For the first time in as long as he could remember, Randy woke up without the annoying alarm on his phone. Stretching slightly, he rubbed at his eyes. He expected the tingle in his muscles that meant he'd worked harder than he should have. But all he felt was contentment. Frowning, Randy opened his eyes. His steel gray gaze moved around the room, taking in the plaster walls and heavy furniture. His gaze moved to the window. Dappled sunlight danced across the floor making the cypress gleam. He watched the patterns shift endlessly. Something was different. It was more than the absolute quiet; more than the fact he wasn't ready to get out of bed. Brows drawn low, Randy realized the difference. He'd actually slept like the dead. It was an odd feeling. Usually he fell into an exhausted slumber. But last night had been different. He'd slept deeply and felt more rested than he had in a long time. Mentally shrugging the thought aside, he forced himself to get out of bed. Padding barefoot across the room, he pulled open his duffel and grabbed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt without looking. Leaving the room he crossed the hall to the bathroom.
Bailey smiled as she pulled a tray of biscuits from the oven. She placed them on top of the stove and retrieved the second tray. As she closed the door she glanced across the kitchen. The twins were waiting rather impatiently for her to serve breakfast. Belle watched her with wide blue eyes. Trey marched a toy solider across the shiny oak table. She studied them for a long moment, just enjoying their smiles. Never had she imagined she'd love the little rascals so much.
"Who's hungry?" Bailey asked as she picked up a saucer.
The twins eagerly started chattering, each wanting to be the first one served. Bailey laughed as Trey wiggled from his chair and darted across the kitchen. He looked up Bailey with those irresistible eyes and gave a crooked smile so much like his fathers. Bailey picked up a fluffy biscuit and plopped it on the plate.
"Who loves you" Bailey asked as she held Trey's plate just out of reach.
The little boy giggled as he looked up at her. God, he was already turning a lady's man. At four years old he was a total flirt. "Nanny does."
Bailey ruffled his hair as she handed him the saucer. "That's right."
Seeing that her brother was getting more of Bailey's attention, Belle climbed down from the chair and came to stand beside her brother. Without a word she looked up. Bailey quickly placed a biscuit on a saucer. Crouching down she looked Belle in the eyes. It was astonishing how different the twins were. Trey was a ball of fire and little Belle was sometimes much too serious for her age. Her ocean blue eyes held intelligence far beyond her few years. Ruffling her hair slightly, Bailey gave her a smile.
"Who's Nanny's girl?"
Belle giggled as she squeezed her arms tightly to her chest. She bounced a little as she answered, "Me!"
"Can I have a kiss?" Bailey asked.
Belle gave a soft giggle before wrapping her arms around her neck and squeezing. Bailey breathed in the soft, sweet scent of childhood. A wave of happiness washed over her as Belle placed a smacking kiss on her cheek.
"How much do I love you?" Bailey asked as Belle finally released her.
Belle giggled softly, "To the stars and back."
Bailey gave her an Eskimo kiss and stood. Leading Belle back to the table, she set her breakfast down.
Just as she turned to help Belle climb into the chair, she tucked herself out of reach.
"Come on, your breakfast is getting cold." Bailey admonished softly as she tried to pry Belle's hands from her hem of her shirt.
Belle shook her head as she looked at the doorway. Bailey sucked in a sharp breath as she realized what had caused Belle's sudden shyness. Randy was framed in the doorway as he watched them. There was something in his gaze that was unreadable. A shiver passed over her as she looked him over. He was wearing a pale blue T-shirt that made his eyes even more startling. Even just out of bed the man was gorgeous. It was hard to look away. Mentally kicking herself, Bailey forced her gaze away.
"Breakfast is ready." Bailey murmured as she finally managed to pry Belle's hands away. Placing a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder, she guided her to the chair.
"Just coffee." Randy said as he crossed the kitchen.
He picked a coffee cup and filled it without comment. Leaning a hip against the counter, Randy watched as Bailey settled the kids. An odd feeling moved through him. It wasn't something he could really name. It was a foreign sensation that started in his chest. Shaking his head slowly, he tried not to focus on it. But the more he concentrated on it, the more obscure it became. Ignoring the feeling, Randy concentrated on taking a sip of coffee. His gaze moved across the kitchen to Bailey. She was sitting in the chair beside Belle carefully picking apart a biscuit and handing her bite sized pieces. The little girl took each piece carefully and chewed slowly. She never looked away from Randy.
