Cowboy Candy Page 5

  She did not normally like to shop. She supposed it was because she had never really been able to enjoy it with Jack around. Now, she realized that she didn’t have to rush any more. She didn’t have to work two jobs and feed a worthless drunk. She didn’t have to hide a new blouse or red lipstick.

  “I am now, a woman of leisure,” she grinned.

  She spent an entire afternoon selecting shower curtains, bath accessories, and bedspreads. She picked up some vases, candles, and houseplants Of course, she bought some new wranglers, socks, and undergarments. The cabin was furnished with just about everything she needed, but did need a feminine touch. She wandered into the crafts section and purchased some canvas, brushes, and acrylics. Jack used to belittle her for sitting out in the fresh air to paint. He cramped her style and she could hardly enjoy her hobby. Now, she lived on a ranch with an endless selection of subjects to paint.

  As she carried her bags to the car, she couldn’t help but feel that life can deal you a dirty deck. You can play it, or you can fold and take your losses. She may have taken a wrong turn, but it had pointed her in the right direction. She finally hadn’t been dealt a dirty hand, she was sure of it. She drove out of the parking lot and headed for Mabel’s. She could see the Mountain Rose in the distance. Passing it, she slowed the car and spotted Dusty's white jeep in the distance. It looked like he was fixing some fence line. Her heart did a flip-flop.

  “Damn, you sure are fine,” she whispered. “See ya tomorrow, handsome.”

  She gave him a silent wave and blew him a kiss. Something inside of her had changed. She was happier than she’d been for years. As she cruised into town, she sang along with Tammy Wynette...

  “Right now I’m like a wounded bird, hungry for the sky... but if I try my wings and try long enough, I’m bound to learn to fly...So, I’ll just keep on fallin’ in love, til’ I get it right....”

  CHAPTER 17

  Mabel was no fool. Maddy had the hots for Dusty, of that she was sure. Come to think of it, she was sure that the feeling was mutual. "Tell me all about your new place!," the old woman asked. Animated, Maddy explained all about the cabin that overlooked the Diamond River. Miss Mabel had that far away look in her eye as she listened to the details of Night Jasmine and Dusty.

  Mabel let out a dreamy sigh.

  "Well, now. That sure brings back memories. I might be old, but I still remember what it felt like to be held safe in the arms of my love.” “Miss M...I wish I could say the same . . . I’m sure the hug was strictly platonic,” she attempted to explain.

  "You sure he ain't got the hots for ya'?”

  Maddy looked momentarily taken aback. "Miss Mabel, I'm not looking for any romance. Especially with another cowboy," she affirmed.

  "Okay, well I was just checkin.”

  "I sure am gonna' miss you Maddy. You tend to brighten up the place

  and I got a hunch you’ll be down to see me as often as you can, right? "Miss Mabel, of course! I'll be sure to come in at least once a week, I

  promise. I miss you already.”

  Maddy rose to give the old woman a hug. She headed for the door and

  braced herself. She was about to begin another chapter in her crazy life.

  Maybe this time it would work out, and she'd really make a difference in

  someone's life.

  She sensed that she and Grace were going to be fast friends. As far as

  she was concerened, she was determined to eventually get that poor woman

  out of her home and into the fresh air again. She felt that's the least she

  could do. They were offering her the chance of a lifetime, and she was

  never one to take the kindness offered by strangers lightly.

  The red mustang was pulled a left out of the parking lot and Miss

  Mabel almost felt like she was a mother hen letting her chick out of the

  roost for the first time.

  She had grown to really like that little gal, and if any man got the notion

  to hurt her ever again, all she had to do was make one phone call. By now, all of Grand Valley knew the name Maddy Cassidy. She was

  one of them now, and by God, nobody was ever going to hurt that girl

  again.

  CHAPTER 18 Dusty was still reeling from the effects of his lack of sleep. His body positively ached just thinking about holding Maddy. He had worked most of the afternoon tidying up the cabin, and ensuring it was stocked with supplies. He had a feeling she loved to garden to he was sure to leave some seeds, starter plants, and gardening tools in the shed. He went upstairs to be certain that everything was in order. He checked the fireplace flue, and the shower. He also looked at the four poster bed and imagined making passionate love to her until she was senseless.

