Rocky Mountain Rebel

Chapter Twenty-Three

Vicki opened the oven and pulled out another cookie sheet of finger food, transferring the hot tray to the counter top and stepping away to allow Tamara Coleman to load the wonton wrappers onto serving bowls.

“It’s people like you who give the Coleman family a rep for incredible parties.” Karen Coleman lifted the lid on a Crock-Pot and breathed in deeply, letting loose a moan of pleasure. “God, do we have to share? How about we stay here and eat all night instead of going into the living room with the greedy lot of them?”

There was already enough of a crowd in the tiny kitchen, Vicki wasn’t sure what Karen meant. “Tamara’s apartment is nice, but it’s not made for occupancy of…well, how many are there in the clan?”

Tamara pushed her glasses up her nose. “Don’t bother trying to count. It’s not the actual blood relatives, it’s the number of friends, lovers and other mischief-makers they bring with them that adds up.” She turned to her sister. “Still don’t see why you didn’t accept Dad’s offer to hold the party at the Whiskey Creek Ranch. We could have all fit much easier.”

Karen scooped the last spoonful from the pot and stuck a bunch of forks into the bowl. She sighed. “Right. You know very well if we’d had it there, we’d never get out of the kitchen. At least here we can leave if we want to.”

The loud beat of the New Year’s party music reverberated through the apartment, spilling through the door as Matt entered to grab more soda from the fridge, and another cousin, Steve, shouted after him to bring out the rum.

Tamara ducked out of the way, passing the plates she’d filled to Steve before turning to nod at her sister.

“True. I’d forgotten that part. Not living under his roof makes it much easier.” She grimaced at Vicki. “Sorry. Dad’s old-fashioned. The fact I’m a woman living in the evil city, let alone that I have my nursing degree makes him all kinds of crazy.”

Vicki nodded, wrapping her brain around another form of family. With no dad in the picture, ever, she hadn’t considered the ramifications of having a dominant male figure in her life. “Wow. I…didn’t think that still happened.”

Karen leaned back on the counter. “Dad means well, in his stifling, misogynistic, cave-man way.”

Tamara pulled the meatballs from her sister’s hands and tilted her head toward the living room. “You’re the one putting up with it on a daily basis. You’ve got more masochist tendencies than Travis.”

Vicki laughed at that description of Travis. Yeah, right. He was one hundred percent, grade-A bossy male, but it wasn’t her place to discuss what she’d noticed in Ashley and Travis’s relationship.

She washed her hands and got ready to head back into the party to find Joel when Karen tugged her sleeve. “Hey, if you don’t mind. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.”

Drat. Here was one of those incredibly awkward moments. Doing things with the Colemans meant running into Joel’s cousin at times, and over the past month the questioning glances cast at her and Joel had grown more intense. Vicki didn’t know if the little tidbit regarding her horse issues had gotten loose or what.

Her response had been to avoid Karen as much as possible, which tonight, obviously, wasn’t going to work.

Karen brought her into the quiet hallway leading toward Tamara’s bedroom. “Feel free to tell me to mind my own business at any time, okay?”

Vicki loosened her teeth off her bottom lip where she’d been chewing it. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, of course not. Well, when I offered you the position with the trail rides, I didn’t know you and Joel were seeing each other. Trust me, I am all for us women deciding what’s best for our lives in terms of work situations. I still want you to be involved, but at the same time, I don’t want you to feel you have to stick to a commitment we only made verbally in the fall.”

The fluttering in her stomach ensured Vicki wasn’t going to eat any more of her own treats tonight. Would her and Joel’s friendship mean the end of her ticket out of Rocky? “You still want me involved. Like the position is still open?”

Karen nodded slowly. “I don’t want to be the cause of trouble between you and Joel, though. I mean, he’s kind of stuck here in Rocky, with his ranching and all, and if you’re gone… Long-distance relationships are not easy.”

Wow. Here was a situation she’d never thought of. “Well, thanks, but I think we’ll be okay.”

Her reassurances didn’t seem to make it any better. Now Karen was out-and-out frowning. She cleared her throat. “Again, you can tell me to go to hell, but I have to say it. I hope you’re not leading him on.”

Oh jeez, this was going from bad to worse. “No, really, things are okay between me and Joel. He knows my plans for the spring, and he’s good with it. Really.”

Karen’s disapproval was sharp enough to cut. “He’s one of the gentle ones in the clan. Don’t break his heart, okay?”

