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 6
Chapter 33
They stepped into a lavish dining room, with a large table that could easily seat twenty people. Michael Cauble sat at the head of the table, with his wife to the right of him, and his eldest daughter to the left. Frank stood next to Jeannie's chair, waiting for the other women to take their seats. There was a place setting next to Elizabeth, and another on the other side of Frank. Before Amanda could complain about the seating arrangements, Lex gently pushed her towards the chair next to her mother, while the rancher took her place next to the grinning Frank.
He pulled Lex's chair out for her, getting an upraised eyebrow in response. "Thanks, Frank…" Lex mumbled, then gave a wink to her partner across the table.
"Now that we're all finally seated," Elizabeth gave the rancher an annoyed look, "you may have dinner brought in, Beverly."
Everyone was completely silent as the servers brought in the meal, waiting until they left the room to begin speaking. "So, Lex…is this the first time you've ever been to Los Angeles?" Michael was bound and determined to show how unworldly Amanda's choice in suitors was.
Setting down her fork, the rancher smiled. "Yes it is, Mr. Cauble…I don't usually take the time to travel from the ranch, but since Amanda decided that she needed to come, wild horses couldn't keep me away." She gave her lover a smile across the table.
"What exactly do you raise on your ranch? Cattle, horses…?" Frank decided that the dark haired woman could use an ally.
Lex gave him a smile. "Cattle, mostly…but I'm trying to turn it into more of a horse ranch. What is it you do, Frank?"
The big man cleared his throat. "I played professional football for a couple of years, until I blew out my knee…now I'm in the public relations business."
"You're that Frank Rivers?" Lex exclaimed. "Wow! I used to curse you when the Cowboys would play the Rams…you're one of the best defensive backs I've ever seen play the game!"
"Such a barbaric game…grown men trying to hurt each other." Elizabeth sniffed. "But I suppose you'd be interested in that sort of thing, wouldn't you, Ms. Walters?"
Amanda shook her head. "I don't think…"
Lex chuckled. "Nah…I enjoy watching the game, but I just as soon be out riding, than sitting in front of a television, or stuck inside with a desk job."
"Most…desk jobs…as you put it, are very good ways of making a living. At least it's steady income." The matriarch fussed with her napkin.
"I agree, Mrs. Cauble…I just can't ever see myself locked in that sort of position - but folks that do, have my complete respect." The rancher noticed the red flush rising on the older woman's face, and grinned inwardly. Not going to get me to lose my temper over something that trivial, lady…
Michael decided to try and change the subject, since the only person losing control of their temper seemed to be his normally calm wife. "Amanda, have you thought any more on my offer? You could have the office right down the hall from me, and of course you'd be making over twice what you could at that puny real estate office." He enjoyed the look of shock on the rancher's face.
Amanda looked across the table to Lex, whose face had turned quite pale. "Um…I thought we were going to discuss this tomorrow?" she directed towards her father. Oh, Lex… don't look at me that way.
"Amanda! That would be wonderful! You've always wanted to work with your father…" Elizabeth beamed, placing a hand on her younger daughter's arm. "We could have all of your things brought back out of storage in the morning." She gave the quiet woman across the table a triumphant look.
Lex felt her whole world collapse. Dropping her fork to her barely touched plate, she swallowed the lump in her throat and mumbled, "If you'd please excuse me…I need to make a few phone calls." She promptly stood up and left the room.
Michael watched the rancher leave, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Well, Amanda, I guess we should talk about your salary…"
Elizabeth cut in before her younger daughter could speak. "Michael, you know we don't discuss money or politics while we are eating - it's bad for the digestion." She turned to Amanda. "We really must do something about your wardrobe, dear…I think you've spent too much time in the company of that…woman - you look like a migrant worker, or something equally distasteful."
Amanda tossed her napkin on the table in disgust. "These are the same damn clothes I wore when I lived here!" she began to stand up, but Elizabeth's grip on her shirt stopped her.
"Watch your language, young lady!" Michael stood up angrily, his face red. "Apologize to your mother this instant…" he pushed his chair back, prepared to go around the table towards his youngest daughter.
"Daddy…let's all calm down, here…" Jeannie grabbed her father's arm, pulling gently. "It's been a really long day, and we're all tired." She gave a nervous smile as Michael sat back in his chair. Looking at her sister, she asked, "Amanda? C'mon, why don't you sit back down and we can finish dinner like civilized adults?"
"I'm really not that hungry…if you will all excuse me, I'm going to check on my friend." Amanda quietly pushed her chair back towards the table and left the room.
Waiting until the young woman closed the door behind her, Michael turned towards his wife. "Dammit, Elizabeth! You just had to start on her clothes…" he looked over at his oldest daughter. "And I don't want to hear anything out of you…"
"Okay, sure…" Jeannie shrugged her shoulders. Poor Amanda…they're just not going to let this go…
"Please, Michael - calm yourself. I can't help it if our daughter had begun dressing like a…a…field hand! Did you see those jeans? They were faded! And not even pressed!" she tsked.
Jeannie stifled a giggle. "I think she looks great - and I love her hair." She turned to her husband, "What do you think? Should I get mine trimmed, too?"
"Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart…" Frank grinned at his wife. "You'd look great without any hair at all." He enjoyed the look of shock on her face.
"Eeww…" Jeannie grimaced, then stuck her tongue out at her husband.
Amanda stepped out of the dining room, closed the door quietly behind her, and then started down the long hallway towards the sitting room. "Lex?" She peeked her head inside, finding the large room empty. Okay…if I were an upset rancher, where would I go? She wondered to herself. Turning around, she almost screamed out loud when she came face to face with Beverly.
"Goodness!" the maid exclaimed, "I'm terribly sorry to give you such a scare…are you alright, Miss Amanda?"
The young blonde leaned up against the doorframe, releasing a heavy breath. "I'm fine… you wouldn't happened to have seen Lex in the past few minutes, would you?"
Beverly nodded. "As a matter of fact, I have…she asked me to show her how to get to the back gardens - she said she needed some fresh air." She noticed the lines of tension on the younger woman's face. "Is it true that you'll be staying? Mr. Cauble called me earlier and told me to have your things pulled from storage tomorrow - but I wanted to check with you first."
