Desiring the Enemy (2 page)

***

     “Dammit!” Wade couldn’t hide his frustration. He’d tried to get in touch with Uncle Stanley numerous times, to no avail. He had already left on his vacation and it would be impossible to reach him now. He couldn’t put anyone out on the street, no matter how repulsed he was by the situation. He’d let her stay, but would keep his distance. He went in search of her and found her reading in the family room.

     “I couldn’t reach Uncle Stanley, so I guess you’ll have to stay here until he gets back,” he sneered.

     “Thank you. Believe me, if I would’ve known that this would be a problem I would’ve made other arrangements,” Jenna said, relieved that she wouldn’t be thrown out on the street.

     “I’m going to be working, make yourself at home.” With that he turned and left the room.

     Jenna knew that the last thing he wanted was for her to stay, but she really had no place to go. She went into the kitchen and found Gretchen preparing lunch for the men.

     “Hi Gretchen. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the next couple of months.”

     Gretchen had been kind to her from the moment she’d arrived and Jenna was grateful. She was not much older than Jenna and was enjoying having a female close to her age to talk to.

     “That’s great hon! It’ll be so nice to have someone to hang out with.”

     Jenna would enjoy it too. It was obvious that Wade would not be her buddy and she had no one else to talk to. She leaned on the counter and took in the view of the great room with its floor to ceiling windows overlooking the large pool. She could see the shimmering waterfall on one corner and the inviting spa on the other and marveled at its beauty. She had been surprised when she first saw the extravagant two story house. It had all the amenities of a grand manor, yet felt comfortable and inviting.    
     “This is a beautiful place. I was expecting a small country house, not something so grand.”

     “Wade upgraded the house when he was planning his wedding.”

     “Wade is getting married?”

     “Was. Things didn’t work out.”

     “Well, he did a wonderful job.”

     “His fiancée liked the finer things and he tried to please her.” Gretchen couldn’t hide her dislike for the woman. “When they broke up Wade got rid of all the fancy, uncomfortable furniture she had bought and replaced it with his kind of furnishings.”   

     So that’s why the style of the house and the style of the furniture were so different.   

     Gretchen didn’t add anything else, and Jenna let the subject drop. She was a stranger in this house, after all, and this was a private matter.

***

     For the next couple of days she helped Gretchen prepare lunches for Wade and the workers. Gretchen didn’t want her to do it but she was bored and while they worked she felt that they could get to know each other better.  

     “Let me help you with that,” she said as she put the meals in a cooler. Gretchen would take it out to the men shortly and Jenna decided to go out with her. 

     “Thanks hon.”     

     She gathered the necessary utensils and once again was struck by the beauty of the kitchen.     

     “It’s the best part of the remodel. I can fit my entire kitchen in the pantry alone,” Gretchen said.    

     “Forget about the rest of the house, I’ll just live here,” she said to Gretchen, laughing.    

     “You like to cook?”    

     “Love it. Whenever I had a chance, which wasn’t often, I would cook elaborate dinners.” She thought of the last time she had attempted to prepare a fancy dinner. It was the day she had found John with Heather, the day her world had come crumbling down. Her eyes clouded as she recalled the painful memory.

     “Are you okay?” Gretchen asked worriedly.

     Jenna shook her head. “I’m fine. Should we go now?” she said, pasting on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.   

     “Sure, let me grab some napkins,” Gretchen said warily, but she didn’t question her further.     

     They set out and were soon at the stables. The men had put up a table on a corner and sat waiting for Gretchen to lay out the food. When they walked in Jenna could see the looks of admiration from the men and felt a bit self-conscious as she helped Gretchen put out the food. Gretchen had explained to her that the men would put the dishes back in the cooler when they were done and she would come back later in the day to pick it up. She saw Wade approach the table and quickly turned to leave. As she and Gretchen walked back to the house she could feel the men’s eyes on her rear.

     Gretchen brought up the subject when they returned. “Did you see those guys? You’d think they never saw a woman before.”

     “They were just curious, they’ve never seen me before.”

     “I know the look of curiosity and that’s not what I saw. They were salivating.”

     Jenna knew she was right but decided to close the subject and talk of something else.

***

     Wade was furious. It was obvious that Jenna was used to stirring up men. Is that how she had trapped his uncle? He might feel guilted into giving her a place to stay, but he’d be damned if he would let her disrupt his men.

     “I’d appreciate it if you’d stay away from the stables from now on,” he hissed when he got back to the house.

     “I was just trying to help Gretchen. I didn’t mean any harm.” She didn’t understand why he was so annoyed with her.

