Breathless Page 2

  “You may as well get the third degree over with, Darby. Ask away.” Emma picked up her cake and took a bite, her eyes nearly rolling back in her head from the explosion of flavor. “Oh yum! This is amazing.”

  “Mom’s secret recipe. She won’t even tell me what’s in it. She made it especially for you, kind of an advanced apology.” Darby popped the last of her cake into her mouth and washed it down with a healthy mouthful of coffee. “Okay. Where are you from, specifically? How old are you? What brought you here to Jefferson?” she asked rapid-fire.

  Emma took a deep breath. “Gee, you don’t hold back, do you? Let me see. From a small city called Matheson. I’m twenty-nine. I chose here because it looked really lovely from the website blurb. I spent hours researching the industry and surrounding areas. You have a small city only an hour away, and Denver is only three hours. So if I want to go shopping, I can in a day, but I’ll still have the country lifestyle. It looked like a friendly kind of place.”

  Darby nodded as she spoke. “Okay. Sounds good. What do you do for a living? Are you married, or do you have a significant other?”

  Emma’s blood chilled. She knew this question was likely, but it didn’t make answering it any easier.

  “I’m a hairdresser by trade, but my dad was a carpenter. I used to help him on holidays, so I can manage small repairs.” She indicated the dust on her clothes. “And no, there’s no one. I’m single,” she added softly. Pain shafted, not the agony it was before, but still there, aching. She kept talking to keep her mind from dwelling on the subject. “I like chocolate, in all things. I like puppies. I’m not so fussed on cats, but some are okay. I like summer, but I love winter better, especially if it snows, but I hate to be cold. Go figure. I like beer and red wine—but not together. I love pizza, cakes and savory things. I love parties, and I love to dance. I’m not terribly good at it, but I love it anyway. I like the water and I wear a one-piece, not a bikini. I love to be able to dress up and wear pretty things. I love expensive perfume and French lingerie, but I prefer to wear pants if I’m working or outside. I’ve never ridden a horse and I don’t like cows.”

  Emma took a breath. “I think that just about covers it.”

  Darby blinked and nodded, a small smile tilting the corners of her lips. “I think it does. If there’s anything else, I’ll get back to you.”

  Emma swallowed the final piece of cake on her plate and licked the frosting from her sticky fingers.

  Damn, that frosting was as good as it looked.

  Darby looked at her, her eyes assessing. “Are you going to come out with me tonight? Give the locals something to talk about?”

  Emma blew out a breath. She nodded. “Sure, why not? I guess I’m game. Don’t expect miracles though. If these people already have a problem with me, that’s not going to change in a hurry.”

  Darby flipped her hand in the air. “Oh, who cares what they think. Just come out and have some fun.”

  Emma couldn’t help but smile at Darby’s infectious humor. “I will. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. Where are we going and, more important, what do I wear?”

  Darby’s grey eyes sparkled. “Dan’s. Do you have a summer dress?”

  “Oh yeah. I have oodles of them. My clothes are pretty much the only thing I brought with me. The rest of my stuff is still on its way over in a container,” Emma said.

  “Wear one of those. I’ll pick you up at seven? We can eat there and stay for the entertainment. Dan has a band play every Saturday night at eight. Should be an interesting night.”

  Emma followed Darby as she went back toward the front door. Mmm. Interesting for them maybe.

  Chapter Three

  Gabe glanced at the screen of his cell phone. Darby.

  Again.

  This was the fifth time she’d called in less than ten minutes. It had to be a record. He sighed heavily, resigned to the grilling he was going to receive as soon as he answered.

  “What?”

  “Well, aren’t you in a good mood!” Darby chirped, her own tone a happy contrast.

  Gabe rubbed his hand against his rough jaw. “Is there anything in particular you wanted? Except to make my life a misery?”

  Darby’s contagious laugh echoed in his ear. He couldn’t help but smile when he heard that. She always could get around him. You’d think, even being twins, they’d get along okay, but his and Darby’s relationship was special. They were close, and she was the one who could always pull him out of a funk.

  “Yes, my beautiful brother, there is. What were you doing there?”

