“I’ve been meaning to thank you for keeping track of Brooke and not letting her get caught up in the Bujazan web. She’s smart, although she can be much too trusting for her own good.”
“I doubt she’d recall my presence as protective.” One corner of Kade’s mouth quirked upward as he rested a hip against the desk. “You know we were trying to build a case around the son and thought she figured into the deals. I didn’t believe her to be an innocent bystander.”
“Doesn’t matter. You figured it all out and arrested Perry. He’s a worthless piece of…” Trey’s voice trailed off as he looked down at Trevor. “Well, you know what I mean.”
“That I do.”
“Our group will be taking off after supper. It’s been good to meet you, Kade. Perhaps we’ll run into each other again.”
“Perhaps we will, Trey,” Kade said, although he doubted it would happen. He didn’t regret the decision to spend his leave at the ranch. He’d even fantasized about asking Heath for a full‑time job, leaving the DEA and any other law enforcement job behind. The option disappeared with the arrival of Brooke.
******
“It seems so quiet around here with Trey and his group gone.” Brooke bit into her cinnamon raisin bagel covered in cream cheese and glanced at Paige, who slathered butter on hers.
“I’m so glad we made it in time to see them. Shelly and I haven’t gotten together in months what with my school and her work. I didn’t know she and Reb were still together, or Paul and Connie.” She took a bite of her bagel and chased it with a swallow of coffee. “What are the plans for today?”
“How about a ride?”
“Sounds great, although you’ll have to prep me a little. It’s been years since I’ve ridden.”
“No problem. I need to grab my boots and hat. Let’s meet downstairs in fifteen minutes.” Brooke rinsed her plate and dashed to her room, finding what she sought in the corner of her closet. She attached a small knife to her belt before grabbing handkerchiefs for herself and Paige. You never knew when a dust storm might kick up. She headed downstairs to find Paige already waiting, talking with Annie.
“You’re welcome to come with us,” Paige said as Brooke walked up.
“Thanks, but I have some appointments. Do you know where you’ll be going?”
“I thought we’d head toward the cabins so I can show Paige the one where I’ll be staying. I’m getting real excited about it, Mom.”
“You can have your pick, any cabin except the one Kade is using. He’s got a couple months left until his leave is up and I figure you’ll want to move into yours before then. You can’t miss his. Just look for the chopper.”
The mention of Kade caused a tightening in her chest, while the thought of moving into a cabin near him sent a brief jolt of panic through her body. Although the cabins had privacy, sitting on a few acres each, you could still see the structures, and hear cars coming and going. She’d have to pick one as far away from his as possible or wait to move into a cabin until he returned to his job in California.
Brooke followed Paige outside, walking toward the corral next to the barn where Gremlin grazed near the fence. Another horse stood several feet away.
“Those are the horses we’ll take. First I need to grab their halters.” She pulled two sets of gloves from her back pocket and handed a pair to Paige. “You’ll want to wear these.” Brooke got to the barn entrance before the sound of voices coming from inside caught her attention. She recognized them right away and took a deep breath, determined not to let Kade know how he still affected her.
“Good morning, Kade, Nesto.” She noticed two horses already saddled and ready to go. It appeared the two men had the same idea.
Kade turned at the sound of her voice, letting his eyes wander from her shiny boots to her tight fitting jeans, and up to the well-worn brown hat, before settling on her face. His gaze locked with hers and Brooke saw a hint of appreciation before he shifted his stance and looked toward Paige.
“You two are up early. Looks like you plan to ride.” Kade took a couple of steps forward, careful to keep his distance from his greatest temptation.
“Yes.” Brooke cleared her throat and tried again. “I want to show Paige the cabins and some of the ranch.”
“Tell me which horses and I’ll get them.” Kade grabbed two halters.
“No problem. I can get them.”
“Nope, that’s not how it works. Heath is paying me to help with the horses and the job includes getting the horses ready to ride. Now, which horses should I bring in for you?”
