Fearless Fighters [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 7] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “My, my, they grow big men in this state with large heads full of commanding arrogance.” Heather wasn’t sure why she’d answered Gavin sarcastically. He seemed to be a nice man, but she didn’t like having him trying to take care of her.

  Gavin didn’t get mad. He grinned and said, “We call it confidence and being helpful.”

  His sky-blue eyes shone with humor. His blond hair was cut short, and he smelled of the sea and citrus, a clean, refreshing fragrance. Gavin had none of the darkness she’d felt and seen in Beck.

  Beck glanced at them. He’d been staring at the crowd as though giving little attention to their exchange of words.

  “Let her call Cora herself. Why bother helping her if you aren’t appreciated?” Beck frowned at Heather. His hooded eyes had turned a dark gray, and he held his mouth tight. Disapproval was stamped on his face. “The food’s ready. I’m going to get something to eat.” He got up and strode off.

  “He’s not a particularly pleasant person,” Heather mumbled to herself.

  Gavin heard her. “He’s my best friend and although he has his own demons, he’s a good guy. I’ll get us a plate of food and be right back.”

  I guess he put me in my place. Heather grinned as she watched Gavin speak to Beck. They glanced back at her.

  What an odd pair to be best friends. They’re as different as night and day in looks and personality. But I do find them both intriguing in different ways. Gavin’s outspoken support of Beck made her respect him more. And Beck? I’m not sure why I find him fascinating. “Liar,” she mumbled to herself. He’s knock-down-handsome and his mysterious persona adds to his attractiveness I’d better be careful, he might bite.

  “Here’s your food.” Gavin handed her a plate full of barbecue ribs, baked beans, and potato salad. “I thought you might prefer a cola this time,” he said. She took the bottle from between his fingers.

  “Thanks, but I doubt I can finish all this food.”

  “Don’t worry. If you can’t eat it all, either Beck or I will help you.” He nodded toward the man carrying a plate in one hand and two beers in the other.

  Beck handed a beer to Gavin and sat back in his seat. Both men started eating as Heather stared at her plate.

  “Don’t be finicky about getting sticky hands with the ribs. Dig in, they’re good,” Beck said and then went back to eating.

  Heather hated sticky fingers. Cautiously she took hold of two ribs and bit in. “Wow, these are good.”

  She was hungrier than she’d thought and soon finished all her ribs. She couldn’t believe how much she had enjoyed them.

  “Don’t eat the bones,” Beck said with a drawl. “There’s plenty more where those came from.”

  She turned her head to look at him and would swear she saw a glint of laughter in his eyes.

  I must be mistaken. I doubt he has any humor in his whole body. But then he winked and went back to eating.

  Darn him, he keeps my emotions totally off balance. From then on she kept her attention on eating the rest of her food. Gavin talked as she ate. He pointed out various people and told her what they did and whether they were long-term residents or new.

  Heather liked Gavin. Being with him relaxed her and made her smile. He had no guile about him or mystery.

  And he was a handsome man, just different from Beck. She’d noticed he drew as much feminine attention as Beck. And it was evident from his behavior and the way others talked to him and treated him, that he was well-respected.

  “You’re staring at me,” Gavin said.

  “I’m trying to remember all the information you’re giving me.”

  “No one expects you to recall all their names and faces. Our town folks are easygoing.” He glanced across at Beck. “Well most of our people are easygoing,” Gavin said with a smirk on his face.

  “Remember the last time I gave you a black eye?” Bern asked Gavin.

  “Sure, when we were in the sixth grade.”

  “Don’t push your luck, or it may happen again.” Beck pretended to growl at his friend.

  Heather watched the interplay between the two men and wished she had such a friend. Ballerinas were more apt to envy each other and fight for positions. Heather had never realized, until observing the two men sitting beside her, how lonely and empty her life had been of real people. She’d been devoted to the dance and even distanced herself from her family.

