Love Me, I Dare You! (Hell Yeah!) Read online

  “These aren’t going to be the most attractive accessory.” He picked up one crutch and waved it in the air.

  “If you’ll let her, I’d like Cady to take a look at your leg.”

  Joseph was loading tools in the back of his pick-up, so Josh couldn’t see his face. Was he serious? “What for?”

  Turning, Joseph pushed his black Stetson back on his head. “Well, she might be able to help. At the very least, Cady’s a physical therapist, and at the most…I’d guess you could say she’s a miracle worker. I know you were busy on the circuit, but didn’t you hear that I was hurt and confined to a wheelchair for a few months?”

  Josh stared at Joseph, then looked him up and down. “Hell, no. I didn’t know anything about it.”

  “I don’t see how you missed it, the papers and television were full of it. I was paralyzed, my sponsors bailed and one reporter claimed I was faking it for attention.”

  “No, dammit, I didn’t know. But I sure as hell can relate about the sponsors.” Josh adjusted the crutch pads under his arms. He was getting sore from the constant use. “I’m so sorry. I guess I was busy.”

  His comment made Joseph laugh so hard, a colt bolted across the corral behind him. “Don’t tell me, I know, too many women. You were probably otherwise occupied, no time for keeping up with things back home.”

  Josh shrugged, no use denying the truth. Things at home were always best avoided as far as he was concerned. The talk about his father, the way he ran around on his mother, and the despicable way he died always seemed to haunt Josh. Just because he looked like Garrett Long, everyone expected his son to be just like him.

  Hell, maybe he was. He certainly played the field, the only difference was – he wasn’t married. “I’m glad to see you standing on your own two feet, Joseph. You seem to be fully recovered.”

  “I am. Climb in my truck. I’ll give you a ride up to the house. So, will you come meet Cady?”

  Giving his idea some thought, Josh surveyed the bounty that was Tebow, the green pastures as far as the eye could see, many dotted with cattle and horses. Rich land, shaded by grand oaks and set with jewel-like ponds, connected by streams decorated with white water and multi-colored stones. Pastures divided by precise fencing, giving the landscape the look of a country quilt. By all appearances, the McCoy’s led a charmed life – yet here was Joseph telling him that he’d been injured, paralyzed. He stretched his leg forward, trying to ease the pain in his knee. Maybe they weren’t so different after all. “Sure, if she can help me, I’d be a fool to turn her down.” Josh cleared his throat. “I don’t have a lot of money to pay her, but maybe I can make some type of arrangement.”

  Joseph snorted. “My lady doesn’t work for money anymore. She heals because Cady is kind and so full of love and compassion that it overflows to everyone around her. There was a little while, after she became pregnant and gave birth to our child that her gift seemed to wane, but it’s back now. Cady truly has healing in her hands; she has the magic touch.”

  Josh could hear in Joseph’s voice all the love and respect he felt for his wife. He didn’t really understand everything his friend was saying, but he didn’t claim to know much about medicine. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  Joseph gave him the signal to leave, so Josh cranked up and took off, heading to the two-story steel equipment barn and pulling into the attached garage. He noticed his beat up white one-ton sitting next to the other, newer vehicles. He’d had to sell his horse trailer, it was either that or sell his horses and he refused to do that.

  Joseph hopped out. Josh moved a little slower but when he joined his friend, they made their way toward the big stone lodge that was undoubtedly more than a house, it was a home.

  “Get ready, this place is never empty. Since everyone has married, except Nathan, of course, there are children everywhere. My Angel is running around, playing games with Aron’s two and Jacob’s little one. The days of this being a houseful of bachelors is long gone.”

  Josh smiled, taking in the yard full of flowers and children’s things – an oversized ball and bat, a swing-set, several push toys and a couple of cars small enough to be driven by a travel-minded toddler. “I like kids, haven’t been around many of them though.”

  “Well, come in and let’s remedy that.” Joseph walked ahead of him, up the stairs and across the wide verandah. Holding the door open, he gestured for Josh to enter. “Welcome to the McCoy zoo.”

