all roads lead to you

by Probst, Jennifer

  “I’m glad. Harper has always been the one rescuing damaged souls. It will be nice to see one of hers be successful at the racetrack. Together, you must make quite a team.”

  And then, it happened.

  Fran popped her permed head in the middle of them and hijacked the conversation. “Isn’t it wonderful that they both fell for each other while training a horse?” She sighed deeply and offered Aidan the large bag of carryout. “So romantic.”

  Ah, shit.

  Suddenly, the judge cut him a sharp glance. “You’re with Harper?”

  “No, we’re just—”

  “They’re living together!” Fran announced. “Finally, Harper found someone who has the same interests. I’m so happy! I put some extra lemon tarts in there. Enjoy! Good to see you, Judge Bennett.”

  She floated away on a cloud of romance and left Aidan holding the bag.

  Literally.

  “Dinner for both of you?” Judge Bennett asked dryly, motioning to the bag.

  “Yep, well, to eat in the barn. By Phoenix. With other people.” Was he sweating? “I better get going. It was nice to meet you.”

  He left the Market, feeling various stares digging into him, and knew he’d be hearing about this later.

  Harper glanced down at the text her sister had just sent and caught her breath.

  No. Way.

  After a fabulous dinner, Aidan insisted on doing the dishes, so she’d gone to her room to change into sweats. Her body was sore from a long day, and she looked forward to kicking back on the sofa.

  The message came at her in screaming caps: TOWN THINKS YOU’RE HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH AIDAN AND SHACKING UP.

  Harper fumbled with her phone to shoot back a response. R u kidding me? Where did you hear this?

  Bea from the diner heard it from Tony at the tattoo place who heard it from Fran.

  . . .

  R u?

  Ugh, thank God she only had to face her phone screen. She tapped the two letters harder than necessary to make her point: NO.

  K. :)

  She dropped the phone on her bed and groaned. This was so humiliating. She hated the thought of the town gossiping about her and Aidan, but she probably should’ve known better.

  Tugging her hair back into a ponytail, she changed into her extra-baggy gray sweats and a black tank. Best to try and ignore the buzz. Aidan would move back to the inn soon, and she’d squash the rumors when she went into town. Her plan firmly in mind, she headed back into the living room.

  A prickle of pleasure shot through her. The small amount of dirty dishes was clean and dried. The table was clear. He’d gotten her a glass of ice water with lemon and placed it on the coffee table next to the shot of whiskey he liked to drink at night. He sat on the sofa with Baloo and Bagheera flanking him and Figaro curled around his head like a cobra. The ease and comfort he had with her animals warmed her blood. His large body dwarfed the room and ate up all the air and space, causing a shot of sensual awareness to shiver down her spine.

  Aidan flicked on the television. “Hey. The Curse of Oak Island is on tonight. Wanna watch?”

  Harper hated the slight resentment that ignited. Where were all the heated stares? The crackling sexual tension? The hungry flare in his amber eyes?

  Right now, he looked at her like a beer buddy watching a football game.

  She cleared her throat, mentally scolded herself, and sat down on the opposite side of Baloo. “Thought you said that series was stupid. Tried to convince me there was no curse.”

  He shot her a sheepish grin. “I think I was wrong. These guys are starting to convince me it’s real. Plus, I love that you don’t watch those high-drama reality shows or Animal Planet.”

  She wrinkled her nose and settled against Baloo’s furry warmth. “I don’t have the stamina for Animal Planet or any sad stories. Once, I caught one and almost jumped on a plane to save a beagle named Bagel in Arizona. Ophelia and Ethan had to stage an intervention, and now I’m on a restricted television diet.”

  He laughed. “Smart. Now, if I can only get you to upgrade to a bigger screen.”

  She arched a brow. “It’s a thirty-two inch.”

  “Which is a crime. You need a fifty-two for this room.”

  “Bigger isn’t always better, Irish.”

  “Oh yes, it is, love.” A spark of mischief and the edge of something raw flickered from his gaze. “Whoever told you that didn’t know what he was talking about.”

