Holt Men of Clifton, Montana Book 12

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “I can certainly understand that but please, if you do get one, adopt. You could come by the hospital one day and I can take you to the shelter.” Tessa smiled.

  “I’d like that.” Sloane frowned when Sam suddenly groaned, but Tessa laughed.

  “He hates it when I go to the shelter. I usually bring something home.”

  Sloane and Holt laughed.

  “And I’ve told you that you can bring home whatever you want, angel. As long as you’re happy.” Sam kissed Tessa’s temple. “We’d better get to our table. Have a good evening.”

  “You too. Oh, Happy Birthday, Tess,” Holt said.

  “Thank you. Seriously, Sloane, come by.”

  “I will. Happy Birthday.” Sloane watched them walk to a booth, slide in then she looked at Holt. “They seem like a great couple.”

  “They are. Sam adores her.”

  “I think the feeling’s mutual. He’s very good-looking.”

  “First Grant, now Sam. Where do I fit in?”

  Sloane laughed. “My bed?”

  Holt grinned. “I’ll take it.”

  “I bet you will.”

  “Come on, Sloane. What man wouldn’t with you?”

  “My ex. He preferred the blonde bimbo to me.”

  “She’ll get tired of him eventually and probably cheat on him.”

  “God, I hope so,” she said with a laugh. “Karma.”

  “Yep. What goes around comes around.”

  She nodded and picked up her wine to take a sip. It was good and she was having a wonderful time with Holt. She still couldn’t get over that Grant Hunter owned the restaurant. She loved his music but just knowing he lived in Clifton made her want to giggle like a little girl.

  The server returned with their food and they dug in. She moaned at the first bite of her ribeye. She looked across the table at Holt to see him staring at her.

  “Your steak is good?” he asked.

  “It’s fantastic. How’s your blackened trout?”

  “Wonderful. I have never had a bad meal here and I’ve been here a lot. I’ve probably tried just about everything on the menu.”

  “This steak is so tender I could probably cut it with a fork.” She speared a piece, put it in her mouth, chewed, and moaned again.

  “Please stop that,” he said, making her laugh.

  “I can’t help it. When something’s good, you moan, right?”

  “Are we still talking about the steak?”

  She grinned. “Maybe.”

  “Christ, you’re bad.”

  She burst out laughing. “Only with you, Holt James. Only with you.”

  “Thank God for that.”

  A commotion at the door made her look that way and her mouth fell open when Grant Hunter entered. He made his way through the restaurant, stopping to shake hands with people. She watched as he shook Sam’s hand then hugged Tessa. Damn. She couldn’t take her eyes off the man. When he looked their way, she watched him grin and head for them. Oh. My. God.

  “Holt,” Grant said in greeting as he stopped beside the table.

  Holt got to his feet, shook hands with Grant then looked at her. She was sure her eyes were about to pop out. She snapped her mouth shut.

  “Sloane, this is Grant Hunter. Grant, Sloane Gates,” Holt said in introduction.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Sloane,” Grant said as he put his hand out to her.

  She sat there staring up at the man and couldn’t speak to save her life.

  “Sloane?” Holt said and she could hear the laughter in his voice.

  Mentally shaking her head, she put her hand in Grant’s and shook it.

  “Hello,” she said in a breathless voice.

  “Sloane is a fan,” Holt said with a chuckle.

  “Always nice to meet a fan,” Grant said as he held her hand.

  “Uh…” She had no idea what to say but she glanced at Holt to see him grinning.

  “I believe she’s a little starstruck,” Holt said.

  “No need to be. I’m just a restaurant and ranch owner now,” Grant said with a grin and let go of her hand.

  “I saw you in concert,” she suddenly said without reason then felt like an idiot.

  “Really? Where?”

  “Albuquerque. It was your farewell tour.”

  “Great city.”

  “I moved here, to Clifton actually, because I went through a divorce and needed a change.” Oh, my God! Don’t tell the man your life story!

