Violence: Possibly, you never know with Lex - but once again, nothing too graphic. PG-13 at most.
Subtext: Uh, yep! More like maintext, and again nothing graphic (still not talented enough to write the steamy stuff!).
Special Thanks: To my beta reader Jan, thank you for keeping me on the right track, and for your constant support. You're the best!
Quality Disclaimer: Okay, this story picks up right where my first one, Destiny's Bridge, left off. It probably won't make much sense if you don't read my previous story first (shameless plug!). Let me know what you think, I'm still pretty new to this writing thing, so please be gentle. Feedback (good and bad) is accepted at cb.zeer@worldnet.att.net
Part 5
Chapter 28
Lex was understandably nervous as she and Amanda walked through the airport terminal. Were they just trying to be funny when they named it a terminal? I'm feeling pretty terminal myself right now, she thought as she followed the lithe young blonde down the crowded walkway. God…I don't know if I can do this, Lex felt her stomach cramp painfully, and she looked around frantically for the nearest restroom as she felt her breakfast begin to rebel.
"C'mon, Lex…we've got to go pick up our boarding passes - according to the monitor, our flight leaves in a little over an hour." Amanda tossed behind her, not looking back.
The rancher was torn between following her heart, and emptying her stomach. Another painful cramp made her gasp and almost drop to her knees, deciding for her. "Amanda," she moaned, trying to get the younger woman's attention. Aw, hell… Lex made a mad dash for the ladies' room, dropping the bags outside the door to the lavatory.
Amanda turned to point out something to her partner, and saw that the dark-haired woman was nowhere to be seen. "Lex?" She stopped and looked around slowly. Now where has she disappeared to?
An elderly man sitting on a nearby bench waved to her, beckoning the young woman over. "Miss? Are you looking for that rather tall young lady that was behind you?" he asked kindly, patting the empty spot beside him.
"Yes, the one with the dark hair…did you happen to see where she went?" Amanda sat down next to him.
"Oh yes…"he patted her hand. "Poor thing…she doesn't fly much, does she?" his clear blue eyes twinkled.
Amanda tried to control her anxiousness. "No, I'm afraid she doesn't. You said you saw where she went?" She kept scanning the people milling around them, hoping to spot Lex.
Scratching his stubbled chin, he smiled. "I could tell…she looked like a fish out of water, that one did. I like to try and figure out where people are from, and where they're going - why, just the other day…"
"I don't mean to sound rude, sir…but I'm a little concerned about my friend. Where…" Amanda butted in gently, feeling an unease settle over her. She wouldn't change her mind and leave, would she? The young woman wondered. No, not without telling me.
Pointing towards the ladies' room across the walkway, he chuckled. "I figured she was feeling a mite ill, 'cause she grabbed her stomach, turned about three sheets of pale, and high-tailed it over there." He was about to tell the pretty young woman more, but she absently thanked him, patted his shoulder and took off across the way.
"Excuse me…sorry…" Amanda carefully battled her way through a large group of people who had just disembarked from an arriving flight. Dropping her bags next to Lex's, the small woman shouldered through several women who were standing next to the sinks, complaining about the airline food. "Lex?" she called out, trying to find out which stall held her friend.
"Over here." A weak voice muttered, from the sink on the end. The tall woman was frighteningly pale, leaning up against the wall with a wet paper towel over her eyes.
Amanda's heart clinched at the sight. I really wasn't taking her fear of flying seriously, she berated herself, noticing how the hand holding the paper towel trembled. Standing beside the slumped form, Amanda placed a gentle hand on Lex's arm. "Oh, Lex…" she murmured.
"Sorry…" Lex whispered, taking a deep breath and removing the damp towel from her eyes. Seeing the sympathetic look on her lover's face, she forced a smile to her lips. "I didn't mean to take off on you like that…"
"Are you going to be okay?" the younger woman asked, fighting the strong urge she had to pull Lex into her arms.
The rancher swallowed several times. "Yeah…" she pushed away from the wall and started towards the door. "C'mon…let's go." The ladies' room was getting more and more crowded by the moment, which wasn't helping her queasiness any. Where in the hell did all these damn people come from, anyway?
Once they were safely out of the restroom, Lex was almost tempted to turn back around and hide in one of the stalls. Two flights had just unloaded their passengers, and the roaring throng of people was almost more than she could stand. Now I know why I hide away on a ranch, she thought, picking up their bags then leaning up against the wall. I can do this, she told herself, gathering up what was left of her nerves. Feeling a light hand on her side, Lex looked down into concerned green eyes. "Lead the way, my friend - I'll be right behind you." She motioned towards the crowd with a nod of her dark head.
Amanda started to say something, then stopped. Maybe it'll be less crowded by our gate…We can get our passes and she can sit and let her stomach settle. She slid the strap of her carryon over her shoulder. "Okay…stick close, and give my bag a tug if you need to make another side trip." She almost reached up to caress the pale cheek, but quickly reminded herself where they were.
"Gotcha." Lex smiled, giving the bag a test pull.
The younger woman politely maneuvered them through the crowd, turning back every few steps to check on the condition of her companion. Over halfway to their destination, Amanda noticed a fine sheen of perspiration covering Lex's brow. Stopping in the middle of the concourse, she asked, "Are you going to make it? We can stop for a moment, if you need to."
"No, I'm okay," Lex assured the small blonde, although her legs were shaking from the strain. "We're almost there, anyway."
Not able to stand it any longer, Amanda took a strong grip on Lex's arm. "Lex, you don't look okay…" she looked around for someplace to sit. "C'mere…let's take a little break." She pulled the rancher towards a group of chairs by the window, watching as the tall woman collapsed gracelessly onto one. "Why don't you sit here with our bags, and I'll go get our boarding passes?" Seeing that her companion was about to argue, Amanda dropped to her knees beside Lex and added, "I think my shoulder is about to fall off from dragging this darn bag around… humor me, please?"
Lex lifted her hand and unconsciously touched her lover's cheek. "You are so transparent, sweetheart." She smiled tenderly. "Okay, you win. I'll wait for you right here."
"All right…" Amanda gave the strong thigh under her hand a squeeze. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She smiled at Lex and then stood, hoisting her purse to her shoulder as she hurried away.
