The Fifth Season (21 page)

“It reminded me of you.”

She turned and threw her arms around his neck, knocking him back onto the blanket. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

He captured her kiss and held her tight, the feel of his heart beating wildly against her chest. “When did you say dinner starts?”

“Nine.” Emma slipped her shirt off, straddled his hips and slowly unbuttoned Stone’s top. Fire light flickered, casting dancing shadows upon his chest.

“Plenty of time.” Stone inhaled sharply as she bent and rolled her tongue around his nipple.

He unbuttoned her jeans, easing the zipper down and running his hands across her hips. Smiling into his eyes, she settled her lips against his and whispered into his mouth. “I love you.”

She felt Stone’s lips curve upward. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

“I see many more years of sneaking out to this cabin,” Emma continued, nibbling at the corner of his mouth.

“That, I promise.” Stone answered tugging her jeans the rest of the way down. She helped him discard his clothes and before a lucid thought crossed her mind, his passion painted all the words he didn’t speak out loud.

***

Stone clasped her hand beneath the cherry red linen tablecloth. Her stomach stuffed, her heart full.

“The resort on St. Thomas was a hoot,” Tilly said. She’d been regaling Rex with tales of her vacation adventures for the better part of the meal.

“Tell me more about the hot tub,” Rex encouraged, leaning forward in interest.

Hiding a grin, Emma figured that Rex’s Christmas present would be unwrapping Tilly.

This new-and-improved-attitude River Run’s chef adopted still bothered her. Tilly never did anything without expecting a huge return. It didn’t make sense. However, in the Christmas spirit, she refused to analyze it too deeply.

“I’ve got to write down that resort,” Rex said. “Emma do you have any paper?”

At the mention of her name, she refocused on the conversation. “Huh? Paper? Yes, of course I do. I’ll be right back.” Kissing Stone on the forehead, she scooted behind him and decided to grab a pad and pen from his suite. It was closer than the kitchen.

She shut the door, closing off Tilly’s squeals of laughter. Okay, the woman was becoming annoying. Flicking on the light switch, she headed for the desk. The drawer wouldn’t open. It must have swelled with all the humidity caused by the water from downstairs. Tugging on the knob, it finally slid out and she stumbled back, spilling the contents on the floor.

Emma tucked a pad of paper and pen to the side and began restacking the drawer. She picked up a pile of papers and placed them on the bottom before adding smaller stuff on top. As she rested the calculator on the ivory pages a name caught her attention. Peering closer, she confirmed it was the title of her attorney’s office.

Curious, she pulled the papers back out to look at them more closely.

Dear Mr. Connor,

It is with great pleasure that I enclose a fully executed Contract of Sale for River Run. The closing is scheduled for August 15th, which more than adequately falls within the terms of your Aunt’s Last Will and Testament
…

The rest of the letter blurred. Emma’s heart stopped beating and her hands shook as she set it aside to peer at the contract. Glancing at the front page, a sum of seven million dollars burned her eyes with the devil’s own fury.

“Emma?” Stone called from the dining room. She could hear his chair scrape against the floor and with numb hands, she hastily shoved the documents in the drawer, piled all the other stuff on top and shoved it back into place.

“Hey,” Stone opened the bedroom door. “What’s taking so long?”

“Nothing,” she said, praying her voice sounded normal. “I just needed to use the bathroom first. Here’s the pad and pen Rex wanted.” She handed everything to Stone and turned to head into his bathroom.

“I thought you said you already did that?”

“Oh,” she paused and clenched her hands together to stop their trembling. “I forgot to wash my hands.”

Frowning, he shrugged. “Okay, but make it snappy. I miss you.” He shut the door, and she heard Rex yell some kind of lewd comment at him which he laughed at and then all sound faded to a harsh buzz as Emma’s world slowly shattered.

Chapter Fourteen

Stone eyed the massive peaks of the Grand Tetons. Ever since Christmas, it felt as if Emma had built a wall around her heart rivaling the majestic rocky mountain. She slept in his bed, loved his body, but her heart remained distant.

