The Fire You Hold (Heritage Series Book 2)

by Ciana Stone

  "You don't hear me complaining. I slept like a brick."

  "Well, damn Nash, you sure know how to flatter a girl."

  He laughed, and she smiled up at him. Nash was one hell of a guy from what she'd seen and witnessed. Fun, honest, hardworking and devoted to his child and family. And sexy as homemade sin. She was hard-pressed to keep things light between them and not jump him last night. But damn, had she been tempted.

  "Rusty will be up before long," Nash said. "And I'm betting he'll be pestering you to show him some roping techniques."

  "I told him I'd enjoy doing it and I meant it. I love working with kids. In fact, I was telling Naomie that I'm seriously considering scaling back on the competing and finding some land where I can plant some roots, and start a rodeo school for kids, age ten and up."

  "Seriously?"

  "Yeah, seriously."

  "Girl, I know a prime piece of land east of here. It has a live stream, good land for pastures, a small house and plenty of space to build."

  "Really? How much land is there?"

  "A couple hundred acres. Not a huge place but big enough I think."

  "I'd like to see it."

  "I'll take you if you like. When will you be free?"

  "Depends on what happens tomorrow when I meet with the ME. Can I let you know after that?"

  "Sure." They'd just reached the barn where Naomie had housed the injured calf. "Wanna check on the calf?"

  "Yes, actually I would."

  Nash opened the door, and they made their way to the stall. When they reached it, they both stopped in surprise. Russell and Naomie lay on a blanket on top of a pile of hay. Russell was on his back with Naomie snuggled up to him, her head on his chest and one leg was thrown over his body while the calf was cuddled up against her back.

  "Morning Dad," Nash said.

  Russell's eyes opened, and a moment later Naomie groaned and worked her arm over his body to snuggle closer. "Tell whoever that is to go away."

  "You heard her, go away," Russell said.

  "Want us to put on a pot of coffee in the office?" Nash asked.

  "Coffee?" Naomie raised her head. "Fix me coffee, and I'll be your slave forever."

  "Slave, eh?" Nash asked.

  "Okay, maybe not," she said and closed her eyes again. "Forget it, I'm fine. And Chester is too. He's mine now. Russ gave him to me. He's going to live in my yard. I'm going to need a fence."

  Nash laughed. "How 'bout I fix coffee? When you get up it'll be ready. Harley and I are going for a ride before she works with Rusty. You do remember we have a family thing at the lake, right?"

  "Right, son," Russell said without opening his eyes. "Now go."

  "We're going."

  Nash and Harley went into the office. "Well, they looked cozy," Nash commented

  "She's batshit crazy for your dad, you know that, right?"

  "Yeah, I think the feeling is mutual. We're all hoping he'll get his head outta his ass over the age difference. He'd be crazy to walk away from her. She's amazing." He started fixing the coffee.

  "You don't have to tell me," Harley agreed.

  "I guess you two must be pretty close friends."

  "Yep."

  "You're pretty amazing, too, in case I didn't mention that."

  "You did, a couple of times in fact, but a girl doesn't get tired of hearing it."

  "Well, stick around beautiful, and I'll make a point of letting you know every day just how incredible you are."

  "Damn you're good at that."

  "At what, making coffee?"

  "Flirting. Making a woman wish you were genuine."

  Nash stopped what he was doing. "That's the thing, Harley. I am. Regardless of what you might think, I'm as far from a player as you can get. Rusty is my first priority. He comes before everything else, and because of that, I don't date much."

  "Do you want to?"

  "I didn't. Until now. Meeting you has me rethinking things."

  "I wish that didn't make me feel a little giddy. I'm not accustomed to being so taken with a man but damn if there isn't something about you that gets to me, Nash."

  "Then I hope you'll stick around long enough for us to figure out if what we feel now is going to grow into something more."

  "I think I'd like that."

