by Sable Hunter
“Yes, thank you.” She opened the takeout bag and helped him divide their loot. “Smells good.”
“Tastes even better, I bet.” He took a big bite. “I was right. Eat up,” Canyon encouraged her. Noticing she was toeing off her shoes, he nodded toward her feet. “Sore?”
“Yea.” She took a bite and nodded. “I didn’t use to appreciate the fact of always feeling good, no aches or pains.”
“Getting old’s a bitch.” He leaned against the door and exhaled a satisfied breath.
“You’re not old,” she assured him. “You’re just right.”
Canyon licked some salsa off the tip of his thumb. “Damn, you always know the right thing to say.”
“Not always.” She gave a satisfied little sigh, taking another bite of beef taco. “I hope you didn’t have anything better to do tonight than babysit me.”
“I had fun.” He nodded to the bank bag. “We organized some football pools.” At her puzzled expression, he explained. “You know, where we put down money on a pair of numbers to see who will guess the scores of the game.”
“Oh, that sounds fun.”
“It is.” He took a drink of soda. “And Bull called me. He’s doing good and will be coming home soon.”
“Excellent.”
He thought a moment before telling her the other thing. “Do you remember hearing about that duck boat accident a few weeks back? The one on Canyon Lake? Several people drowned.”
“Yea, I remember.” She felt a stab of pain.
“Sheriff Saucier told me they determined it was sabotage. Someone put a hole in the bottom of the boat. Started out as a slow leak, then the pressure built and it filled up fast.”
“How awful.” She remembered seeing Canyon carrying the poor children who had perished from the water. “I’m so sorry. I hope they catch whoever is responsible. Will they close down the boat ride?”
Canyon thought a second or two. “I don’t know. I’m sure the boat would need a tremendous amount of repair. Although, every time a tragedy happens, we can’t quit doing things we enjoy. No one would ever ride a plane or drive a car again.”
“Or take a shower,” she added and Canyon laughed.
“True, it’s those shower accidents you have to watch out for. I’ve had a few close calls in my time.”
“Yea.” She smiled, remembering.
Both grew quiet for a moment, each imagining the other in the shower.
Canyon finished his last bite, clearing his throat, and wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Well, that was good. Did you get full?”
Seren nodded, able to see him quite well as they sat in the parking lot underneath the security lamp. “Very.”
Gathering their trash, Canyon stepped out of the truck to throw it away in a nearby garbage can. When he returned, he saw Seren had nestled down in her seat. “That’s right. Close your eyes and rest. I’ll wake you up when we get home.”
With a contented sigh, she did as he suggested.
On the road home, he kept stealing glances at her, smiling when he realized she was fast asleep. When he arrived at home, Canyon didn’t wake her. Coming around to the passenger side, he gathered Seren into his arms and her things into his arms to carry her inside. Taking slow, even steps, he smiled as she clutched his collar and snuggled deeper into his embrace.
Once he was in the guest bedroom, he balanced her in one arm while he put her shoes and bag on the floor, then pulled the covers down on the bed. “There you go,” he whispered after placing her on the sheet. Standing up straight, he tried to assess what he should do next.
Should he wake her?
Should he undress her?
Seeing the peaceful expression on her beautiful face, Canyon opted to let her sleep. “I can do this,” he murmured softly as he found her gown, then proceeded to undress her carefully. As he did so, Canyon felt as if he’d done this before. He’d uncovered this satiny skin. His lips had blazed trails over her beautiful body. “You gotta stop – before you can’t.” Laying aside the clothing he’d removed, he pulled the gown over her head and slipped her hands through the armholes. “I’d better not take off your underwear, I might just have to crawl in this bed with you if I do.”
As soon as he’d arranged her gown and brought the cover up under her chin, Canyon stepped back – and dared to breathe. He deserved a medal for valor in the face of unbridled lust. Taking one last look at his beautiful guest, he backed away slowly. His desire for Seren was accompanied by a heart melting tenderness. When he bumped into the dresser at the foot of the bed, he felt an overwhelming urge to sit on top of it – just to watch her sleep during the night.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Tap! Tap!
