“I’ve been busy. Mostly I’m not interested.”
“I’m not going to let you off the hook, not until you hear me out.”
Did this man ever give up? “I’ve already heard your spiel.”
“A lot has changed since we last talked. Seems your grandfather owns some of the property I want.”
Grady sent the dogs off to play as he walked out the gate to the pen. “You want this property?”
Hilliard shook his head. “The three acres just north of town. I’d planned to buy that section when Billy Hutchinson’s name was on the deed, but Lorelei Yeager discovered that Joe Fletcher is the true owner. Now it seems he’s transferred the title to you.”
This was getting interesting. “Is that so?”
Justin nodded. “I already own the adjoining land, but I’d like to extend my trails. I want to buy your property. Question is, what’s it going to cost me?”
“I haven’t even had a chance to look over the land in question.”
“It’s definitely a prime area. I don’t want to develop it, if you’re worried,” Justin insisted. “I want to keep the land in its natural state, except for bike trails. Do you think we could work out some kind of deal?”
A dozen things rushed though Grady’s head. The sale would cut the ties here in Destiny. He could take the money for his project in Texas.
“I have another idea, Grady,” Justin told him. “Since the land is a heavily wooded area, it could work for other things, too. Like training rescue dogs.” He glanced around the temporary structures Grady had built. “You could build a real kennel there, too.”
“That could take a lot of money.”
“It’s going to take money in Texas, too. It’s hotter there and doesn’t have these mountain views, or my offer of leasing your dogs for the winter months.”
Or Gina. Grady hated that the man had him thinking of changing his plans.
Hilliard checked his watch. “Look, I’ve got to go now—my son has baseball tryouts.” He smiled. “I can’t miss it.”
Another dose of envy hit Grady. “Then you should go.”
“I still want to talk to you about this some more. Could you meet up later with me and Jace Yeager? Say about eight o’clock at the Rocky Top Saloon in town? We can talk over a few beers. I’m buying.”
“Look, I can’t promise you anything. I have a partner.”
“I know.” Justin began backing away. “Bring Josh along, and we’ll all talk.”
“Good luck to your son,” Grady called.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Grady watched the man leave and he thought about Zack. How would he do today? He found himself putting the dogs into the kennels and heading down to town. What would it hurt just to check on the boy?
* * *
Gina walked around her empty house that evening, restless. Zack was spending the night with Ryan Hilliard. They’d been picked to be on the same baseball team today, so they were best friends now. She smiled, feeling so blessed that Tim Keenan had volunteered to be the team’s coach.
She might be Zack’s mother, but she had no idea how to encourage her nearly eight-year-old’s new love for the game. She’d tried to help, but Zack hadn’t wanted her to go, and Uncle Jace was working. She thought about Grady, but she couldn’t impose on him any longer, not after yesterday. All her worries had been unfounded, though, when Zack came home beaming with news of his day. Her son’s life seemed to be perfect now.
Hers was a mess. She recalled how Grady had made it clear that he didn’t want her in his life. She could survive the rejection, but if he stayed in town... She blinked away threatening tears. She didn’t want him to leave at all. She loved the man, and she probably would for a long, long time.
There was a knock on the door and she looked out the peephole to see her sister. She quickly let her inside.
“Lori, what are you doing here?”
“We both have the night off from kids. Zack’s at a sleepover, Jace has a business meeting, and Cassie is staying with Maggie.”
Gina smiled, remembering the housekeeper from Hutchinson House who’d helped raise Lori when she was a child. “How is Maggie adjusting to her new apartment?”
“She’s doing fine, but I had to insist that she hire more help when the mansion is rented out for functions.” Lori waved her off. “Hey, I just got a call from Paige to meet her and Morgan at the Rocky Top Saloon. You wanna come with us?”
Gina wasn’t in the mood to go anywhere. “I think I’ll pass.”
“Why?” Her sister placed her hands on her hips. “You aren’t moping around over a man, are you?”
Gina started to deny that Grady was the reason for her misery. Her sister wouldn’t buy it anyway.
“Okay, give me five minutes to change.”
* * *
At eight o’clock Grady and Josh walked into the Rocky Top Saloon. There was a large entry with a bar on one side and the dining room on the other. The entire place had the look of a hunting lodge with hardwood floors and open beamed ceilings, not to mention the elk and deer heads mounted on the knotty-pine-paneled walls. Country music poured out of the jukebox, but he managed to hear his name called out.
Justin stood across the room past the small dance floor toward the back. He nudged Josh and they walked over.
“Hey, glad you two could make it,” Justin said.
Grady nodded as he introduced Josh.
Hilliard did more introductions. “Grady and Josh, you remember Jace, and of course, Reed. And this is Brian Connelly.”
Grady shook hands all around. “Good to meet you,” he said to the new guy.
Hilliard ordered another pitcher of beer as Grady sat. It was Connelly who began the conversation.
“I hear you’re retired army.”
Grady nodded. “Got out in December.”