  “Actually, it was Ophelia.” Her lips twitched. “Kyle was complaining about the small size of the meat she’d bought. She reminded him it was quality, not quantity.”

  He shook his head. “Kyle and his meat. Always obsessing.”

  Their gazes met and they burst into laughter. The dogs looked up to see what they were missing, then flopped their heads back down. Figaro gave a pissed-off hiss and curled herself tighter around Aidan’s neck.

  She loved that he didn’t shake the cat off or complain.

  She loved that he settled back and watched the show she’d gotten him hooked on and didn’t find the need to chat endlessly during the episode.

  She loved how he handed her the water every time he took a sip of whiskey because she couldn’t reach the table without bothering Baloo.

  The show ended. They discussed the pros and cons of the new discovery, and when he went to turn the TV off, the channel clicked and John Wayne filled the screen. They both gasped in pleasure.

  “The Quiet Man,” she breathed. “God, I love this movie.”

  “A classic. Damn, it’s late. Should we do it?”

  She nibbled on her lip. “What if we let ourselves sleep till five thirty? Just this once?”

  He grinned. “Done. It’s halfway through, anyway.”

  “We didn’t miss my favorite part!” she practically squealed.

  “The part where he pushes her against the door and kisses her, right? Women love that part.”

  A sigh escaped her. “Maureen O’Hara was so beautiful. She had Ophelia’s hair.”

  “John Wayne was a complete badass. Always wanted to be him.”

  She leaned toward the right and he leaned toward the left. With Baloo snugly between them, their heads rested a few inches apart on the sofa. The lash of his body heat and smell of man and whiskey filled the air. The old-fashioned movie delivered all the story points she demanded, along with a burning romance with a man a woman could believe in. As the movie unfolded, Harper fought back the sudden urge to reach her hand over to touch him.

  But that would be against the rules.

  During the famous kiss scene, her body revved to life until the seeping sexual tension filled the entire room, and their harsh breathing mixed together. Neither of them glanced at the other. Neither of them was ready to cross the invisible line.

  When the credits rolled, they were silent for a long time. “That’s what I call a perfect movie,” she finally declared.

  “Agreed. Looks like they’re having a John Wayne marathon this week. Maybe we can watch True Grit tomorrow.”

  “Yes.” The thought of having a tomorrow together made her happy, but then she remembered that soon he’d return to the inn. “Guess it’s time for bed.” She went to get up.

  “Harper?”

  She stopped. “Yeah?”

  “Something happened today. I think I screwed up.”

  She frowned. “What is it?”

  “I was talking to Fran while I was ordering our food, and of course, she was shooting off a ton of questions. I ended up letting it slip that I was staying with you.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “That was you! Ophelia texted me and said it’s buzzing in town that we’re having an affair.”

  He groaned and shifted on the couch. “I’m sorry, love. I wasn’t even thinking when I said it, and when I tried to explain, she didn’t want to hear it.”

  “Sounds like Fran. At least now I know where the rumor started.”

  “You pissed?”

  She sighed and
shook her head. “No, this stuff comes with the territory. I’m just not used to it. I’m sure the talk will die down once someone else does something around here.”

  Aidan winced. “Judge Bennett was there, too.”

  “Ah, crap. That means Owen may be watching us more closely.”

  “Doubt the judge will tell his grandson.” He peered into her face, studying her with those heated golden eyes. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure. We’re an item, remember?”

  This time, he didn’t smile. His features set into a carved mask. “Are you embarrassed because of the gossip? Or is it because you wouldn’t want your name to be associated with me?”

  She blinked. “That’s a strange question. Are you asking me if I’d be ashamed to be involved in an affair with you?”

  His jaw clenched. She ached to reach out and touch him. Ached to see if his stubble felt rough against her fingertips or if his lips were as soft as she imagined. “Yeah. I guess that’s what I’m asking.” He paused, as if suddenly uncomfortable. “But you don’t have to answer. It has nothing to do with our business relationship.” The reminder stung, even more so because he began to shut down again, turning away from her.

