Wild Wind

By Donna L. Stephens

Olivia Faren is devastated when she discovers her fiancé and her best friend have a secret—they’re having an affair behind her back. Olivia can’t leave the city fast enough, longing for the peace she hopes to find in the Arkansas country farmhouse she’s inherited. Though the house has seen better days, Olivia is determined to make it a home for herself, and also for the baby she’s carrying—a secret of her own. They’ll make it just fine without any man in their lives.

But then Rain Banyon, powerful half-Cherokee owner of the Rocking B Ranch, focuses his silver gaze on her, and suddenly she’s not sure of anything anymore. Although Rain mesmerizes her, he’s much too handsome and daring to be trusted. With her world turned upside down, giving her heart to this Casanova rancher would wreak even more havoc on her peace of mind.

Threatened by her ex-fiancé’s obsession with her, Olivia tries to let him know she’s no longer interested, but he’s determined to hold on—no matter the cost to him, Olivia, or their unborn child. Can Rain be the man to protect her and keep her safe from this WILD WIND?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna L. Stephens
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005614867

Donna L. Stephens

As she writes, Donna L. Stephens has the pleasure of looking out the window of her 1920s Arkansas farmhouse and observing the Old West still alive today—cowboys doing round-ups for market, old silos and barns, cattle and sheep grazing on lush green pastures, with the backdrop of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Donna writes full-time after teaching high school and college English for several years and has a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and American and British Literature from Oklahoma State University. She enjoys hiking and exploring, family vacations, sketching, antiquing, and playing classical music on her 1880’s piano.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

By the time Olivia Faren had driven her Honda on the winding mountain roads fifty miles south of Fayetteville, Arkansas, dusk had dropped its soft blanket. The constant hum of the motor in the warm August evening lulled her into a drowsy peace.

Olivia roused herself, straightened her back, and gripped the steering wheel. After the turmoil of the past few months, just beginning again was welcoming. She sighed. For sure, it wouldn’t include romance. In a few minutes she’d arrive in the small town of Mulberry, sleep for the night, and be ready the next morning to start her Adult Learning teaching job. Her life was coming together. Taking one day at a time, she’d pull herself out of heartbreak and find joy again.

The deer jumped out of nowhere. Olivia sucked in her breath, then jerked the steering wheel, tires screeching on the asphalt as she swerved to the right on the country road. She groaned. Her baby. The last thing Olivia remembered before blacking out was the huge pine tree looming ahead.

Hey, honey, don’t move, a deep male voice said. Don’t worry, the paramedics will get you out. I called 911. They’ll be here shortly. A beam from a flashlight moved over her.

But I don’t need—

Can’t chance moving you myself. Better to be safe and let the paramedics do it the right way.

Olivia closed her eyes and nodded, swallowing the hard knot in her throat.

What’s your name?

Oliv-ia. Her teeth chattered. She took a deep breath and cut it short when a knife pain jolted her ribs.

Nice name.

Placing her hand on her stomach, Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. No pain there. She squeezed her eyes shut, praying her baby was okay. She swallowed, tasting blood. She must’ve bitten her lip when she crashed.

Who are you? She tried to turn her head toward the gravelly voice, but even that brought pain in her neck. His features weren’t clear in the dim light.

Rain Banyon. I live near here. Happened to be behind you and saw that deer jump out in front of you. Watched your car go off the road. He moved the flashlight to her face. Are you in pain?

Some…when I move. Her voice came out hoarse.

Yeah. You may have a broken rib or two. The steering wheel’s bent some where it rubbed against your upper chest. He touched her shoulder. Lie still. We’ll get it checked out in the emergency room at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.

I don’t need to go to the hospital. Olivia’s voice trailed off, and she closed her eyes, a sense of doom closing in on her. She did need to go to the ER to make sure her baby was all right, even if she were just two months’ pregnant.

She sighed. Her plan had been to wait awhile before telling anyone in Mulberry about her pregnancy. Although it shouldn’t matter, her new teaching job might depend on her keeping her pregnancy a secret. And the longer she could wait before sharing her pregnancy the less chance of Matt, her ex-fiancé, finding out. She longed for stability for her baby, not the turmoil of having a womanizing father. Olivia hunched her shoulders and tried to stop shivering.

