by Joan Kilby
“Dad?” Summer was at his side, holding something cupped in her hands. “Can we go home now?”
“What? Oh, of course.” Adam glanced around. “Where’s Steve? What have you got there?”
“He left. He just wanted to give me this.” Blinking hard, she opened her hands, revealing a ceramic horse, brown with four white socks and a black mane and tail. “It’s just like Bailey.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Hayley said. Steve just went up ten points in her estimation. But she saw Summer’s tangled emotions, and her heart ached for the girl. She hoped the figurine would heal more than hurt her.
“That was nice of him, I suppose,” Adam said. “Go out to the car. I’ll be right there.” He waited until Summer left, then drew Hayley farther away from the gift counter where Molly was busying herself and studiously pretending not to listen to their conversation. “You made the right call about Steve.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
Adam shot a glance at Molly. “She keeps an eye on you, doesn’t she?” When she nodded, he reached for her hand and squeezed it briefly. “I’ll see you later.”
Her heart kicked up a notch. Her fingers curled into her palm as if she could contain the warmth of his skin. “Later.”
* * *
ADAM LAID HIS preliminary sketches of Hayley’s house on the dining table. It was after five o’clock. She would be back soon. Wine or coffee? She might want a shower first before they went over his drawings. He hoped she would like his ideas. Would they be too citified for her?
Who was he kidding? The nerves skittering through him weren’t about the plans. Had he only imagined the look in Hayley’s eyes back at the café? Unless he was reading her wrong, the spark between them was close to bursting into flame.
There were lots of reasons not to pursue the attraction—she was in mourning, he was leaving, she blamed him indirectly for the fire that had destroyed her home, she was treating his daughter. All that was drowned out by the buzz of knowing that any minute she would walk through that door.
She’d said she wanted to move back to her garage. He so didn’t want that to happen, not when things were getting interesting between them.
Wine, not coffee, he decided. She would want to relax after her first day waitressing, not get revved up.
He heard her truck in the driveway and went out to the veranda to lean against one of the upright posts twined with the bright green leaves and magenta flowers of bougainvillea.
“Honey, I’m home.” Despite the self-mocking tone her smile was sunny and her eyes glowed.
“I’m about to open a bottle of chardonnay. Can I interest you in a glass?”
“You’re a mind reader.” Awareness shimmered between them as the silence stretched. Then she lifted the plastic bag she carried. “Perks of the job. Molly’s amazing Thai green curry.”
“Excellent. My repertoire of recipes is slim. You were about to find out I’m not the gourmet cook I make myself out to be.” He held the screen door open for her to go inside.
“Two-minute noodles?” Hayley said, seeing the empty package on the counter. “Even for a noncook that’s bad.”
“Summer must have gotten those out.”
Hayley set the bag down. “Did she say anything more about Steve, or why she was so angry with him?”
“I’ve been trying very hard not to be a prying father. Is he a school friend? She’s too young to have a boyfriend.”
“She’s fourteen. She’s not too young.”
Adam still struggled to see his daughter as a young woman, but that was exactly what she was. “The problem with being a father is knowing what I did with girls at that age.”
“Get used to it, Papa,” Hayley teased. “It’s only going to get worse.”
He brought the wine out of the fridge and unscrewed the cap. “She’s never mentioned him to me. I called Diane, but she didn’t know anything, either. Mind you, Diane gets preoccupied with her own life. Summer’s always been a dream child. Getting into trouble is so unlike her that neither her mother nor I were prepared for problems.”
“She’s still the beautiful child you love. She’s just going through a tough time.”
He searched Hayley’s face. “I understand that your sessions have to remain confidential but you would tell me if there was anything seriously bad or wrong happening with her, wouldn’t you?”
“I would find a way to let you know. She’s underage and it’s part of my duty of care as her therapist.” Hayley gave his arm a reassuring squeeze and let her hand linger a moment before she withdrew it. “Where is she now?”
“She went straight to the barn to check on Blaze after school and hasn’t come out since.”
“I’ll go have a quick chat with her. I want to look in on Blaze, myself.”
“Before you go...” He pulled over the plans. “Take a look at these preliminary drawings. We can review them in detail later and make whatever changes you like.”
Hayley leaned over the table, scanning the plans. “I don’t understand what all the buildings are, but I recognize the house.” She straightened, her eyes shining. “I’m so excited that you did this for me.” She reached her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” His splayed fingers circled her slender waist as her breasts pressed against his chest. He breathed in her scent, felt her warmth, and his groin tightened.
Too quickly she eased away, her gaze tangling with his. “I should go see Summer. And Blaze.”
Adam slid his hands down her arms to squeeze her hands before letting her go. “Don’t be long.”
He’d told himself he couldn’t hit on a woman staying in his house as a guest. But she’d made the first move just now. Maybe she didn’t have any qualms about them getting friendly. On the other hand, maybe it was just a hug. A thank-you. It didn’t necessarily mean she wanted him.
