Turning off the water, she gave her reflection a quick perusal before going into the kitchen and searching through the cabinets where she knew she’d eventually find a bottle of Jack—her grandmother’s favorite. Grams wasn’t much of a drinker, but on occasion, when things got crazy tough, she’d pour herself a whiskey and ponder life. Blake needed that now more than she could imagine.
Finally, she found the stash buried behind recipe books. The bottle was only a third full, but anything more than that, and she’d be well beyond simply ‘pondering’ life, but instead using a drunk’s rose-colored glasses. No, just a drink would do.
Taking a small glass from the cabinet, she poured a small amount of whiskey and sat down at the table. The first sip burnt all of the way down.
As a kid, she’d had many hopes and dreams, and she couldn’t remember one that didn’t include Duff. Looking back, she realized him leaving wasn’t the problem. The issue was he’d written her and she’d sent back every letter. If she thought long and hard, she had a feeling she’d see things for what they were. She’d been scared to death that Duff would never come back, even if he’d promised he would, just as her mother had. She’d learned when a person leaves the Valley, they don’t usually return.
It was foolish of her to compare everyone to her mother.
Truth was, Blake wanted the American dream. A home. A husband. Two and a half kids tucked inside a bright, white picket fence of happiness and joy, where life was easy and sweet. Where a mom and dad stayed, no matter how boring or rough things got. A husband who didn’t spend his evenings on a bar stool, until one day he vanished while getting a carton of milk. A family that supported one another, loved one another, just like what her Grams and Gramps had together.
Buttermilk Valley was a place where divorce rarely occurred. The small church stood in the center of town and the streets were safe at any time of the day. She hadn’t locked her door at night in—well—ever. People around here had morals and values. Had desires for forever and always.
But was it an illusion?
Whoever killed her calf was wanting to tear apart her sense of safety and goodness.
Bringing the glass to her lips, she emptied the contents. She squinted and sucked in a breath.
Duff didn’t believe it was Ethan—or rather he didn’t want to jump to conclusions that Ethan was into killing defenseless cattle. She knew him well enough to know he’d do just about anything to get what he wanted. He wouldn’t get her or her farm.
She got up, poured another shot of whiskey and headed into the living room. The box of Duff’s things, the remainder of his belongings that she didn’t burn, sat close to the door. She’d found his school jacket hidden in the back of her closet and had added it to the other items.
Was there such a thing as happily-ever-after? Forever love?
There had been other men in her life besides Ethan over the years. She’d dated, but there’d always been an excuse why she couldn’t see them again. He was too short. Too talkative. Too quiet. One stupid excuse after another. She’d long realized she’d kept Ethan in her life longer than the others for one simple reason—he was the only tie she had with Duff. They were nothing alike, Duff and Ethan, but he had many stories to tell of their childhood and Blake would listen to him talk for hours. She never grew tired or bored of listening about the shenanigans of Duff. Ethan had finally caught on and after that, he didn’t talk about the past. A few months later, they’d broken up.
At thirty, it was high time she started to figure things out. To create her own life, and chart her own destiny. She refused to allow Ethan or Duff to control her life—one with his underhanded ways, and the other with his master skills at seduction. Damn betrayal of her body.
What was surprising was that Ethan thought she’d marry him just to save the farm. She wasn’t her mother who had broken the hearts of three men by divorcing them after a richer man came along. She couldn’t judge her mother, knowing that she’d had her heart broken by Blake’s father. Bitterness could change anyone. And she had no desire to live in acrimony.
An apology never came too late.
Placing her untouched glass on the table, she dropped down into the worn leather chair. The little bit of whiskey may have given her liquid forgiveness, sure, but she owed Duff an apology. For many things, but the first for how cold she’d been to him. She could use a friend and had never known a better one than Duff Tyler.
She just needed a few days to forget that kiss…
CHAPTER FOUR
DUFF ARRIVED HOME, walked through the door and was almost bulldozed by a three foot, pale haired little boy. He grabbed the munchkin up by the waist and held him out so he could see his face. “Justice, what’s the hurry? You about turned me into a pancake.”
