Killian had had to turn away at that, choked up at the kindness of the man.
The money, however much he ended up with, would help him realize his lifelong dream of raising Appaloosas. He’d kept his dream to himself. He hadn’t even told the Hart brothers. But in all the years he’d been working for them, he’d made it his business to learn everything about the company, from buying to breeding to training. Apparently, they knew him better than he thought.
As he got older, he’d brought it up to Dusty when they were together. The man, however, had never seen the value in it, and, after a while, Killian stopped talking to him about it.
Yesterday, the Walker plane had picked him up in Montana. His mother had insisted on driving him to the small airport, where the plane landed, and seeing him off. Things were still unsettled between them, and he didn’t know how he could fix it. He was still hurt she’d kept such vital information from him, and he felt betrayed. The shit with Dusty—he had stopped thinking of him as his father—was bad enough, but he’d always loved and respected his mother. He just couldn’t seem to get past this.
At the moment, he wasn’t feeling too kindly toward either of his parents.
This morning, Lou, the cook, had insisted on feeding him a full breakfast then told him to take whatever ride he wanted from the garage. What an eye-popping experience. After picking up his jaw at the sight of the boat of a Cadillac and a tricked-out Ford F-159 truck, he’d settled on a silver SUV. Less obvious, he hoped. Marliss, the housekeeper, handed him a piece of paper with directions to the office of D. Walker Minerals, and off he went.
When he got there, only two people were in the office. According to the information the attorney had given him, they were Abby Hollister, the receptionist/secretary, and Elaine Dennis, one of the mineral and oil rights specialists. It was obvious they’d been prepared for him.
”Welcome,” Abby said. “We’re glad to meet you.”
“We’ve got Dusty’s office all set up for you,” Elaine told him, urging him toward the office door.
“You’re the king for a week,” Abby teased. “You get to sit where the king does.”
Killian shook his head. He was no king, and he sure didn’t think of Dusty as one.
“Just give me a closet,” he said. “All I need is a desk and a place to set my coffee mug.”
Muttering under her breath, Elaine ushered him into a small office next to hers. He gave a short laugh when he saw it really wasn’t much more than a large closet.
“This is what you asked for,” she pointed out, a smile twitching at her lips.
“Where did my…brothers…work when they were here?” The descriptive word stuck in his mouth like bad whiskey.
Elaine nodded at the tiny office. “You can use this, or…Jackson used Dusty’s office.” She lifted a shoulder and dropped it. “You know, he really wanted you boys to step into his shoes.”
Killian snapped back before he had a chance to think. “We’re not ‘boys,’ and if we had a choice, we’d really have nothing to do with all of this.”
Abby eased back to her desk as the smile disappeared from Elaine’s face.
“I’m sorry you all are making such snap judgments about the man. Maybe while you’re here you can force yourself to find out a little more about him.”
“I doubt it.” He hauled in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m sorry. I need to mind my manners better.”
She studied him for a long moment. “Out of curiosity, if all of you are so angry with Dusty, why did you agree to the terms of the will?”
He thought about it for a moment. “I think none of us wanted to be the one to screw it up for the others.”
She gave a brief nod. “Okay. Well, I’d better get you started here while the place is still quiet.”
Now, after a full morning of studying reports and maps and more shit like that, he needed a break. He lifted his Stetson from the hat tree, clapped it on his head, and walked into the front office.
Abby glanced up from her computer. “Going out?”
“For a minute. Just need to stretch my legs. Maybe get a bite to eat. Where do you all go, anyway? Is there someplace close by?”
Elaine walked out of her tiny office to place a folder on Abby’s desk and chuckled.
“I think I dropped too much stuff on him today,” she teased. “He needs to refill the well.”
“Whatever you’ve got,” Killian said, looking from one to the other, “bring it on. You don’t scare this country boy. So, where’s a good place to eat?”