"So, uh, what's the plan for today?" Randy asked.
Bailey glanced up as she gave Belle the last piece. Wiping the crumbs from her hands, she glanced at Randy.
"I'm sure Daddy has a list of things we'll have to get done." As she stood she picked up both saucers.
Randy arched a brow as his gaze moved from Bailey to the window behind her. It was barely 8 o'clock in the morning and the temperature was high. Biting back a sigh, Randy shook his head. The last thing he wanted to do was spend another day toiling under a semi-tropical sun. But that wasn't an option. For the time that he was here, he was going to give 110%. Bailey was depending on him to have some kind of breakthrough. And heaven help him if he didn't meet her halfway. Draining the last of his coffee, he set the cup in the sink. He wiped his palms down the front of his jeans and pushed away from the counter.
"Where do you want me to start?" Randy asked.
Bailey shook her head as she motioned toward the back door. "Daddy's out in the barn, check with him."
Without a word, Randy nodded. He gave Bailey a long glance before moving to the back door.
Bailey didn't realize she was holding her breath until the backdoor closed. Sucking in a sharp breath, she leaned against the sink. She watched through the window as Randy crossed the yard and disappeared into the shadows of the barn. Unable to pull herself away, Bailey watched until he was gone from sight. How long she stood there, she didn't know. It wasn't until she felt Belle patting her hand that she realized she'd been staring at nothing.
Scooping Belle into her arms, she looked down at the little girl. Belle's face was full of curiosity she couldn't express. Bailey hugged her close, taking comfort from her study little body. Belle returned the embrace then pulled away slightly.
"Don't be sad, Nan." Belle whispered.
Blinking slowly, Bailey looked down at her. All she could do was hug her again. What could she say? Belle's instincts were amazing. She always knew when something wasn't right in her little world.
"I'll be okay." Bailey forced a smile as she lowered Belle to the floor. "What do you say about helping make lemonade?"
Belle sighed as she looked from the back door to Bailey and back again. Damn, maybe Belle really was too smart for her own good.
Randy groaned and rolled his shoulders to ease the ache that had settled there. Sweat dripped into his eyes, momentarily blinding him. Shit, it had to be well over a hundred degrees. With the bright sun directly overhead, there was little shade. Blinking to clear his vision, Randy sat back on his haunches and studied his handiwork. He'd been working on repairing the cypress siding on the barn. He had a ten foot section left to finish. Not bad for a one man army. He set the hammer aside and wiped a palm over his face. His gaze moved across the dusty yard to where Beau was working on the barn doors. He was nearly finished replacing the hardware. Before lunch they would be able to rehang it. A flash of pride came over Randy as he looked around.
Maybe this was what Bailey was trying to get him to understand. There was something to be said for manual labor. His only focus had been the task at hand. He wasn't worried about schedules or appearances. He wasn't busting his ass to make it to the next city on time. A soft laugh rumbled from Randy as he thought about time. For the first time in as long as he could remember, time didn't matter. He had nowhere else to be. All that existed was the earth under his knees and a sense of purpose. It was a feeling he most unfamiliar with. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling; it was one that he hadn't experienced before. A flash of panic flared as he realized that it was most likely a feeling he could get used to. The weight of that idea hung around him like a cloud.
A slender shadow fell over him, pulling him from his thoughts. Glancing up, he saw Bailey standing slightly off to his right.
"I brought you some lemonade." Bailey said as she held the glass out to him.
His fingers brushed over hers as he took the glass. A shiver raced down his spine. He frowned as he pulled away. "Thanks."
It was impossible for Bailey to look away from Randy. His coppery skin was slick with perspiration. She tried not to watch as a bead of sweat rolled down the center of his back. Her mouth went dry as the bead disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans. Her palms itched with the desire to touch his glistening skin, to wipe away the evidence of his labor. Cheeks burning scarlet, Bailey finally looked away.