"I'm afraid that's just wishful thinking on his part, Beverly - at the rate things are going, I'm not sure if we'll even be here through tomorrow." She spared a wistful glance down the hallway. "Um…I've got a moving truck and crew scheduled to show up tomorrow - would you…"
The maid patted her on the shoulder. "I'll send them over with Paul to the storage facility - he'll make sure that they get everything." She saw the sad look on Amanda's face as the young woman looked down the hall, fidgeting. "Why don't you go and check on your friend? I'll tell everyone that you retired for the evening."
A relieved smile crossed Amanda's face. "Thanks, Beverly. I owe you one." She forced herself to walk slowly down the hallway, making her way towards the side of the house.
Chapter 34
Sitting on a slight hill under a large tree, Lex looked down at the massive 'garden'. A beautiful fountain, surrounded by a ten-foot hedge on three sides, soothed the rancher's frazzled nerves. Propping her chin on an upraised knee, Lex stared at the gurgling pool, mesmerized by the play of lights by the sinking sun on the spraying water.
C'mon, Lexington…pull yourself together… she released a heavy sigh. This was just the sort of thing that you were afraid of, wasn't it? That she'd come back here, and pick up where she left off? All of her friends are here, and her family… she angrily brushed away a tear from her face. "Look at this place…what in the hell could I possibly have to offer her to compare with this?"
She murmured quietly, closing her watering blue eyes.
"Your love." A gentle voice whispered from behind her. "Your heart." Lex's view was suddenly blocked by the owner of the voice, blonde hair framed by the setting sun. "Mind some company?" Amanda asked, touching Lex's knee with her hand.
"Uh…sure." Lex shifted so that the younger woman could sit in front of her, framed by the rancher's long legs. She wiped at her eyes, disguising the motion by using the same hand to comb her dark hair out of her face. "Sorry about running out on you like that…the walls were starting to close in on me." Lex wrapped her arms around Amanda and pulled her close.
Leaning back into the embrace, Amanda sighed, then bent her head to kiss one of the strong arms holding her. "Don't apologize…I'm just really sorry that my father said what he did."
"Was it true?" Lex whispered in her ear. "Are you considering staying here, and going to work for him?" Taking a deep breath, she continued, "If that's what you want…I'll…support your decision. I love you, and I want you to be happy." She laid her head on the younger woman's shoulder.
Amanda tangled her fingers into the dark, thick hair spilling over her shoulder. "What about us? Do you think I could just walk away from this…from you?" She felt the body behind her take in a shaky breath.
"No! I don't think that. But I'm also not stupid enough to disregard what a great opportunity this is for you." Lex raised her head slightly, placing a kiss just below Amanda's ear. "I could…um…give you some time to get settled, then come back out here - if you want." The rancher found herself torn between her heart - which was screaming 'Don't go!' and her mind - saying 'this is the best thing for Amanda.' Oh, god…what am I going to do?
Amanda turned around slightly, so that she could see Lex's face. "What about your ranch?" She put a hand up to cradle the older woman's tense jaw.
"I'll…sell it, or hire somebody to run it…I don't care about the damn ranch," Lex closed her eyes and unconsciously leaned into Amanda's gentle touch. "She felt a fingertip brush away another tear from her face. "I do care about you…nothing else matters to me."
Fighting back tears of her own, Amanda brushed the dark bangs from her lover's face. "You'd…give up your ranch for me?" she choked out.
"In a heartbeat." Lex opened her eyes and frowned. "Hey…don't cry…" she lifted a shaky hand to the younger woman's face, brushing the now-falling tears away. "What's wrong?"
"No one's…ever…offered to do something like that for me, before." Amanda looked deeply into Lex's eyes. "Oh, Lex…" she cried.
The rancher pulled Amanda closer, kissing the top of her head. "Shhh…" she began rocking the now sobbing woman. "Please don't cry, sweetheart…I love you. Do you really think I'd let you stay here alone?"
Amanda let herself calm down before continuing. "No…I know you wouldn't leave me… but you don't have to worry. I would never ask you to give something up that means so much to you."
"What are you saying?" Lex felt a jolt of fear shoot through her. "Do you…don't you… you don't want me to stay?" she finished in a quiet voice.
"No…I don't want you to stay…" Amanda smiled to herself, "I would get really lonesome in Texas without you." She finished, looking up into Lex's eyes. Seeing the understanding light up the older woman's features, she grinned. "The movers are going to pick up everything in storage tomorrow…do you still want to stay? We can leave whenever you get ready."
"But what about Friday? Won't your father be upset with you?" Lex almost laughed out loud, she was so happy. She's not staying…she's going home with me!
Amanda wrapped her arms around Lex and squeezed tight. "He's already upset…and to quote a good friend of mine, 'you're more important' than some stupid dinner party."
"Thanks…but we're already here - might as well stick it out." Lex pulled Amanda's chin up and gave her a sweet kiss, which was eagerly returned.
After reluctantly breaking off to catch her breath, Amanda sighed. "You know, this is one of my favorite places…I was hoping I would find you here." She snuggled closer, tucking her head into the older woman's chest.
"Really?" Lex murmured, rubbing her cheek on the soft blonde hair. "It just seemed so… peaceful…secluded. Kinda reminds me of home." She chuckled. "Without the fancy fountain, of course."
Amanda giggled. "Yeah…it would probably scare the horses half to death, not to mention the fuss Martha would probably make over it." She raised up a little and kissed the soft skin on Lex's throat. "I used to sit out here for hours - reading…dreaming…"
"What did you dream about?" Lex asked quietly, enthralled at this peek into her lover's early life.
"When I was really young, I'd dream about the usual things…who I would marry, what I was going to do when I grew up - you know, that sort of stuff." She felt the strong arms tighten around her. "For as long as I can remember, I wanted to go to work for my father. Of course, I alternated that idea with working for Gramma, or even helping Grandpa Jake - I had a hard time deciding. But mostly, I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps."
"Oh, sweetheart…" Lex murmured sadly, seeing where this conversation was headed.
