Page 12 of Taming I Do
“Back in Dallas. As soon as I’m done here, I’ll join her. We’re starting a new business that will help raise money for my mentor’s nonprofit organization. She helps young girls learn what they need to know to compete in pageants.”
For a second, I thought she was joking. That’s all the world needed... more beauty queens. But the light in her eyes as she talked about it let me know she was serious.
“There’s a big need for these girls to learn how to strut the runway in a swimsuit?” I couldn’t help myself. Even as I asked the question, I imagined Lacey frowning at me and urging me to shut up and make nice.
“No. But there’s a big need for girls to have access to the kind of training that can help them get ready for public speaking, to learn how to defend their beliefs, to build their confidence so they’re not afraid to pursue their dreams.”
“And a beauty pageant can do all that?” I should shut this line of conversation down. I’d already unintentionally insulted her—the one woman who might hold the future of Taylor Grove, and the whole damn town, in her hands.
“Yes, actually, it can. My entire platform is about empowering girls so they’re not afraid to follow their dreams. When I’m done here, I’ll be able to devote all of my time to raising money to do just that.” The look in her eyes seemed to waver between heat and ice.
“I didn’t realize a pageant could make that big of a difference.” Best to back away slowly, so as not to further anger the woman sitting next to me. She might be sugar and spice andwrapped up in a gorgeous package with all the trimmings, but I could sense a fire burning deep down inside of her. No way did I want to be the one to ignite those flames.
I pulled into the long drive at Aunt Suzy’s place. Her double-wide sat in a small clearing of live oaks and a few tall pecans. I used to love coming out here when Uncle Gus was alive. We’d spend all day in the saddle, checking the farthest corners of the orchard for my dad and filling our lungs full of fresh country air. Unfortunately, after Gus passed, Suzy couldn’t keep up with the horses. She’d turned the outbuilding into her workspace. No telling what kinds of projects Aunt Suzy had in the works. I’d have to make sure to keep Delilah far away from there.
“Here we are.” I eased the truck to a stop in front of my aunt’s trailer.
Delilah peered through the windshield, her eyes wide.
I tried to see my aunt’s place with fresh eyes. I was used to her line of work but to a newcomer, especially someone who didn’t spend much time in the country, the sight of Suzy’s handiwork might be a little overwhelming.
Before I could admit that this had been a mistake, Suzy came out of the door and stood on the small stoop. She was dressed all in black, including the lace veil she wore over her head, obscuring her face.
Delilah glanced at me as she opened the door.
“Maybe you’d be more comfortable at my place instead.”
Before Delilah could answer, Suzy came down the steps, waving her hand, her black glove whipping back and forth. “Hello, hello. Y’all are just in time.”
I closed my eyes for a long beat, wanting nothing more than to bang my head on the steering wheel. How could I have forgotten? The last day of September held special meaning for Aunt Suzy. It was the anniversary of James Dean’s death. Myaunt had always been a huge fan. How was I going to explain a tradition like that to Miss Lovin’ Texas?
CHAPTER 5
DELILAH
“It’s sonice to meet you.” I held Jasper’s aunt’s hand in mine, the lace netting of the woman’s gloves rough against my palm.
“The pleasure’s all mine. Jasper said you need a place to get cleaned up. Come on in.” Suzy held the trailer door open and gestured for me to go inside.
“Aunt Suzy is a taxidermist by trade.” Jasper gathered my bag from the truck bed and came to stand behind his aunt.
I nodded as I entered the trailer. Eyes peered out at me from the walls. My heart stopped. My palms went clammy. My vision went fuzzy. Deer and other woodland creatures I didn’t even want to know the names of smiled, snarled, and frowned at me, their likenesses forever frozen in time.
“Aunt Suzy’s won awards for her skills.” Jasper’s deep voice came from over my shoulder, drawing my attention away from the menagerie of animals whose eyes seemed to follow me.
“Is that right?” I swallowed a lump of discomfort rising in my throat.
“Sure is. I’ve shown my work in several competitions. Even was featured as a centerfold in a big taxidermy magazine. I’ve got a copy right here.” Suzy brushed past us, making her way to a small sitting area, where a coffee table held dozens of magazines.
Jasper leaned forward, his breath brushing my cheek. “I’m so sorry. I should have warned you.”
I closed my eyes for a moment at the contact. “It’s fine. Your aunt seems like a lovely person.” Lovely and just slightly off her rocker. But I was a professional. I could keep my own feelings and emotions tucked deep down inside. I’d learned how to do that over the years, and that was something that no amount of pageant training could provide. My ability to put up a front came from dealing with my mother’s never-ending surprises.
“If you want to go, I can take you somewhere else to get ready,” Jasper muttered.
I turned around, not prepared for how close he’d be in the small space. His nose might have brushed mine had I not stepped back.
“Ms. Stone.” Jasper reached for me as the backs of my legs bumped into the bench of the dinette. I stumbled backward, his hand wrapping around my arm, holding me suspended even as my head tipped back. A bobcat snarled at me from above, its teeth bared, a glint of anger in its glassy eyes.
