

### Western Escape

### by

### E. L. Loraine
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious and are a product of the author's imagination. Any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Text copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Loraine. All rights reserved.

# CHAPTER ONE

It was dark much like her mood. She sat at the window and stared outside, as if by strength of will she could make everything change. Finally, the sun started to fill the sky with the glow of morning; it was red; that figured. One thing never changed; the mountains. As a little girl on the family trips, she'd discovered the intimidating and soaring grandeur of the Teton Range. That fascination with their sharp silhouettes had continued to call to her. She could remember the first time she saw them. It still felt the same way every single time she returned to the lodge. She sighed. "Snap out of it Lorna. He's not worth it. No man is. God, when will I learn?"

It wasn't like she'd never been alone before, she had, and Lorna did alone very well. She sighed again and made her way to the closet. It was cool in the mornings even at this time of year, but the water would be calm and it would be a perfect time to get a reflection of the mountains on Lake Jenny. During tough or down times, Lorna wrapped herself in her art and the Lodge was where she'd always come when she needed to get away. Once dressed, she grabbed her camera from the table, keys from her purse, and put everything else she needed in the backpack. She looked around the lodge and couldn't help thinking about the good times she'd spent there. Since she was a child it'd been the place where she felt most at peace.

Twenty minutes later, she'd made it to the turn off and drove down the narrow, quiet road that would bring her to where she wanted to take the first pictures. She parked and walked stealthily toward the water, bending her knees and crouching before she reached the ledge that overlooked the lake. She smiled seeing a lone moose plodding along the shore. Pulling her camera up, she snapped several photos. The huge bull pulled his face up and sniffed the air, then turned his huge head, adorned with a formidable rack of antlers, to look in her direction. Lorna stood stock still, holding her breath; after a few seconds he went back to browsing and continued to chew his breakfast as if she was invisible, and indeed that's just how she felt.

As the moose slowly wandered further into the tall grass and disappeared, the sun began to peek over the foothills to the east and washed over the Tetons with the dawning light of a new day. She did an involuntarily shimmy as a chill ran up her body. It happened every time. The sheer majesty of the peaks, the quiet coolness of the landscape - one she knew would never change, would always greet her in the same way. That's what was so comforting about coming here, the feeling of permanence. She took a deep breath and clicked several more pictures as the scene mirrored on the glassy surface.

Finally, her patience gave her the shot she'd come for. The sun rose, blanketing the picture-perfect majesty of the mountains with the coral hue of the early morning light which was reflected on the smooth surface of the pristine lake. She set up the shot, changed the settings and took pictures until the freshening wind caused the surface to darken and the waves created there rippled the reflection. Finally, satisfied she'd gotten what she needed; she walked back to the car and drove to the other side of the lake. Although a popular tourist and hiking destination, no one was in the parking lot this early, just the way she wanted it. She repacked her day pack with the equipment she needed and started the long hike around the back side of Lake Jenny. As she walked down the trail her ridged posture softened and in the morning's solitude each step lifted her mood and she relaxed a little more. Dew coated her boots from the dripping ferns as she passed though them. She'd followed this path hundreds of times and always paid close attention to the signs around her, focusing on the sounds and sights for evidence of bear presence. Bears were early risers and would be out foraging this time of day. Surprising a bear with hunger pains was not her idea of a good time.

After about forty-five minutes of hiking the well maintained trail, she came to the bridge and turned off the regular trail to one that branched left up the mountain. Her breathing became shallow and labored as the grade of the slope steadily increased, and the steep terrain pulled her away from the tourist side of the falls. It wasn't too long before the roar of it filled the air; its mist hovering over the rocks below. She stared down, mesmerized for a moment, before she glanced across the chasm. She squinted and then her eyes widened. A man stood on the other side of the falls, and from his place on the far bank, stared up at her. He raised his hand in greeting, so she did the same. Then she squinted again. With the sun at his back, the man's face was completely shaded. But somehow Lorna recognized that silhouette. It couldn't be him, could it?

She turned from the falls, but took a quick glance over her shoulder. When her quick look didn't find the man, Lorna stopped walking and turned fully back. Shading her eyes, she looked along the entire observation area. He was nowhere to be seen. Shaking her head, she wondered if now she was delusional too. She continued up the mountain, taking the trail that would eventually lead her above the tree line to Lost Canyon. Hidden from everything and everyone, she followed the tapering trail as it twisted through the stone walls of the narrow canyon. Further away from the well traveled trails, she was drawn into the pristine countryside. Once enveloped in nature's hand, pulled deep inside it, her soul was filled with a renewed calm. It was just what she needed. As she curled around through the steep sided canyon she began to hear the sound she remembered, not the roar of a big falls, but the beckoning shower of a smaller, intimate one. She smiled as the creek came into view and let it lead her to the base of the narrow falls whose cascade slipped over the cliff above into a small pool.

Making her way to the pool she sat on the same smooth, flat topped boulder she always did. Lorna unlaced and kicked her boots away before peeling her socks off and sticking her feet in the cool, clear water. She stood and began to undress, no rush, first her shirt. Undoing each button slowing and pacing her breathing to its release was relaxing. Next were her t-shirt and shorts. She slipped the straps of her bra from her shoulders, unhooked the back and let it drop on the pile of her other clothes. Finally she moved her boy-short panties over her hips, and was pulling them off when a sharp snap of a twig caused her to tense up and pull herself into a crouch. A quick look around brought her eyes to several deer just down from the pool, their graceful necks bent to drink from the creek. Automatically framing the camera shot in her mind, she stifled the terrible urge to say "awwwh" out loud. She was smiling as she gingerly made her way over the rocks and into the water, boldly stepping into the pool. Its bottom sloped down sharply and the water quickly rose up her body, its coolness prickling her skin, pulling her nipples into tight points. The startling change of temperature caused her to gasp; the sound causing the deer to raise their heads and trot away.

Keeping to the edge of the pool she made her way to the falls and stepped under its sheeted cascade, turning her back into the flow and letting the water wash down over her face, her body, covering every inch of her skin with stingingly cold water, fresh from the melting snows from mountains which seemed to pierce the very heavens with their sharp, granite peaks.

In the thundering of wetness, she closed her eyes and wept warm tears into the streaming glacial water. She bit her lip, and then began to release the emotion that had been building within her for, oh, so long. The sadness that filled her soul erupted, washing out and draining, until finally peace washed over her with the water. She sighed and slowly opened her eyes. It had worked again, she felt whole. With a new sense of well-being, she waded across the pool to her back pack, pulled out the towel and quickly dried off. Her teeth started to chatter as she sat drying her legs and then the hair rose on the back of her neck. Her head snapped around and there he was.

He started down the canyon as she dressed. She was just lacing her boots when he finally reached the edge of the pool.

"You don't have anything to say, not even hello?"

"Hello."

"That's it? I came a long way, you know?"

"Hello, Jeff?" Aggravated, she finished tying the bow with a sharp jerk of the laces before she looked up at him. His golden brown eyes stared back. He stood there with his arms crossed arrogantly across his chest, his chiseled jaw set, lips pursed. He looked great. Even that pissed her off right now.

"I didn't ask you to come. And if you're going to continue the drama of our last meeting you can turn your ass around and leave right now."

"I came all this way to be with you." He spread his arms taking an exaggerated look around. "This was our dream remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. You're the one who forgot. Why don't you ask... uh, what's her name...Candy, to make your dreams come true?"

Jeff sighed. "Her name was Sandy and I said I was sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. It was just..."

"...sex? Yeah I saw how 'just' it was when I walked in on the two of you with her bent over your desk and your dick buried inside her. Spare me. I was a fool to pin my dreams on you or any other man. Believe me, it'll never happen again."

Lorna slung her pack over her shoulders. Jeff didn't seem to know what to say. In his arrogance he must have thought she'd fall into his arms when he showed up. Lorna's jaw tensed and she stalked past him. He caught her arm and pulled her to him.

"You have to forgive me, it's been six months. You're all I think about. You're the only thing that means anything to me."

She jerked her arm away and glared at him. "You should have thought about that before you screwed your secretary with the door unlocked." She started to jog down the path as fast as she dared. Tears stung her eyes again and she had no idea if he was following or not. Instead of taking the long trail back, when she reached the bridge, she took the path leading down to the dock, her pace quickly catching the group making for the next launch back to the parking lot.

Once aboard, she found a bench and removed her backpack. They pulled away from the dock and once away from the shelter of the shore, the wind was strong and biting cold. She huddled down letting the man seated on the bench in front of her serve as her windbreak. The trip across the lake was no more than twenty minutes but the white-caps whipped up by the wind made the ride rough and boat bounced on the frothy chop. When the launch docked, she rose and joined the line formed at the toll booth and paid her fare, then walked to her SUV and threw her pack onto the passenger seat.

When she left the parking lot, Lorna, instead of taking the paved road through Jackson, chose a shorter but slower alternative route around to her valley. She turned onto the unpaved logging road, and was forced to slow, sometimes to idle speed, because of the narrow and uneven track. Moving down the rough road she looked forward to seeing more wildlife along the way and knew she would enjoy the leisurely trip. Coming to the single lane bridge over the creek she pulled off onto a small entrance road and up to the gate. There was a large 'no trespassing' sign fastened to the gate and on the fence several other signs warning: 'posted' and 'do not enter'. Grabbing her camera she walked down through the slight ditch near the creek to take some pictures. As she focused the wide lens, a movement caught her eye.

Not thirty feet across the bubbling water a large stag rested in the woods. She smiled. "Hey, boy. You the same beautiful stag I see every year? You remember me, don't you?"

The stag turned his head slightly, stopped chewing and just stared at her. Smiling again, she set her camera to 'multiple shots, and pressed the shutter control. She was changing the F-stop when the stag's head jerked fully around, looking at something behind her. He sprang to his feet, his tail flagged in alert, and he bolted away.

"You're on private land," she heard from behind.

She turned to see a man standing behind her vehicle, arms crossed over his chest.

"I was just taking some pictures." She rose from where she'd been crouched and walked toward him taking noticed of what a large man he was. She was five nine and he towered over her. He sure looked the back woods part, startling green eyes peered out from a face which sported a full untrimmed beard. He was wearing a lumberjack blue and green plaid flannel shirt, with jeans, and well-worn cowboy boots.

"There are signs."

"Yeah, I saw," she said as she passed him. "As I recall the state, or in this case the Federal Government owns the access and twenty feet of right-of-way each side of the road."

"My family has owned this land before there was a park. So if you don't mind, I'd rather not have tourists using it for personal purposes."

Lorna sighed, clicked the SUV's remote and then turned. "Look, for one thing I wasn't on your land. For another, I'm not a tourist. Thus, the Wyoming plates."

"Tourists rent cars with them every day." He glowered at her as she passed by him.

"True. That still doesn't mean we're all tourists." His green eyes bore into hers. She shook her head and slid into her white SUV. "I'll be sure to mention what an exemplary job you're doing to the tourist board. Have a nice day."

She started the car and after looking each way for traffic and to make sure he'd moved away, she backed off the apron and slowly drove away. As she passed, each shot the other a scowl.

"Jerk."

When she reached her valley, she was forced to bring her SUV to a crawl behind a herd of cattle which filled the road as they moved from one pasture to another. There was only one ranch left in this part of the valley. The others had sold out to developers. As a woman on horseback approached, Lorna rolled her window down and waved.

"Hey, Lorna. I thought that was you. When did you get in?"

"Last night."

"Why don't you join us for dinner tonight?"

"I'd love to, thanks Janie."

She grinned. "Jack and Jonas will be thrilled, see you at six." Nudging her horse forward Janie cantered back up to the herd.

Lorna took the winding road up to her property and parked in front of the lodge. The view from here was simply spectacular and never failed to stop her in her tracks.. The lodge and this land had been her dad's passion. He loved the mountains, and when he died last year, Lorna wasn't surprised he'd left it to her. The bequest really pissed off her mom and brother, though, but Lorna refused to feel guilty about it, since her mom had always hated the outdoors, and her brother was a drunken fool. Her dad knew they'd only sell it off and that's not what he wanted. A few years ago, they'd talked about it and she promised him she'd never sell it and recently made sure it would remain intact by putting it into a trust which stipulated the land could never be developed. If anything happened to her it would go to the state.

Lorna felt the tension begin to drain from her the minute she entered the lodge. The mountains dominated the view from the fully glassed back of the great room, and every room on the back side of the post and beam structure. Dropping her pack by the door she walked to the kitchen to start some coffee. After working up an appetite on the hike, making breakfast was the next task.

"Let's see what Gavin stocked for me." Gavin was the owner of the management company which watched over properties of the area's part time residents, and provided services at whatever level the client wanted. For Lorna that included care of the group of four horses she considered pets and part of her family. So after bacon and eggs, Lorna headed to the barn and observed a man pushing a wheelbarrow out of the main door.

"God, talk about tall, dark and handsome," she mumbled. She slowed her pace so she could take him in for a moment. He wore his dark wavy hair short. Bronze skin covered a muscular torso and arms, his physique set off by a body-hugging white tee tucked into dark jeans that fit really well in all the right places. What a nice surprise. He glanced over as she approached, smiling as he set down the wheelbarrow and stood tall.

"You must be Lorna. Gavin said you'd be here today." He pulled out a kerchief and wiped his brow and hands before extending one to her.

Lorna gave it a firm grip before she shook it, mentally chastising herself for staring at this fine example of maleness. His eyes lit up as she met them and she broke in to a chagrinned smile.

"Wow, she's gorgeous. Dark blonde hair, blue eyes, flawless light, but not pale skin, legs that seemed to go on forever in those shorts. Again, just wow," he thought. "Oh, I'm Miguel. I help out Gavin when he needs it. I have a small place on the other side of the valley where I raise and train horses for the trail rides around here."

"What great lips," she thought. "I'm Lorna Todd. Oh sorry, you already knew that." She pulled her hand away, feeling self-conscious. "How are my boys?"

"They're good."

Seeing the look on his face, Lorna chuckled. "You mean they're spoiled and lazy? Sorry, that's my fault." Just then they heard several loud whinnies.

"Your children recognize your voice."

"I think you're right." She walked inside the barn, and was greeted by four horses, all tossing their heads, leaning as far out into the wide center walk-way from their Dutch-door stalls as they could. Lorna greeted each with a pat on the neck and a stroke on the face, followed by a kiss on each velvet muzzle. "I missed you guys."

"Looks like they missed you too. I don't blame them."

She glanced over as she scratched the neck of the sorrel gelding in front of her. Miguel was sweet.

"They've been groomed and fed if you want to go for a ride."

She grinned. "I'd love to. Why don't you join me?" He hesitated and she felt her stomach tighten and quickly added, "It's okay, I'm sure you have better things to do. I...uh...I'm going to go change. I guess I'll see you around? Nice meeting you Miguel."

She trotted past him up towards the house.

He shook his head watching her retreating back. "Way to go, Miguel. You're a real charmer, aren't you?"

"God, could you sound any needier?" Lorna grumbled as she got to the lodge. She took off her hiking boots and stalked into the bedroom. Jeans, shirts and boots were mostly what occupied the closet here, along with a few simple dresses. She slipped her shorts off and kicked them away, replacing them with a comfortable pair of relaxed jeans and her favorite worn-in brown cowboy boots.

Since her ranch was isolated and the area was safe, she really could have left the house open, but more out of habit then safety, when she let herself out. She locked the door and pulled it closed behind her. Glancing at the keypad alongside the garage door, she was glad her dad had it installed, alleviating the need for her to have to carry a key. Strolling back to the barn she smiled when she saw two saddled horses tied onto the top rail of the corral.

Miguel came out of the barn, cowboy hat in hand. "I don't have better things to do. I'm just better with horses than I am with people."

"That's okay. I guess I am too."

Miguel untied the bay and handed her the reigns. She grabbed the saddle horn, swung easily up into the saddle and slid her boots in the stirrups.

He shook his head again, settled his hat on his head, easily stepped up onto his mount and led them west down the trail.

"So, what do you do, and where do you do it?" Miguel wondered as she pulled the bay abreast of his sorrel.

"I'm an artist and a writer, and I do that in Boston. At least I used to. I plan to do it here from now on. I'm going to make the lodge my permanent home."

He grinned. "I'm glad."

She smiled shyly. "Then I'm glad you're glad."

He chuckled. "I could keep going, but I won't."

"Okay, good." She laughed at their silliness. "Have you always lived here?"

"No. I grew up in Texas, where I got up early, dressed in an expensive suite, drove my BMW to work and successfully sold stocks and bonds. One of my clients owned a house here; he invited a bunch of us up. I fell in love with it. Sold everything and bought my place."

"This place, these mountains," she said staring to the panorama ahead of them, "they bewitch you. I started coming here on trips with my parents when I was eight, so I know what you mean. I love it too."

Miguel pulled his horse to a stop and pointed ahead. Lorna looked in the direction and saw a small herd of elk coming out of the brush just fifty yards ahead, crossing into the sage fields.

"It was a good winter for them. They're in good shape, aren't they?"

"Yes, everything around here looks perfect," she said looking at Miguel as much as the distant herd. She caught herself. Lorna you idiot, you never learn do you? God, a pretty face, a hot body and you're caught up again - setting yourself up to be run over. You came here to escape, get your life together. For Christ sake, rein it in.

Miguel saw her attitude change abruptly. Her eyes lost their sparkle as if being shuttered against strong light. He wondered what had triggered it but was not surprised when she said, "We should turn back. I have some work to do before I leave for dinner with friends."

She turned her horse, and urged him on, cantering back up the path. Miguel frowned, but turned and cantered after her.

Back at the barn, Lorna led her horse inside and started taking the saddle off, while thinking what an idiot she was. Miguel probably thought she was a mental case but this was too much, too soon.

"Did I do something?" he asked her as she lifted the stirrup and worked the cinch straps.

"No, of course not," she said when he followed her into the tack room. "Sorry about cutting the ride off so soon and thanks for coming with me. I just realized I have so much to do. I'm still getting settled and, well you know how it is?"

"Yeah, of course I do." He knew what being dismissed was all about. "You have a great night." He walked away, not even offering to help with the horses.

Lorna brushed each horse, and then turned them out into the corral with some hay.

"I'm going to give myself a week to get my shit together and then I'm going back to work."

Miguel's truck came up behind her as she walked back to the lodge. She moved out of the way, motioning for Miguel to roll his window down.

"I'm really sorry I let my attitude get in the way of our ride. Let me make it up to you?" she said. "Come in for lunch."

"Thanks, but I have stuff to do, too."

"Another time then?"

"Sure. Bye, Lorna."

She watched the truck until it was out of sight and then went inside. The emptiness started to consume her as she pressed in the code and walked inside. She understood the source and she wondered if she was destined to be alone. Would everyone she loved leave her? Pouting and feeling sorry for herself sure wasn't going to help.

Suddenly she wasn't hungry anymore. She dug through the storage closet and pulled out the easel and a small blank canvas board. She often painted when she was here. Might as well start some work and since she didn't feel like writing, painting was a great way to get her feelings out. She set up on the back porch and then mixed some oils.

The sky was overcast; grey clouds were pushed across the sky by a strengthening wind. Recognizing the signs of an afternoon storm in the making, Lorna felt the need to capture the feeling and the look of the pre-storm landscape. Her hand moved the brush quickly across the canvas. With each stroke the mountains rose along with her emotions. Tears welled and flowed down her face as she continued to furiously paint. The scent of musty moisture filled the air just before the rain washed across the sage-filled valley, over the Snake River and the mountains.

Lorna took the canvas inside, walked back out onto the porch and then out onto the cantilevered deck. She tipped her head up as the dark clouds billowed overhead, blotting out the mid day sun and closed her eyes as the first drops of rain splattered onto her face. More and more drops fell from the sky, pinging off her body. It felt like a cleansing. Her chest heaved and she dropped to her knees.

She sank down and sobbed uncontrollably. She'd always kept everything in, pushing the emotions deep down inside. Now the pain that she'd tried so hard to control erupted. Her father's death, her mother's indifference, Jeff's betrayal. "Give me some peace," she yelled. Lighting cracked across the sky and she squeezed her eyes closed. "Take me if you want. This is the place I want to end everything. TAKE ME!" she screamed.

Wind swirled around her for a few minutes and then the rain abruptly stopped. She looked up to see the mountains still shrouded by clouds. She sniffed. She was soaking wet, and her nose was running, but she felt better, much better.

She stood and ran her hands over her arms, forcing water from them. "Well, that was dramatic, Lorna. Maybe you should be on stage instead of on the porch," she told herself. With a sigh and shake of her head she walked inside. A nice long, hot shower would be just the thing.

Afterward, she retrieved a soda from the fridge, dug her laptop out of her briefcase and opened it. She went through the emails, deleting some and answering others. Working for yourself made it easy to work from anywhere and actually she'd never felt it was work. She loved the art of painting with a brush and with words. She glanced over to the piece she'd done earlier, looking at it with a critical eye and decided it was good. Landscapes weren't something she normally did, that was going to change. She'd made appointments for next week with several local galleries and had a promise to hang her art and photography in a very popular restaurant nearby. It was a good start. She didn't do it for the money; she didn't need to any more. She had her inheritance and was proud her writing and photography provided a good living. She'd managed what few artists and writers coveted to be; self sufficient.

She read for a while and then decided she'd head on over to Janie's ranch. She smiled, it would be fun to see all them again and give them the news that she intended to stay.

As she stepped out of her SUV she saw welcome familiar faces. "Got the cattle all moved, I see. Anything I can help with since I'm here?"

"Lorna. Great to see you, Janie was so excited," Jonas said as he strode over and gave her a hug, pulling her up off the ground.

"Don't let him fool you, he was pretty excited too."