“You could try Cubby’s Creekside Café right next door,” Elaine suggested. “He’s a cousin to Lou, your cook.”
Killian thought about the breakfast he’d consumed.
“If he’s half as good as Lou, it sounds like a winner. But I think I just want a bite of something. And to walk a little.”
She smiled at him, warming him with its genuineness. According to the information in the folder each of the brothers had received, Elaine had been with Dusty for a long time, longer than either of the two men on staff, and probably knew more about the business of D. Walker Mineral Company than anyone. Her light-brown hair was streaked with touches of silver, but her face was smooth and unlined. He had no idea how old she was. Somewhere between forty and sixty, he guessed. But she was spoon-feeding him the business and made him feel comfortable. He was grateful for that.
“Well, give yourself a look at Red Creek. There’s a great coffee shop down the street you could try, also. It’s called Heart Starter.”
“Yeah?” Killian gave a short laugh. “That’s some name.”
“Lexie’s coffee is indeed that. And her pastries taste from heaven.”
“Lexie?” He lifted an eyebrow.
“Lexie Choate. She owns the place.”
Killian stared at Elaine who exchanged a glance with Abby and tried to conceal a smile. “Is there a joke here I don’t know about?”
Abby shook her head. “Not at all. However, if you do stop there and you’re so inclined, I’d love one of her honey buns.”
“Consider it done.”
He walked out the door, wondering if he was walking into yet another trap. His life seemed to be full of them.
It was just after noon, and the sidewalks were busy. Killian glanced into Cubby’s Creekside Café, studying the place through one of the windows. It seemed very homey inside and nearly full. Probably a good place to pick up local gossip. He’d bet a dime today’s was all about him and his brothers. Half-brothers, he reminded himself, and the familiar bitterness washed through him.
Benner had called this morning. He wanted Killian to stop by later today, so he could catch him up on how the first two weeks had gone, but Killian wasn’t even sure he wanted to hear. He wanted out of this disaster as soon as possible. Still, he’d have to talk to the man sooner or later. Might be best to get it over with.
He had made it to the end of the block, in front of Heart Starter. Was her coffee like battery acid, or just strong with a rich flavor? Whatever, he needed something to clear his brain, so he pushed the door open and walked in. A bell tinkled overhead.
“Be right with you,” a voice called.
Killian stopped in his tracks. The voice had the lyrical quality of an angel’s, plucking at his heartstrings as well as other parts of his body. When she rushed out from the back of the shop and he caught sight of her, he was sure he’d need some of the strongest coffee, because his heart stopped. Just. Stopped.
Lexie Choate was his actual dream come true, the best package Killian had ever seen. Holy shit! The top of her head just came to below his shoulder, a head full of streaky blonde curls. Gold-flecked hazel eyes surveyed him from beneath a fringe of thick lashes sweeping over creamy cheeks with a light dusting of freckles. She was busily tying a clean apron over a pink T-shirt and skinny jeans and smiling an apology to him with plump, kissable lips.
Kissable?
What the fuck, Killian? First of all, he wasn’t here
in this bumfuck town to have fun. Secondly, with the damnable truth about Dusty and the whole situation, was he even good relationship material anymore? What kind of genes did he carry, anyway? Could he be faithful to one woman? He needed to get his head out of his ass before it got permanently stuck there.
Yeah? The little voice in his head remarked. He should tell that to his cock which was suddenly begging to be let loose to have fun.
“Sorry.” Her voice danced over his skin like a teasing wind. “I got a little tied up in the back.”
At the words “tied up,” Killian’s fingers curled up over his absent length of rope. A picture burst into his mind of the very tasty barista naked except for his rope tied around her in an intricate pattern.
Down, boy!
The bell jingled again, interrupting his erotic reverie. He glanced behind him to see three people walk in. He stepped aside and motioned them to the counter.
“You were here first,” the hot angel pointed out.
“I’m in no rush. Take care of your customers.”
