Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series

by McQueen, Hildie

Three days and she’d not heard from Luke. A part of her wasn’t surprised. The easiest way to get rid of a guy is to mention the “R” word. She’d told him she wanted more, a relationship.

  Rosie ran off chasing something or other. Probably an invisible foe, since Leah couldn’t make out anything in the distance. A man and woman, realtors finally emerged from the house. She’d purposely left them alone to take their time inspecting every room at their leisure.

  Both assumed perfect professional smiles at nearing, but it didn’t fool her. She was the master at reading what many considered a professional mask. They were interested, very much so.

  “Ms. Morgan,” the woman started as they’d devised a plan for her to be the first to speak and set up trust. “After riding over the acreage and now seeing the house, we are prepared to assist you with the sale of the property.”

  The man nodded, his perfect hair barely stirring in the breeze. “We can draw up a plan, I seriously doubt it will be on the market long. It’s becoming very popular for younger couples to move out to the country. Farm style living is a movement right now.”

  She accepted their cards and turned over her shoulder to look for Rosie who’d yet to appear from where she’d run off.

  The realtors left, but she didn’t go with them to their car, instead went to find Rosie. The dog lay on her back, her legs up in the air as she wiggled on the ground.

  “Come Rosie,” Leah said nearing only to back up at the putrid smell. “Oh my God.”

  The happy dog followed her back to the house as Leah tried to figure out how the hell she was going to wash the stupid dog. She’d have to find a water hose.

  The man standing beside the house made her stomach dip until she realized it was Tobias. Funny how the identical twins caused such different reactions.

  She waved.

  “Hey, what’s up neighbor?”

  “Not much, saw some suits driving away as I was headed home. Making sure you’re okay.”

  She looked in the direction of the road unsure of how much to share with him. “Yes, they are realtors. I’ve decided to sell the ranch. I’ll stay here until it does. It’s too much for me to handle alone.”

  “You know they’ll divide it and sell it in parcels. Let me talk to my brother, maybe we can make you an offer.”

  “Why would you want so much land? Even if it’s divided, it’s not like you’ll have them right on top of you.” She didn’t want to talk about Luke and definitely did not want to have to see him. The less she saw of any Hamilton, the better actually.

  His gaze was so familiar as the hazel eyes met hers. “What happened with Luke the other night?”

  “What? Nothing. We ate pizza, he dropped me off and left.” Annoyance was obvious as she answered. “Why?”

  It was his turn to seem off put. “Just asking. He’s gone to Billings for a few days. Hospital.”

  “What happened?” Her eyes rounded. “Did he do something?”

  “No. Fuck, forget I said anything. He’s gonna kill me.”

  “Where is he?”

  After Tobias left, Leah wondered why she’d asked anything. Maybe it was a sign, his getting sick. Fate was telling her she wasn’t ready for a relationship, and especially not with a guy who had more issues than she did.

  Maybe he wasn’t a cheater like her ex, but the demons that came back with him from the war were a foe she wasn’t sure she wanted to fight against.

  And yet he continued to fight. Had not only gone overseas, but also came back to continue his own war.

  22

  The clinic was nicer than Leah expected. As she made her way down to Luke’s room, it almost felt like someone’s home. Most doors were closed but the ones that were open showed simple set ups with very clean line, Swedish type furnishings.

  “Leah?” A woman she recognized as Luke’s mother approached. “How are you?” The pretty woman hugged her and smiled. “You are so beautiful.”

  She’d run into the woman several times over the years and each time she said the same thing. Leah couldn't help but wonder if it was because she’d been such a plain teenager.

  “Thank you Mrs. Hamilton. How are you?”

  Luke’s mother guided her to a sitting area, set up like someone’s living room. “Good sweetheart. I’m so happy Luke finally agreed to come here. I’ve been pestering him for years. This clinic was set up by doctors who served over there. They came back and started this place to help soldiers dealing with the after effects of war time.”

  Leah looked around the serene space. “It’s so peaceful here. I almost want to ask for a room.”

  Luke’s mother’s lips curved. “It is. Luke is doing well. He’s been here only for a short while. Not really supposed to have too many visitors, so only I have come by and he kicked me out.” She chuckled softly. “Says I am trying to baby him. I’m glad you came. I think you may be the reason he’s finally agreed to seek help.”

  Her heart tumbled at the thought. “I’m not so sure. We don’t exactly always get along that well.” She looked toward an open door. “I probably shouldn’t see him then.”

  “Nonsense. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you. I was just leaving.” She stood and Leah did as well not sure what to do next. “See you soon dear.” The woman gave her a quick hug before walking away, her sandals clip-clopping on the hardwood floor.

  This was a stupid idea. She held a journal and pen, which now seemed like a stupid thing to bring. But she’d not wanted to show up empty handed and it was hard to figure out what to bring someone who was dealing with any kind of psychological issue.

  “Luke?”

  Other than wearing sweats, he looked the same. Same handsome face, same air of badass and same flat eyes when meeting hers.

  He didn’t speak, nor did he invite her to sit. Instead his gaze moved from her face to the items she held.