  Nash smiled, reached out and reeled her in for a kiss that had him feeling more than a little hot under the collar and not from anger. Harley had a powerful effect on him, and one that he couldn't remember feeling so strongly.

  Just then, his cell phone rang. He broke free to pull it from his pocket. "It's Gigi." He announced and then answered. "Morning Gigi. Yes, ma'am. I sure will. Okay."

  Nash put the phone back into his pocket. "She wants me to have some of the boys drive to the lake this morning, open up the house and make sure the patio and grill are cleaned and the boat and jet skis are gassed up."

  "Jet skis?" Harley smiled.

  "Yep. Today is the day to play. I hope you brought a swimsuit."

  "No, but I bet Naomie or Cici can hook me up. If not, I have shorts."

  "Whatever works. Come on, walk with me to the bunkhouse."

  They headed out of the barn and Nash took her hand. For the first time in his adult life, he found himself wishing he could have something like this for more than a weekend.

  *****

  Inside the stall, Naomie opened her eyes and raised her head to look at Russell. "Good morning."

  "So far, it is."

  "Except I think I may have trouble standing after sleeping on this floor. Still, I'm not complaining. Chester made it, and while you lost one cow, it could have been worse."

  "We need to trap that cat."

  "I know. We'll call wildlife and get them out here to set traps."

  "We'll have to keep men posted until it's caught."

  "I really hate to think about it being killed."

  "I don't like killing either, but we can't have it killing stock."

  "I know. Thank you for staying here with me last night."

  "You don't have to thank me. I was beat by the time we got back and passed out almost as soon as we laid down."

  "Same here. Not how I imagined our night together."

  "We'll have more."

  "Will we?"

  He gave her a hug and rolled her over to look down at her. "I'm not ready for anyone else to know. Can we keep this between us for now?"

  She nodded, wishing she didn't feel so disappointed by his request. Maybe she'd expected too much. Perhaps he'd had time to think about what they almost did and had decided he didn't want to walk that path with her.

  There were a million reasons he might have decided he wasn't interested in forever with her and every one was a nail in her heart. Maybe it was time for her to wise up and realize she and Russell Walker weren't ever going to be what she wanted.

  Maybe she wasn't as mended and whole as she liked to think. Russell interrupted her thoughts. "Are you sure you're okay with that?"

  "I'll do whatever you feel is best," she hugged him so he couldn't see her face. She almost said she understood, but that would be a lie, and she didn't want to start lying to him.

  "Naomie," he pulled back to look at her, but she turned her head to look at the calf. "I think he needs one more day here and then we can let him outside. If that's okay."

  "It's fine. Naomie, look at me."

  She did and saw the way his gaze tried to lock with hers. "Talk to me."

  "There's nothing to talk about. We saved Chester, and your men will catch or kill the lion that's causing the trouble and today there's a Walker family day at the lake, and you should help your sons get everything ready. I bet DeLyn is already in the kitchen cooking."

  "You're still going with us, aren't you? Chester will be fine here, and I'll ask some of the guys to check on him.."

  "Of course I am. You don't think I'd miss a chance to kick Nash's butt on a jet ski race do you?"

  Russell smiled. "No, I don't reckon you would." />
  "Then let's get a move on, mister." She tried to keep her tone light and teasing.

  "Yes, ma'am." He sat, and she climbed to her feet, gave the calf and rub and then picked up her shoes. "Tell DeLyn I'll be down to help her as soon as I clean up."

  "I will."

  "Okay, " her phone rang, and she pulled it from her pocket. "It's my friend Adam, the geologist. I need to take this."

  "Sure, go ahead. I'll see you later."

  Naomie nodded and answered the call. "Adam? Hi." She started toward the door as she talked. "Thanks for getting back to me. I was wondering if you'd be interested in helping me out on something?"

  Russell watched her leave, feeling suddenly like something had gone off kilter since they woke. He got to his feet, watched the calf do the same and smiled as the little fella bumped over against his legs.