The man said nothing, just drew his body down beside her and rested there. Even in the middle of her pain, she smelled his after shave, a woodsy scent with a hint of exotic spice.

Her nose twitched at the acrid smell of smoke. Stiffening, she gasped, her gaze searching the shadows. My car’s not on fire, is it?

He shook his head. No sign of fire, he said, laying a hand on her trembling shoulder.

Olivia swallowed. With the way her life was going lately, it wouldn’t be surprised. Trouble and loss seemed to follow her around.

The smell’s just burnt tire rubber from your skid across the asphalt. You’ll need some major car repair work, though. He squinted, staring up ahead. Pine tree messed up the front.

Her heart sank. How much was this going to cost? Much of her money went to pay the monthly mortgage on the house in Fayetteville she had for sale. And moving expenses would take most of her remaining cash.

The sound of a siren grew closer. They’re here.

Olivia nodded, struggling for air.

His hand wrapped around her fingers, and her breath eased out. The warmth of his hand made her feel safe—for the first time in a long while. Burying her face against his nearby chest would be heaven. It was uncanny. She shook her head, swallowing the hard knot in her throat again. Face reality, Olivia. This wreck had just reminded her she wasn’t safe. Not by a long shot.

I’ll put your purse and suitcase in my truck and follow you. He glanced down at her. Okay?

She bit at her bottom lip, then nodded.

Good. He frowned. Your teeth are chattering. Here. He wrapped his denim jacket loosely around her shoulders. Don’t want you to go into shock.

He moved back, making room for the paramedics, who eased her out of her car and strapped her to the gurney, sliding it inside the ambulance. Teeth still chattering, Olivia tried to lie still beneath his denim jacket and calm her pounding heart.

I’ll follow you and meet you at Mercy Hospital.

For the first time, Olivia saw her rescuer more clearly in the dim overhead light. He looked Native American. His dark hair hung to just above his shoulders, framing a strong face and a full bottom lip. She frowned. Something about him seemed familiar. His deep voice? Maybe. Squinting, she tried to see him more clearly.

His light-colored eyes softened as he looked at her. We’ll get something done for those ribs, honey. Could puncture your lungs if we don’t.

She nodded. Then the paramedics closed the double doors. Honey? Olivia raised her brows, not trusting a man who called her honey. He’d said that once before. Panic filled her. Her baby. Pray God her baby wasn’t hurt.

Would her health insurance cover the cost, since Mercy Hospital was likely out of her network? Her new job would give her more security. Olivia swallowed, rubbing a sore spot on her arm. Her job. How would she be able to work? She ran a shaky hand through her tangled hair. Her work in Mulberry started the next day. She’d worry about money later.

The ambulance pulled up in front of the ER. Olivia saw the man who’d rescued her striding up to the open doorway. The tightness in her neck released, and she sighed. He came, after all. A little part of her wondered if he would. What was his name? Rain. Unusual name. Olivia had known a guy called Rain once, right after she started attending the University of Arkansas as a 19-year-old freshman. Olivia bit her lip. He’d asked her out. They’d had one date, and he stood her up on the second. But this couldn’t be the same Rain.

• ● •

Several hours later, Olivia sat beside Rain in the pharmacy waiting area, the plastic-molded chair offering little comfort to her sore body. The E.R. doctor had examined her and diagnosed badly-bruised ribs. After he ordered an ultrasound, he announced a healthy baby. Thank God. Rain had waited outside. The doctor looked puzzled when Olivia asked him not to mention her pregnancy, but he merely grunted, named a good ob/gyn, and handed her a prescription for pain medicine that wouldn’t harm her baby.

Olivia flinched, drawing in her breath. Her car. It had to be towed into a garage somewhere to be fixed. So much to do, and the doctor had just said rest. Olivia pushed back wayward strands of hair, then held her aching ribs. How could she lie in bed, still manage her life, and not be a pauper? She sighed. At least her rent for the cottage was paid for the next month.

