Jesse's Brother (5 page)

“I’m going to talk with your father,” Mom said in a huff before stomping toward the house.

“By the way,” called Samantha, making her mother pause for a moment. “Good churchgoing ladies don’t call their daughters whores.”

Mom pounded up the stairs and slammed the door. Just in time, too, because Noah’s old pickup truck was rumbling down the driveway.

Noah pulled the truck up next to her car. To her surprise, the back was empty. She’d expected to help unload all of the stuff they had bought at the feed store.

“Ready?” he called out the opened window.

“You bet.” She glanced toward her parent’s house. Maybe she should kiss Noah. That would piss her mom off. Instead, with flushed cheeks, she slid into the front seat and fantasized about his lips on hers.

“Sorry about the air conditioner.”

“What about it?”

“I don’t have one.” They both laughed, but that soon died away.

Her fingers twirled a curl from her ponytail, a habit she’d acquired trying to defray her nerves. She should say something, anything to break the silence looming between them. All she could think of was, “Where do your parents live?”

“In hell,” he answered coldly.

“I see.” What could she possibly say to that?

Chapter 6

The trip across town was quiet except for her softly spoken directions to Mason’s farm.

They rode with the windows down. The wind blew her hair, making the curls do a little dance in the air. It was after noon and the sun shone down on the moisture-filled summer afternoon. Samantha didn’t like the humidity but her hair hated it worse.

 
 
Even with the words on the tip of her tongue, she kept her mouth closed and stared out the window. She’d never been scared of anything, yet here she was, afraid of the man she sat beside. Afraid that if she asked too many questions, he wouldn’t answer. Afraid she’d never get to know the real Noah.

Noah’s gentle touch and questions about her life suggested there was a growing attraction between them. But for some reason beyond her understanding, he kept her at arm’s reach. It confused her…drove her crazy. Noah wasn’t like anyone else. She wasn’t used to his type at all.

The guys she knew in college were open books, excited to have her in their lives. She was the one who had held back details about herself. With Noah, the tables seemed to have turned, and she

didn’t like it one little bit.

Noah was a whole new character to learn, if he’d let her.

“You’re pretty good with directions,” he said as they pulled into the driveway.

“Only in Alban.”

The small sheep peeked her head out as they came up the road. A girl, about five years old, darted into the house at the sight of their truck. Within seconds, a man came out, wiping his hands on a paper towel with the little girl in tow.

“Hi. I’m Samantha,” she said, holding her hand out to the man.

He shook her hand firmly and motioned toward the sheep. “Nice to meet you. She sure is a sweet thing.”

“Is she in good health?” Noah asked.

“Yes.”

“Why are you giving her away?”

“I want to keep the farm but I can’t. It was my father’s, and he passed away.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Samantha added.

“It’s all right. I’m just trying to find good homes for the animals. He loved them dearly and that’s what he’d want.”

The farm was larger than her father’s. It must have been very successful in its prime. Even close to the house, she could see numerous empty corrals that had been full at one time. Beyond the corrals was an orchard of fruit trees. She had never met the actual owner of this farm, but had heard her father talk about him on several occasions.

 
“What’s her name?” Samantha asked as she undid the fence to let the sheep out. She slid her hand over the soft white puffs of wool. It reminded her of snowballs in winter.

“She doesn’t have one. Father had just purchased her.”

She looked like a Winter.

The man helped Noah put the wood slats into place on the truck to prevent Winter from jumping out. As they were lifting her into the back of the truck, Samantha climbed into the passenger side.

Noah thanked the man before sliding back into the cab of the truck to take their new addition home.

Samantha grinned, but other things were swirling around in her thoughts.

“You don’t seem like a bird type of guy,” she said as soon as they pulled out onto the country road. She wanted to bring up the subject without being pushy.

“Excuse me?”

“Why do you have a bird for a pet? You don’t seem like a bird type of guy.”

“What type do I seem like?”

“A dog person.”

He laughed at her suggestion.

“Why’s that funny?” She kept her eyes on the mirror watching the sheep, but couldn’t wait to hear more about Noah.

“It’s funny when someone thinks they know what type a person is. They usually end up being wrong.”

“Well?”

“Birds fit my lifestyle more. A cat is too self-sufficient and I’m not a fan of dogs. A bird seemed like a good idea. My bird was an impulse purchase and turned out to be my friend.”

She laughed, then asked, “Do you have a lot of furniture?”

“That’s an odd question.” He looked at her, then back to the road. “What’s on your mind?”

This was her chance to bring up his secrecy. “Why wouldn’t you let me help you this afternoon?”

“I didn’t need help. I’m used to doing everything myself.”

She twisted a piece of hair around her finger. “I think it had more to do with me not being able to see inside your trailer.”

“Aren’t you perceptive?”

She didn’t like the edge to his tone. “What don’t you want me to see?”

“That’s the thing, there isn’t anything to see. A couch, bird, table and a few odds and ends. Nothing exciting. My television isn’t even big enough to enjoy.”

“Pictures of family or mementos of your life before the farm…”

“None.” His face twisted into a frown, and a muscle flickered in his jawline.