The dark-haired woman watched Amanda's compact body move through the crowd with ease, until she finally disappeared from sight. Lex closed her eyes for a moment, only to have them pop back open when the plane parked next to her window started it's engines. Shit. Just what I need. C'mon, Lexington…don't be such a damn baby! She felt her stomach clinch again painfully. Lex started to stand up, but dropped back to her chair as another cramp hit her. I am not going to throw up again, she thought to herself angrily. Inhaling through her nose to combat her nausea, Lex wrapped her arms around her waist, bent over, and laid her head on her knees. Maybe I should have taken a tranquilizer, she thought as she fought to ease her rebelling stomach.
Calm…I need to stay calm…focus on something else… Breathing deeply, Lex let her thoughts drift to her gentle lover. In her mind, she pictured the sea-green eyes, the small perfect nose, and the petite, but well-built body. She imagined holding the younger woman in her arms, burying her face in the long silky reddish-blonde hair. I can almost smell her perfume, she marveled to herself. This self-hypnosis stuff really works!
"Lex?" a soft touch to the top of her head brought the rancher out of her musings.
"Hmm?" Lex raised her head slowly, opening her eyes to focus on the green eyes that she had just been thinking of. "Hi."
Amanda sat down next to the still-sweating rancher. "Honey, you're really pale," she wiped the damp hair out of Lex's eyes. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Ignoring the disgusted stare from the woman sitting two chairs away from Lex, Amanda pushed her lover back in the chair gently, twining their fingers together.
"Nah…I think I'll live," Lex quietly teased. "And you're doing more just being here, than any medication can do." She absently brought their linked hands to her lips, and kissed the small knuckles. "Thanks."
"Hrumpph! Disgusting!" The middle-aged woman glared at them, gathered her collection of shopping bags and luggage, then stormed off.
Lex grinned at Amanda's sudden blush. "Heh…maybe I should pull you onto my lap and kiss you senseless." She chuckled. "That would give the old bat something to stare at."
Amanda glanced around them. The irritated woman seemed to be the only person paying any attention to them. "Lex." She gently chided her partner, "You're so bad."
Wiggling her eyebrows comically, the dark-haired woman smirked. "I thought that's what you liked about me." She widened her blue eyes innocently.
"Nut." Amanda proclaimed, then she squeezed Lex's hand. "You must be feeling better… the color is coming back to your face."
"Lex sighed. "Yeah…sorry about that. I really didn't think it would be that bad." She gave Amanda a tired look. "Were you able to get our passes?"
"Yep." The younger woman pointed to a cart nearby. "And I also procured transportation for our fine luggage." She gave a gentle kick to the duffel bag she had decided to use. I really didn't see any need to pack much - I have plenty of clothes in Los Angeles, she grinned to herself. Besides, Mother will have little green kittens when I show up without matching luggage - gotta take my points where I can. "We still have to check this stuff in."
Standing up, the tall woman offered her hand to the still seated blonde. "Right, boss. Well, let's get this over with." She pulled Amanda up, then grabbed several bags and headed towards the cart.
Chapter 29
Amanda grinned, quite pleased with herself. She had managed to sweet talk an older couple into exchanging seats with them, so that Lex would have easier access to the lavatory, just in case. Sneaking a sideways glance to her silent partner, the young blonde was gratified to see that Lex seemed to be doing okay, other than the death-grip she had on Amanda's hand. Whatever works…I'd sit on her lap if I thought it would help, she giggled softly, Face it, Mandy - you'd sit on her lap even if it didn't help. Oh, I've got it bad, all right.
"What's so funny?" Lex asked, turning her head to face her friend. She took a deep breath when the plane lurched slightly.
"Umm…nothing, really." Amanda gave Lex's hand a comforting squeeze. "Just thinking."
Releasing the breath she had been holding, Lex quirked an expressive eyebrow. "About what?"
Leaning over and placing her lips next to the rancher's ear, Amanda whispered, "I was wondering if these seats would comfortably fit two…I'm seriously considering crawling into your lap and…" her last few words were spoken almost too softly to hear, and were punctuated by a soft nibble on the older woman's earlobe.
But Lex understood, and it caused her face to flush darkly. "Umm…" she cleared her throat, "I think that would certainly help me keep my mind off of flying…airplanes, anyway." She chuckled. "You have a delightfully wicked mind, my love."
"You don't know the half of it." The young blonde retorted with a sexy smile.
Oh, boy… Lex felt a slight shiver of excitement travel down her spine. I don't know what has gotten into Amanda, but I think I like it!
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We will be landing in approximately twenty minutes. It's a beautiful seventy-eight degrees in Los Angeles…" the friendly voice over the intercom interrupted their banter.
"I can't believe we're already about to land - you're the best medicine I've ever had, Amanda." Lex said over the captain's rambling voice. She pulled their linked hands up and kissed the younger woman's fingertips. "Guess now you'll have to fly with me all the time."
Amanda giggled. "Such a terrible price to pay…" she placed her free hand on her forehead, palm out. "Oh, dear me…I guess I'll just have to suffer." Giving the rancher an impish look, "Like I would ever let you out of my sight long enough to take a flight alone."
Lex smiled gently at that thought. "I don't know how I ever survived anything before you." Enjoying the happy grin that crossed the blonde's face, "I love you, Amanda." She leaned forward and kissed the younger woman tenderly.
They pulled apart slowly, each content to sit and enjoy the strong feelings coursing between them.
Lex had one more anxious moment as the plane touched down, but Amanda held her hand tightly and leaned close, whispering soothing words of comfort to the visibly shaken rancher.
"Focus on my voice, Lex." She murmured, "Close your eyes and breathe deeply." Amanda felt the older woman's muscles begin to relax. "That's it…" Using her free hand, Amanda caressed the arm that was holding her hand. "I'm here with you, sweetheart - we're okay. Remember when we were feeding the ducks at the park? And how that one duck thought you were the main course?" She saw a tiny smile on her partner's face. "I love you, Lex…concentrate on me…" she continued to speak in a soft voice.
