Annie placed a hand on Cassie’s shoulder. “Have you spoken with his grandfather?”
“Seth’s as surprised as I was, and I know he feels terrible about how Matt left.” She stood and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “I’m sorry to dump all this on you. I just couldn’t take being alone another weekend with my roommates out of town.”
“Don’t be silly. This is exactly where you should be. In fact, you should have come home sooner. I know Heath is steaming about the entire situation. And you know he loves Matt.”
Annie took a seat next to Cassie and leaned close. “You know, I never did like that boy.”
Cassie’s gaze swung to Annie’s in shock. Then she saw her stepmother’s mouth curve into a slight smile. She let out a pained laugh and took Annie’s hand.
“I like that approach. Perhaps if I tell myself I never really liked him, it’ll be easier to get over him.”
“I don’t know if it will be easier, but I do know the pain will subside with time.”
Their heads turned at the sound of the front door opening and Heath walking toward them. He took one look at his daughter and the anger he felt at the way Matt had treated her burned all over again.
“Kade get settled all right?” Annie asked.
Heath tore his eyes away from Cassie. “He didn’t bring much except clothes, a box of books, and his computer. Oh, and his chopper. It is one of the nicest bikes I’ve ever seen.”
Annie gave him a knowing smile followed by a wink. He’d owned a Harley for several years while he’d been single, making the decision to sell it a few months before he’d met Annie. He had every intention of replacing it with a bigger Harley—he just never got around to it.
“I told him Eric bought another bike—” Heath began.
“He did?” Cassie didn’t think he’d ever get another one after his accident while still in college.
“About a month ago.”
“Are you okay with it?” Cassie asked Annie.
“It’s not my decision. He’s an adult and knows the dangers. I’ll worry, but I do that anyway.”
Cassie grabbed her purse. “I’m bushed. I think I’ll head upstairs to bed.”
Heath drew her into a hug, like the ones he’d given her when she was little. Cassie wasn’t little any longer, yet the hurt she felt now far outweighed the events in her past, and she appreciated his warm, comforting hug.
“Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep well.”
He waited until she’d left before turning to his wife. “I could strangle Matt.” He lowered himself into his big well-worn leather chair and scrubbed a hand down his face. “I understand he may have changed his mind about Cassie. But, hell, did he have to do it with a note?”
“He probably couldn’t face the way he knew Cassie would react. Matt knows how she loves him and how his decision would devastate her.”
“He took the coward’s way out.”
Annie didn’t answer. She loved Matt as if he were another son, had looked forward to him being a part of the family at some point. Now all she felt was heartache for Cassie and confusion over the way Matt handled it. Perhaps in time the reasons would become clear.
******
“Congratulations, Miss Sinclair. By all indications, you’ve crossed the last hurdle to your doctorate.” Dr. Krueger couldn’t have been more pleased with the way Brooke handled herself during the presentation and defense of her research. “There may be a few requests for modifications, but overall, you’ve achieved your goal.”
Brooke didn’t know what to say. She’d hoped and prayed to get through today without making a complete fool of herself. At Dr. Krueger’s suggestion, she’d obtained pre-approvals of her work from each committee member, yet even those personal nods wouldn’t have held up if she hadn’t been able to defend her work.
“Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance. Also, for accepting my transfer midway through the program.” She’d discovered her previous advisor and her ex-fiancé, Perry Worton, had been having an affair for months. Brooke had almost dropped out of the program before her family and friends urged her to find a new advisor and complete her degree.
“You were in a tough situation. I’m glad it all worked out so well.”
She waited in the reception area outside the room where the committee had met after her presentation. The wait wasn’t long and the congratulations were overwhelming. One professor asked if she planned to celebrate with champagne and someone special. An image of Kade flashed across her mind but she pushed it aside without hesitation. She told the professor what she wanted most was to fall into bed and sleep for a week.
A call to her mother had to come first.
