Deep in the Heart of Texas - Part 3
*Previously…Bo and Nora danced and argued.
Nora changed into more casual clothes and headed out to the patio. The Texas sun was hot, to say the least. She grabbed a beer and sat under an umbrella and just admired her surroundings. She could get used to this.
A: Nora! I'm glad to see you've made yourself at home.
He was relieved to see her. He was sure she would be packing for the next flight to Pennsylvania.
Nora was startled by Asa's exclamation. She was lost in her own thoughts.
N: Well, I thought I'd at least stay for the free food!
Asa laughed.
A: Where's Bo? Did you talk to him?
N: He's changing his clothes. We spoke briefly.
A: Did you set him straight?
N: Oh Asa, I don't know if there is such a thing when it comes to Bo Buchanan. He is definitely his own man. We actually haven't had a chance to talk privately. So, we'll see what happens.
A: I really need your help with him, Nora. I'm worried about him. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have you here with me.
Nora smiled. She reached for Asa's hand.
N: I know you're concerned. I'll try my best.
Soon, the cooks had all the food out - steaks, hot dogs, baked potatoes, salads, hamburgers, ribs, corn on the cob, etc. All the employees lined up. Bo and Dody sat down with Nora and Asa at their table.
D: Asa has the cooks do this everyday for the workers. That's why we have such a low employee turn around. People love to work here. They are treated wonderfully.
N: That's very nice. And he goes around trying to make everyone afraid of him, when deep down he's just a big teddy bear.
A: Shhhh! Don't spread that around, honey. We can't ruin my reputation. (Wanting to leave Bo and Nora alone) Uh, Dody, let's you and I go inside. I have some things to discuss with you and I'm too old for this heat.
D: But what about the food?
A: Lord man! You can eat later, let's go.
Dody reluctantly follows Asa into the house. Bo and Nora both laugh, knowing full well what Asa is up to.
B: Looks like the line has shortened up. You must be starving! I know I am. Let's eat.
Nora readily agrees. Bo stands and extends him arm toward the food tables. Nora had changed into shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals. She looked beautiful, as many of the other men at the ranch would attest to. Their blatant staring was agitating Bo. A lot of them wondered who this mystery woman was. Since Bo had moved here, they'd never seen him with a woman. But, if she was his date, he sure was one lucky guy. 'All right guys, let's move it along. The horses aren't going to feed themselves.' The group of men grumbled a few choice words and headed on their way.
Bo couldn't help but admire her beautiful legs and great body that stood before him. He always loved her legs. She was incredible; even after all she had been put through in her life. He missed her. 'I may have to jump in the pool again,' he thought to himself with a smile.
Nora was ravenous. She had a little taste of everything. It all looked so good. She went back for more ribs. Nora licking her fingers caused Bo to squirm in his seat. He had a deep urge to kiss her, which he fought off by looking in another direction and drinking gulps of iced tea.
N: Oh my god! That was the best meal I had in a long time.
B: Yep, Asa only hires the best for the ranch. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
N: I did. Thank you.
B: It's our pleasure. Nora, this sun is blistering. I suggest we go inside. It's not good for you, especially if you're not used to it.
N: Sounds good. Lead the way.
The shock of the cold air hitting her skin gave her goose bumps. She felt a little queasy. Bo took her to the den. It was a large room filled with toys. There was a professional pool table, a dart board, pinball machines, a jukebox, large screen TV, several couches and chairs, and a wet bar complete with soda and beer fountains. There was also a large bath with a Jacuzzi and steam shower.
N: Bo, I feel a little woozy, I'd better lie down.
B: Oh, sure. (He led her to one of the couches) I knew that hot sun would get to you. You're so fair skinned. I'll get you some water.
Bo brought her a glass of water and a cold washcloth, which he placed on her forehead.
The cold felt good. Bo's attention to her didn't hurt either. 'Stop it, Nora', she said to herself.
