Stage West - Lindsay Page 5

  “It is very true!” He said urgently “Can we try?”

  “And what if it doesn’t work out?” she asked the tough question

  “Don’t doubt us before we even start. We have a great foundation on which to start, let’s build together and not even think of looking back. I didn’t mean to hurt you at all and I don’t want to hurt you anymore. It hurts me too.”

  “And if our family asks us, what are we going to tell them?”

  “The truth. Not about me roping you today, I like my body in one piece. But that we are going to go out on dates and get to know one another and become more than friends.”

  “Won’t they think it’s weird, we practically grew up together as brother and sister?”

  “We are not brother and sister. Not after those kisses.” Nick said emphatically

  Lindsay blushed. “Yeah, we need to talk about that too. You can’t shut me up by …”

  He leaned down and kissed her again to shut her up. “Want to bet on that sweetheart?” he said grabbing her hands before she slugged him. “I think kissing you anytime and for any reason works just fine for me.” He kissed her again to prove his point.

  “Isn’t there some crazy “man” law about dating your best friend’s sister?” she asked when she could breathe again.

  “Yes, I am sure that bodily injury of some sort will come my way from Dalton. Who cares? Will you nurse me back to health?”

  “Probably.” She said with a shy smile then sobered to ask “What if our family disagrees with us and says this isn’t a good idea?”

  “I know your brothers will think it is a horrible idea. But Sarah and my mama won’t. We will hide behind them. Who cares what they say, what do you say?”

  “You are nuts.” She said shyly at him

  “Probably but ….?”

  “Ok, but no secrets, no running scared, if something comes up we talk about it. I can’t handle it if I see you start to have doubts and you don’t tell me about them. We will have to be adults and go back to being “family” and live at the same ranch if this “you and me” thing falls apart. Deal?”

  “Deal. How about we seal it with a kiss?” Nick asked hopefully.

  She blushed and stammered “less than one minute into our relationship and we already have something to talk about.”

  “What? You don’t want to kiss me.” He asked uncertainly

  “I don’t know how to kiss you. I haven’t exactly dated a lot in my life. I live at home and in a small town and I don’t get out much.”

  “Lindsay, shut up.” He said gently as he leaned his forehead against hers “Just close your eyes and enjoy it.” He leaned down very close and touched his lips to hers. He lingered there for a minute as he enjoyed her taste. He broke the kiss and watched her face for a reaction. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. His heart tumbled and he knew without any doubts that he was in love with her.

  He hugged her close to steady his heartbeat. “Should we go home or do you want to stay here longer?”

  “Home? Oh no, I am supposed to be working. How long have we been out here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

  “Hey, relax. I am not cleared to work yet so no I am not supposed to be working. You can take a morning off; I don’t think David or Dalton will fire you.”

  She stopped and took a deep breath “Sorry I panicked there for a minute. It is my ranch too, I can take time off.”

  Nick took her by the hand and led her to the cabin. He pulled the key from his pocket and opened the door.

  “Now you take me into the cabin. I was tied up on the ground but no, NOW, I get to go in the cabin.”

  “I thought you might want to freshen up. You are a bit of a mess from the ground. I have an extra shirt in the closet.” Nick led her to the room he used and gave her a new shirt to put on. He winked at her and left the room.

  He walked to the living room and sat down hard in the chair and leaned back and expelled a deep breath. Oh my word. I have never worked that hard to get a woman to go out with me. She exhausted me and I loved it. And I love her.

  Lindsay was in the bedroom in shock. They were going to start dating. She was happy and scared at the same time. She put the shirt up to her nose and smelled Nick’s scent. Oh my, he smells really good. Maybe I can just forget to return this shirt. She changed shirts and left to find him. He was sprawled out on the chair and she immediately become concerned. “Nick, are you okay?”

  “Yes, sweetheart, I am fine; just thinking about all that has happened this morning.”

  She sat down hard in the chair next to him. “You scared me to death. You looked so quiet and still.”

  Nick was happily stunned she really was concerned about me. It is true! “I’m sorry, I was just resting. You exhausted me.”

  Lindsay smacked him gently on the arm “How does that work, “big strong ranch hand” done in by a little girl?”

  “Not a little girl, a beautiful woman.” Nick replied staring into her eyes as he cupped his hand around her chin. Lindsay blushed again so Nick had to kiss her.

  “Let’s go home sweetheart, they may be missing us.” Nick took her hand and they walked to their horses. They mounted up and headed towards the ranch. They hadn’t gone very far when Nick stopped their horses and turned to Lindsay. “Will you go out on our 1st date with me tomorrow night? Dinner and dancing?”

  “Our first date?” she asked confused

  “Yes, our first of many I hope.”

  “Is that like a second first date?”

  “What are you talking about?” he asked “It is a first date.”

  “I would like that very much.” She answered quietly but still confused.

  He reached over and raised her chin to look at him. “Me too” and he kissed her again.

  They rode into the ranch together but no one seemed to pay any attention to them. They took care of their horses and then walked to the house. “By the way, you look fabulous in my shirt.” Nick whispered to her. “Now, let’s see if Mama saved us some breakfast.”

