The phone on the table rang and Regan walked over to answer it. Amelia locked gazes with Velma.
“I’m sorry that happened. I sort of got into some trouble recently with a guy. He showed up last night.”
“What? Did he hurt you?”
Velma nodded her head. “I stopped him before things got out of control and then he shoved me and I fell. I scraped my arm.”
“You should call the police and press charges.”
“No need to. I had help last night.” Velma smiled as her cheeks turned red.
“Another man?”
She nodded her head.
“Well, tell me.”
Velma looked toward her sister who was obviously talking to one of their dads. Regan was saying that they would be down shortly.
“As Mark was being aggressive and threatening, Jonas showed up. He had been watching me from a distance all night and joined us at the lake. I had no idea he was even around, but thank God he followed us. When Mark grabbed me, Jonas intervened and needless to say, Mark got his ass kicked.”
“Nice. Then what happened?”
Velma lowered her eyes and clasped her hands together. “Jonas and I spent the night together. We didn’t have sex, but we might as well have. He was really sweet and told me that he had been waiting for me to notice him. He’s just a bit concerned about my brothers’ and fathers’ reactions. He’s worked on the ranch for years and does his own wood carving business on the side. I like him and it felt so right with him. You know?”
“I know. That’s great. Is he coming here tonight?”
“I sure hope so. I told him that I would talk to my dads and mom today. That’s what I need to do now. Plus, he has two brothers. Apparently, they’re interested, too.”
“Wow. I’m glad that you were safe and he helped you. You be sure to let someone know if that Mark guy comes around again. Men like that never give up easily. Are you certain about meeting Jonas’s brothers? Is that the kind of relationship you want?”
“I know I like Jonas a lot. It was so instant. I never felt anything like this before, Amelia. I’m going to meet them and see what happens. If the same chemistry isn’t there, then so be it. Jonas is really great. Now, how about you? You know, you can trust my brothers. They would never hit you.”
Amelia raised her hand. “I couldn’t handle the fear I have being with one of them their size, never mind four. I think I’ll focus on work for now. That should keep me out of trouble.”
Velma shook her head. “You can keep denying your attraction all you want. They’ll get you to come around. They like you and that’s saying a lot. My brothers are very private men. They have a lot of pain in their hearts, Amelia. That’s something you share in common with them. Just keep an open mind. If it happens, then so be it.”
Regan got off the phone and joined them.
“Are we ready?” Regan asked and Amelia looked at Velma. She smiled and nodded her head.
As they headed downstairs, Amelia couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. They walked into the kitchen and helped Elise with some last-minute prework. They were laughing and enjoying themselves when Regan heard Amelia’s cell phone ringing.
Amelia picked up her purse as the women headed outside to greet the guests.
Amelia didn’t recognize the number so she let it go to voice mail. She waited until the message was recorded and heard the phone beep.
As she placed the phone to her ear, she felt the instant fear and panic hit her insides.
“Amelia! Fucking Texas, huh? Why? Is that where you’ve been hiding out for the past year? You come to the city and visit the neighborhood, talk and flirt with my brother, then take off again? You should know by now that I have connections. Next time I call, pick up the fucking phone or I’ll fly out there and drag your ass back here. We need to talk. You can’t run from me, from us, forever.”
Amelia felt a mix of emotions. She was scared, she was angry, but mostly afraid.
“Amelia, are you okay?”
Amelia turned to the right and saw Regan’s dad, Sam. He was watching her and he had a scowl on his face. She wiped the tear that nearly fell from her eye.
“Oh, yes, fine, thank you.” She placed the phone into the small bag and pulled it off the counter. He stepped closer.