Ghosts of Culloden Moor 25 - Kenrick (Diane Darcy)

by LL Muir

  Allison lifted her gaze to Kenrick. “How did you do that?”

  “Dogs are smart. She knows I mean her no harm.” He examined the muzzle, then removed it. She watched, astonished as he reached slowly toward the dog. Checkers was eying him warily, but wasn’t growling.

  “Be careful,” she admonished him.

  Kenrick lifted his fingers to let the dog smell him. After a moment, Checkers, looking between his hand, and his eyes, and back again, sniffed Kenrick’s hand and finally licked it.

  She arched a brow and met his gaze. “You don’t happen to want a dog, do you?”

  Kenrick looked longingly at the emaciated creature that was timidly leaning into his touch. “I wouldnae mind a dog, but I just arrived and I’ve no place to stay. I’ve no way to feed and shelter her properly else I’d agree.”

  Allison’s heart started a slow pound as she considered possibilities. Though she’d just met Kenrick, she felt a certain responsibility for him. After all, she had plowed him over. She also felt a strange connection with him, and though she couldn’t explain it, she already trusted him. She knew innately that he wouldn’t hurt her.

  Allison had a brand new place to live. Kenrick had no place to stay, and she either had to put Checkers down or get her out of there immediately. There was no time to find another home for her and all the clinics were long closed. If she took Kenrick home, she could take the dog home with her too, just until they could both find a new place.

  They could help each other out.

  The boss need never know.

  It would give her a chance to make sure the man was all right, as well. If he wouldn’t seek medical attention, someone needed to keep an eye on the guy, right?

  She gazed long and hard at Kenrick, weighing the idea. He hadn’t given her reason to fear him; not one bad vibe. The dogs liked him. She’d learned over the years that her dogs knew if someone was trustworthy or not, and they were never wrong.

  After all, they’d hated The Toad on sight, hadn’t they?

  She remembered the shooting star and the love potion, and wondered if her attraction to the man was guiding her to make yet another bad decision.

  For that matter, who was to say he’d even agree?

  Kenrick petted the dog’s back and, with a groan, the supposedly vicious female relaxed.

  Decision made.

  “So…” She eyed Kenrick surreptitiously as she carefully placed the syringe in the disposal container and dumped out the combination of drugs before throwing the container away. “You never really told me anything about yourself. What are you doing in Texas?”

  His eyes shifted back to the dog. “I’m here to help someone.”

  “Anyone I know?”

  He shrugged and she wasn’t sure what to make of that.

  “Are you in a hurry? Or do you think you could help me out for a couple of days first?”

  “How so?”

  She glanced at the dog again. “She really seems to respond to you. If you could keep an eye on her while I’m at work, it would give me the time to find her a permanent home. It would just be for the weekend.”

  He looked skeptical. “I doonae think watching a dog would take too much of my time or effort. I was planning to do a good deed for someone.”

  “For who?”

  Again he shrugged.

  “This would be a good deed.”

  “Keeping a dog by my side wouldnae take up much of my attention. I would think I was meant to do more.”

  More. He needed more. “Uh, well, are you handy at all? Do you know how to fix things?”

  “What sorts of things?”

  “I just bought a house, and my new place is a bit run down. I couldn’t really pay you, but I could give you a bed and food.”

  His gaze brightened. “Ye’ve no man to see to such things?”

  She shook her head. “I have plenty of family around, of course. Daddy, my brother, lots of cousins. But the work hasn’t been done yet.” If she was inviting a stranger into her home, she couldn’t have him thinking she was alone in the world.

  He studied her for a long moment.

  “That would also let me watch you for signs of concussion, so we could sort of help each other out. What do you think?”

  “What would happen to the dog if I didnae help?”

  She glanced at the dog, at her frightened eyes, and lifted her gaze again. “I don’t really have anywhere to take her at the moment because I have to work and I can’t leave her alone with my dogs while I’m gone. With some extra time, I think I could find someone who’d help. Even though my boss doesn’t trust her, I really think she can be saved.”