Vicki smiled. “I don’t think there’s any worry of that.”

“You don’t?” Karen tipped her head in the direction of the party. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and, girl, he is completely gone.”

Karen was obviously a romantic. Or Joel was doing a better job of acting than they thought. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She got away without any more of an inquisition, taking a deep breath before heading into the jam-packed living space.

Joel spotted her immediately, leaving the group he’d been chatting with. He crossed the room with his long-legged stroll that ate up the distance between them like it was nothing.

He tucked her under his arm, the smile on his face warming her with its familiar heat. “You finish getting ready all those goodies you insisted on bringing?”

She nodded. “It was only right to bring something, and you know I like cooking. I’m glad I could contribute.”

“They’re glad you could contribute,” he joked. “I would have brought a couple bags of chips and some dip.”

“You would not.”

He smiled as he reached for a glass. “You want anything with it?”

She’d given up that lie. Alcohol wasn’t necessary for her to have a good time. “Just the Coke, thanks.”

He settled them in a clear space on a love seat, and she leaned into his side. The place was more crowded than anything she’d attended, and yet a lot more comfortable than she’d dreamed possible.

Of course, considering the majority of people in the room were Colemans or their friends had something to do with that. Over the past month, most of the town folk had stopped making snide comments to her face. Didn’t mean they had changed their opinion, but at least they weren’t airing those particular thoughts as often or as loudly as before.

A musical laugh rang out from the front door and she stiffened in her seat.

It couldn’t be.

She leaned forward to peer through the crowd, but too many bulky bodies stood between her and her target.

Joel played his fingers over her shoulder. “What’s up?”

“I thought I just heard… No, it’s impossible.”

He lifted a brow. “What?”

She heard the laugh again and jumped to her feet. Damn being short. If she could have crawled on the furniture to get a better view, she would have.

Joel stood as well, trying to follow her gaze. “You’re not being very party-like right now. It’s tough to win at Eye Spy when I don’t know what I’m looking for. Oh fuck…”

“Yeah.” He’d pretty much summed it up. Sarah was at the front door, and she had her arm draped over Jesse’s elbow, her body pressed intimately close.

Fuck. Fuck.

Vicki’s first response was to hide.

The second was a familiar flash of anger. Brazen bitch. Her sister didn’t do anything without an agenda. “You don’t mind if I go see what the hell is going on, do you?”

Joel was at her side as they worked their way across the room. “Don’t think this is yours to fight alone.”

“I don’t want to fight, I want to cause massive pain and then never have to see her again in my life.”

“Sounds good to me. The causing-massive-pain part, only I get dibs on Jesse.”

Joel stepped in front of her, effectively blocking her from getting close enough to Sarah to rip her ears off. His bulk also blocked Jesse from moving any farther into the room. “This is unexpected.”

“Just dropping in on a family event. We won’t stay long. Other things to do.” Jesse grinned, his smirk less attractive than she’d remembered. It was as if his eyes had grown colder. “Of course, you both know Sarah.”

Joel pointed back the way they’d come in. “Outside, Jesse. Let’s talk without an audience.”

Music still blasted, but little pockets of discussion were rising in corners.

“Sarah said she needed a washroom. Why don’t you go ahead, sweetheart? We’ll be done chatting by the time you get back.” Joel was forced to step aside as Jesse slapped Sarah on the bottom and directed her farther into the apartment.

Vicki was torn. Did she go after her sister or stay with Joel?

Sarah vanished fast enough the decision was made for her. Vicki slipped out the door just in time to grab hold of Joel’s arm and stop him from slamming his fist into his twin’s face. “Whoa. That bit I said earlier about causing massive pain? Let’s rethink that, okay?”

Because as mad as she was, she hated that she’d come between the two brothers.

Joel checked himself at Vicki’s touch.

The pause allowed Jesse to back out of range and turn to sneer at Vicki. “You are a hell of a lot less fun than I thought you’d be. Other than being a pain in the ass, you’re simply…needy, aren’t you?”

Asshole. Joel glared daggers at his brother. “Leave Vicki out of this and explain what the hell you’re doing showing up with Sarah.”

“Hey, having a good time, you know. Nothing wrong with giving someone a chance.”

Sarcasm dripped from his words.

The door at the entrance to the apartment slammed open, and Travis sauntered in. “Hell, it’s a Six Pack party in the hallway. Who’s in shit now?”

“Mind your own fucking business,” Jesse snapped.

