Colorado Sunset (Peakview Series Book 1)

by Jill Haymaker

  “Welcome back,” he said. “I hope you dressed warmly enough. They say it is going to frost tonight. We may even get some snow.”

  Strangely June did not feel cold—just exhilarated. “It’s great to be here.” She walked up on the porch. Feeling brave, she continued right up to Jeff and gave him a tentative hug, which he returned in kind. God, he smelled good. She stepped back. How handsome he looked in his dress jeans and soft flannel shirt! His smoldering blue eyes caught hers and held her captive. A smile curved the edge of his luscious lips.

  Luke stepped out onto the porch, interrupting the moment. “You look mighty fine tonight, ma’am. Doesn’t she, Dad?”

  “Yes she does.” Jeff looked at her appreciatively. “Would you like to come in out of the cold, or do you want to take a walk down to the barn first? It will be dark soon.”

  “I’d love to walk down to the barn.”

  “Well, you kids have fun,” Luke said smiling. “I think I’ll go back inside and have a beer. It’s been a long day.”

  Jeff took her hand in his and headed off the porch toward the barn. June followed, trying to stifle the enormous smile on her face. This felt right. They fell into a comfortable silence until they reached the barn and Jeff opened the big door.

  “Do you recognize these little guys?”

  The JJ and Lil stuck their heads over the rail in anticipation.

  “Wow, they’ve grown in the past two months!” June reached over to scratch their heads.

  “I think they remember you.”

  “They’re so beautiful. I was wondering how you picked their names?”

  Jeff seemed suddenly shy and in the fading light, June swore he even blushed slightly. “That’s between me and them, but if you play your cards right, maybe I’ll tell you later.” Jeff put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to his side.

  June leaned into his embrace, feeling as though she belonged. Jeff brushed the top of her head with a light kiss which sent waves of warmth clear to her toes. She’d let the name thing drop for now, but her curiosity would eventually get the better of her and she would ask again. She followed Jeff around as he checked all the gates and said goodnight to various horses in the barn. Her mom had always said you could tell whether a man was a nice person by the way he treated animals. If Jeff’s loving and gentle demeanor with the horses was any indication, he was an extraordinary man. After checking all the horses, he spent a few minutes petting Shep and making sure he had several warm blankets in his dog bed to keep him cozy.

  “Doesn’t he sleep in the house on cold nights?” June would never leave Laddie outside. She missed her dog.

  “We tried when he was a pup, but he has always wanted to be in the barn. He’s a true ranch dog—not a house dog—I guess. He gets such a thick undercoat in the winter. I think he’s too hot in the house. When the temperature falls below zero though, I do make him come and sleep in the mud room. However, he’s always excited to get back out in the morning. Come on, let’s head up to the house where we’ve got a nice fire going.”

  June followed slowly, savoring every minute. Jeff opened the front door, and June was blasted with a rush of warm air as she saw a blazing fire in the big, stone fireplace. Luke was kicked back in a big leather chair, sipping his beer and gazing into the flames. June couldn’t help briefly worrying about him. He was so young, and handsome. He looked lonely sitting there. Why weren’t there young ladies beating down the doors to get to him? June pulled her thoughts back. Stop being such a mother.

  “Would you like something to drink?” Jeff asked. “I got a bottle of Merlot, the finest Peakview Liquors had to offer. I don’t know much about wines, so I hope its drinkable.”

  “That would be great.”

  June was flattered that he cared enough to get her wine, although a beer would have been fine with her. She couldn’t have cared less what she drank, as long as she was with him. No alcohol was required to make her feel light-headed tonight.

  “I think I’ll join you.” Jeff uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses of wine into crystal wine glasses that had not been out of the china cabinet in years.

  Luke raised his eyebrows at his dad as in disbelief that his dad was opting for red wine over a cold Coors. She liked that he was willing to share some wine with her, even if it wasn’t his beverage of choice.