Get yourself together, girl. Bailey scolded herself.
Randy silently studied Bailey. She shifted her weight from foot to foot as if nervous. Her small hands were balled into fists at her side. And for the life of her, she wouldn't look at him. Curiosity moved through him as he looked her over from head to toe. Her glossy blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail. She wore no makeup. She looked like the fresh faced girl she was. She looked as natural as the land surrounding them. She looked as if she belonged.
"You been busy?" Randy asked as he pressed the glass between this large palms. The icy coolness sank into his skin, making him feel slightly better.
It took Bailey a moment to respond. She merely nodded in answer.
An awkward silence settled between them. Shaking his head, Randy lifted the glass to his lips. As the cold liquid touched his tongue, he realized Bailey was looking at him. Something flashed in her eyes as she watched him drain the glass. Just as quickly it was gone. Instantly, Randy dismissed it as a trick of the sun. He held the now empty glass out to her. She hesitated a moment before taking it. He couldn't take his eyes away as she absently traced a drop of condensation from the side.
"Lunch will be ready in a little while." Bailey didn't recognize the voice as her own. It was much too low and husky to be hers.
Unable to look away, Randy nodded. There was something different about her, something he couldn't put his finger on. Just as he was about to ask if she was alright, the screen door slammed shut. The sound of heavy footsteps drew his attention. A frown pulled his features tight as he watched Matt stride across the yard. He came to stand beside Bailey. Giving Randy a dismissing glance, he turned to his sister.
"The damn oven timer won't turn off."
Bailey rolled her eyes as she laughed softly. Apparently Matt hadn't figured out how to use the new stove yet.
"I'm coming." Bailey glanced at Randy. "Why don't you come in and get washed up for lunch?"
Randy pulled himself to his feet. For the first time he really noticed how petite Bailey was. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. Letting his eyes travel down the length of her body, he realized that if he pulled her close, she'd be a perfect fit. Shaking his head to clear the random musings, Randy turned toward the house. It was sheer strength of will that kept him from looking over his shoulder.
Matt made a disgusted noise under his breath as Randy disappeared into the house.
"Do you think you could be a little more obvious?" Matt's question caught her off guard.
"Pardon me?"
Matt turned slightly to look at his sister. Thick arms folder over his chest as he studied her with those piercing blue eyes. "What do you think throwing yourself at him is gonna do?"
Mouth hanging open, Bailey gaped at him. "Are you insane?"
Matt grumbled something under his breath as he looked Bailey over. She seemed well enough but he wasn't going to take anything for granted. "I'm just saying you should be careful, Bailey. He's not the kind of guy you want to get caught up with."
Bailey rolled her eyes, "As if you're an expert on relationships."
Matt's eyes narrowed as he looked at Bailey. Her cheeks were flushed and her bright eyes sparked with barely concealed anger. Although she didn't know it, he knew all too well what kind of man Randy was. Like kind could always spot one of their own. "What do you really know about him?"
Bailey shrugged a shoulder as she took a step around her brother. "I'm trying to help a friend, Matt. Nothing more. Nothing less."
Snorting in disbelief Matt rolled his eyes. He wasn't stupid. He knew what the longing glances passing between his sister and Randy meant. There was more than love in the air. The scent of trouble was just as obvious. "Make sure that's all this is, Bailey. That guy is trouble."
Bailey shook her head. As if Matt had a clue what kind of man Randy was. Hell, they'd barely spent any time together. There was absolutely nothing for Matt to base his accusations on. He was just being a little too overprotective.
"Look, Matt, I didn't ask for your opinion. I'm doing what I can to help Randy. If he doesn't get his act together..." Bailey's voice trailed off. "I can't let that happen."
Hoping he would let the subject drop, she turned in the direction of the house. Before she could take a step, Matt's long fingers wrapped around her wrist. "I just don't want you getting more involved than you have to be."
"Don't worry, Matt, I've got this."
