The dog looked at her in a way that made Reese’s tears come again. She sat down on her suitcase and allowed the tears to run. Abby nuzzled her cheek.
Hearing tires on the gravel, Reese quickly jumped up, grabbed her suitcase and called for the dog to follow. They both darted into the edge of the woods, hiding behind brush.
A few seconds later, Seth drove by in his truck, slowly, scanning the woods.
“Get down, Abby.” As if the dog could understand…
Reese held her breath, hoping he didn’t glimpse her huddled up behind the branches. When he kept on driving, she started breathing again. She groaned, realizing she was stuck for a while until she was certain he was off the road.
And then she remembered, she had a friend on Landing Knight.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Seth called me today.”
Reese controlled her breathing at the mention of his name as she looked across the vegetable garden at Isla who was kneeling between rows of cucumbers. “So?” Reese had left Landing Knight a week ago, and although Seth had attempted to see her, she’d thwarted his every attempt. He’d made himself clear enough with whomever he was speaking to on the phone. Each time she thought about that conversation, his hurtful words, she wanted to drop to her knees and cry. But hell no…
“So, I’m only saying he asked about you.”
She shrugged. “Did you tell him what I told you to tell him the next time he asked?” Reese worked her bottom lip.
One corner of Isla’s mouth lifted in humor. “No, I didn’t tell him where to shove his gun.”
“You should have. Please tell me you didn’t cave and tell him why I’m hurt.”
“No, I wouldn’t betray your trust.” Isla stood up, taking the basket to the row of carrots.
Blowing out a long breath, Reese nodded. “It’s best to allow things to blow over.”
“What about Step for Light? Have you thought about it?”
“Of course, but it seems Seth has everything under control.”
“Pfft.” Isla shook her head. “I’ve never seen him so, well, lost since you came here. Maybe you should speak to him.”
“Isla, I’m very grateful that you and Ledge have allowed me to stay here, but if I’m intruding—”
“No, you know you’re welcome here for as long as you like. I love having you here, but I don’t like seeing two important people hurting.”
“Do you think I don’t have the right to be upset?” Reese pulled a zucchini from the vine and placed it with the other vegetables in the basket.
“I think you’d have every reason to be hurt and angry if what you heard was accurate.”
“It was clear, Isla. I heard his cruel words and my heart was broken. I can’t hate him though. I did steamroll my way into his life. I just wish he could have told me how he felt—or rather, how he didn’t feel.”
“But think about it. I saw how Seth looked at you, how you two connected. I know him, and he isn’t a man who plays games. If he didn’t want you at Landing Knight, if he wasn’t feeling things between you, he wouldn’t have led you on. There must be an explanation.”
“What explanation could there be? Who else could he have been talking about? It was me who socked him in the nose.” She winced at the thought.
Isla laughed. “Honey, you didn’t hit him on purpose. It was an accident. Sure, I know you feel horrible over the act, but we’ve all done things, said things, during times when we’re not in control. I know because I’ve been there.” She shrugged as if to push away the pain of the past and stood. “I’m going to head to town. Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’ll finish up here and start on dinner. I can never say thank you enough for teaching me some tricks in the kitchen. I’ll never be at your level in cooking, but I feel a little more capable of preparing a meal.”
“Sweetie, you’ll get the hang of it. I’ll see you later, okay?”
After she was alone with Abby who watched a butterfly flitting around her head, Reese finished gathering the rest of the vegetables she’d need for dinner and stood up.
“Reese?”
At first, she thought she was hearing things, but when she turned and spotted Seth standing twenty feet away, her knees weakened. His hair was messy, he had a beard, and his shirt was rumpled. He looked like hell. She felt a sliver of guilt, but quickly wiped it away. “Seth, Ledge and Isla aren’t here.”
“I’m not here to see them. I’m here to speak to you.” He took a step forward.
“No, stop right there.” She grabbed the basket and took off for the path that would take her to the house. He caught up to her easily and she refused to look at him as she kept her attention on the path.
“I deserve a chance to understand, Reese.”
She chuckled. “That’s interesting. Just go.”
His thick, callused fingers touched her elbow, and the touch conjured images of the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms, making love.
“What did I do? Why? Is it because you hit me during your nightmare?”
There was an element in his voice that reached in and grasped her heart. With a sigh, she placed the basket on the ground and faced him. “I’m sorry that happened. I truly am, but I can’t believe you can stand there and pretend you don’t know why I left. Is it that you didn’t get the benefit of telling me how you feel to my face?”
His eyes searched her face and she melted under him. She chastised her body for responding so easily. “Yeah, I’m angry that I didn’t get the chance to tell you how I feel. Damn, woman. Did what we share mean so little to you that you’d walk away?”
She blinked. “Oh, you’re going to turn this around on me? That’s a riot since you had every plan to tell me that you didn’t want me at Landing Knight. I’m real sorry that you found me to be toxic.”
He winced and he seemed to be absorbing her words, until his eyes widened. “Wait, did you hear me on the phone with Declan?”
