Texas Stranger (16 page)

“But you are a vir...”

“Yes,” She interrupted him. “But it doesn’t matter, not any more. Please come to me Carl hold me.”

He questioned her again, then he began, slowly rekindling the fire that was burning hot in his veins. He was so much a man she thought as he gently caressed the tender skin of her inner thighs. January trembled almost violently beneath his touch, gasping as his hands, lips and his tongue explored her inch by inch. “Carl,” she cried out, she wasn’t sure weather she wanted to tell him to stop or never stop. But he seemed to sense her feelings and his hands lingered on her hips. But January knew at this moment there would be no turning back. She wanted to give him the same pleasures as he’d given her, but he stopped her holding her hands and rolling her over on her back. The moment of discovery was near. As soon as he entered her, she knew she had just found heaven. The pain and ecstasy all rolled up on one. His breathing matched her as he continued to fill her need. Their hunger for one another was mutual. The world exploded into stardust honoring them both with fulfillment. With him holding her close, she fell into a deep restful sleep.

Chapter 20

J
anuary tried to snuggle closer to Carl when she realized the emptiness in the bed beside her. His clothes were gone, and the sun was shining through the French doors. She missed the warm solid feel of his body beside her. The only thing remaining was the scent of his cologne on her pillow. She laid there recalling their love making. A satisfied smile crossed her lips and getting out of bed she stepped over her night gown laying on the floor. Carl had wanted nothing between them and the gown had been slowly removed. She was aware of the soreness, and after showering she stood in front of the mirror and tried to see if anything had changed. She notices the rosiness in her cheeks.

After deciding on a print top and blue jeans, she headed down stairs. It was still early and there were no sounds of anyone being up. As she rounded the corner to the dinning room. Marie entered the dinning area with a pot of coffee ready to plug into the warmer. Embarrassed, at having Marie catch her and Carl in the family room the night before. January lowered her head.

“Good morning Miss. Manson, what would you like for breakfast?” Marie asked, in her own embarrassing state.

“Coffee, is just fine, thank you, is anyone up?” January asked, meaning Carl.

“Mr. Spencer is on the patio,” She said, returning to the kitchen.

January poured herself a cup of coffee and headed out to the patio to join Kevin.

The patio was decorated with flowers, and chairs. You could see the extending flat green land just over the bushes. The swimming pool to the right was sparkling with blue water.

“It’s lovely out here isn’t it?” January asked Kevin who was staring out to the open range.

“Oh hey January, I didn’t hear you. I was just enjoying the view. It’s going to be a big day. Are you all ready to help give the bride away?”

“Yes, I’m sure she’ll be happy. You know I will hate to return to the city after enjoying this beautiful country side.”

The day went by fast, January was helping Mary and Mrs Richards prepare the last minute changes before the wedding. January still hadn’t seen Carl, but decided he probably was busy himself with helping BJ get ready for the wedding. She decided to rest awhile before everyone was up and about and went up stairs to her room. As she strolled over to the French doors letting the warm breeze blow in from outside. She heard Carl talking to someone on the phone. Then he had been there. She thought. Why hasn’t she saw him?

The question still wondering around in her mind when his words hit her.

“I’ll spend the coming week-end with you Kathy. I can’t be everywhere at once, so don’t get so upset. I told you I’m working on it.” Carl said.

Carl was spending the week-end with Kathy. How could he after last night? He could be so heartless? She clenched her teeth. Realizing the mistake she had made. Her knees felt weak as she slowly moved over to the bed. She had never known a man who could hurt someone like he hurt her and think nothing of it. Although he didn’t tell her he loved her she could feel the love in his kisses, his caresses. He made love to her, knowing she had never known another man. Even though it was her idea. January hit the pillow hard, burying her face in it, she cried.

January wasn’t sure how long she laid there. When Mary tapped on the door.

“Are you ready?” She asked.

“No! What time is it?” January jumped off the bed.

“You have some time, but I’ll need help with my hair,” Mary smiled.

“I’ll hurry Mary.” January promised.

January liked the effect the wine colored floor length gown gave her tan skin an even darker tint. The spring boutique set the dress off. Baby’s breath filtered through her hair as soft curls fell at will. Just the right amount of make-up and blush causing her soft skin to look smoother and natural. Her eyes deeper blue like sapphires shining under the dark lashes.
She looked closer in the mirror, to see if there were any tale tale signs of her crying. But decided the make up seemed to hide it if there were any.

Glancing once more in the mirror she was satisfied with the effect. Mary in a white floor length gown accented with a lace trail that flowed softly behind her. The larger spring bouquet and white roses with streams of white lace and ribbon, her dark hair pulled up in soft curls, and white rose bud behind one ear. The lace veil that flowed down her back was a picture of loveliness. Her flushed face and bright shining eyes showed her happiness.

It was hard to see the look on Carl’s face from where she waited to descend the carpeted walk way. The bridesmaids now in place and the flower girl behind her, she started up the isle.

January could feel his eyes on her as she strolled closer to the alter. Avoiding his eyes, she stepped in position. All eyes now on the bride as Mary slowly made her way up to her husband to be. Mary smiled with pleasure as BJ extended his hand to receive her.

The wedding ceremony began still avoiding Carl’s eyes, January listened while the minister asked for the ring. Her knees were weak, and she was wondering how she was ever going to be able to walk the few feet holding onto his arm. After all she couldn’t even stand to be near him after she heard him promise Kathy a week-end.

It was over. BJ and Mary were married, and both started down the isle. January moved into place beside Carl and he
took her arm in his. She could feel the warmth of his body as he walked slowly toward the door. He cupped her hand tighter.