"No, wait…" Amanda patted Lex's stomach gently. "Anyway, I went to college and took a lot of extra classes so that I could graduate early - I wanted to make my dad proud." She sighed. "But he really didn't take me seriously - just sort of brushed me off and told me to travel for a couple of years, like my mother had. So, in my fit of rebellion, I got my realtor's license instead, and joined a small office here in Los Angeles." Seeing the sad look on Lex's face, Amanda touched her cheek gently. "And I thank God everyday that it all happened that way." She leaned forward and captured the rancher's lips, allowing her passion to take over. "Because…" she punctuated her point with a smaller kiss, "you are…" another, slightly longer kiss, "my greatest dreams come true." She met Lex's lips halfway, pulling the older woman's head down, with one hand tangled in her dark hair.
Lex greeted Amanda's passion with her own, then gasped as she felt a small hand unbuttoning her shirt. "Ah…Amanda…" the insistent hand reached inside, brushing her stomach lightly. "Oh, god…we can't…" a small mouth attached itself to her throat, as the hand began moving upward. "Mmm…No! What if someone…ahh…" the warm hand found it's target, squeezing gently.
"How about…" a sultry voice whispered in her ear, "we continue our conversation upstairs?" Amanda nibbled on the trembling rancher's earlobe. "I want you…right now." She pulled back a little, enjoying the flushed look on Lex's face. "C'mon…" Amanda slowly removed her hand, then buttoned the older woman's shirt back up. "I want to try out that huge bed in the guestroom." She stood up, pulling a slightly rumpled Lex to her feet.
Walking back into the house, Amanda giggled when Lex stumbled as they stepped through the kitchen doorway.
"Don't laugh…it's all your fault, you know." Lex growled, her arm wrapped tightly around the shorter woman's waist.
Amanda guided her charge through the kitchen and back towards the main foyer. Just as they were reaching the large staircase, a voice stopped them.
"I've been looking for you, Amanda." Michael stated, stepping into the foyer. "I thought we had a conversation to finish." He glared at Lex, noticing the tall woman's bedraggled appearance. "Just where exactly were you?"
Not relinquishing her hold on her lover, Amanda smiled. " We were just enjoying the peace and quiet of the gardens, Daddy." Feeling Lex begin to tense, she added, "And I think we said all there was to say earlier."
Michael frowned. "I don't think so…come back into my office, and we'll try to get all of this straightened out." He turned, expecting his daughter to follow.
"I'm sorry, Daddy…but we were on our way upstairs. Maybe you and I can't talk some more tomorrow." She turned, pulling Lex with her. "Goodnight."
Knowing when to back off, Michael stormed back towards his office. Dismissed! Like a servant, by my own daughter…all because of that…that…woman! "We'll just have to see about that, won't we?" he mumbled, sitting down behind his desk, and pulling his Rolodex forward. Finding the number he was searching for, Michael grabbed the phone.
"Richards Investigations." A slightly accented female voice answered.
"This is Michael Cauble. Put James on the phone." Michael ordered, not sparing time for niceties.
"Very well, Mr. Cauble - hold one moment, please." The secretary's voice was cool and professional.
Michael waited impatiently, drumming his fingers on his desk. There should be a law against Muzak…As tinny strains of Memories flooded his ear.
"Richards, here." A somewhat gravely voice intoned. "Mr. Cauble? What can I do for you?"
"James, I have a rush job for you - double your usual fee if you can get it together before Friday." Michael had pulled a pencil from his desk and was now doodling aimlessly on a notepad. A stick figure wearing a cowboy hat appeared beneath his sketching pencil.
"This Friday? Must be really important." Richards sounded intrigued. "What is it?"
"I want you to dig up everything you can find on a Lexington Walters - she's a rancher right outside of Somerville, Texas…" Michael growled. "I don't care what it costs, or how many men you have to put on it. I need it quick." The stick figure now stood on a wide platform.
The investigator chuckled. "Not a problem, Mr. Cauble. I'll send out a team in the next hour, and send you a report by tomorrow morning." He had been under Michael Cauble's employ for the past several years, and knew how well the man would pay.
"Excellent. Don't send it by courier, though…just fax it to me. I rely on your discretion, James." Michael hung up the phone, smiling. No two-bit dirt grubber is going to get her hands on my daughter's money. The platform in his sketch became a gallows - a noose now around the neck of the stick figure.
Chapter 35
Lex allowed herself to be guided up the long staircase, her thoughts elsewhere. Why is her family so dead set against seeing her happy? Are they really that self-centered? Or is it something else? Maybe it's because of who she's with…
"Honey? You still with me here?" Amanda questioned, closing the guestroom door behind them. "What's wrong?" She pulled Lex over to the bed, and gently sat her down. "Lex?" Amanda lightly touched her face, seeing the rancher finally shake herself and her gaze sharpen.
"Huh? Oh, sorry about that…just thinking." Lex murmured, leaning into the touch. "What were you saying?" She pulled the younger woman into her lap with a heartfelt sigh.
Amanda snuggled into Lex's arms, content to let the subject drop. "Nothing…I was just a little concerned." She kissed the tan throat under her lips. "Are you feeling okay?"
Lex chuckled. "I've never felt better…why don't we get ready for bed?" She stood up, lifting Amanda to her feet as well. "Oh…umm…" she mumbled, feeling small hands begin to unbutton her shirt again. She reached for the rest of the buttons, intent on helping her lover with the task.
"No…please…let me." Amanda whispered, pushing the shirt over broad shoulders and onto the floor. She began unbuttoning Lex's jeans, then quickly slid them down her hips, bumping the older woman back onto the bed.
"I can…" Lex started, but quieted when Amanda placed a soft hand over her mouth. She kissed the hand, which then moved to caress her face, running lightly over her upraised eyebrows.
The younger woman smiled. "Just sit back…I've been wanting to do this all evening." She leaned over and placed a tender kiss on the rancher's lips, then backed off and began removing the well-worn boots from Lex's feet, the socks quickly following them to the floor.
Sitting back on the bed, Lex could only marvel at the gentle attentiveness that her lover showed. Deciding to just lie back and enjoy the ride, she chuckled when a hand tickled her bare foot. "Hey!" She wiggled the foot slightly.
