Restless Heart

by Rhonda Laurel

  Logan’s open heart had also sparked a desire for the family to be closer, which gave everyone a chance to renew their family ties. They’d never been much for talking and they’d had their fair share of disagreements. Railing against T.K. was second nature to Austin, as he’d done it most of his adult life. He was still slow to forgive his father for how he’d treated his mom in the divorce. The legal battle to get an adequate settlement went on for years until after a knockdown, drag-out fight with his father. T.K. finally capitulated and gave her a settlement that was worthy of her time as his wife for all those years and taking care of his children.

  That was all water under the bridge as far as his mom Aurora and Logan were concerned. His mom had long let go of her animosity over the ending of her marriage. Logan had called a truce because he worked with their dad. For Austin, things weren’t as simple. It was hard to let go of the ill-feelings that had mounted over the years, but he’d promised Logan he’d give it a chance.

  The old man was making an effort and seemed to be getting wiser in his later years. Gone was the order-spouting, larger-than-life businessman who wanted everyone to bend to his will. Now he was a little more considerate before sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong. That was something of an olive branch. His father had also come to his senses about the wife number six he was going to marry a year ago and called off the wedding. Austin and Logan agreed that showed some growth on their dad’s part. But his father had also decided he wanted their mom back instead. Which presented a whole new family dilemma. His mom had called and complained about his attempts to woo her back, but Austin couldn’t help feeling like his mother was falling for T.K. again.

  The sound of an incoming ring filled the truck’s cabin. He looked at the dash display. It was Logan.

  He hit the talk button. “Baby brother, I was just thinking about you.”

  Logan’s voice boomed around the cabin of the truck. “What’s this I hear about you going off half-cocked into a burning building to save someone?”

  Uh oh. The extended family grapevine was at work again. “The way you say it makes it sound dumb.”

  “Fine. Fine. You pulled that hero crap and could have been killed.”

  “How did you find out?”

  “Aubrey told Parker who told Avery who told Cassidy who told Megan.”

  “We have quite the party line going in our circle of friends. Spread the word that I bought an alpaca farm in Minnesota, and I’ll see if it comes back to me without any alterations to the message.”

  “This isn’t funny. Megan said she’s going to wring your neck. First, she said she’d give you a big hug and kiss because she’s happy you’re OK, but then she’s still going to wring your neck.”

  He laughed. “I like the sound of the kissing part.”

  “Keep your lips off my woman.”

  “I can’t help it if she likes to kiss me. I have been told I’m irresistible.”

  “To the horses in your stables maybe,” Logan replied. “How are things at your ranch?”

  “Busy as usual.”

  “Yeah, I know how it is. I’m calling to give you a head’s up.”

  “Oh no. What did T.K. do to momma now? Did he skywrite that he loved her again over her house?”

  “No. But he did fly her to Utah to have dinner at that ski resort she loves.”

  “At least he’s toning it down,” Austin said sarcastically. The man wouldn’t know what a small gesture was if it bit him in the butt. “What’s going on?”

  “We had dinner the other night and had one of those ‘thinking about the future’ chats. He’s worried about his legacy.”

  “No worries, he’s still going down in history as one of the richest fat cats in the world.”

  “It’s more than his wealth. I don’t know how to say this, but it sounds like he wants us to take a more active role in the business.”

  “You already co-own the Tomcats. What else does he want?”

  “He wants you to run the baseball team. Maybe even Holbrook Holdings.”

  “No. Absolutely not.” Austin hit the steering wheel. “The ranch is a fulltime job, and I love what I do. Does he expect me to just drop everything and go sit behind a desk? He’s crazy.”

  “I don’t think he’s thought it through. He just feels—”

  “T.K. is always feeling some kind of way about something. The problem is he expects everyone else to feel that way too.”

  “I think it’s safe to say he knows he won’t get a good reaction from you, but I think he’s going to ask anyway.”

