The Darkest Knight (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 3)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Seth snorted. “Eventually I would have done something around here, but I’ve been busy.”

  “Look, buddy, you need to be working under the hood of something other than this heap of metal.” He slung a thumb toward the Mustang. “I mean, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t like to get under there and work the pipes and belts, but she ain’t soft and warm. Shit, even a man as hillbilly and raw as I am can fill his tank on occasion. But you, well, you scrub that hair with some shampoo and smile and you could have any woman you want.”

  “That’s if I wanted a woman. I don’t.”

  Gage laughed. “Yeah, I bet you don’t. That’s the biggest lie of the century. All men crave holding womanly curves. If it wasn’t for Vanna, I’d feel like I was losing my mind. I don’t know what she sees in me, but I won’t argue.”

  Against logic, at the mention of curves, Seth’s mind naturally targeted on an image of Reese. “I’m happy for you. You keep pleasing Vanna and leave my sex life to me. I’m doing okay.”

  “Fair enough. By the way, did you hear about Johnson?”

  “Last I heard he and his wife were having it pretty tough since he came back from Iraq. He seemed a little better since he was seeing a doctor for his depression.”

  Concern darkened Gage’s gaze. He jerked off his hat and smashed it against his chest. It was no wonder it was worn and dirty. “Sorry to have to tell you, but two days ago he committed suicide. His wife found him.”

  Seth jumped up from the chair and had an urge to put his fist through the wall. Each time he heard about a friend killing themselves or losing their lives, he felt a similar screaming ache rushing through him. “Johnson was a good man.”

  “Yes, he was, but he’d been grappling with PTSD for some time. Anyway, if you’re interested, me and a few of the guys are meeting at Mountain Mug later and raising some money for Johnson’s wife and kids. That’s about all we can do for him now.” He pushed his hat back on about the same time a silhouette shadowed the door.

  Seth and Gage both brought their gazes up on the petite brunette standing in the doorway.

  *****

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.” Reese looked from Seth to the young man who was staring at her.

  After several awkward seconds, the man pushed off the workbench and shifted his boots. “No problem. I was just leaving.”

  “No. I can come back.” She started to back out of the space.

  “I have to get back and get my brothers on the roll. Looks like we have business to tend to.” The man strolled to the door, offered her a youthful smile, and stepped out into the warm sun. A second later the loud muffler on his truck rumbled as he drove away.

  “I really am sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Should I come back?”

  “Come in. That was Gage. He and his brothers will be helping us get the cabins in ship-shape.”

  Until now, she hadn’t gotten a very good view of Seth because he was partially hidden by the opened hood of the car. So when he stepped out into full view wearing no shirt and a pair of jeans so worn that they were faded and frayed in spots, she almost swallowed her tongue. She’d gotten an idea just how strong he was built, but now, sweat slickened body smeared with grease and his hair messed in wild waves, this was a whole new level of sexy and strong. Wanting to admire his masculine beauty longer, his gaze was on her and she couldn’t dare let him in on how attractive she found him. After the quick hug days ago, which had been an innocent gesture, had turned out to be a feeling that had kept her warm through the night and into the mornings. Seeing him now, the warmth turned into heat.

  “Thank you for the groceries you left. That was very sweet. How much do I owe you?” She’d been surprised to find the groceries on her step and wasn’t sure why he didn’t knock. She’d guessed that he was avoiding her. For a man who didn’t seem to be compassionate, he had more compassion than most men she’d ever met. She moved closer, her nostrils assaulted by a strong scent of oil and rubber. The breeze wafted through the open door, swirled around the garage and she caught another scent—Seth’s spicy, leather scent that seemed magnified by her rushing blood. She knew because it had rubbed off on her skin when she had her arms wrapped around his neck only for that short of time.

  He blinked. “You don’t owe me a dime.”

  She took out the contract she’d read over three times last night before she finally signed it. “And I have this. It’s signed.” She laid it down on the clean table where other paperwork was scattered.