Amanda giggled. "Sorry…you've just got such cute feet…I couldn't resist." She ran another fingertip down Lex's instep, then grabbed the end of the jeans and pulled them off of the long legs. "And really sexy legs…" she murmured, running her hands up the inside of the rancher's calves, amazed at how strong they were. For someone who rides horses so much, she's got incredible legs.
"Ah…umm…oh, god…" Lex leaned back and closed her eyes, feeling her heart begin to pound. Her eyes opened back up slightly when she heard the sound of cloth rustling nearby. Enjoying her slight bit of voyeurism, the rancher watched as Amanda slowly removed her own clothes, unaware that she was being watched. "You are so beautiful, Amanda…" she murmured, watching as her words caused the younger woman to blush.
"Yeah, right…" Amanda chuckled, as she walked back over towards the bed. "Ugh!" she grunted as she was quickly pulled down on top of Lex. "I don't think…" her doubts were silenced by insistent lips, which claimed hers hotly. "Mmm…" she wrapped her arms around the dark-haired woman's neck, feeling strong hands pull her closer.
"Don't worry…" Lex murmured between heated kisses, "I wasn't expecting you to do any more thinking tonight." She rolled over to cover the younger woman's body with her own.
Amanda stretched stiffly, noticing with a slight frown the sun trying to peek in the windows. She looked down lovingly at the woman who was snuggled on top of her, Lex's dark head resting comfortably on her chest. How did I ever get so lucky? Everything I ever wanted in someone, and in a really good looking package too… Amanda gently brushed the scattered bangs from the smooth forehead. Why can't they just see how happy I am, and leave us alone? Everything has to be connected with money, not love, as far as they're concerned. She released a heavy sigh, dropping her head back down onto her pillow.
"Hey…what's the matter?" Lex's voice, rough with sleep asked. "You okay?" she nuzzled the soft skin under her cheek.
Glancing back down into those incredibly blue eyes, Amanda smiled. "I'm great. Just thinking." She ran her fingertips across Lex's smooth cheek. "I love you so very much, you know."
"I love you too." Lex placed a kiss on Amanda's chest, then hugged her tight. "I don't know who to thank for sending you to me, but I'm going to spend the rest of my life loving you."
A knock on the door stopped Amanda's answer. "Miss Amanda? It's me, Beverly." The maid's soft voice floated through the door.
Lex grinned, then shrugged, as Amanda gave her a questioning look. The rancher climbed out of bed, and padded into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
"Come in, Beverly." Amanda had just enough time to put Lex's shirt on and climb back into bed as the maid stepped into the room.
Beverly gave the younger woman a knowing smile. "I'm really sorry to bother you so early, but I thought you might want to know that your mother is looking for you." She looked at the clothes strewn around the room. "And I didn't want her…interrupting…anything."
Amanda blushed. "Uh, yeah…thanks a lot, Beverly." She rubbed her face with one hand. "Do you know what she wants?"
"She mentioned something about choosing your outfit for Friday." Beverly gave her a sympathetic smile."
"Too bad…I have already chosen my clothes - she'll just have to live with it." Amanda grinned, then realized that the shirt she was wearing was inside out and buttoned crookedly, which caused her to blush again.
Lex stepped out of the bathroom, with a green towel wrapped around her body. "Good morning, Beverly." She grinned to the maid, watching from the corner of her eye as Amanda blushed furiously. "Everything okay, Amanda?" she asked, smirking.
"Yeah…I guess. Beverly came up to warn us that Mother's looking for me." The blonde woman ducked her head, finding the pattern on the comforter quite interesting.
Lex walked into the closet, laughing. "Must not be looking too hard…I don't see you hiding." She stepped back out, jeans on, buttoning a denim shirt.
Amanda covered her head when the maid began to laugh. "Oh, god…"
"I'll just let you get ready…" Beverly winked at Lex. "And I'll tell your mother that you'll be down soon, so she won't be disturbing you." She laughed again as another groan was heard from under the comforter. Beverly left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Lex pulled the comforter away from Amanda's head. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" She grinned as Amanda glared at her. "You're not shy, are you?"
' WHAP! '
Amanda slammed a pillow into the smirking rancher's face, knocking her off of the bed. Silence from below worried the younger woman, "Lex?" She leaned over the edge of the bed, just in time for the same pillow to knock her backwards. "Hey!" Amanda felt the bed shift as a large body leaped up, straddling her hips. "You wouldn't…" she started, just as long fingers began tickling her unmercifully. "Lex!…" she giggled, "C'mon…argh!" she squirmed, trying to fight back.
"Stop! I'm gonna make a mess if you don't quit!" she got out between gales of laughter.
Lex stopped tickling Amanda, and gently pulled the younger woman's arms up over her head. Leaning down, she gave her lover a soft kiss. "Bathroom's all yours, sweetheart… I'll just straighten up in here. Nice fashion trend you're setting with that shirt, by the way." She jumped off of the bed, laughing, as Amanda growled and tossed another pillow her way.
Deciding to avoid an early confrontation, Amanda had asked Beverly to have breakfast served to her and Lex on the sunporch off of the kitchen. Windows open, it wasn't a usual meeting place for members of the family, because the fresh air often brought small insects with it. The sun was partially blocked by the awning that ran across the back, but Lex loved it anyway.
"That was great." Lex moaned, leaning back in her chair and giving her lover a grateful smile. She pulled her arms back over her head and stretched until her back popped several times.
Amanda reached over and scratched the rancher's stomach lightly. "You didn't eat much dinner last night," she said regretfully, "Did you get enough breakfast?"
Lex chuckled and swatted the teasing hand away. "Stop that." She straightened up and grabbed her coffee cup. "Oh, yeah. I think I even out ate you." The dark-haired woman gave Amanda a smirk. "What's on the agenda for today?"
"How about a drive down to the beach?" Amanda pulled her napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. "Maybe a little sightseeing?" She reached over and took Lex's hand in hers. "I thought we could just get out of the house for a little while, give my parents time to calm down." And hopefully avoid a confrontation with Mother over my clothes for the dinner.
Pulling their linked hands up to her lips, Lex gave Amanda's knuckles a gentle kiss. "Whatever you want, sweetheart. It's your show." She smiled as the younger woman's eyes closed. "The beach sounds good…I've never seen the ocean."
