This Place Called Home: Includes Bonus Story! (Forget-Me-Not Ranch)

by Sara Richardson

  For the second time that day, Emery’s lungs seemed to fill with gravel. “Do you think he believed you?”

  “I’m not sure.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a small business card. “He said he was a private investigator.”

  She read the man’s name and title. “I don’t believe him.”

  That wasn’t Nick’s style—to hire someone in an official capacity. Unless he’d made up some lie about her and the investigator didn’t know he wanted to hurt her.

  It didn’t matter either way. This investigator couldn’t find out she was staying here. “Even if he is legit, he’ll tell Nick where I am.” And then Nick would come after her himself.

  She watched Nash pushing Bri on the swing next to Agatha’s. “Wait. Does Nash know? Did you tell him?” Oh, God. She’d probably have to leave the ranch—

  “I only told him you needed people to watch out for you. But I won’t give up your secret, Emery. It’s safe with me.”

  Safe. He did make her feel safe, and yet… “I don’t need people to watch out for me.” She’d gotten along fine on her own these last few years. She’d managed.

  Kyler faced her fully, gazing into her eyes for a few enduring seconds before he spoke. “Since when is it a bad thing to need people?”

  He shook his head. “I’ll tell you what…back home in Texas, I was failing with Bri. She hardly spoke. She never smiled. I hadn’t heard her laugh in so long I couldn’t remember what it sounded like. But coming here…being with Agatha and Mack and Nash…” he paused, his eyes searching hers. “And you…it only proves we all need people.”

  Something in his gentle tone dissolved the sudden rise of stubbornness. “I’ve never been able to need anyone.” Not even when she was a little girl. She’d been on her own. Emotionally, at least.

  Kyler continued to stare at her—directly in the eyes, and she swore some power passed between them. It was like he had the ability to pry her heart open, even when she didn’t want him to.

  “I don’t have much of a family left,” he said. “And neither does Bri.” His gaze drifted back to his niece, who was chasing Mack around the playhouse. “But I hope—for both of our sakes—we can build a new one.”

  “I hope you can too.” But she couldn’t be part of it. Not the way she had to be on her guard. Not the way she had to be ready to run off at the first sign of trouble.

  She couldn’t risk giving her heart away and then being forced to leave it behind.

  “I’m gonna be an animal doctor and a biker chick when I grow up,” Bri informed Kyler while she wiped down the freshly-washed Harley with a microfiber towel.

  “Really?” He held back the threatening laughter. According to her facial expression, she was dead serious. “And how do you even know what a biker chick is?”

  She lifted her shoulders in one of her adorable shrugs. “It’s a girl who rides motorcycles. I’m definitely gonna ride motorcycles.”

  “Good.” Kyler stood back and admired the shiny paint job on his Harley. The trip from Texas on the trailer had taken a toll with the dirt and grime, but after a good washing it looked brand new. “Hey, let’s take it out for a spin.”

  “Okay!” Bri ran to his truck and grabbed both of their helmets. The pink one he’d bought for her was still a little big, but the sales guy had shown him how to make the chinstrap tighter.

  “This’ll be great.” He’d been dying to get the bike out ever since they’d driven over that first mountain pass on the way here.

  “Look!” Bri pointed over his shoulder. “There’s Miss Agatha and Miss Emery!”

  Even just hearing Emery’s name brought a surge of anticipation. He lined up the helmets next to the bike and followed Bri to meet them at the edge of the lawn.

  Emery seemed to hover a few steps back, but Agatha greeted Bri with a hug. “I’m so glad we found you,” the woman said. “Emery and I just finished the chores and I need help feeding the goats.”

  Kyler forced himself to tear his gaze off Emery. “Thanks for the offer, but Bri and I were gonna take the bike out for a—”

  He caught sight of his niece’s disappointed expression. Oh. Right. She had other friends now. “You want to go feed the goats, don’t you?” he asked.

