CHAPTER FIVE

 

 

 

“You should have seen that fireball, Daniel,” Sam spoke with animation as he spread his arms out their full length. “It was this big. I can’t say for sure, but it looked like it was made of electricity.”

“Did it give off heat?” Daniel asked as he sat the kitchen table with Sara perched on his knee.

“No, I didn’t feel anything. Did you, Benjen?” Sam glanced at his brother who was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Since his mouth was full, he shook his head. Once he swallowed and took a sip of milk, he wiped his mouth on a paper towel. “I wish I’d had enough presence of mind to take a picture with my phone, but I didn’t.

“What do you think it was?” Sara asked with big-eyed wonder.

“I don’t have any idea,” Benjen answered, his gaze averted to look out the window toward Packsaddle. “I’ve heard of stuff like this. Dad said he saw lights on the mountain that he had no explanation for. Once at A&M, this guy from Beaumont told us about seeing the ghost light on the tram road at Saratoga. What he described sounded very much like what we saw the other night.”

“Hmmm, I think you conjured this up, Benjen.” Easy was bent over scratching Hope behind the ears.

“What do you mean?” Sam asked as he poured himself a glass of lemonade. “Anyone else want some?” He held up the pitcher.

“I do.” Sara jumped up. “You, baby?”

“I’m good.” Daniel gave his new wife a tender smile. “Yea, what do you mean that Benjen conjured this up. You make it sound…spiritual.”

“Well, maybe it is.” Easy continued with his theory. “Benjen’s been up on that mountain a lot over the past year, doing his shaman stuff. Maybe he got in touch with something, some type of spirit or energy or whatever.”

Benjen grew still. “Huh.” He proceeded to roll the sleeves of his blue chambray shirt up past his forearms. “I guess it’s possible I drew something to me.”

“Awakened the spirits of your ancestors,” Sara whispered with excitement. “I’m going to come over tonight and watch the mountain from the patio with a pair of binoculars.”

“Oh, really? I thought you were planning on snuggling in the bed with me,” Daniel teased, pulling on a lock of Sara’s hair.

“I can do both,” she insisted with a nod.

“We’ll have to do some investigating for sure,” Benjen stated before standing up. “I’m headed to the yarn shop. Can I get anything for anyone while I’m out?”

There was a chorus of ‘no thanks’.

“Are you going to visit a certain pretty veterinarian assistant?” Sam asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Benjen shrugged. “I don’t guess. I called her at work and left a message a few days ago, but she didn’t call me back.”

“Some girls won’t call guys,” Sara acknowledged. “Not even if they want to.”

“Just old-fashioned?” Easy eyed his sister-in-law. “I guess it would depend on how she was raised.”

“Maybe.” Benjen digested the information. “I can imagine Apple would feel that way.”

“So, don’t give up on her.” Sara kissed her husband on the top of the head. “Love is too important to leave to chance.”

With that tidbit of insight, Benjen took his leave and headed into Kingsland.

…Call him. Yes? Call him. No?

“Damn, make up your mind, girl. You’ll never know what he wanted with you until you ask,” Apple lectured herself as she pulled out of the clinic parking lot. The clinic closed early on Friday afternoons and she had the rest of the day to herself. “You moped all day yesterday coming to terms with your past. Today is all about moving forward. So, step up to the plate and do something bold for once. Just because you talk to the guy doesn’t mean you’re expecting him to propose or anything.”

As she went back and forth with herself, Apple made the scenic drive to Horseshow Bay to Nell’s Needlework. Dr. Cleveland’s birthday was coming up and she was determined to finish the special afghan she’d designed featuring adorable dogs and cats. It was one of the more complicated projects she’d attempted, but the repetitive act of working with the yarn calmed her when she was upset as nothing else could.

Once she arrived at the small establishment, she stepped from her vehicle and locked the door. Fishing in her purse, she pulled the note out where she’d written the color numbers she needed to buy. “Camel 509, Sand 578, and Autumn 19.”

Ding. Dong.

The bell over the door sounded as she pushed through inside the shop – and stared at the person who was standing at the counter. Sometimes, when you see something or someone in a totally unexpected place, there’s a small space of time when your mind is trying to catch up with your eyes. To her ever-loving shock, Benjen Blackhawk was discussing shades of yarn with the clerk.

