Cheyenne by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page B

it. Daniel was in the overstuffed chair with his feet dangling off the ottoman and Callon was sitting in the corner of the loveseat. This was going better than I thought.
    I finished cleaning the kitchen and walked into the bedroom to get my wallet and change into my skirt and blouse—just in case I needed to look impressive, regardless of the fact that I had the key. I didn’t want to look like a slob walking into the bank. If I needed to convince a bank clerk, because I was late, I’d probably have a better chance if I was more presentable.
    When I returned to the great room, the trio had a dazed look on their faces. The berries were doing their job. Their eyes followed me across the room, filled with frustration and anger, as they could do nothing to stop my upcoming escape.
    Setting my backpack on the kitchen counter, I went to Daniel first. His head was in an uncomfortable position so I carefully placed both my hands on his cheeks and repositioned it so it was resting on the back of the chair. He was staring at me, more curious than anything else.
    “ I’m sorry, Daniel. But I have to do this. I want you to know I had a wonderful day hiking with you, and I can’t thank you enough for showing me your valley.” I produced a small smile. “Don’t worry; this will only last about an hour.” I gently brushed his dark hair from his eyes.
    I turned to Colt, who was sprawled across the couch. His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of concern, helplessness, and anger. I knelt so I could get close to his face. His massive body was so still, and his arms lay limply at his side. Reaching out, I took one of his hands in mine and pulled it to my chest.
    “ Colt, forgive me. This is the only way I’ll be able to leave. I’m not angry with you. I was hurt, but I know you meant what you said.” I didn’t know what else to say; I had so many emotions swimming in my head and heart right now. “I didn’t want to say the wrong words and hurt you, so I’ve said nothing at all.”
    I sighed.
    “ You hold a special place in my heart. But I’m not sure it’s the same kind of love you have or desire from me in return. You understand me, you make me laugh, you comfort me, and you make me feel safe when you wrap me in your arms. I really don’t deserve someone like you. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
    I closed my eyes and pulled his hand to my face, cupping it into my cheek while I lowered myself towards his lips. I kissed him softly, and his lips trembled at the contact. A sense of regret hung low in my stomach. I kissed him again, then carefully folded his arm to his chest and rose.
    Callon was drooped in the love seat, his face clouded with irritation. He was annoyed I had gotten the better of him. I gave a sly smile as I neared. I’d won, and there was nothing he who must be obeyed could do about it. Victory was sweet, at least for the moment. I warned them they couldn’t keep me here. They didn’t think I could get away, ha!
    I sat next to him, looking into his hazel eyes while I slowly placed my hand to his cheek. I couldn’t help myself. After being under his thumb, it was about time he got a taste of his own medicine. Deliberately, I stroked his left cheek, letting my hand trace his neck, his shoulder, and down his arm to his fingers where I paused.
    His gaze changed from irritation to something else, and I felt a corresponding reaction, although I wasn’t sure if it was excitement or something deeper. I moved my hand to his left jean pocket. The key to the Jeep wasn’t there.
    I moved my hand over his right pants pocket. This time I found what I was searching for. I pushed my hand up under his wrist and pressed my fingers into his pocket to grasp it. He knew what I wanted, but his stare distracted me. There was a passion in his eyes that set my heart fluttering. It was so deep and intense that I stopped what I was doing. Closing my eyes, I pulled the key free, struggling to keep my pulse from bounding.
    Leaning