  A weak nod made it obvious his niece didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but he never wanted Bri to miss out on anything because of him.

  “Go feed the goats then.” He gently nudged her in Agatha’s direction.

  “Are you sure, Uncle Kyler? You won’t be sad?” Concern rimmed her bright eyes.

  “Nah. I won’t be sad. I promise.” He winked at her to prove it. “And anyway, Agatha needs your help. It’s real important for us to help out while we’re here.” It was the least they could do.

  “I could use the help,” the woman confirmed. “Besides, Emery can go on a ride with your uncle. Then he won’t be lonely.”

  Emery swung her head to gape at Agatha. “What?”

  “Why not?” Everyone’s favorite aunt made a big sweeping gesture toward the horizon. “It’s a beautiful evening. You don’t want to waste it.” The older woman chuckled. “I’ve seen the way you drool over that bike every time you walk past it.”

  “I don’t drool.” Emery’s lips folded into a frown.

  God, she looked hot when she pouted, he couldn’t help but notice.

  “I admire it because it’s a nice bike,” the woman said stubbornly.

  It would look even nicer with her on it. He couldn’t deny his attraction to her. It wasn’t only her gorgeous dark hair and captivating eyes. It was her strength, her sass. “I’d be happy to take you out for a ride.”

  “See?” Agatha took Bri’s hand as though that had been settled. “You two go and enjoy.”

  “Yeah, Emery!” Bri added. “You’ll love riding. Sometimes Uncle Kyler goes really really fast—”

  “I always go the speed limit,” he interrupted, lest anyone think he was being reckless with his niece. “But it is fun. Especially if you appreciate motorcycles.”

  Emery moved in closer, looking at the bike, and then back at him. “I guess we could go for a short ride.”

  “Wonderful!” Agatha marched Bri up the hill. “We’ll see you back here in a while then. I’m thinking we’ll make a campfire and have S’mores tonight!”

  “I love S’mores.” Bri walked up the hill hand in hand with Agatha, continuing to chat until her voice faded.

  Once they were out of sight, Emery posted her hands on her hips. “You don’t have to take me for a ride.”

  “I know I don’t have to. I want to.” He dug the key out of his pocket. “Actually…why don’t you take me for a ride?” He held out his hand.

  “Really?” She stared down at the key. “You want me to drive?”

  “Sure. Based on your vast Harley knowledge, I’m guessing you’re a good drier.” He might be making assumptions, but he felt like her already knew her.

  “Yeah, but…” She walked a complete circle around what had been his pride and joy before Bri had stolen the spot. “This is an expensive bike.”

  “I trust you.” He trusted her so much he was willing to give up control. “Here.” He held out the key again.

  This time she took it from his hand, a small smile playing on her lips.

  “Bri’s helmet might be a little snug on you.” He pointed to the pink helmet next to his.

  “I have my own.” She jogged away from him and headed for her pickup, which was parked on the driveway.

  Of course she had her own helmet. Kyler had to laugh. He had a feeling this woman would never stop surprising him.

  She came back carrying a black helmet with red flames on the sides and full-face shield.

  “You keep that in your truck in case of emergencies?” he teased.

  “One of my friends in town has a Road King.” She plunked the helmet onto her head. “He takes me out sometimes, but he hardly ever lets me drive.”

  A friend huh? He couldn’t help but wonder w
hat kind of friend this guy was.

  “He’s in his sixties,” Emery said in a deadpan manner. It was like she could read his thoughts. “And his wife would rather have me ride with him, so she doesn’t have to.”

  “Ah.” Was he that obvious? He’d always thought himself to be pretty smooth when it came to women, but things were different with Emery. She was more direct, more honest than a lot of women he’d dated. With Emery he didn’t want to be smooth. He wanted to be real.

  “Ready?” She plunked her helmet onto her head and climbed on the bike.

  “Hope so.” He put on his helmet too. No one else had ever driven his Harley. Before meeting her, he couldn’t imagine ever letting anyone else get near that key.

