All Your Nights

by Shirleen Davies

  “A little different than the way I left the other night.”

  “It is. You’re not angry.” Annie met his gaze, hoping he understood her meaning.

  He looked up at her and nodded. “You got me there.”

  “You’ll be in the bedroom behind the family room. It’s where I stayed after my accident.” Annie led the way, even though everyone knew which room she meant. “Here you go.”

  Jace and Rafe helped Kade onto the bed, lifting his injured knee up as Brooke slid a pillow under it. Rafe stayed close to the edge of the bed as if trying to decide if he should leave or say what had been on his mind for days. Jace glanced at the others, jerking his head toward the door in an effort to give the father and son some privacy. They took the cue, Brooke taking up the rear.

  “Where are you going?” Kade asked, his eyes darting toward her, a decidedly uncomfortable look on his face.

  Rafe looked over his shoulder at Brooke, grateful for the time alone with Kade.

  “I’ll be right back. Promise.” She shut the door, not giving him time to protest.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kade shifted on the bed, trying to ease the aching in his ribs. Every time he breathed, coughed, sneezed, or laughed, pain shot through him. He’d suffered the same injury before and knew it would take time to heal. The discomfort would continue until the bones mended, and even then, they’d be sore for months. Kade looked up at the sound of Rafe clearing his throat.

  His father shifted from one foot to the other, shoving his hands in his pockets as his eyes locked on Kade’s.

  “This probably isn’t the best time to talk. I just want you to know I’m here, when you’re ready.” Rafe turned and walked to the door, reaching for the handle.

  “Why?”

  Rafe knew what Kade asked, he just didn’t know how to answer him. He slowly turned toward the bed, noting his son’s emotionless expression. The green eyes, so much like his own, were all that gave away how much Rafe’s answer meant to him.

  “Reyna never told me about you.”

  “The other night…I could see it in your eyes. You knew.”

  Rafe stepped closer to the bed. “I suspected.” He let out a shallow breath. No excuse would make up for the lost years. “I hadn’t seen your mother since she left me, before you were born. When our paths crossed years later, she sat in a booth in a small diner where we used to meet. She had a little boy next to her. The same hair, same eyes as mine.”

  “Me.”

  “Yes. Now I know it was you. At the time, however, she never let on, didn’t say a word or try to get in touch with me. I let it go.” He lowered himself onto the bed and ran a hand through his hair. “Weeks later, I tried to find her. After another few weeks without success, I gave up, figuring she’d disappeared as she had years before.”

  “She went by Taylor back then. Reyna Santiago Taylor.” Kade’s flat voice tore at Rafe’s heart. “She made up the last name, telling people my father had died so they wouldn’t think less of me.”

  “Your birth certificate shows MacLaren.”

  “She wanted me to have my rightful heritage, even if you never acknowledged me.”

  “Shit,” Rafe mumbled, stood and paced to the window in frustration. “Why didn’t she just tell me, come to me?”

  Kade stared at his father, then looked down at his injured knee, wishing he could get up and pace, or throw something. Anything other than sit there in forced calm wishing he had the answer to that question. “I don’t know.” He leaned against the headboard and closed his eyes, remembering the day he’d found his birth certificate.

  He and his mother had returned from a dinner celebrating his thirteenth birthday. His mother asked him to go into her room and look under the bed. He got on his hands and knees, pulled up the bedspread, and found a wrapped present next to a box he’d never seen before. Curious, he’d pulled it out and opened it to find an envelope with his name scrawled across the top—Kade Santiago Taylor MacLaren. Inside he found his birth certificate.

  He’d always gone by Kade Taylor, the last name his mother used, never suspecting another name existed. When he’d asked her about it, she’d broken down, told him about Rafe, and begged him not to approach him. He honored his mother’s wishes.

  “Is she still in Crooked Tree?”

  “She lives in Mexico with her mother’s relatives. Once in a while she comes for a visit, but not often. I usually fly down to see her.”

  Rafe walked the few steps to the bed. “You’re my son, Kade. I don’t know what I can say or do to make things right, but I can promise you I’ll do whatever is needed to gain your trust.”

  Kade thought he was too old to feel the kind of choking emotion those words caused. His throat closed, making speech impossible.

