Fearless Fighters [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 7] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “Don’t worry. His mom’s truck has all the amenities of a car, but it does have four-wheel drive. You won’t need to worry about using that until winter time.”

  “We get lots of snow in Chicago. My parents live on the outskirts. Dad has a SUV with four-wheel drive, or he had one until it was destroyed in my accident.”

  “I’d love to get my hands on whoever hurt you and then ran off. I’ll get on the other side and let you drive the short distance to town.” Beck got out and walked to the passenger’s side. Heather slid across to drive.

  It wasn’t an automatic, but it didn’t take her long to recall how to change gears smoothly. “Dad made us all learn to drive on a car that wasn’t automatic. He said it might come in handy someday. We laughed at him. I’ll have to call him tonight and apologize.”

  “He sounds like a smart man.”

  “He is. He’s the best.”

  As she got more confident, she drove faster and soon she parked in front of the diner. The place was mostly empty. It was past their regular lunch hour.

  After the waitress seated them in a booth by the window, Beck called to tell Gavin they’d arrived.

  “Would you like to order drinks while waiting?” the waitress asked.

  “I’ll have a cup of coffee. How about you, Heather?”

  “A tall glass of iced tea, please, unsweetened.”

  “Sure. I’ll be right back.” She walked toward the counter.

  “I see Gavin. He’s crossing the street.” Beck nodded his head at the window.

  “I haven’t seen his office. I’d like to visit one day. Do you think he’d mind?”

  “Nope, Gavin would love to show you around and introduce you to his staff.”

  “I’ve met Dana. I liked her.”

  Gavin walked in the door and slid into the seat across from them. “I see Beck grabbed my spot beside you.”

  “The two of you don’t seem to understand about sitting across from a person,” she said, but smiled.

  “You aren’t a person, honey. You are our woman.” Gavin looked like he expected a rebuff.

  “I may be. Time will tell. But don’t push because I’m softening.”

  Both men smiled. The waitress came to the table at that moment and set Beck’s coffee in front of him. “Damn, Beck. I haven’t seen you smile so big in years.” She put Heather’s tea in front of her. “You must be very good for him. I’m glad to see it.”

  “Folks sure say whatever they’re thinking here in Triple Creeks Township,” Heather said when the waitress walked away.

  “Does it bother you?” Gavin asked.

  “I like it. You don’t have to guess what they think. Are we ready to turn in my car tomorrow?”

  “We can leave at nine. I’ll follow you in Mom’s truck, and you can drive back. I’ll show you around Willow Junction while we’re there.”

  “Just remember I have to be back for my therapy at two. We’re meeting a little earlier. It’s really her day off. I feel horrible about her having to work. But she insisted.”

  “I’m glad she took you on. She’s devoted to her job.”

  “More and more I’m beginning to believe that isn’t a good thing. At least not to the extent she and I have taken it. When that ends, what do you have left?”

  “Us?” Gavin asked with a hopeful look on his face.

  “Perhaps.” She glanced at Beck and then Gavin. “It’s been a lovely day.” A glance passed between the two men. Beck nodded, and Gavin smiled.

  I guess they’re telling the truth when they say there’s no jealousy.

  The waitress returned for their order. “Are you ready yet?”

  “I’ll take the Rueben sandwich with fries and a salad,” Beck said.

  Heather looked at him questioningly. “What? Men do eat salads?”

  “Sure.”

  “And I thought you ate nails for lunch.”

  Beck laughed long and hard. The other three looked at him in shock. “Oh, that felt good.” He gave Heather a quick kiss. “What do you want to eat, darlin’?”

  “I want the cheeseburger and fries like Gavin had the other day, and I’ll have a salad also.”

  “The same for me,” Gavin said. He looked from Beck to Heather. “It is a good day.”

  “What’s the big surprise?” Beck asked. “I laugh.”

  “But not like that. It’s been a very long time.”

