon continued to lean against the counter for several moments, staring after her, a forgotten longing building despite all his attempts to halt it. Try as he might, he couldn’t ignore the sensations he felt when he watched her. He wondered what her skin would feel like against his. Was her hair as soft and fine as it looked? Would her taste explode on his tongue or be subtle and alluring? Darn it, everything about her was starting to seem alluring.
Not that she’d ever given a sign that she saw him in any way other than a temporary guest she was trying to help. What woman would want a relationship with a man like him? And what kind of fool did that make him to even entertain such a thought? He’d already been down that road once.
“Blast it!” he exclaimed, reaching for the phone.
Tally spent the morning sketching and painting. She and Jimmie May had another book in progress, and she worked on the scheduled illustrations in the upstairs bedroom she had converted to a studio. The day was bright and sunny. A soft warm breeze blew from the west, tossing the airy Priscilla curtains, keeping the room cool.
She kept an eye out for the return of the hands and Gus and Alberta. Kat and Ariel had to get home early enough to get their clothes ready for work this week. And she wanted to hear how everyone had liked sleeping outdoors. These city kids were as awestruck as she had been about working on a ranch. But they adapted well. Extremely well in the case of Jed and Brad. Who would have expected the two boys to become so horse mad?
As she lost herself in her painting, she could think about things. Foremost today was her new guest. With a college degree, he certainly didn’t have the same background as her other guests. Why had he embezzled funds? Trying to get rich quick? Most likely. He appeared angry and bitter, but that was to be expected. He’d have to work through that to resume the semblance of a normal life. The program arranged for counselors if the guests wished. Maybe she could suggest it. Or maybe he’d open up later when he grew more comfortable being here.
It was almost one o’clock when her hunger grew strong enough for Tally to think of lunch. She had expected Alberta and the others to be back by now. Hoping they hadn’t run into any problems, she went downstairs to fix herself a sandwich.
Had Devon wished to eat earlier? Would he have fixed himself something if he’d been hungry? When she reached the kitchen, she saw no signs he’d been there. His door was closed. She washed her hands and began to prepare sandwiches. She’d leave a couple covered on the counter for him.
“Can I help?” Devon’s deep voice startled Tally.
She turned to find him right beside her. Involuntarily, she stepped back, her pulse racing. He moved so silently. It was another thing to get used to. The boys clunked around; Devon moved as quietly as a wolf on the prowl. But it wasn’t his silence that caused her heart to skip a beat.
He stood overwhelmingly close, emitting an aura of strength, determination and physical power that attracted her. She was not used to such blatant masculinity, and didn’t know how to respond to the feelings he aroused. He’d think her an idiot if he ever suspected.
“I’ll have sandwiches fixed in a few minutes. You can get plates and napkins,” she said breathlessly.
“I spoke with Matt, my attorney. He’ll drop by tomorrow, if that’s all right.” he said, breaking into the silence.
“Wow, that’s service! First to reach him on a Sunday and then have him drive all the way out here.”
She set the sandwiches on the table and went to get iced tea from the refrigerator.
“What time is he coming?” she asked as she plopped the pitcher on the table and drew out her chair.
“Early afternoon. He’s not so accommodating to everyone. We were personal friends. Before.”
“No problem. You’ll have plenty of privacy. The girls both have jobs in town and dinner won’t be until seven. I’ll make sure everyone stays out of your way when your lawyer’s here. You’ll have the house to yourself—except the kitchen. Alberta spends most of her time in here. Would you like him to stay for dinner?”
“No,” he said, toying with his sandwich.
Tally watched him, her heart beginning to ache. He seemed determined to be self-sufficient, yet somehow it made him seem all the more lonely. She hoped being here would help.
“Something wrong?” she asked gently.
He looked up, his eyes showing the familiar bleakness when he met the gentle sympathy in her gaze.
“I’m not looking forward to seeing Matt,” Devon said at last, surprising himself. “He’ll tell me again what a damn fool I’ve been. Then he’ll try to talk me into returning to San Francisco. I’m not ready for that. In fact, I don’t know what I want yet. That’s one reason I’m here.”
Tally became intrigued. After the arrogant display of assurance, this hint of vulnerability was the last thing she expected. Her heart beat against her breast as she wished she could erase his haunted look, make things easier for him. But he had to handle his life, his future, himself. As well as not invading privacy, the training has stressed that each guest had to do his own growing and learning. The host was not to become a crutch.
“Well, it’s academic, anyway, for another three months,” she said gently, trying to find a way to ease his problem.
His face closed and he nodded. Another reminder that he still wasn’t totally free. He was in limbo for another three months, required to remain here. Or return to prison. But after three months he could do as he wished. What would it be?
