by Donna Grant
Brice gave a nod. “I like her. So does Clayton.”
“She’s an amazing vet.”
Brice rolled his eyes. “You know what I meant.”
Caleb cut him a dark look when Brice’s voice rose at the end of the sentence. He pointed to Audrey and motioned for Brice to keep his voice down. “I am what I am. Don’t try and change me.”
“You’re good at a great many things, brother. You break women’s hearts every day without even trying. I’ve seen you look at them a million ways. But there’s a different expression on your face when you look at Audrey. You might want to think about that when you try and tell yourself you’ll never change.”
Caleb didn’t reply. A long moment later, Brice walked out. He didn’t like his brother’s words. Not because they weren’t true.
But because they were.
The thing was, Caleb had always known he could never be in a relationship. And he’d known why. Thanks to their mother, the three of them had abandonment issues so deep, Clayton still had to reassure Abby—even after all this time.
Their mother leaving had left a profound scar upon them. Somehow, Abby and Brice had been able to get past it. But Caleb knew that he never could.
He might have been only six at the time, but the knowledge that his mother didn’t love him enough to stay wasn’t something he could forget easily. He’d always known that he had been too much trouble and not sufficiently loveable to keep their mother with them.
Was it just because he’d been a child? Or were there things about him that would always be there? He’d come to believe that it was something innate about him. Some part of his DNA that made him incapable of inspiring the kind of love and affection that his siblings had found.
Caleb was okay with that. He’d found other ways to seek the closeness he so desperately needed.
Besides, there were worse things in life than living alone.
Chapter 16
Audrey opened her eyes, her gaze landing on David’s desk and Mac’s equipment. She thought about the horses and how they were doing, but she knew if they’d worsened, someone would’ve come and gotten her. Her mind then turned to Caleb. He’d seemed to occupy a large percentage of her thoughts over the last couple of days.
Though that time seemed like it should be more like weeks or months instead of just days.
She drew in a deep breath, which caused her cheek to move. Her skin rubbed against denim, and she froze. That’s when she realized that she was lying on her side. She didn’t remember falling asleep in such a way.
Audrey did recall sitting down next to Caleb and closing her eyes. She inwardly grimaced as she remembered putting her head on his shoulder.
She slowly sat up, careful not to move the couch cushion too much. She turned to find Caleb with his head leaning back and his hat covering his face. One of his arms lay along the back of the sofa, and the other was on the armrest.
A quick glance outside through the window showed that it was daylight. Audrey couldn’t believe that Caleb had stayed with her all night. Then again, he was a gentleman. He wouldn’t shove her off his leg just so he could get up.
Audrey pulled the ponytail holder from her hair and shook out the strands. She raised her hands over her head and arched her back. After hearing it crack a few times, she stretched her neck.
She glanced at Caleb and saw that his hat was shifted just enough that he watched her. His eyes were open, and there was a smile upon his face.
“Rest looks good on you, doc,” he said as he lifted his head and adjusted his hat so that it sat properly.
Audrey couldn’t help but grin. “I do feel better.”
“Good.” He got to his feet and held out his hand. “Want to see the horses?”
She took his hand, and he helped her to her feet. They walked together from the building to the stables. Audrey glanced down at their joined hands. She’d half expected him to let go, but then again, that wasn’t the type of man Caleb was.
The moment she saw the animals eating, Audrey was overcome with emotion. She hurried to the roan and choked back a sob when the mare lifted her head and neighed in greeting. The horse walked to the stall door and hung her head out.
Audrey put her hands on either side of the animal’s face and pressed her forehead to the roan’s. They stayed like that for a moment before Audrey straightened and rubbed the horse’s ears.
The next two horses weren’t quite as active, but they were moving about and eating. Audrey wasted no time in removing all three of the saline drips.
When she returned to Caleb’s side, Brice and Naomi were with him. Audrey looked at the couple and smiled in gratitude. “Thank you.”
“Don’t think twice about it,” Brice said. “This is what friends do.”
Caleb jerked his chin to the animals. “They look good.”
“They’re recovering, but I still want to keep an eye on them. There might be prolonged damage, especially with the two that had the poison within them the longest,” she said.
Caleb looked around. “Where’s Clayton?”
“He should be returning any moment. He went home to Abby and the kids last night, and then stopped by the sheriff’s department to talk to Danny,” Naomi explained. “Once he’s here, both you and Audrey can leave.”
Audrey started to open her mouth to argue, but then she thought about a shower and a change of clothes. She also needed to check on Maddy. Her sister had been through an ordeal.
Brice chuckled when Clayton walked into the stables. “Speak of the devil.”
“That’s me,” the tall cowboy said with a wink. Clayton glanced at the horses. “Great going, Audrey and Mac. We never had any doubt.”
She’d had enough skepticism for everyone. Still, she exchanged a look with Mac and smiled at Clayton. “Thank you.”
Mac let out a loud yawn. “It’s my turn to go get a little rest on David’s couch. Then I’ll load up my equipment.”