Rain stretched out his long, jeans-clad legs, revealing brown leather-tooled cowboy boots. Do you have relatives or friends in this area?

Olivia looked down at the tile floor. No. But my great-aunt used to live in Mulberry. She passed away a few months ago. She sighed, trying to ignore the shooting pain in her ribs. I never knew her. I was surprised when she left her property to me. Apparently, I’m her only living relative. She hesitated. I haven’t seen it yet.

I know most people here. What was her name?

Celia Scott. My dad’s aunt. When I was a little girl, he spoke of her.

Leaning forward, Rain nodded, his hair brushing his shoulder. Oh yeah. Mrs. Scott. He smiled. Sweet woman. She was our neighbor for years. He shook his head, then glanced at her. Her old farmhouse sits across the road from my family’s ranch on the west edge of town. Big oak trees surround the house, built around 1900. It includes about 40 acres of land, but I’m sure you already know this. He frowned. Been empty for a year or so, though. Mrs. Scott grew frail and had to leave.

Olivia nodded. My great-aunt passed away in the Ozark Nursing Home. Her lawyer gave me the deed and the keys, saying it’d need work to make it livable. She grimaced, fighting the jolts of pain moving up her side. So, I rented a cottage in Mulberry for a month, to give me time to get the house ready to move into. She bit her bottom lip. I can’t wait to see the old farmhouse.

The house will take quite a bit of work.

Olivia didn’t want to hear more bad news right now, so she didn’t ask him the type of work involved. I’ll get it done, even if it takes me a while. I’ll go ahead and move in, though, as soon as possible. I can fix the inside while I’m living there.

Rain looked skeptical, narrowing his eyes. You have guts, I’ll say that.

Biting her bottom lip, Olivia turned to gaze at him, trying to read if he were joking or serious. Those eyes. Silver. She’d never seen eyes that color before. She frowned. Or had she? Olivia shrugged, staring down at the tiled floor. This man was occupying too much of her mind, intruding in places where he shouldn’t. Her mind must remain clear and logical to deal with everything in front of her. And Olivia had vowed after the bottom had fallen out of her last relationship to wait at least a year before getting close to any man.

Olivia glanced at the man beside her. I was just hired to be the new full-time Adult Learning English teacher in Mulberry. I start in the morning.

Oh, so you’re the one. Rain smiled at her, raising his arched brows. Sure you’re going to be up to it? He shook his head. No. Way too soon.

I’ll be much better after I sleep. The pain in her ribs made her grit her teeth. She closed her eyes. Not working wasn’t an option.

We’ll see. Don’t push anything. He looked at her, long, contemplative. Then he smiled. Somebody mentioned last week at Meemaw’s Diner we were getting a new teacher.

Meemaw’s? Olivia frowned.

The main hangout here in town—on Highway 64, right before the four-way stop sign that turns down Main Street. Still smiling, Rain leaned back in his chair, hands locked behind his head.

Olivia sniffed, shuffling her body in search of comfort. Her eyes focused on him. The pale light outlined his good looks. He had wit. And charm. Shoving her matted hair behind one ear, Olivia snorted. Exactly what she didn’t need right now.

His eyes turned somber. Must be agony, sitting in that hard, plastic chair. He cleared his throat. I have an idea. You should come stay at our family’s ranch tonight. That way you’ll get rest before you attempt to teach and start your farmhouse repairs. He grinned. Beatrice, our housekeeper, will have you well in no time.

Thanks. But I can’t. Olivia shook her head, then smoothed down her torn skirt, trembling from the knife pain in her side. I have a rental house waiting for me at Garden Cottages.

Rain nodded. Miss Peel’s cottages on Church Street. You’ll like her. Miss Peel was my high school English teacher. Almost everyone here in Mulberry was blessed to have her for a teacher. He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Miss Peel still corrects my English. He sobered. But first, somebody needs to take care of you for a day or so. Our Beatrice is just the one to do it.