  “And if I say ye nae?”

  “Her life is over.” She eyed the detestable syringe disposal container. “That shot will make her go to sleep.”

  “Sleep?” Horror chased across his features as he visibly gathered himself. “I’ll help ye. For as long as I can.”

  Relief washed over her and she grabbed his hand. I promise you, you’re not going to regret this. Impulsively, she reached up to kiss him on the cheek, but when he turned his head at the last moment, she gave him a quick peck on one corner of his mouth.

  She moved back. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean … I …”

  Wonder filled his face. “Nae, ’tis fine. ’Tis verra fine. We should seal this deal.” Before she knew it he’d pulled her into his arms and kissed her full on the mouth. If she thought she’d kissed him, it wasn’t anything like the one he laid on her. He pressed his mouth to hers in a slow, languorous kiss, his lips softer than she would’ve imagined, her own pliant and giving. Sparks flared through her, and she barely remembered to breathe.

  She’d never been kissed with such hungry passion before, and was surprised to find herself responding to a man who was essentially a stranger. And not just responding—responding enthusiastically.

  Her hands rose to his chest. When was the last time she’d felt this much chemistry?

  She tried to hold onto her thoughts, but he drew her closer to the warmth of his body and all she could think about was the sensations of his lips on hers, the hardness of his chest, his powerful arms wrapped around her.

  Kenrick groaned and ended the kiss. He looked into her face, astounded.

  She held onto him for a minute, trying to regain her equilibrium. The look on his face surprised her. How could this amazing, virile, drop-dead-gorgeous man be dazed by her?

  She couldn’t deny she’d started it. She gave him a lopsided grin. “Wow.”

  His lips tugged into a slow smile, his earlier shyness completely gone as happiness filled his face. “Aye, lass. Wow.” Those mobile lips formed the word as if tasting it, testing it.

  She’d obviously given him the wrong idea. “Maybe this isn’t such a great plan after all.”

  His smile faded. “The kissing?”

  “You staying with me.”

  “Ye’re not to worry. I’ll not take advantage of ye.”

  She actually believed him. Or maybe she just really wanted to take him home. She certainly didn’t feel uncomfortable in his presence. But the situation would probably look bad from the outside. She couldn’t imagine what her mama would say.

  “Look, I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I’m giving you a place to stay in return for your assistance.” She gave a helpless shrug. “Just don’t expect anything else, all right? I know I kissed you first, but I give you my word, I won’t try anything, either.”

  That slow smile again. “Ye’re not to worry, lass. I’ll not hold ye to that.”

  Allison could feel heat rising in her face and had a hard time looking at Kenrick. A sudden thought occurred to her and she blurted, “You’re not married are you?”

  “Nae, I’ve been widowed for many a year. More than I care to count, in fact.”

  “Oh.” Now she felt bad for asking. He must have been widowed so young. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Nae, lass. ’Tis all right. I’ve had plenty
of time to get used to the notion.”

  “I’ll be right back.” With a feeling of relief, Allison went to find a leash and walked through the clinic to make sure Carter had left. When she didn’t find him, she checked the back lot. His car was gone. One worry off her plate.

  She returned with the leash to find Kenrick petting the dog and her heart warmed. “Let’s help her off the table. We’ll see how she does, and go from there. I don’t want to crate her unless we have to.”

  She reached for the dog, but Kenrick was there first, gently gathering up the shepherd and easily lifting the animal to the ground.

  Allison tensed, worried Checkers might snap or bite, but the dog calmly settled on the tile. “All right. Let’s see if she’ll let me put the leash on her.” Allison reached for the dog’s collar, but once again, Kenrick was there first, playing with the fastener on the leash for a moment, before leaning over and snapping it into place without so much as a growl from the dog.

  Allison breathed out. “Huh. Great. That was easier than I anticipated.”