  Gabe closed his eyes. He didn’t have to ask where she meant. He hadn’t been able to get that girl out of his head, which didn’t help his mood any. “Is it really any of your business? And stop calling me that. Men aren’t beautiful. It just isn’t right.”

  She chuckled on the other end of the line. “Hey, I’m only repeating what I hear from others. Do you know how many women in this town would love to get their claws into you? Even for one night? It’s positively indecent some of the things I hear at work about my own brother. Besides, if I say you’re gorgeous it reflects on me, my fair friend, since I look like you.”

  Gabe groaned. “Do you have to keep going on about that? How many times do they have to hear I’m not interested? I don’t need anyone in my life, okay? I’m quite happy here by myself.”

  Darby’s happy voice dulled. “You can’t keep blaming yourself, Gabe. It wasn’t your fault. You can’t stay a monk forever. It’s been two years since you’ve been with anyone. I don’t believe you when you say you’re happy. I wouldn’t be, cooped up all alone out there, with just your cows for company. You’re only thirty-four, for heaven’s sake!”

  “I happen to like my cows, and I don’t think Dad would be too impressed being lumped in with the cattle. He’s here most days too, remember? And you, when I can’t get rid of you,” Gabe grumbled. He really didn’t want to get into this. Not here and not now.

  “Mmm. You didn’t answer my question. What were you doing at Emma’s? I thought maybe you’d decided it was time to get over yourself and get a life. She’d certainly be one to get it with, if that’s your aim.”

  “Nothing. And no, I’m not. She just moved here. Why didn’t you ask her yourself? You were there.” Gabe hedged. He wasn’t in the mood.

  “I had enough questions for the poor girl, without grilling her about my useless brother as well. Give, already!” she demanded.

  “Fine. I don’t know why it’s such an issue. She had some busted pipes in her bathroom. She couldn’t get ahold of Hank. Harry gave her my number. She called. I went and patched them up. It should get her through until she sees Hank on Monday. That’s it. Satisfied?” Gabe shook his head in frustration. Darby could be the biggest pain in the butt when she wanted to be.

  “See how painless that was? That’s all you had to say from the beginning. Don’t you think she’s hot? All the other guys are pretty gung ho about her. The ones that have seen her anyway. The rest are almost salivating, waiting to catch an eyeful. I almost feel sorry for them.”

  “Well good for them. I told you, I don’t care. She’s not my type.”

  Darby chuckled. “Gorgeous and sexy is not your type, huh? Oh well. We’ll just have to wait and see which one gets up the nerve to ask her out first. I wonder if she’ll say yes? You know, she seems really nice.”

  Gabe threw down the wrench he was using to tighten the tractor wheel, the ringing echo bouncing around the large shed. There was no point even trying to get anything done until Darby was finished. He wouldn’t be able to concentrate.

  “I suppose so. Look, is there anything else you wanted, or are you just wasting my time here? I have things to do before dark,” Gabe said, exasperation spilling over into his tone.

  “No, I’m done. You’re still on for dinner, aren’t you? Dan said you’re going to give him a hand later.”

  Trust her to pull the duty card. “Yes, I’m still coming. I told Dan around s
even. That’s right, isn’t it? We’ll eat while Julie looks after the bar, then she can go home. Dan and I’ll take over while you and Amy get to play queen bees. Sound fair?”

  A very pleased Darby answered. “Yes. That sounds perfect. I like to watch men do all the work. Okay, I’ll see you tonight. Love you!”

  She hung up before he could answer.

  “Yeah. You too. Though I don’t know why sometimes,” he muttered as he ended the call and shoved the phone back into his jeans pocket.

  Gabe checked his watch and picked up the wrench again, mumbling about time lost on his sister.

  “What are you grousing about in here, son?”

  Gabe glanced up from his position to look at his dad. He rested his arm on his knee. “Nothing important. How’s Jezebel doing? She ready yet?”

  His favorite breeding cow was ready to calve any day now. She’d seemed out of sorts the last few days, more so than usual when at this stage.

  “No. I think she’ll go a few more days yet. She doesn’t look too comfortable though. We’ll just keep an eye on her. She’ll be all right,” Ed Jameson said.

  Looking at his dad was like looking into a time machine and seeing what Dan would be like in thirty years. It was uncanny how alike they were.