  * * * *

  Gavin and Beck got out of the truck. Gavin walked into the house, and Beck headed for the barn. The sun had set during their drive home and the sky was full of stars.

  Beck took a deep breath of the night air before stepping inside to the smells of hay and horses. He walked down the aisle to Mischief’s stall. Mischief stood at the rail. He tossed his mane as he raised his head to look at Beck.

  “You know my walk, Mischief. I can’t sneak up on you.” Beck rubbed the horse’s face. “We missed our afternoon ride because Gavin dragged me to a barbecue.” The horse raised his head as though he understood.

  “I know it’s a poor excuse. But the time wasn’t all wasted. I met a pretty lady. She’s independent, feisty, and I’d bet a bit ornery. Still, who wants a female who isn’t going to give you a good fight before settling down? You know what I mean.” He let go of Mischief and stepped away from the stall.

  Mischief rose on his hind legs. His beautiful coat shone in the moonlight, and his muscles rippled when he moved.

  Beck checked the other horses and walked out. His foreman, Garrick Tasmin, greeted him at the barn door.

  “Any problems, boss?”

  “No. As usual I like to check on the horses before going in for the night. I can talk to them, and they won’t talk back.”

  Garrick chuckled. “I always did like animals better than most folks. At least until I moved to Triple Dare County,” Garrick said. “My parents thought for sure I’d end up a veterinarian.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “I was a rascal. I didn’t want to settle down and study, do the work required. I was a stupid young man.”

  “How old are you now, oh ancient one?” Beck teased.

  “I’m thirty-nine, a bit older than you and Gavin.”

  “Still young enough to go to college.”

  “Nah, I like the life I’ve found. Working the ranch suits me.”

  Beck and Garrick walked across the yard. “I’m glad,” Beck said. “You’re the best foreman we’ve had.”

  “See you in the morning.”

  Garrick waved as he walked off to the left toward where the workers homes were situated. The foreman’s house was in the same area, but in a spot surrounded by trees and the home was bigger. Beck watched until Garrick had disappeared behind the trees before going inside. Gavin would be ready to talk, and Beck wasn’t sure he wanted to.

  Beck glanced in the dark family room. Then he walked down the hallway toward their bedrooms. He saw a light under Gavin’s door. Maybe Gavin felt as he did and preferred to delay any further discussions until they had more time to think. Neither one of them was the type to jump before considering all the possible consequences.

  But Beck had to admit, the beautiful ballerina was the first woman to capture their interest in a long time.

  * * * *

  Monday came quicker than Heather had thought it would. She’d enjoyed a quiet Sunday with her aunt and uncle. Aunt Bella had taken her to the small bed-and-breakfast, showed her around, and they’d cleaned a bit of the dust away.

  She’d worked to keep her mind off of Gavin and Beck. When they’d left Saturday night, Heather had stood out of sight by Uncle Jack’s truck. They’d stayed by her side all afternoon, and she didn’t like having to admit that she missed their presence as soon as they’d gone.

  When Heather came into breakfast dressed in slacks and a light blue shirt, Aunt Bella raised an eyebrow.

  “You must be going to town. I have to tell you most of the women wear jeans and boots with any type shirt. You’ll draw attention in
those clothes.”

  Heather looked down at her outfit. “I noticed at the barbecue and planned to buy more appropriate clothes today. I mostly wore tights with long shirts back home or dressed up.”

  “You don’t own a pair of jeans?” Aunt Bella looked shocked.

  “Nope. Not a one.”

  “Honey, you are in for culture shock.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “You used to horseback ride when you visited us. Have you ridden lately?”

  “It’s been a few years.”

  “Then we’ll get you back on a horse. You’ll have to take it slow and easy at first, but I’ll bet with your coordination and previous experience it won’t take long for you to adapt.”

  “I’m looking forward to riding.”

  Aunt Bella went to the stove to cook Heather’s breakfast. “Uncle Jack and I ate earlier.”