“I want to do some holiday themed ones for the end of the year. Orange at Halloween. Red and green at Christmas. What do you think?”

The woman, whose nametag read Mavis, gushed her approval. “That would be wonderful, Benjen! Having a choice besides just pink or blue would be amazing.”

From a few feet away, Apple stood on tiptoe to see if she could tell what was going on. Did Benjen do needlework?

In her effort to ascertain what was happening, she didn’t notice that her obvious interest in their conversation had attracted attention.

“I’ll be with you in just a moment, ma’am. Feel free to browse.”

“Oh.” Her eyes met the clerks and she managed to close her gaping mouth. “No problem. Take your time.”

Because her gaze immediately averted to the wide shoulders of the handsome cowboy, she was able to see the effect her voice had on him. He stiffened, then jerked around. She was caught in a spell between the shock of seeing him in such an unexpected place and the realization that he’d recognized and reacted to her voice.

“Apple? Hey!”

His instantaneous smile told her without a shadow of a doubt that he was glad to see her. “Hi,” she greeted him with an enthusiasm that mirrored his own. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Come see. Tell me what you think.”

She eased closer, pleased and excited when he reached out to draw her close. “I had no idea you did needlework.”

“Yea, helps me relax.”

“Me too,” she agreed, loving the feel of her body nestled to his side.

“Oh, Benjen does marvelous work. He makes all the little caps for the newborns and preemies.” She held up an adorable blue and white striped one.

“How wonderful,” she whispered, having to steel herself not to cry. She remembered her sweet Jenny wearing a little pink hat just like the one the woman was showing her. “This is amazing.” He was amazing. If she’d had any doubts about him at all – and she’d had very few – they all just flew out the window.

“I love doing it. Every time I take a new batch to the hospital, they have to run me out of the nursery. I love babies.”

“Me too.” Apple felt a ton of conflicting emotions crash into her. This man would be a marvelous father. And the woman who was lucky enough to have him would be truly blessed. Even as she smiled at his joy, her heart ached knowing she’d never be able to have another child.

“So, what are you making?” he asked, handing the clerk his credit card.

“An afghan for Dr. Cleveland’s birthday.”

“Neat.”

As soon as Benjen was checked out, the woman went to retrieve the items on Apple’s list. When they were alone, she turned to the magnetic man who seemed to be waiting on her. “I didn’t get your phone message right away. I apologize for not returning your call. Things were crazy there for a bit.”

“Things were crazy for me too.” He started to say more, but the clerk returned with the items for Apple.

Once her yarn was bagged and the receipt stapled to the top, she turned to go. Benjen, who was still waiting, offered her his arm. “Are you busy? Could we get a cup of coffee somewhere?”

“Okay, but there’s one thing I need to do first.”

“All right…” he agreed, uncertainty as to what she meant sounding clear in his voice.

As soon as they were out the door, Apple tugged him away from the windows of the shop and backed the big man up against the wall.

“I don’t know what’s happening, but I like it,” Benjen muttered as he moved at her will.

Apple didn’t speak, she didn’t think about it, she just acted. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed up against him, and layered her mouth over his.

She was voracious in her demand. Hungry. Apple nipped sweetly at his lips, then soothed the place with the tip of her pink tongue. Benjen was so stunned, he was momentarily unable to react. All he could do was feel – and God, the feeling was great. When she pushed past his lips, his restraint was swept away by the sexy purr coming from her throat. He groaned at the heat she generated and took over the kiss with demanding possession, his palms coming up to frame her face, insuring she didn’t go anywhere as his mouth slanted over hers to deepen the kiss.

Long moments passed as they took pleasure in one another. Finally, when he jerked back to breathe, he gasped, “Damn, what you do to me, baby.”

The husky sound of his voice sent a rush of heat straight between her legs.

“What do I do?”

“You make me forget I need to breathe.” He kissed her again, their lips clinging to one another.

A snicker from behind her brought Apple back to reality. “I guess we’d better move on.”

“As long as I get to spend a little more time with you, that’s fine.” He walked her to her car. “Follow me, beautiful.”

Benjen gave her a kiss just before he shut the door.

“Oh, my God! I can’t believe I did that!” Apple exclaimed as she started her car, watching the man she’d just ravished in public as he pulled out and eased along the right-of-way, waiting for her to fall in behind him. When she was in place, he eased out into the highway and she followed him as they headed north. She thought they might go all the way back to Kingsland, but he put on his blinker in Marble Falls and turned into a restaurant called the Bluebonnet Café.