  Chapter 6

  Not only was Gabby waiting on them, but so were David, Dalton, Sarah and his Nick’s dad and Nick’s brother ,Travis. They had forgotten that it was Saturday and everyone spent time together on the weekend.

  They stopped just inside the kitchen and stared guiltily at each other. “Hi everyone. We are sorry we missed breakfast.” Lindsay rushed to explain.

  “Yeah, Lindsay went for a ride and I happened upon her by the creek and we just got busy talking.”

  Dalton deflated their small talk. “Lindsay, why are you wearing Nick’s shirt?”

  “Oh” she began as her face shifted to Nick’s “he loaned it to me when mine got dirty out by the creek. I was lying in the dirt relaxing and my shirt got dirty.”

  “Since when did that mean you needed a new shirt?” David inquired. “You have been dirty before and Nick never loaned you a shirt.”

  “True. But he did this time.”

  “Nick, why did you loan Lindsay a shirt?” Dalton asked of his best friend

  “She told you. Her shirt got dirty.”

  “Uh huh, she did mention that.” Dalton replied again. “Now, why don’t you tell us the real story.”

  “We told you the real story. Her shirt got really dirty so she changed it.” Nick explained again.

  “Nick!” Dalton roared “Did something happen that is going to get you strung up from a tall tree and make you my ex-best friend?”

  “No.” cried Lindsay. “We talked. He apologized for what he said to me in the helicopter the day of his accident. We had an argument and then we talked more and now we are home.”

  “What was the argument about?” asked Dalton again staring forcefully at his best friend

  “Dalton” Sarah whispered “that isn’t exactly our business.”

  “Today it is my business.” Dalton answered

  “No
, Dalton it really isn’t your business but I am going to tell you anyway.” Nick said and then turned to Lindsay and reached for her hand “Ready to do this?”

  She nodded and took his hand.

  All of the family’s mouths dropped. “At first our argument was about Nick’s comments to me in the helicopter. He told me to get away and leave him alone. We argued about whether or not he said it or not.”

  “Keep going” urged Gabby when neither Nick or Lindsay continued.

  “Oh well, then I made a comment to Nick and it triggered a memory for him from that day that embarrassed me and then we argued quite a while about it. Then we talked calmly and here we are.”

  “That explanation was pure horse manure.” replied Dalton

  “It was a little lame sweetheart” Nick said as he leaned to kiss her cheek. “Before you beat me to death, let me explain” he said to Dalton as Dalton reached for him.

  Sarah grabbed Dalton and pulled him back to his chair.

  “Lindsay was very wonderful to me in the emergency room of the local clinic. I didn’t know it until she triggered it today, but she told me I had to wake up because she needed me and loved me.”

  “Nick!” everyone shouted for different reasons. But he only answered Lindsay “I am laying it all out on the table. Trust me?” he asked

  Lindsay nodded and he continued the tale “We argued because I was stupid and scared and tried to make a joke out it. I was scared because I wanted to be true and scared that it was true. I ended up hurting her again until I got the words to explain it again. We are going to date and build the friendship we have now into something more.”

  Sarah rushed to hug her best friend. They both ended up in tears. Sarah whispered to Lindsay “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Well, I’m not.” David said

  “Me either.” stated Dalton

  Lindsay turned on both of them. “Then say whatever you want to say and then leave us alone.”

  “We will talk to Nick outside.” Dalton said rising from his chair

  “No, you won’t.” Lindsay said rising from hers

  “Lindsay, I expected this. It is okay.” Nick said as he stood too. “We will be right back.”

  “Everybody sit down.” Nathan stated fatherly “We are a family and we talk rationally and all together.”

  Dalton, David, Lindsay and Nick returned to their seats

  Gabby was the voice of reason “What if this doesn’t work out, both of you live here?”

  “We know Mama. We talked about it. We also decided to build a relationship together and not look back. We will make it work.”

  Dalton interrupted again “But what about…”

  “Look everyone, we know this is unusual and a shock to everyone. It surprised us too. We have been arguing for hours about what our problems are… we have known each other for years, we are thought of as brother and sister, I shouldn’t date my best friend’s little sister, what will happen if we don’t work out. But we are not brother and sister and apparently haven’t felt that way about each other for some time. We believe in us so we don’t think there will be the problem of us working out. We would like your support and understanding but we are doing this with or without it. Please don’t make it hard on us.”

  Dalton and David exchanged a look and nodded at Lindsay but Dalton turned to speak to Nick but Nick beat him to it “I know, screw it up and I’ll hang from the tallest tree.”

  “True, but I don’t think you will screw it up. You are too smart to let go of a great thing.” Dalton said with a smile and a handshake with his best friend.

  “Thanks Dalton.” Nick said returning the handshake.

  David went to Lindsay and pulled her into his arms for a hug. “Drive him crazy sweetie, he deserves it.”

  “Gee thanks David. I knew I could count on you for support.” Nick said sarcastically

  Gabby kissed Nick on the top of the head as she passed by him to hug Lindsay. Nathan clapped him on the shoulder and winked at Lindsay.

  And Travis leaned over and whispered to him “When’s the wedding?” Nick glared at him in return.