“Well, okay.” Her smile made his errant cock jump. “But don’t leave.”
“I won’t.” Not even if someone paid him.
“Good morning, Billy.” She smiled at a tall, stocky man, with graying hair, wearing a plaid shirt, and jeans. “Your usual?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I swear you make the best pastries in Kansas, Lexie.”
Okay, so this was the owner, Lexie Choate. Somehow the name fit her, sparkly fun with a subtle sexy overlay. He had to stop himself from licking his lips.
He took the opportunity to scan the interior of Heart Starter. The owner had put together a very attractive place. Cafe tables and chairs occupied much of the polished wood plank floor. Framed colorful artwork hung on the walls, giving the place a warm feeling. A counter ran the length of the wall opposite the door, with all the equipment and supplies for coffee on shelves behind it. One end of the counter topped a glass display case with an assortment of pastries. Adjacent to all that was a small refrigerator case with sandwiches.
Apparently, she had just stocked a fresh batch of goodies because the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the room, mingling with the scent of fresh-roasted coffee and making his mouth water.
The tempting little blonde expertly filled the orders, smiling and chatting as she did so.
“Thanks for stopping in,” she said as she rang up the purchases. “It’s always good to see you. And, Risa, tell your sister if she’s still interested in something part-time to come by and see me.”
“I will,” the woman named Risa said. “She’ll be so excited. With her youngest in day care, she really wants to get out and do something.”
“I’d love to have her.” Lexie smiled as she handed the woman her change. Then she turned her hundred-watt smile on Killian. “Have you decided what you’d like?”
Yes. You.
“I’d like to have dinner with you.”
Had he asked her out? He could hardly believe the words had dropped out of his stupid mouth. He wanted to smack himself. God, was he a dumbass or what?
Lexie stared at him. “Excuse me?”
“Uh, black with a shot of espresso, please. And I’ll take a couple of those cinnamon rolls.” Then, he couldn’t help himself. “And I still want to take you to dinner.”
She didn’t say anything while she fixed his coffee and slid a couple of rolls onto a small plate for him. He waited while she processed his payment, wondering if she’d even respond to his invitation.
“Take any of the tables.” She laughed. “We’re not busy at the moment. You just beat the noon rush.”
But he stood there at the counter, stubbornly, unable to believe what he was doing. This was so not like him. He’d met his share of women both in his hometown and when he travelled to Great Falls, and he hadn’t been tongue-tied with any of them. Or with any of those he’d had a more extended relationship with. So, why was he suddenly acting like a teenager?
“Well?” he finally prompted.
She cocked her head and studied him for long moments. “You’re new here,” she said at last. “You’re one of the Walker boys. Is this week your turn?”
Fuck. Was the whole sordid story common news here?
“I’m Killian.” He held out his hand.
She took it, her warm, soft skin igniting the blood in his veins. Or maybe it was the intense irritation at being the object of common gossip.
“Lexie Choate. Welcome to Red Creek and Heart Starter.”
“So, does everyone in Red Creek know all the grimy details?” he asked.
She gave a slight shrug. “Dusty lived here forever and was always larger than life. When the four of you came for the meeting with the attorney, everyone’s curiosity jumped about a hundred points. Word got out and, yes, you can’t blame people for talking about it. The story is a little unusual.”
“To say the very least.” He couldn’t keep the edge of bitterness from his voice.
A tiny frown creased her forehead. “You all aren’t happy about the money?”
The money. Right.
“It’s all the rest of the baggage that’s hard to swallow. It’s tough to learn at our age that we’re all bastards.”
Shock washed over her face. “Oh, Killian. No one in this town thinks of all of you that way. We loved Dusty. He shared his success with Red Creek and did a lot for this town.”
Killian picked up his cup and took a healthy swallow, even as hot as it was. “That so?”
“Yes, it is. You should take the time to learn about him while you’re here this week.”
“Maybe you could tell me about it over dinner.”