Lex was so absorbed in Amanda's quiet words, she never felt the plane land or come to a stop. Hearing excited voices around her, she opened her eyes to see people gathering their personal items together, and crowding the aisles to exit the plane. Turning her head, she was captured by intense green eyes at very close range. "We're here?" she asked hoarsely, a surprised look on her face.
"Yep. And in one piece, too." Amanda grinned. "How are you doing?"
Lex paused thoughtfully. "Great." She sounded a little shocked. "My stomach doesn't even hurt anymore." She took and released a deep breath. "Thanks for being my security blanket." Giving the cute blonde a heartfelt smile.
"Mmm…" Amanda winked. "Do I get the usual perks?"
"Perks?" Lex's eyebrow rose. "What kind of perks are we talking about here?"
"Well," Amanda ran a teasing finger up the dark-haired woman's arm, "Normally, security blankets get to be taken everywhere…" she grinned, "Snuggled…cuddled…held tightly all night…"
Lex laughed. "I think something could be arranged." She looked around the now almost-empty plane. "Ready?" Standing up and stretching her arms over her head, Lex almost laughed again as Amanda took the opportunity to tickle her ribs. "Hey! Be careful what you start, Blondie."
"Blondie?!" Amanda shrieked, giving Lex a dirty look. "You really don't want to start a name calling contest with a realtor - we can be very creative…Snookums." This last part came out with an evil grin.
The tall woman nearly dropped the bag she had been pulling from the overhead compartment. "What?!" Letting the bag fall into her seat, Lex put her hands on her hips. "Where in the hell did that come from?" She leaned menacingly over the smaller woman. "Snookums?"
"Heh…how about...Sugar Lips?" Amanda grinned, keeping the bag between her and the now beet-red rancher.
"Amanda…" Lex growled, picking up the bag. "I'll show you 'Sugar Lips'." She flipped the bag onto her shoulder and stepped closer to the grinning blonde.
Picking up her own bag, Amanda batted her wide green eyes at her would-be assailant. "Umm…have I told you lately how much I love you?"
Lex smiled, then stepped into the aisle to allow the younger woman to get in front of her. "I love you too."
"Sugar Lips!" Amanda chortled, then rushed down the aisle with a growling rancher hot on her heels.
"Is it always this…hazy?" Lex asked, looking up at the sky. They were on the road out of the airport in a shiny red Mustang convertible.
Amanda sighed. "Actually, it's pretty nice today…you can almost breathe without choking." She joked, wrinkling her nose. Glancing at her companion, Amanda almost laughed out loud. Lex was fighting a losing battle with her hair, trying to keep it out of her eyes. "Problem?"
"I knew I should have worn my hat." the dark-haired woman muttered, wiping another strand of dark silk away from her mouth with a grimace.
Using one hand to dig through her purse, Amanda looked at the perturbed rancher. "Do you want me to put the top up?"
"No!" Lex turned to look sheepishly at her friend. "I'm really enjoying the…semi-fresh air." She smiled. They had nearly driven the poor car rental agent crazy - he had tried to talk them into a luxury car or import. Lex wanted something 'big', with lots of headroom, and Amanda wanted something 'sporty'. So they compromised on a convertible - Lex only agreeing if they could drive with the top down.
"Here…" Amanda handed Lex an elastic hair tie. She had tied her own hair back before leaving the airport. "I always have a ton of these in the bottom of my purse."
Taking the offering thankfully, Lex quickly pulled her long hair into a ponytail. "Thanks… I was about ready to cut it all off with a rusty pocketknife."
"You'd better not! I love your hair!" Amanda turned sideways to glare at her partner.
Lex noticed the cars stopped ahead of them. "Amanda…honey…you wanna keep your eyes on the road, please?" She pointed ahead.
Amanda turned, then slammed her foot down hard on the brake. "Rats!" She quickly glanced up into the rearview mirror, hoping no one was directly behind them. Whew! Looking at Lex, she bit her lip. "Sorry about that." The rancher had one hand braced against the dash, and her eyes were closed tightly.
"No problem…" Lex croaked, opening her eyes then relaxing back into her seat. "There aren't any bridges on the way to your parent's house, are there?" she asked with a grin.
"None that I can think of, why?" Amanda answered, then realized what Lex was asking. "Hey! That wasn't my fault!" she waggled a warning finger at the chuckling brunette.
"Of course not…just because that bridge had been standing for as long as I could remember without mishap, then suddenly collapses the first time you drive across - I don't see any connection whatsoever." Lex crossed her arms across her chest and smirked.
Amanda snorted. "Oh yeah…I had to time it just right, too - getting that tree to hit at just the right moment…a pure stroke of genius!" She waved an arm dramatically. "But…" she reached over and grabbed Lex's hand, "the best part of my plan was making you jump into the creek after me…" Amanda felt her hand being squeezed, "and then getting you to take me home with you." She smiled triumphantly.
Lex laughed. "I like the way you think…" she pulled Amanda's hand up and kissed it.
Chapter 30
Amanda's family's house was nestled snugly in the hills surrounding Los Angeles, off of a tree-lined road. She pulled the car up to a large iron security gate, then pushed a code into the keypad next to an intercom. As the gate creaked open, Amanda looked over at her companion, who had a thoughtful look on her face.
"Seems kinda sad to live like that." Lex observed.
"Like what?" Amanda asked. Had she noticed the homeless people we passed on the street on the way out here? She didn't say anything at the time, she wondered to herself.
"Spending all that money for a big expensive house, then having to lock yourself away." Lex shook her dark head. "Why live like that?"
Navigating the rental car down the winding road that would eventually lead up to the house, Amanda sighed. Why indeed, she wondered to herself. "I guess that's why I spent so much time in Somerville," she said quietly. "This place has never felt like home, more like an expensive hotel."
Lex turned sideways in her seat, and took the smaller woman's hand in hers. "Oh, Amanda…" She had a sad look on her face.
"No…it's alright." Amanda reassured her, giving Lex a quiet smile. "I had a really great childhood with my grandparents…" here she really smiled, "And if I hadn't spent so much time with them, I may have never met you."
"Well, then…maybe I should thank your parents for letting you come to Texas." Lex drawled. Then she was struck speechless when the house came into view. Three stories, the light-colored brick gave it an almost marble-like quality - the six marble pillars in the front helped with the illusion. Huge trees covered the landscape, and a wide brick walkway completed the picture. "Damn." Lex murmured at last.