“Normal people have those things.”

He flinched at the remark. “I guess I’m not normal then.”

They turned down the driveway and drove past the house to the barn.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

She got out of the truck and waited for him to get out as well.

Was she imagining this chemistry? She walked toward the barn with Noah and the sheep.

“Am I reading things wrong?” she blurted out.

“Wrong about what?” Thank God he was busy untying the sheep. When had she gotten so bold?

“Between us?” she asked.

“No. I’ve been trying to make it obvious to you but I guess I’m a little out of practice.”

“You’re so private. How am I supposed to get to know you?”

“I’m not used to letting people into my world, Samantha. Up until now, I haven’t even wanted to share my life with anyone,” he said. “I can’t help liking you. I want to open up to you. Give me time.”

Noah led Winter into the extra pen and shut the gate before turning back to her. When he looked into her eyes it was like he looking deep into her soul.

“Getting to know me will be worth the wait. I promise.” His hand slid down her arm and settled on her wrist while his fingers swirled in a circle on her skin. When she was hot enough to burst into flames, he slid his hand down to hers and their fingers entwined.

“Okay,” she forced herself to say.

He walked toward her until his broad chest was an inch from her breasts.

Her nipples stiffened by the closeness but she prayed he didn’t notice them puckered out.

“I have the day off tomorrow. Would you like to spend it with me?”

“What would you like to do?” Heat rushed through her as she thought about Noah kissing her. She tilted her head back and parted her lips. Her gaze rested on his mouth and she wished

it against hers.

“Surprise me. I don’t know Alban very well so I’m in your hands for the day.” He laughed, but let it drift away once he looked deep into her eyes again. He moved closer to her until his mouth found hers. It was only an instant before his lips parted and guided hers open. The tip of his tongue entered her mouth as if he was trying to sample a taste of her. When he pulled away, she wanted more.

“Noah…”

“See you later,” Noah said, then came back to sneak another quick kiss.

CHapter 7

Jesse ran his fingers through his hair and stared at the files stacked in front of him. He didn’t want to read one more page from another file, didn’t want to meet with another client trying to weasel out of a crime they’d committed.

He huffed out air, and removed a file from the top, placing it down on the desk. His paralegal’s elegant handwriting captured his attention. A new case. This one would end up going to trial and he looked forward to the excitement of a giant publicized case. The adrenaline surge it brought shot through his veins.

A trial meant long nights working, and not much sleep. Certainly no female companionship, but he rarely had enough time for dating anyway. The rush he got upon winning was worth it. It was better than any drug imaginable.

He leafed through the file until he found his paralegal’s brief. The accused was a thirty-year-old single mother of a four-year-old girl. Jesse’s client had been driving home one night, and hit a guardrail, causing the car to flip. She sustained minor injuries, but her daughter had died.

“Okay, accidents happen,” he said aloud. But not if the mother was drunk and the child wasn’t in a seatbelt.

Innocent until proven guilty? “Not in my book. Always guilty unless by some miracle, you’re proven innocent,” he said while shutting the file. “I’m the miracle.”

He got up to open his office door. It was a little after five in the afternoon and most of the employees had left for the evening, except for Corie, who jumped up when she heard his footsteps.

She fluffed her hair before walking over to him. “Do you need something, Jesse?” she purred.

“Yes, I do actually.” He smiled at the tall, leggy brunette who wore mini-skirts and stilettos to work. She was a good-looking, sexy woman who should have been modeling for a men’s magazine

instead of working in a law office, but she’d improved the scenery.

He’d never admit to anyone else it had been the very reason he’d hired her.

She glanced around as though to make sure the coast was clear before she reached toward the zipper of his slacks. “In your office, or a trip to your house?”

He pushed her hand away. “In my office,” he snapped. “Put all of those files away before you go home tonight.”

“Jesse…” She started walking after him but stopped as if frozen, either by his words or the icy tone.

“Lock the doors when you leave, Ms. Landers.” He had never called her that while they were alone. Since Corie’s first day six months earlier, he’d glorified her name many times over, after hours in the office and in his bed, but had never addressed her in such a formal tone.

Corie Landers wanted two things: money and sex. He expected her letter of resignation in the morning since she wasn’t getting it anymore. Women like her were a dime a dozen and could be replaced as quickly as she left. It was no sweat off his back.

After tossing his ostrich leather briefcase on the passenger seat, he slid into the sleek black BMW. It was Friday night and as always, he was meeting his best friends at the local pub.

“Good evening, Jesse.” The bartender greeted him before motioning where his friends were sitting, although it wasn’t necessary with Jane’s laughter rising above the noisy chatter and music.

Jane, Luke, and Phil looked up from their drinks as he approached.

“Jess, my man,” Luke said as he kicked the chair away from the table so Jesse could sit.

“Jane was telling us about a case she’s busy with.”

Jane was a short, black-haired firecracker Jesse had met in law school. They had tried to date but after two weeks they realized there was no chemistry between them. They’d been best friends

ever since. Of everyone at the table, she was the one Jesse trusted the most.