“Ahh, that answers my question.” Travis stepped between the twins, pausing for a moment as he faced Jesse. “You’re too dumb to realize this, but the guilty party always speaks first. And you know what’s really odd? It usually seems to be you flapping your jaw far quicker than Joel.”

“Stay out of it, Travis. I can deal with him.” Joel tugged Vicki to his side, wishing he could insist she go back into the party, but it was as much her fight as his.

“There’s nothing to deal with, jerk. I’m here, I brought a date, that’s it.” Jesse sniffed at Travis. “Speaking of dates, where’s Ashley?”

Travis stiffened. “Fuck off, Jesse.”

“Ha. Then I did hear right, she dumped you. Damn, you can’t seem to keep a girl happy. Maybe you need to do like me and Joel.” Jesse pointed at Vicki. “I mean, you’re taken, and I nabbed Sarah for the night, but there’s one more Hansol whore still available—”

Joel couldn’t fathom the words had really been said. Disbelief made him hesitate just long enough that by the time he went to smack some sense into his ass of a brother, Vicki had beaten him to it. She leapt from beside him and slammed her fist into Jesse’s smirking face.

It took a moment of scuffling before Travis had Jesse in a headlock and Joel had his wildcat of a woman pulled free.

“Let me go. I’m going to kill the fucker.” Vicki swung even when she must have known it was futile. Joel had her around the waist, holding her struggling body tight to his as he attempted to calm her.

“Let us have the fun, we’ve been waiting for longer.” Travis jerked Jesse off his feet, biceps bulging as he kept his brother trapped in position. “Don’t think about fighting back. You’re in deep shit.”

Fury whipped through Joel that Jesse would take whatever was pissing him off and make this battle into hurting Vicki. Wading in and using his fists to beat some sense into his brother would have been fun, but clearly wasn’t going to work. “You have a problem with me, you talk to me, but you leave Vicki and Lynn out of this.”

Travis released Jesse from his grasp, tossing him down the hallway. “I second that. I don’t care if you want to poke at me or meet me outside the barn so I can rearrange your face. In my books, Vicki deserves more respect than you do.”

“Now why would you defend her as well?” Jesse scrambled to his feet, wiping blood from his nose. He turned to face Joel. “Sharing with Travis this time? I guess you still haven’t figured out how to fuck a woman on your own.”

Silence descended on the hallway so hard Joel heard his blood pound past his eardrums. He couldn’t let go and beat Jesse like he deserved or Vicki would be loose, and murder really would be done.

Travis held up a hand, speaking quietly to Vicki. “Ignore him. He’s being an ass, and he’s not worth it. Joel’s got a damn fine woman in you, but I don’t want you the way Jesse implied. I consider you a sister, and that’s all I’ve ever said in public, and that’s all that will be said. So if you want me to pound Jesse on your behalf, you go ahead and let me know.”

“No one has to beat him up.” She relaxed, and when she tapped his arm, Joel set her on her feet. She nestled against his chest, glaring across at Jesse. “Your words, your actions, tonight and earlier. All of it makes me realize what I should have already known. Just because people are related doesn’t mean someone will be like their family. I’m nothing like my sister, and, Jesse, you’re nothing at all like your brothers.”

“Just words, sweetheart. They’re not going to make me cry into my pillow tonight.”

“They should,” she snapped. “I’m proud I’m not like Sarah, but you should be damn ashamed you’re not more like Joel or Travis or Matt. I’d trust them with my life. I wouldn’t trust you with dirt.”

“Why, sweetie, what a sad way to talk about your sister.” Sarah slipped out of the apartment door and stepped into the mess.

Jesse’s face had flushed bright red at Vicki’s accusation. Travis stood warily to the right, Joel protecting Vicki on the left.

Only Sarah moved, Vicki still as a statue as her sister paced closer.

Sarah tilted her head. “You’re not like me? Maybe you should rethink that. You seemed to have weaseled your way into a protective family who are taking good care of you. Mama would be proud.”

“Fuck you.” The words came out soft and low, but lifeless, as if Vicki had no more fight left.

Joel saw it coming this time. When Sarah lifted her hand he caught her wrist before she could take a swing at Vicki. “You’re not welcome here. I think you should go. You and Jesse, both.”

“It’s a Coleman family party. You’ve got no right to kick me out.” Jesse blustered a bit as Sarah retreated to his side. Joel noticed he didn’t take her hand or draw her close, more like turned aside as if she weren’t even there.