The pendant he’d given her lay nestled within its box. Its legacy never recognized. When he’d visited one of the local Jackson Hole artists and explained the dynamics of his idea, the craftsman accepted the challenge with excitement. For Stone, the eagle represented Emma’s freedom. He’d hoped she would witness within the graceful bird her own beauty and perfection.

He wanted her to fly. He prayed she’d no longer fear. Instead, the piece of jewelry remained captive, denied the light and life her warmth would create.

He needed to do more.

Furrowing his brow and digging deep inside, he knew he’d find the answer. She deserved more from him, more than his rescue of her father, more than River Run.

A thought crossed his mind, and he shuddered at the task it demanded.

“Stone?” He turned at the sound of Rex’s voice. The sun faded against the snowy backdrop, dropping the living room into a dusky rose and quickly chilling the air.

“Yeah?”

“I thought you might want to know that your unit will arrive on Monday.”

He nodded. “I’ve cleared enough space downstairs for them.”

“Are we doing anything tomorrow for New Year’s Eve?”

Stone shrugged then walked to the fireplace in disgust. Stacking logs on top of kindling, he flicked a match and watched as it burst into flame. “I haven’t asked Emma. She’s been too busy canceling next year’s reservations.”

“How long is River Run out of commission?” Rex came to stand next to him. Stone poked at the fire.

“I think she’s cancelled everything up until May.”

“Is that why she seems depressed?”

Stone glared at his friend. “Don’t you need to be back in Washington?”

Rex laughed and shook his head. “I’m here until your men arrive.”

“Great.” Stone stepped back from the fire, absently wondering where Emma might be.

“You gonna make a life here?” Rex said.

He thought carefully before answering. “I thought I might, but I’m not so sure now.”

“Why?”

“Too much pain. The past, my father…” he paused, running his hands through his hair. “It’s too much.”

“What’s too much?” Emma said from the kitchen. He glanced up and smiled. Her hair was windblown, and her cheeks red from being outside. She slipped out of her barn coat and rubbed her hands together.

“This weather,” Stone replied. “Does it ever stop snowing?”

“Yeah, in July.” She smiled but backed away when he approached. “Chili all right for dinner?”

“Fine.” Stone hated her retreat, both physical and emotional. He decided it was another reason to avoid that head long dive into permanent commitment. He was thankful he’d never told her how he felt. If she couldn’t accept a simple pendant, she’d never agree to wear his ring.

“Emma?” Rex walked over, interrupting Stone’s thoughts.

“Chili not good with you, Rex?”

“Oh no, it’s fine. But I’m afraid I’ve something to tell you, and you’re probably not going to like it.”

Stone panicked. He attempted to catch Rex’s eye and prevent him from speaking, but the man ignored him.

“What?” Emma scooted up on a barstool and waited patiently.

Stone closed his eyes. He didn’t want to witness the hurt that he knew would hit her eyes the second Rex opened his mouth.

“I’m having a Ranger unit flown in on Monday. They’ll be staying in the basement and training with Stone.”

“I see,” she said softly. Stone turned and left the kitchen. He couldn’t face her, didn’t want to know what she might think. Wasn’t it obvious she couldn’t love him? And now, seeing this side of his life, she’d never relinquish control of her heart…no matter how hard he tried.

Stone convinced himself it was for the best. It’d never work. At some point she’d want him to make peace with his father. Never, he swore silently. That would never happen.

***

Emma moved around the kitchen. A chuck roast steamed on the stove, waiting to be chopped and added to the chili. The aroma of the garlic-seasoned meat drifted in the air. It’d been a shock to learn that Stone reenlisted in the military, but it told her many things.

He needed to sell River Run.

He was leaving.

Tears wanted to flow, but she bit them back. No more crying. She sickened herself with her weakness. Emma O’Malley needed to take control of her life. If it meant living without the man she loved, then that’s what it meant. Stone had given her a gift, and she planned on using it.

Pausing, she glanced out the kitchen window. It seemed impossible. The mere thought of walking beyond the gates of River Run with an identity brought nervous flutters to her stomach.

She’d do it, though.

She sliced the onion, chopping frantically. Straightening her back, Emma vowed to herself that it was her time…her chance at a life. A real life. No running, no hiding, no fear.