Once he parked, he climbed out of his truck and waited until she found a place, coming to hold her door and offering a hand to help her stand. “You look so pretty today.” The surprise on her face at his compliment did something to him. “I’m so glad we ran into each other.”

“I am too. I just can’t believe it was at a yarn shop.”

“Seems we have more in common than just our love for animals.” He led her to the entrance of the restaurant and held the door for her to enter ahead of him. “This place is known for their pies. They aren’t as good as my sister-in-law’s, but they’ll hit the spot with a hot cup of coffee.”

“Sounds great.” Apple glanced around the crowded diner.

“Booth or table?” a waitress asked, holding two menus in her hand.

Benjen looked at her as he answered. “Booth.”

Apple nodded and moved ahead of Benjen as they were directed to an area next to the windows overlooking the main street that led to the river.

“Coffee?”

“Yes, please,” Benjen answered for them, taking a seat across from her.

“I’ll give you a few minutes,” the waitress told them, then moved off to fill another customer’s water glass.

“First things first.” He handed his phone to her, open to the contacts page. “Put your number in. I don’t want anything like this to happen again.”

“Okay.” She did as he asked and Benjen immediately called her. “Now, you have mine.” After a few moments of perusing the menu, he asked, “What’s your pleasure, love?” To his delight, she blushed. “What are you thinking about?”

His question just made it worse. She’d been so preoccupied remembering the kiss they’d just shared; her eyes weren’t even seeing the words on the menu. “Pie,” she lied. “I think I’ll take…coconut custard.”

“Excellent choice. I think I’ll follow suit.” He motioned over the waitress and placed their order. “Now, why does the thought of pie make you blush?”

“Stop.” She smiled. “Don’t tease me. I’m not used to things like this.”

“Not used to what? Having coffee with a friend?”

Apple glanced around and saw more than a few women watching them, especially the bigger than life hunk who looked so confident in his own skin. “With a man. And flirting, I’m not used to that.”

Benjen narrowed his eyes at her. “You were married,” he said, as if that explained everything.

“Yes.” She nodded, her eyes on the surface of the table. “Technically, for six years. He was gone for most of the time.”

“That’s rough, but the idea that you aren’t used to men flirting with you is tragic.” Benjen reached over and covered her hand. “I’ll make it my mission in life to change that.”

Apple opened her mouth to comment, but their pie arrived and gave her a few moments reprieve. “This looks good.”

Benjen took a bite. “Tastes even better.” He winked at her. “Almost as sweet as your lips.”

Apple blushed anew. “You’re so bad.”

“Just give me a chance, sweetheart. I’ll show you how bad I can be.”

“I have no doubt you’d be intense.” The words slipped out before she weighed them. Her eyes darted to his face and she was surprised to see a flush on his cheeks. She took a bite, then cleared her throat, not knowing if he was embarrassed or just turned on. Like her. “So, about the phone call…”

“Yea, I intended to surprise you by just showing up to fix your roof. My plans were blown to bits when we discovered a good quarter mile of fence down and our cattle out of their pasture. Stuff like that happens on a ranch, but the timing stunk. Basically, I was just calling to tell you I hadn’t changed my mind about the roof…or you.”

“I did wonder.” She licked her lips. “The day you called I was with a patient, a hamster.” Apple couldn’t help but giggle. She pooched her jaw out with air and giggled again. “He had a refrigerator magnet stuffed in his jaw and he was stuck to the side of his cage.”

“You’re kidding.” Benjen laughed with her. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“I did a little research later. I found two other accounts of it happening. I guess their habit of putting everything in their mouth backfires at times.” She took another bite of pie before continuing. “Anyway, that day I received more than one message and through a series of events including a stiff breeze, your message fell on the floor and wasn’t found until the next day. When I called in sick, Dr. Cleveland told me about it.”

“You were sick?” His demeanor instantly sobered. “What was wrong?”

She bowed her head, needing to tell somebody. “They found my husband.”

“What?” His heart sank down into his stomach.

Apple shook her head. “He’s not coming home. He was killed a few weeks ago. He’d deserted. All this time when I thought he was MIA, he was living it up in some…cantina or something.”