While he waited for Hayley to return he put the curry on to heat and opened his laptop to check his email. He answered a couple of quick questions from his assistant about the specs for the Shanghai apartments. Then he opened a message from Lorraine, his boss and founder of the architect firm.
Adam, you know how much I value you. But your continuing absence raises questions about your future at the firm. Are you still interested in a partnership? I hope so. I have exciting plans. Let’s get together and discuss.
Lorraine.
Adam’s heart raced. Making partner in one of the biggest architect firms in Australia engaged in international development had been his goal ever since his first overseas project ten years ago. His finger itched to hit Reply and give Lorraine an unqualified yes. But he didn’t know how long he’d be solely responsible for Summer. Would Diane resume primary care of their daughter once her mother was well? Did he really want her to? What were Lorraine’s expectations regarding his responsibilities and workload? Would there be any leeway for his situation? He had way more questions than answers.
He tapped out a reply: Lorraine, I’m definitely still interested. We should talk in person. His fingers paused on the keys as he pondered the best day for him to go into the city. Or...maybe he could get Lorraine to come out here, see for herself how things were with him. In a more relaxed atmosphere his boss might be more amenable to compromise.
He often socialized with Lorraine and her husband, Graham. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to conduct negotiations on his turf. And the clincher: Graham wrote grant proposals for a living. Maybe he could help Hayley find funding for Horses for Hope.
Why don’t you and Graham come out this weekend? I could arrange some horseback riding.
Adam.
He hit Send.
Partner at the age of thirty-six. He’d worked his butt off for years for this opportunity. The timing wasn’t the best, but Lorraine was a reasonable person. If
she wanted him as a partner in the firm she should be willing to discuss options.
He just needed some time. A few more months in which to sort out Summer and Timbertop and wrap up everything so he could move back to Melbourne and take on the responsibilities and privileges he’d been groomed for.
He closed his laptop. Time enough to think about the corner office when the partnership came through. Hope Mountain was his world temporarily, and while he was here, he had to be fully present. He owed it to Summer, to himself and to Hayley.
The screen door banged. Hayley came through the kitchen into the dining area. “Summer’s not in a mood to chat, but she seems okay. So is Blaze.”
“Good.” He handed her a glass of wine. “We should talk about what you said last night about moving back to your own place. I wish you wouldn’t.”
She glanced at him over the rim. “Because of Summer?”
Their unspoken feelings were making things too complicated. It was time to bring this into the open. He cleared his throat. “Because of you. As you may have guessed, I’m attracted to you.”
She froze, her cheeks turning pink.
Hell. “If you’re not cool with that, I’ll back off.” He wiped a hand across his brow. “Regardless, you’re still welcome to stay as long as you want. I hope I haven’t made you uncomfortable....”
“It’s okay.” Hayley gave a shaky laugh “I... I like you, too.”
He stilled. “You do?”
“Yes, but I’m conflicted.” She sucked in a deep breath. “One minute I just want to climb you like a tree....” Her color deepened and her gaze darted away. “The next, reality hits and I’m scared shitless. There are so many reasons it’s not a good idea for us to get involved.”
“I know, believe me.” He blew out a gusty sigh. “What do you want to do?”
She bit her lip. “It’s all happening so quickly. I’m not even sure what is happening. I want to see where it leads, but I need to go slowly. If that makes sense.”
“Slowly. I understand.” He continued to hold her gaze, willing her to trust him. “For now, please don’t leave, and definitely don’t leave on my account.”
She nodded and said, “I’d like to stay at least until Blaze gives birth.”
“Then do that. It’s decided.”
“Good.” She breathed out on a laugh. “I’m going to have a quick shower. Keep my wine cool for me.” She ran up the stairs.
“No worries.” Adam watched Hayley until she turned on the landing and disappeared down the hall.
So she wanted to climb him like a tree, did she? He’d gotten an instant hard-on hearing that. But she also wanted to go slowly. Fine. Just not too slowly, he hoped.
* * *
HAYLEY CAME DOWNSTAIRS, showered and dressed in yoga pants and a loose top, her drying hair in waves around her shoulders. She felt good about her decision to stay, glad for Blaze’s sake and excited for her own. It was good that the attraction between her and Adam was out in the open and dealt with. She’d acknowledged her feelings and at the same time bought herself breathing space.
Adam handed her a glass of wine. She had to admit, it was nice to come home to warmth and comfort and a tall, handsome man who seemed to enjoy making her happy. Except she knew better than to get used to this. Adam was on temporary leave from his regular life where he worked such long hours that he’d neglected his ex-wife and daughter. It was easy to forget that. But why else would Diane have had an affair and Summer be so estranged from him?
“Here you go.” He pulled out a chair from the dining table and positioned the architectural drawings where the light was best.
Sipping her wine, Hayley studied the plans in detail. If she’d been excited at first glance, now she was completely overwhelmed. Adam had come up with a complete set of plans for her property. House, stables, a barn, several smaller outbuildings and a large structure whose function wasn’t immediately clear.
“You did all this in one day?”
