Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (18 page)

The two friends chatted away, telling tales of their youth as Libby sat smiling. She really enjoyed this different side of Joe.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon when they returned to the ranch. The two were so deeply involved in conversation with each other; they didn’t see the dark van that followed them. The driver slowed as he watched them proceed down the drive, then sped away.

After resetting the RV, they took refuge in its solitude, talking, kissing and snuggling.

* * *

Joe’s phone buzzed, interrupting their cozy retreat. His only response, “Hey.” A second later, he turned to Libby, “Hungry?”

Closing the RV’s screen door, they made their way back to the house for another of Lee’s mouth-watering dinners. The satisfied group retired to the den and watched a movie afterward. Rick excused himself for a phone call, and a few minutes later announced, “I’m outta here. Goin’ to town. Later.”

When the movie ended, Joe walked Libby back to the RV. Holding the door, she stepped up on the step and froze, causing Joe to almost bump into her. She quickly reached into the RV for the light switch and saw contents of the den were scattered around the floor.

“Joe! Somebody’s been here!”

Without hesitation, Joe lifted Libby off the step and back onto the ground, then stepped swiftly into the RV. He checked the bedroom and bathroom, no one was there.

He pulled out his cell and called 911.

He turned the flashlight on his smartphone, then proceeded to look around the grounds, but found no one. While he searched, Libby opened the hidden closet in her bedroom behind the television, where the computer was housed and her camera gear was stored.

“Oh, thank God; everything’s still in here.”

An hour later, a deputy arrived at the house. Chuck met him on the porch and brought him to the RV.

While showing the deputy the disheveled RV, Libby discovered her GPS missing from the dash and $300 in cash missing from her dresser.

“Maybe it was just kids,” the deputy offered. “Well, as you said, you didn’t really lock it up, so there’s just not much I can do. I’ll try to get the report through, but it won’t be up to me.” He signed the report and gave her a copy. “If you find out something else is missing, just give me a call,” he said giving her his business card. “Sorry for the trouble, ma’am,” he offered, tipping his hat. “Joe, good to see you again. Things just aren’t like they used to be, bud. You need to lock up these days.”

Joe walked the deputy outside, and Chuck began picking items from the floor and returned them to their previous places.

“You okay?” Chuck asked Libby.

“Yeah, doesn’t seem much is missing, thank God,” Libby looked a bit stricken, but was trying to put on a brave face.

Joe returned and began helping put things in order.

“We should’a locked up. I’m sorry Libby, I should’ve known better. It’s my fault. I truly thought things around here were pretty safe.”

“No, Joe…I could’ve locked the door just as easily. I’ll have to think that maybe somebody needed that money more than me. The GPS can be replaced. It’s okay.”

When things were mostly back in place, Joe announced, “I’m stayin’ over here tonight. No arguments,” He said, looking at Libby. “I’ll take the couch.”

Chuck nodded, “It’s best,” he said, flipping Libby’s hair from her shoulder with his finger as he passed her on his way to the door. “I’ll let the folks know all’s okay. You need me to get anything?”

Joe walked Chuck out the door, “The couch? Damn Joe.”

Joe shook his head. “I need you to do somethin’ for me.”

Libby glanced at the brothers in conversation just outside the door, then put on a pot of coffee.

“I can’t imagine who would do something like this. Growing up we never locked our doors.” He took Libby by the shoulders, drawing her into a hug. Her arms locked onto his waist as she buried her face in his neck.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered into his ear.

He led her to the sofa and sat down, folding his arms around her. A few minutes later, Chuck appeared at the door and dropped Joe’s overnight bag inside the door.

“G’night you two.”

Joe waved, “Thanks, Chuck. ‘Night.”

Libby waved and smiled just before Chuck disappeared from sight. Joe got up and closed and locked the door. He picked up his bag and dropped it beside him at the sofa as he sat again.

“Thanks for staying.”

He opened the outer pocket of his overnight bag to show her the pistol, “I’m ready for anything,” he said. Laughing, he added, “Hey, it’s not like I beat people up for a living! But, seriously, you alright?”

“I am now,” she replied and reached out for his hand.

He pulled her closer, putting his arms around her.

Libby sighed into his neck. “Well now, I’ve seen how well you can handle yourself,” her hand caressed the muscles in his arm, sliding down to his hand, she wrapped her fingers in his.

Joe pulled his head back to look into her face and kissed her lips tenderly. He smiled at her and said, “I can hold my own...except when those speedbumps trip me up!” Grinning at Libby, he added, “Now, ‘bout that couch?”

Libby smiled back at him, aware of how good he smelled. His eyes seemed to reach in and grab her soul. Their sparkle lit a fire like she’d never felt before. Libby rose from the couch, not letting go of his hand. Joe stood. Libby turned and walked toward the bedroom, turning off the coffeepot as she passed the full pot.