To say Benjen was floored was an understatement. “Deserted? I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry.”

“Yea, me too. Sorry he’s dead. Sorry he deserted his country. And me.”

“Wow.” This put an entirely different spin on things as far as Benjen was concerned. “I hate to speak ill of the dead, but…rat bastard.”

For some reason this struck Apple as funny and she laughed, but her laughter faded into tears. She wiped her eyes, then grew embarrassed. “I’m sorry. This has been a nightmare.”

Benjen couldn’t stand to see her hurt. “Scoot over.” He stood and slid in next to her, taking Apple into his arms. “Not one more tear for him.” He kissed the moisture from her cheeks. “Not one more tear.”

“Okay. I shouldn’t cry. He doesn’t deserve it.” She laid her head on his chest, turning her face so several curious patrons couldn’t see her tear-stained cheeks. “Thank you.”

“No problem, that’s what these shoulders are for.” He kissed her on the cheek. “You’ve got a new life now. Just put the past out of your pretty head.”

They sat and talked for another hour. Not about anything important. Benjen did his best to get her mind on something else. “Yea, I’ve seen some strange things, but I think that fireball takes the cake.”

She still sat close to him, his big body making her feel shielded from the world. “I don’t know what I would’ve done. It sounds incredible. What other strange things have you seen?”

“Well, I’ve never told anyone else this but I’ll tell you.”

His mysterious tone made her look up into his face. “Yes, tell me.” She found herself studying his mouth – so strong, yet so kissable. “I want to know.” Yes, she wanted to know what it would be like to be with him. She crossed her arms over her breasts when the thought made her nipples peak.

His gaze followed her movements and he almost forgot what he was going to say when his eyes fell on the generous swell of her breasts. As he gathered his wits, he chewed on his lower lip and tried to stifle a grin, shifting in his seat to give his cock a little room to grown. “Twice, at dusk, I’ve seen a herd of snow white deer. A large white buck and seven bone-white does. I was in awe. Frozen.”

“What did you do?” she breathed her question softly, totally entranced with him and his tale.

“I stood there and this cold breeze ran through me. I blinked – and they were gone. Vanished.”

“Has anyone else seen them?”

“Not that I know of. I didn’t tell anyone. My brothers don’t hunt, out of courtesy to my strong feelings about the subject – but I kept it to myself. It was special.”

“And yet you told me.”

Her eyes shone with happiness and he felt his chest swell with joy. “Yea, cause you’re special to me, baby.”

Apple’s pulse went crazy. She sought something to say before she grabbed him and stole another kiss. “I understand how you feel about hunting. Do you find your heritage makes you feel torn?”

Benjen chuckled. “Because I’m Apache?”

“Well, yes.” She absentmindedly stroked his arm, tracing a prominent sexy vein. “I have these images of noble warriors shooting a bow and arrow from horseback.”

“Actually, I’m pretty good with a bow. Instead of shooting skeet with a rifle, I do with it with arrows.”

“Wow, I bet that’s hard.”

Hard. God, he was hard. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world.”

“Can I get you two lovebirds some more pie?”

Apple pulled away from Benjen and sat up straight. “I’m good.”

Benjen smiled. “We’re fine. Thanks. I guess we’ll take the check.” He glanced at his phone. “I probably should get home. It’s my turn to feed the stock tonight.”

“Oh, okay. Yea, I need to get home and take Rose for a walk.”

Once he paid the bill, Benjen walked Apple to her car.

“Thanks for the pie.”

“Thanks for the company, beautiful.” He took both her hands in his. “And the kiss. Can I have another?”

Wise. Unwise. Wise. “Yes.” She lifted her face to his and sighed when he claimed her mouth and gave her the softest, sweetest kiss she could imagine.

Even after he’d lifted his face, Apple stood there with her eyes closed, unwilling for the moment to end. “You’ve given me the most romantic moments of my life.”

Benjen felt his heart clutch at her admission. “And to think…I’m just getting started.” He hugged her tight. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Guarantee.”

Once she was in the car, he fastened her seat belt and kissed her once more on the cheek. “Drive safe. I’ll follow you home.”

All the way from Marble Falls to her driveway, Apple felt cocooned in his watchful care. “Are you real Benjen Blackhawk?” she whispered as his truck idled in front of her house until she was safely indoors. “I hope so. I hope so.”

