Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series

by McQueen, Hildie

  Luke mounted up and headed back to the house. His mind was constantly on Leah. Probably hated his guts and with good reason. He’d acted pretty badly when she’d gone out of her way to visit.

  The journal she’d given him was safely tucked in his t-shirt drawer. He had plans for his next steps in setting down roots and starting his new chapter. It didn’t include a woman. But damn if he didn’t keep picturing a beautiful blonde every time he thought of what it would be like.

  Making his way to the house from the stables, Luke chuckled as Speck, the tiny dog raced toward him. The little dog had adapted well to life there and it was comical to see how it commanded attention, and got it from all three of them.

  “Hey Speck.” Luke bent down to scoop the little dog up. It wiggled and licked his face before kicking its legs signaling wanting to be put down.

  His phone chimed and Luke was surprised at the displayed name.

  Christina Hamilton.

  “Hello.”

  The last time he’d heard from his ex-wife had been almost two years earlier when she’d needed him to sign some paperwork so she could sell the car they’d owned together. Now her voice sounded breathless. Immediately he stopped walking and prepared for whatever news she’d give.

  “I’m getting married. I wanted you to know.”

  He wasn’t sure why she felt the need to inform him, except that she was a nice person. Christina had given him more chances than he’d deserved. Had been patient until he’d gotten so out of control. It had sucked when she’d asked for a divorce. But in her defense, between stints overseas, he’d frightened her with the severe flashbacks and refusing to seek treatment had not helped matters.

  “Congratulations. Who’s the lucky guy?”

  There was a long silence and his gut tightened.

  “Charles...Charles O’Brien.”

  Luke couldn’t speak. How and when had she gotten to know him? Could it be the same person he thought? “You mean O’Brien’s father? The kid that I served with?”

  There was throat clearing. “Yes. I met him at the funeral. You refused to go. We’ve kept in touch and then last year we began dating.”

  “Not sure what to say.”

  “I know. I don’t expect you to say anything. It’s just because of who he is that I wanted you to know from me. We’re happy Luke. He’s moved on and wants to start a life with me. I want you to be happy too. To hopefully fall in love, get remarried. You deserve it.”

  After she asked about his parents and that he’d give them her love, Christina ended the call.

  If ever there was a twist, this was one he didn’t expect. From what the kid had told him, O’Brien’s parents were already divorced before he died. He tried to remember why he’d not gone to the funeral. It would have been the right thing to do. Guilt however had stopped him.

  How many funerals had Christina attended in his place?

  Letting out a breath, he looked up at the sky just a huge cloud moved across it. The formation blocked the sun for a few moments and then continued its trek. Life did go on it seemed.

  It didn’t matter whether a person enjoyed it or hated it.

  Since his return to Laurel Creek, after spending two long weeks at the clinic, he’d been doing well dealing with things. He vowed to take each day as it came and not think too much more into the future than warranted. Now he wondered if perhaps what he’d done was allowed guilt to take away what could have been a good life.

  All the years wasted, letting his mental issues overtake him. Letting the guilt stop him from living.

  “Move your shit out of my way.” Taylor tried to maneuver around Luke’s gym bag while carrying a wooden box into the living room.

  “What the hell is that?” Luke followed his cousin, curious to what was in the dusty box he carried. “Where’d you drag it out from?”

  “I found this in the garage. Looks like all kinds of old crap. I mean really old.”

  Taylor placed the box down with care. “Not sure why we hadn’t noticed it before. I’m cleaning things out to put up shelves.”

  Two hours later, now joined with Tobias, the three sat in silence. In the box were old pictures of ancestors, some drawings from Tobias’ namesake, and quite a few odds and ends of items owned by the Hamiltons back in the 1800’s.

  “I can’t believe Mom and Dad never said anything about these. They should be better stored.” Tobias held up a sketch. “I’m having these framed.”