  She didn’t want him to disappear into his own room and his own bed and leave her aching another night for something she didn’t even understand. “Aidan?” His name fell from her lips.

  He turned back, and she noticed his muscles tense and bunch. “Yeah?”

  “A woman would be crazy not to be proud to call you hers.”

  The space between them heated, constricted, sizzled. Her breath caught in her chest, and time stilled and stretched, ready for one of them to make a move that would change everything. Sexual frustration and hunger gleamed in his eyes. He muttered in Irish and ripped his gaze away, his fingers clenching in Bagheera’s fur, as if fighting for resolve.

  His voice rumbled like silken gravel. “Thank you, love.”

  He got up from the sofa. Patted and said good night to the dogs. Took the cups back to the kitchen and then stood in the doorway of his room.

  “Five thirty a.m.?” she asked.

  “Yes. We’ll pair him with a few other horses tomorrow. See how he does.”

  “Good.”

  “Good night, Harper.”

  “Good night, Aidan.”

  Figaro lifted her head, staring at both of them with half-slit eyes. Then she jumped gracefully from the sofa and stalked into Aidan’s room.

  Shocked, Harper stared at the cat’s tail swooshing and watched her jump up on the bed. “Does she sleep with you?” she asked.

  “Sometimes. I leave the door cracked, but she doesn’t bother me.” He gave her one long, hard stare. “I like the comfort. The night can be lonely.”

  With his words hanging in the air, he stepped back and disappeared into the room.

  She sat for a while, thinking about what he’d said. Yes, animals helped when the night was long. But in that moment, she ached to be the one next to him, soothing his loneliness, wrapped in his arms.

  When she stood up, she noticed her hands trembled. “Let’s go, babies,” she said.

  The dogs jumped down and followed her into her own bed.

  It was hours before she was finally able to fall asleep.

  Chapter Eleven

  Aidan finished settling Phoenix in his stall when he overheard Harper talking on the phone, her voice filled with worry. She clicked off, chewing on her lip in the trademark stressed-out gesture he now knew well.

  “What’s the matter?” he called out.

  She swiveled her head, those lovely brows creased in a frown. “Sara just called. She’s got a problem with a baby goat that was dropped off anonymously and never picked up.”

  He shook his head. “Vets get injured animals all the time. Sons of bitches out there seem to think they’re a dump place that can solve all problems.”

  “Yeah, Sara has no room. She knew we were full, so she called some other rescue shelters but no one can help. She asked if I’d head over to take a look, but I have a prospective buyer coming to check out Bruce.”

  He locked up the stall, ignoring Phoenix’s glare when he handed him a carrot instead of a cookie. “I can go for you.”

  “Oh, that’d be great. Can you assess the amount of care needed and let me know? I’d like to help if I can, but don’t want to miss this appointment.”

  “Sure. While I’m out, I’ll swing by and get the new delivery of hay, also.”

  Her face relaxed, and Aidan felt a rush of satisfaction. He liked helping her on the farm, even if it had nothing to do with Phoenix. He’d become slowly invested in all the animals here, watching them thrive under Harper’s care.

  “Thanks, Irish.” She looked like she was going to say more, but then her mouth snapped shut and she headed off, her loose-legged stride graceful and determined.

  He watched her go and wondered what words she’d smothered.

  Not that it made any difference.

  Cursing under his breath, he got into the truck and drove into town. Each night he spent in her house made the hunger in his gut claw a bit deeper. Watching The Quiet Man in her company had been better than any date in a fancy pub, and those worn sweats had looked hotter than any expensive dress. Who would’ve thought he’d enjoy her company so much, camped in front of the TV with her animals surrounding them? Or that the scent of cocoa butter made him sweat? Or the glimpse of a hot-pink bra strap had the power to make him practically weep with the need to peek under her shirt?

  Keeping it strictly business between them was getting harder.

  His mind chewed on the problem as he parked in the vet’s lot and went inside. He told the young brunette at the front desk he was here to talk with Dr. Beadle on behalf of Harper. She quickly settled him into a room painted sunny yellow and promised the doctor would be there shortly.