Lorna smiled. "Hi, Jack. I'm pretty excited myself. It isn't often you get to see gorgeous twins like the two of you. How've you been?" She disengaged from Jonas, reaching out to give Jack a hug too.

"It's been good around here. Always something to do, you know; getting ready for the winter."

"How about your mom and dad?"

"Why don't you see for yourself, they're in the barn?"

"Okay."

Jonas winked at Jack, and followed along behind her. Hershey, a big chocolate lab, loped over to greet her, barking more for attention than anything else.

"Hey boy," Lorna said, petting him and scratching his neck. Jonas and Jack's dad, Larry glanced over and grinned as she entered the barn.

"There you are. Janie said you were in town." He motioned to her. "Come see what we've got here."

Lorna briskly walked over, feeling like a kid at Christmas. Larry moved to the side allowing her to lean over the Dutch door. There, sprawled out on the hay was Hershey's mate Cocoa, a line of six puppies pressing their tiny paws into her as they suckled.

"Awe. They're beautiful."

"They're three weeks old today, but they're growing so fast, I think they're taking more after their dad than their mom. Judith, look who's here."

Judith, Larry's wife, came around the corner with a dog bowl full of water. "You sure made everyone's day, Lorna. Good to have you back. I have a big pot of stew on the stove and biscuits and apple pie in the oven." She pulled up the latch and went into the stall. "Well, come on in, I know you're dying to pick up a puppy."

Larry opened the door wider and Lorna went inside kneeling next to Cocoa. "You did a great job girl, they're gorgeous. She spied one puppy, whining and pushing to get something more to eat and reached for it. Tipping the puppy up she found it was a girl and noticed a wing-shaped splash of white on her chest. The puppy whined and flailed until Lorna righted her and drew the brown fur ball to her chest, where the puppy immediately quieted at the sound of Lorna's heart beat.

Jack grinned. "What's her name, Lorna?"

Lorna kissed her. "Angel."

Judith set the water bowl down and patted Cocoa. "That's a great name, Lorna. What do you say we all get cleaned up and have some dinner?"

Lorna put Angel down and watched as the puppy squirmed between her brothers and sisters to find a free nipple. Giving the happily panting Cocoa a final pat she rose. Exiting the stall, Jonas poked out his elbow and Lorna laced her arm through. This was what a family was supposed to be like and she cherished each and every member.

Larry led them across to the iconic, white, clabbered farm house with its wrap-around porch and dormer windows. If the rocking chairs on the porch didn't shout 'family', the plank swing hanging from the huge cottonwood in the front sure did.

Bowls clinked together in the kitchen as Janie readied dinner for the group. Lining up at the sink, they took turns washing up and drying off on the embroidered heavy cotton hand towel they took from the front of the sink cabinet. Jack and Lorna reached the large table at the same time. Jack pulled out a chair for Lorna and sat down next to her. These boys were so much more than cute. Jack and Jonas were only a year younger than Lorna's twenty-nine; Janie was the baby of the group at twenty-three.

Janie placed a bowl of stew in front of each of them, a plate full of hot biscuits in the middle of the table alongside the huckleberry jam, local butter and jar of honey. Lorna's mouth watered as she poured herself milk from the stoneware pitcher.

Larry dipped a biscuit in his stew as he observed her. "It's been a while, Lorna. How long do you plan on staying?" He took a bite, waiting for her answer.

Lorna's heart jumped. She'd been waiting all day to tell them her news and anticipating the Anderson's reaction to it. Now she hesitated, stirring her stew, watching the steam rising from the delicious smelling combination of beef and vegetables.

"It was hard to come after Dad died, you know how much he loved it here, but the memories of our times together drew me back, and now in the lodge I can feel him here with me. This was always my heart's home, my safe refuge. She paused looking around the table at the family she cared so much for and had come to think of as her own. And . . . . . I've decided I'm going to stay...permanently."

Jack let out a whoop and everyone laughed.

Judith clapped her hands together, a smile beaming across her face. "That's wonderful news, Lorna. We always thought of you as family. Now we'll have more time together."

"I know. I feel the same way."

"Guess that means we found a home for at least one puppy."

"I'll take you up on that, Larry."

"Good. Judith, couldn't you use some help with the art festival in the fall?"

"I sure could, and it'd be a great way for you to meet some more people. I don't know why you've never shown here. You know it's developed into a big deal, we have participants now, from all over the county."

"I was painting modern art and taking mostly photos of city architecture. Now that I'm here, I'm going to concentrate on mountain landscapes and animal oils and photography. I started today, actually."

"Maybe you'll find yourself a nice cowboy too," Janie teased, glancing over and then winking at the boys.

"Not right now, but yeah, eventually. This stew is wonderful, Judith. Really hits the spot."

"Save room for pie, and I know Larry wants a chance to make some money back at the pool table."

Lorna chuckled. "When are you going to give up on that dream, Larry?"

"Never. You're going to change your tune when you see how much better I am."

"He has been practicing," Judith admitted.

She looked around the table as they all laughed and teased each other. Everything bad she'd been feeling eased away. She relaxed, the anger and hurt from the last months faded and she finally knew what home felt like.

# CHAPTER TWO

The next morning she was up early again, really early considering the two hour time change. She went down to the barn and smiled when she saw Miguel's truck parked nearby. She found him tossing hay into the stalls. He looked up, stuck the tines of the pitch fork into the ground, and leaned on the handle, grinning as she approached.

"We didn't know if you wanted us to continue to do the chores around here or not, so I thought I'd let you decide."

"I rather like seeing you every day and yeah, I'm going to still need you. Um, need help." Miguel's grin widened at her discomfiture. She tried again, "I'm here full time and can do a lot of the feeding and mucking out myself. I'll still need help with the heavy stuff but I'll talk with Gavin about that."

"Sounds like a plan," Miguel went back to spreading hay into the feeders.

Lorna kicked at the ground glancing up through her thick lashes. "Miguel, about yesterday, I'm sorry I was so abrupt. I just got out of a bad relationship and it has me in a weird mood these days. Then there was this guy on the short cut..."

Miguel stopped what he was doing and frowned. "Guy, what guy?"

"Some very tall, very annoying guy over by the creek. I pulled the nose of my SUV just off the road into his drive and got out to take a few pictures. He popped out of the trees and nearly bit my head off, saying I was trespassing."

Miguel smiled and shook his head. "So you met Wiley. Wiley Thompson. He moved back last year, and I don't think he's too happy about it, but an heir has to live on the property, a male heir, or it reverts to the government and becomes part of the park."

"Male heir? How Regency period is that?"

Miguel shrugged. "Those were the rules back then and it's not going to change now. I think he's living in the homestead cabin. The main house is occupied by his mother. You know his brother Danny loved the place, but he had a fall while scaling the Grand and died right there. Tore his mom up. She's a real nice lady."

"I guess I should give him some slack then, but he seemed like a jerk to me."

Miguel shrugged and moved to the next stall, filling the feeder with oats. "You're not the first one to think so. He doesn't much seem to like anyone or anything about this place. He's doing it for his mom, I guess."

"I'm used to the city, maybe he is too. Not everyone knows your business there or cares."

"Yup, it's a small town, Lorna. The people are friendly, but everyone knows everything about everyone around here."

"Well, I guess I'll be the subject of gossip for the next few weeks, although there's, not much to tell."

Miguel shot her a concerned look.

She laughed. "It's okay, I'll get used to it. You have family, Miguel?"

My mom, dad and two sisters still live in Texas. They don't like the cold, and they sure don't like the 'out in the middle of nowhere' of this place."

Lorna chuckled. "It's not for everyone, but I guess you could say that about most places."

"It's not easy to make a living here, but I wouldn't live anywhere else now. People come out here unprepared for actually living here and usually end up going back where they come from. I imagine the locals will probably take bets on how long you'll stick it out before you go back to Boston."

"Really? You one of them?"

He stopped and stared at her. "I think once you've set your mind to do something, you do it. I'd never bet against you, Lorna."

"How about, to make up for yesterday, I fix you some breakfast? I'll groom the horses myself later, and turn them out."

"You're making more out of it than you need to, but I've never been one to turn down a free meal. Sure, that'd be great."

He was so... well hot, she thought as they walked up to the lodge.

"What do you like to have for breakfast? I've got bacon, sausage. I could make my famous gravy over biscuits? French toast? Eggs?"

"Okay." He smiled.

First she just looked at him, then it sunk in what he meant and she rewarded him with a genuine full-throated laugh.

Still laughing she pulled down the pans. "Must be the fresh air. I'm starving too." She started getting out ingredients for each option and started the gravy first. "So there's no Mrs....?

"Torres. Not anymore."

"Oh I'm sorry, what happened?"

"See, you'll fit right in around here."

"Sorry, too personal? How do you want your eggs?"

"Scrambled. Nah, it's all right. She decided she hated me." He chuckled good naturedly. "You said you just left a bad relationship, what happened to you?"

Lorna cracked some eggs, as the oil, butter and flower for the gravy browned. "He decided he'd like to screw his secretary."

Miguel sucked air in through his teeth. "Ouch, sorry about that."

Lorna pulled out a whisk and started beating the eggs and shrugged. "Yeah, that was fun. He actually followed me out here and tried to explain that it didn't mean anything and I should forgive him. Uh...no."

Over their huge breakfast they talked about everything from life in Jackson, to wildlife management and somewhere during the conversation, Lorna decided Miguel was really a nice guy. Then again, her track record with men wasn't very good. She hoped, in this instance, her assessment was right and country guys were different, but who knew.

"God, I'm stuffed. Thanks for going to all that trouble. I'll help you clean up. After we finish with the horses, I have to go into town, do you wanna come?"

Lorna grinned. "I'd love to. Besides, after this table groaning breakfast, I need groceries now."

"I need some fencing, for you and for me. You'll find that between the elk, deer and buffalo, mending fence is a never ending job out here. Well, you won't have buffalo up here I shouldn't think. You should watch for coyote though." Miguel looked around. "Do you even have a gun here?"

"Of course. In the gun locker in the office. It's been years since I shot one though."

"Maybe we should get you practiced then, just in case."

"Okay, good idea. I appreciate all this, Miguel."

"No problem, it's what's great about a small town. We watch out for each other, help where and when we can."

"You're right." They stared at each other for a moment. She wondered what it would be like to kiss those full lips of his. Her eyes got a bit dreamy and then she caught herself and blinked. "We should get started."

Miguel looked past her, noticed the painting and walked over. "Did you do this?"

"Uh huh, yesterday, just as it started to rain."

"It's amazing. You see the mountains so often in paintings around here, but this is more like a photograph; that takes real talent. You're going to do very well, Lorna."

"Thanks, I hope so. I do love it." She finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher and stood up as Miguel walked over and stood in front of her.

"I'm not just saying it, I mean it. It's really good."

"I appreciate your honesty." His gaze held hers again and she had to look away. "Should we head back to the barn then?"

"Yeah, sure. Won't take us long to finish up and we can leave for town."

Miguel was right. With the two of them they had the job finished within the hour. So after washing up they jumped into his truck and drove into the picturesque town where he dropped her at the grocery store while he headed to the farm supply.

Lorna filled her cart with fresh produce and then strolled through every aisle finding things she didn't even know she wanted until she saw them. She enjoyed every minute of this simple task.

While she was trying to decide between the tomato sauce with peppers or onions or with meat, a middle-aged, tiny woman walked up and stood next to her. "There's too many choices aren't there?"

"Yes, too many." Lorna smiled in greeting and noticed the woman looking at an item on the very top shelf. The woman couldn't have been five feet tall so she asked, "Can I help you reach something?"

"Thank you. My son loves the hot sauce in the red box. As you can see I'm vertically challenged, and my son took the cart to fetch something from the other side of the store."

Lorna easily reached up for the hot sauce and handed the red box over to the grateful woman.

She smiled. "Thank you. I don't remember seeing you in here before, just visiting?"

"I have a place in the valley. I used to just come for visits, but I'm going to stay permanently now."

"How nice, I hope we see each other again soon then..."

"Lorna."

"Lorna, I'm Grace. Thanks again for your help."

"Anytime, Grace. Bye." Lorna pushed her cart down the aisle heading to the next and noticed a man approaching Grace. She placed the hot sauce in his cart and turned in her direction. God, it was the man from her encounter on the shortcut. The man Miguel had told her was Wiley Thompson. She hurried to the checkout and unloaded her things. Who would have thought that vile, insulting man could have such a nice Mom?

Miguel was waiting in the parking lot when she finished and helped her put her grocery bags in the truck.

"What'd you do, buy out the store?" Miguel asked, hefting the last two bags inside.

She chuckled. "Almost, there are still a few things left."

"I got a call while I was picking up the fencing; they need horses up at Jackson Lake lodge. So if you don't mind, I'd like to go home and pick them up before I drop you off."

"No, I don't mind at all. I'd love to see your place."

He smiled and Lorna felt her stomach flutter. She should have left the city months ago.

Miguel's ranch was south and west of her valley, but it didn't take long to get there. The house was a simple ranch style, surrounded by split-rail fencing. The barn was large and had several round corrals next to it. Inside each, horses of every color mingled. He backed up to the trailer and then turned the truck off.

"I'll just cut some out and then we'll be on our way."

Lorna got out and walked to the first corral as he hooked up the trailer. Miguel grabbed a halter and rope and unlatched the gate. He approached a nice pinto and slipped the halter on her and led her back.

Lorna stepped to the gate and reached out her hand. "I'll load her."

"You sure?" She nodded and he handed her the rope, retrieving another halter. Lorna walked the mare to the long stock trailer and opened the back gate, walking casually inside. The mare followed and without a problem Lorna tied her off. With Miguel cutting out and haltering stock and Lorna loading the horses they filled the trailer in no time.

"If this art thing doesn't work out, I'll hire you for a ranch hand."

Lorna laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, thanks. It's always good to have a fallback plan. When I was a kid this is what I really wanted to do. Have a horse ranch. Growing up in the city, it's all I dreamed about, the country I mean, this part of the country in particular."

"You can visit my ranch any time you want."

"Deal."

He dropped her at home and helped her unload the truck and take the groceries into the kitchen. On one of the last trips in Lorna noticed the storm building in the north. They didn't get a lot of rain in the summer and storms two days in a row weren't really the norm. With the dry conditions, lightning was a worry.

"See you, Miguel."

"Yup, see you tomorrow."

Lorna put away her purchases and stared out the window. Thunder rolled down the valley from the north and lightning bolts crashed into the ground with the fury of Zeus. She had wanted to paint this afternoon but the advancing storm threatened to chase the light away. Maybe it was a good day to jot down some ideas for new books.

Taking out a pad she fully intended to write, but she was just too restless. Deciding on a drive instead, she grabbed her keys. She got as far as the Anderson ranch before she pulled off the road. She found Janie in the barn.

"Want to come have lunch with me? I haven't been to Signal Mountain in years, we can have lunch outside and you can tell me all about college."

"Sounds great. I'll just wash up."

Lorna stood on the wrap-around porch looking up at the stalled storm front. She could see that high level winds were pushing the building clouds back to the north, cutting the storm down to size. "I guess the storm was all talk. It didn't even rain and now it's starting to clear."

"Dad's worried it may be a bad year for fires. I hope not." Janie studied Lorna for a few minutes as they got into the car. "What happened, Lorna, why did you finally leave the city?" she asked once they were on the road.

"I've been thinking about it for a long time; even before dad died. I used to love the city, but I was so tired of the noise, the traffic, everything. But my family, such as it was, was there and I didn't want to leave Dad, you know how close we were. Now that he's gone, the city no longer held me and I decided I'd rather be here."

"I know there has to be more of a reason why you're staying. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it."

"Thanks, I don't. How's school?" she asked as they drove north.

Janie broke into a big grin. "I was accepted. I'm going to veterinary school in the fall."

"That's fantastic. I knew you'd do it. I'm so proud of you, your mom and dad must be thrilled."

"They are." They talked about vet school, classes and any number of subjects; it made Lorna's heart warm to talk about her future. While she was happy and excited, Lorna felt an undercurrent of melancholy in Janie's words. "I'm glad you're here Lorna. It's going to be great, you'll see. Now about finding that cowboy..."

"I'm swearing off men for awhile, Janie. There is one cowboy I find very interesting though."

Janie's eyes widened. "Really? You work fast. Who is it?"

"He's helping Gavin. You know, doing my fencing, taking care of my boys."

"Oh my God, you're talking about Miguel aren't you?" Janie slumped back into her seat with a dreamy expression on her face. "He sure is a sexy cowboy. I know every girl from eighteen to forty has their eye on him, and here you come into town for two days and spy the same cowboy. How about him, does he seem interested?"

"Oh, I don't know about that. With what you just told me, I'm sure I'm in back of the line." They both giggled. "Anyway, like I said. Having a man in my life right now isn't my first priority. I've got to get settled and back to work."

"Don't shut love out just because you've had your heart broken before. You never know, right? If the perfect one comes along you have to be open to him."

Lorna glanced over and squeezed the steering wheel. "When did you become such an expert on love anyway?"

"Never, just repeating what Mom told me. It makes sense though doesn't it? We all get our feet stomped on by horses, doesn't keep us away from them. It hurts, but it fades."

"No wonder you're going to be a Vet, you're so smart."

They got half-way through the shortcut and Lorna slowed down. "This is where I always see that old stag. It's also where I saw Wiley Thompson, what a jerk he was to me yesterday."

"You met Wiley? He's like a ghost, Lorna. You know he's there, but you rarely see him. He's pretty gorgeous though. Danny was too."

"Danny, your Danny was his brother? Oh Janie, why didn't someone tell me? Why didn't you tell me?"

Janie's face pinched in sadness and she blinked rapidly but couldn't stop the tears from cascading over her cheeks. She sucked in a breath. "It happened just days after your dad died. Danny took a group climbing and I was back at college. When I saw Jonas and Jack come into my room, it scared me to death. I just knew something had happened to Mom or Dad. Instead they came to tell me Danny was dead."

Lorna pulled off the road and leaned over to gather her friend up in a comforting hug. "I'm so sorry. I've been so wrapped up in my own life, feeling sorry for myself. I should have been there for you. I really am so sorry, Janie."

"I still keep waiting for him to walk in the door, hear his voice on the phone. It's still so hard, Lorna."

Lorna kissed the top of her head as she squeezed her closer. "I know sweetie, I know. I understand. I feel the same way about my dad. He had a heart attack. He died before I got a chance to say goodbye. Your mom's right. We have to be open. We're both going to be okay. I promise." Lorna looked up to see, Wiley walking towards the vehicle. "Does he just lay in wait, or what?"

He got to the window and peered in. "Do you need help?"

"No, just give us a minute."

Janie swiped at her face and sat up. When Wiley saw who it was his face softened, he pushed away from the car and walked away. After a few feet he disappeared into the thick woods. Lorna reached over to open the glove compartment. Pulling out a small pack of tissues, she took one and handed the packet to Janie.

"We're quite a pair, aren't we?"

Janie smiled and then blew her nose. "Yes we are, at least we have each other now, and you have all of us, Lorna."

"That's true and it's why I came. Your family is what I needed. It just took me so long to realize it. How about that lunch?"

Without much traffic, the rest of the drive passed quickly and soon they were seated on the deck of the small diner. They'd put in an order for their burgers and fries and while they waited for their food they basked in the early afternoon sunlight enjoying each other's company and the view from their vantage point over the lake to the backdrop of the majestic Tetons.

"Finally some summer weather. God, the heat of the sun feels so good. Hey, isn't that Miguel over there?"

Lorna twisted around so she could see what Janie saw.

"Yeah, that's him. He delivered some horses to Jackson Lake Lodge earlier."

He was filling his truck with gas when a petite brunette in tight jeans walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist. He smiled down at her and Lorna turned away. "Like I said earlier, guess I'd be way down his list if I was interested, which I'm not. I just think he's cute, that's all."

Janie smirked. "Yeah, okay Lorna, whatever you say."

Lorna couldn't believe the pangs of jealousy she felt at the sight of the brunette's focus on Miguel. She barely knew the man, and had no claim to him; none.

Their food arrived and while they ate they watched the boats on the lake, they talked about Jack and Jonas' love lives and the festivals coming up. The area always bustled with activity during summer and fall.

"You have to go to the wine and food festival. It's really is a big deal. Everyone who's anyone will be there from all over the state and the West I guess. It's every bit as big now as the one in Aspen. You're a foodie, Lorna, you'll love it."

"You're right, and I need to make business connections, to do some networking. So whether I like it or not, and I don't, I need to be social."

"Stop it. Everyone will love you just like we do. Come on, let's go home."

# CHAPTER THREE

They'd only been driving for twenty minutes when Janie gasped and pointed out her window. "Oh no, Lorna, look!"

Flames licked the Eastern sky ahead and traffic was starting to back up near the main entrance of the park. Lorna swerved around several cars and took the back way through the valley to the ranch. The wind was whipping the blaze into a frenzy heading straight toward the south entrance of the park. The ranch would be its next target.

"The fire fighters will have to make a stand before Thompson Gulch. If the fire gets in there with this wind, nothing will keep it from the ranch and the entire interior of our valley. Dad's probably on the radio already," Janie warned.

"They need choppers in the air. I know the official stance from the Park is to let these fires burn out on their own, but this will be bad if they decide to do that again with this fire. This isn't just public land; this is our entire valley and everyone's livelihood."

"We'd never be able to get the cattle moved in time. God Lorna, drive faster, we have to get around it before it crosses the road."

Lorna stomped on the gas and the SUV surged down the road. As they roared around the bend, several elk, spooked by the fire, bolted across just yards ahead of them. Lorna and Janie both shrieked. Lorna slammed on the breaks, the SUV swerved and then slid on the gravel. The elk scrambled and dodged, Lorna barely missing them. Inside the car, the airbag failed to deploy and Lorna hit her head on the steering wheel - hard. Janie's scream faded as Lorna's world went black.