  Although his brother was gifted, he’d not done any artwork in a long time. Luke met his gaze. “You should do more artwork.”

  His brother shrugged.

  “What do you want?” Taylor picked up a horse that had been whittled by someone. “This is like a time capsule.”

  Looking over the items his ancestors once used, Luke’s gaze kept going to a wooden box. “I want this.” He picked it up and studied it. On the bottom the initials “E.J.” were etched.

  “We should ask your Dad what he wants to do with the rest,” Taylor suggested, but none of them moved.

  Tobias, always the more introspect let out a long breath. “They’re gone, the people responsible for us being here. Ain’t that strange that we hold items they once held?”

  “Yep and here on the same lands,” Luke said looking at the box. “It feels almost like an honor. We’re lucky they were strong people who left us land and a way of life.”

  “Did you know Leah is selling her land? Some realtors were there the other day. Wonder if she’s got some offers,” Tobias told them.

  “No shit? Damn,” Taylor replied looking at Luke. “Did you know about it?”

  “Yep.”

  Thunder sounded in the distance.

  “Summer storm,” Taylor mumbled, looking at him. “You gonna be okay?”

  “I’m good.” Luke looked out the window. “But it may scare the horses.”

  “Thought of that,” Tobias said. “Better close the stable doors.”

  All three got up and hurried out. Instead of walking, they got into a truck to get there faster.

  Once they returned, the rain began falling.

  “It’s gonna be a gully washer,” Taylor said shaking the rain off his hair while on the porch.

  Tobias laughed. “Just because we were digging around old junk doesn’t mean you can start talking like that.” He turned to Luke. “Coming?”

  From the truck Luke met his brother’s gaze. “Nah. I have to check on someone.”

  24

  Thunder sounded once again and she jumped. “I have to go.” Leah’s hand shook as she placed the cell phone on the couch arm. It had been a long time since she’d been so furious. Of all the things to do, this was the worst. The realtor had been shocked when she’d shouted at him and although she’d apologized before hanging up, she still felt bad for taking her anger out on the poor guy.

  Coming there to the ranch and attempting to do anything was a huge mistake. Not only did she not follow through on her first idea of making it a cattle ranch, but now she was backing out of selling it. Especially not to the person who’d offered extra money.

  “Anxious buyer my foot,” Leah said stalking to the front door. She needed fresh air, to walk off the emotions that didn’t make sense. Perhaps it was all the time alone that was affecting her. Although rain began falling, the wide front porch would be dry.

  Or it could be her brother’s announcement that they were expecting a third child. Too much happened. Where was her life in all of it?

  Someone knocked and she stomped to it. When she yanked the door open, the last person she needed to see stood on the porch drenched.

  “You need to get the fuck away from me right now,” Leah said pointing past Luke to his truck. “I am so over you.”

  His gazed moved over her and he frowned. “Can I talk to you?”

  Past the point of reason, Leah’s teeth chattered at the words. “No. I don’t want to talk to you.”

  As if to accentuate her statement, lightening crisscro
ssed overhead and Leah took a step backward. “You’d better go.”

  Luke didn’t move. Instead he let out a long breath and the muscle on the side of his jaw flexed. “I apologize.”

  Giving up and not wanting to be struck by lightening, she turned and went back inside flinging the door closed. Of course Luke blocked it with his foot and followed her in. On the verge of angry tears, she squeezed her eyes shut. This was not the time to cry, she was not going to act like a damn girl in front of him.

  “What do you want Luke? To rub in my face that you’re outbidding any other buyer for my land?”

  “Why won’t you sell it to me?” He was magnificent in a tight black t-shirt and black hat. A villain impossible to tame. “It’s what you want isn’t it? To leave, go back to your office job.”

  Office job? Did she even have that anymore? Her biggest client had asked for his account to be transferred to Zack. Apparently they’d hit it off over drinks.