***

She’d slipped back into her own rooms. The men arrived last night, and Stone didn’t even notice her absence. Morning sun poured through her window, filling her with courage and a hope she barely felt. Emma smiled when she saw the nose of Seth’s truck pull through the gates. She finished gathering everything needed and rushed out of the house.

Masculine voices resonated from the basement. Shouts and drills echoed against the sheetrock with an eery chant. Ignoring the shiver up her spine as Stone barked his commands, Emma escaped into the chill embrace of the outside.

“Ready?” Alexa said, rolling down her window.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Climbing into the truck, she clasped her bag to her chest. The sudden confining space sucked all her courage. “I don’t think I can do this.” Reaching for the handle of the truck, she halted when Alexa grabbed her arm.

“Yes you can. You’ve been driving for years around the ranch, this is no different.”

“Are you sure?” The thought of having a license frightened and thrilled her at the same time.

“Positive. And after the test, we’re going to celebrate.” Alexa paused and made sure Emma was looking at her. “Connor style.”

A bubble of laughter reached her lips, and she allowed it to spill over and calm her fried nerves. Margaret always used that term whenever they went on a shopping spree. Yes, she needed to do that. She wanted to celebrate.

They drove into town, chattering about local gossip and the stores they intended on visiting. Entering the motor vehicle department, Emma hesitated. A quick shove from Alexa sent her stumbling forward and laying all the required documents out for the clerk.

In a whirlwind of computer technology, she’d completed the written exam in less than thirty minutes.

After another hour long wait, Emma faced down a stern, don’t-mess-with-me driving instructor. Although her nerves jumped each time he demanded an action, she bit her lip and maneuvered appropriately.

Standing once more in line, she pressed her thumb to the finger print pad, smiled for the camera, and walked away clasping a still warm little plastic card in her hand.

“You did it,” Alexa said.

“Wow.” Emma slumped onto a wooden bench outside motor vehicles and stared at her driver’s license. She looked up at Alexa and grinned. “I want to go to the bank next and open a checking account. Give me your cell phone.” Alexa handed her the tiny silver phone. Emma dialed a number that connected with the investment firm handling her inheritance. They confirmed that a wire transfer of funds could take place immediately. “Let’s go. I think the art of celebrating in the Connor fashion is about to take an entirely new twist.”

Alexa grinned. “What’re we waiting for? Let’s go!”

***

Emma ran her hand across the hood of her brand new jet-black Ford F250.

“I can’t believe you bought a truck,” Alexa said in disgust.

“It’s practical, not to mention beautiful. And listen to the purr of that Triton V8 engine.”

“You should’ve bought the convertible.”

Emma gaped at Alexa. “Like that would get me to the grocery store in winter.”

“Woooooweeeeee, look at this pretty baby.” Emma spun around and smiled as one of the young Rangers came loping down the front stoop. She didn’t know his name. Stone hadn’t introduced her to any of the squad.

“Hello, I’m Emma O’Malley.”

“Yes ma’am, I know. I’ll probably be giving Colonel Connor a hundred push-ups for speakin’ to ya, but I’ve just gotta look at this truck. She’s a beaut.”

Emma nodded enthusiastically. Colonel? She thought Stone’s rank was Captain. Shaking away her thoughts, she concentrated on the young soldier. “Want to check out the engine?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Running around to the driver’s side, she popped the hood. Alexa stood in the background shaking her head. Emma just tossed her a grin and ignored her irritation. Nate taught her years ago all about working on trucks, and she could swap out brake pads, change the oil, and perform tune-ups with the best of Jackson Hole’s mechanics. It’d been their time together when she was growing up.

To own a truck…well, her heart skipped a beat. It was a dream come true. One more step to independence. She’d never considered this day, not until Stone handed over the packet of identification.

“Tucker.”

Emma cringed at the tone of Stone’s voice and turned slowly to stare into the face of a stranger.

“Yes, sir.” The young soldier snapped to attention.

“Return to your quarters.”

“Yes, sir.” He saluted, nodded at Emma, and jogged past the man on the front porch.

“Um, I’m going to go,” Alexa said and Emma barely acknowledged her leaving. She was focused entirely on the man approaching her.