  Jeff sat down next to her on the big leather couch. Jeff and Luke entertained her with a detailed discussion on Colorado ranch life in autumn. June was truly interested in hearing about all their preparations for the upcoming winter. She was amazed at how complicated their life was and how much she could tell that they loved being ranchers. She loved the way the father and son interacted, joked, and seemed to truly love and respect each other. Prompted by their questions, she told them some stories about packing up her longtime home in Ohio, and how she was now basically a homeless person—with no clear plan.

  “Where do you want to end up?” Luke asked.

  “I’m really not sure. I do like Colorado. I was thinking about checking out the Denver and Fort Collins areas before I head back. A fresh start might be nice.” She stole a glance in Jeff’s direction and he was smiling. Maybe he would like her to stick around somewhere close after all.

  “I highly recommend Colorado.” Jeff grinned. “Although I’m not much for the cities, I guess there’s not many jobs here in Peakview. Excuse me; I need to check on dinner.”

  “Can I help with anything?”

  “Thanks, but no. This one’s on me. We made you work too hard for your dinner last time you were here.” Jeff smiled back at her as he walked into the kitchen. That smile. It devastated her and made her heart flutter every time.

  Luke looked at her intently after his dad left the room. “If there is something going on between you and my dad, I want you to know I’m okay with it.”

  June fidgeted in her seat. “That’s very sweet of you, Luke, but we hardly know each other. I do believe he is a very nice man.”

  “The best. I worry about him though. I don’t want him to be alone forever on account of me. I can’t remember seeing him this happy since my mom died. You seem to bring out the best in him. I thought you should know.”

  June hurried to change the subject before she got in over her head, “How about you Luke? Are there a special woman in your life?”

  “Not really. I had a serious girlfriend, Penny, in high school. At seventeen, I thought we would be together forever, but she left for college and big city life right after we graduated. She couldn’t wait to get away from our mountain lifestyle. It’s been almost four years, but I really haven’t dated much since then. Not many girls my age in Peakview. The ones who stuck around are mostly married or engaged. Besides, it’s not my top priority right now. This ranch holds my heart and keeps me plenty busy. Maybe someday.” Luke had a far away look in his eyes.

  “Well, take it from someone who has lived more years than you, don’t let life pass you by while you are working. Make some time for fun too. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it.”

  “My brother is always saying he knows some girls down in Denver I might like. Maybe I will go down and hang out with him sometime this winter when the ranch work slows down. She’d have to be a country girl though; I could never stay in the city for any length of time. Dad and I are definitely alike in that regard.”

  Luke got up to stir the fire, and June’s thoughts turned to her own kids. Did they worry about her, like Luke did about Jeff? What would they think if they knew what she was up to right now? And for that matter, what was she up to? For the first time in as long as she could remember, she was following her heart and not her head. It felt good, but also a little scary. No—a lot scary!

  “Dinner’s ready,” Jeff called from the doorway.

  June followed Luke into the dining room, where Jeff had set three places. To June’s delight, there was candlelight and soft music playing in the background.

  Luke let out a slow whistle. “Nice jo
b, Dad.”

  The chili was delicious and hit the spot on a cold evening. Along with it, Jeff had put together a salad and heated some warm French bread. June dug right in. She had never been one to eat lightly in front of a man, and the chili was heavenly. She didn’t worry much about what she ate, since she still had her small petite figure. Jeff and Luke appeared to have ranch-size appetites, probably from all of their hard physical work each day. There sure didn’t seem to be an ounce of fat on either one of them. Each helped himself to seconds, as June leaned back in her chair, stuffed. She relaxed and enjoyed another glass of wine—two being her self-imposed limit. Any more than that and she would start feeling a little bit tipsy. She needed all of her wits about her tonight.

  They were nearing the end of the meal, when June’s cell phone rang. How rude to have left her phone on during dinner. To tell the truth, she had forgotten she had it with her. There was no cell phone reception up at Peaktop Ranch. She had only brought it along out of habit or in case of an emergency with her kids or Laddie.

