* * * *
Kind of old to be living at home.
Does your daddy know you’re in here bothering me?
The man sure had a mouth on him. He almost acted uppity, like he was too good to talk to her. Who was this guy?
One thing April excelled at was digging. Her thoroughness always got her the answers she needed because her Internet skills were as good as Samantha’s ability to rope a calf in nine seconds flat. She told herself she wanted to make sure that Randy Stark’s retirement from the ring hadn’t been because he’d killed someone in a fight or was wanted for some crime. She’d convinced herself she was doing the search in order protect her father’s best interests.
Liar.
After looking online on ultimate fighting, Randy Stark’s name popped up several times. Her heart sped up as picture after picture of the sweat-covered giant appeared. There were even a few videos of some of his matches. Apparently, he was famous. She clicked on one YouTube video but had to press pause quickly. Seeing someone hit his handsome face turned her stomach. Why would anyone subject himself to being beaten? It didn’t matter that Randy landed the majority of the punches compared to his opponent. The violence churned her stomach.
The fact he was sponsored by Harley-Davidson implied he’d hit the big time. So what the hell was he doing in her daddy’s barn?
Wikipedia was an amazing source of information. She’d found pictures of his home in Colorado that would almost rival her parents’ house. Something funky was going on, that was for sure. After she exhausted her search, her stomach grumbled, and she went in search of a snack before dinner.
Mom was at the piano again, playing the same series of notes over and over again as if she were trying to figure out how she wanted her new composition to end. As April got to the landing, she caught sight of the front door opening and froze.
Randy stepped in behind her mom and held still. He kept his gaze on the piano as if transfixed. She held her breath, wondering why he was here. A good minute passed, yet he hadn’t let her mom know he was waiting.
“Try a B-flat instead of B,” he said when her mom stumbled on a note.
His shoulders tensed as if he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Her mom whipped around and slapped a hand over her chest. “I didn’t hear you come in. You must be Randy.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shook her hand.
“You said to try a B-flat instead of the B. Hmm.” She rotated back to the keyboard and replayed the sequence.
The melody flowed and soared. She stilled and turned back around. “You were right. How did you know that?”
“I guessed.”
“You play?”
“Not anymore.”
Her mother scooted over on the bench seat. “Would you play something for me?”
April’s huff almost became audible. Randy Stark, cage fighter extraordinaire, would no more know how to play the piano than she could jump a ravine on a horse.
He held up a hand. “I wish I could, but I don’t remember how anymore.”
Somehow, his comment lacked sincerity.
“What can I do for you then?” her mom asked.
He held up April’s hair tie, and her hand shot to the back of her head. Her ponytail had come undone and she hadn’t even noticed.
“April must have dropped this.”
Thank goodness he didn’t say where.
Her mom took the ribbon. “Thank you.”
He nodded and walked out. At that moment, she decided to find out everything there was to know about Randy Stark, the man.
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Chapter Two
For the next few days, April kept away from the barn. Appearing too interested would blow any chance of getting close to the ruggedly handsome Randy. Other than his good looks, she hadn’t been able to pinpoint why she’d become fixated on him. Men who mucked stalls probably did not have a PhD, nor were they readers or world travelers. She wanted a man she could connect with on an intellectual level, not just someone who could set her body on fire. Right now, however, the fire setting would be a huge enhancement to her nonexistent sex life.
Because she had some time before her summer school class began, she decided to go apartment shopping. She’d saved most of her earnings this past year and had money to afford a nice one-bedroom apartment.
Most of her friends worked a normal job, so she’d have to go solo. Asking her mom to help might upset her too much. It would take some tact to ease her parents into the idea of their last child leaving the nest. Jenny was the youngest, but she’d decided to stay at school and finish her master’s instead of returning home for the summer. Knowing her sister, she might stay in school longer and get her doctorate.
April had spent all morning on the Internet narrowing down her choices. Being near to work seemed the smartest choice. She’d signed up for a class at the University that met twice a week, so being closer to town would be great. The fact her junior high was down the street from the University was an added bonus.
After she saw three places, she made her decision and put down a deposit. A thrill raced down her spine at being truly independent for the first time. That was one rule her dad never broke. He’d pay for schooling, but as soon as one of his children moved out, she was on her own. Despite being richer than anyone else in town, he believed in teaching his children about personal responsibility. That was great while she was growing up, but now that she had to pay for everything on her teacher’s salary, it wouldn’t be so much fun.
The leasing office told her the apartment would have to be repainted and recarpeted, but that she could move into the place in ten days. That would give her time to break the news to her parents and buy a bed and a sofa, for starters.
As she pulled into the drive of her parents’ house, a new sense of well-being descended on her. She got out of her car and leaned against the fence. Turning her face up to the sun, she closed her eyes and soaked in the smells. Her mom loved to garden and had planted a patch of multicolored flowers that perfumed the entrance. She opened her eyes and looked out over the mountains in the distance. She’d taken the vastness of the land for granted, thinking of the twenty-five thousand acres as just a backyard.