Joe stopped her just inside the door, “Hey,
Lily
,” he said mockingly. She turned to face him. The lights from the house showed through the slightly open curtain to illuminate his face in the dark room.

Libby stepped into him and looked into his eyes, she whispered “Yes?” her breath brushed his cheek.

Joe sighed as he shook his head, “I...”

Libby put her finger across his lips, then kissed him tenderly. Breaths quickened as they explored their common passion: their hearts raced wildly.

“Libby,” Joe managed to breathe the word, his restraint melting into the last verbal protest. Libby reached under his shirt, stroking his chest with her fingers as she slipped it over his head. She pulled him toward the bed as she folded one leg onto the end of the bed, lifting her body onto it. Joe followed closely, leaning over her.

“We don’t...” his voice trailed off as she pulled her shirt over her head and pulled him into her. His arm wrapped around her back as he followed her movements. He lowered her to the bed with one hand while the other smoothed the unruly strands of hair from her face, and they both fell into the pillows.

Her nails began to explore his back, “Still wanna sleep on the couch?” she laughed, her voice husky and intense.

With a deep sigh, Joe succumbed to her advances with an all-out hunger as he rolled her onto his chest. “No chance,” his voice was also heavy with passion: he barely got the words out.

Broken Bow, O
klahoma, Day 11 - Friday

Libby woke to the sound of water splashing. Joe’s arm rested across her waist, and she felt the steady rise and fall of his chest against her face. Libby smiled. She lay there for half an hour before Joe moved to indicate he was awake. For a moment, he, too, was afraid to move not wanting to wake her. She pulled his hand up to her face, stroking it against her cheek.

“Good morning,” he whispered against her head as he kissed it. She pulled back to face him and nuzzled his neck. For the moment, she was content to breathe his skin as she ran her hand across his chest, up his neck and across his cheek.

He pulled away from her and kissed her lightly on the mouth. “I could get used to this,” he smiled.

She nestled against his body and nodded. “If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me,” she replied, her voice was so silky, Joe couldn’t deny the physical response.

Stroking her hair, Joe laughed a deep throaty laugh, “That makes two of us. I was on my big empty bed thinking I would rather be
here
than there last night. I’m sorry about how I got here, but I’m glad I’m here. There’s no place I’d rather be.” As they lay together, peacefully breathing and touching, Libby drifted off to sleep again.

* * *

For an hour, Joe lay completely still until he felt her move. Her rhythmic breathing told him she drifted off, and he smiled as he enjoyed being next to her. He had never known this kind of peace with a woman. Usually he’d consider chewing an arm off to avoid situations like this. Moving was the furthest thing from his mind. Libby felt like ‘home,’ and he couldn’t imagine leaving.

* * *

A knock at the door woke Libby. She moved as the visitor knocked a second time. “No, let ‘em be...” he whispered in a husky voice. “They’ll go away.” She looked at his face and saw him smiling. She stretched up to kiss him, as the passion again was ignited. She forgot about the door and everyone else outside of the room.

* * *

Two hours later, the two finally made it out of the bedroom. Joe opened the door to let in some air from outside. A note was stuck in the door,

U missed b’fst-Ma said lunch is @ 1. Miss it & u’ll be fodder! P.S. I hope U miss it. Rick

Joe laughed as he flashed the note to Libby. As she took it from his hand, he stepped past her and kissed her head on the way to the bedroom to collect his clothes. She dropped the note on the counter and joined him, sitting at the foot of the bed while he pulled on his shirt.

“Wow, you sure are handsome,” she purred.

“Right back at’cha, beautiful,” he laughed, joining her on the bed. He studied her face for a few minutes, then slapped her thigh, “Let’s go!”

She pouted, rolled over to the drawer and grabbed jeans and a tee. “Shower at your place?” she asked.

“Deal!” he laughed -- with that certain exuberance of a ‘lucky’ man.

“No...” she laughed, darting into the bathroom to brush her teeth.

“I can’t watch? Hey, I’ll scrub your back! Feet?” he said cheerfully. “Okay, you win…head to toe.” Joe poked her in the ribs as she walked by. Both were laughing as she locked the RV.

After they took turns in the shower, they joined the gang in the main house for lunch. Conversation was lively, and eventually turned to the ransacked RV.

“Seriously? I missed all the excitement?” Rick asked. You know, I saw a van parked up on the highway...maybe a quarter to a half mile toward town. It looked deserted. It was too dark to see the color, exactly, but it was a dark color, I know that. You think they may have had somethin’ to do with it?”

“Hard to say,” Marshall replied. “We’ll all just have to keep our eyes and ears open. I don’t want that kinda ruckus happenin’ around here. I won’t stand for it. I got the shotguns in all the right places…you just let ‘em come back one more time…I’ll give ‘em what-for!”