“Gremlin and Daisy. Thanks.”
Kade tossed a halter to Nesto and the two exited out the rear double doors. Within a couple of minutes they strolled back in, leading the horses to a spot close to the tack area.
“Show me the saddle and tack you prefer.” Kade’s eyes held a hint of mischief, as if he knew something she didn’t.
“This saddle and the snaffle bit hanging on the saddle horn for Gremlin, and the saddle and bit next to it for Daisy.” She hadn’t had someone saddle her horse for her since she first came to the ranch after her mother married Heath.
The women stood aside as the men made quick work of saddling the horses and leading them outside. Kade handed Gremlin’s reins to Brooke while Paige took Daisy’s from Nesto.
“We’re heading out also. Do you mind if we join you?” Nesto asked Paige, certain Kade would never ask Brooke.
“That would be great, don’t you think so, Brooke?” Paige jumped at the chance to get to know more about Nesto.
A pained expression crossed Brooke’s face before she hid it with a weak smile. “Sure, if that’s what they want to do.”
“Perfect, right, Kade?” Nesto didn’t wait for a response before walking inside to grab the reins to his horse.
Kade looked at the ground and shook his head enough so Brooke knew he felt the same way she did about spending time together. It was a bad idea. “I’ll get Blackjack.”
The four took off with Nesto claiming a spot next to Paige, leaving Kade to either partner with Brooke or ride alone, making their desire to distance themselves from each other even more obvious. Brooke edged Gremlin forward, ahead of Paige and Nesto, one part of her hoping Kade would stay at the rear, another part wanting him next to her.
“Let’s head over the hills then drop into the valley. Sound good?” she asked Kade when he pulled alongside her.
“You’re the leader, I’m just following along.” Kade’s mouth remained set in a thin line.
They rode for a couple of miles, neither saying a word, not even attempting small talk. Brooke noticed the way Kade settled into the saddle and his relaxed posture, a signal of how comfortable he felt on the horse.
She glanced behind her to see Paige and Nesto chatting and laughing—obviously having a great time. Before long, Brooke decided she’d had all she could take of the silence.
“Do you usually ride Blackjack?”
He didn’t look her way or change the dour expression he’d worn since they left the ranch. “A few times a week.”
She waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, she tried again.
“Do you exercise all the horses?”
“The ones kept at the ranch.”
She mentally tallied the number. “About a dozen?”
“Closer to twenty between the ones in the stables and those in the corrals. Cassie likes them warm for the lessons she gives when she’s home from college, so I work around her schedule.”
Wow. More than a few words. He must be loosening up.
“What else are you doing for Heath?”
This time he swung his head toward her, his eyes sharp and compelling. “Whatever he asks, Brooke.”
His response took her aback, all the friendliness he’d shown the day before gone. She turned her head away, receiving his message loud and clear—he had no interest in small talk, not with her anyway.
******
What the hell was wrong with
him, Kade thought when he saw the look of surprise and hurt on Brooke’s face. He’d decided yesterday there might be a way they could be friends, and not push the barriers he knew had to be in place. The issue was his body’s instant reaction to her, which he could find no way to defend against, except by pushing her away.
In San Diego, while she remained a suspect and he’d been watching her movements, he used to follow her to the beach. She’d run, read, or just sit watching the sunset. It didn’t matter. He’d wanted her as much then as now, except there had been an impenetrable line between them—his DEA credentials and her status as a possible suspect. Sometimes, after she’d leave, he’d follow until certain she’d settled into her apartment for the night. Afterwards, he’d return to the beach and run or go for a swim—anything to cool his aching body. Even then, his mind would wander, envisioning the two of them sitting on the water’s edge, enjoying the sound of the crashing waves and the glow of the setting sun. No other woman had ever affected him in such an extreme way.
“Hey, compadre? When do we reach our destination?” Nesto rode up beside him and Kade hadn’t even heard him approach. He was losing his touch.