  Aidan studied the cheery art posters of various animals with messages like DON’T FORGET TO BRUSH!, YOGA FOR YOUR DOG!, and GET YOUR FURRY FRIEND TICK-FREE! The aura was comforting, and the room held a large exam table, chair, and matching kids’ seats with jars marked KIDS’ TREATS and DOG TREATS. He smiled, liking the inclusion of the entire family in a vet appointment. He’d always believed kids should know all the steps required to take care of an animal.

  The back door swung open, and Dr. Beadle emerged with her crisp white coat, pinned-up bun, and serious brown eyes peeking from behind black-rimmed glasses.

  “Hello,” said Aidan. “Harper sent me to check on the goat. She had a horse appointment she couldn’t break.”

  “Good for her. It’s getting harder these days to place the amount of animals coming in,” she said with a sigh, sliding onto the chair by the large counter. She flipped open a pad and glanced at her notes. “This is a long shot even asking her to consider, but I know she’d want me to reach out. We received a drop-off of a baby goat. He suffers from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and several lacerations. One ear was halfway ripped off. He was unconscious but just recently woke up. We think he was dumped off a main road and had been wandering for several days. It’s a miracle he’s still alive.”

  Aidan gritted his teeth and pushed past the flare of anger toward the assholes who believed animals were garbage.

  “He needs twenty-four-hour care. I can’t find anyone in the area to take him in, and we’re full. Even the staff is overbooked. Oftentimes if we have no space, we’ll take them home, but everyone is at full capacity. I don’t have much choice with this one unless I can place him today.”

  Nausea twisted his belly. He hated the idea of putting an animal down. “Can you tell me about the care involved?”

  “He’s in shock, so besides feeding him water with a dropper and slowly increasing his food, he’ll need to be watched round the clock. He hasn’t spoken, so he may be mute. He’s half-blind. He needs rest for the next few days and then to slowly be introduced back into farm life. It’s a lot to take on, and I know Harper has her hands full
with training Phoenix.”

  He rubbed his head and groaned. There was no way they had the time to give around-the-clock care for a baby goat. Their schedule was already packed, and this was an abused animal that they couldn’t just drop in a stall. If the goat didn’t heal, they’d be faced with a difficult decision and endless guilt. Still, he didn’t want to make a decision without talking to Harper first. “Let me call Harper and give her the details.”

  “Of course.”

  He called her and let it ring, but she didn’t answer. After a few more tries, he shot her a text message and waited. “I’m sure she’ll get back to me soon,” he said. “What do you think about the situation? Does he have a chance?”

  He caught a flicker of anguish in the vet’s dark eyes, but it was quickly extinguished. God knew how many times she’d been forced to make decisions she dreaded. He knew most rescues were overburdened, underfinanced, and depended on people who also struggled to fund all their favorite charities. “They all have a chance,” she said firmly. “But this one’s a definite long shot. Do you want to meet him first before making a decision?”

  Ah, crap. Meeting a broken animal took something from his soul, but the goat deserved to be seen. “Yes.”

  “Be right back.”

  While he waited, he tried Harper a few more times, then texted Ethan in case he was close. He still had no response by the time the vet walked back, carefully cuddling the small animal.

  The goat was a muddled black and white, with tiny horns, wide-set closed eyes, and one ragged, bloody ear. Aidan stared down at the still animal while his gut churned.

  Could they really take on a half-blind goat who needed constant supervision? What if the goat was suffering? Was it fair for him to try and save his life only for the goat to be alone and terrified of strangers? From the looks of him, he’d had a tough past. Aidan knew how difficult that was to overcome in the best circumstances.

  Suddenly, the goat’s eyes flew open.

  Aidan stilled, holding his breath so he wouldn’t freak the goat out even more. One amazing powder-blue eye with a long black slit stared back at him; the left eye socket was closed over and useless. The goat remained perfectly quiet, as if sensing his fate was about to be played out in this small examination room, under Aidan’s assessing stare.