The brothers snickered, while Libby tried to keep a straight face at his bravado on her behalf.

“Chivalry is alive and well…and living in Broken Bow,” Libby tucked her hand in Marshall’s arm, causing his chest to puff just a wee-bit more.

“Who’s up for a ride?” Rick changed the subject.

“Why not?” Joe asked. “You ride,
Lily
?” he laughed.

“Ride what?” She set her jaw, then laughed at his purposeful misnaming.

“Horses, of course,” Joe smirked.

She nodded, “Sounds fun,” her black eyes sparkled.

After the lunch dishes were cleared away the group went to the stables.

Horses were saddled. The Kingston boys and Libby mounted, turning the horses to a trail that lead away from the back of the house. Rick and Chuck rode ahead, laughing, talking and picking up their pace. Joe and Libby took a comfortable pace as Joe told Libby about his parents’ ranch and pointed out points of interest along the path. Suddenly, Rick and Chuck took off on their horses in a race, leaving the contented couple alone.

“OK, tell me all about yourself,” she demanded.

“Where do I start?”

“The beginning, of course!” she laughed, dodging a tree branch.

“My Dad’s great-great-great grandfather settled here in Broken Bow. He worked on the railroad. Fell in love with a Choctaw Indian and married her. He was quite the hellion, so stories go. The neighbors didn’t appreciate him marrying a savage,” Joe laughed, “And I guess my stubbornness is in the blood. He was a great man. Worked hard, left a legacy in these parts. He died in World War I.

“My great-great granddad worked for the post office, as did his son, my great-granddad. They were farmers as well.

“My mom’s family came from Kentucky, she moved here when she was a young girl. Her family has had horses for generations. Some of the bloodline they have now has been in the family for just as many generations.”

“My folks were high school sweethearts. They’re just good, solid folks. Salt of the earth...as some say. They’ve always been so supportive of us. My Mom’s brother went to Nashville and played guitar for a lotta big names—names you’d know. He was known for his studio work.

“I started singing and playing seriously when I was 16. Joined a band at 18, started my own band sometime after that...never looked back, I guess.

“Wow, that’s great! So, do you live here now?”

“Nah, I’ve got a house in Nashville. Chuck and Rick live there, too. We don’t get home much—try to at least once a year, but sometimes even that’s tough. When Marty had us on the road…sometimes it wasn’t even every two years. We were busy. I loved it,” Joe looked distant.

“How long ago was that?”

“Few years. A.Hole bought Marty’s contracts and business. They were sort-of business partners. I told Marty he was bad news, but he tends to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. I can’t stand the jerk. I’m living for the day when I can tell him to kiss my ass,” a glare passed Joe’s face just as his horse whinnied, shifting Joe back to the present moment.

“I’m sorry…I’m not gonna let that jackass ruin today. I promise not to mention him again. Why don’t we head to Hochatown State Park. It’s a nice ride there and back.

“Lead on!” Libby smiled and the two picked up their pace to a run.

* * *

“How about a swim?” Joe asked as he put away his and Libby’s tack.

“I’m in!” Chuck chimed in, wiping down his horse.

“Sounds good,” Libby smiled as she put away the brush she was using on her horse. She stroked the horse’s nose in appreciation of their ride, then took Joe’s hand for the walk back to the house. After changing to swimsuits they all met at the pool and spent the rest of the evening lounging and playing in the pool.

Joe and Libby were never far from each other, and caught moments for kisses and touches whenever possible.

* * *

“Who needs lemonade?” Lee called from the patio. The crystal pitcher filled with icy cold lemonade glistened in the sunlight. Libby took advantage of the opportunity to get away from the brothers’ roughhousing in the pool.

“Thanks, Lee, that looks delicious,” Libby tried to shake water from her ear as she left the pool. She grabbed a plush blue towel and dried her slender body and black bikini.

In the pool, Joe recovered from a dousing by Rick to see Libby leaving the pool, then the lemonade pitcher on a tray in his mother’s hands. Despite the chaos from his brothers in the pool, Joe watched Libby as she made her way to the lounger next to his Mom. Seconds later, all was suspiciously quiet, and Joe turned just in time for a full-on attack by both of his brothers as he went down in the pool.

Taking the lounger next to Lee Kingston, Libby continued to squeeze the towel against her long red braid while enjoying her first sip of the tart drink. A roar from the pool distracted her for a moment, as Joe thrust out of the water with two legs in his hands, throwing Chuck and Rick crashing into the pool.

“It’s so lovely, having you join us, Libby. You’re just a breath of fresh air,” Lee laughed, shaking her heads at her sons. Lee preferred white cotton shorts and a tee, and her floppy hat and shades hid her face from the harsh sunlight.