Matt let his fingers drop as Bailey once again turned away from him. There was no talking sense into that girl. She was stubborn as the day was long. Getting her to listen to reason was like trying to corral a wild horse. It didn't come easy. Muttering a curse he kicked at the dusty ground. Damn, that was not how he expected things to go. He just wanted Bailey to be careful. Every time he looked at Randy, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. There was something about Randy that was all too familiar and concerning. All it had taken one was one look in those slate gray eyes and Matt had known. The look in those eyes was one he'd seen all too often. He saw that look every time he looked in the mirror. Randy had the same look that Matt had for as long as he could remember. He had the look that said he was a leaver. Neither of them would ever stay in one place for long. Relationships were not a possibility. They both worried about the here and now. The future be damned. Nothing mattered but finding the next willing bed mate to while away a few days, maybe even a few months. But once the wanderlust set in, they'd pack their bags and move on. It was feeling Matt knew all too well.
It was no mystery that something was bothering Bailey. Lunch had passed with a minimum of words from her. She spoke only when spoken to. Even then her words had been clipped. She picked at her food without really eating. Randy watched as she pushed a cherry tomato around on her plate. He knew without a doubt that something wasn't right. Rubbing his thumb over his lip, he studied her. Her pale brows were drawn in frown and her lips were pulled into a thin line. The urge to reach out to her, to offer some small measure of support was nearly overwhelming.
The desire to provide comfort nearly overwhelmed him several hours later as the sound of the back door slamming captured his attention. He turned in time to see Bailey clear the last step and practically bolt across the yard. He watched until she disappeared from sight. Without thinking he set aside the paintbrush he held and pulled himself to his feet. It didn't take him long to find Bailey. She was standing under the shade of a towering magnolia tree. She studied the plastic containers of flowers at her feet.
"You okay?"
The sound of Randy's voice so close startled her. Scraping a wisp of blonde hair away from her face she turned slowly to face him. Her features were drawn into a tight frown as she looked up at him. He allowed himself a moment to appreciate the soft features of her face. As he watched two bright spots of color appeared in her cheeks. Unable to stand his scrutiny, she looked away.
"You seem upset." Randy's voice was soft. Hope flickered deep in his chest. He wanted Bailey to confide in him. However, the look on her face told him he wouldn't get what he wanted.
"I'm fine."
Arching a dark brow, Randy looked down at her. "I don't believe you."
Bailey pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Warily she looked up at him. The urge to confide in him was strong. She wanted to lay it all on the line. She wanted to tell him that she was quite possibly falling for him. She wanted to ask if he, too, felt something. But stubborn pride kept her from doing that. The last thing she needed was to complicate her life even more. No, the best thing she could do was deny she felt anything.
"Please, can we just not talk about it?"
Although Randy wanted to push the matter, he knew this was not the time. He knew how to pick and choose his battles. This was not worth fighting. Pushing the issue would only make matters worse. God, he'd never seen eyes like hers. They were so clear, the color so deep that he thought he could get lost in them.
"So, what about you? Are you feeling better?"
It took the space of several seconds for her question to register. Forcing himself to look away, he nodded in answer.
"Ready to go back to work?" Randy knew she wasn't talking about more manual labor. She wanted to know if he was ready to go back to the city. Back to real life. He shrugged in answer.
Inexplicably frustrated, Bailey tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. Tucking her hands into her pockets, she looked up at Randy. The dark circles under his eyes had all but disappeared. He looked hale and hearty. Dare she say it, he looked relaxed. The fresh air and sunshine agreed with him.
"I hope things get better from here." Bailey murmured softly. Hope was a rather fleeting idea. What she wanted was an irrefutable truth. What she needed was success.
Randy could only nod in agreement. He too looked forward to a better situation. But what was the point in worrying about what might or might not come to pass? All he could do was live in the moment and make the most of it.
"Will you say something?" Bailey asked, frustration tinging her voice.
Randy's response was to continue looking at her with those unwavering eyes. What did she want him to say? Words were rather insignificant, especially in times like these. But if it made Bailey feel better, he could go with it.
"This means a lot to you." Randy's voice was soft as he looked at her.
"Of course it does. There's so much at stake." Bailey answered.
"No. I mean this." Randy clarified by motioning with his hand. He pointed to the fields surrounding them.
Brow wrinkled in confusion, Bailey looked at him.
"What are you talking about?"