Lorna blinked several times, and pulled a cool cloth from her forehead. She squinted in the darkness and tried to sit up.

"Uh!" She winced; the sharp, piercing pain throbbed in her temples and forced her to ease back down onto her pillow. She wasn't at home, that was for sure. The sound of a door had her blinking again. Her vision was blurred, and in the darkness, the shard of light that could be seen was now broken by a large figure.

"Who are you? Where am I?" she croaked, groggily.

"Quiet, you're safe," a deep voice told her in a soothing tone. "You hit your head. Rest now."

"Wait, Janie was with me. Where is she, is she okay?"

"She's fine."

"Dad?"

"It's okay Janie. You hit your head that's all."

"The fire!" Janie sat up, her temples pounding.

"Settle down. It's out, burned part way through the gulch, but we're okay."

"Did Lorna drive me home?"

"No, some tourists got you out of the car, Lorna too, I guess. A local gave them directions to the ranch. From the description of him, it was Wiley. He took Lorna home to the cabin I guess. Can't get there right now, too many trees down and no one answers; phone lines are probably down too. I'm sure she's fine. Wiley was an Army medic, remember? You rest now, Doc Martin will be here in a little while."

"There isn't a phone at the cabin, only up at the main house. What about Grace?"

"I heard Wiley had taken her to the airport earlier. She took a flight to Salt Lake to visit her sister and will be gone for a month or so. Just as well. We'll take the horses in as soon as we dare. The cabin wasn't near the fire line. You sleep now. In the morning I'm sure you'll be feeling much better."

The next time Lorna woke, the pain in her head had somewhat diminished, but her vision hadn't cleared. It was lighter than before and she could tell the room she occupied was small, with dark wood walls and only one window. Mumbling from the corner made her turn her head, the motion caused the room to spin and she was overwhelmed by nausea. Squeezing her eyes tightly closed, she gripped the sheet frantically and taking deep breaths tried to stay perfectly still. The mumbling from across the room got louder and then a deep mail voice bellowed "NO!"

Lorna, still fighting nausea, was confused, and afraid. Tears started to flow down her cheeks. "What was happening? Who was that?"

Sweat dripped down Wiley's forehead as he jerked awake. His chest was still heaving as he calmed. He was home, it wasn't the war zone; he was home. He looked down at his fingers tightly gripping the arms of the small chair. Lorna! He focused on the woman in the bed, her name was Lorna, his mother had told him. She'd met her at the store. The same woman he saw taking pictures by the road was lying in the bed, grimacing. Her shoulders were quaking; his flashback and the outburst it triggered must have scared her. He pushed himself up, and wiped his arm across his face to dry it on his shirt. Stepping slowly closer to the bed he squatted down.

"Shhh, now, it's okay. You're safe. You hit your head, there's a nasty bump and some bruising and you have a slight concussion. Nothing more rest won't take care of."

"I...I'm dizzy, and it's making me sick. Who are you?"

"Just stay still. If you have to be sick, don't worry about it. I've cleaned up worse."

His voice was deep, and she thought it sounded familiar.

"I'm Wiley Thompson. I think you met my mom in the grocery store the other day."

Lorna started to open her eyes, but the room was still spinning, so she quickly pinched them closed again.

"The other day?" she croaked. How long have I been here?"

"It's been two days since the fire."

The memory of the elk shot into her mind and her eyes flashed open.

"Janie! Janie was with me."

"She's fine. The people who were behind you stopped and because of the fire there was no time to wait for an emergency vehicle, so they took Janie home to the ranch. You needed more care so I brought you here in your vehicle. It was the closest and safest thing to do. I'm medically trained and I keep my skills up to date. My medical kit was here. The Forest service uses me quite a bit these days, actually."

Lorna could hear the sound of something being immersed into water and then squeezed out. "I'm putting this cloth on your forehead," Wiley warned before gently laying it over the large purple bump protruding from her head.

It felt good and the nausea receded a bit. "I feel like shit. The fire, is it out?"

"Yup, it burned a hundred brush acres of the park, and twenty acres of our property. Roads are still messed up, but as soon as it cools a bit, we'll get you checked out and then you can go home. Why don't you relax and try to sleep? I'll make you some soup in case you feel up to eating later."

Even the thought of food made her gut lurch. She could think about how strange this all was later. Right now all she could do was stay still.

His voice low and soft, he asked, "Do you think you could at least drink something?" He actually sounded gentle and caring. Nothing like the Wiley she'd encountered earlier.

Lorna didn't dare move or open her eyes yet. "I don't think so, but thank you for taking care of me."

"It's nothing. Part of my training, I didn't even think about it."

"Uh huh. If you had, you probably would have made a different choice. I don't seem to be your favorite person." Just as she finished, the nausea got worse again. She swallowed wildly but the bile rose into her throat and turning slightly she projectile vomited right at Wiley, who was still squatting beside the bed, covering his chin and shirt in hot slimy bile. He reached for the bowl just as the second retch shot his way, catching most of it this time but splashing water and vomit across his arms and onto the floor.

With each retching motion she felt sicker, dizzier, but after several there wasn't much of anything left in her stomach. Only dry heaves continued, causing the pain in her head to ramp up in intensity. Wiley held the bowl and with his arm around her, steadied her, grabbing her hair and holding it away from her face. Finally she relaxed and he eased her back down onto her back and waited anxiously for another round. When he was sure there wasn't going to be one, he went to the bathroom and dumped the contents of the bowl into the toilet.

Lorna heard the flush, and slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was clearing a bit and though her head was still pounding painfully, she actually felt a little better.

Wiley pulled off his t-shirt and rinsed it in the sink. Taking a wash cloth he wetted it, added soap and washed his body, across and over his shoulder and down his chest where the scars of battle, although fully healed, were still raised and vividly pink. The scars in his mind, however, were taking much longer to heal. They were still fresh and raw, and the resulting dreams gripping and real. Adding to his pain was the loss of his brother Danny. Wiley had been on his last tour in Afghanistan when Danny died on the Grand and the shock of it weighed heavy on Wiley's mind.

He came out of the bathroom with a towel and walked back to the bed. Lorna's eyes were open now, but she was so pale, too pale.

Her gaze washed over him as he got close. He was a mountain of a man. At least six foot six, by her estimate, and sculpted like marble. He dabbed at her mouth, chin and neck.

"We really should get you and the bed changed. Are you still dizzy?"

Lorna tilted her head. "It's better now." He pulled back the covers and Lorna looked down to find she was merely wearing an over-sized white t-shirt. She felt underwear, but no bra.

"I assume this was your doing?" she said still looking down.

"This wasn't the first time you were sick. So yes, I changed you. Do you think you can sit up?"

"I'll try."

Wiley draped the towel across her and helped her up. Her head pounded, but the dizzy feeling was minimal now. He arranged pillows behind her and once she was supported she leaned back against the headboard. Wiley released her and moved back to the bathroom. She heard the water running and he returned to the bed with a clean bowl of water and wash cloth. Setting it on the nightstand he handed her the warm, wet cloth.

"Why don't you wash up and I'll get you a clean t-shirt and some clean sheets?"

She glanced up. His face so handsome, so... "Belch..." It was so loud and smelled so bad, Lorna wanted to put the pillow over her head and melt into the mattress. She covered her mouth and Wiley started to laugh. His shoulders shook and the laugh grew deeper and louder and louder. The sound was so unexpected and heartfelt it was contagious and Lorna had to laugh too, albeit softly, not to hurt her already pounding head.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it." She continued to giggle and then finally pressed the cloth to her forehead. "Ouch."

"No problem. Like I said, I've seen worse. I'll get those sheets." He shook his head as he walked out, glancing back to see her washing her face and arms.

It had been a long time since he laughed. It felt good and strange at the same time. And he sure hadn't felt like this in years. Caring for someone else, even in a medical sense, was good for his psyche. He went to his room and took another t-shirt out of his top drawer. She sure looked better in it than he did. His eyebrow raised, actually she looked better without it than anyone he'd ever seen.

Wiley grabbed the sheets out of the linen closet and walked back into the bedroom.

"I need to use the bathroom." Lorna announced, clearly embarrassed.

Wiley pointed to the night stand. "That bowl is a makeshift bed pan."

Lorna's eyes widened. "No. No way, I can't go in that. Please just help me up?"

"You'll fall while you're in there. If you break something..."

She leaned forward and started to swing her legs off and then grabbed her head again. Wiley rushed over to steady her, dropping the sheets and shirt on the bed.

"Oh hell." He whisked her up into his arms and Lorna leaned into his chest, tensing to keep her head as still as she could. Opening just one eye, she looked up into his face. Those baby blues of hers were really intense. "You okay? At least warn me if you're going to hurl again.

"Yes, I'm okay. Hardly dizzy at all."

"Sure you aren't." He moved toward the bathroom and Lorna closed her eye. A tangle of hair drifted over her face and she puffed some air and blew it away. Wiley chuckled and set her legs down in front of the toilet. "I'll steady you." He held onto her shoulders as she bent slightly, grimaced, pushed down her panties and slowly eased onto the toilet.

"I won't be able to go with you standing here."

"Close your eyes and pretend I'm not."

Lorna sighed and pinched her eyes closed. She thought of the waterfall and relaxed enough to go. Opening one eye again, she turned her head to the tissue holder, immediately feeling dizzy. She glanced up. Wiley was grinning and holding a wad of toilet paper out to her while looking straight ahead. Without looking down, she cleaned herself and then started to reach for her panties.

"Don't bother. Kick them off, I'll wash those too."

He bent and picked her up, like she was no weight at all and walked with her back into the bedroom, and instead of placing her on the bed, settled her into the small chair occupying the corner. Walking to the bed he retrieved the t-shirt and threw it over to her.

"I'll change the bed then you can finish washing what you need to." He brought the bowl and wash cloth to her, setting it on the end table next to her chair.

She watched as he turned his back to her and began to strip the sheets from the bed before she pulled the t-shirt over her head, dropped it on the floor and pulled on the clean one, which, on her much smaller frame, would cover her to the knee once she stood.

Now she sat quietly in the chair. She was getting a pretty nice view. He was bent over the bed and the muscles of his bare torso rippled as he worked. When he stood and moved to finish the other side of the bed, she noticed the scars on his back and followed them up as they crossed his shoulder, down the deltoid muscle of his left shoulder and ended at his bicep.

She opened her mouth to ask him what happened and then snapped it shut. It wasn't any of her business. He'd been really great today and she didn't want to upset him in any way by bringing up something that probably was very painful.

Her head started to spin again, so she pinned her legs together and gripped the arms of the chair, with her eyes tightly closed.

Hearing her sigh, Wiley glanced over and immediately realized she was feeling bad again. He quickly finished the bed, crossed to her chair and scooped her up.

Lorna gasped and then held her breath, hoping to keep from hurling on him again. Her head spun as her arms laced around his neck, her whirling senses registered the warmth of his skin against hers.

Wiley's eyes widened in fear as she went limp in his arms. He laid her down on the fresh bedding, checked her pulse, and re-examined her pupils. He should get her to the hospital. "She must have a phone in the car," he thought. The isolation had helped him when he'd first got back, at least he'd thought so. Now he wasn't so sure the isolation hadn't just made things worse, especially where Lorna was concerned.

He trotted out to the car and went through her purse. He located her cell but found it needed a code to activate it. He tossed it on the seat and sighed. He would have to go up to his mom's house over a mile away and use the land line there. The park road was closer, but then he'd have to go through the burned area. He realized he'd made the wrong call bringing her here. His aversion to people coupled with his attraction to her had clouded his judgment. He walked back into the cabin, unsure of what to do next.

Lorna coughed, and he rushed into the bedroom and lightly touched his palm to her forehead. She was neither hot nor clammy, that was at least a good sign. She squeezed her eyes tighter and then her eyelids fluttered and slowly opened.

He reached down into the medical kit by the side of the bed and pulled out his light.

"Any double vision? Can you focus?" He pulled up each lid in turn and used the light to test the reactivity of her pupils.

Lorna pushed up slightly when he finished. "No, yes, and now I'm seeing spots, thanks."

"Sorry, but I had to check. Reaction time is much better. You're going to be fine. You had me really worried for a minute."

Lorna frowned. "Really?"

"In a professional sense, I mean."

"Oh, of course. If I'm better, maybe I could go home now. I should at least let Janie and her family know I'm alive."

"I can get your cell phone, but I have no idea if there is a signal here. As soon as I'm sure you're not going to pass out again, I'll go up to the house. Do you think you can keep some food down?"

Lorna swallowed. "Yeah, I am kinda hungry now."

Wiley smiled. "Good, I'll make that soup."

Lorna gingerly positioned her pillows so she could sit up. Grimacing, she reached for the top sheet and pulled it over her legs, smoothing it over her waist and waited for him to come back.

He seemed nothing like the big, bad man she'd met on the road. Snuggling back into her pillows, she closed her eyes and took a couple deep breaths. This was all really strange. Why would he let Janie go with strangers but choose to bring her here?

Wiley came later with a tray, he'd put on a shirt, but the image of his bare body was still emblazoned on her mind.

"The color is returning to your face, another good sign."

"I still have a really bad headache, but that smells really good."

"Chicken noodle soup; one of the two things I can make." He set the tray down on the side table. Taking the napkin, he draped it under her chin. Next, stirring the soup to cool it slightly he offered her a spoonful. She looked up at him and opened her mouth. He was watching her lips. When his gaze met hers he abruptly put the spoon back into the bowl and handed it to her.

"Here, I better get the laundry started."

Stunned by the abrupt change in his attitude, Lorna held the warm bowl and watched his stiff withdrawal. As she spooned the soup she told herself, "Now that is more of the Wiley I remember."

The soup was really good. She reached for the roll on the side table and soaked up the savory broth. Even the cold milk hit the spot. Registering the sound of a washing machine in the background, she put the glass and bowl back onto the tray. No longer hungry and now clean and warm she was suddenly tired. Sighing contentedly, she slid down, turned on her side and pulling the sheet up to her chin, drifted to sleep.

Wiley heard a soft snore as he walked back into the bedroom and smiled. Grabbing the tray, he was surprised to see everything gone. He stood for a moment looking down at her wishing things were different, that he was different.

Voices beyond her room woke her in the morning and when the door creaked open Lorna glanced over.

"Jack?" She made sure the sheet was pulled tight around her, and shifted back, and sat slightly up.

"Wiley said you were alive. I had to see for myself." He stepped inside, black cowboy hat clutched in the hand at his side. "Dad and I rode over. We're going to help Wiley clear the road. It's blocked by trees that fell during the fire. Then we can take you home."

"Okay, but I've really been fine, thanks to Wiley. Although I'm sure he'll be glad to be rid of me."

"Probably," Jack teased. "Rest up. We'll see you in a little while. With the three of us it won't take long."

Lorna nodded. "Okay, thanks for coming for me, Jack."

Jack nodded and closed the door. She heard muted conversation for a few minutes, then heard the outside door open and close before Wiley came to her.

"Here are your clothes." He turned to leave and Lorna pushed herself up.

"Thank you, Wiley; for everything."

He didn't turn around, but said, "You're welcome."

He had the deepest, sexiest voice she'd ever heard, she decided. Slowly, she moved herself to the edge of the bed and reached for the pile of clothes, she heard footsteps again and Wiley came back into the room.

"I just wasn't expecting the Andersons to show up. Here, I'll help you into the bathroom." He came to the bed, leaned down and wrapped his arm around her waist while pulling her up. She winced, but she didn't feel too dizzy, although her head still throbbed and there was a slight ringing in her ears.

"At least you'll be rid of me."

"Actually, I was just getting used to having you here."

Lorna glanced up, but again he didn't look at her. They got to the bathroom and he slowly pulled away.

"Are you steady, or do you need me to hold you again?"

She was steady, but she did like being this close to him, which surprised her. In fact she wished the Andersons had waited a bit longer before coming after her.

"I think I'm okay. I'll just be a minute."

Wiley waited outside the door and listened to make sure. Hearing the flush and then water in the sink he relaxed. The door opened and he guided her back to the bed. She stumbled slightly and he pulled her to him. His stare bore into her. She tipped her head back, her lips parted and he leaned down but only to lift her and swing her onto the bed.

"They're waiting for me," he said and strode out.

"I guess you really don't like me." She started to get dressed. She thought about the reflection she'd just seen in the vanity mirror. She really looked awful. Dark under-eye circles, on a grey-white complexion, a large bump and multi-colored bruising on the left side of her forehead; hair; with three days of bed head, was stringy and matted by sweat. God she was a mess. Yeah, real tempting. Still, she'd been expecting a kiss. Lorna sighed and finished dressing and did what she could with her hair using only a comb, it wasn't easy.

She was still a little wobbly, but made her way out into the living room, sat down and waited for everyone to get back. After an hour her stomach was protesting, she hadn't eaten much for a few days. Still this wasn't her home and she wasn't about to help herself to Wiley's fridge.

To take her mind off her rumbling stomach, Lorna scanned the room again. It was really rustic, but cozy and warm. Over sized, bachelor-looking leather furniture, Navajo rugs, and western art, along with antler chandeliers - normal décor in this part of the country. She noticed a small picture fame hidden behind the lamp on the side table next to her and reached for it. The image of a young man, climbing gear belted around him, the mountains in the back ground, grinned out at her.

Lorna studied it. The young man's features mirrored Wiley's. This had to be Janie's love and Wiley's brother, Danny. The door flew open and she set the picture frame down.

"The road's clear. I'll take you home," Wiley stated. He strode forward and pulled her out of the chair, and watched as she steadied herself. Feeling his hand on her elbow, Lorna concentrated on walking, rather than the heat from his touch, as she walked to and then through the door.

Jack and Larry stood nearby as Wiley moved her into the passenger side of her SUV and helped her get seated. He buckled her in, slammed the door and moved to the driver's side. Larry and Jack stepped up into their saddles, turned their mounts and cantered down the now clear road that led to the shortcut to their ranch.

Alone with Wiley, she stared at him, but he ignored her. He was certainly back to his old self.

"I understand the urgency to rid yourself of me. I've been a lot of trouble." She closed her eyes, swallowing hard as she braced herself against the bumps as they moved along the uneven road. "But could you please slow down? I'm still not feeling very well."

He side glanced over. "Sorry." He slowed the vehicle and Lorna rested her head in her hands. "Instead of talking you home, I should take you to the clinic first. In fact, I should have done that in the first place."

Lorna turned her head. Wiley's jaw was tense and his knuckles white from squeezing the steering wheel so tightly.

"Why did you take me home with you anyway? And why is it that you're always skulking along the road?"

"As far as your being here, my cabin was the closest location for your treatment. I weighed the choice trying to drive an injured woman out of the fire zone over a bumpy road, and the possibility of getting caught by downed trees on the road with the fire raging around us, and with treating you, a probable concussion case, myself and decided the cabin was the safest place for you until the fire danger was down and you'd had a chance to recover. I examined you and you didn't have any bruising, with the exception of your forehead, so you probably hadn't experienced any thoracic trauma, so there was little chance of internal breeding. The only thing I had to watch out for were symptoms of brain injury and swelling. Your vitals were strong, your pupils equal and responsive, your muscle reactions equal on each side. You don't remember, because of Post Concussion Syndrome, but I kept you awake for the first 8 hours to make sure you weren't going to crash on me. After that, all you needed was rest. I simply thought bringing you to the closest location was a good idea at the time. We were really lucky the wind changed, and it blew the fire back on itself. The fire crews are out seeing to the hotspots. Sorry, I guess I'm rambling."

He paused, side glancing over. "And I don't skulk. I just don't sleep very well, and I'd rather be outside, that's all. I walk the borders of the property, mostly along the road."

"What about your mom. Is she okay, any damage to that end of your property?"

"The fire didn't come anywhere near her house. Luckily, I'd taken her to the airport early that morning. She's spending some time with her sister in Utah. This year has been tough for her and she needed to get out of here for a while"

"It's been a difficult year for Janie too. I'm so sorry about your brother."

"Me too." Wiley turned toward town and later pulled into the small twenty-four hour clinic. He opened the door and helped Lorna out of the car. Once inside the clinic she told receptionist about her accident and asked to see a doctor. The young woman handed her a clip board of paperwork to fill out and told her the wait would be about 20 minutes. Lorna filled out the forms and was waiting patiently when her stomach growled. A few minutes later it growled again.

"I should have fed you this morning. I haven't gotten much right today, have I?"

"You weren't expecting company. It's better that my stomach is empty until I'm finished with all this anyway."

"Lorna?" the nurse finally called.

She stood, but became unsteady again. Wiley caught her and she leaned against him until the nurse reached them. The nurse grabbed a wheelchair, helped Lorna into it and took her through the door to the examination room.

Wiley waited uncomfortably for what seemed a torturously long time before she appeared again; prescription in hand.

She smiled weakly. "Seems I'll live. You were right. A slight concussion, but that's it. More bed rest and I'll be fine in a few days."

"We can drop this off at the pharmacy down the street. I'll pick it up later and bring it by. Maybe you should stay with the Andersons for a while, so you have someone to help you."

"I don't think that's necessary. What I really need is a shower and something to eat."

Wiley held her elbow and got her back into the SUV. They dropped the pain prescription off and headed for her place.

"You know where I live?"

Wiley glanced over. "Everyone knows everything around here."

She smiled. "So I've been told."

When they got to the lodge she noticed two trucks parked by the barn. Miguel's and Larry's.

"At least there's someone to give you a ride home."

"What's Torres doing here?"

Lorna opened her door. "I thought everyone knew everything around here? He's helping with my horses."

"Oh."

Lorna slowly made her way around the corner and keyed in the door code. "I'd head down to the barn, but I don't feel well enough."

Larry appeared at the corner of the garage. "Wiley, Lorna; I was getting worried."