  “I can fix my own toast, Aunt Bella.”

  “You need more to eat than toast. You’re skin and bones.”

  “Hardly, with the way I’ve been eating since I arrived. Anyway, I have a lunch appointment.”

  Her aunt’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll bet it’s with Gavin Melwyn. He and Beck showed you a lot of attention Saturday. That’s unusual for them.”

  “Don’t they like women?”

  “Heavens yes. And women like them. But for some reason they’ve not dated anyone seriously for quite a while.”

  “I’m not looking for romance, Aunt Bella.”

  “Sometimes it doesn’t matter. Romance finds you.”

  Heather laughed, but wondered if her aunt was right. She’d dated seldom and never seriously. At thirty years old she was as unfamiliar with romance as a much younger woman.

  And I’m thinking I’m interested in two men. Nothing like jumping off into the deep water first.

  * * * *

  Heather recalled her earlier thought as she watched Gavin Melwyn walk across the street to the Sunshine Diner. Gavin had called her and suggested they meet there. The waitress had seated her by a window.

  Sunlight shone on Gavin’s golden hair and tanned skin. He had wide shoulders, lean hips, and long legs. She liked his confident stride that also managed to look sexy. When he spotted her behind the window, he waved, and her heart jumped. Steady girl, move slow and easy.

  Gavin walked inside the diner and several people called out his name and waved. He responded as he walked in her direction. When he got to the booth, he slid in beside her.

  “Ah, the other side of the booth is empty.”

  “It is,” Gavin agreed.

  “Don’t you think you should sit there? We can face each other.” She hoped he didn’t hear the quiver in her voice. His sitting this close had set her nerves to tingling.

  “I considered it.” He nodded at the empty spot. “But I’d rather sit beside you and smell your sweet fragrance.”

  She looked at him. “I didn’t put on perfume today.”

  “Then it must be your natural scent.” He put his nose close to her ear and breathed in and out.

  His breath made her shiver. “Stop.” She pushed her hands against his hard body. “Move over. I don’t like what you’re doing. People are staring and grinning.”

  Gavin turned his head and smiled at the ones looking their way. “Isn’t she just the cutest little lady?”

  Several of the men grinned and nodded yes. Heather felt the heat in her face and the fire stirring deep in her core.

  “Behave,” she hissed at him. “I didn’t expect this behavior from you, maybe Beck, but not you.”

  “Honey”—he put his hand over his heart—“you wound me. I’m as crazy about you as Beck is, and I know just as well how to treat my woman.”

  “I am not your woman,” she whispered.

  Gavin straightened and pulled back. “You will be.”

  Heather saw the determination in his eyes and realized she’d totally misjudged him. She sighed with relief when the waitress interrupted them to take their orders.

  “You have to try the cheeseburgers with the fries. They’re great.”

  “You’re a doctor and you’re encouraging me to eat food full of fat?”

  “Not all the time, but once in a while won’t hurt. You’re too thin. Don’t get me wrong, you’re beautiful, but a little added weight would be healthier for you.”

  “Ballerinas have to maintain a certain weight. I’m already past that number.”

  “Honey, relax. One of the positives about the change in your life is you don’t have to count calories all the time.”

  Heather glanced at the menu and the waitress returned quickly to take their order. “I’ll have the house salad and chicken sandwich.”

  Gavin wrinkled his nose at her and ordered the hamburger and fries. “And I don’t intend to share,” he warned her.

  “Good. Now tell me what the physical therapist said about helping me.”

  “She’ll see you this afternoon. It seems her sister lives in Chicago and has gone to several of your shows. She’s mentioned your name to Cora. Cora’s anxious to meet you.”

  “So you didn’t have to use any of your charm to get my appointment.”

  “No, it was quite deflating for the huge ego you insinuated I have.”

  “You and Beck both.” She glanced around the restaurant. “All the men I’ve seen here are big. It must be something in the food. I’d bet most of them have the same type ego as you two.”

