Brayden : A Beckett Brothers Novel Book 1 (The Beckett Brothers)

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  ****

  “She’s a little flighty, I think,” Brayden said with a smile.

  “A little?” Glen said with sarcasm.

  “What made her change her mind about upstairs in the other barn?”

  “I told her it would be easier to make her a place down here. She agreed after I told her I could put a skylight above her tub down here.”

  “Skylight?”

  Glen shook his head and laughed. “Yeah. It seems she wanted a skylight and thought she could only get it if the apartment was upstairs. Doesn’t she know you’d have the addition made any way she wanted?”

  “I mentioned it to her. She’s a great vet but her mind works in the strangest ways on other matters.”

  “Glad she’s your problem and not mine. I’ll go talk with her about it. If there are any problems, I’ll find you.” Glen picked up a tape measure and walked off.

  Exhaling, Brayden spun on his heel and entered his office located in the front of the barn. He was making a website for the sanctuary and it was coming along great. He planned to post before and after photos of the animals, and he needed something to keep his mind off Melissa Conroy—and how those jeans hug her ass.

  A few days later, Brayden drove in to Clifton to stop at the feed store for more halters. He parked in the lot, and after taking a deep breath of calming air, he stepped out and entered the store. The bell above the door jangled and it seemed like every person in the place turned to look at him. He swallowed hard then made his way to the counter and waited his turn. Glancing around, he saw people smiling and nodding at him, and he blew out a relieved breath.

  “Brayden,” a woman shouted and he turned to see Emma Conner Stone coming toward him.

  “Hello, Emma,” he said and hugged her when she wrapped her arms around him.

  “It’s so good to see you. You look great,” she said to him.

  “So do you. How are you?”

  “I’m wonderful. Gabe’s here.” She jerked her chin toward the back of the store.

  Brayden turned to see Gabe Stone striding through the store toward him. Gabe stuck his hand out when he reached him.

  “It’s good to see you, Brayden.”

  “You too, Gabe.” Brayden grinned. He honestly hadn’t expected such a friendly welcome from everyone, and he was glad.

  “Jake and Wyatt are here too.” Gabe nodded his head.

  Brayden spun around to see Gabe’s brothers, Jake and Wyatt behind him. He stuck his hand out to one then the other. They shook his hand then slapped him on the shoulder.

  “Damn, it’s good to see you, Brayden. Happy to see you back in Montana,” Wyatt said to him.

  Brayden smiled and talked with his friends for a while. His mother had told him no one in Hartland, Clifton, or Spring City had ever doubted his innocence and now he believed it. It was good to have friends like his. Some of them would even visit him or write and he had missed all of them.

  “This is my wife, Olivia, and Jake’s wife, Becca. This is Brayden Beckett,” Wyatt said as he introduced the women to him.

  “It’s nice to meet you both,” Brayden said as he put his hand out in greeting. Both women were beautiful and he was pleased when they smiled up at him.

  As they stood there talking, several people walked past and shook hands with him. He was happy to be back in Montana. He made himself a promise at that moment, that he’d make a trip to Spring City to see his friends, the Callahans—four cousins with whom he’d been longtime friends with before moving to Texas. Reid, Roark, Devin, and Jaxon had never doubted him either. It was good being back with his family and friends again.

  Chapter Four

  Entering a stall to check on one of the ponies, Melissa put her hand out to the animal and he planted his nose in her palm, making her laugh.

  “You’re such a softie, Cupid,” she whispered as the pony blew into her hand.

  “He seems to be coming along great,” Brayden said from the stall gate.

  Glancing over to him, she did her best not to groan when she saw his white Stetson straw cowboy hat sitting low on his forehead and his sweat stained T-shirt. His forearms lay folded on top of the gate and she wanted so desperately to run her fingers through the hair there. She didn’t care for the manscaping men did nowadays. She liked a natural man.

  “He’s so sweet. I’m glad to see he’s eating better since he’s been here.”