"Hey Larry. Wiley made me get checked out at the clinic, before he'd let me come home. Seems I'm going to live. Really, I'm okay. The doctor said I just need some more rest that's all."

"Judith sent some food along, it's in the truck."

"That's so thoughtful, thank her for me. I'll get the front door."

"I'll get it," Wiley offered. "You get settled in a chair."

He waited while she snuggled into the chair closest to the fireplace before continuing on to the door where Larry was waiting with a cooler.

"There's some of the stew from the other night and some fried chicken with all the fixings. Should be enough to hold you for a few days. One of us will come by and check on you again later. And Miguel is down at the barn if you need anything." He took everything to the kitchen and unloaded it into the refrigerator. "Is there anything else you want or need?"

"Actually, I'd love some of that stew."

"I'll get it," Wiley insisted.

Lorna shrugged and Larry shook his head. "We're just a phone call away, and like I said, one of us will be back later to check on you. You're sure you don't want to come home with me and stay at our house?"

"I'm sure, but thanks, Larry. I'll see you later."

After he shut the door, Lorna realized she had no idea where her phone was. "Did you notice my phone, Wiley?"

"Yeah, in the car. I'll get it in a minute. Stew's warming up, why don't you take that shower you talked about?"

"Good idea." She started to get up, but was forced to grip the chair tightly as the room shifted and spun. She took a deep breath. Wiley walked over, but she waved him off. "I'm okay." She tried again and stood teetering to her right.

"Sure you are. Why are you so stubborn, anyway?"

"Why are you?"

Wiley scooped her up and looked around. Lorna sighed and pointed to their left. "It's just down the hall."

He set her down next to the bathroom vanity before reaching into the shower and adjusting the water temperature.

"I'll check on the stew."

Lorna wasted no time. She stripped and stood under the stream of hot water. It felt so good, but she didn't want to take the chance she'd suddenly feel dizzy again, so she didn't linger. Washing her hair, she winced as her hand moved across the large bump on her forehead. With one hand gripping the shower opening she stepped out and stood for a minute. Then using one hand she toweled off. Navigating through the bedroom by moving her hand along the wall, she worked her way to the closet. Choosing oversized flannel pajamas, she dressed and slowly headed to the great room to take a seat at the kitchen table. The sky was darkening again, and it made her nervous.

"Another storm is coming."

Wiley glanced out the window as he dished up the stew. "Wind's from the west. All the rain will dump on the other side of the mountains. Nothing to worry about." He placed a bowl in front of her and walked away.

"Aren't you going to have some too?"

"I still have soup at home. I'll get you settled in bed and then I'll see if Miguel can take me back."

"If not, you can take my car. I don't think I'll be driving for a few more days."

"Okay, thanks. Besides I have to pick up your prescription in a couple hours. Anything else you think you need from town?"

"No, I stocked up before the fire." She held her head, "I hope this headache goes away soon."

"Pills should help that." He set a glass of milk down and stared at her for a minute. Even in the state she was in, she was a beauty. A knock on the door jarred his thoughts and he went to answer it.

"Oh, I saw Lorna's car. Is she all right?"

"Is that you Miguel?"

Miguel pushed past Wiley and followed Lorna's voice. He smiled when saw her, but pulled his chin in. "Wow, what's the other guy look like?"

She chuckled. "Yeah, I'd say I look worse than I feel, but I'm not sure that's true. How are my boys?"

"Aw, they're just fine. Starving as usual. Anything I can do for you, Lorna?"

"You could take Wiley home. He drove me here in my car."

"Yeah, sure, no problem."

It was obvious he was only agreeing because she asked him. Wiley had already shown his annoyance with Miguel, but then it seemed Wiley was annoyed by everyone.

"I'll get your cell phone out of the car for you," Wiley said.

"Thank you." Lorna looked up at Miguel. "What's up with you two anyway?"

Miguel shrugged. "We have some history but then he's not exactly a 'people' person is he?"

"Well, he helped me."

Miguel frowned. "He kept you in an isolated place for several days without getting you proper medical care, Lorna."

Lorna was dumbfounded by his statement and could only manage a short retort. "He's trained, Miguel." The front door opened and Miguel turned. Thick tension filled the room and grew until the silence was almost painful.

Finally Lorna motioned to Wiley. "The charger is on the desk."

Once Wiley had taken care of the phone he stood in front of her.

"Come on, you should rest." He offered his hand. Lorna glanced to Miguel before taking it.

"Thanks for handling everything here, Miguel."

"Glad to help, see you tomorrow." He glared at Wiley. "I'll be waiting in the truck."

Wiley got Lorna settled in bed and put the bottle of water he'd retrieved from her refrigerator on the night stand.

"I'll be back in a few hours with your pills, just sleep until then, okay?"

"I will. Thanks Wiley."

He hesitated, he really didn't want to leave her, but Lorna turned over on her side and closed her eyes, so he turned and walked away.

# CHAPTER FOUR

Wiley really would have rather walked home than have Miguel Torres drive him, but he took his place in the passenger seat. Miguel started the engine and headed down into the valley.

"You might as well say it. I can tell you're dying to voice your opinion."

Miguel glanced over for a second, sizing Wiley up.

"I just wonder about your motives. What were you thinking? Lorna needed a doctor, not some screwed up wanna be. Everyone knows you're only here because of the grandfather clause on your land."

Wiley set his jaw. "I have no motive. I did what I thought was best. And just because you hear something in a small town, does not mean it's true. I keep to myself, and while I admit I have some issues, who doesn't? What's your motivation with Lorna, Miguel? I'm sure it's pure, of course I hear things too." He looked down, and then bent, looking at Miguel's belly.

Miguel frowned, "What?"

Wiley sneered "I was just trying to see how many notches were on your belt."

Miguel slammed on the breaks. "Get out."

"Gladly." Wiley threw the door open, shifted his long legs out of the vehicle and onto the ground and slammed the door.

Miguel immediately pulled away, spinning his wheels in the process and showering the area with gravel. In his rearview mirror he saw Wiley flash his middle finger. "Asshole."

When he got to the creek, Wiley left the road and cut through the woods. He'd walked through here thousands of times since he got back last year. It was his sanctuary, the only place he found any peace at all. It took a while, so when he finally got home he took a shower and changed. After having something to eat he got in his truck and headed to town to get Lorna's medicine. Coming out of the drug store, he stopped in front the electronics store located next door, noticing the sign in the window of the store for the first time.

He stopped, sighed and went inside. Thirty minutes later he had a new cell phone. He drove back to Lorna's and parked in front. Remembering the code Lorna used, keyed it into the security pad by the side door.

He peeked in on Lorna, she was still sound asleep, snoring away. She hadn't touched the water, so she must have been asleep the whole three hours he was gone. At four o'clock it was warm but this was high altitude, and although it was warm in the daytime, it cooled quickly in the late afternoon, so he decided to start a fire in the great room fireplace. Everything he needed was in baskets next to the stone hearth. In minutes the deep ginger flames of the fire crackled, licking the top and back of the firebrick. He slumped into the sofa and stared into it. After a few minutes his eyes pinched closed as the percussion blasts and sounds of war again filled his ears. The frantic faces of men with only minutes to live flashed and he held his breath, forcing everything back.

"Wiley?"

His eyes snapped open and Lorna, illuminated by the fire, now the only light in the room, stood bracing against the stone.

"Yeah, it's me. Are you dizzy?"

"No, I'm okay, but my head is still pounding."

"I brought your medicine. I'll get you some. You really should eat something with it though. Do you think you can do that?"

"Yeah, I think I can."

Carefully, Lorna walked into the kitchen, relieved she could do it on her own. She never had liked depending on others.

Wiley could tell how independent she wanted to be. It was exactly what he felt. He didn't need anyone. Neither did she.

They got to the refrigerator at the same time and each pulled a door open.

Lorna giggled. "Are we going to stare in here together too? Or is there something on the outer tier that looks interesting?"

Wiley chuckled. "Well, there's more stew, some meat loaf, and a little left over chicken. Any of those interest you?"

"I know we have eggs. Scrambled eggs, bacon and toast sound good to me."

Her smile beamed up at him and his heart melted.

"You got it. Now go sit down."

Lorna frowned. "I'm better. I could help."

Wiley arched an eyebrow. "Really?"

She nodded.

"Okay, crack some eggs. I'll heat up a pan and put the bacon on."

Lorna smiled, he was warming to her. At least that was something. "Don't get me wrong. I'm, uh, glad you're here, but you didn't, you don't have to stay. Really, Wiley, I'm okay."

Wiley searched for a pan and finding it, placed it on a burner. "I know. Better to be safe than sorry, right? If I'm here and you don't need me, fine. If I wasn't and you did..." He shrugged.

"Okay, you're right." She took the carton of eggs out and found a bowl. After cracking several, she opened a drawer and pulled out a whisk.

They worked in silence for a few minutes. Without looking at him she said softly, "Several times I've seen you so sad, what happened to you, Wiley? I can feel it's more than just Danny."

Wiley's face sagged and his eyes dulled.

"I'm sorry, Wiley." Sensing his distress she turned to face him. "It's none of my business. Another time perhaps."

"It is more than Danny. Though not being here, not seeing him before..."

Lorna looked up to see the emotion in his eyes. "Again, I'm sorry. I should learn to keep my mouth shut. I'm really bad at that. It's not like I don't have my own issues; I do."

"What issues could you have?" he scoffed.

"Why would you say that? Everyone has something they're dealing with. Just because they look like they have things together, doesn't mean they really do. Small town gossip can only tell you some things and mostly it's just gossip. A mix of truth and tales."

"You are feeling better. You're right. No one knows that better than I do."

Bacon sizzled and Wiley pushed it around in the pan as Lorna used the whisk on the four eggs.

"Miguel said people are taking bets on how long I'll stick it out here."

"I'm sure he had a lot to say about me too."

"He did say you didn't seem to like anything or anyone around here."

Wiley glanced over and their eyes locked. "That's not true."

Headlights crossed the window and Wiley turned off the gas burner and headed for the door peering out the sidelight.

"Probably one of the Andersens, Larry said they'd be checking on me."

Wiley peered outside. "It's not one of the Andersens. I've never seen this guy before."

Lorna frowned, and strained to look past him. She walked closer, carefully using the counter to guide her. Wiley flipped on the outside light and Lorna gasped. It was Jeff.

"It's my ex-boyfriend and I don't have anything to say to him." She turned abruptly and in response to the quick movement her vision started to spin the room.

Wiley was just opening the door to confront the man when he heard her call. "Wiley!"

He rushed to her side, pinning her tightly to his chest. "It's okay. I got you."

Jeff pushed through the door and strode over. "What's the matter with her? And who are you anyway? Lorna, what's wrong?"

"She had a bit of an accident. It's none of your concern," Wiley answered for her.

Lorna glanced over and Jeff saw the full extent of her bumps and bruises.

"Oh my God, Lorna..." he moved closer, but she raised her hand in a 'stop motion' that brought him up short.

"Please Jeff, just go. I told you we're finished, I meant it six months ago and I mean it now. I don't want you here."

Jeff's eyes widened and then narrowed. "I'm not leaving town, not until we talk." He glowered at Wiley, pivoted and strode out without closing the door.

"He's not going to leave me alone. I realized too late I was only a possession to him. I'm sorry you got in the middle, Wiley."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. Now, are you feeling better?"

She nodded. His arms around her, the way he held her, felt so good. She felt safe and protected and she hadn't felt like that since her dad died. They heard footsteps and turned.

"What's going on? Some idiot almost hit us on the driveway," Larry said as he and Jack walked in.

"My ex-boyfriend, Jeff, showed up," Lorna said as she reluctantly pulled away from Wiley's warm embrace. "I had a dizzy spell." Wiley stayed at her side until she was settled at the table again and then walked into the kitchen.

"I think you'd better come back home with us. You shouldn't be alone," Jack said.

"I'm not alone, Wiley's here. I'm just going to eat and go back to bed anyway. I'll be fine I'm much better today than I was yesterday. I just turned too quickly. How's Janie?"

"Almost as stubborn as you are," Larry said. "I'm going to get your driveway gated. We'll put a temporary one up tomorrow."

"I'll help," Wiley added as he started the eggs.

"Thank you, Wiley. Well, if you're sure you won't come back with us, Lorna, I guess we'll go," Larry said, but waited to see if she'd change her mind.

Jack glanced over to the kitchen. "I could stay. Wiley is probably tired of babysitting you."

"I don't mind," Wiley said. He dished up the eggs and bacon, walked over and set the plate in front of Lorna. "I have my medic kit with me. I'll make sure she's okay. If you're worried about me though, Jack can stay instead."

"No one's worried about you, Wiley. Are you, Larry? Jack?" She gave each Anderson a pointed look.

They both stared at Wiley and he stared back. "No. If you're comfortable with the situation we are. Isn't that right, Jack?"

"Yeah, sure." Jack and Wiley continued to glower at each other until Larry started for the door. Jack stepped closer, leaned down and whispered, "I'll be back in the morning to check on you, keep your phone by the bed. We're right down the road." When he got to the door he turned and smiled at Lorna. When his face lifted, his gaze went to Wiley, his eyes narrowed in an unspoken threat and he followed his dad out.

"Sorry about that. They're just over protective. These eggs are great, thank you."

Wiley sat down with his own plate. "I understand. They care about you. I haven't exactly been social around here, and we're basically strangers. They don't really know me, no one does."

"Your mom does."

He pushed his food around, not looking at her. "Not really. She knows the Wiley I used to be." He abruptly pushed up. "I forgot the toast. Where's your toaster?"

"In the little storage garage there in the corner, but you don't have to bother."

"No, now you wanted toast, and I'm going to make you some." He rolled up the door and pulled the silver toaster out. He glanced over and the corner of his mouth curled in a half smile. He looked so handsome. Her stomach fluttered and she realized she'd never felt like this around Jeff.

"What would you like on your toast, Miss Todd?"

Lorna grinned. "Well, Mr. Thompson, I think huckleberry jam sounds great. And I'd like a glass of milk."

Wiley pulled his chin in. "Of course." He finished and put the full plate of toast in the middle of the table, and poured the cold milk into mugs.

"Your eggs are probably cold now."

He shrugged. "I don't mind. I've eaten stuff that would make a buzzard puke."

"Don't tell me about it. I'm trying to eat so I can take my drugs. You can tell me where and why though."

The smile quickly faded and he took a piece of toast and dunked it in his cup.

"You don't have to, but you did bring it up, and I'd like to know more about you that's all."

He took a bite of toast and studied her for a moment. "Maybe someday. You should finish eating, take your medicine and go back to bed."

"Okay, and don't worry. I only told Larry and Jack that you'd be here to calm them down. I don't need you to stay."

Wiley frowned. "Oh yes you do. Maybe I would have been okay to leave you...no, that's not true. Maybe, I would have, but not after that Jeff guy showed up. You're much too trusting, Lorna."

"So, I shouldn't trust you?"

"No, probably not. I did rescue you though, and if I'd wanted to do something to you, I easily could have and didn't. I wouldn't. I may be messed up, but I'm not a bad guy."

"I know that, Wiley. And to be fair, I don't think Jeff is a bad guy either. He's just a guy. If there's a lesson here it's if an opportunity for sex with someone arose, he'd take it - every time. It's not supposed to be a big deal right? I'm not sure there's any guy any different, anywhere."

His gaze bore into her, those intense green eyes, with flecks of bronze were drawing her in. The pounding she felt now, wasn't from her aching head. It was her heart.

"Yes, there is, Lorna. Not every man is like that. I'm not."

# CHAPTER FIVE

Bright light and the aroma of fresh brewed coffee woke Lorna the next morning. Holding her breath, she slowly pushed up, fully expecting to feel dizzy. Once she didn't, she cautiously opened one eye; no vertigo. Bravely she turned her head slowly from side to side, finally letting out her breath in a long audible sigh.

Standing, she grabbed the robe from the foot of the bed and swirled it around her as she walked out to the kitchen.

"Lorna, good morning."

"Judith. Yes, good morning."

"I guess you were expecting someone else. Wiley is down with Larry and the boys, putting up a new gate and extending your fence. They even have an electrician coming in a few hours to put in power, so later you can open it with a remote from your car, but they're putting a keypad on a post by the gate, too. You'll have all kinds of fancy things to annoy you." She smiled brightly and Lorna rolled her eyes and smiled back. "Larry said you looked rough. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. Better than I look, I'm sure. How's Janie?"

"She's fine. She wanted to come, but I insisted she have one more day of rest. You're going to need a few more than that, young lady."

"I did hit my head pretty hard. I was lucky Wiley was there. Is there more of that coffee?"

"Of course. I made you some oatmeal, too, and how about some toast?"

"That sounds really good, thanks."

Judith poured a cup of coffee and Lorna slid into a bar stool. Lorna added cream and sugar to hers and took a sip.

"Mmmmm, that's really good. Nothing like coffee to make you feel human again."

"True. Lorna, about Wiley."

"What about him?"

"You don't even know him."

"I know he helped me. He was there when I needed someone. What do you know about him, other than the gossip, I mean?"

Judith shrugged and took a sip of her own coffee. "I know he was in the Army, he was hurt somehow and was hospitalized for quite a while, and not all of it was for physical injuries."

"As many war veterans have. And they weren't dealing with that along with the death of a younger brother. He said he never got to say goodbye." Lorna suddenly broke into tears.

Judith rounded the bar and wrapped her arms around Lorna, who sobbed into her shoulder.

"Shhh, it's all right. Let it go."

"It's just like Dad. I never got to tell him goodbye either, tell him I loved him one last time."

Judith pulled her closer, running her hand over her hair. "He knew, Lorna. He'd be so glad to see you setting down roots here in a place you both loved so much. We're all here for you, and if that includes Wiley, then fine. I just want the best for you."

Lorna snuffed and sucked in a jagged breath. "I came here because after Dad was gone, I knew it was the only place that felt like home."

Judith kissed her forehead, pushed away and used a finger to move strands of hair from Lorna's face and guide them around to the back of her ear. "And we feel like you're part of our family. Now, how about that oatmeal?"

Lorna nodded. "I know. I love all of you too."

Judith walked back around the counter and dished her up some oatmeal and lowered toast into the toaster. "I'm sorry we didn't get up north for the funeral."

"Janie told me about Danny. I understand. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for her. It's awful."

"Both of their deaths were such a shock. It takes time, not to get over, because you don't, but just to be able to live with the pain."

"I know. Danny was so young though. My dad lived a good life, not as long as some, but a full one, nonetheless. Danny was just starting his."

The toast popped up and Judith placed four pieces on a plate. She sighed as she began to butter them.

"You can't take life and those around you for granted. Tell people around you how you feel. You might not get another chance; there are no promises of another day, no matter what age you are."

"I agree." Lorna stirred her oatmeal and dunked a piece of buttered toast into it like she always did. "My boyfriend cheated on me. He had been cheating on me the entire year we were together. After Dad, I needed to escape. I needed to start over, and I couldn't think of a better place to do it than here. He followed me. He showed up last night, that's why Larry and the guys are putting up a gate."

Judith shook her head. "You've sure gotten the sharp end of the stick lately, Lorna. It leaves you vulnerable and I just don't want you to jump into something which on the surface seems comforting, but underneath is something totally different."

"You're talking about Wiley again aren't you? I'm not getting into a relationship with anyone. I need to get MY life together and get settled here."

"Well, don't isolate yourself either. Have some fun, Lorna, just be careful."

"I will. I'm going be okay. Right now I'm going to finish breakfast and take a shower."

"Good idea. I'm going to whip up some sandwiches. I know the guys will come looking for food soon."

"That's a sure bet."

After a long, hot shower Lorna stood in front of her vanity and appraised herself. The knob on her forehead was much less pronounced and the large bruise was now edged in green and yellows. She was healing, on the outside at least. It was time to heal on the inside too.

Wiley worked on the post holes for the fence extension. The soil was mostly rocks and it was difficult going. Still, it was mindless physical labor and it gave him time to think. It was obvious from their surreptitious glances, the Andersons still weren't sure about him. He didn't blame them; he wasn't sure about himself either. He had decisions to make. Meeting Lorna had him thinking about his future for the first time in a very long time. He'd planned on going to medical school. Then 9/11 happened and after college he'd decided on the army, went through the tough medic program and after a short stint at an army hospital was shipped immediately over to Iraq and then did three tours in Afghanistan. He snorted. Why did they call them 'tours'? The word normally brought forward the thought of fun, leisure, spaced out between fine dining and calming panoramas. The grind of being on guard 24/7, not knowing from what direction the next danger would come from brought new meaning to the otherwise innocuous word - tour. The experience haunted him now. The fear and yes, self-loathing, he carried from that place, that experience, was not about just being shot, it was the fact, as good at his job as he was, he couldn't save so many of the men around him. They came to him with massive trauma, missing legs, arms, with horrific head wounds, their bodies ruined not by conventional bullets, although those were bad enough, but from crude bombs, put in place expressly to maim. He was haunted by the sounds of war, their cries, their faces. He shook his head as he pulled the post-hole digger from another hole.

"Wiley?"

"Jack, sorry, I didn't hear you."

"Want to help me? I need to get the gate posts from the ranch."

"Of course, sure." He followed Jack back to his truck and they headed the few miles north to the Andersen ranch.

"What's up with you anyway?" Jack asked.

Wiley kept looking down the road, but he could feel Jack's gaze on him. "I don't know what you mean."

"I mean, you've barely spoken to anyone the entire time you've been back and now you're suddenly the most helpful guy in the valley. It's Lorna, isn't it?"

Wiley just smiled.

"I want you to know I understand. She's a beautiful woman, and she's like family to me, to all of us. We don't want to see her get hurt."

"Understood. You're asking if my intentions are honorable. Truth is, I have no intentions. She's out of my league."