“You’ll love this one, Jess,” Jane began, but the rest of the words blurred into the background as the image of Samantha took form in his thoughts.

He adored the way her hair was a mass of curls pulled back to reveal her pretty face. The curve of her body… the way she walked. He’d noticed her the moment she had entered the bookstore but decided to play it cool. Jesse had never met anyone like her before. She tried to act sophisticated but her innocence had shown through from the start. And he could tell his presence made her nervous.

As a lawyer, he was trained to read people and knew she’d be someone who wouldn’t try to take him for his money. She’d give him her heart if she had the opportunity.

After leaving the bookstore, he’d sat in his car to watch her leave. Some guy had approached her but he couldn’t hear the conversation.

The man kept his back toward Jesse. Was she attracted to the man’s brawn? He might have been bigger with his sculpted body, but Jesse had a career. He remembered the man’s jeans and dirty work boots. That said it all: a blue collar worker. Samantha deserved better, that’s for sure.

It wasn’t until she had driven away that he realized he had forgotten to get her number. Oh well, he had his own ways of obtaining information.

“Earth to Jesse.” Jane waved a hand in front of his face. “What do you think of this idea for the defense?”

“Oh, right,” he mumbled. He had more important things to think about.

Phil cocked his head in the waitress’s direction. “She’s on her way over. Ready to order?”

“Hi, darling,” the waitress said before planting a kiss on Jesse’s cheek.

“Can I get a rum and Coke?”

“More rum than Coke?” she asked, sliding her shapely butt on his lap.

Any other night, he would’ve loved the attention from the beautiful waitress. He would’ve taken her home like he had done many times before, but not tonight. Because tonight,
 
Samantha Johns was the only woman who made him stiff where it counted.

“My drink?” he asked, patting her. She took the hint and hurried away.

“What’s going on with you, Jess?” asked Phil.

“What do you mean?”

“Any other night you would’ve jumped at the chance to take that sweet little ass of hers,” Luke replied.

“That was before I met Samantha.” He smiled and leaned back in his chair.

“Samantha?” All three of his friends asked at once.

“Yes. Samantha is one hot prize I’m looking forward to winning.”

Chapter 8

The butterflies in Samantha’s stomach felt like they were in hyper-speed mode as she waited for the clock to change. The lunch was packed but cooling in the fridge as she sat on the armchair, staring out the window for his truck.

Finally he was there! She hopped up from the chair to grab the lunch. Arriving at the kitchen door, she’d heard her parents talking. Her name stopped her from entering.

“I don’t like it, Martin.” Mom’s voice was low, so low Samantha had to strain her ear to hear.

“She likes him and I think he might like her too.”

“I don’t care,” her mom said.

“They get along great so far, and she needs a friend.”

“I’m neither blind nor a fool. I don’t like it.”

“He’s a good man, Frances. He treats her well and works hard. So why don’t you like him?”

“All you should care about is how I feel and not why I feel it. He shouldn’t be with our daughter.”

“It’s not our decision to make.”

“His employment with our farm is. Fire him.”

Fire Noah? Her father wouldn’t do that, would he? Samantha wanted to stomp through the kitchen door to put a stop to her mother’s craziness.

“That’s something I won’t do,” her father said.

“He doesn’t have any family or friends. Something has to be wrong with him and I intend to find out what it is,” her mother threatened.

“I don’t care about any of that. Do you know today is the first time Noah has taken the day off?” She could hear the smile in her father’s voice and let one of her own peek out before pushing the kitchen door open, stopping her parents’ conversation. Her arrival made tense silence fill the room.

It was true, she’d been on cloud nine since Noah had asked her for the date and she refused to give her mother the power to ruin that feeling. She stalked over to the fridge to grab their lunch.

“Don’t forget our plans this afternoon,” her mom managed to say before Samantha left the kitchen.

* * * *

Samantha watched the few locals rushing down the street, fanning themselves before darting into the comfort of air conditioning inside the stores. Young children held onto ice cream cones licking the melting ice as quickly as they could, but not quite making it before the sticky mess dripped down onto their hands and shirts. This was heaven, she thought as she and Noah drove down Main Street. Alban was the perfect place to live. On the seat between her and Noah sat a wicker picnic basket she’d filled with, what she considered, the perfect lunch for their first date.

“Where are we going?” asked Noah, breaking into her thoughts.

Samantha giggled.

“It’s a surprise.”

Noah tried to lift the lid of the picnic basket, but Samantha pushed it back down. “I want to see,” he said in a little boy voice.

“Nope.”

He put his hand on top of hers resting on the lid. “One peek?”

“Nope,” she said.

He lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth, pressing his lips against the back of her hand before letting it go. Fireworks shot through her body. The sensation was new to her and she loved the feeling.

“Where do I go?”

“Turn right at the stop sign. Follow the road until the end,” she said, pointing.

He followed her directions and within minutes they stopped in the woods next to the river. “This must be it,” he said as he grabbed the picnic basket and waited for her to come around beside him. He’d paused at the swimming spot closest to the truck.