"Yeah…ostentatious, isn't it?" Amanda chuckled. "I still get lost in there sometimes." She pulled up into the circular drive, parking in front of the walk. "C'mon…let's get this started." She sighed, climbing out of the car.
"Oh, boy…" Lex walked up the brick steps next to Amanda, who stopped at the door and rang the bell. Before she could question the younger woman's actions, the massive oak doors opened inward, and a slender woman in a maid's uniform opened the doors.
"Miss Amanda! Welcome back!" she exclaimed, as the young blonde stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her in an exuberant hug.
"Beverly! You look fantastic!" Amanda gushed, taking a step back to study the woman. "Good grief! You must have lost fifty pounds!"
Beverly laughed at the young woman. "Fifty-four, to be exact…" she bragged. She then turned towards the open doorway, where a tall dark-haired woman stood, smirking. "Oh my." She's quite tall, isn't she?
"Oops! Sorry about that…" Amanda chuckled, then grabbed Lex by the arm and pulled her into the gleaming marble foyer. "Beverly, this is Lexington Walters…Lex, this is Beverly, who actually runs the house." She teased the older woman.
Lex stepped forward and held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." She saw the maid look at her strangely before accepting her hand.
Nice girl…but I hope Mr. and Mrs. Cauble don't catch her being this friendly with the household staff - they'll just make her stay here miserable. "It's really nice to meet you, Ms. Walters." Beverly smiled sincerely.
"Call me Lex." The rancher requested, "Ms. Walters sounds like a school teacher." She grinned.
"Alright, Miss Lex," Beverly looked at Amanda, who gave her a resigned look. "Miss Amanda, your father is in the library…he's expecting you."
Amanda rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Beverly. What kind of mood is he in?"
The maid shook her head as she closed the front doors. "He's been upset all day…Mr. Cauble spoke to his father this morning, and has been in the library ever since."
I bet I have a pretty good idea what the argument was about, Lex thought silently. She looked up at both women, torn. "Maybe I should just bring your bags in, then go get a hotel room." Lex started for the door. "I don't want to cause any more trouble for you with your family."
Amanda grabbed the back of the rancher's belt. "Oh, no you don't!" she pulled hard. "You're not going anywhere!"
Beverly smiled, then took the opportunity to leave, stepping quietly into the next room.
Lex turned around slowly, her eyes pained. "Amanda…you know I'd do anything in the world for you. I just don't want you to be forced to choose between us and your family - that's not fair to you." She stepped closer to Amanda and gently cradled the younger woman's face in her hands, not really caring where they were standing.
"There would be no decision to make…I'd choose you every time." She looked down at the ground. "You'd make me face them alone?" Amanda whispered softly, putting her hands unconsciously on Lex's waist. "Are you ashamed of me…of us?" her green eyes brightened with tears.
"Oh god, no!" Lex shook her head emphatically. "Never!" She used her thumb to wipe a fallen tear from Amanda's cheek. "I just…I was trying to…umm…aw, hell." Lex leaned down and kissed Amanda gently. "I'll stand beside you for as long as you want me…" she pulled the smaller woman into a fierce embrace. "I'll never leave you, I swear." She waited until both their hearts stopped pounding, then pulled back slightly. "But would you rather see you father alone at first? I could wait outside the door for you."
Amanda inhaled, trying to pull her lover's soapy clean scent deeply into her lungs. "I don't want to see him alone…" she looked up lovingly into concerned blue eyes. "But I guess it would be the decent thing to do, huh?"
Lex could see the fear and sadness in the younger woman's face. God…she looks scared half to death…how can I ask… "Amanda? Are you…afraid…of him?" She felt Amanda pull herself closer. "Are you afraid he's going to hurt you?" If she says yes, I won't let her out of my sight for an instant!
"No…he's never hurt me…" Amanda looked up and saw the fierce look on her lover's face. "Hey…really. He just gets a little loud sometimes - makes my ears hurt." She joked faintly. Not seeing the look fade, she patted the rancher's stomach gently. "Lex? You okay?"
"Hmm?" Lex answered, somewhat distracted. "Yeah, I'm fine." Damn…to be that afraid of your own father. Dad and I didn't always get along, but I was never afraid…she grimaced inwardly, remembering, but I think he was, a time or two… "How about you? Is there anything I can do?" she smiled warmly down at Amanda.
The small blonde kissed Lex on the chin and stepped back. "You already have." She grabbed Lex's hand and began pulling her across the foyer, then into an elegant hallway. "C'mon… I want to introduce you to my father."
Lex allowed herself to be led down the well-furnished hallway. Their hall has more furniture than my entire house, she noticed to herself. Lex also saw the ease in which Amanda moved through the expensive home, and suddenly realized just how vastly different their lifestyles were. Stop it! Just because their house is fancier, that doesn't make them any better than you… Her mental chastising was halted when Amanda stopped in front of a pair of closed French doors.
"Well…here we are." Amanda exhaled. She turned and looked up at the rancher. "I've changed my mind…come in with me, please?" she practically whispered.
Running a hand lightly down the younger woman's face, Lex smiled. "Sure…just give me a sign if you want me to leave…otherwise, I'm your shadow."
Amanda leaned gratefully into the touch. "Thanks." Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the doors.
"Enter." The deep voice commanded from inside.
Pushing one of the doors partially open, Amanda poked her head tentatively inside. "Daddy?"
"Amanda!" the voice boomed. "It's about time you arrived. Get in here!"
Starting forward, Amanda snuck a hand behind her back and grabbed a handful of Lex's shirt, tugging hard. "Hi, Daddy." Amanda smiled at the man sitting behind the large cherry desk.
Michael Cauble was in his mid fifties, his light reddish brown hair showing very little gray. Light hazel eyes hidden behind expensive glasses studied the two young women carefully as they stepped into the room. Making no move to stand, he motioned towards two chairs that had been strategically placed in front of the desk. "Have a seat."
Lex was barely able to control her anger. The sorry bastard hasn't seen his daughter for over six months, and he treats her like a business appointment? She waited until Amanda sat down, then gave her a smile and then occupied the other chair.