     “Gretchen doesn’t need any help, she’s been able to manage fine without you. Just stay away. Do I make myself clear?”

     “Crystal clear.” This is what she got for trying to help out. “I’m just trying to contribute. I know that my staying here is a burden and just wanted to lend a helping hand.”

     “You can help by staying away!” He roared, storming out of the room without a backward glance, leaving Jenna to stare in disbelief at his retreating figure.

     She went into the kitchen where Gretchen was cleaning up.     

     “Wade just told me to stay away from the stables. He seemed angry that I had gone with you.”

     “Don’t pay him any attention. He gets a little huffy sometimes but he’s harmless. He’s always been a good boss to me but every now and then I can see a bit of a temper. Just stay out of his way and you’ll be fine.”

     Jenna didn’t like feeling this way but knew that she couldn’t really complain. He was letting her stay in his home and she knew he wasn’t happy about that. She would just have to keep her distance.

***

     For the next week Jenna would stay in her room until Wade left to work, then she would head back upstairs when he came back to the house. She noticed that he was getting home later in the day, probably trying to avoid her. During the day she would help Gretchen in the kitchen and then do a little reading. Sometimes she would go to the backyard and swim or sunbathe by the beautiful pool. The whole idea behind going there had been to get some rest so that she would be able to recuperate from what had happened to her, but the truth was that she was bored out of her mind.  This day was no different from the others and she again put on her bathing suit and, book in hand, headed toward the backyard.   

***

     Wade rarely made it back to the house in the afternoon, but this particular day he needed a tool from his garage and had to go back. The one thing he didn’t want to do was run into Jenna, the thought of seeing her was extremely unpleasant to him. He decided to go in through the back entrance, figuring he would avoid seeing her. He was wrong. As he turned the corner he caught sight of her, lying on the lounger and obviously asleep.

     She was wearing a simple black bikini, nothing risqué, but he couldn’t help the stirring in his loins as he noticed her shapely long legs, the creamy color of her skin. He wanted to go in the house but his brain wouldn’t allow him to do so. He stood there, watching and wishing he could touch her soft skin. He could imagine himself pulling off the two triangles covering her full breasts, taking one soft mound, then the other in his mouth. She would moan with pleasure as his hand made its way down her body and inside her bikini bottom. He would gently rub her sensitive core as she arched her back, begging him for more.

     She suddenly moved and he could see that she was waking up. She looked up toward the house and saw him standing there.

     “You shouldn’t stay in the sun too long, you can get sunburned,” he said hoarsely as he turned toward the house, trying to cover up the desire that was all too obvious. It was an unwanted desire, but one he couldn’t control.

     “I wore a lot of sunscreen. I just like the feel of the sun,” she said, her voice still groggy from sleep.

     “Still, be careful.” He rushed into the house without a backward glance.

    Once inside he wondered what was wrong with him. He was lusting after his uncle’s girlfriend and that was completely unacceptable. How could he be attracted to that kind of woman? She was a home wrecker for heaven’s sake. He would have to remind himself of that whenever he looked at her.

     Jenna tossed and turned. The distant thunder was getting closer, making her shiver in fear. Ever since she was a child she had been terrified of lightning and the roar of thunder, and being in the country worsened her fear. The lightning illuminated the room again, making her shudder. She brought the blanket up to her neck as she sat upright. Soon the clap of thunder followed, making her scream out involuntarily.

     Wade had been in a deep sleep when he heard the blood curdling scream.

     “What the hell?!” He shot out of bed, pulling on his jeans on the way out of the room.

     The shriek had come from Jenna’s room and he hurried in without bothering to knock.

     “What’s the matter?” he asked a shaking Jenna.

     “I’m sorry I woke you. The thunder scared me,” she said.

     “That’s it? I thought you were in real danger in here,” he said, trying to catch his breath.

     “It won’t happen again, I promise.” Just then another bolt of lightning struck right outside her room, illuminating it and again making her scream out in fear.

     Wade saw the look of sheer terror in her eyes and his protective nature took over. He rushed to her side, cradling her in his arms as he tried to calm her down.

     “It’s okay sweetheart, I’m right here.” He smoothed her hair and held her in his arms until she relaxed again.

     Jenna held onto him tightly until the worst of the storm seemed to pass. When she finally felt the fear abating she realized that she was in his arms, her head on his bare chest, and her body reacted to the heat of his body as it had never done with anybody before. His hand was stroking her arm gently as he cradled her like a child.