  He looked at the contract, then back to her. “Did you speak to an attorney about it? Any questions?”

  She shrugged, sending the shoulder of her shirt lower on her arm. She tugged it back up. “I understand everything. I own the idea, but you own the land and everything tied down to it. Fair enough. The salary you’re offering, along with living expenses, is more than generous.” In fact, she almost fell off the chair when she’d read the number. It took her three shots before she finally absorbed the amount. It was enough that she could get back on her feet again.

  “You working as an employee is only a technicality…”

  She stuffed her hands into the back pockets of her shorts. “I get it. It doesn’t matter as long as this works to help veterans. It will. I’m confident in that fact.”

  “I have all the supplies in the shed. I was thinking tomorrow we could get our hands dirty and do some work. How do you feel about opening a can of paint tomorrow?”

  “I’m ready.”

  “Okay.” He blew out a long breath, the stress lines around his eyes and mouth told her he had a large amount of restless energy. She wondered what she’d interrupted between the friend and Seth. Now she felt like she’d walked in on something that she couldn’t quite walk away from. Who was she kidding? The second she arrived here at Landing Knight she’d found herself in a twilight zone of emotion and feeling. “Then tomorrow it is.”

  She was ready to jump in, feeling the need to do something constructive besides sneak peeks of Seth when he wasn’t looking. Right now, for the first time in a long time, she had some form of security, and that’s what she needed. A place to call home. A cause.

  “I have something I need to do tonight so I won’t be around.” He rubbed his tight jaw.

  “Oh, okay. I wanted you to know I finally was able to speak to the trainer, Tanner, and he said he could come here the week after next.”

  He nodded, but he seemed to teeter totter between something he wanted to say and what he should say. “I’ll have to check my planner.”

  It took Reese a good second to realize he was kidding, something he didn’t do often enough she guessed. “Well, when you have a break in your schedule,” she winked, “let me know. Tanner is excited to come and take a look at the property.”

  “I’m going to ask Ledge to build the kennels.”

  “Great. That’s definitely needed, I suppose.”

  “Meeting with the trainer, he’ll be able to tell us exactly what we’ll need.”

  Things felt stressed between them. “Seth, are you okay?”

  There was a long hesitation. “I don’t know how into the bar scene you are, but a few friends are getting together this evening and you’re welcome to come along if you’d like. Probably better than sticking around here.”

  “Wouldn’t I be intruding, you know, with the ‘guys’ and all?” She knew how men could be when they got together. They swapped more than just memories of the old days. With her being the only female, she knew she’d put a wrench in their plans.

  “A couple of the men have wives and girlfriends, and I’m sure they’ll be there too.” He narrowed his gaze on her. “I understand if you think it’d be inappropriate…”

  “If I’m welcome, then why not?”

  “Having you there will keep the usual questions at bay, like “Why don’t you have a date?’”

  Reese shifted from one boot to the other.

  “Is there something you want to say?”

&n
bsp; “I hate to ask and don’t wish to be a bother, but I’m out here more than a walk away from any stores and—”

  “You need a ride?”

  “Is that too much trouble?”

  “Not at all. In fact, I need to run a few errands myself. You ready to leave now?”

  “Whenever you’re free.”

  “What better time than the present? Let me close up shop and I’ll meet you at the truck.”

  “Sure.” She left the garage and as she made her way down the dirt path toward the truck, she counted to ten backward, forward and side to side, hoping to manage the nagging sensation in the center of her stomach. She wasn’t sure what it was about Seth that ripped her lungs of oxygen and made her a nervous wreck. Maybe the badass expression that could puncture the bravest man’s armor. She had a feeling he didn’t trust her, and truth be known, she wasn’t sure he could be trusted. Yet if they planned to work together, they’d have to learn to have faith in each other.