  Rafe laid a hand on his son’s shoulder. “We’ll talk later.” He walked from the room, closing the door behind him.

  ******

  Brooke knocked on the door to Kade’s room, holding a plate loaded with eggs and bacon. She’d checked on him three times after Rafe had left his room the day before. He’d either been asleep or had chosen to fake it each time. Brooke believed he needed time to come to terms with whatever Rafe had told him and left him alone. By nine that evening, she’d given up and gone to bed.

  Everyone had left Rafe to himself after his time with Kade. He didn’t volunteer what had been said and no one dared pry, believing the attempt he’d made to be alone with his son said a lot about his intentions.

  Brooke tapped once more before peering into the room. He lay on his back, one arm stretched above his head, eyes closed. He appeared to be asleep. She set the plate down and opened the blinds, letting the morning sun wash over the bed and onto his face. Still nothing. He’d been awake most of his last two days in the hospital, grumbling about going home and being a general pain in the ass. Something didn’t make sense.

  Brooke sat on the edge of the bed and stroked a finger down his face, feeling his two-day stubble. Her thumb rubbed across his lower lip, then traced a line along the upper one. When he didn’t budge, she became bolder, letting her finger run a path down his neck. The sheet had been pushed to his hips, exposing the crisp hair across his chest that narrowed as it descended toward his waist and hips, then disappeared below the sheet.

  She glanced up, noting he still lay quiet, breathing in a soft rhythm. Brooke’s courage rose as she splayed her hand across his chest, feeling the silky hairs and taut muscles underneath. She swallowed a small lump in her throat and let her hand move lower to his stomach, to the edge of the sheet. She paused briefly before sliding her fingers below the cotton cover. She was inches from her goal when a hand thrust out and grasped her wrist. She shrieked as her eyes darted to Kade.

  “Something you want?”

  She couldn’t mistake the warning in his thick, raspy voice. She bit her lower lip and tried to pull her hand free. He tightened his grip.

  “Well?”

  She straightened her spine and jutted her chin out. “Yes. As a matter of fact, there is something I want.”

  “And what is that?”

  “I want you to stop pretending you’re asleep when I come into the room. It’s becoming quite annoying.”

  One side of Kade’s mouth lifted as he drew her toward him, wrapping his free arm around her waist, and pulling her close. “Annoying, huh?”

  Her breath hitched as her gaze moved to his mouth and the full lips which were slightly parted. She glanced at his eyes and her heart tripped over itself at the smoldering, bold stare. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. Before she could register his intent, he’d drawn her down, his mouth covering hers in a kiss both hungry and searching.

  He lessened the pressure. His lips felt warm as they brushed across hers, gentle and persuasive. He held her tight, not wanting to let go, ever. Kade raised his mouth from hers, letting his gaze move from her lips, swollen from his kisses, to her glazed eyes.

  His arms moved from around her and he grasped b
oth her hands in his, kissing her fingers before holding them to his chest.

  Brooke leaned toward him, her heart pounding as she waited.

  “My captain called last night. I need to return to San Diego to testify in at least one trial. I could be gone a few days or weeks—there’s no way of knowing right now.”

  There was more—she was certain of it.

  “What are you trying to tell me?” Fear gripped her. He sounded as if he might be saying goodbye instead of what she’d been hoping for since he’d told her he loved her.

  He couldn’t remember any time in his life he’d felt more nervous. Something about his feelings for Brooke messed with his mind as well as his self-confidence. She broke down his defenses, opening up vulnerabilities he thought were long ago buried.

  “Did you know Heath, Jace, and Rafe came in to talk with me late last night?”

  The surprised look on her face told him she didn’t.

  “It appears the three of them have worked out their differences enough for the deal to go through to buy RTC and Rafe will stay on as president. It’s hard to explain as I don’t fully understand it yet, but the short version is, they’ve offered me a job. I’d be helping in various capacities in two areas—stock for pleasure riding and lessons, and bucking stock operations, both broncs and bulls.” He said, and shook his head. He could feel the tension pouring from Brooke, knowing she wondered where all this was heading.

  “And?” She edged closer to him on the bed.

  “I said yes.”

  She launched herself into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck, trying not to put pressure on his broken ribs.