Michael leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together in front of himself. "Good flight?" he asked, more as a matter of form than any real concern.
Amanda, sitting up stiffly in her chair with her hands clasped in her lap, nodded. "Yes sir…very smooth."
She looks like she's in the principal's office, waiting to be chewed out, Lex thought angrily. She was about to say something when Michael turned his cold gaze on her.
"You must be Lexington Walters." He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're the one who pulled my daughter from the creek." A statement, not a question.
"That's right." Lex answered, her own smile somewhat forced. Standing up, she held her outstretched hand across the desk. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Cauble."
Michael stood and accepted her hand. Damn…she's got quite a grip. "Yes, well…" he released her hand quickly then sat back down. "I suppose you're here to collect some type of reward for your efforts?" He took in the way she was dressed - clean, slightly faded jeans, worn cowboy boots, and a denim shirt: her clothes, though pressed, gave Michael the impression of a poor, but proud woman. I'm not going to let her sink her money-hungry claws into my daughter's trust fund, he thought ruthlessly. "How much do you want?"
Amanda started to jump up, but Lex's hand on her arm stopped her. "Actually, Mr. Cauble, I've already gotten my reward." The tall woman grinned, then got up and stood behind Amanda's chair, resting her hands casually on the back. "I met your daughter."
Amanda saw her father redden, which was usually a sign of his explosive temper on the verge of erupting. She felt a warmth begin to flow through her, knowing that Lex was purposely diverting his attention to her instead. I shouldn't let her do this…but it feels so good to have someone stand up for me…
Michael stood up, his ire growing as he studied the smug look on the dark-haired woman's face. "What are you trying to say?" He wanted to reach across the desk and slap that look off of her face. "Amanda," he finally addressed his daughter, "leave us for a few minutes…your friend and I have some business to discuss."
Before the young blonde could say anything, Lex placed her hands gently on her shoulders. "Mr. Cauble, there's nothing that we have to discuss that Amanda can't hear, as far as I'm concerned."
Amanda's father stepped to the front of the desk, leaning casually against one edge. "Very well…I was just trying to save you some embarrassment, Ms. Walters." He matched stares with Lex, pointedly ignoring his daughter's sputtering. "Now…" he crossed his arms over his chest, "You look like you could use money." Michael held up his hand to forestall Amanda's argument. "Amanda, be quiet or I'll ask you to leave." Looking back at Lex, "I hear that you work on a ranch…and from what I've read lately, you certainly can't make any money doing that these days."
Lex could feel the waves of anger rolling off of Amanda through the hands she still had on the younger woman's shoulders. "Well, the recent rains haven't helped much, but we're doing okay." She smiled when she felt Amanda's hands gently covering her own.
Michael knew of his daughter's 'life's choice', but seeing her blatantly rub his nose in it, caused him to see red. "Look…let's cut the chase, Walters…we have money…quite a bit of it. How much do you want to leave my daughter alone?"
Lex stalked around the chair, stepping right up into Michael's face. "Do you think so little of you daughter that I have to be after her money?" She growled, looking him straight in the eye. "All the gold in Fort Knox couldn't replace Amanda in my heart - I love her, and no amount of money can run me off." She stepped back and quietly added, "Only her word could do that." She felt a calming touch on her back. "I know I don't look like much…but you gotta believe that I would do anything for Amanda…I'll sign any damn papers you want to disclaim any access to your precious money." Lex let out a tired breath and sat down.
"Ms. Walters," Michael began, somewhat shocked that someone would speak to him that way, "You must understand my position. I love my daughter. And I would do whatever it takes to protect her from people willing to hurt her for her money."
Amanda stood up, livid. "Hello? I'm sitting right here, Father." She used a more formal name for Michael, trying to get his attention. "I'm a grown woman, and I'm more than capable of making my own choices about my life…why can't you see that?" she stood in front of her father, laying a hand on his arm. "Do you really still think of me as this young girl with absolutely no clue as to what is going on?" More softly, "Daddy, I know we don't see eye-to-eye very much any more, but can't you trust my judgement on something this important?" Seeing his eyes soften, "Please?" she turned slightly, looking at Lex lovingly. "Lex?"
The rancher nodded, then wearily stood. "I'll just go get our bags out of the car." She held out her hand for the keys. "See you in a bit." Lex looked at Michael. "Mr. Cauble." She nodded, then left the room quietly.
Amanda watched as Lex left the room, noticing her slow movements. I don't think she's quite completely recovered from the past couple of weeks…better give her a thorough 'checkup' later tonight. She smiled at that thought.
Michael watched his daughter's face as her 'friend' left the room. Dear lord… "She's not just some fling you brought to toss in our faces, is she?" he asked Amanda quietly.
The small blonde turned to face her father. "No Daddy, she's not." She gave him a resigned smile. "And I can guarantee that she's not after your money…just ask Gramma or Grandpa Jake."
"That's what Dad told me this morning on the phone - they seem quite taken with your farmer."
"She's a rancher…" Amanda argued, "and she's not some dumb cowpuncher who doesn't have any feelings." Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked over to a side table, picking up a paperweight and studying it. "I know you don't approve of what I've done with my life…"
Michael walked towards her, unsure. "Amanda, it's not that. Your mother and I just think that you could do so much more than sell real estate in a backwards little town in Texas." He put a cautious hand on her shoulder. "You were always the smart one, and lord knows you are certainly headstrong enough to accomplish whatever you put your mind to…" he gently stroked her hair, "I just don't want you to waste your talents - you've got such a good head for business. I was hoping you'd come to work for me."
Amanda spun around, shocked. "What?!" she looked up into her father's face, trying to see if he was telling the truth or not. "Why the sudden change? You didn't want to have anything to do with me after I graduated from college."
And that had hurt, Amanda remembered. She had studied every waking moment during her college years, taking more than a full load to graduate over a year early. Amanda had majored in business, foolishly thinking that her father would finally take notice of her, and welcome his youngest daughter into his consulting firm. But when Amanda proudly showed him her diploma, Michael had patted her condescendingly on the shoulder and told her to take a year or two off to travel.