  After she was planted in the passenger’s seat of the truck with Abby panting from the heat, she spotted him coming from his cabin and she swore the dog’s pants became heavier. He had pulled on a shirt, but it didn’t take away one sliver from his broad shoulders, coiled abs, and slender hips. If anything, the shirt could be compared to gift wrap and bless the woman who was privileged enough to open that present.

  Giving her head a quick shake, she reminded herself that she’d dealt with a lot of men for the last six years who were built like trucks. Some had heads as big as a house, and others were teddy bears at heart. So, which side of the fence did Seth fall? One could easily mistake his self-assurance as narcissism, but she knew better. She saw something in him that reminded her of her own despair and uncertainty. Maybe that’s what drove her to him?

  What was she talking about? She wasn’t “driven” to him, or anyone.

  The driver’s door squeaked open and she met his gaze before he slid inside. With a turn of the key, the old reliable truck roared alive and they were off. The windows were down and the cool breeze tangled her hair, but she didn’t mind one bit. Reese couldn’t remember the last time she’d had the wind blowing through her hair and music playing on the radio. She liked it. A lot. She missed driving and not having to depend on anyone for her needs. Or needing to live within a certain distance of stores, doctor’s offices, and civilization. Losing her independence had been debilitating. But she was alive and, for that, she was grateful.

  “I’m afraid the town’s not very big, but we have a drug store, grocery, and a diner. Is there anywhere in particular you’d like for me to drop you off?”

  “How about the drug store?” As they drove into town, she found that it was a nice, quaint area with privately owned shops one would expect to find in communities located close to tourist’s spots. The sidewalks were lined with flower pots, benches, antique lights, and a welcoming community that waved as Reese and Seth passed by. Brick buildings with a historical flare lined the streets, broken up by more modern stucco and lavish structures like internet cafes and boutiques.

  “Luckily, you don’t have to worry about a crowd,” he said as they turned onto another street.

  “Are there many tourists who visit here?”

  “Further north there are more resorts, closer to the popular spots. Here, we get a few stragglers, but not many.”

  “You didn’t grow up in a small town, did you?” she asked

  “When my mom became sick, Dad bought a vineyard on the eastern coast of Virginia and that’s where we grew up. I guess he didn’t want us in the city.”

  “Your mom was sick?”

  “Yeah, she had cancer, same as Angelina.”

  “Sometimes it’s easy for me to forget…” She let her words trail off, not sure she should say what she wanted to.

  He stopped at a red light and looked across the bucket seat at her. “Forget what?”

  “That you came from money—that you have millions.” There, the words were out. She watched him closely, but he didn’t show any sign of anything.

  “Actually billions.” One corner of his mouth slid up and the light switched to green and they were on the go again.

  “Sorry, billions.”

  “Rewind a bit. My family is worth billions. If it helps, I tend to forget myself.”

  She watched his large hands grip the steering wheel and an awareness bubbled up in her lower stomach. Turning her gaze to the window, she watched an elderly man with a cane slowly make his way down the sidewalk. He lifted his hand and waved and she returned the greeting. “Were you the black sheep of the family?” She did it. She turned the conversation into his past which she was very curious about. Would he answer?

  “We’re all black sheep. Pick up any tabloid and they’ll tell you so. The Knight brothers aren’t known for their sainthood.” He laughed and she felt as if she’d been given a precious gift. She could count on one hand how often he’d laughed since she’d met him.

  Bringing her gaze back on him, she took in his profile. “So then, what are you and your brothers known for besides the obvious?”

  “Beyond the label of spoiled brothers who adorn themselves with rich people, fancy suits, luxurious accommodations, and beautiful women, well, I’m sure we’re just like everyone else.”

  She worked her bottom lip. “Wow, you’ve really strayed, haven’t you?”

  “You got a problem with the digs?” He smoothed his hand down his T-shirt.

  “No, not personally, but let’s face the facts, I wouldn’t peg you as the fancy suit, luxurious accommodations type, and yet, I must say I’m even more curious about the beautiful women. Is that where you and your brothers are alike?”