“It’s just a rough draft.” Adam stood behind her, a hand on the back of her chair. “I’ll finish them properly but first I wanted your input.”
Hayley pointed to the unidentified structure. “What’s this?”
“It’s a covered ring where you can do your horse therapy.”
She twisted in her chair to look up at him. “Horses for Hope is over. I told you, no more funding.”
“But the therapy seems so important to you. You have a special gift. I’ve watched you work with the horses. You seem...more alive than at any other time. Are you going to accept defeat?” Adam asked.
“I don’t have a choice,” she said unhappily. “I called every government official, every funding organization I could think of, and hammered them with statistics on the numbers of people still in need. Everyone agrees the program is worthwhile, but no one has the money to reinstate it.” She shrugged off her feelings of regret and loss. “It’s okay. My long-term goal, my dream, is to build a dude ranch.”
She went back to studying the drawings. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a house and stables. Well, everything short of a bunkhouse for the dude ranch guests.”
“Where?” Adam picked up a pencil and reached an arm over her shoulder.
“Between the house and the barn.”
He made a note in the margin. “Is the dude ranch really your dream? I got the impression it was Leif’s goal. You don’t talk about it much.”
“I’ve had other things on my mind lately. Trail riding is excellent in this area and it makes sense financially. More sense than a government program subject to funding cuts.”
But now that Adam had mentioned it, was the dude ranch her dream? Suddenly she was questioning things she’d taken for granted for years. Her life with Leif had been all about him and his dreams. He’d never given her credit for her horse therapy. In fact, he’d been disinterested and dismissive, insisting she focus on the dude ranch.
Adam, on the other hand, respected her and what she did. He seemed to understand how important the connection between her and her horses was and how fulfilled she was when using her abilities to heal trauma victims. Shame that that part of her life was over, at least for now.
“I could use the ring to give riding lessons,” she said.
“You could. You could also use it for private horse therapy if government funding isn’t an option.”
“Most of my clients are on disability or out of work and can’t afford to pay.” Mention of payment made her realize Adam’s charge-out rate was probably astronomic. “What do I owe you for these drawings?”
“Don’t be silly. They’re my gift to you.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t accept. You’ve already given me so much—accommodation, feed and stabling for my horses...”
“You don’t seem to understand how highly I value what you’re doing for Summer. I know we haven’t seen a lot of progress yet but there have been small, real changes.” His gaze held hers. “I believe in you and what you’re doing.”
Oh, wow. His belief in her was like an aphrodisiac. She could feel his heat, was drawn by his magnetism. She should stand up, get a drink of water, anything. But she couldn’t drag her gaze away from his. Go slow? How, when even with the best intentions she couldn’t control her thoughts or the desires of her heart and body?
Suddenly she didn’t want to fight the attraction.
Reaching out, she slid a hand up his arm.
Adam’s eyes darkened. “Didn’t we just say—”
“Yes, and I haven’t changed my mind, but...I can’t help myself.” She leaned in close. Their lips met, lingered and parted fractionally. She breathed him in, wine and warmth and man. Her fingers brushed the rasp of his jaw. The very molecules of the air seemed to still around them.
Then he wrapped his hand over the back
of her neck and angled her head, claiming her mouth. His kiss stole her breath and she was lost to the sensation of heat and pressure and the slide of his tongue along the seam of her lips. Then the moist rush of heat as he gained entrance. It had been years since anyone but Leif had kissed her so intimately.
Adam didn’t taste like Leif. Nor did she want him to. Her love for Leif had gone cold as the grave.
Adam was life. Warmth. He deepened the kiss, plunging his fingers into her damp hair as he explored her mouth with his tongue. She strained toward him, sliding her hands over the muscles beneath his fine cashmere sweater. He was solid, hard and real. He ran a hand up to mold her aching breast, pressing a thumb into her hardening nipple, and she moaned out loud.
“Dad? Hayley?” Boots sounded on the wooden deck of the veranda. The screen door banged open. “Where are you?”
Hayley jerked back, dragging a hand across her tingling lips. With the other hand she smoothed her hair and straightened her top. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s okay.” Adam held her eyes for one drawn-out moment, then dragged his gaze away and leaned back. “We—” He shut his eyes and cleared his throat. “We’re in here.”
Summer entered the room. She glanced from her dad to Hayley. “What are you guys doing?”
“I... Your dad drew some plans for my new house.” Hayley’s voice didn’t sound like hers. She could still taste him, still feel his long, strong fingers caressing her. “We were just going over the details.”
“Cool.” Summer wandered around to the other side of the table and leaned on her elbows to study the plans.
Hayley felt Adam’s knee pressing against hers, a silent message. She couldn’t look at him, afraid she would blush or do something equally revealing. By tacit consent they weren’t telling Summer that in the past few minutes they’d gone from friends to...something else.
Hayley wasn’t quite sure what they were yet, but it was clear that although they’d acknowledged their feelings to each other, Summer mustn’t know. She and Adam both agreed on this without even talking about it.