"Amanda…please." Her father guided her over to a chair to sit down. "To tell you the truth," he sat down on the chair next to her, "I really didn't expect you to want to work after you got out of school…your sister only used college as a dating service, I just assumed you were doing the same."
Amanda, fighting her anger, willed herself not to cry. "Is that why you thought I took such a full load of classes? So that I could meet more people to date?" she asked, incredulous.
Her father looked away, embarrassed. "Uh, well…I really didn't notice your class load. I just assumed you were doing a lot of extra curricular activities."
"Aaah!" Amanda growled, stood up and threw her hands in the air. She paced away from the desk, too angry too even look at her father. "I can't believe this!" she spun around angrily, finally looking her father in the eye. "And now you want me to come and work for you?" Walking back over and sitting down, she asked, "Why now?"
Chapter 31
After a short argument with Beverly and the chauffeur Paul, Lex was finally allowed to carry their bags into the house.
"At least let Paul help you, Miss Lex…Mrs. Cauble will throw a fit if she finds out we let a guest carry their own luggage." The maid stood in front of the rancher, wringing her hands nervously.
Rolling her eyes, Lex handed Paul half of the bags. "This better?" she smiled at his look of relief.
"Thanks, Miss Lex…" the short, burly man grinned.
The rancher gave him a disgusted look. "Could you please drop the 'Miss'? At least when the bosses aren't around?"
Paul looked around carefully. "Uh, sure…Lex."
Beverly slapped him on the shoulder. "Paul…quit flirting and show…Lex…" she gave the taller woman a wry smile, "where she can put Miss Amanda's things. And show her the guest room across the hall."
Lex lifted Amanda's duffel bag to her shoulder. "Lead on, Paul." She directed the poor flustered driver. "Thanks again, Beverly." She gave the slender maid a genuine smile as she followed Paul up the large staircase.
Shaking her head as they moved down the opulent hallway, Lex mumbled, "Hell, I could sleep comfortably in the hall." As they passed an antique settee.
Paul chuckled. "I know what you mean…my garage apartment doesn't have as much furniture as one of these hallways - but you get used to it, I guess." He stopped in front of a door. "Here's Miss Amanda's room," then he pointed to the door Lex was standing next to, "and you're welcome to use that guestroom - I think Beverly likes you."
Setting the bags down, Lex opened the door a bit and peeked inside. "Good lord!" she muttered, then turned her attention back to the chauffeur. "Why do you think Beverly likes me?"
Laughing, Paul opened Amanda's door and took the bags inside, placing them next to the bed. "Well, she normally assigns one of the guestrooms down the hall…but that's the biggest one, and the sun won't wake you in the mornings."
Looking into Amanda's room, Lex found it hard to believe that her vivacious lover had ever lived here. It looks so…impersonal, she thought sadly.
The large room was furnished with only the essentials - a bed, desk, dresser, and two comfortable looking chairs. The room looked professionally decorated, with the flowery bright bedspread and matching curtains. If Lex didn't know any better, she would have sworn this was a room at the Hyatt.
Sitting the duffel bag carefully next to the bed, Lex shook her head and made her way back across the hallway, opening the guestroom door and stepping inside.
Similarly furnished, this room had darker furniture, set off with navy blue and maroon plaid covering the bed and adorning the windows. Damn room is almost as big as the entire upstairs at home,Lex thought ruefully to herself. Opening a door on the near side of the bed, she was pleasantly surprised to find a huge walk-in closet, complete with oak hangers. Better than the Holiday Inn, I suppose, she chuckled. Closing the door, Lex noticed another door on the other side of the bed. "Well…what do we have here?" The door opened into a nice sized bathroom, with a large platform bathtub taking up an entire corner. "Oh yeah…that'll hit the spot." She closed the door, walked over to the bed, and then opened up a suitcase. Think I'll get cleaned up…might as well try out that tub.
Trudging up the stairs, Amanda replayed her conversation with her father over and over in her mind. Why now, Daddy? Why do you suddenly want me to come to work for you? Her father had deftly skirted around that very question, until she had finally decided to give up, and go find her missing friend. Would I be happy working for him? At one time, I would have sold my soul to do that…She bit her lip in thought, and isn't that what I would be doing now? Giving up my soul? Amanda knew that Lex would never leave the ranch to live in Los Angeles. It would be like trying to cage a mountain lion - she would die in 'captivity'…she needs her freedom, Amanda thought sadly.
Shaking her head, the young blonde opened her bedroom door. Noticing that only her bags were sitting by the bed, she momentarily panicked. "Lex?" she called out quietly, looking around. Mother strikes again, she thought sadly. All of her personal possessions were gone, probably packed away the day I called her, and the bookcase and dresser her grandfather had built for her were missing as well.
"Are you alright, Miss Amanda?" Beverly asked from the doorway. "Is there anything I can get for you?" I should have warned her that Mrs. Cauble had her room packed up and put into storage.
"I guess Mother couldn't wait to get rid of me, huh?" Amanda asked ruefully, waving an arm at the bare room.
Beverly smiled. "Actually, she said that since you wouldn't be here for very long, she didn't want you to spend all of your time packing, when you should be visiting your family." She walked over and laid a gentle hand on the younger woman's arm. "If it helps, I supervised the packing, not your mother." Her eyes were sympathetic.
Amanda let out a relieved breath. The thought of Mother digging through all of my personal things…ugh! "You have no idea how much that helps." She smiled brightly. "Have you seen Lex? I just finished talking to my father, and I thought she'd be up here."
"We put her in the guestroom across the hall." Beverly said, chuckling softly. "Paul said that Lex nearly fainted when she saw the size of the room."
"I'll bet." Amanda raised an eyebrow at the maid's familiarity with her lover. Lex, huh? She must really like her - that's the nicest room on this floor. "I think I'll go check up on my friend…she's had a pretty rough day." Amanda gave the older woman a hug. "Thanks for everything, Beverly…I'm really going to miss you."
"You have certainly been missed around here, dear…but I think you'll be much happier in Texas." The maid pulled back and winked. "Now, I'm going to leave you alone so you can rest up from your trip. Dinner will be in a few hours - I'll send Sophia up to get you when it's ready." Beverly smiled and left the room.
Amanda counted to ten, then peeked out into the hallway. The coast is clear, she thought, then snuck over and quietly knocked on the door.