  Her dog, who had been hiding under a blanket since the storm started, rushed from under it to Luke, wagging her tail and acting as if Luke were there to save the day. The dog fell back allowing him to rub her belly when he bent down to greet her.

  He straightened his face, hard to read as always. “I apologize for acting like I did when you came to see me. I was embarrassed.”

  His apology caught her off guard and she almost said the cursory “it’s okay”, but it wasn’t “okay”. He wouldn’t get off that easy.

  “You know what, whatever. I get it. Let’s just leave it at that. I’m exhausted, not sure what the hell to say to you right now.”

  There was a long pause, then he took his hat off and held it down to his side. “It’s hard to explain how much I’ve lost. The war took some of my friends and guys I was supposed to protect. I allowed it to take my marriage and time with my family I’ll never get back.”

  He looked down at his boots. “I don’t expect you to understand and it’s not an excuse. I offered to buy the land so you can get it back if you ever change your mind.”

  Leah’s mouth fell open. “What?”

  When he lifted his gaze to her, she lost her breath at the pain reflected. “I don’t want you to lose the opportunity to pass this place and your family history to whoever comes after.”

  “I don’t have children Luke. Like you, I allowed my work to take things. Too many things.”

  The right corner of his mouth lifted. Probably the closest she’d ever get to see him smile. “You might still.”

  “Ha. I’m in my forties.”

  His shrug almost made her smile. Her brother was in his forties, his wife as well. The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were happy. Perhaps it wasn’t too late for her, but then again, unless she went to a sperm bank, it was so not happening.

  Finally she relented and walked to the kitchen, knowing he’d follow. “I just turned down your offer. Told the realtor I’d changed my mind. I admit, the main reason was that I didn’t want to sell to you. But another reason is that I am not sure I can go through with it.”

  He moved closer and pinned her with a darkened gaze. With her emotions all over the place, the last thing she needed was a fling with a guy that would leave right after.

  “I don’t want to lose any chance I have with you. Tell me what to do.”

  Okay so this was so not what she expected him to say. The day was supposed to end with her drinking wine while calming a nervous dog and crying into a half-gallon bucket of ice cream.

  “What do you mean exactly?” She’d misunderstood him before, so Luke had to explain what the hell he was talking about.

  “Today I realized everyone moves on, even those who’ve lost so much more than me. I planned to stay here in Laurel Creek, start my own ranch, and fight daily to keep the monsters at bay. I planned to do it alone, so I wouldn’t make someone else miserable when I have to be alone, or need a way to control my anger.”

  He reached for her hand and pulled her closer. Leah didn’t resist, but she stopped short of any part of them touching. “Why are you telling me all this?”

  “Because when the storm started, I hurried to ensure the horses would be safe, yet the only thing I kept thinking was that you were alone and that I didn’t like it. I want to be sure you are safe. You matter to me. Tell me what to do. I want to be your man, Leah.”

  Once again she could only stare at him. Damn if the guy didn’t just melt her heart. As much as she wanted to be strong, resistance flew out the window to join the storm in a dance.

  “Stay the night. Keep me safe.”

  He tugged her to the couch and they sat down. When he opened his arms, she settled against his side. Luke placed his hat on the ottoman next to his outstretched leg.

  “Tell me about the war.”

  There was a long silence and then he began talking.

  “There was this kid named Keller O’Brien, the most optimistic person I’ve ever met. Even while under fire, the kid kept his cool and would rarely lose his temper....”

  Leah listened to him talk about people that had probably died. His deep voice stable and strong as the storm raged outside. Rosie jumped on the couch and settled on the other side of Luke and promptly fell asleep.

  While listening to him describe things she never imagined, her eyes became heavy and slumber claimed Leah.

  25

  They walked side by side down the sidewalk after leaving Melba’s diner. Luke attracted attention. His muscular body combined with height and good looks were a sight. He tugged her against him and kissed the side of her head.

  Although he didn’t talk a lot, the way he communicated with actions was more than enough.