Amanda opened her eyes and rubbed Lex's hand against her cheek. "Never? Well then, that's exactly what we're going to do." Standing up, she pulled the older woman up with her. "C'mon…we'll go change into some shorts, then hit the beach."
Allowing herself to be drug through the house, Lex shook her head. "Amanda, you packed my bag - all I have are some old cut-offs. Not exactly the thing to be running around in."
"Oh yeah? Why else do you think I packed them? I've got some too, and think that they'll be perfect." The determined blonde had gotten them almost to the stairway when her mother stepped out of nowhere. "Oh, hi mother. We were just about to go to the beach - do you want to come?" Knowing how much Elizabeth hated anything that had to do with the outdoors, Amanda couldn't resist.
"No…thank you, Amanda. I'd like a word with you," she gave the rancher an icy glare, "alone, if you don't mind."
Lex looked down at her companion, who looked as if she were ready to explode. "No problem. I'll just go upstairs and get changed." She gave Amanda's hand a strong squeeze, released it, then turned and walked quietly up the stairs.
"Come, Amanda. We'll go into the drawing room - I have coffee ready." Elizabeth turned and walked across the foyer, her daughter trailing dutifully behind.
Amanda waited until they were seated before she began speaking. "Mother, I know you've never approved of what I've done with my life, or my choices I've made…but I will not sit still for your rude treatment of Lex."
"Now, wait just a minute…" Elizabeth sputtered.
"No! You wait." Amanda held up a hand for forestall her mother's tirade. "I resigned myself a long time ago to the fact that I was a disappointment to you and Daddy." She took a deep breath then continued, "I'm never going to be one of your snobby little society girls, like you wanted."
Elizabeth grasped the younger woman's arm. "Amanda, that's not completely true. Your father and I respect the fact that you have a mind of your own." She released her hold to pick up a dainty coffee cup and saucer. Taking a small sip, the regal woman put it back on the table in front of them then continued. "Where did we go wrong? Your sister seems happy." She looked her daughter in the eyes, "What did we do to make you this way?"
Amanda blinked, unsure of the question. "What exactly are you talking about, Mother? Is this about me being gay?"
"I refuse to accept that, Amanda. You were raised in a good home." She searched her daughter's face for a clue to her questions. "It's because of Frank, isn't it?"
"What?" Amanda's mouth dropped open.
Elizabeth nodded to herself, pleased with her deduction. "You and he were quite an item, and then your sister Jeannie stole him right out from under your nose." She tapped her chin with an elegant nail. "I should have seen this before. This is your way at getting back at all of us for giving your sister our blessing with him, isn't it?"
Amanda jumped up, too agitated to sit still. "Oh, for crying out loud, Mother!" She paced over to the piano, then turned back to face the older woman. "I told you I was gay when I was still in high school! Frank has always been just a very good friend." She walked over to stand in front of Elizabeth. "I was the one who set him up with Jeannie. He's like a brother to me!"
"Calm down, dear…come over here and sit down." Elizabeth patted the spot next to her on the loveseat. "We'll forget about your little outburst for now." She waited until Amanda was once again seated. "Now, about this woman you've brought with you," Elizabeth raised her hand to silence her daughter. "Just a minute…from what Michael's parents have told us, she saved your life a few weeks ago, correct?"
For the first time since they stepped into the room, Amanda smiled. "Yes, she did. Lex had no idea who I was, but she jumped into that flooded creek and pulled me to safety, getting hurt herself in the process."
"And you stayed with her at her ranch, afterwards?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Yes. The bridge was partially destroyed, so Lex offered me a place to stay until it could be repaired." Green eyes sparkled with remembrance.
Elizabeth grasped Amanda's hands with her own, leaning forward slightly. "She's quite a strong looking woman…now tell me the truth, Amanda. We can protect you here." The older woman looked around the room cautiously, then whispered, "Did she force herself on you? Are you afraid of what she might do if you don't stay with her?"
Amanda couldn't help it…she laughed. "Lex? You've got to be kidding!" She pulled away from her mother, leaning back in the loveseat. "Somebody should ask her that question… I practically threw myself at her."
Watching her daughter's body language, Elizabeth came to a decision. No, I don't think she feels threatened by that woman, but…"You threw yourself at her? Amanda! I'm…" Another idea sprouted itself in the older woman's mind. "Hero worship." She stated smugly.
"Excuse me?"
"That's it. Since you're not being forced to stay with her, that's the only logical explanation." The older woman took another sip of her coffee. "You feel…beholden…to her for saving your life and then taking care of you. So you naturally show your gratitude by staying with her."
Amanda jumped to her feet again. "That's bullshit!" she practically yelled, then stopped when she saw the look on her mother's face. "I'm sorry, Mother." She sat back down again. "You're wrong. It's not fear, hero worship, or misplaced gratitude that keeps me with Lex."
"Then what…" Elizabeth began, only to be cut off by Amanda.
"It's love. Plain and simple." Amanda looked into her mother's eyes, hoping to see understanding there. "I can't explain how it happened, or why…but I fell hopelessly, deeply in love with her almost instantly." She stood up and slowly walked to the door. "Why is it so hard for you and Daddy to understand that?" Amanda shook her head and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Elizabeth Cauble sat immobile, staring at the closed door. We'll just see what her father has to say about this…Michael always has a few tricks up his sleeves. She smiled, although it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Chapter 36
Lex stood at the bedroom window, staring at nothing as the voice through the cellular phone wound down.
"Lexie, don't you let those folks get to you, now." Martha pleaded, after hearing what Lex had reported to her so far. "You're just as good, if not better, than any of them, honey."
The rancher released a heavy sigh. "You say that, Martha…but you haven't seen this place. It's straight out of one of those silly television shows you used to watch. I keep expecting to see Joan Collins step out of a room any minute now."
Martha laughed. "Now that would be a sight!" she sobered. "How's Amanda handling all of this? Poor thing's probably as flustered as you are, I'll bet."
"She's doing a lot better than I am, I think. Although it's been one fight after another for her ever since we got here." Lex ran a hand through her hair, then leaned until her forehead was pressed against the cool glass of the window. "She's a hell of a lot stronger than I thought she was, that's for sure."
