Nothing to Lose [Blackhawk Brothers] (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Lavada Dee

  Cooper hesitated. She could see him visibly fight for control. She sighed in relief when he finally gave it up and relaxed. His eyes shown with love, and his smile returned, saying more than his words. “I’m looking at something a whole lot more breathtaking than the scenery.”

  Chapter 9

  They left the lake and headed down toward Missoula. She loved hearing his deep voice as he told her about how the town was steeped in active politics and its economy was still based on retail trade. People from hundreds of miles around used the town for their base shopping and medical and professional services. “The University of Montana is here, so even though Blackhawk isn’t very big, we have all the amenities close in Missoula.”

  “I think you have the best of both worlds.”

  Cooper nodded his agreement. “The family has a number of properties in Missoula. With the university, there’s always a demand for housing. In addition, there’s some kind of research center being built up on the ridge. It’s estimated that they will be bringing in over a hundred staff members that will need housing.”

  “Is that why your father wants to buy this property you’re going to look at?”

  “Yeah, plus, he’s run out of projects and needs something. He’s supposed to be thinking retirement, and he did surprise Mom with a cruise last year, but he’s never going to be happy without some kind of project going. When we fuss, Mom uses the opportunity to tell us that if there were grandchildren…”

  Just another reason she had to get out of Cooper’s life. To have a child would only give Mick more of a chance to get to her. If a child with Mick would be in danger, how much more would another man’s child be in? She could understand Coop’s underestimating Mick’s ability to find her. He thought she was safe. In a world this big, people had successfully disappeared without nearly the funds she had. But she knew different. Mick had an uncanny ability and the resources to track people. His mother had told her of some of the cases he’d worked on. The police department valued his success at what he did.

  When she told Cooper this, he’d asked if that was the case, why Mick had been unable to find his ex-wife. At his words, hope had flared for a second. However, it was short-lived. For one thing, at first Mick hadn’t wanted to find her. He didn’t care about a girl child. If it had been a boy, that would have been different. By the time he needed to find her to get a divorce, she’d been gone too long. Another reason Galynn suspected was that his ex-wife had learned to block him with a sort of shield. Mick could read people. She knew because his ability to know what she thought or felt had resulted in numerous beatings. It seemed surreal, but she’d learned to shield her mind to some extent, too. Would it be enough so he couldn’t find her? She didn’t want to risk it.

  Coop had turned on a country-western station. Galynn closed her eyes and willed away her thoughts. She wasn’t going to let Mick intrude in her life anymore than she had to. In a few weeks, she’d leave. Seattle should be big enough for her to lose herself in. She’d be careful not to develop any friendships. If he did find her, it would only be her that would be hurt. Dying couldn’t be any more painful than living with him had been.

  The GPS had been directing them since Coop set it up when they’d gotten back in the car at the restaurant. It fascinated Galynn, who had never seen one. When they got to Missoula, it started giving directions at nearly every turn. “It’s kind of a sleepy town. I guess I expected more traffic.”

  Coop smiled. “It’s late afternoon on a Sunday, and this is a college town. Wait until you see it on a weekday.”

  She noticed that he always looked ahead on things they’d do, places they’d see. Denial or avoidance, she let it go. Five minutes later, Cooper pulled up in front of a huge, three-story building and turned off the motor. She opened her door and stepped out. The building looked like it might have once been a school. The deep porch had columns that ran up to the roof.

  Cooper took her hand and led her up the wide brick stairs. “Quite something, isn’t it.”

  She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes wide in wonder. “What did they use this building for? It’s so beautiful with classic lines that blend into the hills behind it.”

  “Did you study architecture? You seem to have an eye for the design.”

  “No, but I would have loved to. That, and interior decorating, it would be so much fun to see a place like this come together.”

  “And what about teaching?”

  She laughed up at him. “You’re right. I guess I need at least a couple of lifetimes to do everything I’d like to do.”

