“Do you want me to back the trailer into the barn?”
“If they have halters, we can just bring them in,” Brayden said.
“They do. Let’s get them so Melissa can scan them. I hope they’re microchipped.”
“I do too. Let’s get them and we can put them each in a stall.” Brayden glanced at Melissa before motioning for Gray to lead the way.
“If Bart comes back, let me know but I doubt he will,” Gray said over his shoulder to Brayden.
“I’ll scan them when you get them in the stalls,” Melissa said as Brayden followed Gray.
“All right.”
She watched the two men walk to the trailer and if she hadn’t known they were brothers, she had no doubt she’d think they were related somehow. Their mannerisms were so very similar.
Melissa retrieved the scanner while they unloaded the horses. She hissed in a breath when she saw them because they were gorgeous animals. One was all black and the other was a big blue roan, highly spirited and she knew why—he was a stallion and absolutely beautiful. She followed them to the stalls with the scanner. Both horses stood still as she scanned them and wrote down numbers as they popped up on the screen. Turning around, she saw Gray and Brayden watching her.
“They’re both chipped. I’ll need to enter the numbers into the database to see who they belong to though.”
“Please do that and let me know. Once we’ve got the info, I’ll do what I can to track down the owner or owners,” Gray told her.
Nodding, she walked to her office and entered the numbers into the computer. After writing down the owner information, she headed out of the office to tell Gray what she’d discovered. She found him standing next to the stalls where the horses were, talking with Brayden.
“They’re both from the same place,” she said as she handed Gray the paper. “A ranch in Bear Canyon, Wyoming called Win’s Circle. The owners are Hannah and Wade King. There’s a number there too.”
“Great. I’ll give them a call. I’m sure they’ll want to pick their horses up.” Gray put his fingers to his hat. “Thanks.” Then he walked out of the barn.
Now she looked at Brayden and saw him looking at her so she smiled. She turned to return to Dinky but he stopped her.
“Melissa, can I come over tonight?”
Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t allow herself to think too much. “Of course.”
Smiling, he leaned in gave her a quick kiss then strode away.
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Melissa could feel him pulling away. Not physically, but emotionally and it scared the hell out of her. He had to feel something, didn’t he? How was it possible he didn’t? Lord, she hoped so because she wasn’t sure how much more she could take not knowing how this was going to go. How could she continue to work with him if he broke this off with her? Again. The on again, off again thing was wearing thin. He had to know her feelings for him.
She was startled when he moved away from her, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and started dressing. She watched as if it weren’t happening but when he pulled his boots on then stood to stomp his feet, there was a feeling of such dread wash over her that she feared her heart would stop.
“Where are you going?” she asked the sound of her words a croak around the lump in her throat.
“Home. I just need to…go.” He headed toward the door without any further explanation.
Melissa quickly got out of bed and pulled her robe on then followed him to the living room, calling out to him when he reached for the doorknob. “Brayden?”
“I’m sorry,” he said as he opened the door, then he walked out closing it behind him.
Melissa stared at the door in utter shock, then ran to it and wrenched it open. She looked in the direction she knew Brayden would be going.
“Brayden,” she shouted and saw him halt then slowly he turned to face her.
“What?”
Running to him, she stopped in front of him. “What? You’re asking me what? We were in bed together and everything was fine then all of a sudden, you bolted. You were thinking something before you walked out. What was it?”
He drew in a deep breath. “I was thinking that I can’t give you what you want. Not now. Maybe not ever.”
“How do you know what I want?”
“Tell me you don’t want this to go further. Look at me and tell me that, and I’ll go back into your apartment with you,” he said as he grasped her arms and pulled her close.
There was no way she could she tell him that because she did want it to go further and she wanted him in her life. For the rest of her life.
“Do you think Maisy would want you alone for the rest of your life?”
Brayden shoved her away from him. “Do not bring my wife into this,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Your wife is dead, she’s gone,” she shouted, the hurt and anger flowed from her as a feeling of dread washed over her that she couldn’t ignore this time.
“Shut up, Melissa,” he said and a muscle twitched in his cheek then he turned from her but she grabbed his arm and turned him back to face her.
“I won’t. It’s time you realized it. She’s gone. She’s been gone for five years now. Brayden you have to let her go.”
“Why? So you can move into her bed?” His head snapped back when she slapped him.
“How dare you? I loved her too. I’m done here. As much as I love you, I won’t try to be a replacement for Maisy. Find another vet too. You have my two week notice.”
Spinning on her heel, she ran back to her apartment and slammed the door behind her then ran to her bedroom, threw herself across the bed, and cried. Damn him! She was done, just as she told him. It was time to leave. Time to get away from him and never see him again. She’d go home to Texas and work at her parents’ hospital if she had to, but her time in Montana was over.
The next day, she worked with Dinky and tried not to cry over never seeing the little donkey again. There was no way she could take him back to Texas with her. She planned to call her mother tonight. As much as she hated to, she knew she’d have to but she knew her mother wouldn’t judge her. They only disagreed on not working together.
As the day wore on, she stayed away from Brayden, although it hadn’t been too hard to do because he was avoiding her too. She was in a stall checking a new horse when someone blocked the sunlight. She glanced up to see Julie.