"I could have told you that, Lexie. That young lady may look like the sweet quiet type, but she's got the heart of a lion." Martha stated, matter of fact. "You tell her I said hello, and to not take any bunk from anyone. And make sure she knows she always has a home here, no matter what."
"Yes ma'am." Lex finally smiled. "I was kind of thinking along those exact lines, myself."
Martha chuckled. "I knew I didn't raise a fool, honey. Now you take care of yourself, and her too - we'll have a nice barbecue when you girls get back home."
Lex laughed. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Martha. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Alright, sweetheart. Goodbye." The sweet housekeeper hung up the phone, already happily planning the feast.
Lex had just closed the phone when the bedroom door opened. Turning away from the window, the tall woman crossed the room quickly when she saw the upset look on Amanda's face. "What's the matter, sweetheart? Are you…?" Lex stopped her questioning when the young blonde wrapped her arms around her and buried her tear-streaked face in the rancher's chest. "Hey." She instinctively returned the embrace, running a hand through the soft hair. "You okay?"
Amanda sniffed, then looked up into worried blue eyes. "Yeah…just needed to connect with you for a minute." She felt a soft kiss on the top of her head and smiled. "I love you so much, Lex…why can't my parents understand that?"
"Your mother gave you a hard time, huh?" Lex asked, as she guided the younger woman over to the bed to sit down. "They just want what's best for you," she pulled Amanda into her lap, "so do I."
"I don't think that's it…they want what's best for them - they've never even bothered to ask me what I wanted." Amanda raised her arms to wrap them around Lex's neck, pulling the dark head close for a kiss. "Mmm…" She turned to face the rancher, straddling strong thighs.
Lex chuckled when Amanda finally broke free to breathe. "Is that what you wanted?" she leaned down and captured the younger woman's lips again. "Better?" she teased.
"Oh yeah…much." Amanda murmured snuggling close, then ran one hand lightly down Lex's side, feeling the jean-clad leg beneath her. "I thought you were going to change?"
"I was…but I decided to call Martha instead." Lex waved the cell phone in front of Amanda's face.
The blonde swatted the phone away. "Oh yeah? How's she doing?"
The rancher laughed. "Ornery as ever. She sends you her love, and said for you not to let them get to you." She paused, "And…umm…she said to tell you not to forget that you have a home there." Lex finished quietly.
"I do, huh?" Amanda questioned just as quietly, looking up into Lex's face.
Lex looked down, lost in sparkling green eyes. "Yeah…you know, I've been thinking a lot about that. And I realize that we haven't known each other that long…" Lex babbled, unsure of herself. "But I was wondering if…"
Amanda could feel the rancher's heart pounding by the hand she had placed on the older woman's chest. "Lex…honey…what are you trying to say?" She tried to calm the nervous woman by then gently massaging her neck and shoulder.
"Well, um…I know you value your independence, and I'm not trying to rush you, or push you into something that you're not ready for…and it's really not that far from town…" Lex continued, still flustered.
Understanding dawned on Amanda. "Wait…" she covered the rattled rancher's mouth with her hand. "Are you asking me to move in with you at the ranch?" Seeing the telltale flush on her companion's face, she smiled brightly. "You know, I was wondering how I was going to survive when I have to go back to work next week."
Lex looked at her, trying unsuccessfully to keep a silly grin from erupting on her face. "Does this mean…?"
"Think you could handle having me under foot all the time?" Amanda teased. "Ooof!" she grunted as the breath was suddenly squeezed from her.
"YES!" Lex whooped, hugging the smaller woman to her tightly. She buried her face in the soft fragrant hair. "Under foot? I should be so lucky!" she mumbled happily. "You can either redo the guest room, or just move into the master bedroom with me…I'll try to make space in my closet." She joked.
Amanda laughed. "Let's worry bout it when we get home, okay? I'm just going to have the movers put everything into storage right now…we can sort through it all later." She kissed Lex on the chin.
"We've got a pretty good sized storage shed up by the bunkhouse, if you'd rather use that…I cleaned it out about three years ago…had a bunch of Dad's junk in it - I don't think anything is even in there right now." Lex pulled Amanda's face up gently, then gave her a tender kiss. "Thanks." She whispered when they broke apart.
"For what?" Amanda asked, searching the face so close to hers.
Lex cradled the younger woman's cheek with one hand. "For bringing more happiness into my life than I ever thought was possible." She captured Amanda's lips again, this time with more fervor.
Amanda returned the kiss, threading her hands through the thick dark hair, rolling onto her back and pulling the rancher over on top of her. "Mmm…" she pulled away just far enough to speak. "Why don't we wait until this afternoon to visit the beach? I can think of better things to do around here." She pulled Lex's face back down towards her.
With a wicked chuckle, Lex couldn't agree more. "You're the boss."
Chapter 37
The breeze blowing off of the ocean was cool, but not cold as the two women walked side by side on the nearly deserted beach. When Lex had questioned Amanda about the sparse crowd, the younger woman told her it was the wrong time of the year. "Most people spend their time in the nearby shops right now."
"This is great." The rancher sighed, bending over and picking up a small shell, then cramming it into the pocket of her faded cutoffs like a small child.
Amanda giggled, then looped an arm through Lex's, bumping the taller woman with her hip. "Yeah, it is." She stopped and picked up another seashell. "Here, I think you missed one." She handed the treasure to her companion, who blushed slightly.
"Thanks." Lex sheepishly put it in her pocket. "Thought that maybe Martha might like them." Then she grinned at the look on the younger woman's face. "Yeah, yeah…okay. You caught me. I like 'em." She pulled Amanda into an impromptu hug. "Thanks…I'm really having a good time today."
"You haven't seen anything yet. Wait 'til we hit the shops - now there…are some… interesting…sights." Amanda smiled, totally charmed by the child-like glee her lover displayed at all the sights and sounds on the beach. Lex had dragged her playfully into the surf when they first arrived, and threatened to throw the smaller woman into the ocean until she surrendered a kiss. "C'mon, you silly thing. Let's take your little…treasures…back to the car, and we'll have lunch then do a little shopping." Amanda pulled the smiling rancher back towards the parking lot.