  The other two dogs came forward to introduce themselves and Checkers growled.

  “There now.” Kenrick placed a hand on her head and the noise stopped immediately. The three dogs sniffed at each other, Checkers stiffer than the other two, but allowing the contact.

  Allison stared in amazement. The man certainly had a way with animals. That thought reminded her she wasn’t immune to his magnetism herself, and she quickly hurried to hold open the door. “I think she needs a new name. An alias. She’s only been Checkers for a few days, anyway. Any suggestions?”

  “Dog.”

  She laughed, finally losing her awkwardness. “That’s pretty original. I wonder why I didn’t think of it myself?”

  He grinned. “It did seem a bit on the obvious side. It was sure to come to ye eventually.”

  “Since we’re going with the obvious, how about Roger, Rover, or Spot?”

  “I’ve not heard those names.”

  She laughed. “No? What have you heard?”

  “Dog. Boy. Girl.” He thought a moment longer. “That’s about it.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not. How about Apollo, Bear, or Killer?”

  Interest sharpened his gaze. “Killer? That would be a fine name.”

  “I was kidding. She needs something soft after all she’s been through.”

  “Nae, lass. I think yer onto something.”

  “She’s a girl, you know. How about Princess?”

  “Ye think to name her for royalty? How about Bonnie? It would be an insult to the animal, to be sure, but ’twould be to my liking to have the man’s namesake be a dog.”

  “I have no idea what that meant, but I do like Bonnie.”

  He smirked. “I was thinking of Bonnie Prince Charlie. I’m sure the man wouldnae enjoy having a dog named for him.”

  “You mentioned him earlier. Wasn’t he a medieval Scottish prince or something?”

  “Aye.” He growled the word. “Or something.”

  She shrugged. Apparently the Scots hated the man even after all these years. “Well, I like it. Bonnie it is.”

  Kenrick nodded looking pleased once more. “Aye. We’re agreed.”

  She held the outside door, and after Kenrick and the dogs exited the building, she set the alarm and locked the door.

  Soon they were all situated in the truck, two dogs in the back, and Bonnie in the front seat, her head on Kenrick’s lap.

  She normally wouldn’t allow an unrestrained dog in the car, but needs must. She didn’t dare mess with whatever magic Kenrick wove.

  Her stomach fluttered as she drove onto the main road and headed toward home. Thinking about magic reminded her of the star, the wish, the love potion. She shot Kenrick a quick glance. She was doing the right thing, wasn’t she? The charm and appeal of the starlit night, the fun she’d been having earlier, wasn’t influencing her to making poor choices now, was it?

  Because no way could a Kool-Aid love potion or wishing on a star gift her such a magnificent specimen of a man.

  Tara would flip over the way they met and the ensuing kiss. She’d read all sorts of meaning into it all.

  Tara would believe her potion had worked.

  Her father and brother would both lose it if they knew she was taking a stranger home.

  An attractive stranger who was good with her dogs. Yes, she’d be the first to admit the guy made her nervous, but that was due to her raging interest in him rather than any fear of the man himself.

  After all, she was the one who’d instigated that kiss. Her cheeks flushed hot again and she was glad for the darkness. Glad the man beside her seemed fascinated by the passing scenery.

  Could he be her wish, come true?

  Was she just an idiot?

  Regardless of everything, she was taking the man home.

  She’d have the dogs in her room, and if she could keep her lips to herself, it would work out fine.

  Chapter 4

  Ten minutes later Allison pulled onto a rocky path and came to a stop in front of a darkened home in a country sort of setting. Two lights lit the outside of the house, one off the porch, and another off the street.

  Allison didn’t move, so he didn’t either.

  “It’s a bit of a fixer upper. I mean, I know it doesn’t look like much, but the one thing it has going for it? It’s all mine. Well, mine and the bank’s.”

  Kenrick took it all in. The house with its peeling paint, had good bones. There was a porch in the front, and what he could see of the property went quite far into the back. There were neighbors on either side, but they were far enough away. The place was like a jewel in a perfect setting. “’Tis wondrous.”