It was Jack's turn to smile. It was annoying him that Wiley wouldn't look over. "She's the one who decides, Wiley. The last guy she decided on wasn't worth it."

"People get hurt all the time, it's how they learn. She's tough, she'll get over him."

"She puts up a good front, and you're right. She will get over him. Like Janie will get over losing Danny."

Wiley's head snapped over, a frown furrowed into his forehead. "You know that's different. Danny didn't choose to leave her, to leave his family."

"He wouldn't want her never to love again. He thought the world of you Wiley. He talked about you all the time. You were his hero."

Wiley made a sound through his teeth. "Some hero."

Jack pulled into the drive and stopped in front of the barn. "Danny wouldn't want you to waste your life. Look, I saw the way Lorna looked at you last night. She trusts you, cares about you. Why, I don't know. Don't screw it up by tossing her aside. She doesn't deserve that."

Wiley opened the door and stepped out. "I didn't know you were a counselor, Jack. You can send me a bill if you want."

"I'm just a cowboy."

"Yeah? Well, maybe you've missed your calling."

Jack chuckled. "Maybe. We'd better get back." They loaded up the larger 8 x 8 gate posts and headed back to Lorna's.

"Why didn't you bring these with you in the first place anyway?"

"I wanted us to have this time alone, but I'm over it now," Jack said with a crooked grin.

Wiley shook his head and smiled. "Lorna's lucky to have you all looking out for her."

"You'll find we're all the lucky ones. She's pretty great. Stubborn, but great."

"Oh, I already found out how stubborn she is."

"You should know she lost her dad a few days before Danny's accident, so she's hurting too. They were really close, daddy's little girl, just like Janie is. Everyone loved Dave."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know how it feels. I lost mine at a young age. Not that he died. He just walked away. At least Mom had the working ranch to sell, and I'm here to make sure the legacy property in the park, stays in the family as long as possible. Danny's death..."

Wiley choked up, and Jack could see how much pain he was in. With a sinking sensation that felt almost like guilt, Jack realized they'd all misjudged Wiley.

"It was a shock to everyone. He was a great guy."

"He was just a kid."

"Here we are. Looks like Dad and Jonas have most of the posts set. Lorna's father really should have gated the property years ago. Dave was pretty trusting."

"Lorna is too."

"True."

"Nice of you two to show up," Jonas called out.

"Looks like you did all right without us."

"Yeah, it's not our first time out. Get those set, while we finish up here. Mom and Lorna have lunch ready."

Once all the posts were set, they ran the wood fencing, topped it with barbed wire and headed up to the lodge.

Up the hill Lorna, dressed, and headed down to the barn to ask Miguel to join them for lunch.

"Hey you." Miguel greeted her enthusiastically. "Feeling better I see."

"Yes, I am, even if I don't look like it. Judith and I made lunch for the fencing crew. I thought you might like some. We have pulled pork sandwiches, and homemade vegetable soup."

Miguel smiled as Lorna walked to the first stall and the horses each started to murmur and toss their heads.

"I'm glad you're feeling better. Everyone was pretty worried about you, and the boys here obviously missed you. I did too."

Lorna shyly smiled. "Really? I'm sure you're never lonely."

Miguel frowned. "Is that Wiley talking? What's he been telling you?"

"Wiley? Nothing. The word is that you're one of the most eligible bachelors around and any number of ladies vie for your company on any given day. I'm new around here, I can't be that high on your list. Not that I'm looking to be, or anything."

Miguel stepped closer and Lorna instinctively took a step back. The sorrel gelding nuzzled her and then nudged her forward into him. He caught her and they laughed. Movement caught Lorna's eye and she turned her head in time to see Wiley turn and stride away.

It made her uncomfortable. She stepped away from Miguel and she started for the doors. "How about it, want some lunch?"

"Thanks, but I have to get home. I have a long list of chores to do. I would love to take you out for dinner sometime though. When you're feeling up to it."

"Sure, that would be nice. Since, I'm in no condition to throw hay or muck out stalls yet, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Like always, I'll be here around seven."

Wiley was trudging up the hill when she exited the barn. "Wiley, wait."

His shoulders slumped and he stopped. Of course she'd prefer Miguel, why wouldn't she? He frowned as he realized the thought of Lorna and Miguel together hurt more than he expected after such a short time.

Lorna moved as quickly as she dared, finally catching up to him.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I went home."

Lorna's chest tightened. "You're not staying?"

"You're better and the fence is finished. There's no reason to stay."

Lorna eyes started to well and she wrapped her arms around her waist protectively as he started to move away. She felt abandoned, which she knew was ridiculous.

Wiley, too, was shocked by her reaction, but didn't know what to say or do, so he just walked beside her to the lodge, stopping at his truck. He reached inside. "I...uh got a cell phone when I was getting your medicine. I have no idea how to add a number yet, it's different from the one I used to have back in the day," he said holding it up.

Lorna blinked several times before turning. She walked over and grabbed the iphone from his grasp. Keyed in her number, and pressed call. "My number will show up now in the recent calls. Right here, you can add it to your contacts later. You could at least stay for lunch."

"Okay." They walked into the lodge together and everyone stopped talking and glanced at them.

"Good, any longer and there wouldn't have been anything left," Judith teased.

"It smells amazing, Mrs. Andersen," Wiley praised, crossing to the sink to wash up.

"Judith," she corrected.

Wiley nodded as he washed his hands.

"The fence and gate are all ready for the electrician, Lorna." Larry informed her, "We'll run a trench to the house and that will be that until you pick out a new, fancier gate."

"Thanks for doing all of this. I will feel safer. I never worried about it before, but then Dad was usually with me."

"Why don't you come home with us, Lorna? Janie's better and she's getting antsy," Judith urged.

"I think I want to rest after lunch. I'll call you later."

"All right. I'll clean up then."

"I'll take care of the clean up. Mrs....Judith," Wiley insisted.

"How nice, thank you, Wiley. Why don't you take me home, Larry?"

"Sure thing, then we'll work on the trench, should be done in no time."

"Thanks again for everything," Lorna said as she hugged first Judith, then Larry, Jack and finally Jonas as they left.

Wiley put the few bits of leftovers away and started to wash the dishes. As he stood at the sink doing that mundane chore, Lorna let her gaze wash over him. Such a big man, trying to hide a big heart, and even bigger secrets. He'd helped her when she needed him, and she decided then and there that she was going to do the same for him, if he'd only let her.

She walked over and picked up a dish towel. "Looks like you've won over the Andersen clan."

He handed her a bowl to dry. "Just being myself. I'm not one to worry about what others think."

"Obviously."

Wiley side glanced over, handing her another dish. "I thought Torres would be having lunch with us, you seemed to be enjoying him earlier."

She smiled. "I asked, he was busy. Are you jealous?"

"No. I'm just watching out for you."

"Well, thank you, but I think you're jealous."

Wiley stopped what he was doing and turned to look at her. "You're really annoying, you know that?"

Lorna laughed. "So I've been told; many times." Sudden pain jolted her and she sucked in a sharp breath.

Wiley wrapped his arm around her waist. "Come on, you need to go to bed. Now."

"I need my medicine," she said, leaning into him, pinching her eyes tightly closed.

"I'll get it once you're settled."

She turned and her knees dipped. Wiley pulled her up into his arms and she leaned against his shoulder. The pain throbbing in her temples and across her forehead was so sharp it caused her to be nauseated again and she began to cry.

"I hate this. I hate being sick, I hate needing help."

"I know, but it's going to get better. You just need to rest. You did too much today."

"Please don't leave me," she sobbed.

Wiley's heart sank and he whispered, "I won't." He gently set her down and pulled off her boots. "Good thing you didn't bother making the bed," he said as he pulled the covers over her. "I'll get your pills." He walked into the bathroom, filled a glass of water and tapped a pain pill into the palm of his hand. He glanced into the mirror and realized something. He was relieved. Not that she was sick, but that she still needed him.

The mattress sagged as he sat next to Lorna and set the glass on the night stand. Lorna opened her eyes and winced as his arm laced under her neck in order to help her sit up enough to take her pill. He showed her the pill and she simply opened her mouth. Wiley smiled and shook his head.

"It's so bad you can't even use your hands?"

She giggled and then winced again. He put the pill on her tongue, the glass to her lips and tipped it. With a gulp the pill was down and she sank back.

"Sleep now. I'll help the Andersens and come back and check on you." Wiley moved to leave, but Lorna grasped his arm. He looked down at her hand and then into those sad blue eyes. "I won't be long."

Lorna reached up and stroked his face. "Thank you, Wiley."

He nodded. "Sleep."

# CHAPTER SIX

The guys looked up as Wiley approached. "Sorry, Lorna started to feel sick. She's sleeping now."

Larry frowned. "Do you think she should go back to the doctor?"

"She has an appointment on Monday. If she'd just stay still it would help, but Lorna seems to have a problem with that."

Larry grinned. "I've got one at home just like her. Janie was in the barn saddling a horse when I dropped Judith off. She actually thought she was strong enough to ride over here. She's in bed now too."

The men spent the rest of the afternoon using a machine to dig a trench along the fence line and laying and burying the heavy gauge conduit containing the electrical wire. Wiley was exhausted when they finally finished and he let himself into the lodge, but it felt good to help and he'd been surprised at how good it felt to be around great people like the Andersons. He understood now why Danny had cared so much about them.

He dropped the new remotes for the gate onto the kitchen counter and walked into the bedroom to check on Lorna. He approached her on quiet feet but as he neared, she opened her eyes and stretched.

"I thought you were going to work."

He smiled. "I've been working and I'm back. It's after five. How's your head?"

Lorna rose on her elbow. "Much better. It seems like you just left."

Wiley sat next to her and put his hand on her face. "No fever. Any double or blurred vision?"

"No. You?"

He chuckled. "No, me either. Listen, stay in bed. I need to go home for a bit. The gate is done. If you don't mind I'll take a remote with me. The electrician will finish up the inside installation tomorrow, then you'll have a keypad too.

"I should take a shower."

Concern filled his eyes. "Lorna, please wait until I get back."

"I bet when we first met, you never dreamed you'd be babysitting me for days on end."

"That's for sure. Actually I wasn't thinking I'd ever see you again, let alone be here next to you in bed."

Lorna grinned. "I was pretty sure you'd never be in my bed either, but I'm so thankful you're here now. Bristly face and all."

He smiled and Lorna's stomach fluttered again.

"I won't be long. I know there's food in the fridge, but is there something you'd rather have for dinner?"

"Hmm, pizza sounds good, what do you like on yours?"

"Everything but anchovies."

"Really? Me too."

"Okay, you're on. There's a great place in Teton Village. See you in about an hour, hour and a half. You have my number right?"

Lorna nodded. 'Yes, in missed calls."

"And you'll stay put, right?"

"I promise. Did Miguel come and take care of the horses?"

"Yeah, chores are all finished. I told him I'd feed them in the morning." He grinned evilly.

Lorna's eyes narrowed. "You enjoyed that, didn't you?"

Wiley stood up and raised his hands. "I can admit it, yes I did. See you in a bit."

Wiley felt better than he had in years. He'd made the decision to re-join society. He could see a future and something more. He had hope. For the first time since the war, he had hope.

He retrieved the mail, and checked in at the main house. The message center on the phone at his mom's house was blinking, so he pressed the button.

"Wiley, it's Faith, Grace had a stroke. Although the doctors say she's in stable condition, she's not regained consciousness. I think you should come right away."

His stomach twisted, his heart pounded against his ribs as he comprehended what he'd just heard. The message was two days old! While he was taking care of Lorna, his mom was in trouble, she may be dead for all he knew. He grabbed the phone and pressed in the number his aunt had left.

"Faith, it's Wiley. I'm sorry. I just got your message now. How is she?"

"She woke yesterday but since then has been in and out. Wiley, she doesn't seem to know us when she is awake. You need to come."

"I'll make reservations and let you know when I can get there. Listen, forget a plane, I can drive it in six hours. What's the name of the hospital? Got it, I'll see you soon."

He ran his hands through his hair, his eyes wild. Pulling his new cell phone from his pocket, he pressed the recent calls; the only one listed was Lorna.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes, much better. Is everything all right? You sound strange."

"It's my mom, she had a stroke. I have to go to Salt Lake. I'm leaving right away. I'll drop by the Andersen's on the way out with the gate remote. Sorry, Lorna. I have to go."

Lorna started to say something in reply when she heard the click. He was gone.

The weekend dragged by. With each passing day Lorna felt better and after seeing the doctor and getting a clean bill of health on Monday, she proceeded to meet with gallery owners and restaurant managers, securing space to hang her art and photography. She'd heard nothing from Wiley and it bothered her, but she'd called his cell and left a message once and getting no answer or reply she understood the significance. He was too busy for her and she could only hope his mom was doing better.

"Hello, I'm Lorna Todd. I have an appointment with the owner," she told the sales woman on her final stop. As she waited she walked around the gallery. It was filled with beautiful pieces, with a nice balance of oils, watercolors, and sculpture. All the art was wonderfully placed and well lit.

"Miss Todd?"

Lorna frowned and turned to the all too familiar voice. "Jeff, what are you doing here?"

The smile on his face faded. He pulled his chin in and glared at her. "Is that anyway to talk to the new owner of this gallery? Especially since you're asking to hang your art here? Don't look so surprised. I told you I wasn't leaving town."

"Yes, I am surprised. It doesn't mean anything has changed, Jeff. There are plenty of places to hang art. Have a nice day." She turned and strode toward the door.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, though I heard your new friend Mr. Thompson left town quite unexpectedly, you do have a way with men, don't you Lorna?" he called after her.

Lorna hesitated, she was seething, but wasn't about to give him the satisfaction he was seeking. Then at the last second she turned. "You know what Jeff? You really don't fit in here. The people here are nice, honest, hard working people, whose word is their bond. I know firsthand, you possess none of those traits." She threw open the door and strode away forcing back angry tears.

She slid into her SUV, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She jumped when someone lightly knocked on the window.

She lowered the glass between them. "Hey, Miguel, how's it going?"

"Pretty well. I was just going to have some lunch when I saw you. Care to join me?"

"Yes, I would, thanks." Miguel smiled and opened the door.

"You look a little upset, what's going on? Is it Wiley?"

"No. He's still tending to his mom in Salt Lake as far as I know. I just found out my ex-boyfriend bought West End Gallery. I had hoped I'd left that part of my life behind."

"He's the one who cheated on you?"

Lorna nodded as they walked together down the sidewalk. He held the door of the Cadillac Bar and Grille for her. They were guided to a quiet booth and handed menus.

"Maybe I should go back to the city?"

Miguel pushed her menu down and frowned giving her a stern look. "You're no quitter. You're not going to let him chase you away from your home, are you?"

"You're right, and no I'm not. This is my dream, and I'm not going to give it up for anyone. Even if I have to open my own gallery, or only sell my work online."

"Good." He smiled and went back to studying his menu, making his choice he closed it and looked at her from across the table. "You sure look better than you did the last time I saw you."

Lorna chuckled. "That wouldn't take much. The doctor says I'm fine. I would have been hurt less, however, had my airbags deployed. I'll have to take my vehicle in to have them check it out. It could have been worse though, I could have hit the elk."

"True. Let me call my mechanic, he's a great guy." He pulled out his cell. After a few niceties, he explained the problem. "She'd like to bring you the car now, if that's okay. Sure, thanks a lot."

"He said he can fit you in, if you want. You could drop it off after lunch and I could drop you at the lodge. Or, better yet, you could come with me to pick out some new stock just outside of Driggs and I'll take you home afterward. How about it?"

"Sounds like a plan. Now, I want one of these famous burgers for lunch."

"Absolutely."

It was a beautiful, summer day, with brilliant clear blue skies extending over Jackson pass into Idaho. While Miguel talked to the ranch owner, Lorna walked over to the corral and took a look at the horses he was offering. She stepped up onto the bottom railing and let her gaze wander over the group of twenty. A beautiful, but scruffy, dark chestnut mare caught her eye. She strutted around nervously and whinnied loudly.

Lorna stepped down and made her way along the rails to the other side of the corral. She picked a handful of hay from the ground and quietly offered it, trying to coax the mare closer.

"Come on, you know you want some." Other horses became interested, but the mare only bobbed her head and snorted in her direction. She noticed Miguel and the ranch owner coming her way and dropped the hay, stepping up on the lower rail again to take a closer look at the mare.

"Lorna this is Matt Coleson. Matt, Lorna Todd."

"Nice to meet you, Matt. What can you tell me about this chestnut mare?"

"Nice to meet you too, Lorna. Let me see." He stepped up beside her to see the horse she was talking about and so did Miguel. "I just got this batch in. Oh yeah, she's a wild one. I don't think you'd want her for trail. I had a hell of a time even getting her into the trailer. It took three of us. I'll most likely sell her for rodeo stock."

"Can we cull her out? I'd like to see her alone."

Matt turned to Miguel and he nodded. "Sure, no problem. There's a smaller pen right next to us you can use." Matt grabbed a rope hanging nearby, went around to the gate and stepped in with the horses. Walking around inside the corral, he separated the mare, swirled the rope over his head and lassoed her. Lorna waked to the smaller pen, ducked between the rails and waited for him to bring her in.

The mare pulled back and reared, screeching out a loud protest.

"You sure about this Lorna?" Matt asked.

"Yup, it's okay. Get me a halter and rope, will you please, Miguel?" Miguel took one from the many hanging on the hook by the gate and tossed it to her as Matt fought his way into the smaller pen with the mare.

"Okay, let her go. I'm fine."

Matt nodded and loosened the rope enough for the mare to be able to toss the noose from her head and free herself. He eased back through the gate, winding up the rope and the two men stepped up to watch Lorna, both ready to jump in to help her if needed.

"Hey girl. This isn't at all where you want to be is it?" she said in a low soothing voice walking toward her, careful not to look her in the eye. The mare tossed her head neighing as she trotted away, Lorna called out to her in a sing song voice. "I know. I know."

The men watched the scene play out. As Lorna kept talking, she circled around the mare, each circle getting smaller; not even really looking at the mare, just having a conversation. When she got within ten feet Lorna stopped and the mare stopped too. Lorna turned away still crooning to the mare and the mare immediately dropped her head and started following her.

"You see, she really is looking for a leader to follow, and I'm pretty sure she's just been separated from her foal for the first time," Lorna explained as she walked around the pen. She stopped in the very center and turned toward the mare, this time walking up to her. The mare stood still as Lorna stroked her neck. She raised the halter in her hand. The mare snorted and tossed her head a few times, but stood still enough for Lorna to slip it on her. Using a short lead, she led her around a few times and then said to Matt, "Open the gate." Without further ceremony, Lorna calmly led the mare out of the pen. Noticing an open stock trailer next to the pen, she confidently walked the mare into it, all the while still conversing with her, turned her and walked back out and back in, and then back out.

"She's going to be just fine, don't you think Miguel?"

"That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen," Matt said. "What are you, some kind of horse whisperer or something?"

A beaming smile lit up Miguel's face and he grinned. "I agree, she's amazing, and the horse is great too. I'll take her." They watched as Lorna walked to the corral and tied the mare to a rail, reaching over to scratch behind her ear.

"Yeah, she's a keeper," Matt concurred once Lorna was out of ear shot, "and I'm not talking about the mare, Miguel. Where do you find these women anyway?"

"She kinda found me."

"You lucky bastard."

Lorna helped Miguel pick out nine more horses and after he'd paid and made arrangements for delivery, they headed back to Jackson.

"You are full of surprises," Miguel chuckled. "This is why your horses act the way they do around you and not around anyone else."

Lorna shrugged. "I speak their language, that's all. They trust me, and I act more like their friend, rather than their owner, but take the leadership role. Like a stallion does with his herd I guess."

"They act more like house pets than horses."

"Yeah, that's how I feel about them too."

"It's going to be late by the time we get back. We won't be able to pick up your car. I have chores to do, but then I could take you to dinner."

"Okay, I'll help you with the chores at your place and mine. We can get cleaned up and go over to the Mangy Moose, how about that?"

"Deal."

They laughed on the way home, and lightheartedly argued about which John Wayne movie was the best. And why a true cowboy like Miguel would be listening to One Direction all the time.

Miguel laughed. "I so am not answering that. It's a personal, musical choice."

Lorna stepped down from the truck and walked toward her front door.

"Whatever. It's sooo not cowboy. Mix me a drink will you? Oh and not a fruity Shirley Temple type okay?" Lorna said over her shoulder as she made her way down the hall to her room.

Miguel grinned and crossed to the bar. Bourbon was the obvious choice. Taking the ice bucket, he went to the kitchen and loaded it full. Over the noise of the ice falling into the ice bucket, Miguel thought he heard the ringing of a phone. He stopped making noise and stood silently trying to find the source of the ring. He moved toward the sound and finding Lorna's cell, he picked it up, looked around and ran his finger across accept bar.

"Hello, Lorna Todd's phone. Hello?" Hearing nothing he shrugged and pressed 'end' before putting set the phone down.

Wiley's chest felt tight. Was that Torres? Why would he answer her phone? Was something wrong with Lorna?

"Wiley, is everything all right?" Grace wondered.

"Yes, I just couldn't get an answer. I'll try again later. I'll bet you're ready to go home, aren't you, Mom?"

"I sure am. Sorry I've been so much trouble."

Wiley strode over. "You're not any trouble but you gave us quite a scare. The doctor already set up your therapy in Jackson and says you'll be good as new soon," he said, grasping and squeezing her hand.

"I know and I'm sorry I put you through this."

"You sure you're up to a long drive? Faith could put you on a plane."

"I slept for days. I just have this little bit of weakness on my right side, no big deal. The tests didn't show anything, so the meds should fix it. Faith said she'd come up to Jackson and stay with me next week. So let's go."

