His body reacted to her nearness and a shudder went through him. Turning, he crushed her to him, holding her tight. He let go and cupped her face in his hands. Her blue eyes held promises of a future and he told himself to walk away but he couldn’t. “I love you with everything inside me.”
Her eyes teared. “I love you too, Luke. Now is the time for us to lean on each other. Please don’t push me away.”
He knew he’d go to hell but he couldn’t help it. He lowered his head and claimed her mouth.
Her cherry lips were so soft under his, and when she opened her mouth to him, he groaned. Maybe he should stop, but maybe this is all he’ll ever have. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered against her lips. A blush started at her neck, and he wondered if her whole body was rosy red.
He kissed her throat and loved the resulting shiver. Pulling back, he looked into her passion filled eyes before he started to unbutton her shirt. He kissed each bit of skin as he exposed it. Her bra was lacy and red, and he wanted to laugh. He’d have thought she’d have on a practical white one. She was the ranch owner and the foreman before that. It was nice to know she wasn’t colorless anymore.
“Did I mention you’re beautiful?” Her whole body was a light shade of red.
He started at her feet, kissing them and she squirmed.
“My feet are ticklish”
“I noticed.”
“Mmmm. You’re making me crazy.”
“That’s my intent.”
He lay next to her and stroked her hair. “Ready?”
Looking into his eyes, she nodded.
He kissed her deeply. He moved against her and couldn’t believe how good it felt. Heaven was here with Meg. Her eyes were closed and she breathed deeply. “I didn’t know. I mean I’ve read about it being good, but I tried it and figured it wasn’t for me.”
“Meg, you were made for loving. You are so responsive and we fit together perfectly.”
She opened her eyes and a serene smile crossed her face. “We do, don’t we? My body is so alive, it tingles.”
“Tingling is always good and so is kissing.”
Before she could respond the sound of a vehicle driving up startled them. “It’s probably David.”
Luke gave her a quick kiss and jumped out of bed, getting dressed as fast as he could. The fact David was alive still boggled his mind. “I’ll meet you out there.”
She nodded as she reached for her shirt. “I’ll catch up.”
He barely nodded and was quickly out the door. The man standing before him was definitely David and he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His brother was alive.
David took a step toward him and they met in the middle embracing each other. It was all a lie, everything his father told him was a big lie.
“Good to see you, brother. I figured I’d never see you again.” David’s voice sounded scratchy and full of emotion.
Luke swallowed hard in disbelief. “I was led to believe you were dead. It’s a miracle you’re here.”
“Not a miracle. The old man told me to leave and never come back.” He shrugged and looked away. “I abided his wishes. Then I heard you lit out, and I had no reason to come back before now.”
Luke nodded. “My wife and daughter died, and I was in bad shape so I came here. Owen was always a very generous man.” They went inside, and he put the coffee on. “Dad pretty much ran me off the same night.”
David turned a kitchen chair around and straddled it. “Wife and daughter? Oh God, I’m so sorry.”
“It was a car accident, and I was more than banged up. Owen insisted I come here to heal.”
“Somehow I always thought you and Meg would be together.”
“I love her, never stopped. We’re finding our way.”
David nodded. “Things have changed since I was in town last. Who the hell is this Timbers guy, and why does he have a hard on for me?”
“You? I thought he was making a case against me.”
“Perfect loose cannon. He told me about the bodies. I never knew they were there.”
“All sixteen of them. I can’t fathom it.” Luke shook his head. “Do you think Mom knew?”
“Knew what?” David asked. His brow furrowed.
Luke poured coffee for both of them and handed David a mug. He sat at the table across from him. “Did she know anything about the bodies? I hate to say this, but Dad may be involved.”
David shrugged his shoulders. “We’ll never know, and with dad having Alzheimer’s—”
“He’s as sharp as ever,” Luke said cringing “ He’s pulling this whole not knowing anything to keep from being a suspect. He was lucid when I talked to him.”
“He always was a mean son of a bitch, and he hated me. His damn hatred ran deep. I often wished he’d just kill Owen and leave me alone.”
“Well, Mom never had a moment’s peace either. He was a hateful, evil man, and I’m wondering if he had anything to do with the murders.”
A feral smile crept over David’s face. “Maybe I can make him mad enough to confess.”
Meg was glad Luke and David were able to see each other, but she wished to be back in bed with Luke. Her body hummed, and her smile wouldn’t quit. He loved her. Butterflies filled her stomach as she replayed the memory of his words.
It had felt so right making love with him. They were finally on the right track, and nothing was going to get in their way. Too much wasted time had gone by already. However, she had a lot of work to do. The ranch wasn’t going to run itself.
She waltzed outside, and Luke held out his hand for her to grab. They shared a loving glance as they laced their fingers together.
“I’m glad you two finally got together. I can’t believe you’re both here,” said David softly. “My brother and sister are in love. Good Lord, it’s weird to say.” He laughed. “I want to go out to the corner property and see where all the bodies were buried. I still can’t believe it.”