I’ll be fine. I’m used to making it on my own. Olivia gazed out the hospital window. Blackness lurked outside, except for a few scattered parking lot lights. In truth, her ribs ached something fierce and her head throbbed. Pushing back her tangled hair, Olivia doubted sleep would come tonight. The pain medicine from ER was wearing off. Her stomach rumbled. Her last meal had been at breakfast before leaving Fayetteville, which wasn’t good for her baby. But how could she buy food tonight, especially with no car? Olivia sighed, longing to leave this hospital and collapse on a soft bed.

Rain stood, stretching his legs. Your medicine’s ready, he said, nodding toward the counter. I’ll get it and bring you another wheelchair. Much more comfortable than the chair you’re in. He smiled, resting his hand on her shoulder.

With wide strides, he walked to the pharmacy counter, his posture strong and sure, then leaned in to talk with the receptionist. Olivia frowned. Her ex-fiancé had been bold like that. On the other hand, Matt had been self-involved and not eager to come to her aid. She grimaced. Funny how Olivia could look at her past relationship with Matt much clearer now, after being out of it.

Rain handed her the pain medicine then gripped her elbow, helping her stand, guiding her into the wheelchair. Sighing, she relaxed into the seat.

People in Mulberry help each other out, Olivia. You’ll discover this.

I appreciate your offer. But I won’t impose on your family.

You’re not imposing. He paused. Look. You need help. Right now. And I’m offering it.

Olivia hesitated. He’d spoken the truth. It was time for her to face facts. Her body ached all over. She was pregnant after making the mistake of sleeping with her fiancé one time, two weeks before the impending wedding, which never happened. Her ten-year-old Honda was beyond driving. Aside from the landlady and the director of Adult Learning, both of whom she’d met over the phone, Olivia knew nobody in Mulberry—except this man from who had pulled her out of her wrecked car. She’d obtained the new job sight unseen through the Adult Learning Center of Crawford County.

Olivia drooped in the chair. Oh, how she wanted to rest. Her brain didn’t want to reason now. Not the best time to make decisions. Maybe one night at this man’s ranch would help her think clearly in the morning.

Olivia straightened her back. No, she’d gotten herself into this predicament and could get herself out. The landlady lived near her cottage. She’d ask for Miss Peel’s help in the morning. Besides, Olivia barely knew this man who wanted to take her home with him. Why was he being so kind? Likely, ulterior motives. To be suspicious was wise.

With renewed strength, Olivia looked at him. I need to go to the cottage in Mulberry tonight. Miss Peel’s expecting me. Olivia pushed her tangled hair behind her ear again. I’ll be fine.

Frowning, Rain gazed at her, then sighed. Okay. He paused. Let’s get you out of this hospital. He pushed her wheelchair down the hallway and into the night. I’ll drive you back to our little farm town, and we’ll go to Miss Peel’s on Church Street. She’ll give me the key, and I’ll unlock your door, get you settled in.

Thank you. Olivia hugged her shaking arms around her body, her mind on the soft bed that must be waiting in her rental house.

The least a gentleman can do, he said, his voice rough. It’ll take us about 25 minutes to get to Mulberry, so just relax, if you can, and rest. Turning his truck around, he exited the hospital parking lot and headed north.

Olivia nodded, exhaustion overtaking her. As they drove through the darkness, she felt herself nodding off to sleep and tried to pull herself awake. But soon, her body gave in to it, and Olivia rested her head against the back of the leather bucket seat and closed her eyes.

• ● •

We’re here, the gravelly voice and then the quiet stillness after he turned off the motor woke Olivia, who sat up with a jolt, realizing she’d fallen asleep on his shoulder, her cheek against the warmth of his jacket. Her face heated up with embarrassment, but he seemed not to notice.

The first cottage’ll be yours. The other two are occupied. Rain gestured. Miss Peel lives in the large white house there. He gestured, then pulled into the landlady’s drive and parked. I’ll go get the key and explain. You can go to bed, then talk with her tomorrow.

Olivia nodded. This man. Even with her suspicion of him, he was a godsend. Especially since her ribs hurt so much now that when she moved a scream rose in her throat.

After a few minutes, Rain stepped back up into his truck and got behind the wheel. He handed Olivia a folded paper. Here’s your landlady’s phone number. Miss Peel will talk with you tomorrow. And call her if you need anything tonight—no matter what time.