  Zoo might not have been the best word, but Josh’s eyes did widen. A curly headed little girl chased a small boy who wore a cowboy hat and boots, while another little boy jumped out at them from behind a door, causing all involved to break out in fits of giggles.

  “Come back here, you little band of heathens.” A beautiful woman with dark hair, ran in behind them.

  “That’s Libby, Aron’s wife. Have you met her?”

  “Yes, I’ve had the pleasure.” He tipped his hat. “Ms. McCoy.”

  “Come in, Josh. I’m so glad you’re back in town.” She approached long enough to shake hands. “We’re playing Tag.”

  “A favorite game around the McCoy household, I assure you.” Aron McCoy spoke up, coming to greet Josh. “Josh Long, I was happy when Joseph told me you’d come to work for us.”

  “Thanks, I’m grateful for the job.” Josh took his hat off and held it in his hand, feeling a little out of place. The house was nice, but not fancy. The McCoy’s home looked well-lived in.”

  “Josh is here to see Cady. Where is she, Libby?” Joseph asked, picking up Angel and bringing her up for a kiss.

  “She’s in the kitchen, cooking up a big batch of crawfish etouffe. I hope you’re hungry, there’ll be plenty.”

  Josh didn’t respond, he wasn’t sure the invitation was meant for him. “Smells good.” His stomach growled, cooking wasn’t his strong suit.

  “Come this way,” Joseph motioned. “Cady!” he called, with happiness in his voice. “I’m home!”

  “Joseph!”

  In the next second, a woman came running through the door and straight into his friend’s arms. Her smile was warm and as Josh looked at her, something strange happened. One moment, his eyes beheld a pleasant looking woman with brown hair, brown eyes and light brown skin – the next, he saw someone different, the same woman but one with a radiant face and unspeakable beauty. She shimmered and shone, her love for Joseph undeniable.

  “Hey, baby, I missed you.” Joseph kissed her soundly. “Isn’t she beautiful, Josh?”

  Josh had no trouble agreeing. “Yes, indeed.”

  “Oh, please, don’t,” Cady chided her husband. “You’re embarrassing me.”

  “Nonsense, the truth is the truth.” He put a loving arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Cady-did, this is my friend, Josh Long. I was wondering if you could look at his leg, he had an unfortunate run in with a one-ton bull.”

  An immediate look of concern came over her face. “Of course, come this way.” She touched Josh on the arm, then led him from the kitchen to the back of the house. “This used to be Joseph’s rehab room. After he recovered, we redid it into a spa of sorts.”

  When Josh stepped through the door, he was shocked. Oh, he knew this family had money but they never seemed to act like they did. They drove regular pick-ups, wore normal clothes, didn’t live showy lives, but this – this was something else. The word decadent came to mind. This set-up could have been in a major hotel: a massage table, a hot tub, huge shower, work-out machines, mats and storage on every wall. “Wow, this is intimidating.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. Just make yourself comfortable.” Cady laughed sweetly. “Joseph, will you get my bag of oils out of the closet? Here, Josh. Step behind the screen and take off your jeans. Climb up on the table and we’ll cover your hips with a towel.”

  Josh was a little dizzy with Cady’s quick directions. He didn’t have time to get nervous. She and Joseph seemed so calm and off-hand about it all. “I’ve never been to a masseuse before,” he admitted.
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  “I will combine some massage therapy with some exercises, but first I need to examine you and ask a few questions.”

  As Cady proceeded, Joseph joined her, placing her supplies close at hand. “I’m going to go to the kitchen and stir your stew. Josh, when you’re through, we’ll grab a beer.” With a slap to Josh’s back, Joseph left them alone.

  During the next few minutes, Cady totally put him at ease. He told her what had happened, what the doctors had said and how different ways he moved caused him discomfort. As he spoke, she very expertly and clinically manipulated his leg, took some x-rays with a portable machine and began working his muscles with a deep tissue massage. With her eyes closed, her fingers were busy and an incredible sense of warmth began to build in the injured area. He was afraid to move, afraid he’d break whatever spell she had cast over him – because the pain was lessening, the burning, tearing ache that had been his constant companion seemed to be fading somewhat. “This is helping, thank you,” he spoke softly.