  “Now let’s eat.” David stated. “I’m starved.”

  “Please excuse us for a moment.” Lindsay stated and led Nick from the room to her office. She walked in and he followed then turned to lock the office door. When he looked up she had tears in her eyes “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I am just happy. You gave that explanation so well.”

  Nick pulled her in for a fierce hug “You scared me to death.”

  “I’m sorry. I am a crier when I am overwhelmed with happiness.”

  “Thanks for the warning.” He replied with a quick kiss to her lips

  “Dalton took that better than I expected.” Lindsay commented after he kissed her. “He has always been my protector.”

  “And he will eventually learn that is now my pleasure. He’s got Sarah and she needs him. And I want to take care of you.”

  Lindsay cried some more. “Hey, don’t cry now. It is happy time or Dalton really will kill me.” Nick said trying to make her laugh.

  “I’ll be your protector.” Lindsay smiled

  He smiled and gave her a gentle kiss. “We have to get back out there or they will come looking for us. And whatever you do, do not let them see your wrists. David shoots first and asks questions later.”

  “I won’t. I’ll keep the sleeves buttoned.”

  “I’m sorry about lassoing you. It was pretty dumb of me. I lost my cool.”

  “I’m sorry too that it got to that point. I was just embarrassed and scared.”

  “I know. We will talk more later. Let’s eat.”

  The family dinner was loud and boisterous as usual. Lindsay was quiet as she appreciated her family’s love and support.

  After dinner, Dalton, David, Nick and Travis went to the den to play pool, Gabby and Nathan went home. Lindsay and Sarah sat on the back patio.

  “Lindsay, are you okay? Now that everything with Nick is straightened out.” inquired Sarah

  “I’m scared.”

  “Scared? Why?”

  “It is so new. I have loved him for years and now he wants to be more than friends. He doesn’t even remember our date before he was injured. Nick has never paid attention to me in the past and he ignored me at your wedding, how can I possibly keep his attention. This probably isn’t going to last either.”

  “Years?”

  “Yes, since I was about twenty.”

  “Wow, you never told me that.” Sarah stated

  “I couldn’t. Everyone thinks we are brother and sister. But not me, I just felt sick most of the time. Especially the last few months.”

  “Lindsay, I’m sorry. I think he is serious. I don’t think he would have explained everything if it was a brief date that he wanted. He is a great guy.”

  Lindsay nodded and smiled a secret smile.

  “I am going to go snag my husband and go home. Have a good night.” Sarah said with a hug to her best friend “I really am thrilled for you.”

  Lindsay decided she needed a little peace and quiet so she wandered down to the barn. The horses were settling for the night and that gave her peace. She finished the grooming on Brandy and just stood there staring but not really staring at anything. All she could think of was Nick. What a day this has been.

  “Came to find some peace and quiet with your friends?” Nick asked softly from the stall door

  Lindsay started at his insight into her. “How did you know that?”

  “I have been watching you for months. You barely ate. You would be so still and uncomfortable at dinner if you ate with us at all. But then I would see you rush down here for a while. And afterwards, when you left, you walked a slow and leisurely pace back home. Having found some peace.”

  Lindsay nodded and moved to the stall door. He backed up to let her by and then closed the door. He opened
his arms and she walked into them. “Did it work tonight?”

  “Yes” she said softly

  “Why did you need peace tonight?”

  She stepped back from his hug but took his hand to walk outside. She walked to the pool area and sat down on the lounge chair but left the foot area for Nick to sit on.

  “Lindsay, you are making me very nervous. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She said as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek and he took a deep breath. “I needed peace and quiet to absorb the events of today. I am a bit overwhelmed with everything. This is not the kind of day I expected to have when I woke up.”

  “And what kind of day was that?”

  “Are you sure you want to know that answer? You may not like it.”

  Nick nodded and squeezed her hand

  “I expected to spend the day packing to leave. I would be trying to avoid you and figuring out a way to skip dinner again.”

  Nick spoke sincerely “I’m so sorry that it has been like that for you. Because of what I said in the helicopter?”

  “No, not just that. That was when it really became unbearable to be around you. But if you want the truth, the miserable feeling started months ago.”

  “Months? How many months?”

  “Eight, maybe more.”

  Nick stared incredulously at her. “Did you just say you have been miserable around me for eight months? You have loved me for eight months?”

  Lindsay didn’t respond to his questions. And Nick grew concerned. “You are not going to avoid answering are you? You have been miserable around me for eight months? You have loved me for eight months?”

  “Yes and No” Lindsay answered honestly but without looking at him.

  “I’m confused. The misery started eight months ago but loving me didn’t? When did that start?” he asked “If loving me didn’t make you miserable, what started that?”

  “Being miserable started when I realized I had no chance to make you see me as anything other than a little sister. I tried to get past it but I didn’t know how. So each day was a little more painful. I tried to guard my thoughts and keep my actions as normal as they have ever been but I don’t know if I succeeded.”

  “When did you start to love me?”

  “Nick, please don’t make me answer that.” She pleaded

  “You have to answer that question. Tell me.”

  Lindsay whispered “eight years”