Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series

by McQueen, Hildie

  “There’s probably snakes and spiders in there.” Leah informed him of the obvious. Suddenly Wonder Woman had turned into a scared mess.

  The door was locked, so she raced into the house and returned with a set of keys. Once they unlocked the wooden door, he went into the dim interior and found a ladder.

  After leaning the ladder on the side of the house, he climbed up and onto the roof. Luke had to pause when turning around and seeing the view from there. Land stretched as far as the eye could see, including the Hamilton lands.

  If it weren’t for the current situation, he’d lower to his ass and stare into the distance. Luke studied the roof. His boots crunching on the weathered tiles as a crack sounded. Another gust of wind blew and several pieces of roofing flew from where he’d walked.

  “Definitely need a new roof,” he called down. “The loose shingles is probably the noise you hear.”

  The roof creaked as he walked in a circle, the ominous sound made him freeze. “Probably need some repair work done. The shit is cracking and creaking under me.”

  “Get down from there before you fall,” Leah called up. “No use in you getting hurt.”

  Luke took a step and stopped when the roof dipped. He eyed the distance to the edge of the house. A couple of jumps and he could reach the edge where the ladder was. He leaned forward, and just as he was about to jump, the roof gave way.

  Through cracking of material and crashing past wood he landed in an empty room with a loud whomp followed by smattering debris falling all over him.

  Leah called out his name and he could make out her footfalls as she rushed toward the doorway. Other than a couple of cuts and scrapes, seemed he’d made it all right. He lowered his head back onto the floor and let out a breath. The blue sky was visible through the new opening he’d just made.

  “Luke!” Leah rushed toward him just as a thought struck. “Are you all right?”

  “Give me a minute to get my breath,” he said, puffing each word out. “Not sure but I may have hurt my right hip. Is there something sticking into it?”

  She leaned across him and slid her hands over his hip and under it, her body touching his in a most intimate manner. “I don’t see anything. Your jeans are torn here.” She pressed closed to his crotch. “Is this where it hurts?”

  “Yeah, that’s it.” He was going to hell, but damn if this wasn’t pretty close to the picture he’d imagined earlier. “Anything poking me there?

  She leaned closer to study the skin. “No. I don’t see anything. You’re bleeding from a scratch though.”

  “Okay. That’s good.” Luke kept his voice low and breathless. “I’ll be all right.”

  He went to sit up, but she pushed him back down. “What if you have a concussion? I don’t think you’re supposed to get up right away.”

  “I’m okay.”

  She placed both hands on each side of his face and stared into his eyes. “Can you see me clearly?”

  So maybe a concussion wasn’t that bad of a deal. “Not really. You’re fuzzy around the edges.” He lied again.

  “Oh no.” She looked up at the ceiling. “I’ll call an ambulance.”

  “How about you just help me to the living room. I’m good. I’ve survived way worse in Afghanistan.”

  He sat up and pretended to have trouble standing. She lifted his arm and put it over her shoulder. Luke wanted to laugh. His arm probably weighed more than she did. Nonetheless, her plush body against his as they made their way to the couch was more than enough payment for busting his ass.

  Once they fell onto the couch together and she managed to get out from under his arm, she continued studying him. “You sure I shouldn’t get you to a doctor?”

  “Yeah, I’m good. I’ll take a glass of water though.”

  She returned with the water and instead of sitting next to him lowered to the ottoman. “You don’t look anything like you did in high school.”

  “Neither do you. It’s been twenty-five years or so. We’ve changed.” Wasn’t that the damn truth.

  She let out a long breath. “The sooner I get this all done, the faster I can get back to my life.” Her scowl softened as she looked around the interior of her family home. “I’m not sure what to do about this house, or the land. It’s up to me whether to keep it or sell it all.”

  Had she grown so hardened that she’d give up her family lands? No matter how shitty things got for him, the fact that Hamilton lands remained and he could return to them kept him grounded. The ranch was the only thing that stopped him from totally losing his shit and blowing his brains out at times.