Wiley smiled at his mother's push to leave early. "The doctor said tomorrow morning, so just relax."

"I'm ready. At least my forehead isn't purple anymore. Makeup covers it pretty well now."

"You look beautiful. Here's your drink." Miguel handed her a glass of amber liquid and sprite over ice.

Lorna smiled and then took a sip, their gaze locked. He was pretty darn gorgeous. "You mix a nice drink, but I'm really starving."

He reached out and took the drink from her, setting it in the bar sink. "Okay then, let's go."

They crossed to the other side of the valley and parked around back of the restaurant. Being both a tourist and a local favorite meant the rustic steak house was always busy. Once seated, they ordered drinks and examined the menu.

After a few minutes she looked up to find Miguel staring at her, a wisp of a smile on his full lips. "Damn," she thought, again.

"Have you already decided?"

"Yup. How about you?"

"Prime rib. It's really good here."

"Everything here looks good," he said.

"It sure does," she agreed.

Miguel stretched his hand across the table, palm up. She smiled, placing her hand in his, just as the waitress came with their water and drinks. They ordered, and each relaxed against the booth seat.

"I had a really nice day, Miguel, and I needed one."

"I enjoyed it too. I'd never seen a real horse whisperer work before. Matt hadn't either. I am sorry your ex is still in town though, that can't be easy."

"I can't believe how blind I was about him. So naive. It was all a big lie. But then people mistake all kinds of things for love."

"I guess you're right. I did that too. I'm trying not to do that again."

Lorna snorted. "Yeah, right. You must always have women around you, wanting your attention, ready to do whatever you want in order to get it."

Salads arrived and Lorna noticed the waitress sneaking admiring looks at him, pretty much ignoring her. She took some bread from the basket and after the waitress left, smiled at Miguel from beneath her thick lashes.

"What? Okay, there are a few. I keep it casual."

Lorna nodded. "I understand. You're not looking for anything permanent."

He stared across the table. "I wasn't."

"Thanks for dinner," Lorna said as they walked together to her front door. "You're great company."

"So are you." Miguel took her hands, looking at her intently. Then he bent his head, moved in slowly and pressed his lips gently to hers.

Lorna's eye lids fluttered closed and she returned the kiss, but as it deepened she pulled away.

"I'll see you in the morning, thanks again for a wonderful day, Miguel. Good night."

Miguel watched her move into the house and close the door behind her. He wasn't disappointed she hadn't asked him in, she wasn't at all like the other women he'd been around lately, and she sure wasn't ready for a new relationship. He was going to take it slow; he was willing to wait for her.

# CHAPTER SEVEN

Wiley glanced over. His mom had made it a whole hour before she nodded off. She was curled up in her seat happily snoring. Now it was almost noon and they were close to home.

She'd woken as the car slowed. "I'll stay with you at the house until Faith gets here," he said as he stopped in front of the main house. "Come on, we'll get you settled in bed, and then I'll go to the store. I'm sure most everything in the fridge needs to be thrown out. I'll do that when I get back. Do you want me to open a can of soup or something first?"

"I am kind of hungry. I can do it. I'm not an invalid, Wiley, not yet anyway."

"Mom, give it a few more days. It was a long ride, I'm sure it's taken more out of you than you realize. Have a seat, I'll make it."

Grace grumbled, but did as he asked. Once she'd eaten he got her into bed. He wrote his number on the pad next to the phone on her nightstand.

"Stay put until I get back. Call me if you need anything. I won't be long."

"I'm going to call a few people. My friends must be worried, and you know how rumors get started around here. People probably think I'm dead, turned into a zombie or something like that by now." She paused and smiled up at her handsome son. "You're the best Wiley, but I want you to have a life of your own now, and I need to make plans too."

"What do you mean by that, Mom?"

"Well, I guess I need to make a few changes. All of this has bothered me more than I let on and I stopped taking care of myself. That's going to change. I'm going to stop wondering why your father left, and why God took Danny. We both have to let things go. You know that too, don't you, Wiley?"

Wiley nodded. "I do know that. I won't be long."

He turned to walk out. "I love you, Wiley."

"Love you too, Mom. Get some rest."

After taking care of the horses, and putting up some firewood, Miguel took Lorna to pick up her vehicle.

"Thanks Miguel, see you tomorrow."

They'd talked on the way in and since she was perfectly willing and able to take care of the horses herself, she'd decided it was ridiculous to have him come twice a day, so they worked out a schedule where he would continue coming by to take care of mending fences and the heavy work, but he could do that a couple of times a week or whenever necessary.

She drove to the grocery store and pushed a blue cart from the parking lot inside, her leather purse slung over her left shoulder. Moving to her right, she breathed in the smell of freshly baked bread, and hot food as she passed by the bakery/deli and moved into the produce section, where she saw a familiar form.

"Wiley?" He turned and she felt her pulse quicken.

"Lorna."

She left her cart and walked over. "It's good to see you, how's your mom?"

"Better, I just got home with her, she's resting. It was pretty scary for a while, but the doctor gave her a fist full of prescriptions, said if she takes her medicine she'll be fine."

"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that. I was really worried. I'd hope you'd call, but I know your were busy."

"I thought the same about you. Though I did call last night."

Lorna frowned. "You did? I didn't get a call, what time was it?"

"Around seven, a man answered. You didn't miss me that much did you?" He started to push his cart away. Lorna was shocked. She pulled out her phone and looked at the recent calls. There it was. Miguel had to have answered while she was changing, yet he hadn't mentioned it.

She trotted after him. "Wait, Wiley." He didn't stop so she grabbed his arm. "Wait a minute, will you? Miguel took me out for dinner, that's it. He didn't mention answering my phone and I have no idea why he did."

"It's none of my business. I'm glad you're better. Sorry, I have to get back." He walked away leaving Lorna alone, regret twisting in her belly.

She walked back to her cart and turning to the produce, began choosing, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and potatoes and looked over the offered fruits. Her lips pursed and she decided she wasn't going to let him do this to her. Winding through aisles with purpose, she found everything she needed and more. She paid, got everything into the car and drove home.

Lorna spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen, cooking. She'd doubled the recipes and was now putting things in containers. When she finished, she loaded up a box and headed for the car. She drove with the music blaring, taking the road past the airport before she turned onto a narrow drive and through the open gate, ignoring the 'no trespassing' signs.

Wiley frowned when he heard a car. His mouth gaped when he saw who it was. He watched her struggle with the large box, sighed, and shaking his head he opened the door.

"Thanks," she snidely remarked juggling the box. "Where's the kitchen?"

He motioned with his head and she rolled her eyes.

She set the box on the table and turned. "I made several different meals and some desserts too. Should be enough for a few days anyway."

"Who's here Wiley?" A woman's voice called from another room.

Lorna pushed by Wiley and walked toward the voice. "It's me, Grace," she said when she reached the bedroom doorway. "You remember, Lorna, from the store? I dropped off several meals I cooked for you. Wylie's putting them in the refrigerator. They're all in microwave proof containers, so you can just take the lids off and reheat them. Are you feeling better?"

Grace's face brightened as she sat up in her bed, fluffing the pillows to make a better back rest. "Oh, of course, it's so nice to see you again. That's very thoughtful of you, isn't it Wiley?" she said to her son, who just joined them. "Yes, I'm feeling much better, thank you. Wiley mentioned you'd had an accident."

"I did, but I'm fine now too, thanks to your son. Well, I'll let you rest. If you need anything, please call." Lorna pulled a card out of her jeans pocket and placed it on the nightstand.

Grace smiled. "Well, go ahead, Wiley." She made pushing motions with her hands. "See her to her car. Come back soon, Lorna."

"I will." She glanced up at Wiley before turning and walking to the front door. Wiley shadowed her progress. Lorna sharply pulled the door open and didn't turn to address him until she reached her car.

"I did miss you, damn it." She got into the car, slammed the door, backed it up and drove off.

"Wiley?" Grace called when she heard the door again. He retraced his footsteps to the bedroom. "You're scowling. Why? It was very nice of her to go to the trouble spending all day in the kitchen cooking."

She regarded him in silence. "She's a beautiful girl, Wiley and you care about her, any fool could see that. Didn't we just talk about moving on?"

"She's interested in someone else. Not me."

"If she is, it's only because you let it happen. Sometimes you have to fight for what you want. You did that every day you were in the Army. I know the things that happened over there haunt you. What you were forced to experience was horrible. If you need more help with that get it, but don't waste this one chance, Wiley. Isn't she worth fighting for?"

"Lorna doesn't need to be with a man like me. I'm able to deal with my demons, she shouldn't have to."

"Oh, Wiley, everyone fights their demons, and has baggage, that's part of life. If you don't, you haven't lived. If you really don't care about Lorna, that's one thing, but I think you do. Are you just going to sit back and let someone else take her from you? You have enough regrets without adding another. Now, I'm getting up. I'm going to take a shower and then why don't you dish me up some of the food Lorna brought?"

The two sat at the table each enjoying the rice dish Lorna made them.

"Wiley, this is fantastic. If you don't want Lorna, I think I'll see if she'll move in here with me. Actually, since she has that nice big house, maybe she wouldn't notice if I moved in with her?"

"Okay, stop. I get it Mom, but it's my decision to make."

Graces eyes narrowed. "Yes, it is, and my suggestion is, don't wait too long to make it." She took another bite of food and chewed slowly as she studied her son for a moment. He was going to need a little bit more help. "Do we have a schedule for my therapy sessions?"

"Yes, you go every Tuesday morning at ten. You go into the doctor tomorrow afternoon at three to get your doctor here up to date."

She peered up at him. "Good to know. I am feeling so much better. Being rested and at home makes such a difference. I'm going to sit outside on the porch for a while for a little sun and fresh air. What are you up to this afternoon?"

"I think I'll go for a walk, first I have something to do." He went into the study and sat down at the computer. After doing several searches he wrote down a number, pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pressed the number in. "Yes, hello, I need to make an appointment, the sooner the better. Yes, I can hold, thank you."

Lorna stopped at the Andersen's ranch and went straight to the barn. Yipping sounds from the puppies drew her to the middle stall on her left.

"They'll be ready for new homes in a few weeks. Are you ready to take Angel home?"

Lorna smiled as Judith approached. "Yes, I am," she said, rubbing her hands together. "I can't believe how big they are already."

"Go ahead take her out. Janie's in the house. I know she'll want to see you. I'll get her."

Lorna opened the stall and picked up Angel. The puppy squirmed and whined as Lorna cuddled her. "You're going to come home with me soon. She kissed her head, brought her out of the stall and set her on the floor to run around a little; and smell all the smells.

"Looks like you're already best friends," Janie said as she and her mom approached.

"I can't wait to take her home."

"I'll be up at the house. Good to see you, Lorna."

"Thanks, Mom." Janie crouched down and patted the brown puppy. Glancing up at Lorna, she raised an eyebrow. "I was at the feed store this morning. I heard you were seen with Miguel. So, how was dinner?"

"Wow that was fast."

Janie smiled. "Small town networking. The waitress who waited on you? Well, her brother works at the feed store, and he said, she said you were quite cozy. And he said she wasn't all that happy about it."

Lorna chuckled and shook her head. "It was nice, and I do like him..."

"But..."

"I'm just not ready to get involved with someone right now. Did the gossip mill also inform you that my ex-boyfriend, Jeff, bought the West End gallery? Jackson has another new resident."

Janie stood, puppy in her arms. "Oh, you've got to be kidding. Dad said he's why they put a gate up at your place, but I assumed he'd go back East."

"Maybe he eventually will, but for now I'm sure he's staying and bought the Gallery just to make my life hell." Lorna took the puppy from Janie and put her back into the stall with the others.

"I did hear one other thing."

Lorna looked over and rolled her eyes. "Now what?"

"Wiley brought his mom home."

"Geez, this is ridiculous, Janie. He just got home this morning."

"You've seen him already?"

"I'm surprised you didn't know that too. I saw him at the grocery store. I cooked all afternoon and brought them enough meals to last a few days. Grace seemed almost totally recovered."

"Well, aren't you the perfect neighbor."

"Wiley's nose was all out of joint and is still driving me crazy, but there was a reason. He called me from the hospital and Miguel answered my cell phone while I was in changing for dinner." Lorna's teeth nipped at her bottom lip, and Janie's eyes widened.

"Oh my God, what did Wiley say about that?"

"He simply said I couldn't have missed him very much. I didn't even know Miguel had answered my phone until Wiley's comment. I checked the 'recent calls list' this morning and found he was telling the truth. The fact was I did miss him, Janie. We were just making some headway and now we're back to square one. It's so frustrating." Lorna balled her fists at the unfairness of it all and hung her head. Her eyes started to fill with tears. Janie stepped closer and gave her a hug.

"I'm sorry, Lorna. This is why you feel ambivalent about Miguel; you care more about Wiley, don't you?"

"I guess I do. Not that it matters, he doesn't feel the same way about me, he's determined to shut me out. Now with his mom being sick, he's needed at home."

Janie pushed away and frowned. "You're not going to let that stop you are? Life's short, Lorna. If you want him, you go get that cowboy."

Lorna's phone vibrated in her pocket and she pulled it out. "Hello?"

"Lorna, it's Grace Thompson."

Lorna's eyes widened as she looked to Janie. "Oh hi, Grace. Is everything all right?"

"Fine, I wondered if you'd come tomorrow and take me to the doctor's office. If it's not too much trouble, that is?"

"Oh sure, no, it's no trouble at all. What time?"

"My appointment is at three, so how about 2:30?"

"Okay, see you then." She frowned and stared at Janie as she put the phone away. "Grace wants me to take her to the doctor tomorrow."

A sly smile curled across Janie's lips. "Seems, you've made an ally."

# CHAPTER EIGHT

"You really think so, Janie?"

Janie nodded. "Yes, I do. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

"Thanks, but I made so much food today, I'm kinda over it. I'm just going to warm up some of the rice dish I made, sit on the covered porch with a fire, and watch the sunset. Besides, I have chores to do."

"Okay, keep me up to date on everything. I start Vet school in a few months and I want to spend some time with you before I go."

"Okay, I will. See you."

She didn't see Miguel the next morning. She finished chores and went for a nice ride. After lunch she started getting ready to pick up Grace for the doctor's appointment. Just in case Wiley was around, she wanted to look really good. She curled her long honey-blond locks and chose a sundress that showed her shoulders, just enough cleavage, and hugged her curves nicely. After light makeup and a pass with the lip gloss, she was on her way.

"I guess you're all ready to go?" Wiley said to his mom, and then frowned when he heard a car in the drive.

Grace smiled. "That must be my ride."

"What ride? I'm taking you, why would you need someone else?" Grace raised her hand to stop his protests and walked to the door, opening it just as Lorna was about to knock. "Lorna, come on in, thanks for doing this. You look so pretty, doesn't she Wiley? I'll just be a minute. I want to get my purse."

Wiley didn't even know what to say. For one thing he'd never seen Lorna like this, but if there was a more beautiful woman, he'd never seen her.

"You look surprised to see me, Wiley. Grace called me not long after I left yesterday. I'll get her there and back safely, don't worry."

"I don't doubt it. I just don't understand..."

"Okay, I'm ready. See you later, Wiley." Grace gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked out the door.

Lorna shrugged. "I guess I'll see you later too."

Lorna helped Grace up into the SUV and couldn't help noticing the smug look on her face.

"So how are you feeling?" Lorna asked as the car slowly moved down the narrow driveway.

"I'm fine, but I will need time to build back up my strength. You like my Wiley don't you?"

Her boldness surprised Lorna, who glanced over. "Yes, of course I like him."

"Enough to make a life with him?"

"Grace, really! We hardly know each other."

"I know, but I could feel the chemistry between you. We've made a pact, he and I, to move on from the past, and build a future. I promised to take better care of myself, let go of my losses and so has he."

"I made that decision too. It's why I came here after my dad died. I was in a relationship with someone I thought I loved. I was just fooling myself; it wasn't love I felt but a sense of comfort, of knowing what to expect. I caught him having sex in his office with his secretary." Lorna chuckled, "Cliché wasn't it?" I broke up with him. Although I was devastated by his betrayal, and having to say goodbye to our comfortable, safe lifestyle, I realized I wasn't in love with him, not really. I came to the lodge to regroup, determined to make a go of it here. To make this my permanent home. This was always my dad's and my favorite place."

"You're strong, and I'm glad you're here. You belong with Wiley. He, well, he is still recovering from everything that happened to him in the war." She shook her head. "So many terrible things."

"He mentioned it, and that he doesn't sleep well."

Grace nodded. "He has nightmares about it and then there's what happened to Danny. I still miss him so much. It was a terrible shock, but none of us are promised long lives. Every day is a gift, and at times, a struggle. My recent health problem served as a wakeup call. I've been given another chance, and I'm sure not going to waste it."

Lorna grinned. "Good for you, Grace. You're still young. You should have a man in your life, besides Wiley, I mean."

"I think you're right. I'm only fifty-five. I'm not dead and I don't plan to be for a long time, God willing. I think fate was nudging me in the right direction. It's what he did for you too. Whoever that man was, he was never right for you. It's just as well you found out before it went any further."

"I don't know if I'm ready for anyone to be in my life that way so soon, Grace. I have scars on my heart that need to heal."

"He does too. Maybe you can help each other. Turn right at the next light."

Lorna sorted through the accumulated emails on her cell phone while she waited for Grace to see her doctor. It felt good to press 'delete' and clear one more thing out of her life. She glanced up to see Grace coming out to the lobby and stand at the counter to finish up. Lorna gathered up her things and stood when she walked over.

"Everything was fine. My blood pressure is down and they took some blood, but so far so good. Ready to go home?"

"I am. I'm sure Wiley is anxious to find out how you are."

"Probably. Thank you for taking me today, it's better if I don't have to depend on him so much for everything. Better for him, too."

"I was happy to do this, okay? You can call me any time you need anything, Grace."

It was nearly five when they got back to Grace's house. Grace caught site of Wiley pacing and looking up the driveway. When he saw the vehicle he quickly moved back onto the porch, sat down, put his feet up, grabbed the book he'd been 'not' reading, and flipped through the pages.

When the SUV stopped he put the book down, stood and walked to the passenger side of the car to help his mom out.

"Don't look so ornery, everything was fine. I don't even have to go back for a month unless the blood work indicates something, which he didn't think would be the case. He scolded me for not taking my blood pressure medicine in the first place and that was that. Now, I'm going to warm up some food."

When she reached the front door, she shrugged out of Wylie's grip. "It's a waste to have Lorna all dressed up for nothing. Wiley, take Lorna out to eat will you? I mean she did go out of her way to take me today and all. And it's Friday night."

"I didn't mind Grace." She stuttered, "Wiley, you . . . you don't have to do that."

"No." Grace pointed at her. "Now don't argue with me. Wiley, do you need to change?" She made flicking motions with her hands. "Lorna you go home, he'll pick you up in a half hour or so."

"Mom..."

Grace turned and shot Wiley a look which told him not to say anything more and do what she asked.

"See you in forty-five minutes?" he said, less than enthusiastic at the thought.

"Fine." Lorna sighed. "I have to put the horses in anyway."

Grace smiled, and waved goodbye. She walked into the house, set her purse down on the table and walked through to the kitchen.

"You're feeling pretty proud of yourself, aren't you?" Wiley said as he joined her.

She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a covered dish. "I don't have any idea what you're talking about. Hadn't you better get ready?"

Wiley just shook his head, walked out, got back in his car and made his way to the cabin.

After a quick shower, while drying he suddenly stopped. Bunching up his towel, he cleared the mist off the mirror and for the first time in months, really took a look at himself. He was still in good shape, guessing that his constant hiking around the perimeter of the property had something to do with that. He focused on the scar that curled over his shoulder and ran partway down his arm, running his fingers over the raised line and the depression where the bullet has passed through, he decided it wasn't too bad, anymore. He bent forward, peering at himself in the mirror as he smoothed down his beard, turning his head from side to side. Then gave his head shake and sighed, "Yup, you're right Mom, it's time."

He'd just finished dressing when he heard his new phone ring. He was surprised, he wasn't sure he had signal here. He peered down at the little screen and recognized the number.

"Mom?"

"Wiley, I called and made reservations at Mural up at Jackson Lake Lodge." She sounded proud of herself. "I had to pull some strings. It's such a good restaurant, and it's so busy, but I insisted and was able to reserve you a window table overlooking the lake. Take your time, the sunset should be beautiful." She went on without so much as a breath. "And Wiley, don't worry about me. Wanda is coming over to play cards and gossip. Obviously, I have both your, and Lorna's number, so don't bother with me. I'm fine. Have a good time, son."

She'd hung up before he could even form a reply. It seemed she was pretty much back to her old self, and as stubborn as ever. He picked up his keys and headed out to his truck.

At Lorna's, he waited at the gate and Lorna buzzed him in. He supposed Miguel knew the code, since he worked here. That bugged the hell out of him. In fact, everything about Torres bugged the hell out of him now. Miguel was the experienced guide and should have been the one who took the group up the Grand, not Danny. Danny had only done it once. The accident had caused Miguel to give up climbing and Wiley knew it was true that Miguel never did climb again after Danny's accident; choosing to give up the more than good income, to, instead, begin supplementing his seasonal saddle horse income by working on places like Lorna's.

Wiley circled his truck around so it was heading in the direction of the valley road and walked to the door.

Lorna had put the horses in and was finishing with a final fix of her makeup when she heard the knock.

"God, why am I so nervous?" She rubbed her lips together, fluffed her hair and went to let him in.

When she opened the door Wiley met her eyes sheepishly. With some satisfaction he saw the shock register on her face.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I was expecting Wiley Thompson," she made a show of looking behind him. "Sorry, I couldn't resist, come on in, Wiley." She held the door and made a sweeping motion with her arm. As he passed her she breathed in his subtle cologne, and eyed him from behind.