“It will be over in a minute,” he whispered, under his breath as they were about to reach the door. “You look beautiful,” he smiled at her letting her go.

Mary’s voice of excitement brought her out of her trance. The next few minutes were hectic as everyone filed in to shake hands with the newly weds.

“It was a lovely wedding, and you look radiant, January.” Tonya commented, passing through the line with Phillip.

“Thank you Tonya, I’m glad to see you and you look lovely yourself.” January tried to keep her voice steady.

“When are you and Kathy going to tie the knot?” Phillip asked Carl, shaking his hand.

January’s knees went weak, the color seemed to drain from her face, waiting for the answer that was sure to come.

“Don’t you have to be in love first?” Kevin piped in watching January. “Or am I old fashion?” He looked over at Carl.

“Your right ole boy,” Carl remarked shaking his hand.

“Why you look nice tonight January.” Kathy said as she stepped up in line.

“Thank you.” She heard herself say.

“You look almost grown up with your hair like that.” Kathy committed.

“I find her very much grown up,” Carl interrupt. “She does look lovely,”

The comment in front of Kathy took her by surprise. Still avoiding his eyes January turned to the next person in line.

She could feel his warmth still standing next to her. When the last person came through the door, January quickly stepped away and headed to the bar that had been sat up for the reception. The brandy felt warm as she gulped down the first glass. Refilling her glass once again she closed her eyes after letting the effect of the dark liquid drain slowly down her slender throat. She again reached for the bottle when a large hand covered hers.

“Don’t concern yourself Carl.” January said lifting the bottle and pouring herself another glass. Then backing away from him she started for the French door’s that lead out to the patio. The sun was descending behind the trees as she followed the path toward the pond. The air felt cool on her seemly hot body. The effect of the brandy was making her slightly tipsy. Just one last time enjoying the quite sounds of the country before she headed back to the city. She moved quickly down the walk way to the pond. Some time later she stepped up to the patio. The guest were still enjoying the party.

“January,” Mary yelled, over the music. “I’ll need your help, come on.”

“Wasn’t it just beautiful? Everyone thought so,” Mary said, as she headed up the stairs and to her room.

“Yes, it was, are you going to the ranch house tonight Or are you guys going somewhere else?” January asked.

“To the ranch, I want to change clothes first and put some things in that case,” Mary pointed to a small make-up case at the foot of the bed.

“Like what?” January asked, picking up the case and putting it on the bed.

“Oh, you know, make-up, hair dryer, underwear, things like that. We’ll be coming back here late tomorrow to pick up everything-else. Are you staying here tonight?” Mary asked.

“No, I’m leaving in a few minutes, I need to get into the club first thing in the morning.” January sighed.

“I’ll be back to work in a couple of weeks, that is if you still want me? I do want to keep my job, but if you could cut down on some of my hours, I’d appreciate it.” Mary smiled.

“Sure. What are friends for.” January smiled back. “I maybe leaving sometime in December to spend a couple of weeks up north with my family, so I really need to find someone to help run the club when your not available.” January said, as she closed the lid to the small suit case.

“Maybe Tonya and I could work something out.” Mary smiled.

“Maybe, we’ll talk about it some other time.”

“Yes, later, well I’m ready.” Mary giggled.

“Good luck and lot’s of love Mary.” January hugged her.

“Come on I’m going to throw the bouquet.”

“Oh no not me.” January bellowed.

“Yes you.” Mary grabbed her arm and headed back down the stairs.

Chapter 21

T
he excitement rose to a dull roar as BJ and Mary stepped out onto the porch. The men gathered to one side of the porch and all the girls gathered to the other side. January was standing slightly to the right. Turning their backs BJ flipped the garter and Mary threw the bouquet at the same time.

The bouquet was coming right at her but instead of her catching it, Kathy jumped in front of her. Squalling at the contact. Everyone was yelling as Carl caught the garter. “Well it looks like another Richards wedding in the future.” Someone yelled out of the crowd.

BJ and Mary drove out of the drive, honking the car horn. Everyone was waving and heading back into the house. January took this opportunity to head up the stairs to pack her things.

Tears stung her eyes as she folded each item and put them in the suit case. Changing into a white blouse, and a pair of jeans, she headed down stairs to thank the Richards for the week-end.

She hugged them and promised to keep in touch. They seemed rather disappointed she was leaving so soon. But after she explained the reasons they understood.

She had just put the last suit case in the truck when Carl strolled up to her. She held onto the car for support. Her knees weak, her head spinning. The nearness of him causing her senses to react strangely.

His dark green eyes, now black seemed to be burning a hole right through her.

“Why are you leaving so soon?” He asked, through clinched teeth. The muscle in his jaw twitching.

“I...I need to get back to the city.” She stuttered.

“You were going to leave without so much as a good bye, weren’t you?” He stepped closer, so she couldn’t move from the car. He put his hand on her neck. “I could strangle you,” he warned as his hold tightened his grip. “You make love to me wild passionate love, then I find you kissing Kevin. What do you want January? Who do you think your fooling with?” He tightened his grip.

“Carl I...” But she couldn’t finish. For his lips came down on hers, hard and demanding. His body pushing against her’s hard. His other hand holding her firmly against him. She tried to push him away, but she was no match to this powerful man.

He was picking her up in the next movement. She felt like a small child for he had not problem with her weight. Hitting him and squirming to be set free she realized he was headed for the barn.

“Carl, no,” she pleaded. “You can’t, I’ll scream.” She threatened.

“Go ahead, no one will hear you over the music and laughter.” He grinned. Kicking the door open with his foot, she noticed the barn smelled of horses and hay.