  “Yeah, well, I better get on my way.” He wasn’t about to give her any kind of advice. The last thing anyone would want from him was any kind of counseling. If anything, he was more suited as the poster child of what not to do with your life.

  Luke placed the glass down next to Leah and stood. “I’ll see about that fence.” He stalked to the door cringing at the sting from a rather nasty looking scrape on his forearm.

  “I feel bad. Do you mind if I run down to the drugstore and pick up some stuff. I can ensure your wounds are cleaned out and bandaged.” Her eyes rounded. “Oh my God, you’re bleeding a lot here.” She pointed to his left side. He’d not noticed the large bloody stain on his torn t-shirt.

  What did one more scar matter? “Nah don’t worry about it.” Without another look at her, he hurried to the truck. Would have to put off his trip to town until the next day. His presence always seemed to make people wary, showing up bloody would probably freak people out.

  The house was empty when he arrived. Remembering both his brother and cousin had errands and work to do, Luke went to the cabinet where all the first aid stuff was kept. Being it was a working ranch, there were always some well-stocked first aid kits around.

  He stripped and went to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, he studied the cuts and abrasions. The worst one was the one on his left side. Seemed something had scraped him on his way down. There were probably splinters and shit in there. Good thing it was fairly shallow, hopefully nothing was punctured other than his skin.

  The most painful was the large scrape on his forearm. He lifted his arm to get a better look. Nothing to be done about that one except keep it protected and clean.

  He stepped into the shower and hissed at the stinging when the warm water hit his injuries.

  6

  The clerk behind the counter, a pleasant plump woman, smiled broadly at her. “Hey stranger, it’s been a while since you came to town.”

  Leah read the woman’s nametag. It didn’t ring a bell. Someone from high school? A family friend? She got nothing.

  “Hello Jean. I am only here for a couple of months. Doing some things at the property.”

  “It’s a shame no one’s been living there. It’s such a beautiful house.” She eyed her purchases. Bandages, antiseptic ointment, peroxide and some Band-Aids. If she used everything on the counter, the man would end up looking like a mummy.

  It wasn’t just concern that drove her to check on Luke Hamilton, but fear he’d get his wits about him and sue her.

  Leah tried to remember if she’d asked him to climb up there or if he’d volunteered. Either way, he’d been harmed on her property and could very well blame any lasting injuries on her.

  She remembered the wound on his side. It was bleeding quite a bit and she’d not gotten a chance to see if he’d been cut bad enough to warrant stitches.

  All kinds of scenarios rushed through her mind as she ducked into the bakery next door and grabbed half a dozen muffins to bring with her. Her mother had always assured her food and an apology did wonders when it came to men.

  Not that she wanted to think about any sort of friendship with a man. Her ex-husband was the perfect deterrent for any kind of romanticizing.

  One-night stands, or an occasional hookup were fine. A relationship, no way.

  Driving through the tall archway onto the Hamilton’s ranch, Leah tried to remember th
e last time she’d been there. It was in middle school, after her father had caught her throwing rocks at Luke and Toby. It has been the worst day of her fourteen-year-old life. She’d stood next to her dad and apologized while Mrs. Hamilton had assured her everything was okay, stating the boys probably deserved it.

  The twins had been gracious and accepted her apology. Luke however had smirked through his acceptance, which made her want to find a rock and smash it into his face.

  Thank God the twins were in high school at that point, so he couldn’t pick on her at school. Nonetheless, she’d never liked Luke since then. Toby and her had remained amicable whenever she’d returned to town to visit her parents.

  Luke had joined the Army by then and was gone until now.

  Her phone buzzed and she answered it upon seeing her mother’s name pop up.

  “Hey Mom.”

  They spoke about what she was doing there at the ranch, her mother hesitant upon hearing her mention she might decide to sell the land.

  “Don’t be hasty. That land has been in your father’s family for over a century. Why don’t you consider a business venture? You’re a smart businesswoman.”