"You look so different."

He turned around. "It was time to let the beard go." He cocked his eyebrow. "Is that different good, or different bad?"

"Good. Definitely good. Not that you looked bad, I mean. She stepped forward. "Man, you look good." She reached up and ran her hand over his smooth face. "Yes, definitely different in a good way."

Wiley smiled as his green eyes looked down at her. His smile did funny things to her stomach. She wanted nothing less than to kiss him, wrap her arms around him and pull him further inside to fully explore the wantonness curling through her. Instead she said, "I guess we should go."

"I guess," he replied, but neither of them moved. "We have a reservation," he added.

"Uh huh," she said, and then snapped out of the dreamy state she was in, as the meaning of the words sank in. "Oh, okay."

Wiley smiled wider and together they walked to his truck, where he opened the door for her and helped her in. "You really do look beautiful."

She smiled back as he closed the door.

He slid into his seat and started the engine. "We're going up to Jackson Lake Lodge."

"Great, I love the drive. There should be lots of game out at this time of day. Wiley, you really didn't have to do this."

"I know, but I wanted to. Mom is really something isn't she?"

"Yes, she is. We had quite a talk on the way to the doctor's office."

Wiley glanced over. "I bet you did."

Once they got into the park, Wiley slowed and pointed out a group of elusive prong horn. As they drove, they also spotted elk, moose, mule deer; and later even a coyote crossed the road. Conversation came surprisingly easy and felt so natural.

After they parked, Wiley trotted around to her door and held out his hand to help her out of the truck, he still held it as they started across the parking lot. When he began to withdraw from her grip, she held it tight. Surprised, he glanced at their hands and then at Lorna, but she continued looking ahead to the lodge, a big smile on her beautiful face.

He couldn't help from smiling, too, as they walked up the long stairway to the upper level of the lodge.

"I love it here, don't you?" she asked.

Wiley shrugged. "It's nice. Being a natural loner, it's never been a usual haunt of mine. Tonight's company sure is great."

"I agree."

They walked up to the hostess at the podium. Lorna stared out the window at the mountains.

"Reservation for Thompson," Wiley said.

She looked down the list. "Yes, it'll be just a few minutes. Perhaps you'd like to wait in the bar?"

Wiley looked to Lorna who shrugged. Wiley nodded and they walked across the lobby and sat down at a small table.

"Look who's here," Wiley said.

Lorna followed his gaze and saw Miguel with the same cute brunette she'd seen hugging him at the gas station that day. She stood back up, grabbed Wiley's hand and strode over.

"Hey, Miguel."

His eyes widened. He looked at her and then up to Wiley. "Lorna. Hey." He didn't seem to know what to say. Lorna let the silence draw out as she smiled sweetly, but Wiley noticed the wicked glint in her eye. Miguel looked up at them like a kid who got caught taking money from his dad's wallet.

"We haven't met," Lorna said to his date. "I'm Lorna Todd."

"Trisha Young."

"Just thought we'd just stop by to say 'hi'," Lorna put her hand on Wiley's arm proprietarily. Wiley and I are having dinner next door. In fact our reservation should be ready. Have a nice evening."

"You too," Miguel managed to croak out.

Lorna turned away but Wiley's eyes met Miguel's. He grinned as Miguel scowled. Lorna didn't lead them back to their table but walked out of the bar through the doors that led to the large deck.

"I'm sorry if seeing Miguel upset you."

Lorna turned to Wiley. "It didn't upset me, at all," she held his eyes for few seconds. Then turning to the view and sighed. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Wiley glanced out across the grassland leading up to the lake and across to the mountains and then back to Lorna.

"Yes, beautiful. I think our table is ready."

Wiley was really quiet as they looked over their menus.

"I think seeing Miguel bothered you more than it did me," Lorna said without looking over.

"It just reminded me that you have feelings for him that you don't have for me."

The tall menu dropped and revealed Lorna's frown. "You can't be serious. I've realized several things since I've been here. Before I found out about Jeff, I'd been with him almost a year. He never made me feel the way you do, and as nice as Miguel is, I'd much rather be with you." She picked up her menu again as Wiley, shocked by her admission, stared at the back of it, the beginnings of a self-satisfied smile forming on his face.

Behind her menu, Lorna held her breath. Now she peeked at him. Seeing the smile on his face and the light in his eyes caused her to smile too. "What do you feel like?" She asked him. He glanced over, an eyebrow raised at the ribald but totally unintentional, he thought, innuendo. "For dinner, I mean." She laughed quietly and retreated behind her menu again.

"The tenderloin sounds good."

"Yes, it does. You can order for both of us."

He seemed skeptical. "Okay. Would you like some wine?"

"Sure, but you don't seem like a wine kinda guy."

"I'm complex."

She chuckled. "That's for sure."

After a well prepared and much enjoyed dinner they strolled along the lake front.

"Dinner was amazing, thank you. You chose perfectly. And Crème Brule for dessert is my absolute favorite."

"The extra effort Mom took to get us this reservation turned out to be a good idea, after all. Speaking of her, I'm going to check in."

He pulled out his phone and pressed in the number. It rang several times before Grace picked up.

"It's me. I wanted to make sure you were feeling all right."

"I'm fine. Wanda's still here. I took my medicine and I'm going to go to bed right after she leaves. Don't worry about me. Did you have a nice dinner?"

"We did. Lorna wants to say hi."

"Thanks Grace, we really are having a nice time."

"Good, no thanks needed. Enjoy each other. Bye, Lorna."

Lorna pressed 'end' and handed the phone back to Wiley. "She's great."

When they got back to the lodge it was just getting dark and the moon could be seen peeking over the foothills across the valley from the Grand. Wiley walked her to the door. She opened it, and walked inside, so Wiley followed.

"If you want to start a fire, I'll make us some coffee."

"When was the last time you had a fire?"

Lorna hesitated knowing what he was really wondering was if she'd offered the same to Miguel the other night.

"I guess the night you made one."

She finished the coffee with Irish Cream and Amaretto and brought it over as Wiley crushed paper and lit the kindling under the split oak. Sinking into the couch she let her eyes wander over Wiley as he stared into the flames. 'What was going through his mind?' she wondered.

Wiley was torn, he felt like running, yet more than anything he wanted to be with Lorna. He was fighting the demons he still wasn't sure he could conquer. He closed the mesh screen of the fireplace and stood. Lorna smiled as he walked over and sat next to her.

Lorna handed him a mug and he took a sip.

"Man, that's some coffee."

"Yes, it is."

She snuggled closer so he raised his arm and draped it around her shoulders. They drank their coffee and watched the fire. The warmth radiating from Wiley raised more than her temperature and her face flamed as she thought of the body under the clothes that warmed her side. Finally, unable to stop herself she set her cup down and turned her body into Wiley. Her heart began to pound as she raised her hand, placed it lightly on his side, and ran it upward over his abs, ending with it on his chest over his heart. Through her fingertips, she could feel his heart pounding just as hard as hers.

She reached over and took his mug from him and placed it on the coffee table. Looking boldly into his eyes, she leaned forward. He held perfectly still as she stroked his smooth face and ran her thumb over his lips. Her touch released him from his catatonic state. As she tipped her face up he dipped down, parting her lips as he pressed his to hers. She closed her eyes and let her arms curl up around his neck and moaned, savoring the pressure as he pulled her closer. As the kiss grew needy and their breath quickened, she felt the flush of desire blossom in her body The proof of her need evident in the wetness that flowed between her thighs.

Wiley's hand roamed down her back to the swell of her buttock. She moaned again as his fingers dimpled her flesh. Of its own accord, her knee pushed up his thigh, her hand moved back down his chest, and to his belt. Another moan rose from her throat when she discovered how hard he was.

When the kiss broke, both of them were breathless with desire. Lorna knees felt weak, but she pushed away and forced herself to stand. She offered her hand. He looked down at it and up into her face. She saw his eyes dilate even further with the realization of what the hand offered. He caressed the back of it before grasping it. He turned it over, kissed her palm and she melted. She pulled at his arm and backing away, guided him to the bedroom. In the dark of the room she stilled. From behind, he encircled her in his strength and drew her into his firm masculinity. Turning to face him she raised on her toes to kiss him. Through the heat of desire she felt him stiffen.

"Lorna, we don't . . . .

"Shhhh, please don't talk."

"It's been a long time for me."

"It's been over six months for me too. It'll be all right."

This time when she reached up to kiss him she felt his urgency meet hers. "Clothes, too many clothes" ran through her mind. She tried to still her quaking fingers as they fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. Frustrated, she pulled the shirt from his dress pants and willed her hands to still as she set about the task of getting the shirt off this man.

Finally the buttons cooperated and Lorna was rewarded by being able to run her hands over the planes of his chest and abdomen.

Wylie, who up until this time, had stood unmoving, resolutely allowing her to be the aggressor, now responded by groaning deep into his throat and raising his hands to cup her jaw between his hands. Holding her face in one hand, he let his other hand run slowly down the sensitive skin of her neck and across the feminine curve of her shoulders.

A shiver rolled over them both as he slipped the thin straps of her sundress down her arms, and reached around to slowly lower the back zipper. Lorna took a step back and shrugged out of the dress, letting it fall into a heap on the floor. She stood before him in a skin tone lace bra and high cut matching panties. Wylie held his breath as she reached behind her back and unfastened the bra, groaning softly as she let the lightweight lace drop to the floor. Reaching for him, Lorna pushed Wiley's shirt down his arms. Her fingers traced along his scars before her lips did the same. She glanced up to him, the light of the moon the only illumination. It lit his face with its creamy glow as his eyes took in her form. Wiley tossed his shirt aside, undid his belt and in one motion pushed both jeans and boxer briefs down. He stood there proudly and a breath caught in Lorna's throat when she saw his body in the dim light. He was beautiful, and the proof of his passion rose there before her. 'Good Lord' was her first thought.

She lowered herself to the bed, and scooted back, her body trembling as he met her in one stride. It was almost painful how much she wanted him. When he moved beside her she realized he was trembling too.

His calloused hand moved over the smooth skin of her thigh. He savored her warmth and the smoothness of her skin. Moving his hand to her hip he pulled the scrap of fabric called panties from her, tossing them to the floor. He moved up to kiss her, using his tongue to open her mouth to him. Lorna groaned and as their tongues dueled and explored. Wylie traced up the outside of her thighs, up her hip to the curve of her waist. His hand drifted over her belly, before his hand moved down to the inside of her thigh. When he reached her knee, he gently bent it, drawing her leg up before letting it fall to the side, opening her sex to him.

Wiley locked his gaze to hers. "I can't wait. I have to taste you." He kissed her lips, her face and down her neck as her hips rocked against his fingers as moved over her. He sank one deep inside her. She bit her bottom lip as he kissed down her body, an orgasm already building. Her hands gripped the coverlet as he spread her legs wider with his shoulders and laid one across her lower stomach and hips to hold her still. Using his thumb, he circled her swollen bud, and began to lap her sex from the bottom to the top, paying special attention to all the dips and folds. Once he reached her sensitive pearl he let his tongue swirl around it, tasting the sweet liquid already dripping from it as it swelled and poked out from its sheath. She rocked and swiveled her hips against him and seconds later gasped as waves of intense pleasure rolled over her body. "Oh. My. GOD," she cried as Wiley continued to lick and suck her.

When the shudders began to subside, Wiley moved up her body and knelt between her legs. His gaze locked to hers. Setting his cock at her entrance he hesitated before sinking into her. "Oh, you feel so good," he whispered in that deep, sexy voice of his. He took care to move slowly giving her body time to conform to him. He moved in and out until he filled her completely and again waited for Lorna's body to accommodate him. Lorna's chest was heaving, her hair haloing her head on the pillow; she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"Please don't stop," she whispered while she plucked at her nipples. He began to move, slowly at first and then with more need, his hands circled her small waist as he pounded into her. She started to moan again, circling her legs around his waist. He was frantic for release and with a final twist of his hips, two more slow, deep thrusts, he growled her name low in his throat, stiffened, with an "Oh, Goddddd", and filled her with his hot seed.

His body slowly relaxed and he sank down over her, still buried deep inside, his large hands moving to cover each breast. His mouth moved over hers and they kissed, gently, pulling at each other's lips over and over again. Finally, completely spent he sagged beside her. Lorna's head nestled into his shoulder and she kissed his neck. His chin immediately jerked down.

"Are you ticklish?" Lorna giggled.

"No."

She moved to try and kiss his neck again and he laughed.

"You liar, you are too ticklish. She stroked his face again while he used his finger to move her hair away from her eyes. "Stay the night."

His smile faded. "I can't Lorna."

"I know about the nightmares. Please let me help you."

"I am dealing with it, but I can't stay. Not yet. I can't take the chance I might hurt you."

She weakly nodded. "I understand." He needed time and he was worth waiting for.

Wiley pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "You've made me better than I ever have been, Lorna. Thank you for that."

"You've made me better too, Wiley. I've never felt like this before. I know men feel different about sex. It's okay....no wait...it's different. It's not okay, it's just different." Lorna pushed away and got off the bed and padded into the bathroom. She thrust on the shower and sat on the toilet, making sure the door was closed.

Wiley closed his eyes, hearing the cascading water in the background. "Until I get help, she's better without me," he thought. He got up, dressed and left without saying goodbye.

Lorna was crushed when she finished her shower and found the house empty. She was still snuffing when she searched through the phone. She clicked on several things and then closed her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks.

# Three Months Later:

"Thank you for coming to the new gallery," Lorna said as the last people exited. She looked up at the skyline and closed the doors.

"It was a great success, don't you think?"

Lorna smiled. "Yes, Thomas, great numbers. Sales speak for themselves. I'll see you Monday."

Thomas smiled and stepped closer, giving her a hug. "More than the numbers, Lorna, it was a success because of you. Your art, your photography, your name. Get some rest. I'll see you next week."

She turned off the lights of the gallery and called a cab. After paying the fare, she unlocked the door and walked up the stairs to her apartment. When she got inside she noted the flashing light of her answering machine and pressed 'Play'.

"Lorna, please call us, we're so worried. Janie is back at school, but like the rest of us it's hard to concentrate not knowing if you're okay. Grace Thompson is getting married next month. She's hoping Wiley will surface before the government declares the property domestic domain and it reverts to Teton National Park. We love you Lorna."

Lorna sank down into the sofa and started to sob. Those betting on her leaving Jackson had made some money. After days of numbly going through the motions of her life with no contact from Wiley, she couldn't face life in the valley. Even her love of the lodge couldn't soothe the hurt. She'd packed up her life and returned to Boston. Now she realized her self-imposed isolation and continued silence wasn't fair to the Andersen's and she picked up her phone and dialed their number.

The phone rang and Judith answered. "I'm okay, Judith," Lorna said without preamble. "I needed to be alone. I'll be back for the fall festival. It was horrible of me to have waited so long before calling you again. I'm sorry I worried you, and thanks for keeping Angel for me. I'll pick her up when I get back. No, it's okay. I'm working through things on my own."

On Labor Day Weekend Lorna flew back to Jackson and took a cab to the lodge. Like always, Gavin had made sure her horses were well taken care of during her absence. There was a truck she didn't recognize parked near the barn. Surmising it belonged to one of Gavin's employees and since she didn't feel like introducing herself, she ignored the truck and just let the cab driver unload her bags and rolled them into the lodge.

Pulling them into her room, she felt the mountains taunting her. She threw open the doors and walked out onto the deck.

In the months she'd been in Boston, she'd painted enough landscapes to cover her small booth at the art festival, so after erecting the specially made, light weight aluminum display walls for her paintings and hanging her art, all she had to do was sit, make herself available to answer any questions people had as they passed by. After several hours she was asking herself why she agreed to do the show. Finally at five, a full hour before the event officially ended, she couldn't stand it anymore and started to pack up. Overall she was satisfied with the show, she's sold most of what she had to offer and she was tired. Her ankles were swollen from sitting all day and she was in no mood to engage another person.

"Hello, Lorna."

She stopped what she was doing and pinched her eyes closed. She turned and what she thought was confirmed.

"Wiley. How nice. Grace didn't tell me you were coming."

"She didn't know. I finished my treatment early. I...I realized that I needed more help than I could get here and I found a place that could provide it."

Lorna continued to pack up her art, calling one of the organizers over. "Can you have someone breakdown my displays, someone is coming to pick them up in a little while."

She turned her attention back to Wiley, "Well, good. I'm sure your mom is glad to have you home. She was worried she'd lose the property." She bent down to put the last of her things in the box at her feet.

"I'd never let that happen. Lorna, stop that and look at me. I'm sorry you were hurt by my leaving."

Lorna snapped her head up. "You did what you needed to do for you. You didn't care what it did to me. I was just a one night stand I guess, nothing more. My mistake. Besides, I'm okay on my own, just like I've always have been." She moved away and Wiley grabbed her arm. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "You make Jeff seem like a Prince; shame on you." She jerked her arm away and ran.

"Haven't you done enough?" he heard.

"Jack?"

"What more do you want, Wiley?"

"Her, but I had to fix me, before I could be good for her, Jack."

Jack frowned. "Maybe if you'd clued Lorna in on that it would have made a difference. She's so fragile now. I think it's better if you leave her alone. Amazingly, Torres has been a big comfort," he taunted, walking away.

Wiley's gut clenched. "I'm back and I'm not going anywhere ever again."

"Yeah, okay, Wiley. See you later," Jack shot back from over his shoulder.

Wiley sat in his truck for almost an hour before he decided what he was going to do. He drove to the valley and up to the gate, pressing the button. "I need to talk to you."

The gate swung open and he drove up and parked next to the lodge. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Would she forgive him, or had he lost everything?

The door was ajar when he got to it and he pushed it open and walked inside. It was dusk and he looked around and seeing her silhouette on the deck he walked outside.

"Lorna?"

She didn't turn or acknowledge him. The breeze tousled her hair as she leaned against the railing.

"Lorna, please talk to me. I'm sorry. You are important to me and I knew after our night together I wanted to build my life with you, around you. The only way I could do that and not hurt you was to get help for my PTSD. I tried to do it on my own and knew I was kidding myself. So I called the VA and was able to go to a special setting where the administrators and all the employees, from doctors and psychologists to the kitchen help have all been through what I was going through and have come out on the other side as whole people. I thought leaving and healing me was the right thing to do, and I am better now." He reached out and clasped her shoulders, turning her toward him. "I'm sorry, I should have discussed it with you."

Tears were rolling down her cheeks, her face blotchy and red.

"I loved you, Wiley. You let me love you and you walked away without a word. You abandoned and rejected me and it hurt. I took me days to even get out of bed." She started screaming at him. "I couldn't stand being here, in this place that I've always loved, because of you and the hurt forced me to go back to my life in Boston. I thought you were different, but you left me like everyone else I've ever loved."

"No, no, Lorna, that's not true. I just needed time to fix me, so I could be better for you."

Lorna's expression steeled. "And you couldn't share that with me? You didn't trust me; care enough about me to let me know what you were dealing with? Fuck. You. Wiley." She pushed past him and fled to her room, slamming the door.

Wiley sighed, she was right. He'd screwed this up too. He strode back to her bedroom. When he got to her door he heard a thump from inside.

"Lorna?" Panic coursed through his body, he tried the door. It was locked, but he leaned back, raised his leg and kicked it open. Lorna was lying on the floor. He rushed to her, pulled her to him. She was breathing but unconscious.

"Lorna? Oh God, please, Lorna." He dialed 911 and rocked her in his arms.

In the hospital waiting room he paced until finally a doctor came out to see him.

"She's going to be fine, just dehydrated. The baby is fine too. We put an IV in, once she gets some fluids in, you can take her home."

Wiley's eyes widened, shock filling him. "Can I see her?"

"Yes, but she's sleeping again."

Wiley sat next to the bed, holding her hand. It was so cold. He squeezed it and leaned in, kissing her cheek. Tears filled his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Lorna, so sorry." He sat back in the chair, still holding her hand, rubbing his forehead with his other hand.

Lorna blinked several times, her eyes having trouble focusing.

"Wiley?"

His head jerked up and he leaned forward, relieved and ecstatic she was awake. "I'm here, Lorna. I love you, and no matter what you say, I'm not leaving."

Lorna touched his hair and ran her fingertips down the tracks of his tears. "I don' know, Wiley, it's going to take time for me to trust you again. Don't leave me."

"No, I'll never leave you again."

"No matter what happens between us, Wiley. In six months you're going to become a father."

Tears streaked down Lorna's face, her forehead still dripping with sweat, her hair was damp and clung to her head as she reached for the bundle the nurse held out. As she stared down at the rosy-faced infant, the nurse asked, "What are you going to name the baby, Mrs. Thompson?

Lorna glanced up at Wiley and then beamed a smile. "His name is Daniel. Daniel David Thompson."

THE END

The following is an excerpt of EL Loraine's new book Corporate Ties, book one of the Silken Ties series.

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### Corporate Ties

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### by

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### E. L. Loraine

Text copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Loraine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recorded, photocopied or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious and are a product of the author's imagination. Any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

### CHAPTER ONE

His chest heaved as he looked down at the bobbing head of the beautiful woman crouched between his knees. He groaned as she worked magic with her mouth and talented tongue and agreed - she was good as he'd been promised. His thighs, and then his entire body began to tense as the pressure of his release built. Suddenly, he grimaced, his face pinched in a sudden exquisite pain. He cried out, sat forward abruptly, reaching down toward her. Panic registered in his eyes just before they rolled back in his head and he slumped into his executive chair. The woman at his feet gracefully rose, pulled a tiny glassine bag and a tissue from her skimpy bodice and once the micro-syringe was safely deposited, she wiped her mouth with the tissue. Holding her fingers to the man's neck and feeling no pulse, she bent down, tucked his now limp member into his slacks, and with a yank, re-zipped them. Gracefully she turned and casually ambled into the bathroom. Placing the glassine bag inside her purse, she looked in the mirror, her full attention on the reapplication of lip gloss. Finished, she pressed her lips together and ran her hands over her hair. It was only then she allowed herself a fleeting but satisfied smile. She quickly dressed, straightened and smoothed her clothing and made her way down to the garage to the waiting sedan. Moments later the driver eased into his seat.