  The long silence was awkward. Shit. She’d not been sure what to say to him and now that he didn’t seem at all receptive to her being there, her mind went totally blank.

  “I brought a journal and a pen. Thought it could be something you could use.” She walked to a small table next to the bed and placed the things down.

  He didn’t look at the items she’d brought, instead turned to look out the window. “Why are you here?”

  “I’m not sure. I suppose because I wanted to see you.”

  Ever so slowly he nodded, his wide chest expanding with each breath. “I’m good.”

  “Thought you could use some company.” She neared, but stopped when his eyes snapped to her.

  “I don’t.”

  For a moment Leah wasn’t sure how to react and she could only look at him. Eyes flat, he met her gaze for a moment before looking away to where she’d placed the journal and pen. “You can take that with you.”

  If he wanted to ensure she never spoke to him again, he was doing a bang up job. Why had she even tried?

  Just because they’d had sex did not mean he felt anything for her. The notion that they’d connected on their last date had definitely been one-sided.

  “Throw ‘em in the trash if you don’t want them,” she finally said, unable to keep her voice down. “You’re such an asshole.”

  She whirled on her heel and left the room, barely able to keep from cussing more.

  Not bothering to speak to the nurse or attendant who sat at a desk in the entrance, Leah hurried past to the safety of her car.

  Why had she come? He was there to get away and despite what his mother thought, the guy didn’t want her anywhere near him.

  “What an ass,” Leah said out loud. “And I’m an idiot.”

  She drove to Billings to visit her mother, needing to forget she’d ever met Luke Hamilton.

  A week later, Mother Nature decided to give Montana one more blast of summer and Leah was glad for it. She opened the windows and doors allowing the house to warm up, not caring if it was a bit too hot.

  When her cell dinged, she read the display and looked around
the space before answering.

  “We have an offer,” the male real estate agent sounded giddy on her phone.

  “For how much?”

  “There was a bidding war. Ten thousand over asking price,” the agent said. “When can we set up the closing? The buyers are anxious to move forward and want to set it up within thirty days.”

  The wind blew leaves in through the front door, they fluttered across the wide arches leading to the dining room, on past through the dining room. Leah followed the progress and they floated out the open French doors to the back yard where Rosie slept on the deck.

  “Let me think about it. I will call you back on Monday.” She hung up not giving the guy time to try to manipulate her to answer right away. That they’d accepted the asking price and offered ten thousand more shocked her. She’d priced high expecting lower offers.

  Rosie walked through the door and scratched at the cabinet where her treats were kept. That particular one would need painting now.

  Moments later, treat in her mouth, the happy dog scampered back out and she followed it outside.

  It was a beautiful clear day, barely a cloud in the sky. In the distance she could make out Luke’s red heifers. They’d taken to hanging out close to the property line, seeming to like the fresh grasses there and had become a constant reminder of him.

  She blew out a breath. Accepting the offer meant she’d be able to return to Billings. Back to her condo, where she could prepare to return to work. Four long months remained on her sabbatical. Time was moving slowly and yet at the same time, once the property was sold, she’d only have ninety days remaining.

  For some strange reason, the thought of returning to her corporate job at Morgan Investments didn’t hold the allure it once had. The pang of missing it was gone now. Although she did look forward to the availability and convenience of life in the bigger city, she’d become accustomed to the slower life in Laurel Creek.

  Should she sell the property? Maybe it was possible to remain and work from there. There were many opportunity’s for consulting and such.

  Leah considered what her father would say. He’d left the decision of what to do with the land up to her.

  Just then the phone rang again and she was surprised to see it was her brother.

  “Hi Matt,” she said into the speaker. “Long time.”

  Her brother’s deep voice was friendly. “Hey. Dad told me you’re at the ranch. The family and I are coming up next week. The girls want to see you. Got room for a rowdy family?”

  Her heart leaped at the thought. “Of course!”

  They spoke for a few moments and she decided the timing was perfect. She’d put off setting a sale date until discussing everything with her brother.

  Leah went back to the door to keep an eye on Rosie. How long had it been since she could spend time with her brother’s family without it being squeezed in between long office hours or perhaps scant minutes on a Sunday?

  He’d not said how long they were staying, but it occurred to her that it didn’t matter. Not one bit. Her lips curved as she considered what she needed to purchase to prepare for her two young nieces.

  “Anybody home?” Allison arrived later that day with her usual flurry. Windblown hair and a massive flower print bag on her shoulder, her friend smiled wide. “I brought wine!”

  Allison sat back lifting the glass of wine to her lips. “So much is going on. You’ve got my head spinning.”

  “Actually mine is too and it’s not from the wine. I keep changing my mind. It’s not like me at all. Once I make a decision, I stick to it. But this time, things are different. It’s my family. My home.”

  “What did your dad say?”

  Her father had not sounded happy, but he’d agreed about it being her decision. “He said the land was mine. That he didn’t want me to feel I had to keep it just to make him happy.”

  Allison nodded, her lips curving. “What do you think Matt will say?”