  Beck straightened in his seat. “Don’t make such a fuss, or I might never do it again.”

  “You’ve had time with Heather all day. Move over here and let me sit by her. I want a kiss.”

  “No. You’ll both behave. I hope the waitress hurries. I’m hungry again. It must be all the exercise this morning.”

  “No doubt,” Beck said and winked.

  The meal was delicious. When they finished, Gavin had to return to work. Beck drove her home.

  “Starting next week I’ll spend the evenings at Aunt Bella’s bed-and-breakfast. Her first guests are arriving on Monday. She likes a person on the premises in case there’s a problem. Some lady is on her way from North Carolina to fill the manager’s position. When she arrives, she’ll take over.”

  Beck parked the truck in front of her aunt and uncle’s home. “Have you considered asking your aunt to let you run the bed-and-breakfast?”

  “Briefly, but I want a full-time job that will keep me busy.”

  “When will we get to see you? You can come by the ranch during the day, but Gavin won’t see you as much.”

  “I think during the time I’m at the bed-and-breakfast we shouldn’t see each other. You two are moving fast, and I’m still not sure what I want to do with my life. If we get too attached and I decide to return to Chicago, we’ll all be hurt.”

  Beck frowned. “I don’t like your idea.”

  She rubbed her finger across the dent in his forehead. “Quit scowling so much. You’ll have a permanent wrinkle. I need the time and space. I’ll miss you two, but it’s for the best.” Heather got out of the truck and waved.

  He squealed the wheels of the truck as he turned and headed toward the highway.

  Darn, I guess I ruined our day. It’d been better to wait before telling him, but no easier.

  I don’t know what I’m going to do about them and my life. Coming to Triple Creeks Township has added complications and choices.

  * * * *

  “Supper will be ready at five,” her aunt said when she walked in.

  “Please don’t mention food. I’ve been eating all day. I’m going to do the exercises I’m allowed and skip dinner.” She walked through the kitchen to her bedroom and turned on her cell.

  She punched in the number for her parents. “Hi, Mom. How are you and dad doing?”

  “We’re fine. Your father’s been fighting with his insurance company about how much they’ll give him for the wrecked SUV. What the insurance company thinks it was worth is much less than your father’s value.”

  “Dad will get them to raise the assessment. He’s good at negotiating.”

  “How are you doing?”

  “Better than I expected. I like the area and the people. I’ve found an exceptional physical therapist. I like her, and I can already feel the difference in my leg. I went for a short horseback ride today.”

  “Wonderful. I’m so glad to hear the sadness gone from your voice. Have you decided what you want to do in the future? And when will you be home? We miss you stopping in to see us.”

  “I haven’t come to a firm resolution. I’m not sure when or if I’ll return to live in Chicago.” There, she’d dropped a bomb on her mom. The phone went silent.

  “Mom, are you there?”

  “I’m getting my breath. Did I understand you may choose to live in Triple Dare County?”

  “It’s not definite, but I may.”

  “Why?”

  “I like the small town and the friendly atmosphere. And I’ve met two men I’m beginning to care about and they like me.”

&nb
sp; “Ah. You haven’t much experience with men, honey. Don’t decide on the first ones who show you attention. There’ll be plenty of men here to check out.”

  “Aunt Bella married two men.”

  “She’s been very happy. But she wasn’t as innocent as you and had dated more before she chose them.”

  “Mom, I’m thirty.”

  “A young thirty.”

  “Let’s talk about this another time. Tell Dad I love him. Love you, too, Mom.” Heather clicked off before her mother could say anymore. She hated the doubt Mom had placed in her mind. Couldn’t she know her own feelings without dating lots of men?”

  Heather realized she was worrying about her mother’s suggestion when she didn’t know her own mind. Next week would give her time to sort out her thoughts regarding her true impressions of Gavin and Beck. Is it a crush because I’ve never had a man give me this type of attention, or are my feelings real?