  “I’m expecting a few people this afternoon for interviews. I want to hire someone to answer the phones since you and I are too busy and I want them to be able to show potential adopters around when they come here to look for something in particular. The website has gotten loads of hits and I’m getting calls all the time.” Brayden shrugged. “I just don’t have the time to answer all their questions.”

  “You’ll have to hire someone who knows their way around equine and who’s not afraid of them.” Melissa listened to Cupid breathe and then rubbed her hands over him. “Cupid could be adopted soon.”

  “Yeah, I agree. He’ll make some little girl happy. If you need me, I’ll be in my office.” Putting his fingers to the brim of his hat, he disappeared from her view.

  “If I need him? Oh yeah, I definitely need him,” she muttered to Cupid. The pony turned his head to look at her. “Yeah, I know. Don’t give me that look.”

  ****

  Three hours later, Brayden sat in his office and ran his hand over his mouth. The woman across from him had no idea what she was talking about and he was slowly losing his patience along with his mind.

  “Have you ever worked in a rescue shelter?” he asked, feeling exasperated.

  “No. But I’m a fast learner.” She grinned at him.

  “I’m sorry but I need someone who knows what they’re doing right now. We have twenty equines here now and people are going to be coming to see them, and possibly adopt them.”

  “Equines?” The woman frowned at him and he knew right then she had no idea what the sanctuary was.

  “That right there is what I mean. Equine is the horse family—horses, ponies, burros, mules.” Brayden clenched his fists under the desk. It was that, or he’d choke the woman.

  “I thought this was a dog and cat rescue.” She stood. “No way would I work with horses.”

  “Did you read the ad at all? It mentioned equine.” Brayden’s temples began to throb.

  “I thought that had something to do with cats or something.” The woman glared at him. “Why couldn’t you just say horses?”

  Smirking, Brayden rose to his feet. “To see who would know to apply. Thanks for coming.” He stared at her until she left the office in a huff.

  Sitting back down, he leaned back in the chair. Christ! This wasn’t going well at all. He picked up the paper and saw he only had one more appointment. When someone knocked on the doorjamb, he looked in the direction of the door and quickly stood when he saw a young, very attractive blonde-haired woman smiling at him.

  “Mr. Beckett?” she asked as she stepped into the room.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He continued to stare at her. She was very beautiful with her blonde hair flowing around her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkling at him. He doubted if she even reached his shoulder, as she was truly petite. “You’re Julie Powell?”

  “I am.” She put her hand out to him and he shook it.

  “Please have a seat.” Brayden jerked his chin to the chair opposite his desk. Once she sat, he did too. “Tell me about yourself.”

  Laughing, she looked at him. “I always hate when someone says that. I have a lot of experience in customer service.”

  “Are you familiar with equine?”

  “Yes. My parents used to own a horse ranch outside of Butte. When my dad passed away, my mom sold it and moved away. I’ve been around horses all my life. I’m not afraid of them. I’ve been riding since I was a baby. I used to compete in barrel racing.”

  Leaning back in the chair, Brayden clasped his hands across his stomach. “So you could basically answer an
y questions about horses and have no problem showing people the animals?”

  “Correct. I’d even help out, if you needed me to. Clean stalls, feed, and water.” She shrugged. “Whatever.”

  “Are you married?”

  “No. Are you?” She tilted her head and grinned at him.

  He stifled a laugh. She was quick-witted. “I’m only asking because there may be late hours and I don’t want an angry husband coming after me.”

  “Too bad,” she said in a low tone of voice as she stared at him. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not even seeing anyone right now.”

  Clearing his throat, Brayden held his hand out to her. “I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

  “All right. I’m very interested in the position, Mr. Beckett. I’m sure I’d be a great asset here.” She placed her hand in his.

  “I’m sure you would but I do have some others to consider.” He didn’t want to seem desperate, although it was getting to the point where he was.

  “Thank you. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. My past employers will give excellent references. Have a good day.”