  “I see. Well, I hope you like Clifton.”

  “Sloane just opened a bakery. The one that used to be Celeste’s.”

  “That’s great. I’ll have to stop in then. I loved that place. It’s great to have another bakery in town. I’ll let you two eat. Enjoy your meals. They’re on me.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Holt said.

  “I know I don’t. I’ll see you later.” Grant gave them a nod then after shaking their hands again, he strode off to the kitchen.

  “Are you all right?” Holt said and she could hear the laughter in his voice.

  “I’m not sure.” She shook her head. “I feel like an idiot.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I was starstruck.” She groaned as she put her hands over her face.

  “He’s used to it.” Holt chuckled.

  “Dear God, he probably thinks I’m nuts because I had trouble even speaking and then I tell him about being divorced,” she said from behind her hands. She felt Holt touch her hands.

  “You can come out now,” he said.

  She placed her hands on the table and narrowed her eyes at him.

  “It’s not funny.”

  “Yeah, it is. Trust me, he’s used to getting that reaction. Even though he comes in once in a while, and was born and raised in Clifton, people get all excited to see him in person.”

  “He’s paying for our dinners.”

  “Well, not exactly paying for them, but they’re free. He’s probably going to take care of Sam and Tess’s too.” Holt shrugged. “He’s our friend and it’s just the way he is. His career success never made him act better than any of us. He’s a great guy. He treated a bunch of us to one of his concerts in Billings a few years back. He even paid for buses to pick us all up.”

  “Wow. He really is nice, and even more gorgeous closeup. Those dark eyes,” she murmured.

  “Okay, it’s time to quit talking about how damn good-looking the man is,” Holt said.

  Sloane laughed. “I’m sorry but he is. You are too, Holt.”

  He grinned at her. “Aww, thank you, ma’am. Let’s eat then get out of here.”

  “Sounds good.” She picked up her wine glass and held it out to him. He tapped his beer against it.

  After dinner, when Holt drove his truck down Copper Ridge to Clifton, it was dark and damn scary for Sloane.

  “Why don’t they have lights on this road?” she asked.

  “Because neither county wants to pay for it. It’s damn ridiculous, not to mention dangerous.”

  “I know I’ve said it before but this road is just scary.”

  “There have been way too many accidents on this road. I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know someone that’s either been in an accident or killed on it.”

  “Do you know anyone?”

  “Besides you?” He glanced over at her.

  She rolled her eyes in response.

  “Yes, Kevin Parker. He was Katie Madison’s first husband. He was killed along with his mistress.”

  “I don’t know Katie.”

  “She’s Sam’s little sister. She owns Katie’s Florist and Greenhouse. When her husband died, she used his insurance money to purchase it.”

  “Well, considering he died with his mistress, I’d say he owed Katie.”

  “Yeah, we all thought that. Katie is a wonderful woman and married to Riley now. Remember I told you he helped design my home.” He chuckled. “Riley is Sam’s best friend. Let’s just say that didn’t go over
too well when Sam found out they were seeing each other.”

  Sloane laughed. “Big brothers.”

  “Yep, we don’t like anyone messing with our sisters, but Sam knows Riley loves her.” He shook his head. “Sam punched him out, so Riley had better.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Long story but Riley didn’t want to stay in Clifton. Well, Sam went after him when he saw that Katie was crying over him.” Holt laughed. “Knocked him on his ass.”

  Sloane chuckled. “But they’re fine now, right?”

  “Yes. Riley and Sam had been friends for years. He just didn’t like Riley seeing his baby sister, but it all worked out. Katie’s pregnant and due any time. She has a daughter from her first marriage. Riley adores Sadie and adopted her. He spoils them both and I know he’ll spoil this one.”

  “I’d like to meet them. There are so many nice people in Clifton.”

  “Spring City and Hartland too. My friends, the Callahans, live in Spring City, and Hartland is where all five of the Beckett brothers live. Of course, you met Grayson.”

