Cheyenne (22 page)

I inspected the clothes as I put them away. They had done a good job, and I was quite impressed, but really I shouldn’t have been surprised. Colt had great taste. They were even thoughtful enough to purchase some personal items like bras and panties, which should have embarrassed me, but somehow didn’t. Maybe because I knew they’d done it out of necessity rather than anything else. I was very grateful because when I originally packed, it was only for a week or two—not months. Plus I’d managed to destroy a number of items and even with the clothes Colt had picked up from the house, I was constantly running short. I glanced at the clock; I’d only managed to waste a half an hour. I still had a couple of hours to kill before we would leave.

I headed back to the front porch to see what they were up to. They’d disappeared.

I wandered to the corral and found them. I climbed up on the rail and sat. Daniel was working on a water trough in one of the corners. Callon was in the field near the far side repairing some fence rails while Colt was stacking hay bails and feed with his shirt off.

I blinked.

I had seen him shirtless before, but not since he made his confession that he loved me. I drank in the sight of him. I knew he was large and very muscular, but with the sun glistening off his golden skin…my heart beat just a little faster.

He moved effortlessly as he swung two bails at a time—most humans could only handle one. I couldn’t help but watch each muscle flex, trace every defined curve. I stared for a long time.

Without warning, Colt turned his head and flashed a stunning smile. Blood rushed to my cheeks. I was caught, and all I could do was bury my cheeks between my shrugged shoulders.

It was safer to watch the horses; they weren’t as distracting. Mandi was a bit of a pistol. She was pestering Sam by nudging her head into his side, wanting to play. She continued until he showed his teeth. Another tactic she tried was to paw the ground with her hooves until he would shift his weight to move away. As a last resort she tried to bite his hind legs; he had enough and lunged at her. She eventually got bored and moved on to the others.

I glanced around for Callon. He was still repairing the fencing. He looked up and managed a smile. We really were getting along much better now; I was actually growing fond of him. He’d been helpful with researching the journal. I was beginning to see a different side to him. I felt like he’d had a softening of sorts towards me. He wasn’t as cold, and when he smiled, I actually got the impression he really meant it. Even today’s comments and actions were kind. I had been working very hard on not thinking about him in any other way than a friend since his sudden turnaround. It wasn’t easy, but I was intent not to hurt Colt.

Being around the trio twenty-four seven had started to wear me down. I was opening my heart, something I hadn’t done in a long time. Inside, I knew buying me gifts and celebrating my birthday was just another tactic to win me over, and it was working.

Because I knew they meant it.

As I sat, I realized just how content I’d come to be around them. They’d somehow started to plug the gap in my heart where I’d lost my parents. There was still a lot we had to work through, and I knew that gap would never fully close, but right now I felt I had somewhere to belong. They accepted me for who I was, not what I was. I still didn’t understand the latter, but that would come in time. I was sure of it.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Daniel sneak up behind me until he grabbed my waist. I screamed, and he bellowed in laughter. Callon and Colt both turned, ready to run, until they realized it was just Daniel playing another trick on me.

“
Daniel!” I scolded with a scowl. “Quit scaring me!”

He still had a hold of my waist as he pulled me down from the fence and placed a brotherly kiss on my cheek.

“
But you’re so fun to tease. You were sitting there perfectly. I couldn’t pass it up.” He had that twinkle in his eye, and I couldn’t be mad at him.

I wrinkled my nose, pushing him away and walked back inside to get ready. I changed into the new outfit they had purchased. It fit perfectly. The earrings, necklace, and bracelet were wonderful additions. I grabbed my black wedges; grateful I had actually thought to bring them and headed for the bathroom.

My hair looked fairly decent so I opted to leave it down. I ran my fingers through it to dislodge some tangles. I added a little make-up and perfume before I headed for the great room. My mind began to wander. Would Callon think I looked pretty? I shook my head, to dislodge the thought—crazy girl.

All three were waiting. I glanced at my watch, and it was five till five. I was early and they were still waiting on me…great. Colt was holding my denim jacket. I got the impression we would be out later tonight. I was thrilled.

“
Do I meet your approval?” I gave a faint grin.

Colt took hold of my hand and placed a soft peck on my cheek. “You always meet my approval, sweetheart.”

“
Ready?” Callon said.

“
Wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” I replied, which made them all laugh.

Colt kept a hold of my hand as we walked to the truck. I slid to the middle while he tossed my jacket on the back seat next to Daniel. He leaned over and proceeded to buckle me in. I drummed my fingers against my arm. After he was done, he moved his hand behind my back and pulled me a tad closer. His fingers remained locked on my waist.

“
Is there a reason why I can’t buckle myself in?” I arched a brow.

He replied with a sly smile, “I’m just trying to make sure you’re safe. I wouldn’t want you to try and jump out or something. Think of it as a little extra insurance.”

I rolled my eyes.

“
Like I’m going to be able to jump out of a moving car,” I replied sarcastically.

He chuckled lightly, “You never know. You did escape once—briefly I might add.”

This time I chuckled. He squeezed my waist, and I glanced down at my hands resting on my lap. I twisted my fingers so I could see the blue stone, the Kvech ring. It was truly stunning.

Just as stunning was its mystery, and what it represented about me. Why me? Why was I so special? I hadn’t done anything much except live through misery and death. Any joy I had experienced caused others heartache.

I ran my thumb over the Servak ring.

I was one year closer to becoming Timeless…

Chapter 14

Soft music was playing in the background of the truck as we drove into town. It was soothing, as my emotions were running rampant through my head. I’d done well keeping a distance from both Colt and Callon, but Colt’s nearness was causing me to rethink my decisions.