“Sure I’ll take you.” Luke fished the keys to the truck out of his front pocket. “You coming?” He yanked her hand until she was leaning on him. Then he leaned down and kissed her, leaving her breathless.
“Yes.”
They piled into the truck, and David asked many questions about the ranch. She answered them all.
“I have to tell you, I’m impressed, Meg. Your knowledge of the ranch is astounding.”
She shrugged. “Not really. I was the foreman before daddy died. I don’t know your property as well as mine, but I’m learning. I run the mustangs on your ranch and a few head of cattle too.”
“You own the whole thing?”
She felt him stiffen beside her. “David, Dad bought it to hold for the two of you. As soon as everything is settled I’ll deed it over to you both.”
“How much did your dad pay for the ranch?”
She shook her head. “You know I never gave it much thought. I can look it up when we get back home.”
“I was just wondering what Harry did with the money.”
“I assumed he pays for the nursing home with it,” Luke said.
“Still, the land is worth millions,” David insisted.
“What it’s worth and what was paid must be two entirely different numbers. My dad didn’t have that kind of money. Don’t worry, I won’t make you buy your land back. It’ll be yours free and clear.”
David gave her a quick nod and turned his head, looking out the window.
Frowning, she glanced at Luke who frowned back.
“Meg was able to save the mustangs,” Luke said, breaking the awkward silence.
“How much did you pay for them?”
“David, what is your problem?” Luke demanded.
“I’m just thinking maybe they took advantage of Harry and his Alzheimer’s.”
Meg gasped. “First of all I paid for the mustangs myself after your dad shot one of them in the head. Second, Harry is as sharp as a tack. His memory problems started the day the bodies were found. Do things seem
suspicious? Yes they do, but not on my or my dad’s part.”
David still stared out the window. “I can see the police tape.”
“It’s so sad. Look at all the land they’ve dug up. I really hope there are no more bodies out there.” Meg sighed as she shook her head.
Luke stopped the truck and they all got out and stared.
“How many bodies did you say were found?” David asked as he took in the excavated land.
“Sixteen, I believe was the last count.” Luke rubbed the back of his neck.
David pointed to the horses in the distance. “The mustangs? Is the stallion in the front Poseidon?”
She shook her head. “No, your dad shot Poseidon. I bought the horses after that. I’ve managed to double the herd.”
“Meg is a great horse trainer.” Luke smiled at her.
“I bet they’re worth a pretty penny. I guess I can rent you the land you keep them on. Once the land is handed over I mean.” David walked closer to the gravesites.
She put her hand on Luke’s arm. “What is with him and all the money talk? He makes me feel like I stole the horses and my dad stole the land from your dad.”
Luke shrugged. “I don’t know, but I don’t like it either. Don’t sign anything over to us just yet. I want to be sure of his intent. I don’t plan to be blindsided by David trying to sell his half or something.”
“Smart idea.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I had the most amazing time with you.”
It suddenly felt hotter than usual. “Me too,” she said as she ducked her head and walked toward David. Amazing was a good word for it. Actually, it had been better than amazing. He proved her conclusion sex was overrated to be false.
“Are you sure they only found sixteen? I would have thought they’d find more.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why do you think that?”
He kept staring at the holes in the ground. “How’d they find the first one?”
Luke caught up to them and took her hand in his. “Owen had an offer for this parcel of land. He thought with the sale I’d be able to buy cattle and build a new house.”
“You agreed? That doesn’t sound like you, Luke. You loved this land.”
“No, I told him no.” Luke shrugged.
David’s eyes grew wider. “If you told him no, then why is it all torn up?” He stared at her. “He never intended to give us back the land. What came with the land? You? Maybe he thought it the only way to get you married.”
She stiffened and gasped. “I wasn’t looking to get married. I don’t know what your problem is or what you’re insinuating, but my father was a fine man.”
“A paragon of virtue.” He sneered.
Luke took a step toward David. “Layoff. I don’t know what your problem is, but I expect you to treat Meg with respect.”
But David didn’t respond. Instead, he walked the perimeter of the police tape staring at the dirt.
“My brother is an ass.” Luke shook his head. “Talk about a bitter disposition.”
Meg laced her fingers with his. “He’s changed, but who knows what he’s been through the last few years.”
Luke gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m happy to see him. Honestly, I thought he was dead. It’s a miracle he’s here, but he needs to filter his thoughts.”
She reached up and stroked the side of his face. He hadn’t shaved, and his day’s growth looked downright sexy on him. “He probably needs time.”
“I guess. Look at him. He’s examining each grave. I don’t know but there’s something not quite right. I can see from here all the holes in the ground.”
“It’s all new to him.” She wasn’t sure she believed her own words. David seemed fascinated as he walked around. “Are we still planning to sell half of the mustangs?”
“I haven’t even had time to think about it.”
“You’re welcome to stay at the house for as long as you like.”