Josh added his similar résumé.
“Well, all I can say is thank you both for your service.”
Grady nodded and took a sip of the beer that had been placed in front of him while Hilliard filled Josh in on his ideas for a kennel in Destiny.
Brian cornered Grady. “Justin told me about your dogs.”
For the next twenty minutes every guy at the table was talking up all the good qualities of the town. Grady couldn’t deny that Hilliard had a well-crafted plan for his biking school, riding trail and snow adventures. He put down some numbers for the property that were also impressive.
Grady leaned back in his chair. Okay, he couldn’t help but think about it. Damn, it looked profitable on paper, and then he was surprised when Hilliard offered to be a silent partner in the rescue dog business.
Grady exchanged a glance with Josh. He looked curious, and Grady was once again thinking about the deal. There was only one person keeping him from signing. Gina. Could he live in this town and be around her all the time?
“Hey, Reed?” Jace called. “Did you tell our wives where we were meeting?”
Grady and all the men turned toward the door. That’s where they saw four of the prettiest women in town. Morgan Hilliard, Paige Larkin, Lori Yeager and Gina.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
GINA felt a warmth pulse through her as Grady’s hand pressed against her waist as he escorted her to the dance floor. Silently he took her into his arms and began to move to the music. She couldn’t resist and leaned into him, inhaling his scent, a mixture of soap and what she knew to be pure Grady.
She also liked the familiar feel of his body molded against hers. The heat of his skin, and the strength of his hands, hands that had touched every inch of her flesh just days ago...
She shivered.
“Are you okay?” he asked against her ear.
No! “Yes, I’m fine.”
She
closed her eyes, recalling the look on his face when she’d walked up to the table. He didn’t want to see her here tonight. That hurt. She knew he was only her dance partner out of obligation. He hadn’t been given a choice when all the other couples had got up.
“You don’t have to do this, Grady.” Okay, so she wanted to be in his arms, just not this way.
He pulled back. “Since I left the army, I’ve been pretty much making my own decisions.”
She nodded, then glanced away.
He touched her chin, making her look at him. “Believe me, Gina, holding you in my arms has never been a hardship.”
To prove the point, he pulled her close as George Strait sang about getting to “Amarillo by Morning.” She didn’t want to listen to the lyrics. Grady was leaving soon. That she had to accept, but it didn’t stop the hurt.
She felt his arm tighten around her waist as he pulled her closer against him, his strength making her remember how gentle his touch could be, how loving.
The song changed to Lady Antebellum singing “Need You Now.” Grady’s hold tightened as their feet shuffled back and forth in the crowd of dancers. Then she felt his mouth against her ear. His warm breath caused her to shiver. Why was he doing this? Why couldn’t he leave her alone?
Gina pulled back. “I can’t... I’ve got to go.” She moved through the couples dancing on the floor. Once at the table, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.
Grady cursed, then made his way through the crowd, finally catching up with Gina at the door. With several couples nearly blocking the area, he escorted her outside and to a private spot.
“Gina, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
She finally looked up at him. “I know. I’m sorry I spoiled your fun.”
He ran fingers through his hair. “Dammit, Gina. It wasn’t supposed to be fun. Justin said it was a relaxed business meeting, and then we looked up to see their wives.” He met her gaze. “And you...”
“Well, I’m going home so you can go back and finish the meeting. Enjoy the evening.” She took off down the street.
Grady hurried after her. “Gina, let me drive you.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m not your responsibility. Besides, I can handle the short walk.”
Damn stubborn woman. “I have no doubt you can, but at least let your sister know that you’re going home.”
He was rewarded with a furious look. “I’m not going back inside.” She took out her phone and punched in the number. “Lori, I’m going home.” There was a pause. “No, you stay. Grady’s taking me.” She ended the call and dropped it back into her purse. “Okay, you’re relieved of duty,” she told him and marched off.
What the hell? He went after her. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m walking up Main Street, then making a right on Maple, then a left on Cherry Street.”
He ignored her smart answer. “So you lied to your sister.”
“I don’t want her to worry.” They stepped off the curb and started down the next block, passing the town square and the sheriff’s office. The parking lot was well lit, so was the street.
“What if something happened to you?”
She stopped and faced him. “Look, Grady, you have to quit doing this. Stop playing hero. Stop thinking you have to rescue me. I’m trying really hard to take control of my life. Do things on my own, to be independent.”
He arched an eyebrow. “And I’m interfering with that?”
“Yes. You are.”
“What if I just want to do the gentlemanly thing and walk a lady home?”
She threw up her arms in exasperation. “I give up.”
Well, he wasn’t going to and he followed her as she walked on.
Ten minutes later they ended up on her porch. “Okay, I’m home safe and sound.” She slipped her key into the lock. “Good night, Grady.”
“Gina,” he whispered her name, hoping to get her to turn around and look at him. No such luck.
Still she faced the door. “What, Grady?”
“I’m headed for Texas in a few days.”