“I’m glad Joe brought you here. It gives me hope…that at least one of my boys can be smart about women. They think I don’t know…but Mamas know. My boys are sweet boys: well, I guess everybody’s child is perfect to them. But the life those two have lived…well, I shudder to imagine.

“Don’t get me wrong…my Chuck’s got a bright mind. But he flits from flower-to-flower like a little bee. I believe, if Joe hadn’t pushed him to finish high school early so they could have their band, he wouldn’t have graduated. Did you know he was sixteen when he did? Yeah, with honors,” Lee beamed with pride.

Libby smiled, feigning surprise. She started to speak, but Lee absentmindedly cut her off.

“I think Joe challenged him: He always has. Chuck looks up to him like nobody else. And he can push Chuck like nobody else can. Well, we push, but it gets us nowhere. Joe’s always been…
responsible
for Chuck. I guess that’s our fault. See, we knew before Chuck hit his teens that he was gonna follow Joe—no matter what,” Lee watched her sons laughing in the pool.

“That boy wanted to play that guitar
so badly
. And he was good, even back then. He was writing music—the lyrics weren’t that good, but the music was amazing.

“Joe and some of his buddies had a little band in high school, and Chuck would beg us to let him play.
Begged us
…it would
kill
him to hear the word ‘no’. ‘Course he’s not one to wanna hear ‘no’ anyways,” she laughed. “But I knew he’d get so wrapped up in his music that when it came to graduating or playing—there’d be no contest. First chance he’d get…he’d bolt to join a band. So…Marshall and I decided to write a contract and have both boys sign it—that Chuck
had
to finish school before he could join a band—and that Joe
had
to make sure he did. I guess we set a precedent…because we knew Joe would take it seriously, even if Chuck didn’t. We were counting on Joe’s influence to keep Chuck in school: Chuck admired him so. I think Joe still has a lot of influence over Chuck. I pray it doesn’t weigh Joe down—because I know what a handful Chuck is. I’ve seen how the girls fall all over him, and he still doesn’t know how to manage money. Oh, I guess I don’t wanna know the rest of what we don’t know,” she laughed. “But I know how my Joe looks after him.”

“Now Joe, he was destined for all he’s gotten—because he wouldn’t stop until he got it all. He had battles…silly lawsuits and shady characters trying to take advantage—I guess they go with the business. Joe’s not one to put up with that kinda shenanigan. He’s always been determined and self-reliant. He hates being held back…always has. And…well…he does have a temper. Always has…even when he was a tot! Take away a toy and whew! ‘Course, I don’t know what’s up with him now…but I can tell something’s wrong,” Lee eyed Libby clearly hoping for enlightenment.

Libby watched the brothers laughing and playing in the pool. She enjoyed this different side of them, but she wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Lee’s confessions.

Getting no response, Lee continued, “You know, he’s never brought a woman home to meet his Mama,” she smiled in the knowing way of a mother.

Libby blushed. “I’m honored. But I’m sure I’m just transportation.”

Lee watched Joe, who routinely made glances at Libby, and replied softly, “Wouldn’t be too sure ‘bout that.” Lee waved at Joe, “You boys ‘bout ready to eat?”

As the Kingston brothers eventually found their way out of the pool, Chuck offered, “Hey, let’s grill steaks.”

“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I have enough,” Lee jumped to her feet.

“No, Ma, we’ll go get some. Make a list of what else you need,” Chuck offered. “You got some cash, right?”

Lee shook her head. “If ever the day…”

Chuck ran up to her and grabbed her in a bear hug, lifting her feet off the ground.

“You’re wet!” Lee shrieked.

Laughing, Joe offered Libby his hand.

“Hot shower?”

She nodded, taking his hand.

“Thanks for the lemonade, Lee,” Libby smiled. “It was nice talking with you.”

Lee nodded, glancing at Joe. “I enjoyed it too, sweet Libby.”

As Libby turned to go inside, Lee caught Joe’s cautious glance at her. “Girl-talk,” she winked at him. Joe shook his head, falling in step with Libby with a rather worried expression.

* * *

Everyone found their way back to the grill by the pool late in the evening. Marshall had the charcoal hot for potatoes and corn. When the veggies were almost ready, the steaks went on. The cooler of beer was busy as the crowd waited for dinner. Darkness was upon them when dinner was served, and the guitars came out after the homemade apple pie and ice cream.

A pang of loss touched Libby’s heart as she again thought of her family. She missed Megan. She watched Joe, laughing and enjoying his family, and she thought,
he feels so much like home used to feel. I really miss that.

The singing continued until the wee hours, and the gang eventually retired for sleep.
It was a wonderful day, shared with good friends,
Libby thought.