  “Good,” she spoke stiffly, her concentration total. Josh was surprised to see a sheen of perspiration on her face.

  “Are you okay?” he asked with concern.

  Cady swallowed, obviously intent on her task. “I’m fine.” She continued rubbing his leg, lifting and stretching the muscles. After a while, she directed him to rise. “See if you can stand without the crutches. Do you have more freedom of movement, less tightness in the joint?”

  Josh did as she asked and was amazed at the relief she’d given him. “Hey! Yes, I do.” He brightened. “What did you do? Something magical?”

  Cady’s face warmed. “Yea, that’s right. Magic.” Her smile was a bit quick and a little tight, but he could tell she was happy. “You can get dressed and go find Joseph, I’ll clean up. If you find that treatment helped, stop by tomorrow afternoon and I’ll give you another one.”

  Josh grabbed the crutches and took a few hesitant steps, putting a tad more weight on his bad leg than usual. “Thank you. Whatever you did helped a lot.” Even though he still wore his underwear, he kept the towel around his hips. He was very cognizant that he was in the presence of his friend’s very beautiful wife and he wanted to show her the proper respect.

  “I’m glad.” Her voice was lower than before.

  About that time, Joseph returned. “How’s it coming?”

  “We’re through,” Cady said as her husband entered the room, coming straight for her. “Are you all right, do you need to sit down?”

  Josh wondered at his concern. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize…” He was a loss, not understanding.

  Joseph pulled a chair nearer and helped Cady down into it. He gave her a tender kiss, leaned in to listen to something she said, then turned to Josh. “Come on, buddy. Let’s let Cady rest for a minute or two.”

  As they left the spa room and moved into the kitchen, Josh was amazed at the difference in how he felt now and when he’d first followed Joseph in to see his wife. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know Cady felt bad. We could have put this off.”

  Opening the fridge, he handed Josh a beer. “No, this is normal.” Seeing his confused expression, Joseph continued to explain. “I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the term, Josh, but Cady is an empath. She not only heals by normal means, she also…” he laughed wryly, “God, I struggle how to explain this so it makes sense…my wife is able to absorb pain and injury from others.”

  Josh stared, his mouth agape. “Pardon?”

  “My wife can…”

  “No, you don’t have to repeat yourself, I heard you.” Josh put his hand on his head. “I’ve heard the word, empath. I just didn’t know it was real.” He slowly maneuvered across the tiled room, then back again, testing how his leg reacted to the movement. “Your wife took my pain? I…”

  Joseph held up his hand. “Yes, she did. She’s resting. You don’t understand, Cady loves me and her family unconditionally, but the next most important thing to her is helping people. My wife has a miraculous gift, a power I can’t even begin to comprehend and she needs to share it with people like you. Helping others is what she lives for. The pain she feels is temporary, her body is able to deal with it, process it, and afterwards – it’s gone. She’s free of it and so are you.” He smiled. “It’s a type of miracle.”

  Josh didn’t know what to say. “I don’t even know how to process this, how to thank both of you. I’ll certainly sleep better tonight.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Josh, won’t you stay for supper?” Cady’s voice came from behind them.

  “There you are, feeling better?” Joseph got up to meet her about the time their little girl came skipping across the Mexican tile.

  “Mommy, I’m hungry!”

  “You are?” Cady wrapped her arms around Angel. “Supper will be done soon.”

  Josh marveled at the love in the room. Outside the big country kitchen, he could hear more voices. All of the family camaraderie only made him realize what he didn’t have, how empty his house would be when he went home. Instead of making him want to stay longer, the stark contrast of their life to his only made him feel uncomfortable. Yet, he couldn’t leave without letting Cady know how grateful he felt. Going to her side with careful steps, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “What you did for me, I wish there was some way I could repay you.”

  Cady gave him a radiant smile. “You are my husband’s friend. If you get well and are pain free after a few more sessions, that will be payment enough.”