“Morning, sunshine. Up and at ‘em. Jonah wants us to stop over at his shop on our way into town.”
Seren opened one eye and aimed it toward the closed guest room door. “Okay.” Raising up, her mind was all fuzzy. She didn’t even remember coming home, much less getting ready for bed. “I’ll be right…”
Oops. Her stomach did a major flip-flop.
Throwing the covers back, she jumped from the bed and made for the restroom, barely arriving to kneel before the toilet before emptying the contents of her stomach.
Ick.
“Whew.” As she held her head, one elbow propped up on the porcelain rim, Seren became aware she was wearing her gown over her underwear. “Weird.” Confused, she thought she must’ve been super tired not to remove them.
Tap! Tap!
“Did you get up, Seren? I’ve made more hot chocolate and I have a toaster pastry ready!” Canyon stood right outside the door, resisting the urge to go inside.
“Coming!”
Her one-word answer made him smile. Yea, he was such a guy. “Sue me.”
Inside, Seren did her best to hurry. She still felt nauseated and uneasy. Once dressed and ready, she grabbed her bag to join Canyon in the living room. “Thanks.” She accepted the cup of chocolate, but turned down the pastry. “I’m not hungry. Did the tacos sit well with you?”
“Just fine.” Eyeing her closely, Canyon tried to look beyond the fact she was hot as hell. “You do appear to be a bit pale. Want to call into work? We’ll put you a cot up in my shop and you can doze the day away.”
“I’ll be fine,” she assured him as they made their way outside. “What’s up with Jonah?”
As usual, he helped her in the truck, taking time to fasten the seatbelt. “He wants my opinion on the vehicle he’s refurbishing for Aron McCoy’s birthday.”
“Oh, good.” She laid her head against the back of the seat, unable to muster much enthusiasm. As she lay there, her mind returned to the night before. Realization dawned on her slowly. “I went to sleep in the truck last night…and you carried me inside.”
Canyon grunted, licking his fingers as he finished the last of his toaster pastry. She was slowly putting two and two together and he had no idea how she’d react when she got to four.
Seren’s eyes bugged and she jerked her head to look at him. “You undressed me and put me to bed!”
“Guilty as charged. I tucked you in all good and proper.”
Seren kept staring at him. “So, the ‘proper’ part explains why I woke up wearing my bra and panties underneath the gown.”
“You don’t usually wear panties to bed?” He licked a bit of creamy residue from his lips, wishing it was hers instead of from the toaster pastry.
As he held the wheel, he flexed a muscle in his forearm and Seren felt a zing go straight to her clitoris. Muscled. Broad and strong. Tanned skin dusted with dark hair. “You’re too sexy for your own good, Canyon Brady.”
“What?” His hand jerked on the wheel and the truck ran off the road for a few feet.
Did she say that out loud? Groan. “Nothing.”
To his chagrin, they arrived at the turn off to Jonah’s shop. “This conversation is far from over.”
“I think I’ll just wait here, if that’s okay,” she mumbled as h
e parked to the side of the large steel building.
Canyon gave her a hard look. “If you’re not feeling better when I come back, we’re stopping at the clinic.”
“No,” Seren whined a bit and pooched out her lips.
“Don’t argue with me, love. You’ll lose.” He tapped her on the end of the nose and left to see Jonah’s progress on the old truck.
Seren sat there staring out to her right, noticing a bed of freshly planted marigolds. Aside from the uneasiness in her tummy, she felt good. Hopeful. Bantering with Canyon made her happy. At the moment, she didn’t know what the immediate future held – but she did so enjoy his company. Closing her eyes, she recalled the last time they’d made love. The poignant memory made her sigh with longing. Sadness welled in her breast. If there was any way…
“Ugh!” Seren grabbed for the door handle, barely making it out of the truck and over to the side of the building before being sick. Luckily, she missed the marigolds.
“Are you okay?”
John Callan’s voice right coming from behind her caused Seren to jerk to her feet. “Oh, yea. It was something I ate, I guess.”