She laughed, a wonderful silvery sound. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“No, ma’am.” He grinned. “Not when it’s something worth having.”
“But you don’t even know me,” she protested.
“That’s what the dinner is for.” He waited with barely controlled impatience for her answer. “You could take the opportunity to tell me about Red Creek.”
Finally she gave a quick nod. “Okay, but only because you’re Dusty’s kin, so I can count on you to be trustworthy.”
His cock sent him an urgent message. Not on your life. He willed it into submission. One thing at a time.
“I’ll take it any way I can get it,” he assured her. “What time is good for you?”
“Seven? I close the shop at five thirty. I need some time to get ready.”
He wanted to tell her she looked ready now. Instead, he said, “Seven is good. You’ll need to give me your address.”
“Not very far. I live upstairs.”
“Nice and convenient. Okay, works for me.”
The bell rang again, and a fairly large group of people crowded inside. Her lunch rush was about to start.
Killian took his plate and half-filled cup to one of the tables and ate slowly, watching Lexie at work. She was cheerful, smiling, joking with people, exchanging personal comments. It was obvious this was a popular place, and everyone in Red Creek loved the owner. And why not? he asked himself. What’s not to love?
He almost hoped she had a hidden personality disorder or was running from the law. Anything to discourage and put a lid on his sudden attack of raging hormones. He might as well have been sixteen again. What the fuck was wrong with him? He was here on serious business, with no time for this stuff. Besides, he had carefully guarded himself all this time from any kind of meaningful situation. Now, it was even more important, knowing he had Dusty Walker’s genes. What kind of husband would he be, when cheating was in his DNA?
Husband? Jesus, Killian. Stupid much?
He gave himself a mental shake, bussed his table, and got in line again.
“Hungry for more?” She grinned.
“Two honey buns to go.”
Now she gave a full-out laugh. “I see Abby’s got you trained your first day on the job.”
“I have to take good care of her.
Otherwise, I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“She’s the one to show you. We all believe she’s the one who keeps that office together.”
A sudden, unpleasant thought struck him, one he wasn’t sure he had the nerve to ask.
“Uh, so she worked for Dusty for a long time?”
“Yes, and get your mind out of the gutter.” The frown was back. “They never had anything more than a working relationship.”
He held up his hands. “Sorry. Didn’t mean too imply otherwise.” He took the little box she handed him. “See you at seven.”
“Seven o’clock.”
On his walk back to the office, he mulled the whole thing over, stunned at what had happened. This was so far out of his wheelhouse he couldn’t begin to understand why he’d done it. Since he’d hit puberty, there had been no shortage of women. Ever. He wasn’t a pussy hound, but he knew all he had to do was wink at a female when he was out with the guys and things got going. Maybe he’d taken too much for granted and didn’t appreciate the women who came his way. But Lexie was from a whole different world, and, for her, he needed to clean up his act.
No, what he really needed to do was shut the whole thing down before he got into trouble. He’d suddenly realized when the reality of his heritage came out, he might not be such a bargain for a woman, the money aside. What if he turned out to be a cheater just like Dusty? Besides, he wasn’t going to be around here long. He had no intention of making Red Creek his home, now or ever.
Shit, shit, shit. His hands itched to grab the piece of rope he always fiddled with when his thoughts got out of hand. It was his pacifier, his comfort toy, and a lot more. He’d stuck it in a drawer in his desk when he got to the office, keeping it out of sight. Now, he couldn’t wait to get his hands on it. It always helped him think, among other things. Sort out his thoughts and feelings.
Abby grinned at him when he walked back into the office.
“Did you get lunch?”
He shook his head. “Wasn’t that hungry. But I had some great pastries. And here.” He handed her the box. “This is for you.”
She chuckled. “You remembered. You get definite points for this. So I guess you met Lexie. Isn’t she a sweetheart?”
Killian (The Sons of Dusty Walker Book 3) Page 2