He turned the key in the ignition, glanced at his watch, and grimaced. It’s late. Already nine o’clock, he said. Got to get you inside and into bed.

Each step Olivia took to get to her doorway brought agony, causing her to walk stiff, trying to cover her pain. She was beholden to this man, and he’d already done more than his share. If Olivia could make it to the bed and lie down, he’d likely be satisfied and go home. She raised her foot to the next porch step. A groan escaped her lips. For a second, the pain took her breath.

Here. Rain reached down, lifted her in his arms, and carried her through the doorway. His silky hair brushed her cheek.

Put me down. Olivia twisted in his arms.

No. Be still. You’ll make the pain worse. He gripped her tighter. You don’t have to pretend with me. I know you’re hurting, he growled.

Olivia nodded, biting her bottom lip, her head throbbing.

Rain moved to the sofa and lowered her on its soft upholstery. He brought her another pain pill and a glass of water, watching as Olivia swallowed it. Then, he eased her down on the bed, adjusting the pillow beneath her head.

Ah— Olivia sighed. She couldn’t help it. Such sweet relief to finally relax her cramped muscles, let the bed take her weight.

He covered Olivia with the blue blanket folded at the end of the bed, tucking it around her. Then, he sat down on the bed beside her, stretching out his long legs. I won’t leave you while you’re hurting. He paused. So I’ll stay the night.

Olivia drew in her breath. No. She shook her head. No. That’s completely unnecessary. A strange man inside her rental house for the night? Olivia tried to raise herself up on her elbows, then dropped back down. The pain in her ribs made her stomach roil.

Easy. Rain reached to help her. Lie still. Sleep. I’m here if you need me. I called my family, so they’ll know where I am. He raised up and moved away from her. "Just hush, pretty lady. I’ll sit over in the rocker by the lamp and read the Southwest Times Record."

But—

No buts. Just rest. His voice held curtness as he rustled the newspaper.

Olivia lacked the physical strength to argue. To defend herself required too much effort. Sighing, she closed her eyes, by now past caring. Let come what may, Olivia whispered, then frowned. He’d called her pretty lady. Olivia groaned. She couldn’t get less pretty than she was right now.

• ● •

When Olivia woke in the night, her cheeks were wet from crying in her sleep. She took a deep breath, hissing at the sharp edge of pain in her side. When she lifted her head, dizziness overcame her, and her stomach roiled.

A strong hand reached out and took hers. She held her breath. Memories of her wreck and her rescuer, Rain Banyon, came flooding back.

I’m here, honey. What do you need? The dim streetlight filtered between the slats in the window blind, outlining his form. His voice soothed, brought her solace. She should be afraid of this baffling man, yet Olivia was so grateful he was here. Her guard was down because the pain was too great. Olivia gulped, not wanting to be alone and hurting in a strange town.

What time is it? she asked.

One o’clock—a.m.

Olivia moaned in agony at the burning in her ribs, bringing a shaky arm to her forehead to ease her headache. The bed. The mattress feels like a rock, she whispered. My ribs. There’s no relief.

Here. Taking the soft blanket from the bed, he wrapped it loosely around her body. Gingerly, he took her in his arms, carrying her to the chair. For a moment, dizziness overtook her, and Olivia thought she’d throw up. He drew her to him until her head rested on his broad shoulder and her body lay snug against his chest.

The warmth of his skin radiated through his T-shirt, settling the swirling in her head. The rhythm of Rain’s steady heartbeat beneath her ear soothed her. He began humming a slow tune Olivia couldn’t identify and lulled her back to sleep.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

CHAPTER TWO

Bright sunshine cascading through her window woke Olivia. For a moment, she couldn’t decipher where she was. But one slight movement of her head and her arm brought jolts of pain and memories of the night before. She closed her eyes, wanting to forget, to erase what had happened to her sore, battered body and her wrecked car.

Her eyes searched the room. The man, Rain, had disappeared. Without this man, her circumstances would’ve been much worse. Olivia shivered. She’d