  The key Coop’s dad had given him was old. He had a little trouble getting it into the lock, but once he did, it turned easily, and he swung the door open onto a huge entry foyer. For a minute, they both stood mesmerized by the possibilities they could see for the old building. Galynn’s voice echoed in the empty room. “Your dad said something about tearing it down?”

  “He said the value of the property is in the land and that tearing it down is an option. After seeing it, I don’t think we’ll go that way unless we find something when we do a thorough inspection.”

  He moved farther into the room. The late-afternoon light played across battered but still-beautiful hardwood floors. He let his gaze move along the floor. There didn’t appear to be any dry rot. “Let’s check the other two floors before we lose the light.”

  Galynn was only too happy to join him. The stairs were worn, but, like the floors downstairs, were solid. “So was it a school? It doesn’t seem that it’s got the wear I’d expect from a school.”

  “A private school. I don’t know much else about it, but we can research it when we get home.” Thinking about it, he added, “Or better yet, we can research it tomorrow.”

  When they got upstairs, they could see the typical layout of a school, with maybe bigger rooms. There were two bathrooms on each floor. Galynn stopped at a small, locked door. “What do you think is behind here, maybe the door to the attic?”

  Cooper gave the door a try. The only key he had went to the front door. “I think you’re probably right. It will need to be open for electrical inspection, but I don’t want to try to turn on any power this late in the day, so I guess we can wait for another time.”

  Again, Galynn noticed his reference to a future, and a yearning for all that entailed washed over her. A look of pain must have crossed her face because Coop took her chin and tilted it up. “What, tired and maybe cold? It’s freezing in here. We should get out of here before we end up in the dark.”

  When they got back to the car, they sat for a few minutes looking at the old building. Galynn broke the silence. “What do you think that you’ll put in here, apartments?”

  “Yeah, the question is what kind. Probably the most practical would be low income, so we could populate it with students. But the building and its location would support luxury apartments or condominiums.” With the heater warming the truck, he didn’t seem in a hurry to leave. “We could also put a bistro and some trendy shops on the bottom floor. I’ll talk to Dad about it, and if he buys the place, we’ll draw up a few designs and see what flies with the rest of the family.”

  When they got back on the highway, Cooper asked her if she felt up to dinner with his folks at the lodge. She readily agreed, wanting to be a part of the conversation when they talked about the old school. Coop flipped open his cell and dialed his folks. “We’re just leaving Missoula. Want to meet us at the lodge for dinner?”

  His folks hadn’t eaten dinner yet and were happy that Coop had called. He turned to Galynn. “We should be there in about half an hour. Why don’t you close your eyes and try to take a nap.”

  When they entered the Blackhawk Lodge, Galynn found herself speechless over a building for the third time in two days. She slowly turned, scanning the room. Cooper had been right. His family’s lodge made the one in Kalispell pale in comparison. Natural pine floors and walls gleamed with warmth. A huge river-rock fireplace took up all of one wall, and
a fire blazed in the hearth. Her eyes went to the staircase, and she held her breath. A man walked down the last step and, smiling, walked toward them. He was movie-star beautiful. The same coloring, the same full, sensual mouth as his brothers but more refined. His dark-gray slacks and black shirt looked like they had been designed just for him, and she imagined a pair of shorts and a T-shirt would look the same. Modeling agencies would drool to get their hands on him.

  He clasped Cooper on the back. “Hey, bro, it’s been awhile.” Turning to Galynn, he held out his hand to her. “I guess I don’t have to guess what’s been keeping you so scarce.”

  As they shook hands, Cooper introduced them, adding that Devon owed him because with his addition to the family, Devon didn’t have to be the “baby.”

  “And that’s a good thing?” Devon laughed.

  It was amazing how much the two brothers’ voices sounded alike. If she closed her eyes, it would be hard to tell which brother was speaking.