  He'd never been one to get friendly with stock, but today he made an exception and gave the calf a rub. Just then Cici appeared in the entrance to the stall. "Well, there really is a first time for everything. Where's Naomie?"

  "You just missed her and what did that comment mean?"

  "Oh, Nash and Harley said they were here a little while ago, and you and Naomie were sleeping in the stall with the calf she saved. I had to come to see it for myself."

  "She was worried about him." Russell wasn't about to tell his daughter anything about his night with Naomie.

  "I bet she was."

  The tone of her voice had him barking before he could stop himself. "If there's something you want, spit it out."

  "Well, good fucking morning to you, too, Dad. I was just coming to see how the damn calf was, and how Naomie is. I know she gets attached and tries to save everyone and everything and I was worried. Apparently, you were worried too. At least enough to stay with her."

  His anger settled and Russell felt a bit discomfited over his initial reaction. That's when it hit him. He knew what was off kilter. He told Naomie he didn't want his family to know anything was going on between them.

  "I didn't think she should be alone, is all."

  Cici sighed and leaned against the opening of the stall. "Dad, when are you going to man up and admit that you're in love with Naomie?"

  "That's crazy," he brushed by her and headed for the door at a brisk clip.

  Being much shorter, she had to hurry to catch up and keep in step. When they reached the door, Cici grabbed his arm to stop him. "Dad, hold up."

  "What?" he stopped and looked at her.

  "We all love Naomie. You know that. Gramps and GiGi would've adopted her if they could, and we all secretly hope one day you and Naomie will get together. I've seen the way you look at her, and I just want to say that you've been a good father to all of us. You take care of Heritage and are always there for everyone in the family, and since you and my mother parted ways, you've been one of those career bachelors who has a hookup now and then but never has a companion you care about.

  "You deserve that, Dad. You deserve to be loved. I believe Naomie loves you and I think you feel the same, but you've got the idea that the difference in your age is a stumbling block. So, I'm going to tell you what Gigi told me. It can just as easy be a stepping stone. It just depends on what you decide to make it."

  To say he was surprised, would be an understatement. Russell took Cici's hand. "I hope you and Kal make it a stepping stone, honey and have as long and happy a life as Mama and Dad."

  "And what about you?"

  "Oh, I reckon…" his voice trailed off as Naomie ran up to them. "Hi, Cici. I just got off the phone with my friend Adam Randolph. He said he has eight days he can spare – today being day one. Any chance you'd have your pilot pick him up?"

  "Absolutely," Russell agreed.

  "Fantastic. I told him I'd call him back and if you gave permission would fly up to get him. He said he'd download some satellite maps and data from national databases that are recent and we can go over them on the flight back."

  "But you'll miss the picnic," Cici protested.

  "This is more important," Naomie gave Cici's arm a quick squeeze. "Besides, it's a family affair. Okay, I'm going to call Adam. Can you text and let me know when we can leave?"

  "Sure," Russell agreed.

  "Great. See you later," she turned to leave then paused and looked back. "And have fun."

  Cici looked at Russell. "What did you do to her, Dad?"

  "Me? What happened to me being this great guy?"

  "You are, but something's not right. I could see it in her face. What's going on?"

  "Maybe you should just take what she said at face value and let it go." He wasn't about to tell Cici she was right, and he'd screwed up. And why was it a screw-up? Wasn't he allowed to say and do things in his own time and in his own way?

  He latched onto that, mostly because it was a hell of a lot easier than admitting he'd messed up and hurt a woman he cared for deeply.

  Chapter Fourteen

  "Fine," Russell barked and stomped into his study, slammed the door and crossed the room to stand in front of the window with his hands jammed in the pockets of his jeans.

  The family outing was canceled and Cici made no secret of thinking it was his fault. Bailey and Harley begged off when they found out Naomie wasn’t going, and Rusty didn't want to go if Harley wasn't going.

  A tap on his door had him looking in that direction. "Yeah?"

