Dirty Little Secrets

If it's true we're all flawed creatures living in an angry world, Jenna Kincaid has unwillingly cornered the market on both. Having survived the accident that had taken her young brother's life, speculation and innuendo set the stage for a small Texas town's gossip mongers to feast upon. At sixteen, she's still the talk of the town, no matter that she's an honor student, has few friends, and not allowed a social life, she's Riverdale's favorite topic of discussion. When a rare opportunity to attend Ben O'Bryan's newly inherited ranch for a housewarming party in the next county presents itself, she's able to sneak away for the one night. It's a night destined to make or break her.

Ultimately, it does both. Now, it's five years later. Jenna has earned her degree and is working as a high-ranking Geologist for a major Exploration Company. When she's called back to the office on a Saturday evening for a client appointment, Ben is the last man she expects to see, standing, waiting for their business meeting to commence. No way was she doing this!..It's a bogus gig since she knows even if there were an ocean of prime crude beneath his homestead pasture, Ben would never allow drilling, there. So, what did he really want?

A real Texas gentleman, Ben reached for his Stetson with one hand while politely offering his other for her handshake. When their hands touched, their eyes met and held while a simultaneous spark of familiar heat flared between them. “Jenny,” he said quietly, I've kept my promise. Jake's my son, too. It's time he knew that.” He was right. It was time they settled up. He'd find out soon enough that she wasn't a vulnerable teenager, anymore. She could handle him, now. For sure- the past wasn't about to repeat itself!

The mere thought of the possibility weakened her knees and blew her new confidence to smithereens. But she couldn't argue with his reasoning, She still felt the sting of emptiness from her own loveless childhood. She couldn't cheat Jake from having a real father.-Taking a deep breath, she looked him straight in the eyes, "This is about Jake, not me."

 Maybe, she needed to re-assert her position, here so there would be no misunderstandings later. "Placing myself on your ranch, again is pure insanity. Since I have no choice, I'll do your core samples and attempt to reach a civil agreement over Jake. But this is a trial run, O'Bryan,..and only if you keep your hands .." Too late, she'd seen his eyes sparkle and though it wasn't a grin, quirking his lower lip.. it was so close, her words stalled, mid-sentence.

Raising both his empty hands before her to view, he affirmed low, "I'll keep my hands anywhere you want 'em, Jenny."

Swallowing nothing, she choked out, "Off ME!. Do you think you can do that, O'Bryan?"

 While he appeared to give her demanding inquiry some decent thought, a dimple appeared in one tanned cheek, "I've had years of practice."

Heaven help her,...she could already hear the distant sound of a faint train whistle. In her mind's eye, Ben was Southern Pacific- she, was Amtrak,..both on the same rails, heading at rocketing speed...and their son was the little calf stuck on the tracks between them.