“The cabins are around the next bend. I don’t know which one she has in mind, so we’ll just follow her until she stops at one.”
“Good enough.” Nesto reined back and waited for Paige to catch up.
At least those two were enjoying the ride, Kade thought. He watched as Brooke rode ahead, and although her back remained straight, he could see the slump in her shoulders which hadn’t been there before he’d been such a jerk. He tapped Blackjack with his heel, moving him forward and made the decision to get himself under control before he lost all chance of earning her friendship.
******
“This is the one.” Brooke reined to a stop in front of a cabin about a half mile from Kade’s and slid off Gremlin. “I’ve always liked the setting. Lots of trees and a view of Fire Mountain.” She turned her smile toward Paige, ignoring Kade as she’d done the last part of their ride. “Come on. We’ll go inside.”
She pulled out the master key her mother had provided and turned the lock, motioning for the others to follow.
“This is great. Much larger than I anticipated.” Paige walked to the kitchen. “Geez, this is better than my place.” Paige’s parents had purchased her a two bedroom condo near the school. A nice place in a complex of over two hundred residences.
“I’ll show you the bedrooms.”
The women took off down the hall, leaving Kade and Nesto to mill about in the living room.
“It’s setup like yours, except the furniture is different.” Nesto pushed his hands in his pockets and walked to the front windows. “She’s right. It’s an incredible view.”
Kade wandered up beside him and crossed his arms. “How are you getting along with Paige?”
Nesto’s gaze shifted to Kade. “Fine. Why?”
“Seems neither of you have stopped laughing since we left the ranch.”
“Jealous?”
“Stuff it,” Kade muttered as Brooke and Paige joined them near the window.
Nesto turned toward Paige. “Will it work for you?”
“Are you kidding? This place is perfect. Is it anything like the one you two have?”
“An exact duplicate. Let’s take a look outside.” Nesto held the door open for Paige to pass, then shut it, noticing neither Kade nor Brooke had moved an inch.
Kade turned toward Brooke and let his arms drop to his sides. “Look, about what I said—”
“Forget it. I have.” She began to walk outside when she felt Kade touch her arm.
“I’m sorry, all right? I was out of line and…” He searched for the right word.
“Surly?”
His mouth tilted up in a slight curve. “Yeah, that works.”
“Look, Kade. I know you don’t want anything to do with me and never expected I’d show up here. It’s all right. I’ll do everything I can to stay out of your way and hope you’ll do the same.” This time she did walk out the door, leaving him to stare after her.
The outcome wasn’t what he expected or wanted, but perhaps it was for the best, he thought, as he stepped onto the porch. The others were yards away, making their way down a path toward a rock outcropping. He’d ridden his bike past this place a couple of times, never stopping even though the tranquil setting intrigued him. The other cabins seemed empty, deserted—this one sent out a unique aura. Peaceful, as if it were at rest, or waiting for the right person to fill it.
“Kade.” Nesto waved at him. “Come on down here. You’ve got to see the view from these rocks.”
He nodded and started down the path, his reluctant steps underscoring the unease he felt. Riding with the women had been a mistake. Nesto’s vote would be different. He saw the way his friend kept watch on Paige, following her movements, and continuing a running conversation. The man appeared smitten, no doubt about it, which didn’t bode well for the next two weeks.
Chapter Twelve
“Here’s the complete offer in writing. Of course, we’ll give you time to think about it.” Heath handed Brooke an envelope. He and Jace had already gone over the terms, responsibilities, required travel, and living arrangements, anticipating her questions.
“Everything sounds perfect and, to be honest, I can’t imagine finding anything more challenging. The only issue is when you’d want me to start. Paige plans to be here for a few weeks, and I’d hope to take a little time off. Would the end of summer work?”
