Opening her suitcase, she picked out dry clothing. She couldn’t wait to get out of her damp clothes, and a long hot shower sounded like heaven. And Seth was a great host. She found fresh towels in the closet and a variety of toiletries under the sink. She wasn’t much into masculine scented shampoo and conditioner, but she didn’t feel like she was in the position to complain, especially when she knew things could be worse. While she was deployed, she used a bar of soap to wash everything.
The water was perfect as she climbed in and stood there for a long time, allowing the warmth and the steam to ease the tension. Fifteen minutes later, she was dressed and drying her hair with a hair dryer she found in the cabinet. It was still damp when she heard pounding on the door. Stepping across the room, she pulled back the thin curtain on the door’s window and found Seth standing on the stoop, his broad back toward her. Her stomach fluttered as she hadn’t expected to see him so soon.
Opening the door, he turned and held up a small brown bag in one hand and a plastic bag in the other. “I made you a sandwich. Thought you could use something to eat. I also brought a bag of dog food. I didn’t think you probably had Abby’s food in that suitcase.”
“Actually, I did have a small baggie of her food, but only enough for today.” She smiled, grateful for his consideration after having such a rough start during their first meeting. “Thank you. I guess I didn’t think far enough ahead.” She took the two bags and held them against her chest.
“No problem. I hope the accommodations are to your liking. If you need anything, just let me know.” He seemed as awkward as she felt. Apparently neither of them were the most comfortable in social situations.
“Everything is good. Shower is great. In fact, Abby has made herself right at home.” She pointed to the dog who was curled up at the end of the couch.
“Warning. If you use the trash can outside the back door, make sure the lid is on tight or you’ll have visitors. Some you might not want.”
“Thanks for the head’s up. I guess it’s obvious that I’m a city girl.”
“Just a tad.” He took a short step back. “Well then, I’ll talk to you later.” He started across the porch, but something stopped him. He turned back. “Do you eat steak?”
“Uh, I’ve been known to on occasion.”
He tore a hand through his hair, sending waves popping out over the black silk mass. She found his vulnerability refreshing for a man who seemed so comfortable and confident in his skin. “I ain’t much of a cook, but I can do up a steak okay. If you can be over at my place by six, I’ll have enough to share.”
She smiled. Although she should steer clear of him, this would give her some more time to talk to him about the project. She accepted his offer and he left.
Closing the door, she turned to find Abby staring at her inquisitively. She swore that the dog could understand what was going on around her. Many times she felt more like her friend than her service animal. In fact, Abby was her only friend. Iraq had changed her and the friends she had before weren’t her friends when she came back. It was as if Reese had unzipped her outer skin and stepped out a new person, not caring about the things she once did, like the newest trends in fashion or what boy she’d kiss next. Those things were meaningless when compared to the destruction she witnessed.
Petting the dog on the head, Reese poured some of the dog food into a bowl and water in a plastic container, then sat down to nibble at her own lunch. The ham sandwich tasted delicious, but she wasn’t very hungry so she covered it back up and placed it into the refrigerator for later.
Going to the window, she looked out spotting her new ‘landlord’ walking across the grass toward a barn, Spike followed him close behind with his tongue hanging out. The man had a sense of mystery about him and her curiosity elevated, but admiring the local hottie wasn’t why she’d come here. She wanted—needed—to convince him, but she had to be careful. A man like Seth Knight couldn’t be forced or pressured to see things one way unless he chose to. This was a fragile circumstance and had to be handled with care.
He stood at the wooden fence and a beautiful mare with a shiny coat and long dark mane came trotting up to him, hanging her head over the top rail. He rewarded her with a scratch and rub…and an apple that he must have picked from one of the apple trees they’d passed on their way to the cabin.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d stood there staring, but when he looked over his shoulder she jumped back from the window, her heart racing. Had he seen her? Get yourself together.