  “Oh, right, the sheriff at the accident. Are his brothers as good-looking as he is?” she asked then bit her lip to hold back a grin.

  “You know, you can stop anytime now with telling me how good-looking you think all these men are,” he growled out.

  She burst out laughing. “But it’s so much fun teasing you.”

  “I can tell you enjoy it.” He glanced over to her then back to the road. “Will you come home with me?”

  “I’d love to but can we stop at the apartment so I can pack some things?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Holt drove down Main Street then through the alley behind the diner and stopped the truck at the metal stairs.

  “You don’t need to come up. I’ll only be a minute.”

  “I’d rather walk you up.”

  She smiled. “Such a gentleman. Okay.”

  She opened the door and stepped out then strolled around to his side.

  “I could have gotten the door for you,” he said.

  “I am more than capable of opening a door, Holt.” She smiled up at him.

  He leaned down and kissed her.

  “I know you are. I just like doing it for you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. He really was such a good man, and she was so anxious to see where this might be going. She knew she wanted to keep seeing him, but she didn’t want to pressure him. She just wanted a good man in her life. One who would only want her for the rest of his life. But was that man, Holt? She wanted to find out because she knew she wasn’t far from falling head over heels for him. She refused to say she had already, but he seemed to be everything she wanted in a man. He was different than Doug and she knew, without a doubt, that Holt would never cheat on a woman. He seemed like a one-woman man, and she needed that in her life.

  She took his hand then they walked up the steps to the stoop. She removed the key from her purse and was about to insert it into the lock when he took it from her, unlocked it then opened it. She reached in and flipped on a light then they entered the apartment. She removed her coat, hung it on the hall tree, and turned to him.

  “I’ll only be a minute. Please, take a seat.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She watched him remove his hat then made his way to the sofa.

  Smiling, Sloane walked down the hallway to her bedroom, took the suitcase from the closet, and began to throw some clothes in then she entered the bathroom to get items from in there. She smiled as she packed. She couldn’t wait to spend the night and tomorrow with him. She hoped they went riding again. Nibbling on her lip, she knew she needed to ask him so she could pack her boots and warm clothes.

  ****

  Holt sat on the sofa with his head back and his eyes closed. It had been one hell of a long week and he was tired, but he was sure he wouldn’t be too tired to have Sloane in his bed.

  “Holt?”

  He opened his eyes, raised his head, and got to his feet.

  “Yes?”

  “Can we go riding again?”

  “I hope so. Do you want to?”

  “Yes, I just didn’t know what to pack.”

  “You don’t need much,” he said with a grin. “But pack some jeans and if you have long johns too, in case it’s cold.”

  “I do have some. Rissa told me to get them before I moved up here. Okay, I’ll be right back. Please sit.” She waved her hand at him.

  He resumed his seat but sat forward with his arms on his knees, spinning the brim of his hat in his hands. Every time she entered a room, she took his breath away even if she only just left. Was he getting in too deep, too soon? They hadn’t known each other long but he did know he liked her. A lot. God! Was he falling in love with her? Was he even ready for that? Was she? He sure as hell did not need a broken heart. She was a good woman, and he hadn’t felt like this in a long time. Since Caro. But that had happened fast too. He leaned back and looked up at the ceiling and huffed out his breath.

  “Am I rushing this, Caro?” he whispered. “You know I’ll always love you, but I want to be happy again.” He rubbed his hand down his face. “Damn, help me out here, Caro.”

  “I’m ready.”

  He shot to his feet, put his hat on, and noticed she’d changed into jeans.

  “You could have left those sexy shoes on,” he said then grinned when a blush moved across her cheeks.

  Sloane held up the suitcase. “I packed them.”

  He groaned then took the case from her. “Let’s go then.”

  She grinned up at him and he was about to say the hell with it and they’d just stay here but she headed for the hall tree and took her coat down. He moved behind her, set the suitcase down, and took her coat from her then held it for her.