  She decided to talk to Cora today about her consideration regarding starting a school of dance. And I won’t call my mother until I’m more sure of myself and what I want and need.

  Chapter Seven

  Heather signed the papers and gave the rental car company the keys. She and Gavin walked out to the truck.

  “That didn’t take long.” Heather glanced around at the pretty streets with quaint shops and hanging baskets attached to light poles. Trees towered over many of the benches to shade whoever stopped to rest.

  “Let’s leave the truck and walk.” Gavin took her hand. “If you see a shop you like, let me know. We’ll go inside and look around.”

  “What if I like them all?” she teased.

  “Then I may sit on a few benches along the way and let you explore on your own.”

  “Don’t tell me a big, strong man like you will tire before me.”

  “We’ll see.” He led her to the left and they crossed a street and turned into the town square.

  There were all sorts of businesses, from books to clothes and novelty items. Law offices, financial businesses, small diners, and the sheriff’s office was scattered in between the shops.

  “The sheriff is one of our folks, Torrad Davidssons. When Torrad moved to Triple Dare County, he took old Sheriff Percy’s place. You met Amy and Chad at the barbecue. He’s Amy’s other husband. Chad said Torrad had to work the day of the barbecue.”

  “I didn’t realize she was in a threesome relationship.”

  “Did you know she’s a judge? Not long after she moved here she ran for the position and won.”

  “Good for her. She’s a lovely lady and very personable.”

  “We’d stop in and I’d introduce you to Torrad, but I don’t see his truck. He usually parks right in front.” Gavin put his arm around her waist. “Anyway I want you to myself today.”

  They turned several corners and ended up on a cul-de-sac. Halfway down Heather stopped and stared at the window. The sign read, Ballet Lessons.

  Gavin stood behind her. “Do you want to go inside?”

  “Do you mind?”

  “No, but I’ll sit on this bench by the curb. I think this is something you want to do on your own.”

  Heather reached up and pulled his head down. “Thank you for understanding.” She kissed his lips, took a deep breath, and walked inside.

  Little girls dressed in tutus were dancing around on the wood floor. An older woman moved between them giving instructions and encouragement. When she heard the bell ring on the door, she looked up and walked toward Heather.

  “May I help you?”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I wanted to see what your dance studio looked like.”

  “Do you have a daughter you’d like to sign up for lessons?”

  “No daughter. But if I had one, I’d want her to learn the ballet.”

  The instructor looked up and down Heather’s body. “You were a ballet dancer. You have the posture, and the toned muscles.”

  “I was. But a recent accident ended my career.”

  “I’m sorry. Where did you dance?”

  “In Chicago.”

  “Ah, I remember reading an article about a dancer being injured. Were you a lead soloist?”

  “Yes.” Heather felt the familiar lump in her throat. “I’m trying to decide what to do now. I’d considered opening a ballet studio in Triple Creeks Township.”

  The woman nodded. “It’d be a good spot. I get children from miles around and some from Triple Creeks Township. I’ve had to turn a few away. I even have a boy’s class. Our coach likes them to learn some ballet to help their moves around the football field. He’s a very forward-thinking man.”

  “I’d say. Would you be upset if I opened a studio?”

  “Not at all. In fact I’d like it. I’m getting older and I want to cut my hours. Every time I try some of the girls and their mothers talk me into doing one more class.” She checked to make sure her students were doing the exercises, and then she added, “I’d be willing to have you join me as a partner, or if you’d prefer to stay in Triple Creek Township, I’ll refer people to you. With your experience the parents would be thrilled.”

  “I appreciate the encouragement and the offer, but if I do start a ballet studio I think I’d rather not have so far to drive in the winter. May I have your card and keep in touch with you?”

  “Certainly.” She handed Heather a business card with her address and phone number. She’d written another number on the backside. “That’s my home number. Call whenever you want. By the way, I’m Emily Watters.”

