Under Currents (12 page)

“Damn it, Julie. I remember how Caleb’s family was treated. His mother never recovered.”

“Then why care what these people think? I don’t like living in a place where I have to walk on eggshells.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed. “I never took you for a fool, Julie. Before this is over, you’ll be considered trash. Swear to me you won’t have anything else to do with that man.”

She closed her eyes for a moment and thought over what he asked of her. Her entire life, she’d always done everything her father and mother had requested. While other girls went out partying, Julie had stayed home and played rummy or board games with her parents.

“Well, what’s it gonna be?”

Julie finally opened her eyes and stared at her father. Despair showed in his dismal expression, and she hated disappointing him. “I won’t promise you anything.”

Her father sighed. “You’re right. Maybe I’m overreacting. I shouldn’t be butting into your business.”

“I think you got through to Caleb. Other than mow my yard, he’s stayed away.”

When Caleb rode up on the Yamaha, she couldn’t help but turn and watch him. The bike’s loud engine pulsated in rhythm. Without speaking, he rode past them to his backyard.

♦♦♦

Caleb had waited all day to speak with Julie, but with her father visiting, he didn’t acknowledge her with any type of social greeting. As soon as Mr. Webb left, he’d speak with her about Frank.

No sooner than her father had gone, another car pulled in. A woman he didn’t know—a friend perhaps. Finally, the lady left. As he started across his yard, George’s truck pulled up. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. First thing in the morning, he’d go over.

Saturday morning, Caleb woke from a sound sleep. He rolled over and glanced at the clock. “Son of a bitch.”

Hell, he hadn’t slept worth a damn the entire time he’d been back, always waking before dawn. Except today. By the time he dressed and slipped his shoes on, Julie was backing out to leave. If he wanted to speak with her, he’d have to go to Boats and Floats. But her business was too public to say what needed to be said.

Mr. Higgins had recommended him to a man who owned a ranch the next county over. He’d be helping the man worm and tag his cows all day. Not that Caleb knew a damn thing about livestock. But the job paid seventy-five dollars.

The hot tiring day of working with cows crept slower than a day in prison and wasn’t what he’d bargained for. The sun scorched his skin, and the stench of the cows had been overpowering.

After working close to eight hours in the heat and dirt, he realized the seventy-five dollars hadn't been worth it. Now he was filthy, and cow shit clung to his shoes. He smelled worse than an outhouse and felt like the steers had stampeded down his back.

Nevertheless, he stopped by the Burger Barn and picked up a couple of burgers. Seemed like the proper revenge for what those damn cows had put him through.

He rode up his driveway and glanced toward Julie's house. She was still gone. He showered and changed into fresh clothes before reheating his food in the microwave.

After he ate, he glanced out the window. She had finally returned. This was his last chance to speak with her before the dance. He had to say something now or forget it. Wanting an excuse to go over, he grabbed her plate, headed out the door, and walked across her yard.

He tapped on her door and waited.

The May evening was cool and filled with the scent of mimosa and honeysuckle. Crickets and other insects blended in a humming sound, almost deafening.

Julie peeked out before opening the door. It was obvious he’d caught her in the middle of getting ready. She had her makeup done and wore jeans and a low neck fancy shirt, but rollers dangled from her hair.

“Come inside.” She stepped aside letting him enter, then closed the door.

“Is this a bad time?” he asked.

“No—well yes, to be honest. I’m going out.”

“Then I’ll make this brief.” He handed the plate to her. “Thanks for the food. I really enjoyed it.”

“I thought you might like something that didn’t have gills and fins for a change.”

He grinned. “I grab a burger when I can. I’ve been meaning to come over all week.”

They stood in silence for a timeless moment, gazing into one another’s eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms and simply hold her, but he was afraid it wouldn’t stop there. The sensual electricity in the air made breathing difficult. He had to say something fast or he’d end up kissing her.

“Listen, Scott overheard what you said to Frank. Don’t go to the dance with the creep unless you want to. Jules, you don’t have to protect me. In prison I learned how to take care of myself.”