How, when tall, dark and mysterious lingered right outside of her doorstep?
CHAPTER THREE
Coming back from taking care of his horse, Tribal, Seth saw his friend’s truck parked in front of his cabin. Thomas “Ledge” Moore was a Ranger who’d moved here after he’d been medically discharged and Seth had given him a piece of land on Landing Knight. Ledge and his wife, Isla, had built a small house and started a business. Seth liked having his buddy close, especially when Isla sent over baskets of fresh vegetables from their garden, honey from their combs, and fresh baked pies.
Ledge was sitting on the porch, rocking, his legs stretched and he had on his usual worn denim overalls. Sitting next to him was a basket full of cucumbers, peppers, bib lettuce, and a pie wrapped in plastic wrap. Seth’s mouth watered.
“Tell Isla she’s spoiling me. Which fruit?”
“Blackberry. Who else is she going to share all this with?” Their only son had died at the age of ten from a rare disease and now they lived alone.
“Tell her thank you. Can I get you a beer?”
“Sure. I could stand one.”
Seth grabbed two bottles and came back, handing one to Ledge and he popped the lid off his. He took a long guzzle and sat down in the empty rocker, his gaze automatically heading toward the direction of the occupied cabin further up the lane. It was far enough away for privacy, yet close enough that if she stepped out, he’d catch a glimpse of her. The other cabins were located farther up the hill, out of sight.
“It looks like you have company. That’s a mighty pretty guest compared to the other visitors you normally get out here.” Ledge laughed.
Seth settled his beer against his thigh, bringing his gaze to his friend. “You saw her?”
“Hard to miss. She was out on the porch when I first got here.”
“She’s here about an investment.” Seth didn’t mind sharing the information with his buddy. Seth had even thought about asking Ledge to help with the project, that is if Seth decided to jump in on the investment. He hadn’t quite made up his mind yet. He liked his quiet life. Enjoyed knowing what each day would bring, from the time he got up to the time he went to bed. Except today had thrown a hiccup into his schedule. He certainly hadn’t expected a beautiful woman to show up at his door.
“What’s she selling?”
“She wants me to invest in a project that trains service dogs for veterans with seizures brought on by a head injury.”
Ledge nodded. “That’s actually an interesting project. Did you say yes?”
“Not yet.” He picked at the beer bottle’s label.
“Then why is she here?”
Seth turned his gaze back to the cabin. The sun was shining brightly and reflecting off the roof. He had to narrow his eyes to get a better look. “I’m still deciding.”
“I want to share some news with you. Isla’s pregnant.”
Seth witnessed the biggest smile his friend had worn since he’d known him. “Congratulations, man. That’s amazing. I didn’t know that you two were trying…I mean, to get pregnant.”
“We weren’t. Isla just turned forty last month and I’m not as active as I once was, but obviously, we’re not the ones in charge.” He smoothed his hand down his thigh. “You know, we tried for years, even up till a few years ago, but with no luck. Then we just didn’t think about it any longer, resigning to the fact that it wasn’t meant to be. Yet, here we are.”
“How is Isla taking t
he news?”
“Oh, she’s ecstatic. A little scared, but optimistic.”
“It’ll all work out, buddy. If there’s anything either of you need, you know all you have to do is ask and it’s done.” Seth respected Ledge and his wife and would do anything to help.
“I should go. I told Isla I wouldn’t be long.” Ledge stood, adjusted his cap on his bald head and set the unfinished beer on the small glass table. “You enjoy your company, you hear?” He wagged his brows.
“Business only, my friend.” After his friend pulled away, Seth saw the subject of interest step out onto the porch, watching her hang several articles of clothing over the rail. Her hair was down and the long strands were caught up in the slight breeze, carrying it away from her cheeks and shoulders. Abby ran into the yard and Reese followed to throw a ball. The sunlight caught her a certain way that silhouetted her body.
He brought the beer to his lips and drained most of it in one gulp.