"Your family. This land." He looked at her with those knowing eyes. "Home."
Surprise flickered across her pretty features as she looked at him.
What was she supposed to say? He already knew the answer. In the last two days he'd had a close up look at her life. He knew more about her than just about anyone. In an attempt to help him, she'd made her life an open book. "Yes."
"Why?" Randy's question left her speechless. How the hell was she supposed to answer him? How could she explain the sense of peace that filled her?
"What kind of question is that?"
Randy didn't blink so much as an eyelash as he answered. "It's an honest one, Bailey. You brought me here so I would learn. You want me to understand what this means. Now, explain it to me."
Bailey shrugged a slender shoulder as she looked at him.
Unconsciously Randy took a step closer. He was close enough to feel her warmth, to breathe in the sweet scent of her skin. All he had to do was reach out and touch her. Curling his hands into fists, he prevented himself from doing exactly like that.
"It's family. It's home."
Shaking his head slightly Randy looked down at her. Her wide eyes were serious. "Make me understand."
His softly uttered words brought a flush to her skin. The challenge, so soft though it was, was unmistakable.
"Close your eyes." Bailey said. She waited a moment as Randy stared at her. "Go on, close your eyes."
Once his eyes were closed, Bailey felt a shiver move through her. Excitement? Nervousness? It was a feeling she couldn't name. Pushing aside the disconcerting feeling, she focused on Randy.
"What do you hear?" Bailey asked.
A tense moment passed. Randy frowned as he strained to hear whatever it was she wanted him to. A long moment passed without hearing so much as a sound.
"I don't hear anything." he muttered.
"Stop trying so hard. Just relax and listen." Bailey encouraged softly. Her small hands came up to rest on his thick biceps.
Biting back the thrill of excitement that moved through him, Randy did as he was told. Taking a deep breath through his nose, he forced his body to relax. At first all he felt was nothing. Just an odd awareness of the warmth of Bailey's palms on his skin. As seconds ticked by, he became aware. There was no other way to explain. Sensation flooded him, filling his brain with information. Standing rooted in place, he felt the slight breeze coming from the east. It moved over him, bringing in the scent of warm earth. He took it deep into his lungs. For the first time in a long time he felt a connection.
"What do you hear?" Bailey asked softly. Her teeth sank into the plump softness of her bottom lip as she waited for an answer.
"The breeze." his answer was so soft she almost missed it.
"What else?" Bailey asked. She was unaware of her fingers as they rubbed slow circles over his arms.
Frowning slightly, Randy sifted through the influx of details. The sound of the breeze was distinct. He could hear it as it moved through the thick fields, causing a rustle of movement. But underneath that, he heard something else, something almost undetectable. In the distance he heard the sound of laughter. It was a good ways off but he heard the sound as distinctly as he heard his own heartbeat.
"What do you feel?" Bailey prompted.
The answer came to him in a flash. Without a doubt he knew what he was feeling. In a utterly foreign way, he felt Bailey. It was more than the slight touch of her fingers; more than flutter of her breath over his skin. He felt her. Her sweet gentleness; her passionate nature. He felt as if he'd found something he had no idea he was looking for.
"You." he whispered. "I feel you."
Bailey had no idea what to say. Of all the things she expected to come out of those lips, it most certainly was not that. A heated blush stole over her, making her feel flushed.
"Be serious."
Slowly Randy's eyes opened. What she saw reflected in those depths made her forget how to breathe. He was utterly serious.
"Randy..." his name was a whispered plea.
The brush of his thumb over her bottom lip made her shiver. She stared at him; waiting, watching for what she knew was coming. She hadn't allowed herself to admit how much she wanted this. His eyes never left hers as his head lowered. The brush of his lips across hers made her gasp. She never knew he could be so gentle. The pressure was as light as a butterfly's wing. He captured her lips. Lightly his tongue traced the delicate seam before slipping inside for a taste. A low groan left Randy as he explored her; gathering her flavor as if he was starved for the taste. He left no part of her untouched. His tongue danced with hers with a rhythm as old as time. He kissed her until she lost sensibility and reason. As he pulled away, he knew the kiss meant more than either of them wanted it to.
***A/N - Please review :) ***