  Tall and broad and lean, his dad was as fit as they came. Gabe believed his dad would even give him a run for his money. He had his dad to thank for his height and build, and his mother to thank for his face. He and Darby took after her, right down to the flint-grey eyes, while Dan and their father’s were bright blue. While his mother had naturally blonde hair, theirs was their father’s black.

  “Was that your sister on the phone?” his dad asked. At Gabe’s distracted nod, he continued. “She end up going over to see that new filly everyone’s been making a fuss about?”

  Gabe glanced up at him. “She’s not a horse, Dad. Yeah, she did.”

  “And?” Ed prompted.

  Gabe shrugged a shoulder. Leaning into the lug nut, his muscles ached with the effort. “And what?” he growled.

  “And is she as pretty as they say? What did you think? She worth another look?”

  Gabe’s grip on the wrench slipped. The wrench flew off the lug nut, causing his knuckles to scrape hard over the rough metal of the nut. Gabe swore loud and long, and threw the offending tool to the ground, sucking at his hurt hand through his teeth.

  Ed picked the wrench up and held it out to Gabe.

  “I take it that’s a yes,” he said. A grin flooded his face.

  Gabe glared at his father and shook his throbbing hand. “You take nothing.” He dropped the wrench into the open toolbox. “I’ll finish this tomorrow. I’m going for a shower.” He didn’t wait for an answer, turning his back on his grinning father.

  Chapter Four

  Emma stopped and grabbed at Darby’s arm. Darby turned toward her, puzzled.

  “What is it, Emma?”

  Emma swallowed. Heat suffused her skin and made her all clammy. “I don’t know if I should. Go in, I mean. What if…” She trailed off, not wanting to sound like a nervous schoolgirl.

  Darby sent her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. There’ll be a fuss, but you’ll be fine. I won’t let them eat you alive. Maybe chew a little,” she teased. “We’ll all be with you. Dan and Gabe won’t let anyone hassle you. There’s no need to be nervous. You look amazing, so you don’t need to worry on that count.”

  Emma looked down at her dusky-pink-and-cream sundress, the shoestring straps flowing into a fitted baroque-style bodice that pushed her small breasts up and cinched her waist, giving her the illusion of a longer line. A full chiffon skirt ended just below her knees. Silver, heeled sandals with ties that wrapped around her ankles finished the look. She’d calmed her thick hair with hot rollers, giving her a glossy, chocolate-brown mane that fell over her shoulders and halfway down her back.

  She’d worried that she’d overdressed, but Darby had arrived wearing a lovely flowing cotton dress that reached almost to her ankles.

  Emma nodded. She was being ridiculous. “Okay. Lead on, Macduff.”

  They pushed in through the double front doors, the smell of fresh-cooked food and the underlying scent of stale beer instantly overwhelming her senses. Emma looked around, curious. She hadn’t taken much notice last time she was here, because she’d been more concerned with finding her new home before dark.

  This was a busy place. The general hubbub of conversation and background country music from the jukebox complemented the relaxed dinnertime atmosphere. She willed herself to relax a little. This was what she’d wanted when she picked Jefferson’s Crossing. The relaxed country atmosphere, the fresh air with no hint of smog and the feeling of community. A new place to call home, and if she was lucky, somewhere to fit in. Somewhere far away from the troubles and memories in Australia.

  Eyes slowly turned their way, pair by pair, as more people became aware of her presence. Conversations stuttered and stopped, until all that was left was the sound of the jukebox.

  Emma faltered, ready to turn and run, when a warm, soft hand grasped hers and squeezed gently. Darby walked ahead, ignoring the scrutiny they were receiving, her hand a thread of support in a suddenly scary world.

  Emma looked around and was caught by several sets of eyes, some welcoming, some openly hostile. She smiled quickly at them, glancing away before seeing reactions. She was as nervous as hell. Not even on her first date had she been this tense. She’d never felt so on show in her life, and it wasn’t a feeling she liked.

  They reached a booth up near the bar on the right. Emma lagged slightly behind Darby, still tethered by her hand. Darby stopped in front of her, beside her brother.

  Gabe glanced up, not seeing Emma behind Darby, then back down to the bottle in his hands.