Ledge was completely right, she was a lot different than his normal guests. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a woman out here at Landing Knight.
Feeling tension in his gut, he stood, grabbed the basket and went inside, whistling for Spike who was stretched out on the top step. He popped up and followed Seth.
He wasn’t sure what he’d been thinking by inviting her to dinner, but in his defense, she was out here in the middle of nowhere, with no car, and she needed to eat. He could have easily taken her dinner over to her cabin, just as he had lunch, but the invitation had practically fallen off his lips. He wasn’t much of a host and most of his company wasn’t high maintenance. Grilling up a couple of steaks, throwing a couple of potatoes in the microwave, and dinner would be served. But he had a feeling, even though she’d seen some MREs in her lifetime, she expected a bit more from him than his buddies would. He guessed he should use the plates from the cabinet instead of paper plates.
Why did he care? He should just go about his business as usual, after all, she’d showed up unexpectedly asking for money. His life here was good…easy.
He could keep trying to convince himself all he liked, but he could use the company. And dusting off manners that he’d packed away a long time ago wouldn’t hurt.
Going into his office, big enough for the large desk, swivel chair, and a file cabinet, he scanned the desk that was piled high with stacks of important paperwork, bills, invitations and old newspaper clippings. On top of the clutter sat the last communication he had from Angelina. She’d written a letter to each of her brothers before she died. Although he’d pulled the stationary out of the envelope at least a dozen times, he had only managed to read it once. He dropped the letter into a basket to the side and sat down in the chair, the springs protesting his weight. Scooting closer, he turned on the laptop.
Just as he’d hoped, he’d received an email from Declan. He skimmed the correspondence. His brother gave him the thumbs up to move forward on the project. In fact, he’d offered his own investment for Knight Corporation. Seth responded, welcoming him aboard. Victor had sent an email too. Both had promised a substantial amount of money. Although they didn’t talk often, he knew he could count on them. Seth shot a message to the family’s attorney asking for a contract to be drawn up. He hadn’t yet decided he was moving forward, but just in case, he wanted to be prepared.
All that remained was his agreement and dedication to Step for Light. It had been a long time since he’d done something that required much responsibility and accountability. Not that he didn’t want to help, he did, but devotion to anything scared him. Landing Knight was his place of solace and if he invited people here, he’d lose the peace. Wouldn’t he?
He looked through the window and he could see a sliver of another cabin in the distance. Over the years, he’d done some work to the dilapidated outer buildings and a few of the cabins, but many of them would need lots of tender loving care to be livable. But at least he’d gotten a start. For a project like Reese’s, it would require hiring contractors. A bookkeeper. Trainers for the dogs. And then there was Reese. She’d have to stay here. She’d have to be his employee and he wasn’t sure she was totally agreeable with that idea, but he hoped she understood it wasn’t to undermine her. Seth wondered if she’d even gotten as far as a reality check in living way out here. Being a city girl, could she handle all the peace and quiet? The bugs and wild animals? Seth? He could be considered a bear at times. Living with someone, on a plot of land, could be hard work.
Even if she’d served in war-torn places, being far away from civilization could be difficult for many.
Before he could make the decision, he needed a bit more time…needed to get to know Reese.
He pulled out a large envelope of cash from the top drawer, took out an exact amount and stuck it into another smaller envelope. He filled out the name and address and sealed it with tape. Each month, every month for the last year, he sent money to Rosita Hanson. She was the wife of his friend who lost his life. She was left to raise three young children and they were having it rough living on a small pension from Hanson’s death.
Once that was done, and a few other bills paid, he left his office and took out two steaks from the refrigerator. Thanks to the butcher in town, Seth always had fresh meat. He looked up and caught a reflection of himself in the glass pane of the cabinet. He almost scared himself. Problem with not socializing much, he didn’t get the gasps of people looking at him and reminding him that he was looking less human and more wild. His brothers would certainly tie him up, scrub him and force him to get a cut and shave if they saw him like this.
