BJ texted Monte to find out how Susanna was doing and to see where she was. He pulled down the side street to the old Landbergh estate her and her friends had purchased a year ago. He parked the sheriff’s truck by the front gate and headed up the stairs. Monte opened the front door and looked upset.
“What’s going on? Is she feeling okay?” BJ asked.
“She’s not letting on to the pain she’s in.” Monte turned away to walk into the living room. He appeared distracted.
“What’s up?” BJ asked, tilting his chin up toward his brother.
“I was trying to help her get undressed,” Monte began to say, and BJ raised his eyebrows at him as he rested his hand on the handle of his revolver and the other rested on his belt.
“She is in pain and couldn’t unzip her skirt, so I helped her.”
BJ listened and knew there was more to this story.
“I touched her hips, and she froze in place. Then as I began to move up her shirt to feel her skin, she pulled away in fear. She practically fell over.”
“What? Like she was really scared that you would hurt her or go too far?”
Monte shook his head and looked up toward the staircase. He heard the bedroom door open.
“I’m not sure. There was a definite fear in her eyes, and she covered herself tight. I got a bad feeling in my gut and her actions don’t sit right with me at all.”
“Maybe she’s just not as experienced. I kissed her yesterday and then today you kissed her. We’re making our desires known to her as we discussed. It’s a different kind of relationship, one she’s not used to, and we need to be patient.”
Monte nodded his head, but BJ had the feeling that his brother wasn’t satisfied with that. He was worried.
BJ turned toward the staircase when he saw Susanna. The moment they locked gazes she stopped walking.
He smiled then took off his hat.
“How ya doing, honey?” he asked her, and she lowered her eyes then continued to walk toward him and his brother.
Monte crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at her as if he were examining her.
BJ gave Monte a shove as he turned toward Susanna.
He reached for her hand and she stared up at him.
“I’m fine, Sheriff. There’s no need to have wasted the time to stop by.”
He raised his eyebrows at her.
“Wasted my time? Honey, you’re important to me, and I stopped in to see that you’re healing well because I care. I was there last night. I saw how they attacked you.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“Now tell me how you’re feeling? Ribs still really sore?”
She lowered her head and took a deep breath. She seemed distant and hesitant.
“I suppose they will be for at least another week.”
“Perhaps longer,” Monte chimed in.
He joined them now and she took a step to the left.
“Listen, I appreciate you taking the time to check on me. Just as I appreciate Monte for driving me home. The others will be home soon, too. I’m tired and want to rest. It’s late.”
BJ placed his hands on her hips as he stepped closer to her. He towered over Susanna, especially as she stood in front of him wearing only ankle socks. She remained standing there with her hands at her sides as he used his thumbs to gently caress her hips.