“Yup, handsome and smart.” She crossed her arms over her chest. His laughter made the hair on her arms stand. “I’m glad you think this is funny.” She took off on the path, not even caring that she’d left the basket.
She heard his steps behind her and she took off at a run, knowing full well that he was much faster than her. He caught her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and dragged her against his chest. Her nipples budded and her inner thighs throbbed. She hated that he still had a strong, unfathomable hold over her. “Let me go…you…you, jackass!” She pounded his chest with her fists, but he didn’t even blink.
“The hell I will. Not until you listen to what I have to say, and trust me, you’ll be the only one feeling like a jackass.”
“I won’t listen.” She pushed against his grip, but realized he wasn’t letting go. She stopped squirming.
“Do you think I was talking about you to my brother?”
His warm breath swept against her cheek. “Who else?” She wouldn’t dare meet his gaze.
“He informed me that my Aunt Lucy planned to visit Landing Knight. She’s a nosey woman who loves to start trouble unless she’s included in every plan. I was talking about her.”
His confession teetered through Reese’s mind like a dull knife. “What?”
“Yes, you assumed something that wasn’t true.”
She relaxed against him. “Then…then…oh no…I was so wrong.”
“You were. Feel like a jackass yet?” He then let her go and she felt cold and alone. He took a step back, his jaw tight and his gaze narrowed.
“I thought you wanted me to leave.”
He tore a hand through his hair. “What pisses me off is that you would believe I’d feel that way after everything we shared. What sort of man do you take me for?”
“Seth…I was still reeling from hurting you. I wasn’t sure if you’d be angry with me.” She took a step forward, but he shook his head.
“Don’t you understand? You didn’t hurt me until you left. No note. No explanation. You to
ok off without a care. I thought you trusted me.”
She swallowed against the ache in her throat. “I did, I just didn’t trust myself.”
“No, you didn’t. I love you, Reese. I love being near you, holding you, seeing the way you look at me like I’m your hero, not that you need one. When you left, you took my heart with you. Landing Knight, Step for Light, neither means anything unless you’re there to share every moment. I thought you felt the same…”
“I do feel the same. I love you. With everything that I am, everything that I have.” Her vision blurred and tears fell to her cheeks. “Please forgive me for leaving.”
He came to her and pulled her back into the warmth and security of his arms. This was home. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he whispered next to her ear. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
She felt him grapple with something in his pocket and she pulled back slightly. In his palm he held a tiny velvet box. “What is that?”
“Open it, my love.”
Without hesitation, she took the box with trembling fingers and lifted the lid. Her breath caught in her chest. Sitting in the black nest was the prettiest diamond ring she’d ever seen. “It’s beautiful.” She met his gaze and there she found everything she’d ever want or need.
He lifted the ring from the box. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. Will you be my wife?”
“And the only answer I can give is…yes. Wholeheartedly. Forever.” And she blinked. “But what if…”
“What?”
“I can’t promise that I’ll stop having nightmares.”
“Then we’ll get through them together, sweetheart. That’s what people I love do.”
She swallowed. “What about children?”
“We’ll fill the house if that’s what you want.”
“I do, but…”
“Reese stop living life scared. The new life we’re going into will be wonderful, happy. No couple knows what tomorrow brings, but love guides them through. Trust me. I’m here, by your side.”
She drifted into his arms, knowing without doubt that this was where she belonged.
THE END
From the author:
Thank you for reading. Please leave a review and let others know your thoughts.
Hugs,
Rhonda Lee Carver
At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas were no longer contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first plot was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time.
Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero.
When Rhonda isn’t crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggling kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her hero and heroine.
For other titles by Rhonda Lee Carver, please visit: www.rhondaleecarver.com.
Find me on Facebook, too! www.facebook.com/rhondalee.carver
Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver
Diamond in a Rose
Double Dare
Delaney’s Sunrise
Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1, Second Chance Series)
Second Ride Cowboy (Book 2, Second Chance Series)
Second Round Cowboy (Book 3, Second Chance Series)
Second Dance Cowboy (Book 4, Second Chance Series)
Second Song Cowboy (Book 5, Second Chance Series)
Second Burn Cowboy (Book 6, Second Chance Series)
Second Hope Cowboy (Book 7, Second Chance Series)
Second Sunrise Cowboy (Book 8, Second Chance Cowboy Series)
Castle’s Fortress
Dreaming Ivy
Friends With Benefits
Sin With Cuffs
With Honor
Wicked Pleasures (Book 1, Wicked Wolves Series)
Wicked Lust (Book 2, Wicked Wolves Series)
Fighting Flames
UNDER PRESSURE (Book 1, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
PRESSURE RISING (Book 2, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
PRESSURE POINT (Book 3, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
SECRET PRESSURE (Book 4, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
RESISTING PRESSURE (Book 5, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
Under the Mistletoe
Cowboy Paradise (Cowboys of Nirvana)
Ropin’ Trouble (Book 2, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Smoke. Fire. Cowboy (Book 3, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Kissed, Spurred, & Valentined (Book 4, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Cowboy is Mine (Book 5, Cowboys of Nirvana)
The Discreet Cowboy (Book 6, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Leather for Two, Wings of Steel MC
An Unexpected Hero (Buttermilk Valley)
A New Year’s Cowboy
Pride & Pleasure (Book 1, The KNIGHT Brothers)
Roman’s Choice (Book 1, Saddles & Second Chances)
Letting Go (Sable Hunter’s Hell Yeah! Kindle World)
Watch for Legacy (#2, Letting Go) coming in May. It’s a part of the Hell Yeah Kindle World
Have you read Letting Go?