  “You have such good manners, Holt.”

  “My mama raised me right.”

  “Yes, she did.” Sloane turned around and kissed his lips.

  He wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close, and deepened the kiss.

  “I want you, Sloane,” he said against her lips.

  “I want you too, Holt.” She touched his cheek.

  “Let’s get going then.” He kissed her forehead, took the key from her, picked up the suitcase, and nodded for her to go out the door.

  He pulled it closed, locked it, took her hand, and led her down the stairs. When they reached the truck, he led her around to the passenger side, opened the door for her, waited for her to get in then closed it. He opened the back door, set the suitcase inside, then strode around to the driver’s side. Once in the truck, he started it then drove them to his ranch.

  He pulled up to the porch, shut the truck off, and looked over at her. He groaned when she sat there staring at him then a slow smile lifted her lips.

  “You’re killing me,” he muttered.

  She laughed. “God knows I don’t want to do that. You’re too good in bed.”

  “Takes two, darlin’. Come on.” Holt opened the door, stepped out, and headed for her side but she met him at the front of the truck. “I’m anxious to see that scar again.” He chuckled when she swatted at him. He took the suitcase from her then led her inside.

  ****

  Sloane stood in the bakery making more banana nut bread since it seemed to sell out very fast.

  “Good morning,” Nancy said as she entered the kitchen. “How was your weekend?”

  “Wonderful. I stayed with Holt and we went horseback riding again.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. It’s just a shame he won’t ever get married again, so enjoy it while you can.”

  Sloane looked at her, but Nancy seemed pre-occupied with starting to make muffins. Her heart sunk. She knew it was too soon to think about marriage and especially with Holt, but she did want to get married again one day. Why see someone if it was not going to go anywhere except to end in disappointment and heartbreak. Then again that was what dating was all about. Trying on people to try to find the right one, right? So, w
as she wasting her time with Holt? They’d been seeing each other two months now, plenty of time to try each other on but if he wasn’t interested in anything more than casual, he could’ve told her that.

  “What makes you say that?”

  Nancy turned around to look at her. “He’s friends with my husband. Rodney said he said something to Holt about dating, and maybe him getting married again. Rodney said Holt said he had no intention of ever getting married again.” She glanced at her. “I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “No, don’t be silly. I just went through a divorce, so I’m certainly not looking to get married either,” Sloane said with a smile then turned her back to Nancy and continued to work on the banana nut bread.

  She quickly blinked her eyes, but one tear slid down her cheek. Damn it. Why did she have to find a man who could be what she was looking for and then find out he never wanted to be in a serious relationship? She thought they had…something between them but apparently, he didn’t. God, that hurt.

  Mentally shaking her head, would she ever learn where men were concerned. If one type didn’t want to get married, the other type would screw around. She just had no luck with men. She knew she was feeling things for Holt already, but maybe it was time to break it off with him before she got in too deep. Deeper. Before she got in deeper.

  “Good morning.” Courtney entered the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Courtney,” Sloane choked out then cleared her throat.

  “Are you all right?” Nancy asked from beside her as she touched her arm.

  “I am really.”

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. I always speak without thinking.”

  “No, I’m glad you did. It’s best I find out now that he’s not interested in a relationship before I fall for him.” She looked at Nancy. “I appreciate it.”

  “All right. I’ll get back to making the muffins. Courtney is going to start on the cupcakes.”

  “Sounds good. Once I get these finished, I’ll make the croissants.” Sloane wished she could start the day over. She’d been in such a good mood.

  As the day wore on, she tried her best to keep Holt from invading her thoughts, but that damn man just kept sneaking in. She should have known. He’d been so in love with his wife, and she could tell he still missed her. But he did get angry that the sex with Sloane had been better. What the hell did that mean? Well, obviously nothing, Sloane, because he has no intention of getting married again. You are wasting your time.