No answer.
The petite woman knocked again, more firmly this time.
Total silence.
Maybe she's asleep, Amanda thought as she slowly opened the door. "Lex?" she whispered, stepping softly into the room. Looking over to the bed, she saw that it was empty, except for a set of clean clothes laid out neatly at the foot.
The bathroom door was closed, but Amanda could see a small amount of light leaking out from under the door. Knocking softly, she called out to her partner. "Lex?"
Not a sound.
Opening the door slowly, she poked her blonde head into the steamy room, glancing around. Aw…she looks so cute…
Lex was sound asleep in the bathtub, a damp washcloth covering her eyes.
Amanda closed the door and then locked it behind her. "Lex?" she walked towards the sleeping woman carefully, trying not to startle her.
"Mmm…" the dark-haired woman rolled her head to one side, still not awake. She slipped a little lower in the water, until it came almost to her chin.
Kneeling down next to the tub, Amanda pulled the washcloth off of Lex's face. "Lex…honey?" she murmured, pushing the damp bangs away from the still woman's face. "Hey."
Sleepy blue eyes partially opened. "Hmm?" Lex moaned, then blinked. "Amanda?" she struggled to sit up a little. "Wha…damn." She pulled one hand out of the water and rubbed her face. "Sorry…must have dozed off there."
Amanda giggled. "Do you always fall asleep in the tub?" She ran her hand down Lex's face. "Who woke you before I came along?"
This earned her a sheepish grin. "That's why I normally don't take baths - it takes waaaay too much time. But Martha would usually…" her words were stopped by insistent lips. "Mmm…" Arms worked their way around her neck, and Lex lifted both of her arms out of the water and wrapped them snugly around the sturdy body next to the tub.
"Aaah…Lex…" Amanda broke the kiss long enough to breathe. "You're getting my shirt… ummm…" a warm mouth attached itself to her sensitive throat. "Lex…my shirt…" she moaned. "Aaaack!!" Amanda suddenly found herself in Lex's lap…in the tub…fully clothed. "I can't believe…" she began, until her lips were again captured by the now heavily breathing rancher. Large hands began unbuttoning her shirt, and Amanda gasped as the cool air hit her wet, bare skin. Giving up the battle (not that she was fighting all that hard, she thought later), she kicked off her shoes as those roaming hands unsnapped her jeans. "Guess a bath couldn't hurt." She mumbled around the rancher's lips.
Lex chuckled, then helped Amanda slip out of the rest of her clothes, pulling her farther into the tub. "You got that right."
Chapter 32
"So…how are we supposed to dress for dinner?" Lex asked, sprawled out on the bed, still wrapped in a towel.
Amanda stepped out of the bathroom, brushing her just-dried hair. Looking at the relaxed form on the bed, she smirked. "In clothes, preferably." She was clad only in her bra and underwear, after sneaking across the hallway to grab dry clothes while wearing only a towel.
Lex suddenly appeared behind her, handing Amanda her towel and chuckling. "Smartass." She kissed the back of the blonde's neck. "I thought I'd just go 'casual' - whatta ya think?"
"I think that if you don't get dressed, we may never make it downstairs for dinner." Amanda turned around and placed a soft kiss on the taller woman's throat. "Thankfully, my parents don't insist that we dress up for dinner - it's really not that big of a deal." She gave Lex's flat belly a gentle pat. "C'mon…let's get dressed. Sophia will probably be coming for us soon."
"Who's Sophia?" Lex asked, as she rummaged through her suitcase. "Where did you put my…oh, here they are." She pulled out socks and underwear, and tossed them on the bed.
Amanda finished getting dressed and laughed. "Sophia is the maid for this floor - Beverly said she'd come for us when dinner is ready."
Lex turned around, her neatly pressed jeans on, but unbuttoned. "Should I wear a tee shirt, or one of my button downs?" she stepped over to the closet to find a suitable shirt. "Just how casual is dinner in this place? Will I have to wade through ten different types of forks before I find the right one?" She grabbed a light blue oxford shirt and held it up to her body. "How's this?"
Walking over to the nervously babbling rancher, Amanda took the shirt from her and removed it from the hanger. "It's perfect…" She draped the fabric over the broad shoulders. "Don't worry so much…it's just a simple dinner. You have eaten in public before, haven't you?" She teased, trying to get the older woman to calm down.
Lex watched as the small hands buttoned her shirt for her. "Yeah, of course I have…it's just that…well, they're…I just want to make a good impression, that's all." She took a deep breath and sighed. "I don't want your family to think I'm some sort of backwoods hick that eats with their hands…"
"Honey…they're not going to think that. Just because you own a ranch, that doesn't mean you have no manners. Martha raised you much better than that." Amanda wrapped her arms around Lex's waist, pulling the tall woman closer. "And if for some reason their little snooty brains think that way, no matter how wrong it is, I don't give a damn! I love you, so they'll just have to love you too!"
"Oh, yeah?" Lex countered her eyes twinkling, pulling the smaller woman into a hug.
Amanda nodded into her chest. "Damn straight."
A knock at the door interrupted them. "Miss Amanda, are you there?" A soft, lightly accented Spanish voice asked through the door.
"Come in, Sophia…" Amanda said, taking only one step away from Lex, who finished tucking in her shirt and buttoned her jeans closed.
"I'm sorry to be disturbing you, Miss Amanda, but Mrs. Cauble asked that you and your guest join them in the drawing room before dinner." The short, heavyset woman said softly.
"Thank you, Sophia…let me introduce you - this is Lexington Walters…Lex, this is Sophia, who spent a lot of time chasing me up and down these halls when I was a child." She gave the maid a sweet smile.
Lex stepped forward and held out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Sophia…you can call me Lex."
"Umm…" the maid was somewhat at a loss, looking up into those intense blue eyes. "Thank you, Miss Lex…it's a real pleasure to meet you." She released the tall woman's hand and smiled at them both. "I'll let Mrs. Cauble know you'll be down soon." Nodding to Amanda, Sophia left the room, still smiling.
Amanda stood chuckling, staring at the quickly closed door. "You seem to have enchanted our entire household staff." She turned and looked at Lex, who was sitting on the bed slipping on her socks.