  “I’m Heather Carrick and my Aunt Bella runs the bed-and-breakfast in Triple Creeks Township.”

  “I’ve met her. Tell her I said hello.”

  “I will.” Heather waved on her way out. Gavin sat patiently watching the traffic go by.

  “Sorry I took longer than I’d expected.”

  “I didn’t mind. I like to watch people. You look excited.”

  “I am, a little.” As they walked back toward the truck, she told him about her talk with the owner of the dance studio.

  “Having your own place sounds promising.” Gavin helped her in the truck. When he got inside, he saw her rub her leg.

  “Is it all right? I forgot about it when I walked you that far.”

  “A little sore is all. Cora is encouraging me to do more walking. I’d have said something if my leg bothered me too much.”

  Gavin leaned across and kissed her. “I don’t want to ever hurt you. I know a good place to eat. There’s something I want to discuss with you, and it’s a quiet spot with good food. We’ll talk there.”

  I hope he’s not going to discuss our relationship. I’m not ready to give a definitive answer.

  Gavin reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Don’t look so concerned. Talking can’t hurt.”

  She was glad when they parked at the restaurant. It was located on the way out of town and a small river ran beside it. Gavin asked for a table by the water.

  When they’d been seated and the waitress left, Heather looked around the room. Soft music played in the background and the décor encouraged a customer to relax. Outside were trees and a drop to the river.

  “The setting’s nice and peaceful. What did you want to talk about?”

  He chuckled. “Right to the point, I see. I read many medical journals regarding new ideas and treatments. After meeting you, I vaguely recalled an article I’d read about broken bones. I had to find the right magazine. I reread it last night.”

  “Was there something in it that might help my leg?”

  “Perhaps. A doctor has created a new type of glue to paint around the broken area and strengthen the bone. It’s in the experimental stage and hasn’t been approved yet. They’ve done a few trial cases and had an eighty percent success rate. These were severe cases that needed something extra.”

  “Do you think it would help me return to dancing?”

  “I don’t know. I considered not mentioning it to you.”

  Her nerves tensed an
d a mixture of anticipation and dread churned in her stomach. If she checked on the procedure would it help her or dash her hope again. Did she even want to open that door?

  “I had to decide why I wanted to keep the information from you. If it was to keep you in South Dakota that wouldn’t be fair. Then I thought about whether I’d want to know, and the answer was yes.”

  Gavin slid a piece of paper across the table to her. “There’s his name and address. You can decide whether to contact him or not.” He opened his menu. “The waitress is coming this way. She’ll want to get our order.”

  Heather ordered the grilled fish and a glass of Chablis. She seldom drank, but her nerves were on edge and she hoped the wine would help her relax.

  Gavin had changed the subject and told her about his office and staff. “You must come some morning and visit. Then we’ll go to lunch.”

  “Maybe next week. I won’t be available during the evenings, and I’d like to see where you work.”

  “Then we’ll decide on a day and do it.”

  The fish was hot and tasty. She’d ordered green beans and a salad instead of the fries. When she’d finished her meal and wine, she took hold of Gavin’s hand from across the table.

  “Thanks for the meal and the information. I’m not sure what I’ll do about it, but it’s good to know all your options.”

  Gavin waved to the waitress and paid her when she came to their table. Then he and Heather drove to Triple Creeks.

  When he left her at her aunt’s house, Heather went straight to her room and sat on the bed. This gave her an additional decision to make. She almost wished Gavin hadn’t told her, but she would have been angry if she’d found out he’d kept it from her.

  It was time for her appointment with Cora. She’d get her opinion. Heather found Aunt Bella in the kitchen.

  “I’m off for my therapy treatment.”

  “Did you have a nice visit in Willow Junction?”

  “I did. I met a lady, Emily Watters. She said she knew you.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t think of her. She’s exactly who you should talk with about your future.”

  “I did. She gave me some interesting ideas to consider. We’ll discuss more about my visit with her when I get back.”