After a light lunch of corn dogs and potato chips, Amanda guided Lex towards a row of colorful shops, slinging a large, brightly decorated straw bag over one shoulder.
"What's in the bag?" Lex asked, trying to peek inside as she walked beside her friend.
Amanda pulled away with a quirky grin. "Nothing, yet. But I like to be prepared." She pushed her wide sunglasses up on her nose.
Lex laughed, and pulled her just acquired aqua baseball cap that stated 'Life's a Beach' down a little further over her eyes. "If you say so, sweetheart." She glanced down at the younger woman's legs. "You've got a really nice tan, you know that?" She grinned at Amanda's blush.
"Thanks. I used to spend a lot of time at the beach when I lived here - just to get out of the house…you know." Amanda studied her companion with a less than clinical eye. "I've never really noticed before, but…you…have a good tan. How did you manage that? All I've ever seen you in, besides nothing," she leered, "is jeans." Lex not only had a nice tan, but long, very muscular legs as well.
"Well, when I'm putting the colts through their paces in the summertime, I sometimes wear cutoffs so I don't pass out from the heat." Lex admitted with a grin. Then she stopped, sidetracked by several girls jumping multiple ropes. How in the hell do they do that? She wondered, fascinated.
Amanda wandered ahead a few yards, enamoured with the sight of a man who was making colorful sand sculptures. Just as she turned to get Lex's attention, a young man grabbed at the bag on her shoulder, backhanding her across the face to make her release the purse.
Lex looked up just as the man hit Amanda. "Hey!" she yelled, grabbing one of the long jump ropes without a second thought. The rancher started running towards Amanda, who was sitting up holding her hand against her cheek. "You okay?" Lex asked, looking over her lover carefully.
"Yeah, just caught me off guard." Amanda tried to smile, but winced instead.
The rancher patted her knee. "Okay. Sit tight…I'll be right back." Then she took off, sprinting after the thief.
"Lex! Wait!" Amanda yelled, as she watched the older woman's long legs shorten the distance between herself and her quarry. A young boy stepped over to the still seated blonde, handing her a small bag filled with crushed ice. "Thank you." She smiled at the boy, who ducked his head and blushed.
As she chased the thief down the paved path, Lex fashioned a loop on one end of her confiscated rope. She never broke pace as she dodged the seemingly endless throng of people in her path. Seeing the young man look back at her in fear, she grinned. "That's right, you little shit…you'd better be scared." She growled, slowly making progress in catching up to the purse-snatcher, who quickly decided on an alternate route.
Knocking a few pedestrians down, the man took off across the sand, not even realizing when his pursuer got closer. Lex was only about ten yards away when she began swinging the rope over her head in a wide loop, closing in on the man quickly.
"URK!" The thief gasped, as the tightened rope around his chest stopped his progress. He wheezed again as he fell onto his back in the sand, hard.
Lex fell to her knees, straddling his still panting body. She tangled her hands into the front of his sweat-stained tee shirt, a dark look on her beautiful face. "You son of a bitch!" The furious rancher pulled him up slightly, then slammed him back into the sand. "I ought to kill you right here, and save the state some money." Before she could do any damage, two police officers jumped from their bicycles and pulled her off of the now terrified man.
"Easy there, miss." One of the cops said, holding onto Lex's shoulder as his partner handcuffed the frightened thief. "Must have been something pretty important in that bag." He commented, handing the item back to the still heavily breathing rancher.
"No…" Lex, still on her knees gasped, getting her breathing under control, "It's empty." She gave the subdued man a nasty look. "The little bastard hit my friend." As if that explained everything.
The other cop grinned as his partner handed the rope back to Lex. "Nice job, by the way. We're going to need to get a statement from you, though."
"Can I go back and check on my friend first?" Lex asked, standing up and brushing the sand from her knees.
"Sure." Cop number two agreed, leading the thief towards a nearby police car. "We'll even have someone give you a ride back, since we need to collect a statement from your friend too." He opened the front passenger side door for Lex, then pushed the still-dazed thief into the back seat. "Johnston here," he nodded to the burly officer behind the wheel of the car, "will drop you off on his way to the station, and we'll meet you there, okay?"
"Thanks." Lex shook his hand and sat down in the car, still shocked at what she almost did. Damn…I could have killed that guy - thank god the police showed up when they did, or I'd be the one in the backseat.
If I have to fend off one more…kind…person, I swear I'll scream! Amanda thought to herself. Ever since Lex took off after her assailant, concerned bystanders, offering her everything from a glass of water to a dinner date bombarded the young woman. Some helpful soul had even brought her a folding lawn chair to sit in, as she fretted on the location of her companion. God, Lex…why did you take off after that guy? You knew there was nothing in that damn bag, she wondered silently, hoping that the tall woman would return soon.
When a police car pulled up into the parking lot beside where Amanda was sitting, she immediately thought the worst. Oh, god…what's happened to her? She fought to keep the tears at bay, when a tall form blocked the sun in front of her.
Concerned blue eyes looked right into her soul, as Lex knelt down in front of the frazzled blonde. "Amanda?" The rancher placed a warm hand on the younger woman's knee. "You okay, sweetheart?"
"Oh, god…Lex…" Amanda began to cry, as she launched herself out of the chair and into the arms of her lover. She wrapped her arms around the older woman's neck, ending up on her knees in front of Lex.
"Easy there, Amanda…shhh." The dark haired woman murmured in her ear, rubbing her back with a comforting motion. She slowly stood up, pulling the sobbing young woman with her.
Amanda pulled back slightly, tears still running down her face. "Are you okay?" she sniffed, a small smile forming when Lex gently wiped her face with her hand.
"Yeah, I'm fine. How about you?" Lex asked, running her fingertips lightly over her jaw, where a bruise was already beginning to form. That son of a bitch…I should have killed him when I had the chance.
"I'm okay." Amanda assured her, then slapped her hard on the side. "Don't you…ever… do that to me again!" she demanded in a shaky tone, anger and fear in her eyes.
"Ouch!" Lex jumped. "What?" she stepped back away from the younger woman, whose eyes were sparkling with emotion.
"Take off after a thief like that…Dammit, Lex! That stupid bag wasn't worth risking your life for!" the blonde fumed.