In the soft glow of the porch light, he saw her tense. “Have a safe trip.”
“Gina, it’s for the best.”
She swung around. “You call running away the best solution? Well then, go for it. But I think what you’re doing is giving up. A second chance at a home, a family with a grandfather who loves you. But go. I hope whatever you’re looking for makes you happy.”
She stared at him for what seemed to be an eternity, and he couldn’t stand it anymore.
He pulled her into his arms and held her. She felt so good, too good. He kissed the side of her face and quickly worked to her tempting lips.
“Grady...”
He ignored her as he covered her mouth in a heated kiss. He just needed one more taste of what he had to give up. She gave the soft moan he knew so well, but he resisted taking any more. He tore his mouth away. “Goodbye, Gina.”
“Goodbye, Grady.” She turned and walked inside. He just stood there, aching to go after her. Instead he started down the steps when he heard something. Moving back to the door, he recognized the sound of her crying. His chest tightened. Oh, God, he’d never wanted to hurt her. He started to knock, but paused, knowing he had too many things he had to deal with first. Instead he turned and walked away. Again.
* * *
It was a beautiful spot.
The next day Grady walked along the edge of his grandfather’s property and glanced up at the picturesque San Juan Mountains. The sky was so blue it took your breath away. He also liked that so much of the area was densely wooded. He glanced at Josh and he seemed just as intrigued with it, too.
Justin caught up to them. “I can’t believe you want to leave all this.” The businessman shook his head. “Seems you two could have it all.” He pointed off toward the woods. “What a training ground. And you can put your kennels at the base, right off the highway. You’re far enough away your dogs wouldn’t bother my training facility, or the guests. And we wouldn’t bother your dogs.”
Grady was thinking about it. “It’s beautiful.”
“I agree. You’ve got a sweet parcel of land, Grady,” Hilliard told him. “Look at the spot over there.” He pointed to the crest of the hill. “You could build a house there and have views all around.”
With the idea of a home came thoughts of Gina. How would she like it here?
No, he had to push any thoughts of her aside, not think about what he couldn’t have.
He turned to Josh. “What about you?”
“I think this is a great place,” Josh said, and looked at Grady. “And it seems to me that owning the land already eliminates a big expense, and frees up more money for dogs. Maybe hire an employee to help with the upkeep. We can concentrate on the training. Whatever you decide, Sarge, I’ll go along with it.”
That was the lead-in Justin needed. “Look, if you’re reluctant about selling any of your land to me for my training facility, how about we lease the section from you?” His hand made a sweeping motion. “And you don’t lose any of this.”
So tempting, Grady thought. “I need to think about it. Can you give me a few days?”
Justin nodded and walked away with Josh, leaving Grady alone with his thoughts, his dreams and what he couldn’t have that kept it all from being perfect.
* * *
Little League practice was the next afternoon, and Grady found he couldn’t stay away. Despite him leaving for Texas in the morning, he wanted to see how Zack was doing.
He parked on the far side of the baseball field and got out to watch the last of the practice. Tim Keenan and Jace Yeager were the coaches, but when he saw Gina’s brother-in-law, he thought he’d better leave.
He h
eaded back to the truck when he heard someone call him. He turned to see Zack running toward him.
“Grady, aren’t you going to help me today?”
“Well, it looks like you have enough help already.”
Tim came up to him. “We can always use another hand.”
Grady looked at Jace. After a few seconds he motioned for him to join them. “Okay, what do you want me to help with?”
Tim smiled. “Jace has fielding, and I’m working with them on running the bases. So how about hitting?”
Thirty minutes later, Grady finally thought Zack was making some progress. He was a quick study.
“That’s it son, keep your eye on the ball.” He pitched a ball to Zack. The first one he missed, but he made contact with the second and the third. “That was great.” They exchanged high fives.
The kid beamed. “You showed me real good, Grady.”
He felt the pride for the boy’s achievements. Finally, Tim called a halt to the practice and they finished with drinking bottles of cold water. Soon the kids went off with their parents. Zack turned to him. “I’m having my birthday party next Saturday. Will you come, Grady?”
“Oh, Zack. I’m not sure I’ll be here. I have to leave town for a few days.”
The boy’s face dropped. “Oh, I wanted to show you some tricks I taught Bandit.”
Grady knew he didn’t want to encourage the boy, then have to disappoint him. “I bet they’re good tricks, too. Maybe I’ll stop by the house when I get back.”
“So you are coming back.”
With his nod, the boy said, “Okay.”
Hearing Zack’s name called, Grady turned to see Gina. She was walking across the field, but when she spotted him, she stopped. His gaze surveyed the petite woman in jeans and a sweater. Just like every time other time he looked at her she affected him like no other woman. How long would it take to stop wanting her? Never.
Gina raised a hand and waved to her son. “Come on, Zack,” she called. “We need to get home.”
“I got to go.” Zack went to him and threw his arms around his waist. “Thanks for helping me today. Bye, Grady.”
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