B: Are you okay? Maybe I should take you to a doctor.
N: No, don't be silly. I'll be fine. I'm feeling better already.
B: How about an aspirin? Would that help?
N: No, I think if I just lay still, I'll be okay.
B: Okay, if you insist.
Shortly thereafter, Nora fell asleep. Bo placed a blanket on her and let her sleep. He watched her. She looked so peaceful. Part of him wanted to lie there with her, holding her close - protecting her, like he had done so many times in the past. He got up and went to lie down on another couch. Pretty soon he was asleep, too.
An hour or so went by and their tranquility was disturbed by Asa's booming voice.
A: I leave you two alone for hours and I find you both asleep?!? What gives?!?
Nora jumped up, confused and a little groggy.
N: Where am I? What's going on?
A: You're in my den, in Texas. With Bo, asleep over there!
Asa's arms were flying all over.
B: I'm not asleep anymore thanks to you. Pa, what is wrong with you? Do you think Nora and I would do anything with you lurking around waiting for it to happen?
Bo threw his legs over the side of the couch and just stared at his father.
Nora gets a puzzled look on her face. 'What the hell is he talking about?', she wonders.
B: Nora didn't feel well, so she laid down. And I fell asleep. Speaking of that, how are you feeling?
He gets up and makes his way to her. He squeezes onto a small spot on the couch and feels her forehead. She felt cool to his touch. Again, he had a great desire to kiss her. He always kissed her forehead when she didn't feel well.
Nora reached for his hand and motioned for him to pull her up.
N: I'm much better, thanks. I guess I just needed to rest.
A: Why didn't you tell me she was sick?
B: Pa, she's fine. I took care of it. I think I know how to take care of my wif…Nora.
Bo bristled realizing the mistake he almost made. He looked at her and she gave him an understanding glance.
B: Slip of the tongue.
A: Uh-huh.
B: You can go now. And stop hovering over us like we're teenagers.
A: Anything you say, son. Nora, are you sure you're okay?
N: Yes, Asa, I'm fine. And I'll be even better once I whip Bo at pinball.
A: Okay, I'll be out riding if you need me.
B: Pa, be careful out there, you're not as young as you think.
A: Son, if I were as young as you, I sure as heck know what I'd be doing with the woman I love.
Bo is just exasperated.
B: Goodbye, pa.
Asa leaves the room.
B: Sorry about that, Nora. I think he lives in fantasyland. And I think you do too. You could never beat me at pinball.
'It's not such a bad fantasy, is it?', Nora mumbles under her breath.
B: What?
N: Uh, I just said, I've been practicing.
B: Oh.
N: But, maybe we could try miniature golf while I'm here. I know I can beat you at that!
B: Well, we won't have to go far. Asa had a small course put in on the property a couple of years ago. It's just a ways past the pool.
N: Oh, how fun! So I can look forward to whipping your butt!!…..On the course that is. (She laughs)
B: Right. Well, first things first. The pinball machines are right this way.
N: Care to make any wagers before we start?
B: All right. How about loser has to make two giant ice cream sodas?
N: Is that the best you could do? You're on, piece of cake!
'Well, it's the cleanest one I could come up with under pressure,' he thought. His desires for her were raging and he didn't know why or how to stop them. He was over her. They both moved on. The only way to stop his feelings was for Nora to leave Texas. He didn't want her to go. She had only been there for a few hours and he was enjoying being with her so much. The sound of Nora cracking her knuckles brought him back to reality.
N: You're in la-la land. This is going to be so easy!!!
After a couple of games, Nora was victorious and she gloated about it.
N: I beat Bo Buchanan, pinball wizard of Llanview!!
B: I let you win. Come on, you know I'm better than that!!
N: Yeah right! Why would you let me win??
B: Because I make a better ice cream soda than you do.
N: Ha!! In your dreams.
B: Do you have to be competitive about that too? Can't you just accept that I make a better one?