  “Do you see any besides yourself?” He lifted a brow.

  His words weaved their way straight into her bone marrow. He thought she was beautiful? She wasn’t the type to ever need validation from a man, but truthfully, knowing he wasn’t really handing her a compliment to gain in some way made him seem much sexier. Swallowing, she gained her equilibrium. After all, he didn’t appear ruffled at all at this revelation. “I haven’t seen any women yet.”

  “I haven’t lived as a saint by a long shot, but I’ve become quite the loner these days and, to be perfectly honest, I like it. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much of a date.” He stopped at the last light. “Now it’s my turn. What about you Reese Shane?”

  “What about me?” Why were her hands turning clammy?

  “What would the chapters of your book read like?”

  “I’m afraid that’s a short story. What you see is what you get.” She shifted and sweat beaded her forehead.

  “You said you don’t have a boyfriend, but that makes no sense. “

  “Does it need to make sense?”

  “Yeah, it does. There was someone, right?”

  She wasn’t used to talking about herself, but if she ever planned to ask Seth another question and get an answer, she would need to maze her way through her own answers. “Yes, there was.”

  “But it didn’t work out because you ended it?”

  Resisting the urge to shift again, she concentrated on her breathing. “I had changed and made the best decision for Brandon as well as myself.”

  “So, you were looking out for his best interest. Did he see it that way?”

  Green light and they were moving again, but slow and she had a feeling he was driving unhurried for a reason. “I think he decided he found his life too precious to stay in the relationship.”

  Seth turned the truck into a parking lot and swung into a space between two cars, shutting off the engine. “Now we’re getting somewhere. What happened?”

  Her throat felt like it had been filled with cotton balls. She had no reason to be ashamed, and yet, she couldn’t quite shake it. “Okay, you want to know. He came home early without telling me and I reacted strongly—a gun aimed at his head strong. The look on his face, well, I knew he’d never see me the same again. I couldn’t risk that I’d hurt him. He’s a
great guy, but I’m not the one for him.”

  “Sticking a gun in someone’s face will certainly end a relationship. I’ll make sure I knock before I enter your cabin.”

  She brought her chin around, narrowing her gaze. He finally cracked a smile. “That might be a good choice.”

  “We’re here at the drug store.” He pointed at the brick building with colorful graffiti covering the side.

  “How close is the grocery store from here?”

  He twisted in the seat and jutted his chin. “Across the street.”

  “Can you give me a half hour?”

  “I’ll take care of my business and meet you back here in thirty.” He switched back on the engine.

  Reese slid out of the truck. “Come on, Abby.” The dog stood, wagged her tail, and jumped out, happily looking around at her new surroundings.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Seth waited and watched until Reese and her dog turned the corner and were out of sight. He had an urge to join her by making up some crazy idea that he needed something from the drug store, but she might think he was crowding her. Hell, he’d think he’d lost his mind.

  He backed out of the parking lot, headed out onto Main Street and turned down a side road that took him to a small house set among other similar houses. Kids were playing in the yards, except for the one he parked in front of. Shutting off the engine, he lingered, squeezing and unclenching the steering wheel until his knuckles ached. These were visits he hated, but it was something that wasn’t by choice.

  As he made his way up the narrow walkway that was lined with pink flowers and toys, he stepped onto the porch and the door flung open immediately. The oldest Johnson boy stood in the doorway, his face pale and his eyes missing the youthful appearance of a thirteen-year-old. He should be out playing basketball, riding a bike, and getting into mischief, but instead, losing his father took away his innocence. Seth removed his cap and twisted it in his hands. “Your mom home?”

  The boy nodded, letting the door slam shut with a loud bang. Seth waited. A few minutes later Josie Johnson appeared at the door. She too had lost the glow in her lovely blue eyes. They were red rimmed and moist as she stepped out onto the porch. “Hi, Seth.”