“But this isn’t prison. There you were all convicts, but here you stand alone. Frank will frame you. And no one will believe you. He meant it when he said he could have you sent back to prison. Why didn’t you tell me he’d threatened you?”

“I didn’t want to upset you.”

“Look, I’m meeting him there. I won’t be alone with him.”

Caleb shifted his weight. “What if he demands another date?”

“I won’t go.” She set the plate on the kitchen counter.

Julie's eyes revealed her fear.

God, I don’t want her going.

“Call the bastard and tell him you’re not going.” Caleb blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t give up your soul to save me. I’m not worth it.”

She glared at him. “Don’t say that. You’re a really good person. Ally’s crazy about you. She’s a great judge of character for a five year old.”

He grinned. “I’m wild about Ally. She’s a sweetheart.”

“I won’t leave the dance with Frank.” Before he could reply, she changed the subject. “Scott also told me about what Dad said to you. I’m sorry.”

“Your dad cares about you. He only did what he thought was best. Did Scott mention we talked about why I was in prison?”

“Yes, he mentioned it.”

“Yeah, he was pretty cold to me last weekend. I figured someone told him.” Caleb dug his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching out and pulling her against him. “He’s a good kid.”

Caleb stared at her lips and remembered kissing her, remembered how soft they had felt and how sweet she’d tasted. He had to stop tormenting himself. He forced the thought away.

He stepped back, knowing he had to leave—no,
needed
to leave before she ended up in his arms. It could never happen again, but he was tempted. She smelled sweet like the fragrance of a rose garden on a hot summer night. “I need to get home and watch the extended weather forecast. I have to be in Poplar Bluff Monday morning to meet with my parole officer. I can’t miss it.”

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s supposed to storm late Sunday on into Monday.”

“Figures.”

“You can have Jeremy’s poncho.” A light lit in her eyes. “Better yet, I'll drive you."

"No, I'll just take the poncho."

"I have to go to Poplar Bluff to pick up the surveillance cameras I ordered. Why don’t you ride with me?”

“I’ll take my bike.”

“Well, if you change your mind, I’ll pull out Monday morning around seven.”

“I’d better not.” He shifted his weight to the other foot to prompt himself to leave. “And remember what I said about Frank. No more dates on my behalf.”

“I plan to avoid him like the flu.”

He grinned. “Too bad there’s not a vaccine to keep Frank away.”

“That’d be great.” A curler fell, and she leaned to pick it up.

Caleb caught a glimpse of her cleavage. It brought one of his fantasies to mind and made carrying on a normal conversation difficult. She looked gorgeous.

“Thanks again for the food. Sorry it took me so long to return the plate. I kept trying to catch you home.” Still facing her, he reached one hand behind himself and opened the backdoor. “I’d better go.”

♦♦♦

Julie thought he was about to kiss her. She wanted him to. Desire made his pupils large and dark, and then suddenly it vanished. Apparently, he remembered her father's warning. Before he could leave, someone knocked on her front door. Julie’s heartbeat sped up a notch. “It’s Mom. She’s going to baby-sit. You’d better go.”

“Stay safe, Jules.”

“I will.” She closed the backdoor and hurried through her house to the front to let her mom in. While her mom watched television, she finished getting ready. She took the time to change into a boring blouse with a high neckline.

Once in the car, she started the engine and backed out. Dread trickled through her like a slow leak, one drip at a time. By the time she reached the Faith Community Center, it was eight-thirty.

In the doorway, she scanned the crowded room for Frank. The stout smell of beer and heavy perfumes and colognes insulted her senses. He stood with several of his friends. When his gaze landed on her, she waved and forced a smile. He left his buddies and walked toward her.

“I was beginning to think you changed your mind.”

“The nice weather caused us to be swamped with customers. I had to help restack the tubes. I see Cora talked George into coming.”

“Jimmy and Lily are here too.” He set his cup and her purse on the table before gripping her arm. "Let's dance."

He pulled her to the dance floor, not giving her time to refuse.
Take My Breath Away
played, and that’s what he did by embracing her in a death grip like a python holding its prey. In fact, breathing required effort. She tried to step back but couldn’t. “Frank, you’re squeezing me.”