“Hi, Mom. Yes, I just finished and it seemed to go very well. They congratulated me and one referred to me as Dr. Sinclair. Can you believe it?” The achievement had begun to settle in and her voice held a marked tone of excitement.
“That’s wonderful news. You’ve worked so hard for this and we couldn’t be more proud. Will you be calling Eric and Cam, or should I?”
“Would you mind calling them? All I want to do now is grab something to eat and fall into bed.”
“We’ll celebrate as soon as you’re able to come home. Do you have any idea of your timing?”
“I’ve been thinking about it, and for the time being, I plan to stay put. There are a couple of associate professor positions coming up and I may apply for one or both of them.”
“I understand. Just let us know when you are able to take off and we’ll try to get as much of the family here as possible.”
Brooke cringed when she heard the disappointment in her mother’s voice.
“I will. As soon as I have a better idea of what’s going on.”
“Whenever you can get here is fine. We love you Brooke.”
“Love you too, Mom. I’ll be in touch real soon.” She felt bad not being honest about her real plans, but she knew the look on her mother’s face when she arrived unannounced, with all her belongings, would be worth it.
******
“I can’t believe you didn’t call me right away.” Paige produced a mock pout as they toasted their frozen caramel macchiatos once more to Brooke’s success.
“Truthfully, all I did was go home, make some tea, and fall into bed. I didn’t even eat.”
“What now?”
“I’m letting go of my place, packing up, and heading home at the end of the month.”
Paige’s enthusiasm mellowed at her friend’s words. “Really? You’re going to leave for good?”
Even though Brooke didn’t second guess her decision, she knew leaving Paige would be hard. “I need to get out of here for a while. Dr. Krueger urged me to apply for an associate professor position in the management department and I told him I’d think about it. The odd part is, the thought of staying at the university no longer holds any appeal. I hope you understand.”
“Of course I understand. That doesn’t mean I like it.”
“When’s your last final?” Brooke asked.
“In two weeks.”
“Great. You can come with me. You’re between jobs, your parents are traveling in Europe, and you’ve already told me you have no plans for the summer.”
Paige’s mouth fell open before breaking into a broad smile. “I’d love to go with you.”
“I’ve given my notice, now all I have to do is pack up and rent a truck. By the end of the month we’ll be on our way. I haven’t even told my mother what I’m doing. She thinks I plan to stay out here and look for a job. She’ll be so surprised.”
“Any eligible cowboys at the ranch?” Paige asked.
“Are you thinking of a summer fling?”
“Why not? You forgot to mention I’m also between boyfriends. Other women do it all the time.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “In fact, we should pick out two. One for each of us.”
Brooke shook her head. “Tell you what. I’ll help you pick out someone for yoursel
f, but not for me. My plan is to stay in Fire Mountain, maybe work for my stepfather’s company, and get involved in the community. I have no interest in a short-term fling or any type of relationship right now. I just want to get settled and try to figure out where I’m supposed to be—at the ranch, back in San Diego, or maybe someplace else. Meeting someone would just complicate everything.” Brooke finished her drink and tossed it in a nearby trash bin.
Paige cast an understanding look at her friend. Brooke, more than most, deserved to be part of a great relationship. In her opinion, Perry had been a jerk, and that was before his more recent troubles. Too bad nothing came of her attraction to the DEA agent. She seemed smitten with Kade even if his job didn’t fit in with Brooke’s plans, or she in his.
Paige leaned in close and touched Brooke’s hand. “You know what, we’re going to have a great time this summer, with or without hunky cowboys. I can’t wait.”
******
“Does anyone have any reservations at all about the viability of the purchase?” Heath asked the men gathered in the conference room who’d worked to get the RTC deal this far.
“We already know Chris and Ty want out. Our offer requires all three partners to stay active for the first three months, then taper off until the transition is complete. The idea of having Rafe take over is sound, except who will run the operation if Rafe decides he wants no part of working with MacLaren Cattle?” Colt Minton, the company attorney, had serious reservations about Rafe. He’d known the third MacLaren brother in high school and didn’t look forward to the upcoming fireworks which were bound to happen over this deal.
