Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series

by McQueen, Hildie

  The look on Luke’s face was priceless. He blinked rapidly and she could have sworn his eyes were shiny with tears. He stood and rounded the table.

  When his heavy arms enveloped her, Leah leaned back. “I want to stay here with you. I love my life and can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

  They made coffee and walked out back to ensure the dogs didn’t get into mischief.

  “This is wonderful isn’t it?” A peace fell over Leah and immediately she knew the right decision had been made.

  Luke put his cup down and moved closer. Taking the cup from her hands, he then tipped her face up and kissed her. The kiss was soft yet not without demand. It was gentle, while at the same time conveying emotion. “Thank you.”

  “For?” She caressed his jaw. “What are you thanking me for Luke?”

  “For loving me back.”

  She pretended to be shocked. “Did you just admit to loving me?”

  Instead of a reply, his mouth covered hers. Luke would prove exactly how he felt by showing her. As she gave in to his kiss, the dogs rushed inside. They probably didn’t want to be left outside as the couple would no doubt head to the bedroom to not emerge until morning.

  “Smart dogs,” Luke said as he lifted her into his arms and headed inside.

  28

  Allison hummed as she painted the antique dresser she would turn into a display for jewelry and ceramic boxes for trinkets. The soft music wafting through the room and aroma of freshly baked shortbread made for a perfect afternoon.

  She and Leah were to spend the next day at the ranch perusing catalogs and choosing items to order for Allison’s inventory. She’d bring shortcake and spiced tea.

  Her new shop, Enchanted Woods, would open in a couple of weeks. Already she did brisk business selling flowers from the front room. It seemed the residents of Laurel Creek were excited about a gift and flower shop.

  Not for the first time, Allison stopped working to look out the wide front window. She and her boyfriend of almost ten years had split. It had hurt to see the look of relief when she’d informed him she planned to move. At the same time, Allison had been aware things were not going well between them.

  So many decisions had been made in her life based on what others wanted. This time she was doing something because it was exactly what she’d dreamed of doing for years. To run a beautiful little shop in a small town. A place she could live out her days and not worry about whether or not someone else agreed with whatever she did.

  There was another strong reason for her decision. She held her breath as a person who sparked more than her interest walked up the steps and onto the front porch.

  He scowled at the wreath on the door before pulling it open.

  Allison straightened as he walked in.

  “Good afternoon. I was told you could help me with flowers?” Taylor seemed uncomfortable.

  Allison’s stomach lurched at being alone with Taylor Hamilton, the man she’d often daydreamed about.

  “Sure, how about you look over those.” She pointed to a small cooled display. “I have three to choose from, all of them are very pretty.”

  He glanced at the flowers giving her a chance to study his handsome face. “I need them delivered. To someone in another town.”

  “Oh.” Allison became curious. “I can certainly help you chose something, you’ll have to use FTD delivery. To whom are we sending these to?”

  “Janice Hamilton, my ex-wife.”

  She hesitated, fingers over the keyboard of her laptop. “Of course.”

  Allison couldn’t believe her luck. The man was still hung up on his ex.

  So much for expecting something to happen between her and Taylor.

  More to come... Read Broken: Taylor coming this winter

  Author’s Note

  Whether a rancher, a highlander or a hunky cowboy, you will fall in love with Hildie McQueen's heroes!

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Jaded: Luke. I have first hand experience to the changes that serving during wartime can cause. My husband and coworkers were all deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq when the war broke out. Two have since died returning, one took his life. The sacrifice of the brave soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and civilians who serve sometimes continues after long they return.

  If you are looking forward to Broken: Taylor, to be released this winter. I can’t wait to share his story with you!

  Ex-detective Taylor Hamilton is broken. After the devastating loss of his children and parents, his marriage crumbled and fell apart. No matter how easygoing he appears, sadness overtakes him when he’s alone. His way of dealing with it has him headed straight for disaster.

  Allison had two reasons for returning to her childhood home of Billings, Montana: a fresh start after a failing relationship and a handsome rancher she’s loved since high school. When Taylor thwarts her plans by courting his ex-wife, her heart is crushed once again. Perhaps there is a way to get his attention, even if it’s not entirely honest.

  Do Taylor and Allison have a second chance at love, or will they destroy each other in the process?

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