  He swung a leg over and eased onto the bike, positioning himself close behind her, given that the seat wasn’t exactly made for two.

  Bringing his arms around her waist, he held onto her, feeling something ignite in his chest.

  That was another thing he’d never imagined—that he could feel such a deep connection with someone he’d only just met.

  Chapter 8

  Emery wasn’t sure if she should drive right now.

  Not with Kyler’s arms around her, his strong chest leaning into her back. Not with the way her heart rattled and her head spun with the emotions she’d suppressed as long as she could.

  Anticipation and hope and desire caught momentum, brimming up and over the surface of her heart. Over the years, she’d thought she’d managed to kill them off completely, but Kyler had stirred them up again, and now they seemed to be more powerful than ever.

  Kyler leaned in even closer. “To start it up you just have to—”

  Emery revved the engine to life beneath them and drowned out his instructions. She knew how to start the bike.

  His muffled laughter came from over her shoulder, making her smile too. “Where do you want to go?” she asked over the engine’s roar.

  “Wherever you want to take me.” She didn’t have to see his face to know he wasn’t flirting with her, wasn’t being insincere.

  She had no doubt he meant those words, but the problem was, she didn’t know where she wanted to take him—she didn’t know where they would end up.

  “All right. Hold on.” She flicked the kickstand with her boot and accelerated the bike, feeling the power beneath her fingertips.

  It was smoother than she would’ve thought, given it was a street bike—smooth and dynamic and fast. Man, the thing could go fast if she let it.

  Not yet, though. She had to be careful on this gravel driveway. It wasn’t like she’d be able to buy Kyler a new bike if things went south.

  That in mind, Emery focused all her attention on the road in front of them. She cruised them carefully down the winding driveway, slowing on the curves so they wouldn’t skid out on the gravel, and then pulled to a stop at the turn off to the highway. Right or left?

  Turning south would bring them through the valley—nice flat ground, straight and narrow road.

  Of course, she’d never been the straight and narrow type. “Hold on,” Emery shouted, punching the accelerator and veering to the left.

  The bike handled beautifully.

  Kyler tightened his hold on her, adding to the adrenaline rush. “Where are we going?” he yelled.

  “Up.” Emery pushed the bike a little faster, loving how the breeze picked up the strands of hair below her helmet, loving the soft swooshing of the air.

  It was freeing to speed through the open wind, following the contour of the highway as it moved around the hills.

  The mountains on either side of them zoomed past in a blur. The sun had just started to sink behind the western peaks, softening the sky with pinks and golds.

  The sights, the sound, the feel of the wind and the sun made her feel like she was leaving reality behind.

  Wow. She really needed to get her own bike.

  After the passed town, the road grew steeper, the curves more frequent. She took them slow, knowing the gentle contours in the road would soon become switchbacks as they wound their way up the mountain.

  Maybe it would’ve been safer to go through the valley, but then Kyler would miss the view. He would never know how incredible it was to get to the top of the pass and park so they could see the whole canvas laid out in front of them.

  “Woo hoo!” The man let out a whoop when they made the sharp turn up the first switchback.

  She did the same. When was the last time she’d let loose like this? When was the last time she’d let herself have this much fun? She couldn’t even remember.

  They climbed higher, the air growing colder, but a fire seemed to burn low in her belly. She took the last few switchbacks faster, anticipating the view at the top.

  Everything seemed to open up in front of them all at once—the mountain vistas in the distance, the far-reaching sky set ablaze by the sunset.

  Emery pulled the bike off onto a wide dirt shoulder so they could take it in. She cut the engine, breathing hard, feeling her heart more acutely than she had in years.

  Kyler removed his helmet, got off the bike, and wandered to the edge of the mountain, staring out at the view. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  Emery pulled off her helmet too, and set it on the seat. “I hadn’t either before I came here.” She put down the kickstand and joined him a few feet away.