  Yep, it sure had been a rough night. He was standing down by the greenhouse when he heard her car coming up the driveway. "That's funny," he thought, "I already know the sound of that car." He smiled then and waved as she pulled up and parked.

  "Morning Dusty, have any more of that?," she asked, pointing at his coffee cup.

  "Sure do," he said with one of his patented dazzling smiles.

  She followed him into the barn and helped herself to a big cup, and took a sip. "Ahh...I love my coffee," she smiled.

  "You need any help with anything," he asked?

  "Nope, I think I can manage," she smiled.

  "If you give me about fifteen minutes, I'll have some coffee brewed," she smiled.

  "Really? Well, that's all you had to say!," he grinned and started walking towards his Jeep.

  "Hey, Dusty. How do you take your coffee?," she yelled.

  "Strong and sweet," he grinned, "just like my women," he winked. She laughed as she drove up to the cabin. He sure was a fine looking specimen of a man, indeed. "I don't even need coffee with him around, he's like a shot of adrenaline," she smiled.

  She pulled up and parked in the gravel parking area next to her cabin, got out, and looked in the back seat to retrieve a large bag containing her coffee supplies. Glad she had thought to put everything she needed into one bag earlier last night. Funny thing, she had packed two cups, not one. She stepped onto her new porch and listened to nothing but the Diamond River cascading over the rocks, the hummingbirds, and the wind. She felt safe here and happy, for the first time in ages. Unlocking the door, she was pleasantly surprised to see a bouquet of roses and wildflowers in a red vase on the table. There was a note attached, "Welcome home pretty lady, Dusty." Her heart melted right there on the spot. "Dammit, he sure makes it hard to be me," she smiled.

  She brewed an extra-strong batch of coffee, placed two cups on the counter, and went about putting some groceries away. She loved this place already. She could imagine sleeping at night listening to nothing but nature. The country air was already clearing her head and healing her heart. Well, that, and Dusty, of course. Just then, she heard his Jeep coming up the road. She felt her heart do a flip flop as he cruised to a stop.

  "Hey stranger, what took you so long?," she said, as they both laughed. "Here's your coffee, black with two sugars, just like you said...strong and sweet, " she giggled.

  "What's so funny," he smiled. "I wasn't kidding about the coffee, or my taste in women," he winked.

  "It's funny you should mention that cowboy, I prefer my men the same way," she bantered.

  "Is that right?," he teased with a devilish grin.

  She felt like she was jumping into dangerous territory, was this considered flirting?

  "Maddy, you must be certifiable," she thought to herself.

  CHAPTER 19 It was early fall now, and the days were growing shorter. Maddy and “Miss G” got along just fine and before long, they were venturing outside to take leisurely walks. Dusty watched from a distance as she drove up one morning and began to stake out a garden spot for his mother. She worked on it for days, and had even built a raised bed for it.

  Touched, he watched as she and his mother would walk every day out to the
garden to plant winter squash, tomatoes, and sunflowers. Grace’s complexion had taken on a rosy glow, her eyes twinkled, and she appeared to be blossoming under Miss Maddy’s care. Eventually, she had coaxed Miss Grace to go into town. She brought her to her Doctor’s appointments and hair stylist. They shopped together, and had grown very close.

  Walt himself was impressed. His wife was nearly looking like she was her old self, and he had no one but Maddy to thank. She was the one who was responsible for this incredible transformation. Grace had taken the young woman under her wing. Maddy was like a daughter to her now. Grace thought back to her younger days, and could see a lot of herself in Maddy. She was strong and confident, yet vulnerable at the same time.

  Grace did feel guilty, that perhaps Maddy was not paying attention to her own needs.

  One afternoon, they sat out near the garden and fed the ducks. “Maddy, honey. Are you happy?” she asked.