N: No, I can't.
B: Sit down! And don't drool on the bar.
N: You're gonna get it, Bo. (She jokingly shook her fist at him)
B: Promises, promises.
Bo started making the drinks. Nora looks at him and half laughs, half smiles. She missed their easy rapport with each other. She had never known anyone like him and she missed their relationship. What she and Sam had didn't come close. She was also pretty sure he never had it with Melanie either, no matter what he said.
Soon they were enjoying their ice cream sodas.
B: So, do you concede to this being the best ice cream soda you've ever had?
N: Oh, it's very good. But, the best? I don't know.
B: You just don't want to admit that I'm better than you.
Nora cracked up laughing.
N: Whatever you say.
They sat silent for a minute, enjoying their drinks.
N: So, what's wrong with you?
Bo laughed.
B: Gee, Nora, what do you mean?
N: Well, Asa calls me up all concerned about you and here we are! Aside from drinking too much, you look okay to me.
Bo's smile faded.
B: I don't drink too much. It's just a place I go to relax.
N: Every day, all day? Ignoring your work here at the ranch? That's strange, Bo. You're not happy here?
B: Yes, I'm very happy here. The ranch is not suffering. I do my work.
N: Or Dody does your work.
B: How do you know what goes on here, Nora? You've only been here, what?, five or six hours?
N: My intuition tells me, I guess. And your father picks up on it too.
B: My father also thinks we are in love! So,......so much for that.
N: Why did you grow a mustache?
Bo runs his hands over his upper lip and face.
B: What? You don't like it?
He stares forward into the mirror behind the bar checking himself out.
N: It looks great on you. But, I think you're hiding something.
B: Intuition again?
She laughs and takes his hand.
N: Yes, my intuition again. You can talk to me, you know that. Don't be afraid to be Bo Buchanan. You are not responsible for what Melanie did. You have no reason to feel ashamed. The Bo Buchanan I know is a kind and decent man.
Bo stared straight at her. He placed his other hand over hers.
B: I'm not the same man anymore. I've done some pretty rotten things to the people I supposedly loved and cared about. And I haven't thought about Melanie for months. If a person can't trust and confide in you, what kind of relationship do you have? I could have helped her, but she didn't believe in me. We were never meant to be. I found out the hard way, that's all.
N: I think you're still the same man. Granted, maybe parts of you are fighting to get out, but they're still there. (She reaches to touch his chest, where his heart would be) They're in your heart and you can let them out you know. Don't be afraid.
B: Who am I letting them out for, Nora? I have sworn off women for good.
Nora laughed out loud.
N: Bo, that's ridiculous! You're a young, healthy, attractive man. Don't give up.
B: You sound just like Asa. He said the same thing, except that you should be number one on the list.
Nora felt uncomfortable.
N: He did, did he? Well, your father is a very sentimental man.
B: Yeah, I guess he is. Um, refill on your ice cream?
N: No, I couldn't. I really should check my office. Will you excuse me for a moment?
B: Sure. I'll just clean up here.
Nora walked out of the den and into the hallway. She leaned against the wall hoping to catch her breath. She could feel the tension between them, but could he? She wanted to grab him and kiss him and hold him. Maybe he had changed. She was always very good at reading his thoughts and actions, but he was somewhat different now. He had been away for so long and he hadn't been with a woman. 'What a waste if old Bo is gone forever,' she thought. She quickly brushed the thoughts out of her mind and dialed her office number.
Bo went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. This was killing him! She had only been there a day and look at the shape he was in. How was he supposed to survive ten days with this woman? The very presence of her was driving him crazy with lust.
Nora came back into the den and excused herself for the night.
B: Is everything okay?
N: Oh yes, everything's fine. It's been a long day, so I think I'm just going to relax for the rest of the night. I'll see you in the morning, right?
B: I'll be here. Goodnight, Nora.
N: Night, Bo.
TO BE CONTINUED…..
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