“Sorry, Uncle Duff. I’m being shased by a monstuh.”
“A monstuh, huh?” He set the boy down and tousled his thick, blonde curls just as his twin sister came running into the hall. Her arms were high above her head and she was making growling sounds. “Is that the monster you’re being chased by, kiddo?”
Justice shook his head real fast, then hid behind Duff. “Get her.”
Upon seeing Duff, Jasmine stopped, lowered her arms and smiled, showing off two missing front teeth. “Hi, Uncle Duff. I’m a monster.”
“I can see that,” he said.
“Get her!” Justice demanded again.
“I know a quick way to get rid of beasts and goblins.” Duff dropped to his knees and started tickling Jasmine who erupted into laughter. Her brother soon joined in and the three of them were on the floor, laughing and rolling around.
“Have any of you seen my keys?”
Duff stopped moving and looked up to find Kelly staring down at him with a disapproving expression and her fists on her hips. “Leaving, are you?” He pulled himself away from tiny limbs and straightened his shirt.
“If that didn’t reek of sarcasm.” She tapped the toe of her shoe.
“Your perception is outstanding.” He loved his sister, but they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, at least here lately. She seemed to be gone more than she was around, and the twins missed her.
“Keys?”
He smirked. “I just walked in the door. I’m not the keeper of the keys.”
“Jasmine? Justice? Any clues?” Her tapping became faster and louder.
Justice lowered his gaze, looking guiltier than the cat who ate the canary. Without a word, he disappeared, his shoulders slumped, coming back ten seconds later and holding out his hand, the keys in his palm. “Justice, how many times have I told you not to take mommy’s keys?”
“A dozen,” he answered. “Sowwy.”
She bent and hugged his shoulders. “I love you.” She drew Jasmine in for a group hug.
Then the twins were off, chasing each other again.
“A word of advice…birth control,” Duff said, picking his hat off the floor, pushing out the dent and hanging it on the hook.
“Funny.”
“Where you off to?”
“I’m seeing their father. We’re going over some of the details of the divorce.” She stepped in front of the mirror hanging on the wall and fluffed her hair. She grabbed lipstick from her purse and applied it.
“Since when did you two start talking again? I thought the attorneys were handling everything.”
She shrugged. “He called and I agreed to see him. It’s no biggie. Just dinner.”
“I didn’t say it was, just commenting, that’s all.” He knew his sister still loved her husband, even though he was a pig for cheating on her, but Duff wanted her to be happy. So he kept his two cents to himself.
A loud crashing sound came from the kitchen. He ran his palms down his face and groaned. “Am I supposed to be taking care of them?” Maybe he needed to rethink the whole marriage and kids thing.
Kelly smiled. “You know I love you.” She kissed him on the cheek and yelled, “Twins, I love you.”
Two shouts of “I lov
e you too” were followed by another round of clattering.
“Go, I’ll gather the tornadoes and lasso them,” he said.
He went into the kitchen and found several pots laying on the floor. “So, who will admit they did this?” he asked both of them, attempting to not smile. They were standing with their bottom lips puckered and their hands twisted at their waist. Neither said a word. In fact, he was quite pleased that they didn’t tattle. But he had to stay firm. “Figures.”
They both went about picking up the mess. He didn’t have to say a word.
“Sausage gravy and biscuits?” Ross asked as he stepped into the kitchen.
“Sounds okay to me. Justice and Jasmine, go wash for dinner.”
They took off running out of the room and did as he requested.
“Thank God there’s a fresh pot of coffee.” He poured himself a large cup and didn’t bother putting in creamer as he usually did. He took a seat at the table and scrubbed his jaw.
“Rough day, son?” Ross asked as he gathered items from the refrigerator.
“I’ve had better.”
“Anything you’d like to talk about? Any luck finding the person who killed the McKenzie calf?”