 

* * *

 

Bang! Bang!

Woof! Woof!

“What’s wrong, Rose?” Apple asked groggily. Again, she heard the hammering noise and the dog’s excited response. “What’s going on?” She rose from the bed and grabbed her robe, moving from the bedroom into the living area. From here, the noise was even louder. As she rubbed her eyes, a dawning realization made her feet move fast to the front door.

Sure enough, once she was in her yard and looking up – there he was.

“There is a God,” she whispered as her eyes focused on a shirtless Benjen Blackhawk walking handily across her roof carrying a bundle of shingles. She stared as his bronze muscles rippled and glistened in the bright rays of the morning sun. “Good morning, handsome.”

He stopped and turned, giving her a smile that poured pleasure over Apple like warm maple syrup on a hot biscuit. “Morning, gorgeous. I told you that you’d see me today.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this for me. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” He held her gaze for a long moment. “That gown you’re wearing makes you look like a princess.”

Apple blushed prettily. “I’m going in and make you some lunch. I’ll also have you something cold to drink ready.”

“Perfect.” He winked at her, then returned to work.

With a big smile, she called Rose and dashed back in the house to rush to the bathroom. Once she shut the door, she leaned against it and squealed. She hadn’t felt a thrill like this in – forever. Going to the sink, she splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth. “He liked your gown.” The simple compliment made her so happy. She didn’t own but a couple of pieces of lingerie that could be considered sexy – as in see through or barely there. What she did own was a collection of vintage, romantic nightgowns with lace, bows, pin-tucks, and cutouts. They might not be in vogue, but they made her feel feminine and pretty.

Once she’d changed her clothes, Apple hurried to the kitchen, fed her dog, then set out to concoct something filling and tasty for lunch. After examining her ready ingredients, she settled on a big pot of chicken and dumplings. Once she had the chicken on to boil in a combo of broth and water, she added diced celery and carrots. While the comforting noise of Benjen’s hammer echoed from above, she made up a drop dough for the dumplings, wrapped them in plastic wrap, then put them in the fridge to cool. After the chicken was done, she deboned it, then remembered a cooking tip she’d garnered from her mother and added a couple of cans of cream of chicken soup as well as a cup of cream to the broth mix. 

“Hey, cutie. Are you still offering a hot man a cool drink?”

After jumping a bit at his voice, she giggled at his question. “Of course. And you are definitely hot – in more ways than one.”

Benjen grinned, happy that she would play with him. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

She was beginning to hope he was right. “Please sit down and rest.” She turned on an oscillating fan and angled it to blow on him. “I’ll pour us something. Is sweet tea okay?”   

“Just what I was wanting.” He made himself comfortable, relaxing in front of the cool breeze. “Something smells good.”

“Chicken and dumplings.”

His eyes sprung open. “Don’t tease me. That’s my favorite.”

This knowledge pleased her. “Great. I hope they’re good.”

“If they taste anything like they smell, they’ll be amazing.” He accepted the glass of tea and drank deeply. She stood next to him and refilled it once the glass was empty. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

“I’ll pay you for the work you’re doing and the supplies,” she assured him, taking a moment to stir the fragrant concoction on the stove. “I might have to make two payments, but I’ll do it.”

He frowned at her. “No, you’re not. I offered to do this and I don’t want you to pay for anything. We had some shingles left over, I didn’t have to buy but a few bundles. This isn’t a big house. Not to mention…” Benjen caught her hand and pulled her into his lap. “This is the kind of things we do for one another.”

“Friends? Neighbors?”

“Yes, but not exactly what I had in mind.” He leaned close and kissed her mouth, taking her lower lip between his teeth to nibble on it. “This is the type of thing a man does for a woman he’s crazy about.”

“Oh.”

“Yea, oh.” He feathered kisses from her mouth to just above her cleavage. “Christ, baby. I’ve got to get back to work while I still can.”

After easing her off his lap, he kissed Apple on the end of the nose and left her in a dazed state of happiness.

…Noon came and Benjen didn’t come down from the roof. She’d washed a load of laundry, lunch was ready, but her guest was still working hard. After covering the chicken and dumplings to keep them warm, she went outside to check on things. Stepping out into the yard, Apple shaded her eyes to look up on the roof. Once again, she was treated with the sight of a muscular man sexy enough to be a cover model. A soft groan slipped from her lips before she was able to ask, “Aren’t you hungry? Lunch is ready?”