  Austin clenched his jaw. “What brought this on?”

  “He asked me how things were progressing with Megan, and I told him I’m going to ask her to move in with me. Then he started going on about the whole legacy thing.”

  He rolled his eyes, not wanting to talk about T.K. anymore. The news about Logan and Megan was far more interesting.

  “Wow,” he said. “That’s a big step. It’s not surprising. You two spend every spare minute you have together.”

  “I’m ready. I hope she’s ready.”

  “Of course she’s ready. She loves you. She glows when she’s with you. What about the distance?”

  “I’m putting together a compelling case for her moving to Texas. She’d inquired a few months ago about a regional position at her job that would have some travel involved but she could reside in Texas. And there’s moving closer to Channing, Cassidy, and the boys.”

  “Good luck. I’m sure everything will turn out just fine.”

  “What about you? Have you met anyone lately? I know you said you broke things off with the disc jockey a couple of months ago, but you haven’t mentioned anyone else.”

  “I’ve been busy. There’s lots of work to be done. I have a few fences to reinforce so the horses don’t get loose.”

  “Work will always be there. What about having some fun?”

  The feisty reporter popped into his thoughts. “I think it’s nice that one Holbrook man is having a great relationship. I’m content with that.”

  “Well if Momma keeps accepting T.K.’s dinner invitations that will be two.”

  “Momma said that will be the day hell freezes over.” He pulled into the hospital parking lot and found a spot. “Listen, I have to go. I’m going to visit the woman I helped last night. She’s a good friend, and I want to check on her.”

  “Any romantic interest in this friend?”

  “No, but I am in love with her mussels marinara.” He hesitated a minute. There was nothing wrong with telling Logan about Savannah. “There’s a reporter in town. She wanted to interview me last night, but I said no. She’s pretty and feisty.”

  “You’re going to ask her out.”

  “Not a good idea. Grayson talked the newspaper into doing a story on me. It would be a conflict.”

  “The story won’t go on forever. Get to know her. If you feel something by the time it’s over, ask her out.”

  “I’ll think about it. If we don’t end up killing each other first.”

  “If she can get to you, she sounds like a winner.” Logan laughed. “You need someone who’s going to shake things up and hold your attention.”

  “Ha. Ha. Give Megan my best. I want to see the two of you soon. It’s been a while since you’ve come for a visit.”

  “Maybe I’ll get to meet this Savannah,” Logan said. “You can’t run from love forever.”

  “I’m not running.”

  “Trust me. Seeing that round of hell Momma and Daddy went through left a bad taste in my mouth for a long time too. Then one day I decided I’d take the chance that I wouldn’t screw up a great thing like T.K.”

  “Momma says it was a midlife crisis on steroids.” He shook his head. “They’d be crazy to get involved again.”

  “They are both kind of nuts,” Logan replied.

  “Yes, they are.” Austin smiled.

  “Listen, I know you love your freedom and I respect that you’ve always carv
ed your own path. But T.K.’s going to call. I thought I’d give you a chance to think of a way to let him down gently without damaging everything you’ve built over the past year.”

  “You’re getting pretty good at playing the peacemaker.”

  “Nah. I just like having my family back together again.”

  “I’ll try to be mindful of what I say when I turn him down…as long as he doesn’t come at me like a wild bull loose at a rodeo.”

  Logan laughed. “That’s not fair. It’s his signature style.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” he said. “Talk to you soon.”

  He disconnected the call and started walking across the parking lot toward the hospital. Love seemed to be blossoming all around him. Alex and Peyton were planning their wedding. Logan and Megan were about to take another big step in their relationship. Even his parents were trying to reconnect again. It was hard not to feel the tug of loneliness at his restless heart. So many opportunities had passed with very nice women, but none of them had felt right. He knew he didn’t want a relationship without the unyielding love and passion he yearned for. When he found the right person, it would be all or nothing.