  Beside him, Allison let out a breath and smiled. “I know, right? No one in my family can understand what I’ve done, but just look at the place. No subdivisions for me. Do you see those tall trees?” She pointed toward the back of the property. “There’s a river back there with the most perfect swimming hole imaginable. Eventually I want to build a deck out there and have stairs going down to the river. And I’d like to have a horse or two.”

  He wasn’t sure why Allison’s tone was slightly defensive. The place was amazing. Everything he’d wanted at one time when he’d still had a wife and child and dreams of a future.

  An ideal place to raise a family.

  He remembered his wife’s last words to him on the eve of war. That mayhap it was for the best that he went. He couldn’t help the accompanying flinch.

  Was Soni torturing him with what might have been? What he couldn’t have? The thought was like a sharp knife in his gut. Mayhap this was to be more of a trial than he’d imagined.

  If he was to help the girl, he’d endure. If this was not where he was meant to be, something else would come up. In absence of directions from Soni, he’d go wherever fate took him.

  Allison opened her door and, chattering, let the dogs out of the backseat. The lilting cadence of her voice melded with crickets, the chuff of dogs, and warm breeze.

  He was slow to follow, his boots crunching on the pebbles below him, grounding him as a sense of inevitability swept over him.

  He didn’t want to go elsewhere.

  This might never be his home, but if he’d a chance to taste of its likeness, if only for a short while, he would take it. Though Allison could never be his, he craved more time with a girl who looked at him and found naught lacking. Perhaps he could coax her into more of her soft kisses.

  Bonnie jumped out, sat at his side, and glanced up at him with a questioning whimper.

  He just wished being here, immersed in what he could never have, didn’t hurt so much.

  An hour later, after taking care of the dogs’ needs, feeding Kenrick, and watching his eyes for uneven pupils, she settled her guest in the spare room for the night. Allison finally climbed into bed but found herself wide awake.

  She still had a hard time believing she had a stran
ger in her guest room. And, she had to admit, the family reunion had been flipping through her brain since the moment she’d met him.

  What if? What if she did take him to the reunion? What if she showed up there with a guy so gorgeous even her sister would have to sit up and take notice?

  As well as Allison’s jerk-face ex-fiancé.

  And not just them either. Her parents, cousins, aunts, uncles. Basically everyone who’d been clucking their tongues these last two months.

  Of course, everyone believed she was over here licking her wounds. When she’d bought the place, instead of being happy for her, every single one of her relatives pitied her instead. They thought the place was some kind of a rebound thing. Only, instead of rebounding and getting another guy, she rebounded and bought a broken-down house and property.

  So if they thought that about the property, what were they going to think if they knew she’d moved a stranger into her house? And a foreigner at that. They’d think she’d lost it completely.

  She didn’t have to tell anyone, did she? If Kenrick agreed, she could let them think they’d been dating a while. She turned over in bed. No, that wouldn’t work, because then everybody would think they’d been pitying her for nothing.

  She tossed that idea around. And wouldn’t that be wonderful? Instead of every person she knew feeling sorry for her, they could be angry instead. She’d be seen as a femme fatal, jumping from one man to the next, heartless and uncaring.

  Her stomach squirmed; she wasn’t exactly the femme fatale type. She could simply claim they’d had a whirlwind romance instead. That would work.

  She glanced at the crack of light glowing beneath her bedroom door, cast off from the night-light in the hall. Why wasn’t she afraid of the man?

  It was the animals. She trusted them. Pure of heart, dogs were better than truth serum and could spot a wretch from a saint faster than she could snap her fingers.

  Of course, this was Texas, and she wasn’t a total dunce. Her door was locked and she had a gun in her nightstand, same as everyone else, and she knew how to use it.

  She snuggled into her warm comforter and enjoyed the slight breeze coming in her bedroom window.