  “I’m so sorry,” she said as she pulled the phone out of her pocket and looked at the caller ID. Tom and Betty’s name popped up. “It’s my neighbors who are watching Laddie. If you’ll excuse me, I need to make sure everything is alright.”

  “Hello.”

  “Hi June. I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Betty’s voice said. “How’s the ranch?”

  “It’s great. Cattle herding is a lot of work though. I’m definitely getting my exercise. Is everything okay?”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine, but we’re a little worried about Laddie. He’s never stayed with us when he didn’t go home to eat and play in his own yard. Now he sees other people at his house, and he can’t go over there. You’re not around, and he seems really confused.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about that. Poor dog. Is he eating? Do I need to come home?”

  “Oh no, we don’t want to ruin your vacation. I think he’ll be fine. He’s eating like always. We thought that maybe hearing your voice would help to reassure him.”

  “Sure, that sounds like a good idea. Put the phone by him.” June paused. “Hi Laddie. I love you. Sorry you are confused. I’ll be home soon! You be a good dog for Betty and Tom.”

  “He’s wagging his tail now. Thanks, June. I’ll let you know if there is any more of a problem. Enjoy the rest of your trip.”

  June looked up, feeling foolish for carrying on a conversation with her dog in front of Jeff. “Laddie doesn’t understand why there are strangers in his home. My neighbors Tom and Betty Samson are the best. I never considered that Laddie would be confused.”

  “Glad he is okay,” Jeff said with genuine empathy in his voice. “Let’s move back into the living room where it is more comfortable. Luke, I’ll grab you a cup of coffee. June would you like some tea?”

  “I would love some,” June said pleased that he had remembered her preference.

  “Look outside,” Luke said as he got up from the table. “It’s snowing!”

  “Wow.” June watched big fluffy flakes come down right beyond the porch. “Does it usually snow this early in Colorado?”

  “Sometimes even earlier,” Jeff replied. “We’ve had major snow storms in October, sometimes even in late September. It’s not good for the crops when it comes too early. This is our first snowfall this year.”

  The fluffy snowflakes filled the sky and started to blanket the ground. Jeff opened the door giving her a better view. June followed him out onto the slippery snow-covered porch. Jeff grabbed her arm and kept her from sliding. The temperature had fallen dramatically since they had come into the house before dinner. The crisp, frigid mountain air took June’s breath away, or maybe it was the nearness of Jeff. With his muscular arm steadying her, she took a step off the porch. She was immediately engulfed in white, as she tilted her head skyward and caught melting flakes on her tongue.

  “I love this,” she laughed.

  Her joy was contagious. Jeff laughed too. He couldn’t remember the last time he experienced joy from falling snow—probably sometime before Susan had died. His joy in simple things seemed to have died right along with her. He looked up, following June’s lead. Immediately his lashes and lips were covered in fluffy, melting flakes. Looking up into the heavens, made him think that Susan was up there somewhere, smiling down on him. The tear that escaped from the corner of his eye was hidden by the melting flakes.

  “We better head back inside before we are soaked.”

  June looked over at him, trying to read his thoughts. She reluctantly turned and followed him inside. She knew she should probably call it a night and head back before the roads got too slick, but there was no way she was cutting this night any shorter than need be. Who knew—this might be the last quality time she had with Jeff on this trip. She was determined to make it last as long as possible. If she got snowed in? Well, that was an inviting thought.

  As if reading her mind, Jeff said, “Don’t worry. If the snow gets too deep, I can always drive you back to Peaktop in my 4-wheel drive truck. It’ll go through anything. Luke and I can return your car in the morning.”

  June sighed and relaxed. He obviously didn’t want the night to end yet, either. As Luke added some logs to the fire, and Jeff brought tea and coffee in from the kitchen, June curled up in an afghan that was draped over the back of the soft leather couch. Luke suggested that they play a trivia board game. The next hour and a half was spent in a friendly—yet competitive game. June was pleasantly surprised that although Luke and Jeff appeared to lead a somewhat isolated life here at their ranch, they both had a vast knowledge of trivia and world events. The game was very close, until the very end when June managed to surge ahead and win by knowing that Cedar Point was an Ohio amusement park on Lake Erie.