Sarah noticed as well, her gaze darting between Jesse and the others. Her eyes narrowed for a second before she hauled back and used the slap Joel had stopped earlier.

“What the hell was that for?” Jesse pressed a hand to his cheek where Sarah had laid into him.

She sniffed. “Fuck you for using me to pick a fight with your family.”

Sarah swung on her heel and vanished out the apartment doors. Tension rose higher even as Joel stroked the back of Vicki’s neck, willing her to relax.

“Gee, even the whores think you’re a jerk,” Vicki muttered.

Travis snorted.

Jesse glared in her direction, and his continued rotten attitude was the final straw. Joel stepped forward. “Had enough of you tonight. No, you’re not welcome at the Coleman party. Not until you damn well remember what it means to be family.”

“I agree.” Travis gestured down the hall. “You only showed your face to take a piss on everyone anyway. Go home, Jesse. Go home until you grow up.”

Jesse didn’t say a word, just left.

Joel died a little inside at the loss, at the confusion and anger they’d tossed about like matchsticks. It hurt like hell to see his brother wrench farther apart from them all.

But he put his attention on the good he did have, turning Vicki toward him and kissing her cheek tenderly. “You’re an incredible woman. Don’t you forget that.”

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“Stop.” Joel cupped her face in his hands and put everything he could into his words. “Jesse made his choice, and it’s not your fault. He was wrong. Period. I’m sick of him and his shitty attitude, and I’m sorry he hurt you.”

She nodded, only she was blinking away tears. “I’m sorry he hurt you as well. Damn weird parties you people throw.”

“This is not a typical Coleman…” Travis paused.

Joel swore, remembering another toxic New Year’s party only a couple years earlier.

“Well, maybe it is.” Travis straightened his jacket and gestured toward the door. “Come on, I need a drink.”

Vicki caught his arm. “Ashley?”

Travis shook his head in an exaggerated manner. “You’d really make me discuss this before I toss back a couple strong ones? Evil woman.”

Joel spoke up. “I thought things were going well.”

“I thought you were good together,” Vicki added.

Travis shrugged. “Yeah, but for one little argument she won’t give an inch on. It’s okay, or it will be down the road. She needs time to cool off.”

“I hope it’s soon.” Vicki patted his arm, then linked her fingers into Joel’s as she moved back against his side. “Thank you for defending me.”

Travis nodded. “I meant it. You’re alright. And I owed you.”

She frowned, and suddenly Joel wasn’t sure where this was going anymore.

Travis stared off into space for a minute before hauling his gaze back to meet hers. “In high school. I knew the guys were setting up that damn bet. I’ve kicked my own ass a million times I didn’t tell them it was stupid or that I didn’t do something to stop it. I’m sorry for the pain it caused you.”

“Whoa.” Vicki shook her head. “You…knew?”

Oh hell. How much did Travis know? Joel let her squeeze his fingers bloodless.

Travis took a deep breath. “It wasn’t right what Eric did, taking advantage of you. I’m sorry.”

Breath whooshed out of her like air from a released balloon as Joel scrambled to put the facts into place.

Travis was missing the fine details.

Vicki nodded slowly. “Thank you for telling me.”

He lifted his dark eyes and allowed a smile to break free. “I wasn’t very good at standing up for what I thought was right back then. I’m trying harder these days.”

Vicki smiled and reached on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Travis’s cheek. “I meant what I said earlier. I trust you, and the rest of the Colemans. You’re good people, Travis. And Joel’s a wonderful friend. I’m thankful to have you guys in my life.”

Travis cleared his throat. “Can we go drink now?”

Ring out the old, bring in the new. It was a mix of sadness and hope they were staring down as they reentered the apartment and walked into the noisy crowd.

Travis disappeared after winking at Vicki. Joel found a place for them in the thick of an animated exchange between Tamara and the three youngest Colemans: Rafe, Lisa and Lee.

Joel forced Jesse out of his mind. He had to, or it would drive him mad. He’d already gone through a dozen different ways they might have avoided the situation, and yet none were real solutions.

Jesse had chosen his path.

Joel concentrated instead on the woman in his arms, on trying to find ways to get her to relax and enjoy the evening. Slowly Vicki opened up again, her sadness fading and laughter coming quicker as they shared jokes and meaningless conversation with people who had no agenda other than to enjoy themselves. Joel breathed easier as the hours passed, but he couldn’t help wondering.

In light of everything that was changing, what was the coming year going to hold?