“Hi, Julie.” Not in the mood for chitchat, she turned back to the horse.
“What’s going on? Brayden told Logan you were leaving and Logan told me. I thought you liked it here.”
“I do, but it’s time to move on.” She prayed Julie would let it go, but it was not to be.
“What happened between you and Brayden?”
Melissa cringed, and took a deep breath. “Nothing happened, it just won’t work between us, and I don’t want to be around him anymore. It will never go anywhere and I’d like to get married one day and have a family.”
“I’m sorry, Melissa.”
“It’s all right. I’ll get past it.”
“I don’t think you will but I’m around if you need to talk. Just know you’ll be missed—especially by Dinky. That little donkey loves you.”
“I know.” Melissa could feel her throat closing up as more tears threatened to fall.
“I’d better get back to work. Let’s get together before you go, okay?”
“Sure,” Melissa said nodding but she knew she wouldn’t spend time with anyone except Tessa, and she was meeting her for lunch tomorrow to tell her about her plan to leave. Melissa was glad when Julie left. She just wanted to do her job then be left alone.
That evening, she sat in her apartment, staring at the phone, knowing she had to make the call that would seal this horrible situation in permanence. She called her mother who told her to come back and they’d put her to work. What Melissa didn’t tell her was why she was returning to Texas. She didn’t know if she could tell her right n
ow without breaking down. Maybe she could after she was home for a while but right now, it wasn’t possible. After grabbing a quick shower, she headed to bed, and before crying herself to sleep, she prayed she could make it through the full two weeks.
****
The following week, Brayden stood in the barn petting one of the stolen horses when he heard a pickup pull up to the barn. He could see a horse trailer being pulled at the back. When the truck stopped, the passenger door flew open and a beautiful blonde haired woman jumped down and put her hand up to shade her eyes to look around. Brayden strode toward her and stepped out into the sunlight.
“Hi, I’m Hannah King. My husband and I were told our horses were here,” she said as she stuck her hand out in greeting.
Brayden shook it and smiled at her. Her blue eyes stared up at him. He nodded then turned toward the man striding around the truck. He stood as tall as Brayden and stuck his hand out with a friendly grin.
“Hello, I’m Wade King. We didn’t think we’d see our horses again. Can’t believe they ended up in Montana.”
“Brayden Beckett. Come with me and I’ll take you to them. How long have they been missing?”
“Just a couple of weeks and thankfully, they were the only two taken. Do you know who stole them?” Wade asked him.
“Not sure if the guy the sheriff took them from stole them or bought them from someone else. He’s not talking. I’m glad you had them chipped though. They look like good bloodlines.”
“They are. Blue Diamond is one of the best stud Quarter Horses around. Ellie’s Girl belonged to my mother before she passed and although she’s had a few foals, she’s no longer bred,” Hannah told him, and then she laughed when she saw the horses stick their heads over the stall gates and whiny at her.
She ran down the aisle of the barn to their stalls. Brayden heard Wade chuckle and turned to look at him, lifting his brows in surprise.
“I think they recognize her voice,” Brayden remarked.
“I’m sure of it. Hannah loves Ellie’s Girl and she was devastated when she came up missing. We haven’t figured out yet how they were taken, but we’re looking into it.”
“Beautiful horses,” Brayden murmured.
Wade glanced around. “This looks like a nice place you got here, Mr. Beckett.”
“Call me Brayden. Are you two planning to head home today?”
“We were but I think we’ll need to get a hotel room for the night, and pick the horses up first thing in the morning.”
“You are more than welcome to stay here. I have plenty of room.”
Wade looked startled at the offer. “You don’t have to do that. You don’t even know us.”
“I know good people when I see them and I doubt if your wife wants to leave here without her horses.” Brayden nodded his head in the direction of Hannah cooing at the horses and rubbing their noses.
Wade grinned. “I think you’re right about that and we’re both tired. We’re close to the Montana border but this was a long trip pulling a trailer. I’m sure we’ll both sleep well tonight. Thanks for offer. We’d appreciate it, if you’re sure.”
Brayden nodded then saw Melissa walking up the aisle of the barn. He watched her stop to speak with Hannah.
****
“Hi, I’m Melissa Conroy, the vet here. I’m glad we found your horses for you.”
“Hannah King. I am too. I never thought I’d see them again. Ellie was my mother’s horse before she passed away and when my dad passed away, she was given to me.” Hannah laughed. “Well, she was given to Wade, my husband…” She looked to the handsome man standing with Brayden. “…along with half the ranch. Then after a while, he finally gave her to me. It’s a long story but he has to be one of the most hardheaded men I’ve ever known.”
“I think he’s talking with another one,” Melissa said then nodded toward Brayden and Wade who were deep in discussion.
A moment later, they started toward the women. When they reached the stalls, Wade stopped in front of the roan stallion and rubbed his nose. The horse butted his head against the man’s chest making Wade laugh. When he turned to face Melissa, she was sure her mouth dropped open. From a distance, he was handsome but up close, he was gorgeous with his black hair and dark eyes. He was the same height as Brayden since they stood shoulder to shoulder.