Buy here:
http://tinyurl.com/k2jzkr5
CHAPTER ONE
Brooke Winslow heard a child’s laughter and looked across the lobby, spotting the little girl cheerfully playing with a set of building blocks. Her blonde hair hung in one long braid down her back and she wore a pretty yellow dress. She had beautiful bright green eyes. “Look, Mommy. I built a tower.”
Her mother glanced up from the magazine she was flipping through. “Oh sweetheart, what a stable tower it is too.”
Feeling a sudden twinge in her chest, Brooke turned away, barely able to catch her breath. Why was she doing this? She stood up, gained her equilibrium, then started for the glass doors that would take her back out to her car—away from the possibility of having a panic attack in front of the people waiting in the lobby. She’d gotten better at staying in control, but on occasion she found herself coming unglued from the demons that still haunted her.
She gripped the cold handle of the door just as she heard her name being called, “Ms. Winslow. The doctor will see you now.”
Her mind raced. Her heart skipped a beat. She could easily scurry out and skip the appointment. Being here didn’t help anyway. She hated talking about the tragedy that turned her world upside down. Why couldn’t people just understand that not everyone needed to talk about their feelings?
Fingers touched her shoulder and she spun around, coming face to face with the receptionist. “Ms. Winslow, Dr. Forester will see you now.”
Several people had turned to watch her. She wondered if they too wanted to break free?
“Ms. Winslow?”
Oh, phooey. Brooke had no other choice but to let go of the handle to freedom and follow the receptionist. Part way down the hall Brooke heard sniffling coming from a room to the right. She caught a glimpse of a woman with her head bowed and her shoulders shaking. Brooke’s breath hitched and she clenched her hands into fists. Crying happened a lot here. But not for her—not anymore. After three years, the tears had dried up. Too bad the memories were as fresh as newly picked blueberries.
“How are you today, Ms. Winslow?” the receptionist asked as she motioned for them to continue on their way.
The question came more as a distraction than civil conversation. “Peachy.”
If the other woman picked up on any sarcasm in the answer, she didn’t let on.
They stopped at the last doorway, Dr. Forester’s office—a forty-something, attractive blonde who always dressed in impeccable pant suits. She had also recently divorced her husband of ten years. They had no children and a mansion with lots of bedrooms and a tennis court. Brooke only knew this beca
use she’d overheard the receptionist and a nurse discussing the details when they thought they were alone. Usually Brooke passed on eavesdropping, but it did break up the monotony of sitting in the lobby and staring at a watercolor.
On the threshold into the room, she hesitated. It wasn’t that she disliked Dr. Forester or her help, but what could be done? The past was over and the pain had embedded itself deep inside of Brooke’s bone marrow. Not even a therapist could rid her of the heartache, the memories, and the knowledge that she couldn’t save Jessie.
Many times in the last year, Brooke had picked up the phone to cancel her appointments, but then she’d hang up. Dr. Forester had become a crutch for Brooke.
“Brooke, come in.” Dr. Forester stood up from behind her desk and smoothed her black jacket. Brooke couldn’t remember ever seeing the elegant woman unruffled or wrinkled. Her clothes were pressed and spotless. Her makeup had been applied with a detailed hand, hiding any physical flaws that she might have. She had to have at least one, but up until now, Brooke hadn’t found it. Even the desk was tidy and clean.
Brooke crossed the room, aware of her own disheveled appearance. Before leaving the house she’d thrown on a T-shirt and jeans and pulled her hair up into a messy bun. If she cared, she would have gone for the right side of her closet where her nicer things were hung, but the problem was, she didn’t.
Sitting in the comfortable flowered chair next to the window that overlooked downtown Atlanta, she had to admit that she liked the view…and the overstuffed chair that gave her a cushiony hug. It was the highlight of her visits to her therapist. She placed her purse on the table.
Dr. Forester took the chair across from Brooke, her handy notepad and pen sitting on the coffee table between them, probably from her last client who she’d needled through their problems for answers. Brooke reminded herself that she needed to stay open to help, but there came a point when Dr. Forester would have to conclude, just as Brooke had, that some things just couldn’t be fixed. Instead, they had to be buried instead. She had the shovel and the spot for burial, but it just didn’t seem possible to start digging. Not yet.
The Darkest Knight (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 3) Page 18