He stopped and pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket to wipe his brow, then moved it down his chest. Apple would’ve willingly volunteered to help him at this point.

“I’m almost through, love. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll be down. Can you keep the food warm?”

“Sure, I’ll put it in the oven at a low temp. I just didn’t want you to get weak.”

“I’m good. I just want to finish this while I’m at it.”

He returned to his task and she stared at him a few moments more, taking advantage of the rare opportunity. “Okay. I’ll be waiting.”

“I’m counting on it.”

To make the time pass, she took Rose for a walk. “This is wild, girl. I know I’m probably acting like a teenager on her first date, but I can’t seem to stop smiling. He’s so nice. Don’t you think so?”

She didn’t receive an answer, but Apple didn’t really need one. Her heart was convinced of the man’s genuineness and sincerity.

Upon returning to the house, she saw Benjen putting shingle scraps and tools in the back of the truck. “You’re not leaving, are you?” she called, picking up the pace to arrive at his side.

“Not on your life, doll.” He took his shirt and wiped some sweat off his belly. “I’ve got a clean shirt in my truck, but I hate to put it on. I’m dirty.”

“Go take a shower while I dish up the food.” Her quick suggestion was met by a look of gratitude.

“Thanks. I’d love that.”

“Okay.” She waited for him to finish. Once he’d put everything right to his satisfaction, he placed a hand at the small of her back and went inside with her. “Rose. How you doing, girl?” He petted the dog on the head as they entered the living room. “You’ve done some work in here,” he observed. “Looks good.”

“I refinished the original hard wood floors and slapped on a coat of paint.” She beamed at his approval. “This way.” She led him to the restroom. “Here you go. Make yourself at home.”

“I will, sweetheart. Thanks.”

She rushed back to the kitchen. Just the thought of Benjen using her shower, rivulets of water running down all of that bronzed skin – over those sculpted muscles, down that strong chest… “God, I’m hot.” She picked up a placemat and fanned herself with it.

Once her heart settled enough, she dished up the dumplings and poured glasses of tea. Glancing at the clock, she realized he was probably getting close to being through – and then it hit her – there were no clean towels! Racing to the dryer, she pulled one out and hurried to the door. She’d lay it on the vanity and be out before he knew. With one tap on the door, she stepped in. “Here’s a tow – tow – towel.”

Oh. My. God.

Apple froze.

The shower door was open and he was naked.

Gloriously, stupendously naked. Water beaded on his skin, his gorgeous muscles caressed by the steam from the shower.

And he was aroused.

Hugely aroused. Hard. Thick. Standing upright and proud.

“God, I’m sorry. Forgive me.” She backed up and fled, running down the hall.

“Apple, wait!”

She heard his voice, but she couldn’t stop. She was too embarrassed.

Now, she knew – Alan had been a boy.

Benjen Blackhawk was a man.

…In the kitchen, Apple bowed over the bar, her cheeks aflame. She’d walked in on him! And stood there like a fool – staring.

“Apple? Honey, I’m sorry.”

His voice made her tremble. “You’re sorry? It was my fault. I should have knocked – or hung the towel on the doorknob and yelled through the door – or better yet, folded the laundry when I was supposed to…”

She felt his hand stroke her arm and she trembled anew. “Hey, it’s okay.”

“You’re my guest, you’ve done so much for me, and I invaded your privacy. And you were…”

“Yea, I know.” Benjen pushed her hair aside and kissed her neck. He was a bit taken aback by her reaction. After all, she’d been married. The sight of a naked man shouldn’t have shocked her so. “I didn’t mind. After all, you didn’t see anything that didn’t belong to you.”

“What?”

“I was thinking about you.”

Apple clutched the edge of the cabinet so hard her knuckles were white. “Oh.”

“Come on. Let’s eat. Okay?” He tugged at her arm.

She slowly pivoted to face him, her eyes still downcast. “Can we pretend this didn’t happen?”

Benjen smiled to himself. “Sure.” He held out her chair. “For now.”

Apple sat down primly, wondering how she was going to get through the next little while. She’d thoroughly embarrassed herself – first, by barging in on him, and second, by overreacting to the situation. What he must think of her. After he was seated, she swallowed nervously and passed him a basket covered with a napkin. “Thank you. Would you like some bread?”