He stuck his hand out to her and it took everything she had not to giggle as she shook his hand while Hannah introduced her. Then he turned those dark eyes to his wife and Melissa could see how much he loved Hannah. He gently touched her hair and she turned tear-filled eyes at him. Wade pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Yeah, that was love. She glanced at Brayden and their eyes met, but he looked away. Damn.
“I, uh, have some work to do. It was nice meeting you both. I’m happy you got your horses back. Have a safe trip home.” She hugged Hannah and shook Wade’s hand again then tried to get the hell out of Dodge before she begged Brayden to say he loved her.
“Melissa?”
She forced herself to turn to face Brayden. “Yes?”
“Wade and Hannah are going to stay here tonight. Would you like to come over for dinner?”
Melissa was sure she was gaping. Had she heard him right? She wasn’t going to question it but instead, simply nodded. “Uh, yeah.”
“Good. We’ll see you at six.” Brayden nodded then she turned and walked away.
Would wonders never cease? He’d asked her to dinner. Well, the Kings would be there but he’d never invited her to dinner before. She couldn’t wait. Maybe she’d been wrong about Brayden, maybe…just maybe. Smiling, she headed to her office.
At six o’clock, she knocked on the back door of Brayden’s house then opened it and almost ran into Brayden on the other side.
“Sorry,” she murmured.
“It’s fine. I didn’t know if you’d come in or wait.” He stepped back from her. “Come into the living room. Steaks are cooking. Medium rare?”
“Well done.”
“You’re cooking the flavor out.”
“Whatever.” She smiled when he chuckled.
“Good comeback. I didn’t notice how you cooked yours before.” He placed his hand at the small of her back and they walked to the living room. It was a good thing he was behind her so he wouldn’t see her blush. The last time they had steaks together had been at her place when they’d also had sex.
Wade stood when she entered the room. Cowboys and their manners always impressed her.
“Hello, Melissa,” Hannah said from the sofa.
“Hannah. Wade. Nice to see you again.”
“I’ll be right back, I need to check the steaks,” Brayden told them.
“Need any help?” Melissa asked.
“Nope. Shouldn’t be long.” Brayden left the room and Melissa blew out a breath then smiled when she saw Hannah staring at her with a smile on her face.
“So, how long have you two been married?” Melissa asked taking a seat.
“Just since July,” Hannah said smiling at Wade. “Might never have happened either, if Wade hadn’t come to his senses.” Wade chuckled and Melissa laughed. “I’d been in love with him since I was fifteen, but he always ignored me.”
“Hardly, duchess,” Wade said sliding his fingers through his wife’s hair.
“Then I kissed him when I was eighteen and he broke my heart by rejecting me so after graduation, I ran off to New York to become a photographer. Went home ten years later and when I saw him again, I knew I still loved him but he still didn’t want me. Stubborn man.”
Melissa watched as Wade winked at Hannah. “But her dad had other ideas. He split the ranch between us in his will. Very rocky start but as you can see, it worked out. Right, duchess?” Wade lifted her hand and kissed her palm.
Melissa inwardly sighed. To have a man love you like that would be amazing. Especially if it was the man you already loved. At that moment, the man she loved entered the room to tell them dinner was ready. Everyone stood
and headed for the kitchen.
Once they all took their seats, Brayden served the steaks and baked potatoes. Conversation flowed as if they’d known each other for a long time. Melissa laughed as Wade told them some of the adventures the two went through before finally coming together. He told them that there were times he’d been torn between making love to her and spanking her. They were very much in love and Melissa had to blink back tears because she wanted so much to have the same thing in her life—with Brayden.
Once dinner was over, she got out of there as quickly as she could without seeming rude. She and Hannah agreed to keep in touch after which, Melissa left and walked home. Alone. Would she ever stop loving Brayden? No. There was no doubt about that.
****
Three weeks later, Brayden walked down the aisle of the barn checking the horses and glanced to Melissa’s closed door, but moved on past it and on out the back door. She wasn’t there. She was gone. He’d check the other barns then head to bed. Alone.
He missed her and he’d asked himself many times why that was if he didn’t have feelings for her. No, it couldn’t be. Could he really have that kind of deep love again? He’d found it once, so he knew what it was. You should have asked her to stay. You are such a dumbass, Beckett. Maisy is dead and gone. Melissa is a living, breathing woman who has told you she’s in love with you.
Damn, he’d royally fucked things up.
“Brayden?”
He turned when he heard Julie calling to him. “Yeah?”
Julie and Logan walked to him, stopping in front of him. “There’s a man on the phone about the ad for a vet,” Julie said, frowning at him.
He knew everyone missed Melissa and were not happy about him hiring another vet to take her place. To be honest, he wasn’t too happy about it either.
“I’ll take it in my office. Thank you.”
“Yeah, whatever,” she muttered as she turned and walked away with Logan following.
Julie had barely talked to Brayden in the two weeks Melissa had been gone. In fact, no one was really making conversation with him lately. Damn it, he knew they were unhappy about how things worked out, but they just didn’t understand.
Brayden : A Beckett Brothers Novel Book 1 (The Beckett Brothers) Page 15