“Jace will work as the interim president if needed. Of course, we’re hopeful Rafe will see the benefit of staying. He has the experience, knowledge, and is business savvy. His oldest sons are involved in the operation and I doubt they’ll want to quit. It’ll be to his benefit to stay.” Heath didn’t feel as confident as he sounded. It would be a crap shoot either way.
“I’m assuming the offer will be coming from HRJ Enterprises and not MacLaren Cattle.” Doug Hester, the company’s chief financial officer, thought RTC fit well with the rest of the businesses, although he, like Colt, had serious doubts the deal would ever go through.
“Yes, everything will run through the holding company.”
“How do you want to present the offer?” Cam asked.
“You and Doug will fly to Montana—probably the week after next.” He pointed at his notes. “The offer is more than fair. I believe Rafe will be the one to up the price or make other demands. Any other questions?” When no one answered, he picked up his folder and stood. “Let’s get this going, gentlemen.”
“Heath, do you have a minute?” Jace remained seated, waiting as the others left.
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Rafe isn’t going to be fooled by the HRJ letterhead. If you recall, Pop was forming the holding company at the time Rafe took off, telling us he wanted to make sure the business was left to his three sons.”
“I believe he said three capable sons.”
“You’re right, he did. He made it a big deal, champagne, followed by whiskey. I can’t image Rafe won’t remember.” Jace threw his pen on the table and leaned back.
“It’s not too late to call it off. One word to Colt and he’ll stop drawing up the documents.”
Jace walked toward the window, gazing out at hundreds of acres of MacLaren land. “We should’ve reached out to him years ago when we found out where he’d settled.”
“We tried.”
“Once, then we let it go when he didn’t respond.” Jace turned to face his brother.
Heath’s mouth curved into a wry grin. “I can guarantee he’ll respond this time.”
“Yeah. I just hope we’re ready.”
Chapter Ten
“You’re working too hard, Taylor.” Jace propped one foot on the bottom rung of the corral fence and rested his arms on the top.
Kade continued hot walking the young gelding. “Are you kidding? This is like a vacation.” He’d returned from an hour ride and needed to settle the horse before grooming him.
“When does your friend arrive?” Jace asked. He hadn’t been too keen on Heath inviting Kade to the ranch. He’d changed his mind after a few days.
“Tomorrow. Knowing Nesto, he’ll want to jump right in.”
“He as good as you?”
“Better,” Kade grinned and started toward the barn.
Jace followed him inside and rested against one of the stalls, watching as Kade picked up a couple of brushes. “Heath tell you we have company coming in this weekend?”
“His son, I think.”
“Trey, his wife, and their son, plus a few of their Navy friends. It’ll be a full house. We usually play flag football on Sunday afternoon. Plan on bringing your friend and joining us.” Jace strolled from the barn, then turned back. “Come hungry. The women put together a huge spread.”
Kade continued sliding the brushes over the horse, talking in soft tones, and admiring the lines. He’d been surprised how quick he transitioned from arresting drug dealers to taking care of horses. The time alone with the animals felt good.
He tossed the brushes in a bucket as the sound of an approaching motorcycle caught his attention. A few minutes later, Eric came strolling inside.
“Time to put that stuff away and go for a real ride.” He and Eric had been on several rides over the last few weeks.
“Give me half an hour to grab my bike. I’ll meet you back here.”
“I’ll follow you. No sense wasting a moment. Besides, if I stay around here, mom will get her fangs in me and we might never get away.”
“Fair enough.”
Kade jumped in his truck and took off toward the cabin. The bike sat ready. He grabbed a jacket, strapped a helmet to the back, and they were off. An hour later, Eric pulled into The Tavern, a sports bar popular with locals.