“I would. Thank you.”

Without further ado, he dug into the food with gusto. “This is amazing, Apple. I haven’t tasted dumplings like this since my mother made them.”

“Oh, thank you.” His compliment put her at ease. “There’s plenty. Here, have more.” She turned to move the pot to the table. “Help yourself.”

“I think I will.” He proceeded to refill his bowl, checking to make sure she wasn’t ready for a second helping.

“I’m good.” Apple held her hand over her bowl, which was still over half full. “I must tell you again how grateful I am for your help with the roof.”

Benjen stopped eating to catch her eye. “Hey, I’m here with you. That makes this an occasion, not a chore.”

Apple didn’t know what to say, so she moved on to another topic. “How’s Hope? I’m surprised you didn’t bring her today.”

“Sara and Daniel were there when I left and Hope adores Sara.”

“This is your brother’s wife. Right?”

“Yea, they’re only at the Rock House about half the time. They’re building a new home and many nights they stay in a camper onsite.”

“How exciting? So, you call your home the Rock House?”

“Yea, when you see it you’ll understand, it’s made from local Austin stone.” He broke off a piece of bread and daubed it down in the savory sauce. “When we were on the picnic the other day, I intended to show you the spot where I’ll build my house someday.” He grinned at her. “But I got distracted with that kiss.” When she blushed again, he reached a hand out to lightly brush her cheek. “I love how you react to me.”

“Tell me more about the house.”

“Which one?”

She shrugged, causing the oversize neck of the soft sweater she wore to slip off one shoulder. “Both.”

“Okay.” His eyes lingered on the exposed velvety skin and he had to clear his throat before speaking. “Well, there’s not much to tell on the future house. We always knew three of us would eventually move out so we can have space for our own families and Daniel was the first to do this. The rest of us haven’t really discussed it, but…like I told you before, I’m hoping to be the one who ends up with the homestead.”

“You are more connected to the past.”

He pinned her with a look. “Exactly. I think I am. The land has meant so much and my father and grandfather built the house with their own hands.”

“So, Blackhawk Ranch has been in your family for generations?” She’d finished her meal and was now sitting with hands folded in her lap, enjoying being so close to him.

“Yes.” He shifted in his seat, pushed his now empty bowl back and clasped his hands on the top of the table. “The whole story is rather interesting, I think. I don’t know how much you know about the history of the area…” He started his story, then wondered aloud, “Are you sure you’re interested in this? I don’t want to bore you.”

Apple stretched out her arm and covered his hand with hers. “Oh, please, tell me. I’m very interested.” When she started to withdraw her hand, he captured it, entwining their fingers.

“Good. Anyway, my father’s people lived here forever. They hunted this land before white men moved in. The last skirmish between the Indian tribe and the settlers occurred on Packsaddle Mountain and my father’s great-great grandfather was killed in the battle. It was over a cow, believe it or not, and you’ll hear conflicting accounts of the clash, but the end result was the same. More death and subjugation.” He shook his head. “That’s not my point, however. Of course, my father’s ancestors didn’t have a legal deed to the property – my mother’s people did.”

“Oh, really?” This made Apple smile. “So, their destinies were intertwined. Like fate.”

“I’d like to think so.” Benjen nodded. “My mother was a Ramsay. The first of her forebears to come to Texas was a man named Kingston Ramsay. He came here after the Civil War, along with about a half dozen of the men who’d fought under him. I think he left Tennessee when he came home and found his fiancé had married his brother.”

“Oh, gracious.” She certainly knew how unfaithfulness felt. “That’s horrible.”

“Turned out for the best, I think.” He rubbed his thumb on her palm. “He married a mail-order bride. Her name was Fancy. She became the light of his life. They created a dynasty together. The town, Kingsland, is named for him. I’ll show you an old tintype picture of them someday.”

“Oh, I would love to see it. That’s so romantic.” She sighed with happiness.

“This land has seen a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of love. Years after Kingston Ramsay died, the land was parceled out and sold. My grandfather bought a section of it and built the Rock House. When my father met my mother, her family still owned a portion of it too. They combined their holdings and bought more, acquiring most of the original family property. My mother, understanding the prejudice my father always faced, insisted our home be called Blackhawk Ranch instead of King’s Ransom, the original name given to it by Kingston himself.”