  Maddy looked into Graces blue eyes, “Of course, why do you ask?” Grace held her hand and gave her a motherly smile.

  “Well, I know there’s a lot more to life than taking care of an old

  woman and her garden. You’re still young, quite beautiful, and charming. There’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t pursue other interests.” Maddy big brown eyes welled up with tears.

  “Grace, I am very happy here. You have given me a beautiful place to stay, a generous salary, but more importantly. . . you’ve given me your friendship. I have hope now, when before there was none. I love my job, I love my life...and I love you.”

  Grace put a motherly arm around Maddy’s shoulder.

  “I love you too, my dear. There, there now Maddy, I didn’t realize this

  would upset you so much. You are like the daughter I never had, and I appreciate you very much.”

  With that, Maddy smiled and hugged Grace in return.

  “Grace, each day as you grow stronger, I grow stronger as well. I suppose your right. I do need to teach myself to learn to relax. Life can’t always be about work . . .but it’s the only way I’ve been able to cope. I tend to throw myself into anything I do one hundred percent.”

  Grace smiled, “What about romance, don’t you want a man?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do.... when the time’s right.”

  Grace gave a knowing smile.

  “Obviously . . .do you have anyone in mind?”

  Maddy smiled through her tears.

  “I can’t really say. There is someone for everyone, so they say. To be honest, I haven’t been actively looking. I’m still a little gun-shy where men are concerned.”

  “Dear, sweet Maddy. Someday you will realize that life passes by much too quickly. Don’t allow the actions of one man to sour you against them all.”

  Maddy nodded her head in agreement.

  “I understand what you’re telling me, Grace. I suppose my own insecurities do get in the way.”

  Grace smiled.

  “Honey, you deserve every happiness this world has to offer. Take it from me, sometimes a woman can find love in the most unexpected of places, and under the strangest of circumstances.”

  “What are you trying to tell me, Grace?”

  “All I’m saying is, if you take your blinders off . . .you’d be amazed at what you might find.”

  CHAPTER 20 Maddy heard the familiar sound of Dusty’s Jeep coming up to her place. The “strong and sweet” coffee that both enjoyed was freshly brewed and filled her kitchen with it’s heady aroma. Somehow, the morning coffee they shared had now become a daily ritual. As her duties with Grace began to dwindle, she volunteered to take on more responsibility. Her current project was the avocado grove. As she glanced into the mirror, she felt as though she were looking at someone else. Her skin had taken on a deep healthy glow and her eyes sparkled.

  She walked out on front porch just as he was pulling up.

  “Man, oh, man...he sure can fill out a flannel shirt,” she smiled. “Top o’ the morning to you Mademoiselle,” he grinned.

  “Morning cowboy, ready for some strong and sweet?”

  He jumped on the balcony, removed his hat, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Why, I sure am, thank you Maddy.” She walked in to get two mugs of coffee. “What was the airport kiss for? Damn, I was hoping by now he’d at least try to kiss me...maybe I’m just not his type,” she thought and frowned. Stepping outside, she handed his mug to him and walked over to a spot by the railing .

  “Why so serious, Maddy? Got something on your mind?” She rested her arms on the railing, gazing down at the river. "Dusty, can I ask you something?"

  He looked her in the eyes, "Ask, away."

  She had to come up with something quick, before she jumped him right

  here in broad daylight.

  "Do you believe in fate?" He leaned his muscular forearms on the balcony rail next to her. His arm touched hers and she could feel the heat coming from his body.

  "I don't know Mad, I like to think that everything happens for a reason, why do you ask?"

  Maddy looked away. "I don't know, I guess because I never could have imagined that I would be standing in this spot, in such a magnificent place....sharing my morning coffee...with someone like you."

  He remained silent as he tried to maintain his composure. Horrified that she had made such an admission, she quickly tried to change the subject

  "So, why don't you give me a little history lesson on the Diamond," she asked while pointing at the swirling waters below the cabin, "It looks so beautiful, but dangerous.”