  * * *

  Savannah breathed a sigh of relief when the nurse at the station told her Levi wasn’t working today. So she didn’t have to sneak around trying to avoid him. She didn’t want to see him and have to turn down his invitation to dinner again.

  She knocked on the open door to Angela’s room. “Ms. Bianchi, I’m Savannah Brewster from the Harper’s Gazette. I was hoping you’d have some time to speak with me.” This time she’d wait for an answer. She learned her lesson last night about charging in.

  “Sure. Come on in. And Angela is fine.”

  Great. She walked inside, keeping a smile on her face. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”

  “No, it’s OK. But I can hardly believe my accident is worth a write up in the Harper’s Gazette.”

  “You are a beloved member of the community. Your food is legendary.” She put the box on the table. “Here’s some treats courtesy of Barbara Jean.”

  “I don’t recall seeing you in there.” Angela raised an eyebrow. “You’re new in town?”

  “Yes, I am. I haven’t gotten the lay of the land yet. Also, I’ve been on a super strict diet, and I’ve been watching what I eat. Pasta is delicious, but it’s fattening too.” She’d seen Angela’s decadent offerings when some of the staff ordered takeout at the newspaper office. Ralph ate there just about every other day. “But I can attest that I’ve drooled over the penne in vodka Ralph loves to eat.”

  “Well, I have a few healthy alternatives too. I have some wheat pasta dishes that have lots of flavor. You should stop by when I’m up and running again.” Angela looked her over. “Although, I have no idea why you’re watching your weight.”

  “I didn’t always look like this. I did a massive lifestyle change recently. Dumped a lot of dead weight. A hundred and sixty pounds of it was in the form of an ex-boyfriend.”

  Angela chuckled so hard she started coughing. “Good for you.”

  “You have no idea.” She smiled. “Can I get you a glass of water or something?”

  “No, my wind capacity isn’t what it should be right now, that’s why I’m coughing. But thanks for the laugh.”

  “I’d love to ask you a few questions. I won’t take up a lot of your time.” She took a seat, got out her voice recorder, and pressed play. “What do you remember?”

  “I was in my office and had finished the wedding menu tasting, so I thought I’d prepare the menu for my Night of Romance event. I was thinking of trying something different this year because it’s always such a big time of year for me. I make a divine lovebirds lemoncello cake with a marscapone frosting that’s heavenly and goes well with a sundried tomato tortellini dish I serve. It’s a good lovers’ meal, ya know?”

  “I bet. When did you notice something was wrong?” She wanted to keep the lady on topic, but she also wanted to stop talking about food. It was making her hungry.

  “So I’m answering a few emails and putting together the schedule for the next week. I’ve been over-scheduling the bus boys for some reason.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “Then I smell smoke. I’d been having trouble with my oven for the past couple of days and had made an appointment to get it repaired. Make sure you note that in your story. James is my repair guy, and I don’t want people to think he was negligent in some way. Bad word of mouth can kill a business.”

  “Got it. The fire was before the appointment for the repairs.”

  Angela continued. “Next thing I know, there’s smoke coming from under the door. I open it and flames are everywhere. The smoke was so thick I almost immediately succumbed to them. My eyes were burning; I couldn’t see where I was going. I called out for help, but then I walked right into a baking rack and hit my head. The next thing I know—”

  Savannah scooted to the edge of the seat. Angela told a story like her aunt Nancy. Long and filled with colorful random facts.

  “This tall drink of water is carrying me out of there in his arms.” Angela’s eyes shined as she looked toward the door. “And then I pass out.”

  Savannah turned to see none other than Austin Holbrook standing in the doorway with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and his cowboy hat in the other. He looked good. Actually better than good. You’d never know he’d spent the previous evening saving someone’s life.

  Austin tried to suppress a grin when he saw Savannah sitting in the chair next to Angela’s bed. She looked pretty in a jean jacket, colorful dress and tan, knee-length boots. Her hair was done up in a long French braid whose tail-end rested on her voluptuous breasts.