  Deciding it was best to change the subject, Leah cleared her throat. “I’m going to the Hamilton’s, just now pulling up to the house. Luke was checking the roof and fell through. I need to make sure he’s okay.”

  “Oh dear. Be careful. His mother told me he’s not been the same since coming back from overseas. He might have PTSD or something. Anyway, be sure Toby or Taylor are around before you spend time alone with him.”

  “He is very different,” Leah replied. “I’ll be careful. I better go, I’m here. I’ll call you later Mom.”

  She eyed the house. It was a beautiful log home that had been built by Luke’s grandfather. Luke’s parents had remodeled it, making the beautiful house rustic and graceful at the same time.

  When she knocked, there was a deep grumble. “Coming.”

  The door open to reveal a shirtless Luke Hamilton. As hard as she tried, Leah couldn’t help but take in his muscular physique. A tattoo of what looked to be a raven spread from his right upper arm to his chest. The rest of his torso was not inked, but marked nonetheless. An angry scar ripped across from his left ribcage to his stomach. The same side that was currently bloody.

  His flat gaze went from her face to the bag and box she held. “What’s up?”

  “I came to make sure you were okay. I feel horrible about your fall.” She looked past him to the dim interior, wondering if either Toby or Taylor were there. “I brought muffins,” Leah finished weakly.

  Eyes flitting past her toward the stables, he remained still as a statue.

  Just when she thought he’d tell her to leave, Luke took a step backward. “Come in.”

  The house was not at all like she remembered it. Rich leather couches and weathered farm style furnishings filled the space. Past the main room, she spotted a breathtaking white kitchen. “Wow this place is amazing.” Leah grimaced. She sounded like one of those people on television after a home make-over.

  “Mom decorated it.” Luke held a t-shirt in one hand and seemed to consider what to do next. “Took a shower and cleaned up. Nothing to worry about.”

  Fresh blood seeped from his side. “I think you might need to see about that cut there.” With both hands full, she motioned with the muffin box to his side. “Do you mind if I put these down?”

  “Nope.” He waved her toward the kitchen and followed her there. The entire time every inch of her body aware of his much larger one so close behind. This was not the time to have a sex fantasy with a bad boy. Leah blew out a breath and placed the muffins on a large island. “You guys keep this place pretty tidy.”

  Luke looked around as if seeing things for the first time. “Cleaning lady.”

  “Ah.”

  “Want a beer?” His manners had kicked in it seemed as he went to the refrigerator and pulled out two beers, not waiting for her reply. He threw the t-shirt over the back of a stool and opened the beers. After sliding one in front of her, he took a long draw from his, the entire time his gaze on her.

  “Can I look at that?” She neared and his eyes immediately shot to the discarded t-shirt. Was he afraid of being touched? Somehow she doubted it.

  “Yeah sure, but I think it’s fine. It’ll stop leaking. That’s why I haven’t put the shirt on, don’t want to stain it.” He moved backward and looked around as if trying to decide where to sit.

  They walked back to the living room. Luke carried the beers and she brought the bag with first aid items. “Where are Toby and Taylor?” Her mother’s warning struck, although admittedly, she didn’t feel threatened at all by Luke at the moment. If anything, it seemed more as if he was the one unsure of her being there.

  “Working.”

  “Where’s the bathroom? I need to wash my hands.” After he motioned to a door near the entryway, she went and washed her hands thoroughly.

  When she walked back to the living room, he remained sitting, his attention on the bag she’d brought.

  “Lay back.”

  He took another long swig of his beer and fell back on the couch after putting the empty bottle down beside hers on the coffee table.

  The display of a gorgeous man with one leg draped over the side of the couch and one arm under his head was enough to make most women drool. Leah pretended to be fascinated by what was in the bag instead. “I’ll rinse it out and put antiseptic on it. I’ll bandage it, but you should remove it and let the cut air out once the bleeding stops. Probably want to be pretty still until then.”