  “No fair—she gets an Ohio question,” Luke whined. “Beaten by a girl. Dad, we need to practice more often.” Luke yawned and stood up, “You kids have fun. I’m going to hit the hay. Looks like I’ll be getting up extra early in the morning if this snow keeps up.”

  Can’t keep up with us, huh?” Jeff joked back.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Once Luke had climbed up the stairs and she heard a door click shut behind him, June said, “That’s a great kid you got there. You must be very proud.”

  “I’m so proud. It’s funny though—he’s become not only my son, but also my best friend. I hope I don’t inadvertently pile too much of the burdens of this place on him.”

  “I feel the same way about my kids. I’d love you to meet them someday.”

  “I’d love that, too.” Jeff smiled as he sat down beside her on the couch and pulled her—afghan and all—close to him. June leaned back against his muscular chest as they stared into the fire in silence, mesmerized by leaping flames and crackling wood. She could feel his hand gently caressing her shoulder and she leaned deeper into him. Please, please kiss me again. All she could think about was how tender his lips had felt on hers that night in September. She didn’t think she’d ever wanted anything so much as she wanted him right now. Oh, to just grab him and never let go—to once again explore his mouth with hers. She pushed her thoughts aside, after all, she had been raised on the principle that ladies never made the first move, and so she willed herself to be content with leaning against him. For now.

  Just when June thought she could stand it no more—the heat she felt from his closeness was so intense—Jeff reached down and gently turned her chin to face his. He planted a gentle kiss on her lips, staring deeply into her eyes, and melting her to the depths of her being.

  “I’m glad you wandered into my life, June Meyers.”

  “I’m glad too,” June breathed softly as she reached out to tentatively brush his lips with hers.

  “I’m afraid I’m not very good at this whole romance thing. Out of practice, I guess.”

  “I’m out of practice too, and you’re doing fine—just fine.”

  Jeff smiled and pulled her even closer, engu
lfing her in the kind of hug that never seemed to end. She felt his warm breath on her neck and his hands caressing her back tenderly. He gently placed warm kisses along her chin and down her neck. She shifted ever so slightly so that she could reach up and put her arms him, too, tangling her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. She opened her mouth and began to place her own butterfly kisses on his neck. He tasted so yummy—all salty and manly.

  Involuntarily, Jeff groaned. “You feel so good in my arms.” His mouth took hers again. This time his kiss, gentle at first, slowly deepened as his tongue parted her moist lips and entered her mouth.

  June moaned as she responded with her own tongue. Oh my god, this felt amazing. All sense of time and place vanished as his kisses continued. Her whole body became a raging inferno of desire for this incredible, sexy, sexy man.

  Jeff couldn’t believe he was holding her in his arms again. How they had ached for her! If he was honest with himself, this was what he had craved since the minute she drove away two months ago. All he thought about. He had spent so many restless nights dreaming about how she felt in his embrace and how sweetly she responded to his touch. He didn’t know why he had let her go then, but he was not about to repeat that mistake. The intensity level rose to a point where Jeff became afraid he would not be able to stop. He could not remember ever wanting anything more he wanted June at this moment. He pulled back—oh so slowly, putting a small distance between them. He felt his body shudder, as he gazed intently into her hypnotic emerald eyes.

  “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

  June giggled nervously. “It’s been a long time since anyone has called me beautiful.”

  “Well, it’s true. You should be told that every single day of your life. What do you want for your future, June?”

  June hesitated. Finally, she was in the arms of a man she adored. Should she play it cool? She surely didn’t want to scare him off by being too direct. What the heck. She was way too old to play games. She needed to tell the truth and bare her soul. If he didn’t want her for who she was, then she was better off without him.