The old man reached into his back pocket and pulled out a blue bandanna handkerchief. “I don’t think so.”
She took what he offered, but didn’t wipe her mouth with it. “I’ll be fine.”
John chuckled. “In a few months, when the baby comes.”
“Baby?” Seren squealed softly, shocked at his suggestion.
“I’d know that glow anywhere, girlie. Jonah’s mom was never prettier than when she was pregnant.”
“John! There you are. Are you avoiding me?” Delaney came around the corner of the building.
John pushed his cowboy hat back on his head. “Now, why would I do that, Miss Margaret?”
Delaney rolled her eyes and smiled at Seren. “Hey. How are you?” She linked her arm with John. “My charge doesn’t want to take his meds.”
“Hey. I’m fine. You?” She wasn’t fine. Seren was reeling from John’s suggestion. Pregnant?
“Can’t complain. The Callan men are growing on me.” Delaney glanced over to where Jonah and Canyon were looking under the hood of a vehicle.
Seren pointed to Canyon’s truck. “I’m sorry. I need to…check my messages.”
“Oh, sure. We’ll see you later. We’ve got a Texas Holdem game to finish.” She took John by the hand and urged him back toward the house. “Come on. You owe me a chance to win my money back.”
Seren returned to the truck, climbing in, and shutting the door. Her heart was beating like the flapping wings of a caged bird. “Pregnant?” Holding her head, she tried to think. It wasn’t like she was totally ignorant of human biology. She knew how babies were made. She understood the female reproductive cycle. “I’ve never had a monthly,” Seren groaned. How could you miss something you’ve never had?
Was she pregnant?
They’d had unprotected sex…but that was…before. “Oh, my goodness!” Why hadn’t she thought of this? Pressing her hand to her chest, she tried to calm her breathing. “You need to find out for sure.”
A pregnancy test.
She needed a pregnancy test.
When the driver’s side door opened suddenly, Seren jumped – as if she’d been caught doing something wrong.
“Here I am.” Canyon stared at her. “What’s wrong? Are you worse? Do you want to go to the doctor?”
“Uh. No.” She gave him her brightest smile. “I’m good. Ready to go to work.”
“Sure?” Concern softened his expression. “Avery would understand.”
“No. Really. I’m fine,” she tried to assure him. “Lots to do at Hardbodies today. Isaac has decided to expand the Halloween party to include a mini carnival for charity. They’ve come up with all kinds of games and booth ideas. I have to go into town with Doris to buy supplies.” Now, she was planning a side trip to the drug store for a pregnancy test.
“Okay.” He started the truck and pulled away, heading to the club. “On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll call me if you need anything. Anything. Okay?”
Seren smiled, placing a protective palm over her middle. “Okay. I promise.”
* * *
“So…how does it look?” Libby whispered to Canyon as she sidled up next to him as he walked from his shop to the barn in answer to a summons from Jacob.
Knowing she referred to the truck Jonah was working on for her surprise gift for Aron’s birthday, he gave her a thumbs up. “He’s going to love it. Superior workmanship. The man’s a genius with engines.”
“I am so excited! I plan on making this his best birthday yet.”
Canyon smiled at the happy Mrs. McCoy. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate everything you do for him.”
“He always does.” Libby shaded her eyes as she walked, gazing out into the pasture. “You know, he’s not getting older. He’s getting better.”
Canyon laughed. “Wow.”
Libby blushed. “Sorry. I know we’re not newlyweds, but it feels like we still are.”
“Well, I think that’s wonderful. Amazing.” He opened the gate for her to walk through. “We should all be so lucky.” Funny, Canyon found that he meant what he said. “Now, where’s this surprise Jacob wants us to see.” As they entered the barn, Canyon could see there were several others waiting on them. Denver, Jessie, Nathan, and Jacob, of course.
“Over here. We’ve got a new family member.” Jacob’s voice sounded excited. “Canyon, Libby, meet Magnus.”
“Oh, damn!” Canyon exclaimed as Libby oohed and ahhed over the gigantic dapple horse standing before them. “What in the world is he?”