     Wade felt the change in her and couldn’t stop his own arousal. What had begun as a soothing gesture soon became a caress as his hand moved slowly up and down her arm, then over her small waist. He remembered admiring her body that afternoon and suddenly the desire to touch that soft skin became overwhelming. She slowly looked up at him, her full lips seeming to invite an exploration. He started to lower his head, as if in a trance, then suddenly realized what he was doing. He laid her on the bed and stood, looking down at her trembling body.

     “I think the worst is over, you can get some sleep now,” he said, his voice gravelly.

     “Yes…yes, I think you’re right,” Jenna stammered. She was still feeling the heat from his caress and had to mentally shake herself to come back to earth. “Thank you for staying with me.”

     “Don’t mention it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

     He left the room, leaving Jenna to wonder what had just transpired. He had been just as aroused as she was, there was no doubt about that. He‘d wanted to kiss her, so what stopped him? She lay back on the bed trying to figure the man out.

     Wade went into his room and sat on the side of the bed. He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He couldn’t deny his attraction to Jenna, and it made him feel like scum. She was his uncle’s mistress, and he should be repulsed by her, yet never in his life had he wanted a woman more. Now more than ever he needed to keep his distance.

***

     After that night Jenna saw very little of Wade, it was as if he didn’t even live in the same house. He left early in the morning and came home late in the evening, rarely coming back into the house during the day. She continued occupying her time reading, swimming, or just walking on the expansive property. The only other person for her to talk to was Gretchen and she would keep her company as she worked in the kitchen, hoping that she wasn’t interfering with her work but needing adult conversation.      

     That particular Monday the doorbell rang. Gretchen was busy in the kitchen and Jenna opened the door. A young woman was standing there, a perplexed look on her face.

     “I would have used my key but didn’t want to scare Gretchen,” the woman said. She put her hand out to shake Jenna’s. “Hi there. I don’t think we’ve met.”

     Jenna looked at the beautiful woman with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Was this Wade’s fiancée? Gretchen had said things hadn’t worked out but maybe she’d been wrong and they had gotten together again. She took a deep breath and put out her own hand.

     “No we haven’t. I’m Jenna, Wade’s houseguest,” she said as she shook her hand.

     “Nice to meet you Jenna, I’m Marla, Wade’s sister.”    

     Jenna felt a sense of relief come over her. But why? Why should she care?

     Marla caught herself as she looked Jenna over and apologized for gawking, “I’m sorry, I’m being rude.  It’s just that I’m a bit surprised, I didn’t know he was seeing anyone.”

     “Oh, we’re not seeing each other. Your uncle Stanley arranged for me to stay here for the next couple of months. I lost my lease and didn’t have a place to stay and Wade was kind enough to allow me to stay here.”

     Marla smiled to herself. She bet Uncle Stanley and Aunt Rose were playing matchmakers again. They were always trying to set Wade up with nice girls, but he always rebuffed them. This was perfect, it would seem like they were just helping a woman in need.

    “Where is my dear big brother?” Marla asked.

     “I think he’s at the stables. He usually doesn’t come back ‘til late so you may want to go see him there.”

     Wade probably knew what his aunt and uncle were doing and was having none of it, Marla thought to herself.

     “Okay, I’ll go see him there. I’ll talk to you later.”

     “See you later,” Jenna said.

***

     Marla reached the stables just as Wade was getting into his pickup.

     “Hey bro, where you headed to?” 

     “Hey babe, when did you get in?” Wade stepped down from the truck and scooped his baby sister into a big bear hug.

    “Just now.”

     “I’m going into town for some supplies. Wanna join me?”

     “I sure would.” She jumped into the pickup and they headed out.

     Marla made herself comfortable as they drove off the ranch. She waited a few minutes then gave him a sideways glance, trying to gingerly bring up the subject of Jenna.

     “I met your houseguest. She’s very nice and very pretty.” She tried to sound nonchalant as she looked out the window.

     “I guess so.”

     “You guess so? It’s obvious to anyone who looks at her that she’s beautiful, and all you have to say is I guess so?”

     “What am I supposed to say?”

     “How about she’s gorgeous and I’d like to date her. Our dear aunt and uncle are obviously matchmaking again. Why don’t you give it a chance this time?” To heck with nonchalant, she would have to get in his face this time. Ever since his breakup with Susan he had devoted himself to the ranch, never giving romance a second thought. If he continued on this path she would never become an aunt.

     “Believe me, that’s not what they’re doing.”

     “Why do you say that?”

     “I just know it. Now let’s talk about something else.”

     Marla saw him look ahead with clenched jaw and decided to let it go. She knew how hardheaded her brother was and when he wanted a subject closed no one could fight him. She had a few days to bring the subject up again, and bring it up she would.

     “So, what are you doing here?” he asked, obvious concern in his voice.