  “The women in town like us just the way we are.”

  “You’ve been spoiled.”

  “A little.” His hand touched the top of her thigh. “You can retrain us.”

  He was charming, and his touch stirred unfamiliar feelings in her body. She removed his hand from her leg.

  “Be good, or I’ll revise my assessment that you are a nice man.”

  “Honey, nice is not the adjective most men want to hear from the woman they’re attracted to. I’m not doing something right if that’s all you think about me.”

  She tried not to smile and failed. “What adjectives do you prefer?”

  “Sexy, exciting, enthusiastic, passionate, and I’d say mysterious, but I’m pretty much an open book.”

  Heather leaned close. “I like you, and you are sexy and enthusiastic, and a bit exciting today. I’ll wait to see just how passionate and mysterious you can be.”

  She slid further down the seat away from where their legs touched and looked down at the table. Her breath caught and her stomach muscles tensed.

  She couldn’t believe she was flirting. I never knew how, but with Gavin it comes naturally. She glanced sideways at him to see his reaction to what she’d said. He smiled at her.

  “Honey, you can say whatever you want to me. And what you just said pleases me very much.”

  The waitress stopped at their booth and put down the plates. “Enjoy. Let me know if you want anything else.” She hurried off to another couple who’d just been seated.

  The smell of the fries wafted across her nose. Heather poured the light ranch dressing on her salad and bit into her chicken sandwich.

  Gavin laughed. “I knew you’d regret not ordering what I did. But I’ll relent and share my fries.”

  Heather grinned. “You are an old softy. I wanted some but not a whole order. I planned to steal some of yours.”

  “Old softy?”

  “I know it’s another adjective you hate.”

  They stared into each other’s eyes. Heather’s body warmed and her heart shifted and softened just a bit.

  Chapter Four

  Cora Takoda smiled and put out her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you. My sister would be green with envy if she knew I had met you personally. She’s a big ballet fan, and you are one of her favorite ballerinas.”

  “I’m afraid she’ll have to find another favorite. My ballet dancing days are over.”

  “Hmmm, we’ll see. I’m going to have you go in room two and take off your slacks. You can put on a gown and I’ll j
oin you and check your leg. Also I need your permission to treat you and contact your doctor in Chicago and your previous therapist.” She handed Heather a pile of papers and grinned. “We run on paperwork. Take them with you and sign them while you wait for me. I’ll be just a moment.”

  Heather quickly changed and read and signed the paperwork. She pulled up the gown and looked at the scar on her lower leg. It was less noticeable than it had been right after the operation.

  A rush of sadness swamped her. She brushed the tears from her face. Don’t be silly. Other people deal with much worse. Buck up. I’m going to work as hard as possible and get my leg as well as it can be.

  “Sorry I kept…” Cora walked to her side and hugged her.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not usually so weepy.”

  “It’s understandable. You’re still grieving a lost. Give yourself time and permission to grieve, or it’ll fester inside.”

  Heather studied the woman in front of her. She was tall and slender with long black hair and stunning blue eyes. When Heather glanced at her hand, Cora chuckled.

  “No, I’m not married.”

  “You’re beautiful. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up by now.”

  “They’ve tried, but the man I loved wanted bigger and better things than Triple Dare County offered. I haven’t found anyone to take his place.”

  “I didn’t mean to get personal.”

  “Why not? We’ll be working together for quite some time, and it helps to know the person you’re dealing with. I suspect ballet has been your whole life.”

  “It has.”

  “What is the goal you want us to accomplish? If your doctor has said you won’t dance again, then he’s most likely right.”

  Heather nodded. “He is, but I’d like to see if I can dance except for the jumps. Not professionally, but for my own pleasure.”

  “That we may be able to accomplish. I’ll know more when I see your reports.” She took the papers from Heather and checked they were all signed. Then she laid them down and had Heather lie flat.

  Her warm hand ran up and down the length of the scar. “Does it hurt?”