"Did you take care of the security cameras?" she asked him.

"Of course and you?" He glanced into the rear-view mirror, saw her slight nod and smiled.

"Another heart attack I'm afraid," she said with a mock pout. "To the airport."

He nodded and started the car as the glass barrier quietly rose between them.

~~~~

Olivia sat in the meeting totally bored as usual. Hours of business and design courses at NYU hadn't prepared her for the doldrums of everyday life in the corporate world. But, if she was going to open her own business in the next few years, she needed to learn everything she could about these corporate powerhouses and how they ran things. So, she came in early and went home late, became the model employee, kept her head down and did quality work. Her job description put her mostly on the marketing end of things, but she made sure she learned the ins and outs of every division at Dolby, Inc. That meant studying the engine of the firm, from accounting procedures, on up to personnel and metadata gathering, from the type of digital data bases they used, to the kind of soap they put in the washrooms and how it differed from the executive suites to the lower level employee facilities. The credits she earned from her courses in corporate law served her well as she studied every contract the corporation signed in the last year, until she recognized whether each was a standard form or had been custom crafted. She quizzed herself until she knew their covenants like she knew the pin number of her bank account.

She pressed her hands down the sides of her perfectly tailored, gray, pin-striped skirt, centering herself as the blended monotone of background voices wafted around her.

Olivia's looks had always worked, both beneficially and detrimentally for her. With them it was easier to get people at all levels to open up to her, but her striking looks also caused her to be unfairly accused of using them to get what she wanted. In reality, more often than not, her beauty held her back. And despite the snide remarks, she had no intention of sleeping her way to the top, but it never stopped men, or women for that matter, from trying to entice or seduce her.

She looked around the conference room. The usual suspects lined the custom built, over-sized table. Jerrod was sitting across from her and every time she glanced up from the agenda he was there leering. During those first days on the job, he'd aggressively pursued her. She shivered remembering the lingering touches, and the innuendoes that came with his invitations. It took saying 'no' several times before he got it straight: she wasn't interested and didn't mix business with pleasure. Although, lately, there were times she wished that wasn't her policy. She smiled to herself and thrummed her pen on the yellow legal pad in front of her as the image of Tyson, her boss, everyone's boss for that matter, came to mind. Just thinking about him made her panties damp and...

"Anything to add Olivia?" Jerrod asked, jerking her back to reality.

Adroitly, she managed to answer Jerrod's ambush without betraying either her thoughts or inattention. "I'd only warn that if we don't receive the long term projections by tomorrow on the Matasuki project, we're going to lose them to Stein...again."

"Well," Jerrod pinned her with his stare, "maybe it's time you took over Matasuki then. The big man himself is going to be in town Friday. We've put him up at the Plaza. He's here for business and to attend the World Hunger Gala, for which we are a corporate sponsor. I assume you read the memos?"

Olivia's mind was spinning. _Take over Matasuki_? _This close to_ _the presentation_? Olivia fought the impulse to verbally assault Jerrod, but instead responded civilly. "Of course; in fact I'm on the Gala's design committee."

"Good." He turned to another of the Project Managers, "Stuart, make sure Olivia has all the updated files and access to all the emails." Jerrod beamed, to all outward appearances, like a benevolent uncle.

Olivia, who wasn't fooled by the smile, inwardly fumed, knowing this was his way of getting back at her for spurning his advances. Although the assignment had been given with the expectation she would fail, Olivia was determined to do everything she could to wipe that smug grin right off Jerrod's face. As everyone stood and began to file out, she gathered her meeting notes, and shoved them into her brief case.

"I hope you're up to this, Olivia. Of course I'm always available if you need any help."

"Yeah for a price," she thought, and then in a completely believable voice replied, "That's so sweet of you, Jerrod, I'll be sure to remember that." She pushed back from the table and stood, noticing Jerrod's gaze drift down her body. She gritted her teeth. "Let him look, he was never going to sample the goods."

Jerrod ran his right hand over his jaw, musing as Olivia walked away.

"In fact," he called after her, "maybe I could stay late and we could go over the proposal together."

Olivia hesitated, forcing a smile. "I appreciate the offer, Jerrod," she answered over her shoulder, as she continued retreating, "but that won't be necessary, now if you'll excuse me I have a lot of work to do."

Back in her office, she was just getting settled when a box of files thumped down onto her desk.

"Here you go, this is everything I have on Matasuki," Stuart informed her.

"Does your information include profiles of all the key and secondary decision makers of Matasuki?"

"Well no, we...uh...I don't normally do that kind of research for a presentation." Stuart stared angrily at her.

"Stuart, I hope you understand this is just business, and wasn't my idea. I don't want to lose this contract. Losing another contract to Stein would drive me crazy. They're doing something to take all our best clients, and although I don't know what it is, I'm going to find out. To my point of thinking, our investigation starts with knowing our client. We need those personal profiles."

"Olivia, I know it's just business and 'Business' is what you do, isn't it? Maybe you should get out once in a while, have a life?"

Olivia glared at him as he stood in the doorway. Stuart shook his head and sighed. "I'll get right on those profiles and have them on your desk by the end of the day."

"Thank you, Stuart," she sighed, truly grateful for his help.

He nodded and closed the door behind him. He'd always been nice, helpful without being inappropriate. She stood and rifled through the box in front of her with one hand as she unbuttoned her suit jacket with the other. She picked up the box and set it down on the floor next to her chair. By nature she was meticulous, and detail oriented, attributes which along with a nearly photographic memory had helped her get through four years of college and grad school in record time. It was also the reason she was the youngest Project Manager in the entire company. The only employees younger than her twenty-eight years were the interns.

What no one knew was she'd learned business management and strategies from a very good teacher, her aunt Loralie. From an early age, she'd spent her summers shadowing her aunt, watching and learning. Olivia was only seventeen when her parents had been killed in a car crash and Aunt Loralie gladly took her in. That year her whole world changed. Loralie had wanted her to stay in L.A., enter the 'family' business – marketing luxury real estate. But New York was calling and the memories in L.A. were too raw. She wanted to get away, disappear, and that was easy to do in New York.

Her cell phone buzzed and Olivia jumped. She picked up the rattling instrument and glanced at the number.

"Hey, Sam, what's up?" Samantha was Olivia's best friend, corporate ally, and partner in crime when they were out on the town with their other BFF's Lucy and Rachel. In addition to the friends she had in the city, she, Samantha, Lucy and Rachel belonged to a special cadre of women from all over the country. Friends that were now as close as any family, smart, beautiful, and with killer business instincts, oh and one other thing...they were all highly sexual beings. In control of their urges, yes, but they were definitely different from other women, and they'd known it from a very early age and recognized the propensity in each other. They'd met through, what they joked were 'the elders', those who'd been through the trials that having a raging libido brought. They vowed to find and help as many young women as they could, to save them from a life of desperation, degradation and most likely prostitution. Her aunt Loralie was one of those elders and Samantha was one she'd saved.

"You have to come out with us tonight, Liv, please?"

"I have to work. I just received the sole responsibility of my first corporate account, and have research to do for the presentation next week. This presentation is important and I'm going to get it to work. Otherwise Stein is going to take another contract from us."

"I've gotten us reservations at that new hot restaurant in the meat packing district. So many bigwigs go there, it'll be great for us to be seen, come on Liv, you have to eat."

Olivia sighed. "What time?"

She pulled the phone away from her ear as Samantha squealed in delight. "Eight, and wear something tastefully hot. You know, from the other side of your closet, the one that hardly sees the light of day?"

Olivia chuckled. "Okay, pick me up. I'm not walking in there alone. Are Rachel and Lucy coming?"

"Absolutely, I'll see you at seven-thirty then. Who knows how traffic will be, but I'll be there as close to then as possible."

"True; see you then." She looked down at her watch - twelve-fifteen. "Another lunch at my desk, I guess" She pressed a button on her desk phone. "Linda, would you order me a Greek salad."

"I already did when I saw Stuart go in with that box of files. I hope green tea was all right again."

"Man, am I predictable. Thank you, Linda, its fine." She slumped back into her plush, brown leather chair and reached for the top file. She'd scanned through ten of them, recording notes when the door opened.

"Oh good," she said without looking up. "I'm starving, just set it down anywhere."

"I'm sorry, should I have brought lunch?"

Olivia's head snapped up. Standing in front of her desk was Tyson Grant, and he was staring at her legs. She'd put them up on the edge of her desk, there they remained, crossed at the ankles. In the effort to get her feet on the ground as quickly as possible, she nearly tipped her chair over, barely catching herself.

Tyson...er, Mister Grant, I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone."

He smiled, "Your assistant wasn't at her desk, she must be getting that lunch you spoke about. Eat at your desk a lot, Miss Grayson?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I don't mind. What can I do for you?"

"I was just informed that you'll be taking over Matasuki. I wanted to make sure you have everything you need."

"Almost. Stuart is getting me profiles on the key personnel and some other important contacts there."

"Good idea. It pays to know everything you can about the client." He smiled. "You've been doing really good work; you'll be fine. Just ask if you need help. We've dealt with Matasuki before; he's a tough negotiator. I'd really like his business and taking it away from..."

"... Stein? I couldn't agree more. I won't let you down; I promise."

He smiled again, she really was gorgeous. Thick golden brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders, halfway down her back, large almond shaped eyes, which he found were really more green than blue, pouty full lips and a perfect smile.

"I know you won't."

Just then Linda showed up with her lunch. Her eyes widened when she recognized who was in Olivia's office.

"I'm sorry, security held up the delivery."

"Its fine, I was just leaving. Have a good day. I appreciate your...dedication, Miss Grayson."

Linda's eyes remained saucer-like as she put the bag down. Olivia nodded, and Tyson closed the door.

"Oh my God. Olivia, how long was he here?"

"Just a few minutes. I hope he doesn't think I'm in over my head with Matasuki."

"He could have just called, you know. I think he wanted to see you for himself."

"What do you mean, Linda?"

"You're the hot topic you know, the 'up and coming star of Dolby'."

Olivia stopped taking the plastic containers of food out of the bag and glanced at Linda with a frown.

"That's ridiculous. I've only been here eight months and this is my first deal."

Tyson shook his head as he walked. He understood now what the buzz was all about. He'd seen the reports submitted by Jerrod on her, of course, they were generic. Tyson had a tendency to discount many of Jerrod's overviews, since he was only interested in making himself look good. No, he'd become interested in the up and coming Ms. Grayson, when he heard the office buzz from others that'd worked with her. Wanting to see for himself he pulled everything she'd written, read every report, analysis, and recommendation. Really top notch; all of it, add to it that her peers thought she was smart and a team player impressed him. He'd also heard the rumblings in the ranks about how beautiful she was, but it hadn't prepared him for her at all. Maybe he'd been single too long, even though he appeared periodically at the hottest places with a model or a socialite on his arm, he had no attachments. His dating partners had lately served only as window dressing.

She just didn't seem like the type to be a driven corporate mover. Wait, what a sexist thing to say, even to himself, he thought, as he shook it off. He was sure that type of comment was the kind of thing she had to deal with everyday, and knew she grew tired of being taken for someone's wife, secretary, or mistress.

Mmm, yes, after seeing her in person he understood a lot more than he had earlier. He had two inter-office meetings to attend, and then he was meeting another would-be client for dinner. He sighed, no wonder he couldn't sustain a relationship.

He slipped down into his chair and swiveled toward the window, gazing out across the park. She was awfully young, and although he was sure Jerrod had set her up, he wasn't sure why. He decided it didn't matter, he was rooting for Olivia.

"Karen, could you have Olivia Grayson's file sent up from personnel? Thank you, Karen."

She was right; it was good to know everything you could.

Minutes later he had the file in his hand. He read through a resume that could have been from someone twice her age. An internship at Chase Morgan, she'd turned down a position there. "Speaks several languages. Doesn't mention which ones. Had her final semester in International Affairs and Law, at Cambridge. Masters in Business from Harvard. Received two promotions in the eight months that she's been here. Unheard of." He flipped through everything in the file, and deciding she seemed too good to be true, went through it again, this time in full-analysis mode. He swiveled to the computer and Googled her, and using the HR code pulled her credit. Her credit file showed a small mortgage on a pricy apartment in Greenwich. She must have come from money. No family listed. He dug deeper and found both parents were deceased, that she'd been raised by her mother's sister.

So, an inheritance? Maybe. Did it matter? No, of course not, but she was so driven, why? She could have married very well, the way she looked. "God, there I go again. No one would ever say that about a man."

The intercom buzzed. "Your three o'clock is here."

"Thank you, Karen. In the conference room, please."

"Yes, sir."

He sat back in his chair. Hundreds of people worked for him. He was one of the youngest CEO's in the country, he knew about the pressure, so why was his interest piqued by this woman? Everyone would cite the obvious reasons. And he had to admit, she was amazing, but there was something more. He pushed away from his desk. This is crazy, he had a corporation to run, he needed to stop acting like an idiot and get to work.

Instead of sending the file back to HR, he slipped it into his top drawer and headed to his meeting.

At six, Olivia had nearly worked through all the files in the box. The few left could wait, she had friends to meet for a change and she was looking forward to it. She hailed a cab and hoped traffic wasn't at a standstill up ahead. She ended up walking the last two blocks to her apartment in four inch heels, which was nothing unusual.

She greeted the long-time doorman. "Hey, Marvin, anything interesting going on?"

"Just, you know, people moving in and out. Nothing unusual."

"Oh yeah?"

"Someone moving in on your floor actually. Seems really nice."

"Well good. My friend Samantha is picking me up in about an hour. Send her right up, will you, Marvin?"

"Of course. It'll be good to see her."

It had been a while since Olivia had been out. Two months maybe, she thought as the elevator kicked into gear, whirring up to the fourteenth floor. She took off her shoes as she walked quickly down the hall and opened her door. Key thrown on the small table in the foyer, briefcase next to the couch, she headed to the bathroom for a nice hot shower. She tied up her long golden-brown locks and moved her head side to side inspecting her face. As the shower started to throw steam into the room, she stepped in. Pumping a palm-full of liquid soap into her hand, she lathered up her body, rinsed and with another palm of the soap, began a more leisurely exploration of her body. Her hand worked its way down over the swell of her breasts, slowly down the curve of her belly, lingering between her legs, and over the bare slick mound of her pussy. Parting her outer lips, her middle finger swirled lightly around the swollen bud. She tipped her head back, breathing through her mouth, lips slightly parted, she let the sensations take over as the hot water cascaded around her and down her body. She, and those sexually overt beings like her, could cum almost at will, by simply contracting their highly sensitive, and well trained inner muscles. Still, it was nice to pleasure herself in the old fashioned way, and it didn't take long for the strong orgasm to build until it overtook her. She groaned and relaxed into the enjoyment of the shudders as they grabbed and released. As the last one receded, she stood braced against the shower wall, her legs momentarily weakened.

"Oh that's much better," she panted, leaning against the tile for a second longer, before grabbing the razor and giving her long legs the once over.

Pulling on a robe, she walked into her large, well organized closet. Samantha was right; it'd been a while since she dressed for dinner. She'd eaten more dinners at her desk than anywhere else lately and although she'd turned out to be a good cook, she often settled for pizza or other delivery food at home, because she was too tired.

Red, no to showy, the white one? Way too much cleavage, hmmm maybe it's not a bad idea. She heard the buzzer. Samantha was on her way up. She had her own key, good, she could help with this.

Samantha chuckled when she came in. "You look like a deer in the headlights. You really are out of practice." She slid hangers apart with a flare, quickly discarding the dresses Olivia had just picked out. "Ah, here it is," she decided, a big grin on her face. "It's perfect." She shoved the black and teal spandex dress toward her. "Next, the heels. Put those on and lotion up those long legs of yours. You're going to get some tonight, for sure."

"Samantha...I. Oh, okay, you're right. I need it and I want it."

"That's my girl, and you forgot one thing, you deserve a great night, you've been working way too hard. Me, I'm going to work at _getting_ something really hard."

Olivia chuckled. "That's never been a problem for you, Samantha. How do I look?"

"Look out men of New York. Let's go."

Lucy and Rachel where already waiting. As the 'new, hot spot', it was full even for a Wednesday night. Once the Times endorsed a new place, it was nearly impossible to get in.

"About time you two showed up. There's no way we were not going to sit down, everyone who's anyone is here," Lucy whispered discretely pointing out celebs, sports stars of all kinds, executives, and highbrow lawyers. She was right; all the big players were here. Most they knew, but not all. Olivia scanned the room as they made their way to the table. It was one of their best, right near the center of the cozy, but elegant space.

"Who did you do to get this reservation, Samantha?" Rachel teased as their waiter pull out their chairs for them.

Samantha looked around and smirked. "I don't kiss and tell."

"You do to us. Spill it."

Just as she was about to speak, champagne was delivered, very expensive champagne.

"The gentlemen at table six, wished to welcome you to Chao."

Samantha raised the newly filled flute, thanking the table of handsome gentlemen.

"Nice start to the evening," Samantha mused as she took a small sip. "This place is great. Nice bar, dance floor in the other room, but quiet and sexy in here. Oh and we can come back if you behave yourselves. I'm, very close to the owner."

"So that's who you did," Lucy said, and they all laughed. The waiter came back, refilling their glasses.

"Do you have any questions about the menu?" Olivia watched Lucy as she literally ate the waiter with her eyes. It was exactly what Jerrod had done to her earlier.

"What would you suggest?" Olivia asked.

His gaze bore into her. "The tenderloin is excellent, if you like red meat. The prawn, are also very popular. All of our greens and vegetables are organic. Our pasta is made fresh daily." Suddenly he looked away and Olivia turned to see a man motioning to him. He was tall, very well dressed, his square jaw sported a day's stubble, and looked to be in his mid to late thirties. The waiter excused himself and made his way over to engage the man.

"Is that your 'owner' Sam?"

"No, I've never seen him before, but I'd like to get a closer look, that's for sure. He's just my type."

"Everyone's your type, Samantha," Rachel teased.

Samantha glanced over raising an eyebrow. "And yours."

"True," Rachel admitted.

The waiter came right back and the man disappeared into the bar and lounge area.

"Have you decided, or do you need a few more minutes?"

They'd expected to hear something about the man he'd just spoken with, but since the information was not forthcoming, they each ordered and waited for their first course. The meal was fabulous, and wine was delivered for each course from the admiring gentlemen.

"I think someone wants us a little drunk."

"Or a lot drunk," Lucy added with a giggle.

"You're cut off," Olivia decided, grabbing Lucy's glass away.

"Yes, Mom," she said with a mock salute and another giggle.

"Come on, we're going to the lounge to do some dancing and find someone to take us home," Samantha decided.

"Sounds like a plan."

They motioned to the waiter who informed them their check had already been taken care of. By whom, he didn't say.

"Probably your owner friend," Rachel suggested.

"I'll ask him later," she informed them and headed toward a very distinguished gentleman, who smiled broadly.

"That leaves the three of us, let's dance and girls, no more liquor tonight," Olivia insisted.

They moved through the lounge and all eyes seemed to follow the enticing threesome. The music pounded around them and it wasn't long before they were surrounded by men. Men of every size, shape, and color. They laughed, changing partners often, always denying offers to move off with just one. Each would take their time choosing. The chemistry needed to be right.

Olivia was just thinking that it had been way too long since she'd taken time out for any fun, and right then made a vow to get out more frequently. She was focusing on how good it felt, when she noticed a man coming toward them, the man they'd seen speaking with the waiter earlier. He was even better looking than she thought before, maybe it was the wine, but she didn't think so. He locked his magnetic gaze to hers. The music faded into the background, the pounding of her heartbeat was all that filled her head now. He stopped in front of her and simply reached for her. The look in his eye said everything. He wanted her, and she wanted him just as much.

Her heart fluttered as their eyes met. It was like a scene from a romance novel. Not a word had been exchanged as he'd reached out his hand and she'd taken it, squeezing tight. He pulled her to him and she placed her arms around his neck. They swayed to the music, never breaking the intensity of their stare. Gripping her small waist he drew closer, dipping his head to kiss the blush of Olivia's cheek. Her lips parted in a low moan and she closed her eyes, shivering as he worked his lips down her neck while his hands roamed over her back and down to the cheeks of her firm butt and up again to her waist.

She let her hands slide over his broad shoulders and down his arms, still moving to the music. When he worked his mouth up her neck, he hungrily took her lips with his soft, supple ones. Before releasing the kiss, he lingered, continuing to pull on her bottom lip. She could feel the hard length of him push into her thigh, his arousal evident, and all she could think of was how much she wanted him, and by the look in his eyes, he was thinking the exact same thing.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered. "Your place or mine?"

"Yours."

Like what you've read? Download in seconds and continue reading Corporate Ties.

E. L. Loraine, lives in the South East and when not writing novels, loves to travel, dabble in interior design and cook.

**Books by Elizabeth Loraine available in E-book and print:**

**Royal Blood Chronicles YA Series**

Katrina - the Beginning

The Protectors

The Dark Prince

Cain – the Quest

Bloodline

Legacy

Redemption

Destiny

**Royal Chronicles Novellas**

Quinn – a Watchers Story

Marcella – Vampire Mage

Sabine

**Phantom Lives Series**

Collier

Power

**The Shifter Series**

Green River

**Other Books**

Lillian – A Vampire Tale

Lillian - Mask

Lillian – Retribution (February 2014)