     “What, can’t a girl visit her brother without a reason?”

     “Of course you can. It’s just that school isn’t out for another month and I usually don’t see you until then.”

     Marla had worked as a para-legal since she’d graduated college and had decided to finally go back to school and earn her law degree. Wade was extremely proud that she had taken this crucial step to further her career. 

     “Next weekend is a long weekend and I decided to take a couple of extra days and get away for a week. I told my professors I had to leave early and they were okay with it. I’ve been a little stressed and needed a break.”

     He furrowed his brow. Having lost their father at a young age made him been very protective of his little sister.

    “Why are you stressed?”

     “Oh, you know, the usual, nothing major. I just felt I needed a little time away.”

     “Will you be staying at the house?”

     “For a few days, if that’s okay.”

     “Of course it is. I’ll have Gretchen set up your room.”

     “Thanks bro.”

     When they got back Wade dropped Marla off at the house and went back to the stables. 

     “I’ll see you later,” he said as he drove off.

     Marla watched him leave, knowing full well what he was doing. She shook her head in dismay. Would he ever give another woman a chance? She knew Susan had hurt him badly, but he really needed to get over that.

***

     That afternoon Jenna had decided to go for a walk. It was a beautiful day and she knew that the fresh air would do wonders for her. The property was expansive and she took in the beauty of the wildflowers, feeling as if she didn’t have a care in the world.  It had been such a long time since she’d felt this way and she was relishing the experience.  She picked some flowers as she strolled and was heading back to the house when she saw Wade’s truck pull to the side of the stables. She hadn’t realized that he would be coming back so soon and worried that he would see her. After the last time she had gone with Gretchen to the stables and he had been so angry she’d avoided being anywhere near them when she knew he was around. She walked to the back of the building and watched as he unloaded the supplies he had just bought. She figured that as soon as she saw him leave she would sneak out, a confrontation was the last thing she needed right now.

     The heat must have been getting to him and she watched as he took off his shirt and got to work. She saw his wide chest glistening with sweat and couldn’t help wondering what it would feel like to caress his muscled arms, his rock hard abs. As she watched she envisioned herself lying on the hay as his roughened hands roamed her soft body, felt those fingers as they kneaded her breasts, his tongue meeting hers, then trailing a path down to her hardened nipples, replacing his hands as his mouth took over.  She closed her eyes and couldn’t stop herself as her hand traveled down her body.

     Suddenly she heard the roar of the engine and realized that he’d left the stables and had gotten back in his truck. Awakened from her reverie she chastised herself for acting like a hormonal teenager and rushed back to the house, shame evident on her reddened cheeks.

***

     After she returned to the house Jenna decided that it would be safer to just lay low for a while. She went into the library and looked for a book, steering away from the romance novels she figured had belonged to either Wade’s fiancée or Marla. Looking through the extensive selection brought a smile to her face. It was wonderful to put down her reading tablet and actually feel a book in her hands. She opted for a historical novel and laid down on the comfortable chaise, opening the book to page one. Marla found her a little later, immersed in chapter two.  

     “Hi there. So, what have you been doing for fun?”

     “Hi Marla. There’s not much to do so I kind of hang out then head to bed. Sometimes I go for a walk or a swim to clear my head.” She thought of her last walk and felt herself blush. What had gotten into her?

     “Aren’t you bored out of your mind?”

     “I came here to reflect and that’s what I’ve been doing. I need to go back to the city with a more positive outlook. I do get a bit bored sometimes, though.”

     “That’s kind of what I’m going through. I need a little time to see things more clearly.”

     “Exactly. This is the perfect place to do just that. It’s so peaceful here. Are you going to be staying awhile?”

     “Just for a few days. Why don’t you and I go out to dinner tonight?”

     “I’d like that. Where would you like to go? I’m not familiar with the area so I have no idea where the restaurants are.”

     “I know this cute little one in town. We can eat and have a drink…or two,” she said with a wink.

     “Okay. Just let me know when.”

     “Will do.”

***

     Later that evening they sat at the quaint little restaurant sipping margaritas. Marla had gotten them a cab, that way they could both enjoy a few drinks and driving back wouldn’t be an issue.

     “So tell me what you’re clearing your head from,” Marla asked, taking a sip from her drink.

     Jenna thought about everything she’d gone through and grimaced. She didn’t want to be reminded of what a mess her life had become, but decided to answer her question. “I just went through a nasty break-up. I found my fiancée in bed with my best friend, then right after that the house I had been renting was sold and I had to move out. I went from having a nice stable life to a life of chaos.”

     “Wow, that’s pretty harsh. I’m sorry to hear it.”