“What a marvelous tribute. She was a wonderful woman, wasn’t she?”

“Yes, she was.” He squeezed her hand. “You’re pretty grand yourself.”

She shook her head. “How would you know that? I’ve never done anything noteworthy.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. You love animals. You saved Rose. You were loyal to your husband, even when he didn’t deserve it. You’re building a new life for yourself – on your own. I think you’re amazing.”

Apple had to bite her lip to keep from letting all of her hurts and troubles spill out. She wanted to tell him that she’d failed. She’d failed as a mother and as a wife. The only thing that kept her from pouring out her secrets was how embarrassed she was about them. “Ha! I can’t hold a candle to you, Mr. Baby-beanie knitter.”

“Ha!” He laughed. “Let’s just agree we’re both wonderful.” Benjen picked up her hand and kissed it. “A good match.”

Her eyes immediately flew up to crash with his.

Seeing the conflicting emotions reflected on her face – hope, panic, arousal – he decided to give her time to come to terms with his interest. “This food was stupendous.”

Sensing he was about to go, Apple jumped up and put their empty dishes in the sink and ran a tad of water in each. “You are so welcome. The meal doesn’t sufficiently compensate you for your efforts.”

“You’re right.”

She jerked her head around to look at his face.

“Come here. Sit back down for a second.” He held out his hand for her to take – which she did, easing back into her chair. “I think you owe me a second date.”

“Oh, Benjen. There is so much about me you don’t know,” she protested, even as her heart and body yearned for him.

“I agree. We need to spend some time together to learn those things about one another. Don’t you think?”

“I’m not sure.” She was torn between wanting to throw herself at him – bad idea – and realizing she was getting in too deep. After her failed marriage, did she have any business getting into another relationship? Especially with a man as good as this one?

“I am.” He touched her upper lip, caressing it lightly. “Tomorrow, I want to take you to Wimberley to the ice cream festival. We’ll get to know one another better. Forge our bond.”

He probably didn’t mean anything erotic by the words ‘forge our bond’, but all that was going on through Apple’s mind was heat and friction. “If you’re sure you want to.”

“Oh, I want to,” he whispered, rising to his feet. Pulling her to stand next to him, he threaded his fingers through her silky, long hair. “I want to very much.”

The look on his face could only be described as brooding and sexy, making Apple weak in the knees. Hunger filled the sapphire depths of his eyes and she felt powerless to resist him.

“I need a kiss before I go.”

Apple held her breath as his mouth touched hers in a tender caress. Rubbing softly from side to side, his tongue teased the seam.

With a sigh of surrender, she let her hands slide up his chest, and opened her mouth, inviting him to kiss her harder. Hotter. She wanted more. More of him. With a whimper, she pressed against him.

He slid his mouth from hers, kissing her cheek, her neck. “What do you want, Apple? Tell me.”

Tell him? Could she? “I want you. Don’t hold back.”

Benjen growled and claimed her kiss, his mouth slanting over hers, his tongue thrusting past her lips – tasting, owning, devouring. He pulled her closer until she was riding his thigh, his hands moving down her back, around her waist, to just below her breasts.

Apple wanted to take his palms and place them over the throbbing mounds and beg him to touch her. Even though she wasn’t good at it, she missed sex so much. She could feel the evidence of his desire. He wanted her too. “Benjen…”

“I’ve got you, baby. I’ve got you. Let go for me. Just let go.”

As his lips and tongue continued to drive her crazy with need, she found herself moving on him, grinding – faster, harder – finding white-hot pleasure unlike any she’d known before. “Oh!” she cried, gasping, clutching his shoulders, her face buried in his neck. “I didn’t mean to…”

“Hush, you’re perfect. I loved it.”

“But you didn’t…”

“Holding you while you came was fuckin’ amazing.”

For a dozen heartbeats or more, she rested against him. “I’ve never done anything like that before.”

This pleased him. “Good.” He kissed her once more and let her go gently. “I’ll be here to pick you up right after lunch.” When she opened her mouth to say something, he didn’t give her a chance. “Sleep well and dream of me. Don’t think about the past. Don’t worry about the future. All I want you to do is remember how you felt in my arms.”

With a wink and a smile, he was gone, leaving Apple in a lovestruck daze.