Duff rubbed his face. He was too young to feel like he was a hundred. After leaving the McKenzie Farm two days ago, he was nothing but a bundle of nerves and achy body parts. Why the hell had he kissed Blake? To make himself more miserable? He’d beaten himself up over it on the drive home and knew exactly why. The connection between them was as strong as ever. Hell, probably stronger. “No closer. I spoke to Ethan and he denies having anything to do with the killing.”
Ross stirred the meat and turned down the burner. “You wouldn’t expect him to admit to it, would you?”
Duff shook his head. “It just doesn’t fit, though. Ethan knows he’d be the first suspect. I’ve heard of some of his underhanded dealings, but this just doesn’t seem like a Branson tactic.”
“People change.”
“They do, but he’s still Ethan, just a greedier Ethan.”
“Greed can make even the greatest of men act differently, do things they wouldn’t normally do.” Ross popped open two cans of biscuits and placed them on a cookie sheet.
“How about you, Pops? Ever been faced with that problem?”
“Greediness?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve faced choices and I haven’t always made the right ones.”
Duff started to push for more details, but Jasmine skipped into the kitchen. “I’m hungry.”
“Dinner will be ready soon,” Ross responded.
Satisfied, she turned and skipped back out.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, son.” Ross preheated the oven.
Duff hoped he did. “I got my hair cut today.”
Ross lifted a brow. “Wow…that’s epic.”
“Okay. I’m not to my point yet. Josie asked me out.”
“And?”
He shrugged. “Didn’t answer.” He drained his mug. “I just sat there in the chair like an idiot.”
“You? An idiot? I thought you were smooth with the women.”
Duff chuckled. “So did I, but being back in town, my ego has taken a blow. It appears I’m back to being the gawky teen.”
“Why not take Josie up on dinner? She’s a pretty lady. She and Donavon divorced last year and she’s raising her kid alone. Good woman.”
“Oh, she’s pretty enough.” But she isn’t five foot three with curly, unruly reddish hair and a body that deserved to be made love to.
“Hmm, is it that she isn’t a McKenzie?” Ross never held back.
“No, that’s over.” Why didn’t he feel the words in his heart?
“If you say so. Kelly left a list of things that we need hanging on the fridge. You think you could run to the store later to pick them up?” Ross hitched the spoon over his shoulder.
Duff pushed back his chair and snatched the paper from the heart magnet. He scanned the items…toilet paper, contact solution, toothpaste, and condoms. “Dad, these are all of her personal items. She can get this stuff herself.” He placed it back on the fridge.
“No big deal.”
“No big deal?” Duff groaned. “Did you read the list?”
“No.”
“You should.”
Ross grabbed the paper and skimmed it. “There’s nothing on here that I haven’t bought one time or another for your mom.” He shoved the list at Duff.
“Kelly isn’t my wife. She’s my sister and dang capable of grabbing her own protection.”
“Son, give her a break. She’s going through a lot right now. If you had a spouse who you caught cheating and you were left to take care of your young kids alone, you might be asking others for help too.”
“Dad, you’re too understanding. She’s getting plenty of help. When was the last time you had an evening free?”
“Shh.” Ross pointed toward the living room. “They don’t need to hear that.”
Duff squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Okay, I get that she’s going through something horrible, but why doesn’t she grab these items on her way back home?”
Ross shrugged. “How would I know.” He went back to concentrating on stirring the sausage.
“I’m going upstairs and taking a shower,” he grumbled and headed up to the bathroom. He didn’t want to leave his dad alone with the kids too long, so he quickly pulled off his clothes and jumped under the spray, taking a fast shower like he did back when he was in the military. Once out, he grabbed a towel from the stack on the shelf and wrapped it around his waist, then made his way into his bedroom.
Closing the door with his foot, he dragged the towel from his waist and dried off. Throwing the towel onto the floor, he went to his dresser.
“The tattoo’s new. Mean anything?”