"Oh yeah…I think I'm more of an oddity - they act like they've never seen someone wearing scruffy boots before." She pulled one of the talked about pieces of footwear on.
"Nah…" Amanda sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around the broad shoulders. "It's because they're not used to houseguests treating them like people." She sighed. "I don't think my mother knows anyone's name except Beverly's - and she only knows hers because Beverly is in charge of the staff."
Lex leaned her head over until it touched Amanda's. "That's a real shame. They're all really nice folks." She kissed the blonde head, then stood up. "Do I look okay?" The rancher held her arms out away from her body, a little nervously.
Amanda scratched her chin, apparently deep in thought. "Hmm…" She pursed her lips. "No, you don't look okay." Seeing the upset look on Lex's face, she laughed and continued, "You look great!" Amanda stood up and grabbed the older woman's hand. "C'mon…let's go face the inquisition."
Amanda stood outside the closed doors to the sitting room, gathering her courage. All right, Mandy…get a grip, she mentally chastised. Looking at her partner, she saw that Lex had a slightly lost look on her face. "Ready?" she smiled at the taller woman.
"As I'll ever be." Lex returned her smile.
Conversation stopped and all eyes in the room turned towards the door as Amanda and Lex entered.
An auburn-haired young woman, who looked like a slightly older version of Amanda, stepped towards them, a smile on her face. "Amanda! It's so good to see you again." She gave the younger woman a light hug, then pulled back and tugged on the end of Amanda's hair. "What did you do to your hair?"
Amanda smiled as her sister backed away. "I cut it to make it easier to take care of," she unconsciously brushed the shoulder-length blonde strands away from her face. "With taking care of Grandpa and working at the office, I just didn't have time to mess with waist-long hair."
"It makes you look older." A slender blonde woman commented from a nearby chair. "Are you going to stand there all evening, or are you going to come tell me hello?" she regally questioned, lifting a hand towards them.
Amanda traded rolled eyes with her sister, then walked over to their mother, who stood up as her younger daughter approached. "Hello, Mother." Amanda greeted the aristocratic woman, "You're looking well."
Elizabeth Cauble placed her hands on Amanda's shoulders, then leaned forward to place a light kiss on the younger woman's cheek. "Thank you dear…" she pulled back and patted her hair with one hand. "I had Antoine make it a little lighter, this time." She looked her youngest daughter over carefully. "You are looking a little washed out, dear - have you been working too hard? Showing strange people dirty little houses all day is not something a lady should be doing." She said the words as if work were a disease.
"No…actually, I've been on vacation for the past couple of weeks - and it's been raining too much to get any sun." Not to mention most of my…activities…have been indoors lately, she grinned to herself. "And I really don't want to have another argument over my job right now." Amanda turned towards the doorway, where her lover stood quietly. "Lex…come over here." She looked back at her family, then took Lex's hand. "Mother, this is Lexington Walters - she's the woman I told you about over the phone…Lex, this is my mother, Elizabeth Cauble."
The rancher looked at Elizabeth, who was a couple of inches taller than Amanda. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cauble." She held out her hand to the older woman, who took it with slight disdain.
"Yes, I'm sure." Elizabeth removed her hand quickly, wiping it not so discreetly with a handkerchief. So this is the cowhand who is after my daughter's inheritance… we'll just see about that, she gave the taller woman an icy glare.
Amanda missed the look her mother gave Lex as she grabbed the rancher's arm and casually directed her over to where her sister and a tall handsome man stood. "Jeannie, Frank… this is Lex, the love of my life." She turned to see Lex's face blush slightly. "Lex, this is my sister Jeannie, and my best friend Frank Rivers, who just happens to be married to her."
Frank shook Lex's hand with enthusiasm. "So, you're this mysterious rancher that our Mandy has been raving about…" he pulled her into a hug, and whispered into her ear, "Welcome to the family, Lex…just don't let the old battle-ax get to you." Frank released the somewhat shocked rancher, who gave him a shaky smile.
"Thanks, Frank…it's really good to meet you." Lex glanced over at Amanda, and smiled. "Although Amanda hasn't told me much about her family, I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you before we leave." Seeing her partner's face looking at her questioningly, "I'm sure you have some interesting stories to tell." Then she turned back towards Jeannie and held out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Jeannie."
Amanda's sister took her hand cautiously. "Lex…it seems that we owe you our thanks for saving my sister's life." She didn't really understand Amanda's lifestyle, but knew from listening to her mother's ravings that this woman was her 'girlfriend'. It's probably just a phase she's going through, since I married Frank and she didn't, Jeannie thought to herself. Gorgeous eyes - and she doesn't look like the money-hungry demon Mother described, either. Hmm…
Lex gave Jeannie a slightly embarrassed smile. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, that's all…" she was saved from any further comments by a clear voice from the doorway.
"Excuse me, but dinner is ready, Mrs. Cauble." Beverly gave Elizabeth a slight curtsy.
Elizabeth held out her hand for Michael to take. "Very well. Shall we all continue our conversations in the dining room?" she asked the others, her and her husband taking the lead and stepping from the room.
Frank gave Lex and Amanda a wink. "Guess that's our cue to follow." He waited for Jeannie to take his arm, then followed the older couple out of the sitting room.
Lex watched as the others left, then turned and bowed to Amanda with a rakish smile. "Shall we, my dear?" she held out her arm.
Amanda swatted the offered arm, then wrapped her arms around Lex tightly. "God…I love you…" she murmured into the taller woman's chest. "Think they'd miss us if we just staying right here, like this?"
Kissing the top of the blonde head, Lex chuckled. "Uh, yeah…I'm afraid they would." She whispered, looking over Amanda's head and seeing Elizabeth's angry glare at the doorway, before the older woman turned on her heel and fled the scene. "C'mon, sweetheart…I can hear your stomach rumbling from here. Let's go impress your family with my table manners." She teased. "I promise to use my fork instead of my fingers."
"Oh, god…don't even joke about that!" Amanda laughed. "But it would be fun to see my mother's face if you did." She lifted her head up and gave the rancher a tender kiss. "Okay… let's go watch my mother hold court at the dining room table." She pulled Lex out of the sitting room and down the hall.