  Brayden watched her stride out of the office and then he sat back down, removed his hat, and ran his fingers through his thick hair and sighed. Julie Powell was a beautiful woman but she didn’t hold a candle to Melissa. Every time he saw Melissa working in the barn, his damn cock wanted to burst out of his jeans. It didn’t matter how nosy or irritating she was, all he knew was she was absolutely breathtaking and he wanted to kiss those freckles sprinkled across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. Leaning his head back against the chair, he groaned.

  “Didn’t the interviews go well?” He heard Melissa ask from the doorway.

  “Damn.” Swearing under his breath, he glanced over to her. “Only the last one knew what equine was.”

  Melissa snorted. “Where did they think they were going to be working?”

  “One thought an animal hospital and one thought a dog and cat rescue and one just didn’t have any idea. She just wanted a job.”

  Moving into the room, she took a seat across from him. “Are you hiring the last one then?”

  “Probably. She’s worked in customer service for a number of years and was raised on a horse ranch so she’s not afraid of them. She said she’d even clean stalls, feed, and water them too, if we needed her to.” He did everything he could not to look at her because if he did, she’d know just how much he wanted her. Pushing up from his chair, he walked around the desk.

  “Good. I hope you’re going to hire some more men too. I need help with some of the animals sometimes,” she said as she stood.

  “I have two men starting Monday. Let’s call it a day. Do you have plans for tonight?”

  “Nope. You?” she said as they started toward the door.

  “Yes…a hot shower and then bed. I’m exhausted. Why aren’t you going into town?”

  “I have no social life right now since I haven’t had a chance to meet anyone. Maybe one day. I’m with you though. A hot shower sounds fantastic.” She stopped and stared up at him. “You know, you can call me Lissa. It’s what my family and friends call me.”

  Staring down at her, he narrowed his eyes. “We’re neither, are we?” he asked then when she quickly blinked her eyes, he wondered why he’d said that when it even sounded cruel to his ears.

  Motioning for her to leave the office in front of him, he pulled the door closed and they walked down the aisle of the barn and out into the yard. The sun was beginning to set, making the sky show colors of blue, pink, and yellow. He’d never get tired of looking at it.

  As they started across the yard, they both stopped when a car came barreling up the driveway.

  “Are you expecting someone?” Melissa asked him.

  “No. I have no idea…” Brayden paused and grinned when he saw the tall brunette step from the car and run toward him. He laughed when she jumped into his arms. “Hey, kiddo,” he said as he hugged her.

  “I’m so mad at you. Why haven’t you been by to see me yet? I had to hear from everyone else that you saw them, but not me.”

  Brayden let her feet touch the ground but kept an arm around her. He looked at Melissa who was frowning.

  “Melissa, this is Dani—my sister.”

  He nearly laughed aloud when her eyes widened and her mouth formed a silent O.

  “Danielle. My big brothers can’t seem to call me that. It’s nice to meet you,” Dani said as she stuck her hand out, and Melissa shook it.

  “I haven’t had a chance to get over to see you.” Brayden looked at her car. “Are you alone?”

  “Yes. I wanted to invite you to dinner so you can meet the kids and Brandon,” she said smiling up at him.

  “I’ll leave you two alone to catch up. It was nice meeting you, Danielle. I’ll see you later, Brayden,” Melissa said with a smile then walked off.

  “I remember her,” Dani whispered. “Wasn’t she Maisy’s friend?”

  “Yes, her best friend.”

  “How did she come to be here?” Dani asked him as she looped her arm through his.

  “I needed a vet here fulltime and James mentioned she was looking for work. When do you want me to come over for dinner?”

  “Tomorrow night. I’ll make lasagna.”

  “You can cook?” Brayden teased.

  Dani punched his arm. “Yes. Maybe not quite as good as Mom but I did inherit some of her cooking skills.”

  Brayden laughed. “I’ll be there. Right now, I need to grab a shower. So I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, you do need a shower,” Dani said holding her nose.