  Just as they stepped off the sidewalk to cross the road, a truck turned from the street directly toward them. The driver caught sight of them and slowed, but barely. The asshole continued moving forward expecting them to move out of his way.

  Leah held her breath when Luke pushed her behind him, every muscle tensing.

  Oh no. She took his hand and pulled him back. Jaw set he watched the truck driver who hesitated to get out of the truck upon taking in Luke’s size and expression.

  The dumbass climbed out acting as if he didn’t see them.

  “You almost hit us,” Luke said, advancing toward the idiot who glanced to her then Luke.

  “I didn’t hit you. So that counts, right?” Okay so the asshole proved her assessment of him. He went to walk away but Luke stepped in his path. Finally it dawned on the genius that a huge muscle bound guy was pissed enough to punch his face in.

  The guy lifted his hands. “Man, sorry. I didn’t see you until I was almost parked. I should have stopped.” He looked to Leah. “Sorry about that.”

  Leah held her breath as Luke’s hands clenched into fists. The guy noticed it too and took a step back.

  After a silent moment, Luke turned to her. “Let’s go.”

  A long breath left her burning lungs and Luke gave her an understanding look, lips pressed together.

  She reached over and tapped the end of his nose. “I love you.”

  His rounded eyes met hers. “You do?”

  “Mmm hmmm.”

  They walked to her car and Leah could’ve sworn she saw him smile.

  * * *

  Luke was coming for dinner. He’d offered to cook, claiming to be tired of eating with his brother and cousin every night. She smiled since he’d been over at her house most evenings.

  They’d yet to make love and although she understood he was trying to prove himself, a part of her missed it. Although the times they’d made love it had been more of a hook-up, it had still been amazing.

  This night, she did not plan to give him the option of leaving. Since the night of the storm, he’d yet to stay over.

  Rosie barked outside. Through the window the familiar blue truck approached and there were yaps as Luke lowered Speck to the ground. The tiny dog raced around in circles chased by a delighted Rosie.

  Moments later, Luke walked in with
two bags of groceries. His gaze went straight to her. “Hi.”

  Leah laughed. “Hi yourself. What all do you have there?”

  As delicious as the steak dinner had been, Leah was anxious to be with Luke, so she’d hurried through the meal while assessing how best to move forward.

  Luke helped her clean up and afterward poured two glasses of wine.

  “I’ll be right back.” Leah excused herself and went to the bedroom. She removed her clothes and straightened the lines of her panties. After that, she brushed her hair out and applied lip-gloss.

  Satisfied, she went to the dresser and lit two candles she’d placed there earlier and turned down the blankets.

  Her stomach flipped as she touched perfume to her neck and down the center of her breasts.

  “Luke, can you come here for a minute?” She waited by the bed, feeling sensual in the candlelight, lingerie and high heels.

  He walked through the door with the wine glasses in hand and stopped, his gaze roaming over her then looking into her eyes. “Damn. Wow.”

  The statement made her lips curve. “Thought you’d like to help me finish getting undressed.”

  After placing the glasses on the dresser, he took in the candles for a moment. Leah was fascinated by the lowered brows and slight flare to his nostrils. Over the last few days, she’d learned to read him better. Although Luke was a master of masking how he felt, there were little tell signs.

  “Definitely. Where should I start?” He reached for her bra strap, and slid it off her shoulder and pressed a kiss to where it had been. His mouth lingered on the spot and she cupped the side of his face.

  Leah leaned her head to the right and closed her eyes as his tongue trailed up the side of her neck to her jaw and back down. His hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her against him, the friction of his clothing against her bare skin sending shivers up Leah’s spine.

  “Oh,” she exclaimed when he bent and took her exposed nipple into his mouth. Luke sucked it in hard and she gasped.

  Nipping at the tender tip, he’d then pulled it back into his mouth each time ensuring to be gentle enough not to hurt her while his hands slid up and down her back.