Leaning over, he kissed her cheek. “Thank you, but it wouldn’t be right to take advantage of your new position as owner. Until the land is transferred over, I think we should sit tight and wait. You might not be allowed to transfer a crime scene.” He nodded at David who ended his examination of the property.
“You’re moving out?” She furrowed her brow. The house was empty enough without her dad in it.
“I’m just thinking out loud. I could go and stay in the bunkhouse.”
“You can do what you want, little brother, but Meg asked me to stay and I’m planning on it.” David made a point of staring at their clasped hands and then looked at Luke with his right eyebrow cocked.
“Of course Luke is staying. Are we done here? I have paperwork to look over and I need to meet with my foreman.”
“Who is the foreman these days? I heard you had the job. I’m a bit surprised Owen let you play foreman.”
She stiffened. “I earned the job. Nothing was handed to me. My new foreman is Greg Sparks. You might remember him.”
David laughed. “If things had been different, I’d be owner and you’d be living off my charity.”
“David, leave it alone,” Luke warned.
“Sorry, I just keep thinking how different my life would have been if Owen had manned up and claimed me as his. Instead, I was sentenced to a life of hell.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Don’t talk about my father that way. To me, he was a kind, loving person.”
David snorted. “You got all the breaks didn’t you?”
Luke dropped Meg’s hand and walked to David until they were toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye. “Listen, lay off. I know you had it hard, I was there. Meg is innocent of all sins you believe her father did. It doesn’t help for your bitterness to overflow into her life. If you’d rather find somewhere else to live you are more than welcome to. If you plan to stay at the house, you’d better apologize and adjust your attitude.”
David stared at Luke for a long moment and then shrugged. “Sure.” He turned and nodded at Meg. “Sorry.”
All three of them piled into the truck, Luke behind the wheel, with Meg in the middle, and he held her small work-worn hand in his. He gave it a slight squeeze and turned his head, offering a reassuring smile. It felt right to have her next to him, and he hoped it would be forever. They’d had five years stolen from them, and he didn’t want to wait any longer, but his words could wait until they were alone.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. It was a sigh of contentment. Too bad his brother was being an ass. There was so much he needed to sort out. Two things were clear: his father was a killer, and he’d helped him bury one of his victims. Luke’s stomach roiled, his body tensed. Meg lifted her head and gave him a questioning glance. He smiled back at her.
“Is something wrong?” She rubbed her other hand up and down his arm.
“Nothing a little time alone with you won’t cure.”
On the other side of Meg, David groaned. “Oh please. Luke, you sound like a calf searching for its ma. You aren’t making a play for her to get your hands on her ranch are you?”
Gravel crunched beneath tires as Luke pulled the truck to the side of the road. “Get out.”
“What’s your problem?” David gave him a cold look.
“My problem?” Luke twisted in his seat to stare at his brother. “I guess it’s how suspicious you are of everything. If you wanted to be involved in all decisions, you should never have left. I don’t like you badgering Meg with all your questions about money. You make it seem as though she’s done something wrong. Now, get out!”
David frowned, and his eyes narrowed. “Whatever you say, little brother. Meg should be worried. Didn’t you marry before hoping to get the ranch?”
Meg squeezed his arm keeping him from getting out of the truck and pounding on David.
David opened the door, got out, and slammed the door. The truck tires spun as Luke drove away.
“Why is he acting like such a jerk, Luke? I feel as though I’m missing some
thing. Do you think he expected my dad to give him part of my ranch?”
He shook his head. “You got me. I don’t like the way he talks to you, and I’m putting an end to it. It might be better if he found another place to live or better yet if he went back to where he came from. I’ve missed him over the years, but there is something going on we don’t know about and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you get hurt.”
“Just don’t kill each other. I’ve been trying to work everything out in my mind, and I keep coming back to your dad. Do you think he could have killed all those women?
Luke parked the truck next to the house, killed the engine, and turned toward her. “I hate to say it, but I do.”
The mood inside the house was anything but romantic. As much as he wanted to pull her into his arms and claim her lips, it wasn’t happening. It wasn’t good timing. Meg stood looking out the window, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
“He doesn’t have far to walk. I wouldn’t worry about him.”
Meg turned and frowned. “I know I’m just trying to figure out why he’s been acting like such a jerk. He used to be a nice guy. Did you really think he was dead? How awful for you.”
He shrugged. “My wanting you has nothing to do with the ranch. You know that, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” She gave him a sincere smile. “Don’t worry about his little remarks. I’m ignoring them and you should do the same. He’s trying to bait you for some reason.”
Luke walked to the window and put his arms around her waist. “I don’t know what I’ve done right to deserve you. I appreciate your faith in me.”
Her eyes shimmered when she gazed up at him. “Of course I have faith in you.”
“I think I need to visit my father again tomorrow. He knows more than he’s saying. I don’t think a thing happened on the ranch without his knowledge. Plus, with his temper who would have dared?”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
He kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer to his side. “I need to do this alone.”
Luke's Fate Page 9