  “Go away. I work with horses all day. What do you expect?”

  Dani smiled up at him. “I expect you to show up for dinner.” She threw her arms around him again. “I am so glad you’re home.” She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. “See ya.”

  Brayden watched her walk to her car then give him a wave right before she climbed into it. He loved his family. Not one of them doubted his innocence. Never. Once her SUV disappeared down the driveway, he walked to the house, entered through the kitchen, and headed for the shower.

  ****

  Later that night, Melissa sat on the sofa watching television because she couldn’t sleep, but nothing seemed to hold her attention. The house was eerily quiet and she was sure Brayden was asleep. Just down the hall from the living room. Does he sleep in the nude? She groaned. Do not think of him in bed, naked.

  The man was slowly killing her. Every day that she saw him, she couldn’t get over how sexy he was. Those blue eyes could make a woman drop to her knees and do anything he asked of her. She shivered as she thought about kissing down over his hard body, and it was a hard body. When she saw him yesterday without his shirt on, she’d about had an orgasm. His pecs were solid and his six-pack stomach made her mouth water. And don’t get her started on that V. He’d been stacking hay and there was just something sexy about a cowboy with his shirt off, wearing those leather work gloves, his muscles bunching each time he lifted a bale. She desperately wanted to run her tongue down his chest and follow that happy trail of hair that encircled his belly button and traveled on downward.

  God! It was too damn hot in this house. Standing, she made her way to her door and opened it slowly then peered out. Maybe if she sat on the porch for a little while, she’d cool off. Stepping into the dark kitchen, the only light coming from the microwave clock showed her the way, as she quietly made her way to the back door. When she stepped on a board that creaked, she stood stock-still then let out a relieved breath when she didn’t hear anything in response. Since it was one in the morning, she didn’t bother with her robe. Her T-shirt and boxer shorts were enough.

  Stepping onto the porch, she sat in one of the rocking chairs. It was chilly out but she welcomed the cooler air. Pulling her feet up on the chair, she rested her chin on her raised knees. The full moon sat in the cloudless sky and lit up the yard like a beacon. Millions of stars fi
lled the black sky on the outskirts of the bright moon. Hearing the horses neighing and the burros braying in answer, made her smile. Brayden loved them as much as she did.

  Frowning, she couldn’t help but wonder where he got the money to keep the place running. She knew he had a big family but other than that, she didn’t know anything about him. Getting him to talk about his personal life was impossible. She had never talked about him with Maisy for fear Maisy would realize Melissa’s feelings for him. He already thought she was nosy so she could just imagine what he’d think if she asked any more personal questions. The ranch, Brayden and Maisy had owned, had made good money but he’d been in prison for the past five years, and she didn’t know what had happened to the ranch.

  Her eyes scanned the yard, past the barns, and quickly whipped back to the barn when she swore she saw someone inside. Slowly lowering her feet, she stood and made her way down the steps and crept to the barn in her bare feet. The thought of going inside to get Brayden didn’t cross her mind. Was she nuts? What if it was a thief? Although, what they’d be looking to steal was beyond her since any medicines were in the house for now.

  Quietly tiptoeing into the barn, she glanced around. The light of the moon coming through the skylights gave her enough light but she didn’t see or hear anything, other than the occasional horse snorting. Thinking she’d been seeing things, she turned to go back out when she bumped into someone and let out a startling scream.

  “Melissa, it’s me,” Brayden said next to her ear.

  “Holy shit! What are you doing out here at one in the morning?” She put her hand on her chest trying to calm her pounding heart.

  “I could ask you the same thing,” he muttered.

  “I was on the porch and saw someone in here. I didn’t realize it was you.”

  “Why were you on the porch?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Isn’t it a little cool to be outside in that outfit you’re wearing?”

  “Outfit? This is what I sleep in,” she growled and moved away from him. His scent—aftershave, hay, and man—had her wanting to wrap her arms around him and do all kinds of things to him.