  “Here’s my hero.” Angela beamed. “Come on over here and get your thank-you kiss.”

  “Good to see you’re looking well.” He walked over and gave the woman a hug and kiss. “How you feelin’?”

  “I won’t be doing any photo shoots any time soon.” She held up the hand that had the dressing on it. “But thanks to you, I’m alive.”

  “These are for you. I hope they cheer up the room a bit.” He turned to Savannah. “Ms. Brewster. Good to see you again.”

  “Mr. Holbrook. I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on.”

  “Austin isn’t the dead weight, is he?” Angela said to Savannah.

  “No!” Savannah stood. “It’s not him.”

  “Good. Because I can’t imagine my favorite cowboy intentionally breaking anyone’s heart. Despite what Lucinda says on her radio show.”

  “What are we talking about?” Austin gave her a quizzical look. It was his luck that everyone listened to Lucinda’s show.

  “Savannah was telling me about the louse that broke her heart. He inspired some healthy changes in her.” Angela smiled. “Can you imagine anyone being stupid enough to lose her?”

  “No, I can’t.” He locked eyes with Savannah. “He must be an idiot.”

  “He is.” Savannah tugged on her ponytail. “But enough about me. I’m glad you’re here Mr. Holbrook. You were going to be my next stop.”

  “Oh really?” He folded his arms across his chest. “Austin is fine. We’re laid-back people around here.”

  “Austin then. I’ve been informed by my editor-in-chief that you’d changed your mind about being interviewed.”

  “I said I’d think about it. I’m still thinking.”

  She gaped at him. “But I was told it was all settled. Why are you being so difficult? What is there to think about?”

  “Nothing is settled until I decide to give the go-ahead.”

  “Let me guess. You’ve decided to be stubborn.”

  “Maybe if you hadn’t burst into my room when I was half naked.”

  “What’s the matter? You shy?”

  “Right now I’d rather you focus your journalistic efforts on Angela. Community support is important at a time like this when a business owner is hit with a blow. How about an
article about how it’s going to affect her annual event? Angela’s restaurant is the setting for many a romance on the most romantic day of the year. It’s a sight to behold. The intimate atmosphere. The band playing.” He smiled.

  Angela nodded. “Don’t forget everyone gets a love poem with their appetizer.”

  “How could I forget the poetry?” he agreed. “And those oysters. They are a natural aphrodisiac.”

  “Let me guess,” Savannah said, raising an eyebrow. “You have a standing reservation for oysters every year with your latest fling?”

  “You should go this year,” he said instead of answering her question. “Unless, you’ll be somewhere protesting declarations of love the entire month of February?”

  “What are you trying to imply?” She moved closer to him, hands on her hips. “Not every woman without a date goes shrinking into some kind of hole because she doesn’t have a date. It’s just another day anyway. The rampant commercialism marred the true meaning ages ago.”

  He looked down into her eyes. “Who doesn't celebrate the most romantic day of the year? Candy. Flowers. Romance. White-hot passion.”

  “I refuse to fall victim to its trappings, is all.” She pulled on the lapels of her jacket. “Diamonds aren’t forever, no matter how catchy that slogan is. As a matter of fact, they can’t even get you six months with a decent guy.”

  “Maybe the men you’ve been with haven’t been doing it right.” He looked into her eyes. “Amethyst would suit you better anyway. They would go well with the chestnut tones in your hair.”

  Austin looked over at Angela, who was fanning herself with a tissue. “Angela, are you OK? Do you want me to get a nurse?”

  “I’m fine.” She put the tissue down and took a sip of water. “The two of you bantering reminds me of the steamy love scenes on an old soap opera I used to watch.”

  Austin gave her a warm laugh, then looked at Savannah. “Ms. Brewster. Can I see you in the hall for a moment?”