Of course, they realized he didn’t give a rat’s ass about appearance. He’d never been in the spotlight, even when his dad was alive and always having his fancy schmancy parties that his family was expected to attend and rub elbows with the rich. They just weren’t his people.
Later, when the soft knock came at the door, he opened it to find Reese and Abby standing on the stoop. He swallowed against a thick lump in his throat as he swept his gaze down the woman who’d steamrolled her way into his life. His heart kicked up in speed. The long-sleeved, blue plaid shirt was left open a few tantalizing buttons and tied at the waist, showing a sliver of flat stomach and a diamond stud. Her cut offs were high on her thighs, but modest enough that left his imagination to run wild—and boy did it! The worn, black combat boots were a peek inside of her personality. Although she could be considered petite, he realized by the spark in her eye and the stubborn tilt of her jaw that she wouldn’t take ‘no’ easily.
He stepped back and let her pass, closing the door with his foot as he watched her walk by. He caught the light, flowery scent of her perfume and an awareness shot through him. “You smell nice.” Now why did I compliment her?
She laughed a nice, melodic sound. “It’s the complimentary Irish Spring soap I had found in my bathroom.”
That’s not what he smelled, but the mention of soap led his thoughts down the perilous path of her standing in the shower, water running over her…
Stop there!
Abby strolled over to where Spike was laying on the rug in front of the fireplace and she laid down close.
“I think they like each other.” Seth chuckled, glad to see Spike with a new friend.
“Looks like they do.” She smoothed her palms down her shorts. “I appreciate you having me for dinner. Much easier than hunting in the woods for something to eat.”
He skimmed her face, looking for any sign that she was joking, but there wasn’t any. So, the city girl did have a bit of country soul. “Would you like a beer while I put the steaks on the grill?” He was already at the refrigerator grabbing two cold bottles.
“No, thank you. I don’t drink. But if you have sweet tea, I’d love a glass.”
He placed one bottle back into the fridge and instead took out the pitcher of tea. Dropping ice cubes into a glass, he poured it full and handed it to her, watching her take a long drink…he also noticed how delicately her th
roat moved.
He popped the lid to his bottle, not caring that the cap fell to the floor as he guzzled half the contents while looking down at her. She was pretty and he respected the fact that she didn’t need make-up to bring out her features. She licked her lips and he couldn’t keep his mind from traveling down an unsafe place. She had nice lips. And body.
“The tea is delicious and very sweet, just the way I like it. I have an addiction to the stuff.”
He shrugged. “You could have a far worse addiction. There’s a lot more when you finish that glass.”
“Don’t be angry if I finish off what you have.” She winked.
The hair on his arms lifted. Shit! He hadn’t invited her here to toy with images of what she’d look like under her clothes or how good those lips would feel on his body, but that’s where things were heading. Truthfully, it had been a long time since he’d slept with a woman…over a year. His parts worked, and they were proving it right now, along with the durability of his zipper, but he found that getting close enough to someone to have sex meant he’d have to at least use a little charm, and he just hadn’t been motivated enough lately. Not even with the sexy, seductive Monica who waitressed at the local bar, Mountain Mug. She made it clear she’d end his celibacy, but hell, she deserved better than a man who was just fucking to find pleasure. Years ago, he wouldn’t have had a problem.
He spent most of his days here on his land, hunting, target practicing, sometimes taking on contract jobs, and staying out of the hair of the public. He guessed he had become some sort of hermit, but these days he was better alone. He liked his privacy.
If he agreed to Reese’s project, his privacy would be compromised. Gone like the wind.
He set his bottle down with a loud thud on the granite countertop and unfolded the heavy paper the steaks were wrapped in. He took out some of his tension with the meat tenderizer as he pounded the meat to an even thickness.
The Darkest Knight (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 3) Page 4