  “You sound like a doctor.”

  A smile curled her lips. “I took a few nursing classes in college. For a bit, I considered going into nursing.”

  “Changed your mind huh?” He grimaced when she dabbed at the cut with peroxide, which bubbled. Despite him having showered there was still some debris in it.

  “I’m going to have to wipe it out. It’ll sting.” Leah took two bandages and soaked them in saline solution. Trying to distract him, she talked. “Mom said you went overseas. Where did you go?”

  “Afghanistan and Iraq.”

  She expected him to flinch, grunt, or have some reaction to what she knew was very painful. Instead he was steady, his breathing even and his eyes on her. Flustered at his perusal, she considered what to say next.

  “What happened?” She pointed to his old scar.

  “IED.”

  “Oh. Sorry, probably shouldn’t have brought it up.”

  “Probably.” He looked away to the window. “Look I appreciate this, but you don’t have to patch me up. I’ll take care of it.”

  He went to lift up and she pushed his shoulder, the touch seeming to burn them both. Leah’s mouth parted as she took a deep breath, and he glowered at her.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll just put this on here and be on my way.”

  She quickly placed folded gauze over the wound, and then taped it in place. At least he didn’t seem to be particularly interested in her. If anything, Luke looked ready to tell her to leave him the hell alone.

  “I better go. I’ll leave those here.” She motioned to the first aid items.

  “Nah, take them. We have plenty around here. You might need them.”

  While she gathered the items, he continued to watch her. “Get your roof patched. It’s supposed to rain.” He’d gotten up and within seconds was shrugging on the shirt. As each inch was covered, Leah’s gaze followed the fabric’s descent.

  With her items in hand, Leah walked out the door, she turned to him. “Let me know about the fence. I need to move on with getting the ranch ready for sale.”

  “How can you do that? Sell your birthright?”

  She gritted her teeth. “I don’t live here. My parents don’t live here. My brother has no desire to move back. He has settled on his wife’s family lands in Wyoming.”

  Without responding, he looked past her toward the expanse of Hamilton lands.
The property much larger than her family’s. “Suit yourself.” He shrugged and closed the door in her face.

  Leah blinked at the closed door, her mouth falling open. Had the asshole really just slammed a door in her face?

  That’s what she got for trying to be nice. If anything, his actions reinforced it was best to get away from Laurel Creek. The sooner, the better.

  7

  Luke could finally allow his breathing to accelerate. It had taken all his will power not to pull Leah down over him. To kiss her senseless until she’d let him fuck her.

  Somehow, some sort of reason prevailed and he’d been glad when she left. Otherwise, he would’ve had to toss her out.

  While she’d ministered to his wound, his entire body from head to toe was strung tight as a tripwire. Every inch begged for her attention.

  It was stupid to have allowed her to touch him or to remain so close for as long as she did. Not just the soft expensive perfume and glossy hair, but every part of her had enticed him past reason. She was lucky he’d not grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down to take her mouth with his.

  The woman affected him.

  “Shit.” He stalked to the kitchen and looked at the muffin box. A part of him wanted to smash his fist into it, but the growling in his gut reminded him he’d not eaten much since the bologna sandwich he’d made for breakfast.

  The dingy bar was exactly the kind of place Luke needed to stay away from. At the same time, the familiarity of stale cigarette smoke and lack of lighting made him feel at home. He sat at a barstool watching two guys argue by the pool tables as another older man, lost in thought, slumped over his beer.

  “Another shot?” The bartender, a guy he barely remembered from high school, eyed his empty shot glass and refilled it at Luke’s nod.

  Something simmered just beneath the surface. Luke hated the feeling that was only relieved by distracting himself. Too wired to remain at the house, he’d come to the desolate drinking hole on the outskirts of town. Yeah, it was a dumb move as he felt the affects of the fourth shot. Although traffic would be light heading home, he’d not chance it by driving.