  She’d surprised herself when she’d dozed off on the drive home. Feeling rumpled, she excused herself and headed for the bathroom to freshen up. Leaning over the sink, she splashed water on her face and patted it dry. Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror. She looked rested and happy. Again, the now-familiar twinge hit her heart. How could she even think about leaving all this behind?

  Cooper and his brother were standing by the entrance talking with Grant when she came out. The three made a picture that would turn any woman’s head, but her eyes went straight to Cooper. Sensing her gaze, he turned and met it. He smiled and walked over to meet her. “Feel better for the little snooze?”

  She nodded. “You were right, but I didn’t feel sleepy.”

  Cooper’s folks were already seated in a big corner booth, and they quickly joined them. Galynn slid in first to sit beside Cooper’s mother. “Did you have fun up at Kalispell?”

  “Yes, we had a wonderful time. The trip was beautiful, and Coop is fun to travel with.”

  The waitress came over, and Devon ordered the usual for all of them. Cooper held up his hand. “Just a sec.” He turned to Galynn. “The usual is prime rib. Are you okay with that? Oh, and coffees all around.”

  She loved that Devon had included her so effortlessly and said as much but added, “If there’s a small cut of prime rib, I’d like that, and coffee’s fine.”

  Cooper squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. If you can’t eat it all, we’ll let you take a doggie bag home.”

  The salad was served family style with house dressing and hot rolls. As conversation flowed around the table, Galynn found herself joining in more than she would have expected. This is what family is. She blinked to keep a tear at bay. Cooper pressed his leg against hers in silent support.

  Devon opened the conversation about the old school. Looking over at Cooper, he said, “What did you think of the property in Missoula?”

  Cooper looked at his two brothers. “Have either of you seen it?”

  When they shook their heads, he continued. “Well, I don’t think we’ll need to tear down the building. In fact, I can see a lot of possibilities for it. It’s well constructed with quality materials. This wasn’t a run-of-the-mill school. Of course it’s subject to inspection, but I think a lot of it can be salvaged and incorporated into the remodeling. If Dad can get it for land value, we should turn a nice profit on it.”

  They discussed the pros and cons of economy apartments versus upper-end ones. Galynn noticed Cooper’s mother sliding the rest of her prime rib over to her husband, and she nudged Cooper, asking if he wanted hers. Seemingly without thought, he traded plates with her. Devon caught the exchange and bumped Grant’s arm. “Dang, looks like we need to get a significant other.”

  His father beamed over at him. “Yep!”

  Their mother chimed in. “What do you mean ‘significant other’?” She held her fingers up in quote marks. “How about wives? You know, the ones that help make grandbabies.”

  Grant rolled his eyes at Devon. “Now you’ve done it, bro. Get her started right, and just when things were quieting down.”

  They all laughed at the antics when Lydia reached over the table and whopped Grant on the shoulder. Cooper glanced down at his watch and let out a low groan. “We need to get moving. So, what next with the property?”

  His dad drained the rest of his coffee and scooted toward the front of the booth. “Grant’s off tomorrow. How about all of us going down for one more look through. If we all agree, I’ll make an offer on it.” He turned to his wife. “Is that okay? Can you make it tomorrow?”

  Cooper told them he needed to get the crew out, and then they’d be free. Galynn knew she wouldn’t go, but it felt good when he included her. They set a time to meet at the lodge the next morning and exchanged hugs before heading out the door. When Lydia hugged her, Galynn felt like she’d come home, and for a minute let herself savor the warmth of being a part of a family.

  The light Cooper had left on in the kitchen welcomed them home. As soon as they got in the door, he took his jacket off and reached for hers. Galynn gave it to him and then started to go upstairs. She was on the first step when she heard Cooper’s indrawn breath. She turned around and put her bag down on the floor. Her gaze sought his as she walked back and into his arms. Leaning back, she traced her fingers across his lips. “I love you.”

  He let out his breath and pulled her closer. They stood rocking back and forth, seeking the warmth of each other. “I thought you might be going up to bed.”