  It didn’t matter how many times she saw it, the scene always seemed to fill her eyes and her heart, taking her breath away.

  “It doesn’t even look real,” Kyler murmured.

  None of this seemed real. Not the view and not the way her heart responded to this man. “Thank you for keeping my secret.” He would’ve been completely justified in telling Nash the truth. But he hadn’t. He’d protected her.

  “I promised you I wouldn’t tell anyone.” He faced her, his eyes alight with the setting sun. “And I meant what I said. You’re not alone. I’ll help you however I can. Nash and Mack and Agatha are there for you too.”

  “I know.” A sudden awareness stilled her. After what had happened to her, she thought she would never want another man to touch her, but now, standing here, her body ached for Kyler.

  His gaze lowered to her mouth as though he felt it too. But he didn’t move, didn’t reach for her.

  So, Emery closed the space between them, pressing her body to his, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  Holding her gaze in his, Kyler rested his hands on her hips.

  “Kiss me,” she whispered, not wanting the moment to pass. Something about him made her want to feel more.

  He brought his face in line with hers but paused before claiming her lips. “How do you like to be kissed?”

  “I don’t know.” No one had ever shown her how she liked to be kissed.

  The left corner of his mouth rose in a grin. “Then I guess we’ll have to figure it out.” His hand rose to her neck, fingers stroking her jaw beneath her ear while he guided her lips to his.

  A deep sigh seemed to open up her chest when she kissed him back. The warmth of his mouth seeped into her, sealing her into a safe haven. Emery eased her body closer to his, clasping her hands behind his neck and opening her mouth to take their connection deeper.

  Kyler secured an arm around her waist, holding her, and his other hand caressed her neck, making her knees give.

  The rhythm of his lips moving against hers led her away from every worry, every bad thought, promising her that there was still so much good in the world.

  He hesitated, inching his lips away. “How’s that?”

  “It’s good.” So good she could hardly breathe. So good she didn’t want to stop now.

  Emery moved her hand to the back of his head, gently pushing him back to her.

  This time the kiss escalated quickly, their lips opening, tongues searching. Desire took her body over, coiling low in her belly, shrinking her lungs, giving her the best ache she’d ever felt.

  An engine hummed in the distance
, breaking them apart. She couldn’t help the smile that rose to her lips, which were still burning and tingling.

  A car drove onto the pullout behind them, another couple in search of a romantic moment, from the look of things.

  “I guess we should go back.” A slight pout on his lips told her in no uncertain terms he didn’t want to.

  “I guess we should.” She didn’t want to either, but once the sun went down completely, the temperature would drop even lower.

  Not that she would ever be cold again after that kiss.

  Kyler took her hand in his, threading their fingers together, and the intimacy of the touch reached all the way to her heart.

  They walked back to the bike hand-in-hand in the setting sun. “Why don’t you drive?” she asked, right before they got on the bike.

  She seemed to be feeling even more unsteady than she had before.

  He hesitated. “You sure?”

  “I’m sure.” For once she didn’t feel the need to be in the driver’s seat. She’d be content to sit behind him and hold on.

  “All right.” He pulled on his helmet and got on the bike, holding it steady while she did the same.

  Emery scooted as far forward on the seat as she could and buckled her arms around his waist.

  He peered over his shoulder at her, the face shield on his helmet shading his smile. “I think you’re incredible, Emery Quinn.”

  “I think you’re incredible too.” Thoughtful and strong and kind of a badass, except for when it came to his niece.

  Kyler’s smile grew wider before he turned around and started the bike.

  A peacefulness settled inside of her as she held onto his waist and watching the world pass by. He was right. She wasn’t alone. She had him, though she didn’t know for how long. She had Mack and Nash. And she had Agatha. How could she have thought she would be able to survive without anyone?

  The drive back to the ranch went by too quickly. They pulled into the driveway with dusk settling in the valley.