Eric held to a firm rule—no alcohol when he rode the bike. Kade had spent so much time riding with the outlaw gang, he didn’t hesitate ordering a beer. He’d developed the habit of nursing one all night. The others in the gang had never caught on to it as they chugged down one drink after another.
“You hear about the group of riders who tore up Bonnie’s last night?”
They each glanced at the bartender and shook their heads. Bonnie’s sat in the middle of old town and had been popular with motorcycle groups for years.
“About twenty of them showed up, ready for a brawl. From what I hear, the place is a mess and several bikers got thrown in jail.”
“Did you hear what started it?” Kade asked.
“Nope. Guess they’ll be heading out as soon as their friends are released. At least I hope so.”
“You think that’ll be the case?” Eric asked Kade as the bartender turned toward other customers.
“Who knows? I gave up guessing what the clubs would do a long time ago.” Kade sipped his beer. He’d been called to testify against the members who’d been arrested during his last case but the trial had been postponed—for the second time.
“Did you hear the news about Brooke?” Eric asked.
“Your mom told me she sailed through her presentation. Looks like you’ll be calling her Doctor from now on.” Kade had thought of sending her a text or email congratulating her, then thought better of it. She’d accomplished her goal and now her life would turn in a new direction while his…well…he wasn’t sure where he’d be a few months from now.
“Mom hoped she’d come out here. Guess she’s decided to apply for a couple of positions at the university. Maybe the two of you will run into each other if she stays in California.”
“Doubtful. Not too many college professors hang out with undercover agents.”
Eric glanced at Kade. “You know, Brooke isn’t like most people. She’s pretty down to earth.”
Kade just stared into his beer mug. He didn’t want to talk about Brooke or what a great person she i
s—he already knew it.
“If you’re ready…” Eric threw some cash on the counter.
The sun had already set by the time they turned onto the highway. They’d ridden about five miles when a group of motorcycles pulled out of a parking area and fell in line right behind them. Kade hadn’t noticed any jackets indicating if they belonged to a club.
Kade had been in the lead when he and Eric started out. Now he signaled to Eric and dropped behind him, putting a barrier between Eric and the other riders. His senses went on high alert. He had a weapon in his saddlebag, not a good place if he needed it quickly. When nothing happened a mile before the ranch entrance, no trouble having surfaced, he began to relax. They came up to the shopping area, signaled their turn, and pulled away from the group. Kade stopped and watched as the bikes rode past. Black Wolves. Not the gang he rode with or had to testify against.
Eric made a U-turn to pull alongside him. “Something wrong with your bike?”
“No, just wanted to check on the group behind us. Guess I’m paranoid.”
“Nothing wrong with being careful. Ready?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
******
“It’s looking like early Sunday morning, Paige.” Brooke propped the phone between her ear and shoulder as she packed the last few items of clothing in boxes. “Why don’t you be here by seven? We’ll get an early start.” She punched the speaker button and set the phone down, listening to Paige complain about the early hour. “Yes, I know it’s before you usually get up but we’ll avoid traffic and be there in plenty of time for supper. Mom usually does something special on Sundays.” She smiled at Paige’s retort. “Great. I’ll see you then.”
Brooke took another slow scan of her apartment. Everything was packed except some clothes she’d left out for the trip. Two more days and the university would be history. She felt no regrets about not applying for the teaching opportunities. Dr. Krueger had presented compelling reasons to complete the forms, citing how seldom associate professor positions opened up. She hadn’t been swayed.
Brooke changed and drove the short distance to a remote parking area by the beach. Tonight she’d run a few miles, enjoy the sunset, and grab a quick dinner—her last in San Diego. She’d miss the beach, especially in the evenings when the colors of the sunset played against the deep gray-blue ocean. Until the decision had been made, Brooke didn’t realize how much time she spent along the coast, studying, running, and swimming. She planned to take in every last moment.
All Your Nights (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 4) Page 11