Holding the reins, Jacob beamed with pride. “He’s a Shire. Standing twenty-one and a half hands high, Magnus weighs over twenty-four hundred pounds. Canyon, our big boy is going to need a pair of big shoes.”
Canyon walked around the humongous animal. “I’ll get right on it. Where did you find this monster?”
Jacob laughed with delight. “Up around Amarillo. A guy up there breeds them. Isn’t he a beaut?”
“He’s adorable,” Libby almost purred as she stroked the big horse’s nose.
“Here, I’ve brought treats.” Jessie joined her so they could feed Magnus.
“Denver, when the ladies are through making him welcome, you and Nathan take Magnus over to the paddock closest to the main house. I want to keep a close eye on him for a few days, make sure he’s settling down.”
“Will do,” Denver agreed, fetching a lead from the tack room.
“Hey, can I ride him?” Nathan asked as he offered Magnus a drink of water from a bucket.
“Soon. We’ve got to get a saddle that will fit him first,” Jacob said, moving close to Canyon who’d eased up to the huge horse and was rubbing his legs. “How are his hooves?”
After lifting one big back leg, Canyon let out a thoughtful hum. “Looks pretty good. I’ll give him a trim when I put on the new shoes.”
Jacob stepped behind his wife and lifted her hair in his hands. “Did you hear the end result of the duck boat investigation?”
Canyon stood alongside him. “You mean the fact that it was sabotage? Kane told me.”
“Yea, it’s crazy. I feel for the boat captain. A lot of harsh things were said about him. Accusations of negligence among other things.”
“Well, there were a few things he could improve on, Jacob,” Jessie murmured, leaning back into his hands as he caressed her hair.
“You’re right. More life jackets and such,” Jacob agreed. “Anyway, to show the community that he heard their concerns, Mr. Houseman is refurbishing a bigger boat to take the place of the damaged one. He wants to host the mayor, city council and some of the volunteers for a moonlight run to thank them for their service.”
For a few seconds, Canyon didn’t speak. He still had dreams about that accident. “If it wasn’t Houseman’s fault, I can’t see the area turning our backs on
him. When is the outing scheduled?”
Jacob shook his head. “I don’t know.” He led Jessie and Libby to one side while Denver and Nathan moved Magnus out of the barn. “When I find out, I’ll let you and the rest of the volunteers know. He’s talking about serving food and drinks. If the weather’s nice, we’ll cruise around the lake. He’s even planning a fireworks display. It should be a good time.”
“Count me in.” Canyon smiled as he brushed off his jeans to rid them of a few straws of hay.
A movement from the door drew their attention. Isaac came ambling in, the chains on his biker boots making their familiar music. “Well, I see you finally found a horse to match your size, Hoss,” he teased his brother, Jacob.
Jessie wrapped her arms around her husband’s waist and kissed him in the center of his back. “Jacob’s just the right size, Isaac. Don’t pick on your brother.”
Jacob whispered something in Jessie’s ear that made her pinken and giggle. “I can take care of myself against my wimpy little brother, darlin’.”
“Wimpy, right,” Isaac scoffed, swaggering toward them. “You just wish you were half as badass as me.”
Canyon rolled his eyes. “Hey, I’ll leave you two to compare your dick size. Some of us have work to do.”
Isaac held up his hand. “Wait a sec, Brady. I came to see you.” He punched his brother playfully on the arm as he moved closer to Canyon. “What’s your work schedule like for the next couple of weeks?”
“Nothing pressing.” He looked at Jacob, who nodded his agreement. “What’s up?”
“I need you to build me a monster smoker and BBQ grill combo out in back of the club. Thought I’d utilize the empty spot where the burned-out trailer used to sit. I’ve already gathered the materials and poured a good concrete foundation.”
“Lead on.” Canyon motioned for the door. “Let’s go check it out.”
“Great. Follow me over and I’ll show you what I’m thinking.”
Canyon grinned. “Sounds like a fun project.” Plus, an irresistible bonus – he’d be working near Seren.
* * *