  “Hell, Darby. About time you showed. I’m just about dying of thirst. Amy said I couldn’t open this until you got here.” He reached forward and slid the corkscrew into the bottle, twisting until it popped out.

  Belatedly, he seemed to notice all had stilled in the bar. He looked around, his eyes betraying his surprise at Emma’s presence.

  Emma’s face erupted with warmth. Heat rushed in tiny pinpricks all over her body. Even her ears felt hot. Gabe’s eyes seared her skin as she felt his gaze travel down over her chest and waist, then on down to her feet. For a gay man, he sure gave the once-over.

  “There’s an extra for dinner, Dan,” Darby called as the man in question walked toward the table. “Amy, this is Emma. Emma, Amy. Gabe, you know.”

  Emma smiled weakly at Amy, absently noting her soft, blonde curls and brown eyes. At least Amy was smiling at her. Darby pushed Emma into the booth beside Gabe and sat down opposite.

  Gabe scooted over. He moved up against the wall, as far from her as he could without changing seats. Disappointment sat hard in her stomach. The man really didn’t seem to like her much.

  “Dan, I’d like you to meet our newest citizen. Emma, this is my bigger brother,” Darby said.

  Emma held out her hand to shake Dan’s. His grip was firm and warm.

  “A pleasure, Emma.” He sent an accusing glance in Gabe’s direction. “Gabe didn’t mention that you might be coming for dinner.”

  “I didn’t know,” he said, eyeing a deliberately oblivious Darby.

  Emma cleared her dry throat. “If this is a problem, I can leave. I understand. I didn’t mean to intrude on a family thing.”

  “Oh no, you’re not going anywhere,” Amy interjected, smiling and winking at her. “You’re stuck with us. For a few hours at least.” She turned to her husband. “Get us another wine glass, would you, babe?” Amy returned her brown gaze to Emma. “You like wine, right?”

  Emma nodded, overwhelmed by the situation. It wasn’t often that she was so out of her depth, but she felt severely unprepared tonight. It was hard enough moving from everything she knew, let alone facing the entire population of her new town at the local bar.

  “Yes, thank you.” Emma t
ook the offered glass of red wine, taking a large gulp, hoping a fast infusion of alcohol would steady her crazy heartbeat.

  Before dinner, Darby had taken her around the room, introducing her to the more reticent patrons, and they’d stopped at Millie’s table. She’d given Emma the once-over and promptly dismissed her, turning back to her friends and ignoring them after offering a terse “hello”. Some of the other girls had been a little more welcoming, but after a sharp glance from Millie, they’d sat back and avoided her gaze.

  Emma watched contentedly as the dinner plates were cleared from the table. She felt so full she worried that she’d burst. Dan had gotten the cook to put such a big steak on her plate Emma thought she’d gotten half a cow. She sat back in the padded seat and contemplated Millie’s table. Millie had turned to place her back directly at Emma, showing her exactly what she thought of her.

  “Don’t worry about them.”

  Darcy’s gentle command brought Emma’s attention back to the table.

  Amy nodded, agreeing. “Millie’s just sore she’s not the prettiest thing in town anymore. She’s used to having the guys fall all over her, and she doesn’t like it that the attention’s not on her anymore. She’ll get over it.”

  Darby’s laugh made Emma’s lips tilt in response. These women were so nice. They’d made her feel comfortable and fielded the expected questions, comments and introductions from the more welcoming citizens of Jefferson’s Crossing.

  “Yeah, she’s not happy that the boys didn’t make a list about her!” Darby laughed, then swung horrified eyes to Emma. “I mean, ah…”

  Emma frowned and flicked her gaze between the two women opposite her. “What list?”

  Amy shook her head at Darby. “Good one, Darb. She didn’t have to know.”

  Emma sat up straighter, her stomach beginning to twist into knots again, just when she was finally relaxing. “What list? What are you talking about?”

  Darby’s shoulders dropped. She waved a dismissive hand around the room. “Them. The guys. They’ve set up a bet on who they think you’ll agree to date first.” She grabbed hold of Emma’s hand across the table, her eyes earnest. “It’s harmless. They’re just being idiots. If it helps, they all want to be first.”