  The door opened to reveal Naomie standing outside it. "What's all this about the family day at the lake being canceled?"

  "Seems no one wants to go if you're not going to be there."

  "That's crazy."

  "But true."

  "Well, I– I don't know what to say. I have to go–"

  "No, you don't and you know it. I can send the plane and your friend and his crew can fly here without you. But for some reason you want to get away from here and I'm guessing that's my fault. Correction, Cici assures me it has to be my fault."

  "You're right."

  "Oh, so you blame me, too?"

  "No, I meant you're right that I don't have to go, but I'm not schooled in geological research so I'd like to spend some time with Adam and his team and learn as much as I can so when we get here I'll be a help rather than a hindrance and I can help interpret for the laymen. Adam forgets not everyone speaks his language."

  "Naomie, I don't expect you to uncover, discover, research and repair everything that goes wrong in our lives."

  The moment the words were out of his mouth, Russell realized he'd not phrased that the way he should. He saw the hurt on Naomie's face and it stabbed at him. "What I meant to say–"

  "No, no, you don't have to explain," she interrupted, holding up one hand in a motion pretty much anyone would recognize as stop right there. "I overstepped and I apologize. I'll text you Adam–Dr. Randolph's number and you can work things out with him and I'll get out of the way. Again, I apologize."

  With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. Russell started after her and saw Cici pass by the door, hurrying in the direction Naomie had gone. He followed and had just stepped out of the front door when he heard Cici.

  "I told Amber we couldn't go and she wanted to know if you're interested?"

  "I don't know. I mean Harley is meeting with the ME tomorrow and – well hell, she doesn't need me for that and she has the key to my place, but I don't want you to feel like I'm abandoning you."

  "You know I don't, and I think maybe you're due for a little break." Cici saw Russell, but Naomie didn't, since her back was to the door.

  "Maybe you're right. Okay, why not? When is she going to be here?"

  "Less than two hours. She just rented a car at the Cray County Airport and is headed straight here."

  "And you're sure you won't feel like I'm letting you down?"

  "Not at all." Cici hugged her. "Go have some fun."

  "Thanks. I will." Naomie released Cici and started down the steps, looking back when she reached the last one. That's when she saw Russell. Her gaze loc
ked on him for a moment then she turned and walked away.

  "What's going on?" Russell asked.

  "Amber flew to San Antonio with her mother who wanted to meet with Delaney and introduce her to a friend of Aunt Sharon's who just bought a place in San Antonio and is looking for a decorator. They had dinner last night with Delaney and Aunt Sharon left this morning. Amber decided to head for Cancun for a week and called to see if Kal and I wanted to go, and Naomie. We can't but there's no reason Naomie can't go, so Amber's driving here and they'll drive to Corpus Christi and spend a night and catch a flight from there."

  "So, she's just taking off?"

  "Well, yes, I suppose, but you know she wouldn't leave without making sure everything's under control and I bet she hasn't had a weekend off since she got here, so surely you're not going to complain?"

  "I'm not complaining. It's just not like Naomie to take off like that without making sure everything is being covered. Maybe I'll walk over and speak with her."

  "Or try and stop her?" Cici took hold of his arm as he took a step. "Dad, please. Let her go. She needs some time away from here. Away from you."

  "Why away from me?"

  "Do you really want to know?"

  "I asked, didn't I?"

  "Yeah you did, so remember that. You play her like a Yoyo, constantly up and down. One moment you want her close, you flirt with her, dance with her and even sleep with her. Then you push her away like she's the hired help and not a woman who puts you first. Always."

  "I do not treat her–"

  "Yes, you do and she doesn't deserve that. So, to quote Gramps, “fish or cut bait.” If you don't want her then cut her loose and let her get on with her life. She at least deserves that and if you're half the man I've always thought, you'll do what's right. Now, excuse me, I'm going to find Kal and see if he wants to walk over to the cabin Gigi wants to renovate for herself. She's probably ready to head over there and I said I'd go with her."