  He suddenly turned and faced her. She didn't know what to think. He stopped about a foot away and placed his large hands on either side of her against the cabin.

  "You're right about the Diamond, you know. It's beautiful and dangerous . . . just like you."

  For once in her life, she didn't know what to do. She began to speak, but he bent down and silenced her with his mouth. She didn't resist, simply put her arms around his neck as she savored his gentle kiss. His hot breath felt like liquid fire as he ran began to kiss her neck. She clutched his thick hair in her hands and moaned. Her passionate response made him hunger for her even more.

  He pulled the clasp from her hair and it tumbled down around them. She groaned as he pinned her hands above her head while continuing on with his exploration of her neck. Her world was spinning around her, and she felt as if she was going to lose control. Just then, she pulled away. "Dusty...please," she panted.

  "What is it? Did I do something to hurt you?" he asked in a husky voice.

  "No, no. You didn't hurt me. I haven't been with a man for a very long time. I think under the circumstances; it wouldn't be wise for us to do this."

  He turned away, and steadied himself on the railing that overlooked the Diamond.

  "I know you're right, Maddy and I apologize for what I almost did. However, I'm not going to apologize for wanting to kiss you. I'm not going to pretend that there's nothing between us, because we both know that there is, and I'm sure as hell not going to apologize for wanting to make sweet love to you. I want to explore every inch of your sweet body.”

  Maddy's face turned red. Her mouth was still stinging from his kiss. God, how she wanted him

  “I...really don't know what to say," she managed to confess. He straightened out and looked her straight in the eye.

  "You asked me how I feel about fate. It's obvious, I've been head over heels for you since day one, and if your response to my kiss was any indication; I think you feel the same way about me too, am I wrong?" She had to admit, he wasn't.

  "Dusty, you’re right. I admit, I haven't been able to think about anything but you," she confessed.

  Her words touched something deep inside of him. He reached down and gently moved a stray hair from her face.

  “Maddy, I swore up and down, I'd never get involved with a woman any time soon; but when it comes to you, I can't help myself. I knew from the minute I laid eyes on you at the diner, that I wanted you to be mine. All mi
ne. I want you. Not a one-night stand ...I mean permanent.”

  Maddy was too stunned to speak.

  "Now, the way I see it we're both free and over twenty one. I can't change the way I feel. I know you've got things to do, and I have so much on my platter I can't think straight. I'll be by tonight around dusk. He pulled a white bandanna from his pocket, and handed it to her. If you want me, just tie this on the hitching post."

  CHAPTER 21

  “Wow, what a day!” She was far from finished decorating, yet was pleased that she had made so much progress in the last few months. Her cabin was beginning to feel like home. She decided to unpack a few more boxes and headed upstairs to her loft.

  “I may not have the best taste in men, but I sure know how to make a house a home,” she complimented herself.

  She stepped back to admire her handiwork. The main focus of her bedroom was a magnificent antique four-poster bed.

  She smiled.

  “My rule of thumb, there’s no such thing as too many pillows.” The room was awash in the glow of assorted candles. She had placed her beloved books in a beautiful hand-carved pine bookcase. Small houseplants were strategically placed into the garden window that faced the Diamond. The room had a massive stone fireplace for those cold winter nights.

  “Perfect to snuggle up in front of...yikes, stop it Maddy. The man is your boss...never mix business with pleasure,” she reminded her reflection in the mirror.

  She turned on the radio and Mickey Gilley was singing a beautiful country love song,

  "No I won't be afraid, just as long as you stand by me...if you're in need, won't you stand, won't you stand by me..."

  Maddy sang along. She'd heard the song a hundred times before. This time, she really listened to it and the words touched her deep inside. Dusty had managed to crawl under her skin, like an itch she couldn't quite scratch. "Oh Lord, I'm in trouble," she said while she smacked her forehead. "What am I doing?, I can't really be falling in love with the man, I just met him. “I’m lonely, that’s all,” she muttered. She had been without a man for so long. Even though she had lived with Jack for such a long time, they hadn't made love for years.