Brooke had a hard time containing her excitement. The university could never match the salary Heath and Jace offered, and the projects they’d outlined played to her strengths in operations and systems management. She’d start by preparing an analysis of each separate MacLaren business, preparing a plan for integration, and presenting her recommendations to the board. Then the real work would begin.
She had no illusions about her status as being part of the MacLaren family. It had gotten her in the door, but nothing more. Going forward, she would be judged on her performance, the same as every other employee. If she didn’t cut it, she’d be looking for a new job.
“How about September 1st?” Jace asked.
“Perfect.” She glanced at the envelope in front of her, already knowing its contents, and felt a lump build in her throat. Her life seemed to be coming together. She looked to Jace, then Heath. “I don’t need to think about it. I’m honored to have this opportunity. September 1st it is.”
“That’s great news and perfect timing. Annie insisted on preparing a meal to celebrate you coming on board.” Heath chuckled remembering the look on his wife’s face when he told her they’d be making Brooke an offer.
“When?” Brooke asked.
“Tonight.”
Brooke shook her head. “It’s just like her to already know what my answer would be.” She stood and shook hands with both men before picking up the paperwork. “Paige and I will see you tonight.” She turned toward the door.
“By the way, Kade and Nesto will be joining us.” Heath threw this out as if it weren’t any big deal.
“That’s great. The more the merrier,” Brooke mumbled as she closed the door behind her, not at all pleased about a celebration dinner that included Kade Taylor.
******
“Come on in. We’re all in the kitchen.” Eric stepped aside to let Kade and Nesto pass by him.
“She accepted their offer, huh?” Kade asked.
“She sure did. It’s not a real surprise. Heath and Jace are generous in their offers.”
“And their expectations are high for those who accept,” Kade said.
Eric turned toward him. “There are a lot of challenges running a large corporation with multiple entities. Most people don’t realize the extent of the MacLaren businesses. They put a microscope to Brooke’s education and experience consulting with large companies while in her doctoral program. She has what they’re looking for and will expect her to deliver or s
he’ll be gone—just like any of us would be if we didn’t perform. Now,” he clasped Kade on the shoulder. “Let’s get something to drink.”
“Ah, there they are. I wondered when you two would show up.” Heath turned back to Jace to say something before walking toward Kade and Nesto. “Have you been keeping yourselves busy?”
“Oh, yeah. Staying busy doesn’t seem to be a problem around here.” Nesto accepted the beer Eric handed him and let his eyes scan the room before seeing Paige in the hall with Brooke and Cassie. She turned and smiled as her gaze landed on him.
“Cassie had a few additional horses delivered today. She’s planning a trail ride this weekend with her student riders and wants me to check out the horses—make sure they’re okay for inexperienced riders. She asked if we’d be able to go along.” Kade shifted a little so he could keep an eye on Brooke, who still stood with Paige and Cassie.
“It’s a good idea to have you along on the ride. I believe Brooke and Paige are also going. Three days and two nights, as I recall.” Heath leaned against a nearby chair and wrapped an arm around Annie who’d come up to stand next to him. “Do you know where she plans to go?”
“We’ll trailer the horses about fifteen miles north of here and set up a base camp. She has routes established for both Saturday and Sunday morning, then we’ll pack up and come back. The students will carpool to the base camp, which will make it a little easier.” Kade glanced again toward Brooke and saw her eyes jerk from his direction to focus back on something Cassie said, indicating she knew he was there. “I didn’t know Brooke and Paige would be coming. I’ll need to plan for their horses as well. Looks like Nesto, Blake and I will each be driving a trailer.”
Blake MacLaren was Jace’s oldest son, a university student who’d come home for the summer. He’d been working with his father at their company headquarters until Jace had partnered him with Kade and Nesto the previous day to help get the horses ready for the trail ride.
“Sounds good. The three of you along with Cassie, Brooke, and Paige should be enough to work with the less experienced riders.” It would also provide for some interesting campfire stories, Heath thought as he pulled Annie a little closer to his side.
All Your Nights (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 4) Page 13