  “Thank you,” he murmured, unable to think of anything better to say. He looked at Joseph and his wife, both happy, their little girl between them. “I’ll leave you two to your dinner. I’m helping Avery out at the bachelor auction,” he explained for Cady’s benefit. “So, I need to go get cleaned up and get over there before it’s ready to begin. This bum leg has been putting a cramp in my get-a-long, it’s time to get back in the saddle.”

  Joseph walked him to the door. “Now, that’s the Josh Long I know and the ladies all love.”

  * * *

  “Hey, baby. I need two Coors, a Shiner, and a margarita.”

  “Coming right up, Doris.” Competently and smoothly, Emma filled the order, placing the drinks on the older woman’s tray.

  “Hey, Red, I’ll take a Miller lite.” A male voice spoke straight in front of her.

  “On tap all right, Leonard?” she asked, recognizing one of her regulars’ voices.

  Her knowing his name made Leonard laugh happily. “Good job, barkeep. I’m impressed.”

  She gave the man a smile along with his beer. “I learn voices quickly and that accent you sport is pretty distinctive. East Texas, am I right?”

  “Yea, you are, little darling.”

  “You’re welcome, Leonard. Are you going to let Ms. Avery auction your handsome self for charity at the bachelor auction?” Emma was ready for a big night. Isaac had doubled their liquor order and several set-up requests had come in from large groups of women representing area businesses. This was fast turning into the social event of the season.

  “Oh, little girl, I hate to tell you this but I’m not nearly as sexy looking as I sound.” Leonard informed her in a conspiratorial whisper.

  “Ah, I doubt that, sir. I don’t know if any woman has ever told you this, but looks only take you so far. You are kind, sweet, and have a killer sense of humor. Any woman would snatch you right up.”

  “And you have a big tip coming your way tonight, sweetheart. The day Isaac McCoy decided to hire you was a good day.”

  “Thank you, Leonard. I didn’t say that for a tip though.”

  Most of the customers were extremely gracious, wanting to help her as much as they could. Only rarely did someone get impatient with her and it seemed Isaac or Avery was always close by to help, if things got out of hand. So far, she hadn’t made a really bad mistake, if you didn’t count dropping that tray of drinks the night before.

  Emma paused, listening. She had to be alert in case anyone at the bar
called for a refill or a new customer stepped up to order. Tonight, however, she was trying to hone in on something else entirely…Emma was doing her best to detect Josh Long’s deep, sexy voice in the crowd. She’d resisted asking Avery or Doris if he’d arrived. She wasn’t even sure if he’d filled out the papers to be one of the bachelors. As much as she was hoping to talk to him again, she was really dreading bearing witness to another woman buying his time. How foolish was that?

  “Bartender? Could I have a scotch on the rocks?” A female standing to her right drew Emma’s attention.

  “Of course, coming right up.” She went straight to the task of getting the lady what she wanted. Keeping up with the orders, filling them, then recording them in the specially designed tablet kept her busy. She had her own system, giving each customer a name she could remember, something descriptive and always flattering – just in case. She’d worked with one man, a sighted gentleman, who’d assigned monikers to his patrons that focused on what he considered to be their least flattering characteristic, like ‘big nose’, ‘droopy boobs’, or ‘turkey neck’. Her handles were always ones she could remember yet not be afraid of anyone else reading.

  “Emma…Emma,” a familiar voice whispered from behind her and to the left.

  “Avery? Can I do something for you?” Emma inquired, as she set the scotch in front of ‘sultry-twang’.

  “Mr. Butler has arrived.”

  For a millisecond, Emma frowned, perplexed – and then it her. “He’s here?” She enunciated the words evenly, putting no emotion in their delivery. Later, recalling her conversation with Avery, she’d been embarrassed that she’d admitted her interest in a man who had no interest in her.

  “Yes, he’s here, sitting at one of the tables near the door. He’s agreed to be auctioned off! Are you going to bid anything?”

  Emma swallowed, smoothing her hands down over the bar apron tied around her waist. “I’m not sure that would be wise, Avery.

  “Well, think about it. Talk about money wisely spent…”

  Her mind racing with wishes and impossible possibilities, she almost missed one of her regular’s piping up, an older man who was lonely and loved to talk. She and Arnold had an ongoing game going.