The soft voice made his gut twist. He looked up through the mirror and saw Blake sitting on his bed, a box next to her hip. He didn’t even think to cover his nude body. “I got the cross on my back when I first joined the Marines, which stands for faith. Then came the sparrows a few years later after my buddies were killed in an enemy bombing in Iraq.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Didn’t expect to see you here, in my bed.” But his body sure didn’t mind.
“Sorry. Justice and Jasmine told me I could come up.”
“Of course they did.” He pulled a pair of jeans from the drawer and dragged them on, needing to hide the part of his body that was making his desire well known. Once they were zipped, he turned and narrowed his attention to the box. “That looks familiar.”
She tapped the top of the box. “I thought you should have these things. It’s not fair of me to burn them.”
He shrugged. “Hell, I’m surprised you kept them for this long.” He strolled to the box and peered in. He took out his school jacket and shook it. “I haven’t seen this in a long time.”
“I thought you’d like to now.”
He laid it on the bed and that’s when he saw the writing on the side of the box. “Duff’s shit.” He chuckled. “You really do hate me, don’t you?” He went back to the dresser, leaned against it, and crossed his ankles. “Look, if you’re here to find out if I have any news on the calf—”
She gave her head a shake. “No, that’s not why I’m here.” She stood up, tucked her thumbs into her front pockets and cocked one hip. She looked beautiful, he couldn’t deny. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and the ends swished across her shoulders. She wasn’t wearing much makeup except for a pale pink lip tint that he wanted to sample for flavor. The shirt she wore draped on one arm, she had on the Daisy Dukes that drove him wild and the flip flops.
“Okay.” She was the hottest, most infuriating women he’d ever met. So then why in the hell did he want her so badly?
“I was thinking…why don’t I take you to dinner and we can talk.” Her tongue came out to roll along her bottom lip.
He tried not to stare, tried
to control his breathing, but there was no controlling his parts below the waist that reacted like they always did when she was around. He shifted and hoped the bulge went unnoticed.
“I don’t think that’ll work.” One corner of her mouth dipped into a frown.
Disappointment filled her eyes. “I understand.”
“I don’t think you do. I’m sort of obligated to stick around the house for a few hours this evening.” Seeing her brow lift in curiosity, he smiled. “I’m babysitting. Well, dad is, but he gets tired easily and I don’t want him pushing himself too hard.”
“Oh, you’re watching the twins. I guess we shouldn’t be up here too long.” She backed toward the door.
“I’ve heard that before.” He scratched his temple. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d tried to steal a kiss in his bedroom, but she’d pushed him away every time, afraid his father would know.
“Hey, we were young,” she said.
“Would it be any different now?”
She smiled and his world tilted. He expected her to leave, but instead she sashayed her way over to him, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him on the mouth. It was very quick, but full of desperation. “So, that’s what it’s like kissing you in your childhood bedroom.”
“The verdict?”
“Kissing you had never been a bad thing.” A glow lit her features.
“I guess you don’t hate me any longer.”
She shrugged, the shirt falling lower, showing off the tops of her breasts. He couldn’t resist the need of pulling her close. She didn’t reject as he wrapped his arm around her waist, tangling his fingers into her ponytail, loving the feel of the soft curves. “I’m going to kiss you longer now, just because,” he warned.
“I’m thinking maybe you should.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, slipping his tongue between the seam of her lips. She tasted good and felt better cuddled up close to his body. He turned rock solid as he laid his hand on her tight bottom and squeezed the muscle. “Mm.”
She slid her fingers into his hair, her tongue mingling with his. Little whimpers floated from her throat. He took it as an invitation to take things to another level. Grabbing her ass cheeks, he lifted her and set her on top of his dresser. His awards fell to the floor, but he cared about nothing but the fact that he had the most beautiful women he’d ever met in his room and in his arms. He stepped between her thighs, her heat spread through his clothes, his cock stretching his zipper until he thought he’d pop a seam. Damn, he wanted her.
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