Audrey waved to Mac as he ambled off.
“Get Audrey out of here for a bit,” Clayton told Caleb.
Brice then said, “Maddy is resting at Clayton and Abby’s, so you don’t need to worry about her.”
“You mean she’s not trying to get home?” Audrey asked in surprise.
Clayton shook his head. “Abby even came up with arguments to keep your sister there for a day or two, but she’s not had to use them.”
That was good, right? At least Audrey liked to think so. Normally, Maddy didn’t want to be away from home. Was that because her sister enjoyed her independence?
Or was it because Maddy believed that Audrey needed someone looking out for her?
She feared the answer was the latter. Especially since it was apparent that several people were here to do just that, and Maddy didn’t want to leave the East Ranch.
“Audrey?”
She swung her head to Caleb and realized the four of them were waiting on her to say something. “I’m glad Maddy is taken care of.”
“Then let us take care of you,” Clayton said.
Audrey took a step back and forced a smile. All she could think about was how long her sister had lived with her and why. Did everyone really believe she couldn’t take care of herself?
“Thanks, I—” she began.
Caleb stepped in front of her, blocking the others. “Do you need help packing anything? I know you won’t be gone long, but I also know you don’t want to leave anything behind.”
“I can get it,” she said.
He put his hand atop hers. “But you don’t have to. I’m here to help. Let me.”
How silly would it be for Audrey to turn away assistance? And yet, she couldn’t help thinking that perhaps they didn’t believe she could take care of herself.
Horses, definitely.
Herself? She was now wondering the same thing.
“Right.” She immediately turned and began picking up her things.
But she still saw the dark look Caleb shot the others. Audrey thoug
ht it better to ignore it and pretend that she hadn’t seen anything. In no time, she had all her things together.
When she looked up, Brice, Clayton, and Caleb were off together, talking. Naomi walked up beside her. The two stood in silence for a long moment, watching the men from the shade of the stables.
Then Naomi said, “If you want to go home, you can. You’re a grown woman, capable of making your own decisions.”
“But?” Audrey asked as she turned her head to Naomi.
“These men, this family actually, have a way of surrounding someone with such warmth that it’s impossible to say no. Abby didn’t say no. I didn’t even think of refusing.”
Audrey frowned. “I’m not either of you.”
“That’s right,” Naomi said as she smiled at her. “You’re not. You’re you. Someone completely different. Someone Caleb can’t take his eyes off of. Just look,” she said and jerked her head to the men.
Sure enough, as soon as Audrey looked over, she saw Caleb watching her.
Naomi nudged her with an elbow. “What will it hurt to go with Caleb?”
“Where, though?”
“Does it matter?” Naomi asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
The little flutter in Audrey’s stomach wasn’t something she had felt before. It spread at the thought of spending time alone with Caleb.
No horses, no threats, no other people.
Her breath hitched.
Naomi laughed. “Girl, every one of us has regretted a decision. Don’t let this be yours.”
“He hasn’t asked.”
Naomi winked at her. “He will.”
Audrey watched the woman walk away. When she turned around, Caleb was making his way to her. She swallowed nervously.
“Cooper is getting some rest,” he said. “When he gets back, Jace will take a few hours. They’re going to keep an eye on the horses tonight. Danny has deputies in uniform and plain clothes patrolling to make sure there are no more visits. And the security system works great.”
“I should be here to pull my weight.”
Caleb raised a dark brow. “You’ve done enough. More than enough, actually. It’s time for you to take a much-needed break.”
Audrey licked her lips and glanced back at the horses again. “Well, I would like a shower.”
Caleb grinned. “Me, too.”
They shared a laugh.
Caleb drew in a breath. “My brother-in-law wasn’t wrong, you know? Whoever these guys are, they could come back.”
“For David or the horses?”
Caleb paused for a moment. “For you.”
“Me?” Audrey hadn’t expected that. “Why do you think they’re after me?”
Caleb lifted one shoulder. “They could’ve poisoned any animal here if they were after David. Instead, they focused on the horses.”
She nodded as the realization sank in. “Anyone that knows David knows we’re close. Of course, he’d call me.”
“Exactly.”
Audrey thought of the sight of Maddy, bloody and bruised. She didn’t want to end up like that.
“Do you know why someone would be after you?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have a clue.”
“It’s all right. We’ll figure it out.”
“What do you suggest in the meantime?”
“I can take you to your sister. There’s plenty of room there. Or.…”
“Or?” she urged when his voice trailed off.
Caleb shrugged. “I can take you to my ranch. I have a house on one side, and Brice has one on the other. You could stay at either.”
In a snap decision, Audrey said, “I think my sister is fine with Abby. I don’t need to go there. I’ll come with you.”
“You want to bring your truck or leave it?”
The fact that her eyes still stung made her worry about getting behind the wheel and trying to focus. “Do you mind driving?”
“Absolutely not. You ready?”
She nodded, knowing that she would’ve answered differently two days ago. But a lot had changed in that time. More than she was ready to admit.
