Chapter 13

Lynn was nervous, very nervous, almost to the point of getting physically sick. She wanted to stop the truck, let him out and take off like a bat out of hell. She cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself. She glanced at Jeff who was 'looking' strait ahead. 'He must be so happy to finally be home' she thought. To be where you could truly be comfortable and not worry about troubles. That was why she wanted to hurry and leave. To get away from her building feelings that happen under strained circumstances. What she was feeling wasn't...true she thought.

She drove down the driveway until she came to a very large two story house with a huge barn/stable. "Oh my God..." she breathed. "This place looks amazing." She brought the truck to a stop and parked it turning it off. "I don't see anyone."

He didn't say anything just opened the door and stepped out shutting it quietly. She watched as he took a few steps away and tilted his head to listen. She was strangely infatuated by his expression and the way he did 'everything'. She had to get away, before it was too late.

He motioned for her to get out as he started for the porch. She opened her door and hesitantly got out and shut it. Nervously she pushed her hands into her back pockets and looked around. The place was really beautiful and she had always dreamed about living on a ranch or out in the country.

"Come inside," he invited.

"Um, let me get the stuff," she almost stuttered.

"Don't worry about the stuff," he commented softly.

She licked her lips and pushed her hair away from her face and walked up the steps. "You sure it's okay?" she asked before she realized it.

He stopped and faced her, "Are you ticklish?"

"What?" she was completely thrown off by his question.

"Ticklish, are you ticklish, it's a simple question?" he asked seriously.

She stealthily took a few steps away and he seemed too noticed because he smiled. "I'll take your retreat as a yes," he spoke lowly. He started to follow her, "And just 'how' ticklish are you?"

"I never said I was ticklish," she came back stopping at the top of the steps.

"Actions speak louder than words," he said stopping within arms reach of her.

"Are you trying to threaten me," she almost whispered.

He tilted his head and leaned towards her, "I don't make threats...I make promises."

They were so close she could feel his breath against her lips. 'Was he doing this to me on purpose' she wondered. He seemed to have the ability to know how to get under her skin.

"Sheldon you're home," an elderly woman said from behind him.

He turned and smiled as she approached him and wrapped her arms around him. "It's so good to see you," she laughed. He framed her face with his hands and caressed her face.

"It's good to see you," he said kissing her on the forehead.

Lynn felt out of place. She watched them greet one another and was touched by their closeness. She imagined very few people got close to him.

"Who's your friend?" she asked looking around him.

"This is Lynn Connors, who I told you about," he introduced.

Lynn took a few steps forward and held out her hand to the woman. "You must be Mija. I've heard so much about you," Lynn greeted.

Mija smiled and shook her hand back, "It's good to meet you. Will you be staying with us?"

Lynn rubbed the back of her neck and looked at Jeff.

"Yes, she'll be staying with us," he answered for her.

"Well come inside and lets get you settled then," Mija grabbed

Lynn's hand and brought her into the house. "Sheldon, why don't you grab your things out of the truck and bring them inside."

"Yes ma'am," he gave a semi-salute and headed for the truck.

Inside, Mija led Lynn upstairs. "Sheldon called me yesterday and told me he was headed home, with a lady friend," Mija started. "He's told me all about your situation...and about Lucas." Lynn followed her into a large room and stopped in the doorway. "I'm gonna miss that boy, or should I say man. He and Sheldon were such good friends."

"I could tell," Lynn spoke quietly as she watched Mija move things about the room.

"I just hope this won't be another wall for Sheldon to put up," she hoped.

Lynn narrowed her eyes, "What do you mean?"

Mija pulled out some fresh blankets from a drawer and laid them out on the bed. "After he lost his eyes he...changed. I guess you could say he was given a second chance at life. At least that's how he looks at it and that's why he changed his ways. But, there was one thing he didn't change. He doesn't like to get too close to people," she explained with a bit of sadness in her voice.

"So it's true then," Lynn asked.

"What's that?" Mija asked.

"What he was before..." she trailed off not wanting to say the words.

"...a cold-blooded killer? Yes, he was he has no qualms saying otherwise. He learned his lesson and hard learned lesson it was," she finished Lynn's thoughts. She made the bed and folded the other blankets. "There you are darlin'."

"Thank you," Lynn whispered as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"You hungry, I could fix the two of you something to eat?" she asked from the doorway.

She shook her head, "No thank you, but I appreciate you asking."

"Alright, but if you change your mind I'll be downstairs in the kitchen," she walked out and left her alone to her thoughts.

Lynn laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. The house had a great feeling to it. It was very cozy, comfortable really. She felt her eyes lids become heavy and succumbed to sleep.

Mija walked into the kitchen to find Jeff hoarding the fridge.

"Damn boy, won't even give me five minutes to get the young lady settled and then feed you," she mumbled as she took a pan from the cabinet.

He took out a bottled water and opened it. "Don't go to the trouble I'm not really hungry," he said taking a seat at the table.

She snorted, "Sheldon Sands, not hungry, hell must've frozen over."

He laughed and took his sunglasses off. "I'm actually tired. I'll probably go to bed here soon," he said tiredly.

She put the pots and pans away and sat across from him at the table. "So..." she said.

He shook his head, "...so...what?"

"She seems like a nice girl," she said.

He laughed quietly, "You should see her when she's mad." He played with the cap from the bottle. "She's very independent, strong willed and she doesn't take shit off anyone, not even me."

"She sounds like you," she noted. "Probably stubborn headed as well."

"Oh yeah," he laughed. "That she is..."

"She's a beautiful woman," she smiled.

"What color are her eyes?" he asked curiously.

"There brown, her hair is a little past her shoulders, it's wavy. She's got tanned skin and some of the best birthin' hips I've ever seen," she described. "I could throw a hand full of corn at her and hit her. She's got some meat on her bones, unlike these models and bitchy women out in the world."

He gave her a confused look, "Birthing hips?"

"You'd have a hard time breaking her," she teased on purpose.

He groaned and let his head fall back to face the ceiling and she just laughed at him. "I am not having this conversation with you," he said in a determined tone.

"Come on now, you know you're just dyeing to tell me what you really think of her," she coaxed.

He sighed in defeat, "I like her...there, are you happy?"

"You know what I say about opportune moments," she reminded him.

He nodded, "Yes, I remember vividly."

Her smile faded and she gave him a saddened look, "If you've got a chance to be happy Sheldon, take it it's a blessing."

He swallowed nervously, "It wouldn't be fair. I already feel like I'm forcing her to stay here."

"She doesn't seem to be the type to be forced into anything," she imagined.

He only nodded and they sat in silence for a few moments. He pushed his chair back and stood. "I'm going to bed I'll see you in the morning." He leaned over and kissed her on top of the head and headed up stairs.

"Goodnight Sheldon," she smiled softly and sighed.