“I know, baby. I want you to feel what you do to me,” he said, moving slowly to the music. “You could’ve worn something sexier.”

Thank God I didn’t wear the other blouse.

For some erroneous reason, Julie had, had the misconception she’d be safe at the dance. It never occurred to her that he’d be so bold in such a public place.

Let’s see you get yourself out of this one.

He clamped his palm on the back of her head and lowered his lips to hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth. His breath smelled like whiskey and chewing tobacco, making her cringe. When he rose, his molten eyes glowed with lust. He pushed his rock-hard erection against her. “I want you. Tonight. And I won’t take no for an answer.”

End this now.

“That’s exactly the answer you’re getting—
no
.” Julie stomped her heel on his foot, hoping he’d loosen the embrace. “Sorry. Lost my balance.”

But instead, he tightened his grip.

A small tremor of fright swelled in Julie. Truth was Frank scared the hell out of her. But so long as she stayed at the dance, he couldn’t just outright rape her. Luckily, three fast songs played after the slow number.

Once again the band played another slow number she’d never heard. She only hoped it was a short song. Like before, Frank embraced her so tightly she could barely breathe, and when he nibbled her ear lobe, she tried to pull away. Heaven help her, his breath was horrid. Did the man ever floss? As he pushed against her, her heart accelerated from fear not passion.

George cut in, and Julie eagerly moved into his arms as Frank stepped back.

Thank goodness for brothers.

“I’ll get us some drinks,” Frank grumbled.

“No, I’ll get my own,” she said, but he’d already left. She continued to move to the music, keeping her arm on her brother’s shoulder.”I’m going to leave, and I want you to walk me to my car.”

“Why?”

“Frank’s being too aggressive, if you know what I mean.”

“Julie, you’re a grown woman. No one’s looking. Make that man happy. Hell, you’ve put him off long enough.”

“I can’t believe you said that! I don’t sleep around.”

I would with Caleb.

She pushed the thought away.

“Then marry Frank. It’d sure make Mom happy.”

Is my entire family in cahoots?

“It wouldn’t make me happy.” When the music stopped, she found Frank and Cora waiting over to the side of the dance floor. Frank held two beers.

“I don’t drink beer,” Julie said.

Frank grinned. “It’s not for you.” Then handed her brother the transparent cup. “Cora has yours.”

“Tequila Sunrise,” Cora said as she offered the glass to Julie before sipping on her own.

“Thank you,” Julie said and took the glass from her. There was no way she’d accept a drink from Frank. She didn’t put it past him to spike it. If he had handed her a drink, no doubt she would’ve dumped it out first chance.

Julie and Frank sat for a while at a table with George, Cora, Jimmy, and Lily before dancing again. Jimmy and Frank made the trek to the bar and brought back more drinks. Jimmy offered her a glass. She was sure the hell grateful it hadn’t been Frank. After reminding herself she hadn’t eaten and had driven her car, she sipped the drink, making it last.

While they danced slowly to Willie Nelson’s
You Were Always on My Mind
, Frank whispered in her ear, “I have us a room at the Motor Court. I asked your mother, and she agreed to stay the night. Of course, I promised her you’d come back engaged.”

This is starting to freak me out.

“You didn’t?”

“I most certainly did, sweetheart.” As the song wound down, he grasped her hand in a tight grip and pulled her toward the table. “And don’t sweat it, I picked up a pack of condoms earlier. We’re not ready for any little Frank Juniors running around.”

That’s a creepy thought.

The very thought of having a child with Frank made her ill.

“Well, you should’ve consulted me. I have no intention of going to a motel with you. I have to be home by ten-thirty. I’m opening tomorrow.”

“Call and ask Dana to open. I plan to pleasure you all night.”

Julie had to think smart. “Remember, I’m in my car.”

He’d obviously forgotten that fact. His face strained in thought. “Leave it here. No one will bother it.”

“Did you hear what I said? I’m
not
going.”

Julie wished her brothers and their wives would return from the dance floor, but they’d probably encourage her to go with Frank. Julie had no intention of following the man to the Motor Court Inn, but she doubted Frank would leave it at that.