  “Matt and Cheryl love living on her family’s land, so he’ll probably try to talk me out of it. He’s never been interested in working at the company. Loves the farm life.”

  More and more she could see why, as the night sounds wafted in through the open windows. There was little that could compete with the peacefulness of life there. “I can’t believe I used to find being here so boring. Funny how being older changes one’s perspective.”

  “I am considering moving to Laurel Creek.”

  Leah was surprised at her friend’s admission. “Why? You don’t have anyone here do you?”

  “Nope,” Allison replied. “After Mom and Dad passed, my brother and sister both moved away. They’re both in Seattle and other than the rental house here, we don’t have any roots. The lease is almost up and I am thinking it would be an awesome place to open a shop on the first floor and live above it.”

  “What about David?” Leah said, referring to Allison’s boyfriend of almost ten years.

  “David is David. He goes with the flow. I'm not sure he’ll want to come with me.”

  Her friend’s boyfriend was not who Leah pictured as the one for Allison. Although she didn’t dislike the man as he’d always been nice and attentive to Allison, there never seemed to be a special spark between them.

  “What if he doesn’t want to come with you?”

  Allison shrugged. “Then he won’t. I’m not sure I want to continue the relationship anyway. We have been spending less and less time together lately. He’s even hinted to moving out to Butte to be closer to where his kids live.”

  “Butte?”

  “Yep.” Allison shuddered. “I think my coming here would give him the excuse he needs.”

  “Wow.” Leah leaned back wondering about all the changes. “So, when I go back home, you won’t be in Billings for me to hound anymore if you move here.”

  “Unless you change your mind. Anything can still happen,” Allison said in a singsong voice. “You never know. Mr. Prince in shining armor may be right around the corner.”

  “My last so called prince is in a mental hospital...and he kicked me out the one time I tried to visit him. His armor is rusty.”

  Allison giggled. “He’s working the kinks out. He’ll be back around. It was probably embarrassing for him. I mean what guy wants a girl to see him in a clinic. He probably wasn’t sure how to deal with it.”

  “I don’t think he’s my prince either way.”

  “Right.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I mean, you care more than you want to admit.”

  “It was just a fling. I'm sure my heart will recover.” Leah placed the back of her right hand over her forehead. “Some day my real prince will come.”

  Allison giggled. “Then again, we may be too old for princes. We need to settle for the clock maker or the baker.”

  They got up and took the dishes into the kitchen. Allison flipped on the television to a music only channel. “Let’s sit on the porch for a bit. I want to look at the stars.”

  “I have a better idea.” Leah hurried to the linen closet and dragged out an old comforter. “Let’s lay on the grass while we do it.”

  Moments later they lay side-by-side, a content Rosie with them as they watched the starry sky.

  “We used to do this all the time and plan our futures. Now we’re both in our forties and it’s here.”

  Leah laughed. “Yep. We didn’t quite live up to our expectations did we?”

  “Are you kidding me?” Allison turned to her with a wide grin. “We are kicking ass.”

  A falling star streaked across the sky and out of habit Leah made a wish. She certainly didn’t feel as if she was kicking ass at the moment. If anything, life was having a hay day kicking hers.

  * * *

  Matt, his wife Cheryl, and the girls arrived late on Monday morning. Leah blinked back tears when both her nieces rushed to her with open arms. They’d grown so much since she’d last seen them only months earlier. She made a vow to herself in
that moment as the giggling girls ran back to get their small bags. Never would she allow so much time to pass again between visits.

  “Hi sis.” Matt came toward her lugging a suitcase and a tote bag. Which being it was pink definitely did not belong to him.

  She hurried to help him only to be engulfed in a tight hug.

  “We have news,” her brother announced, looking back at his wife.

  23

  Luke brought his horse to a stop atop a small hill to take in the view. Although Taylor had assured him the cows he’d purchased were fine, he wanted to check for himself. The damn things had taken to hanging out near where the fence had been worked on, which meant they were out of sight from the house and stables.

  Sure enough, they grazed lazily on tall grasses, not bothering to take notice of him.

  In the distance, he made out Leah’s black dog racing toward him. Tongue lolling out of its mouth, the dog barked protesting him being so near. Obviously, the animal had become territorial and protected its home.

  Luke dismounted and walked to the fence. Upon seeing him crouch down, the dog hurried closer wagging its tail.

  “So much for protection,” Luke said reaching through the wide vertical posts to pet its head. “Hi Rosie. You’re not supposed to wag your tail.”

  A whistle sounded and both he and the dog looked toward Leah’s house. She stood in the back scanning the area with one hand shading her eyes. In a blue blouse and cut off shorts, she looked sexy. She looked towards where he and the dog were but didn’t acknowledge him.

  From so far away, she couldn’t tell if it was he or Tobias. Luke lifted his hand in greeting.

  Leah took a moment before responding with a slow wave of her hand, no doubt hoping it wasn’t him.

  “Go on girl. You’re being summoned,” he said to the dog that gave him one last look before scampering toward its owner.

  Although he felt like shit over how he’d treated her, it was for the best. She didn’t need someone like him in her life and the sooner he accepted the future would not include a woman, the better.