Lex stepped towards Amanda cautiously. "Him? Aw, Amanda…he's just a scrawny two-bit little purse-snatcher."
She really doesn't get it…"Lex…" Amanda began patiently, "He could have been a junkie looking for quick money - and carrying a knife or gun for protection." She put her hands on the dark-haired woman's waist. "And I don't want to lose you this soon after finding you, okay?"
Understanding raced across Lex's tan features. "Oh…I never really thought about that. I just saw him hit you, and kinda lost it." She pulled Amanda into a strong hug. "Sorry about that."
She regretfully released the younger woman when a throat was cleared discreetly behind her. Turning around, Lex kept her arm around Amanda's waist as she greeted the two bicycle cops. "Oh, hi…Officers. Sorry, I didn't catch your names." She grinned, as the policemen shook their heads and laughed.
Chapter 38
Lex studied her companion's profile with concern, as Amanda drove them back towards her parent's house. "Oh, sweetheart," she said quietly, touching the side of Amanda's face, "That is going to be one hell of a bruise."
The side of Amanda's face was already turning purple, from her cheek down across her beautiful jaw. "I guess." She turned her head to peek into the rear view mirror, then grimaced. "Well, at least there's not much swelling - the ice really helped." She gave Lex a wry smile. "I can't believe you actually roped that guy…wish I had seen that!"
The rancher rolled her eyes. "Those cops exaggerated, I think…it looked a lot more impressive than it actually was." She smirked. "Thought we'd never get away from your fan club, though." The petite blonde had been surrounded by a throng of well wishers, which followed the two women all the way to their car, offering all types of assistance.
"Don't remind me." Amanda chuckled. "Although I think you had your own admiration society with those two policemen." She teased, then reached up and grabbed Lex's hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "The look on that one guy's face when you turned down his dinner offer was priceless."
When the taller of the two police officers had approached Lex for a date, she matter of factly stated, "Sorry…but I don't think my girlfriend here would approve." Which caused Amanda to giggle, and the other cop to burst out laughing. The embarrassed officer had apologized, then offered to take them both out, which they politely declined, using the excuse that they didn't have enough time before they had to leave for Texas.
"Yeah…sorry about that. I wasn't really thinking." Lex grinned. "But it was pretty funny, wasn't it?"
Amanda shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"
Lex gave her a sexy grin. "Oh, I'm sure you can come up with something creative."
"We'll see about that, my little thief roper." The blonde giggled, as she pulled up to the familiar security box. Before she reached out to punch in the security code, Amanda leaned over and released Lex's hand, grabbing her by the back of the neck. "C'mere." She pulled the rancher's head towards her.
Lex obeyed willingly, allowing the younger woman to take control of the situation, as chills chased down her spine. "Damn, Amanda…" she wheezed as they broke off, "How in the hell do you do that?" she leaned her forehead into the blonde's bangs, her entire body trembling slightly.
Amanda took a deep, shaky breath as well. "Whoa…that sure got the old blood pumping, didn't it?" She gave Lex another, shorter kiss. "Oh yeah…whoo!" She grinned, then released Lex and punched the code into the patiently waiting gate.
"What in the hell did you do to my daughter?" Michael Cauble yelled, when he spotted Lex and Amanda walking across the main foyer, heading for the stairs. He stormed towards the women, fists clinched at his side.
"Daddy…wait!" Amanda stepped in front of Lex, holding her hand out to block her father's path.
Shoving his daughter aside, Michael pushed the tall woman up against the stairwell, his face red with rage. "You like hitting defenseless women, cow chaser?"
Amanda squeezed between the two of them, pushing her father back. "Stop it! Lex didn't do anything to me, Daddy…I was mugged at the beach."
"What?! You were mugged?" Michael backed off, but only a step, glaring at the rancher. "Where the hell were you while my daughter was being assaulted?"
Lex wisely kept her mouth shut, allowing Amanda to handle her father. The fuming rancher knew that if she said anything, it would only hurt the woman she loved - so she concentrated on controlling her breathing. Stay calm, Lexington…let Amanda take care of him… She took a deep breath and released it, feeling the younger woman's hand pat her gently on the arm.
"Lex was only a few steps away, and she caught the guy - then turned him over to the police." Amanda stated proudly, stepping back and putting a hand behind her to make contact with the silent woman, whose anger she could almost feel as Lex unconsciously put her hands on the small waist in front of her.
Michael prudently decided to let the matter drop. "Very well." He looked at their matching ragged shorts and frowned. "Is it too much to ask that you two change for dinner? We're not having a clambake."
Amanda felt Lex stiffen behind her, the hands on her hips tightening slightly. "Is it too much for me to ask that you and Mother act civil tonight? If not, Lex and I can go out for dinner, then fly out first thing in the morning." She asked in a calm voice, halfway hoping his answer would be negative. Please…give me a reason to get out of here…
Damn…she's really grown up in the past year, hasn't she? Michael mused to himself, vaguely proud. All right…I'll play her little game. "Of course, dear. We just got off on the wrong foot, didn't we, Lex?" He reached forward and offered his hand to the dark-haired woman. "No hard feelings?"
"Sure, Mr. Cauble." Lex took his hand in a firm grasp. "No hard feelings." But she couldn't help but feel that the man was up to something. Probably up to no good, but we'll just play it by ear for now.
"Thanks, Daddy." Amanda gave her father a hug. "We'll be cleaned up and changed in time for dinner." She wasn't fooled either by his sudden capitulation, but decided to accept the cease-fire for now. "C'mon, Lex…" she grasped the older woman by the arm and led her up the stairs.
Once they were safely ensconced in the guestroom, Amanda locked the door and studied her quiet companion. "Are you okay?" she ran her hands searchingly over the rancher's body. "My father didn't hurt you, did he?"
"I'm fine." Lex grabbed the wandering hands, pulling them behind her back. "He just pushed me, no damage done." She felt Amanda's hands sneak into her back pockets, and she raised an eyebrow in response.
"Just checking for bruises." Amanda grinned at her unrepentantly. "Maybe I should take off your clothes and double check? No sense in taking any chances."
Lex laughed. "Sure…let's take a shower - the lights are much better in there." She pulled the younger woman towards the bathroom and closed the door behind them.