I leaned into his shoulder, enjoying the warmth his arm around me brought, and stared out the window. The summer landscape was passing by…faster than normal. I glanced at the speedometer—we were going over a hundred and ten miles per hour!

I tensed, and Callon looked over at me. He smiled, but all it did was make me more edgy.
Daniel began laughing in the back seat, and I turned to Colt.

Something flickered across his face. What
was
that thing they kept doing?!

“
What’s so funny?” I huffed.

“
You,” Colt replied.

“
What did I do?”

A devilish grin spread across his lips.

“
Just you being you, Cheyenne.” He lightly tapped his finger on my nose. I still caught him ever so slyly cast a glance towards Callon. They were up to something, I was sure of it. What it was I didn’t know, but I would figure it out soon.

I sighed and let it go for now. It was my birthday and three very handsome men were taking me out to dinner. What girl wouldn’t have wanted this? It was in my best interests at the moment not to look at the speedometer as my protest would have fallen on deaf ears, Colt squeezed my hip, and I snuggled into his shoulder.

Cline’s Bar and Grill was bigger than they told me. It was a Friday night, and the place was packed. We parked on the street across from the restaurant; I wondered if it was deliberate because Callon parked on the corner facing the direction from which we had just come. I assumed it was a precaution for a quick escape if needed. They’d constantly said I needed protecting, but I still hadn’t seen any dangers yet.

Colt exited the truck and gently lifted me down. Callon seemed to be cautiously examining our surroundings, and Daniel had disappeared. Colt, however, was completely at ease. He swallowed up my hand in his as we strolled to the entrance. Callon’s fingers accidently touched my elbow, and caused me to shiver.
It was accidental, right?

The bar was nestled in the historic district of Helena. There was outside dining, and it was buzzing with music as diners enjoyed themselves. The interior was surprisingly larger than what it appeared.
The room was encircled with tall tables and booths, forming a ring around the bar and dance floor.

We moved right past the hostess to a table. Daniel was already seated in the far corner, away from the dance floor. I gave a quick glance at Colt, whose eyes shot to Callon before he grinned. I narrowed my eyes, trying to understand what they were doing. I would get an answer later tonight; it had gone on long enough. It seemed to be a game with them, to see who could surprise me the most with their strange abilities.

The atmosphere was pleasant, not too dark, and the music level was perfect. The waitress arrived and took our order. She definitely had eyes for Callon; it made me want to giggle at the way she ogled him, but I had to admit I was no different the first time I saw him. He was looking very good tonight, his shirt snug across his brawny chest.

I sighed.

Colt kept his arm resting on the back of the booth, occasionally touching my hair with his fingers. Callon would lean in from time to time to speak to me; it made me feel special and awkward at the same time. The waitress returned, and we ordered. I was amazed at the amount of food they could consume when they did eat. We had appetizers, plus they each had their own monster-sized steak, not to mention the drink consumption.

Daniel and Colt didn’t let up on their teasing.

“
You know, Cheyenne.” Daniel’s eyes sparkled and somehow I knew he was about to zing me good. “Maybe Sam knew you were the Jeep-a-nator and didn’t want to be turned into pulp.” A devilish grin appeared. “That’s why he ran.”

“
Jeep-a-nator?” I cringed. Great, he’d come up with a new nickname. Now they’d lever let me live it down.

“
Jeep-a-nator?” Colt bellowed with laughter. “That’s a good one, Daniel.” He slapped him on the back. My cheeks burned, and I turned away.

The time flew by, and the crowd was growing, as was the music. I noticed the stares directed to our table. It wasn’t just from the females either. It made me feel just a little uncomfortable. Colt’s fingers came to rest on my neck, his thumb caressing it as we continued to converse. It sent goose bumps down my spine, the good kind.

After my third iced tea, I needed to use the bathroom. Callon moved to allow me out and was about to follow until I stopped him.

“
No.” I put my hand up. “I’m just going to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

He hesitated.

“
Really, it won’t be that long. I think I’ll be safe.” I smiled. “I don’t think I’ll get assaulted along the way.”

He gave a shallow smile and leaned in to reply since the music was louder. “I’ll come look for you if you take too long,” he said in my ear. His warm breath drifted down my neck, and he drew back smiling. I gave a faint, nervous nod and walked off.

I had to walk around the now crowded dance floor to get to the bathroom. I was only mildly surprised to see the long line for the ladies room. As I waited, I was aware of three men nearby in the dark, narrow hall trying to capture the attention of those standing in line. They were intent on having a good time and didn’t seem likely to give up until they did.

I kept my gaze averted as I waited patiently, wishing Callon had come with me after all. I stepped forward only to be stopped in my tracks. I looked up. A fairly decently built, dark-haired man stood with his arm leaning against the wall directly in front of me. His two friends stood behind with drunken smiles plastered across their faces. His bicep flexed, and his tight shirt strained.

“
Excuse me,” I asked politely. He didn’t move. His brown eyes were now intently studying me. I didn't like his stare. It was as if he knew me…and I was sure I'd never seen him in my life before. His white teeth crept out from under a crooked smile.

“
Well, hello there, darling.” The way he said it made my skin crawl, and I was becoming annoyed. I quickly glanced at his friends. They were off to the side, and I darted under his arm to make my escape. His response time was faster than I thought; he had looked like he had had one too many drinks. His fingers latched on my arm, and I turned slightly as I yanked it back. I did not want to engage in a conversation with them, let alone anything else. The bathroom door opened, and I slid in.

“
Oh, she’s a feisty one. I like ’em feisty,” I heard him say.