And she thought there might be even more changes on the horizon. Yet that didn’t scare her. She was actually excited to see what other decisions she’d make and if they went outside her norm.
Audrey didn’t stop Caleb from taking her bag. He even opened the door to the truck for her. She tried to think back to the last man who had done something like that, and sadly, the only other one who had done it was her father.
He used to tell her that times could change, but manners never did. It was too bad her dad wasn’t around, because she knew he’d like Caleb.
Audrey buckled her seatbelt and waved to the others as Caleb climbed into the vehicle and started the engine. And then they were off. As they were pulling out, she realized she had no other clothes.
“Do you mind if we stop off at my house to pick up some things?” she asked.
He shot her a heart-stopping grin. “Was already headed there.”
When they got to her place, she waited for him to search the house to make sure no one was waiting for her. Then she stood in the middle of her room and wondered what to pack. It was suddenly very important for her to look good for Caleb.
Audrey found her favorite pieces then went into the bathroom and collected the few items she needed from there. She threw it all into an overnight bag. When she walked into the front room, she found Caleb looking at the various family pictures on the wall.
He led her from the house after she locked it. As they drove off, her heart hammered double-time in excitement.
Chapter 17
She was at his ranch. Caleb’s mind raced, trying to remember if he’d left his clothes strewn about. It was a common occurrence, so there was a high probability that there were items everywhere.
Abby used to tell him that someone would come to his place one day that he wished he would’ve picked up for.
And wouldn’t you know it, that time had finally come.
Caleb’s palms sweated as he gripped the steering wheel and drove slowly down the long drive. There were two ways to get to his place. He could take the shorter route from the back road that led straight to his house.
Or, he could take the longer path that took them past Brice and Naomi’s house as well as two of the barns and several corrals.
The last time Caleb had been this nervous was at prom when he wasn’t sure how the night would end. He’d fumbled with Tammy Germane’s zipper to the point where he thought he’d broken it.
He and Audrey hadn’t spoken much since they left her place. The music had filled the silence while she stared out her window, watching the passing scenery.
Her fingers tapped to the beat. She seemed at ease, while Caleb thought his heart might burst from his chest at any moment. The A/C was on full-blast, but sweat was running down his back, perspiration that had nothing to do with the heat, and everything to do with the beautiful vet sitting next to him.
The road took him straight to his garage. Caleb slowed the truck as he punched a button to open the door. He’d never noticed how agonizingly slow his garage door was before that moment.
Finally, he was able to drive forward and park. He turned off the ignition. His gaze was drawn to Audrey.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
He was anxious about her entering his house.
He was tense about her seeing what an absolute slob he was.
He was on the verge of panicking about finally being alone with her.
“I’m fine. You?” He managed to say the lie without missing a beat.
She grinned. He loved how easily she smiled. And when she spoke, she looked directly at him, making eye contact. Whether it was intentional or not, it made it so that he was focused solely on her. No one else existed for him.
“I’m good,” she answered.
There was nothing else for it. Caleb had to take her inside. For a second, he wondered about ask
ing her to stay out here while he did a quick fluff-and-stuff just to pick up the worst of his mess.
But she had worked her cute ass off for far too long. She needed a break, and he didn’t have the heart to make her wait another minute for her shower.
“Come on in,” he said as he opened his door and got out of the vehicle.
She was out and following him to the entrance of the house.
Caleb paused and looked at her over his shoulder. “Be prepared. It’s a mess.”
“I don’t care.”
That’s what most people said, but for once, he actually cared what she thought. Maybe he could get her in the shower and then spend the time picking up.
He unlocked the door and stepped into the house. There was an area for him to take off his muddy boots and hang up his jacket before a short hallway led them into the kitchen.
“This is beautiful,” Audrey said, letting her hands run along the black and gray granite. “I love the dark wood cabinets.”
“I’ll take you for a tour after your shower,” he offered.
She laughed and met his gaze. “Deal.”
Caleb motioned for her to follow as he took her to the second bathroom. It was never used, which meant it was clean. One relief, at least.
“Take as much time as you want,” he told her as she walked inside the room.
She turned to him and smiled. “I’m going to take you up on that offer. But I’ll be sure to leave you some hot water.”
“Don’t worry about that.” He pulled the door shut and waited for a heartbeat.
Then he ran around the house, picking up all his clothes and tossing them into the basket in the laundry room. As soon as he finished that, he filled the dishwasher with dirty dishes—only to realize halfway through that it had clean dishes inside.
“Fuck it,” he murmured.
After a quick wipe-down of the cabinets, he ran to his room and made the bed. Just when he thought he was finished, he took a peek into his bathroom and winced.
Years in the military hadn’t erased his slob gene. Moving as fast as he could, he cleaned the toilet, sink, and countertop. Despite the quickness of it all, Caleb was quite impressed with his handiwork.
He blew out a breath and walked to the mudroom where he took off his boots and hung up his hat. Then he shuffled to the kitchen and opened the fridge.