  She laughed up at him and nibbled along his jaw. “Is that where you want me?”

  “You know better.” He growled.

  “I’m going to take a shower and get into my sleeping stuff.” She frowned. “For the first time, I wish I had more clothes…” A blush stole over her features. “Like maybe something you’d enjoy more than a sleeping T-shirt and flannel shorts.”

  His voice rumbled low and deep. “Honey, you don’t need anything to make you more beautiful, more desirable. I can hardly keep my hands off you.” Taking her hand, he pressed it against the fly of his jeans to prove his point.

  Chapter 10

  When she got back downstairs, Galynn found Cooper dozing on the sofa. She stood for awhile, drinking in the sight of him. His hair curled in damp swirls from his shower. Long, black lashes swept over his cheeks. Devon, his brother, was beautiful, no doubt about it, but to her, Cooper screamed masculinity. He must have sensed her presence because when he opened his eyes, he made instant eye contact with her. Motioning her over, he moved so she could lay down on the sofa with him. “Hey, you. Did the shower feel good?”

  “Umm lovely…” She started to add, “but it would have been nicer with you.” After what they’d shared the night before, she couldn't believe she would still be shy. Not for the first time, she wished she were more experienced.

  It seemed like Cooper could read her mind. His arms tightened around her. “Wishing I was with you, huh?”

  She playfully punched him on the side. “How do you always know what I’m thinking?”

  He laughed and bent to give her a quick kiss. “Maybe because I’m thinking the same thing.”

  He’d turned on the gas fireplace, and they laid in silence watching the flames. Galynn fought sleep. She didn’t want to waste any of her precious time with him. Shifting, she raised up so she could she see him. “You’re so very lucky, having a family like yours. Growing up, I always wished for a sister. I’d even have settled for a brother, though for birthdays and Christmases it was always a sister that I had on my wish list.”

  “Was your mother always sick?”

  “No, but she was always tired. My dad died when I was five. He got hurt working on an old car he had. He didn’t have any health insurance, but he did have a little life insurance. Grandma insisted that Mom put it aside so she’d have something in the bank. She wanted us to come live with her, so we did.”

  “Is it this house that you and Mick were living in?”

 
“Yes, it’s old, but the neighborhood is still okay.”

  “Didn’t it bother you to just walk out and let him have it?”

  Galynn was quiet for a minute. Had it bothered her? The need to get away had been so overwhelming she honestly hadn’t given the house much thought. She gave a little laugh. “Guess it didn’t. Thinking back, instead of the safe haven it had always been, it had become a place I dreaded going home to.”

  She fell quiet again. She hadn’t thought of anything beyond getting away from Mick. Now she looked at the whole situation the way she knew Cooper could see it. Unlike when his first wife left him, Mick would have the added incentive of money to find her. He couldn’t sell the house without her signature.

  Cooper’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Why did you pick Seattle?”

  “Huh?” It took her a few minutes to get back to the present. “Oh, no reason except I don’t know anyone there and I thought that Mick would think I’d stay in a warmer climate.”

  “So? Why Seattle in particular?”

  “Wellll.” She drug out the “well,” trying to keep the tone light. Holding up her fingers, she bent one back. “One, it’s big. Two, it’s big, and…”

  He laughed. “Okay, okay, so you wanted a populated place. Did you put places like Spokane, Portland, and Seattle in a hat and pull one out?”

  “No, silly. I researched places on the Internet.”

  Cooper drew in a breath. “Uh, from your home computer?”

  Galynn saw at once where he was going, and like a lightbulb, she realized what she’d done. Panic almost had her choking. She had to leave, and within the week. Mick would know exactly where she was headed. She had used the school computer. “Stupid, stupid, stupid,” chanted in her head. His brother taught at the same school she did. The teachers had to sign on, but they all used the same user ID and password. She bit her lip. It wasn’t too late. She could reverse direction and head down through Wyoming to Colorado. The weather would be a factor, but if she got started, she should be able to make it.