Tally sighed softly and resumed eating. She’d lost whatever ground she’d gained by reminding him. She should have kept quiet.
They had scarcely finished lunch when the yells and thundering sound of hooves echoed in the quiet afternoon. Tally hastily tossed the dishes into the sink and headed outside, the warmth of her feelings surprising her. Grinning widely, she watched as the crew headed for the ranch yard.
Jed led the way, riding the big bay gelding as if he’d been born in the saddle. The fact he insisted on wearing his baggy cargo pants, tattered tennis shoes and baseball cap didn’t alter the fact he’d picked up more horse lore in his five months here than anyone.
Ariel came in a close second. Riding like crazy, she was trying to pass Jed, and Tally could see the girl’s fierce determination from where she stood. Holding her breath in fear of Ariel’s falling, she made a mental note to discuss her riding with Rusty. The girl was competent, but if she continued to attempt daredevil stunts like racing, Tally wanted her to be even better.
In just moments, the entire group reined in. The boys slid off the horses and hurried to Tally, talking about moving the cattle, about the meals Alberta had prepared—on an open fire no less. Their unabashed enthusiasm made Tally laugh as her heart swelled in delight. This was what the program was about. And for Jed and Brad it was working. She had introduced them to an entirely new way of life. And they had both embraced it with all the enthusiasm of young minds and hearts.
“Wait until you try it in the rain,” Rusty said good-naturedly as Brad expounded on how well he’d learned to move cattle, and how he’d brought some stragglers into line.
Tally grinned affectionately at the boy. He’d taken to ranch life as avidly as Jed, but had gone whole-hog. His boots were showing wear, no longer as shiny as a few weeks ago. His hat was covered in dust, his Wrangler jeans and western shirt showed signs of the work he’d been doing. But it was the open smile of sheer delight on his African-American face that heartened Tally the most. Brad had all the makings of a fine cowboy.
“I hope this isn’t something we’ll be required to do every weekend,” Kat’s petulant voice said. She dismounted and wrinkled her nose at her horse.
“It was hot, there were flies, and if I wanted to sleep on hard ground, there’re city streets that don’t have bears prowling.”
Jed and Brad laughed and hit each other on the shoulder.
“Gus told us about the bears late last night.”
“I wasn’t afraid,” Ariel said, tossing her head. The five earrings in her right ear caught the sunlight. Her short auburn hair gleamed. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. She rounded on Tally. “I think he just made it up to scare us. Right?”
“Ever the cynic, Ariel?” Tally asked gently. “Bears usually keep to the high country. And the campfire would have kept them away.”
Devon stepped out on the porch and everyone stopped talking to turn and stare.
“Who’s that?” Kat asked, her eyes sparkling with sudden interest. Standing taller, she moved a step closer.
“Our new guest, Devon Henderson,” Tally said, warily wondering if there was trouble looming.
She hadn’t considered Devon’s effect on others; she’d been too busy worrying about her own reactions.
Alberta walked over and stood by Tally, eyeing Devon suspiciously.
“A bit old, ain’t he?” she asked quietly.
“Older than most, but as he told me, he’s still young and a first offender,” Tally defended.
“Devon, let me introduce everyone. You’ll get a chance to know them better at dinner. Alberta is our cook.”
The older woman nodded, her suspicion clearly showing in her expression.
“Her husband, my foreman, Gus,” Tally said, pointing out the whipcord-thin man still calmly sitting in the saddle. He tipped his hat, but remained silent.
“My hands, Rusty and Tomas.”
Both cowboys slouching in their saddles touched the brim of their hats.
“And our other guests, Jed, Brad, Ariel and Kat.”
Devon studied each one in turn and nodded. When the introductions were over the cowboys began riding toward the barn. Jed pulled his horse along, as Ariel and Brad followed. Only Kat remained where she was standing.
“So, Devon, how long will you be with us?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“Three months,” Devon said evenly.
Her smile widened as she nodded. “I’m here another four, myself. Maybe we can hang out together.”
“After you take care of your horse,” Tally said firmly.
She met Kat’s glare and calmly stared her down. Only after the girl left in a flounce for the barn, did Tally relax.
“Trouble, I’d say,” Alberta muttered, tugging gently on her reins, as she glanced sharply at Devon.
“Maybe,” Tally commented, turning to Devon.
“Not from me. Don’t you think she’s a bit young?” he asked, raising one eyebrow.
“Of course she is. She’s just nineteen. But she wants independence so badly she can taste it. And she thinks she’s all grown-up.”
“Even if she were, she’s not for me. I’m not getting involved with another woman in this lifetime!”
That said, he turned and entered the house, the screen door slamming behind him.