  “Under one condition,” Kade added in a somber tone against her ear.

  Brooke pulled back and held her breath.

  “I’d only stay if you agreed to marry me.”

  She clasped a hand over her mouth, not quite believing what she’d heard. Her eyes shone as she shook her head in two slow movements—up, then down.

  Kade placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face to him. “Does that mean yes?’

  She cupped his face with her hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Yes. Absolutely, yes.”

  Epilogue

  Six months later…

  They packed for their trip back to Fire Mountain, accepting their honeymoon had come to an end. When Brooke first said she wanted a wedding between Christmas and New Year’s, Kade had balked, wanting a quick ceremony to remove any chance she’d change her mind. She’d held firm, saying by then he’d be finished with the rehabilitation on his knee, his ribs would be healed, and most of the family could attend. It all made sense. Still, six months seemed like a long time to a man who wanted her in his life, and in his bed, on a daily basis.

  They’d gotten together with Paige and Nesto twice during their time in San Diego. Both traveled to Fire Mountain for the wedding, along with Clive Nelson. Nesto and Clive stood up with Kade, while Paige and Cassie were Brooke’s bridesmaids.

  “What do you want to do on our last night here?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against his chest and nuzzling her neck. She let out a sigh, tempting him to pick her up and lay her across the king size bed, making the decision for both of them.

  “Would it be all right if we ate at the Sea Chalet then took a walk?”

  He knew what she wanted. The small, locals hangout had been her favorite place to pick up a quick dinner after her runs on the beach. Sometimes she’d take her meal back toward her spot on the sand, sit on her towel, and take her time working her way through the delicious food. For weeks he’d sat on his bike on the cliff overhead and watched, wanting nothing more than to walk down the dirt path and take a seat alongside. Now he could.

  “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”

  She quirked a brow at him.

  “Well, maybe one other thing,” he smiled, turning her toward him, lowering his mouth to hers in a slow, burning kiss.

  A few hours later, they picked up their food and threw their towels on a quiet stretch of beach. The sun had just begun to set with low clouds highlighting the stormy colors of blue and gray in the sky. The rays of the setting sun peeked under the clouds, throwing an almost iridescent, orange glow on the sand, which was littered with small rocks and broken shells. Crashing waves provided the background music as they ate their final meal along the shore of San Diego. Both knew they’d return, but never again as newlyweds.

  “What do Heath and Jace have you working on when we return?” Kade asked, enjoying the cool breeze. He’d fulfilled his last obligations with the DEA and would be starting work for his family when they returned. Kade and his father still had a ways to go defining their relationship, but he couldn’t turn his back on the MacLarens after every one of them had welcomed him with open arms. He’d even started using his given name, Kade MacLaren.

  “I’ll travel to the Cold Creek operation to review my assessment with their senior team. Cam set it up just before our wedding. Plus, Heath and Jace have been interviewing candidates for a marketing position. They say they’ve made their decision and plan to introduce the new person to everyone after I return from Colorado.”

  “Do you know anything about the person?”

  “Not much, other than she’s someone they met at the Cattleman’s Convention last fall. Apparently she has quite a portfolio in a new venture they’d like to pursue. She’ll also be working closely with Eric in the land development group.”

  Kade grabbed her hand. “Well, they do have a history of hiring the best.” He smiled at her and placed a kiss on her palm. He fell back onto the towel, pulling her on top of him, both laughing as he threaded his fingers through her hair and caressed her back.

  “I’ve wanted to do this since the first time I laid eyes on you. Sitting on my chopper, watching you on the beach, reading a book. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. At the same time, I never allowed myself to think I’d ever get a chance to be here beside you. I’d spent so many nights working or alone that I didn’t realize how much I wanted to spend them with someone special. I didn’t know how lonely my nights had become until I met you.”

  She lifted her head, smiling as he pushed an errant strand of hair from her face and gave her a brief kiss. “Do you know what I cherish the most?” she asked, snuggling against his chest.

  “No. What?”

  “Now I have all your nights.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read All Your Nights. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

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  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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  Other Books by Shirleen Davies

  Tougher than the Res
t – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”

  Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.

  Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.

  Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.

  Faster than the Rest – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”

  Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.

  Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?