Now that she was no longer going to live there, a strong need to see what she’d be giving up overtook her. Indecision washed over her. Was she being dumb to move? Or was it time to stop mooching off her parents?
You’re no longer a little girl. Randy had been right. Only little girls lived at home.
Since the ranch was mostly fenced, the only way to get around would be to ride a horse. Not only didn’t she like to ride, she sucked at it. Maybe that was because Samantha and her four older brothers were so good at it. Not to mention the last time she’d been on a horse, she’d broken her leg after she fell off.
As if the proverbial lightbulb went off, she knew how she could satisfy this new urge she’d developed and subtly learn more about her mystery man.
She dashed inside and changed into some different jeans, a newer pair of boots, and a long-sleeve shirt. Hair tied back, she rushed to the barn, hoping her potential teacher would be there.
A coaxing voice floated out from inside. While she heard Randy talking, no one was answering. When she turned the corner to reach the stalls, Randy was loading feed into the horse’s bucket. He sure seemed able to talk a lot when no one was around to answer.
“Hey, Randy.” She put as much enthusiasm into her tone as she could but sound sophisticated at the same time.
He put down the feed, dusted his hands, and turned around. There was no surprise in his eyes. “Can I help you?”
This wasn’t the reception she’d hoped for after staying away for a couple of days, but at least he faced her. “I was wondering if you could spare some time to teach me to ride?”
His chuckle came out silent. “No.”
Her questi
on might not have been couched correctly. “When would be a good time?” She didn’t want to come off as demanding or entitled.
“I’m hired to care for the horses. Nothing more.”
So that was how it was going to be. “How about if I ask my father to hire you to teach me?” Dad would be thrilled if she learned proper riding technique. She could get around on a horse, but her legs throbbed and her pussy ached after half an hour in the saddle.
“Go ahead, but he’ll find you someone more suitable, I bet.”
Damn. He was probably right. She stepped closer. The warm scent of hay and feed wafted in the air. “Did I do something to piss you off?”
“You were born to Mr. and Mrs. Callen.” He turned his back to her, picked up the feed, and walked to the next stall.
So, he had an issue with some class distinction, though she didn’t understand why. Given the size of the home he used to live in, she suspected his net worth would be in an acceptable range even for her father. “I’m not asking you out on a date. I just would like for you to show me how to ride without getting thrown.”
“No.” He didn’t even react to her being thrown comment.
No man was going to turn her down without the courtesy of a discussion. She could play one man against the other. “Fine.” She spun around in search of her father.
She found her dad in his den on the computer. Spreadsheets filled the screen.
“Knock, knock.”
He turned in his chair and smiled. “April. Come to learn about the running of the ranch?” Clearly, he was challenging her lie from before.
She had said she was interested in knowing more. “I think I’ll leave the finances to you. Actually, I thought it was time I learn to ride. I mean, learn to ride well.”
He cocked a brow. “Why?”
Telling as much of the truth as possible was always the key. “This morning, I signed a lease for an apartment. I thought it was time to get out on my own.”
While her father hid his dismay, from the way his shoulders sagged and his chest caved a bit, the news took him by surprise. “You sure you want to leave this?” He waved a hand.
She sat in the chair next to the desk. “Yes and no. When I drove back from getting the place, a bit of melancholy grabbed me. I want my own place, but I want to come back here, too. I realized that in all these years, I never really explored the ranch. I thought now would be a good time.” She reached out and clasped his hands. “I know it’s going to be hard for you and Mom to be in this big house alone, but I promise I’ll visit every weekend. If I could learn to like riding, it would be an added incentive to be here.”
All of that was true. She just left out the part about getting to know Randy.
“I can show you a thing or two about riding.”
She laughed. “You’re busy. Besides, if I remember, you tried to teach me how to drive. Remember how that worked out.” He’d made her so nervous that one time she ran the truck into a ditch and broke its axle.
“You have a point.”
She didn’t want to be the one to suggest Randy. That would be too obvious. “I could go to Sam’s dude ranch and have her people teach me, but she’s probably busy with her clients. I wouldn’t want her to give up revenue for me.”
He scratched his chin. “I bet that new fellow could give you some pointers. I’ve seen him ride. Why, he’s almost as good as Sam.”
Not even the world champion rodeo rider would ever be better than Sam in her dad’s eyes. “Him?” She bit down on her bottom lip to appear indecisive.
“Why not?”
“For one, he’s not paid to teach people how to ride. He’s busy cleaning stalls and grooming the horses.”
His brows scowled. “Ask him. If he gives you any grief, have him come talk to me.”
A smile burst from her lips. She hadn’t meant to act so excited, but she couldn’t help it. She stood and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best.”
“You remember that when you haven’t visited in a while.”
She laughed and pranced out. Instead of running into the barn and acting like a brat, she located her Kindle and sat in her favorite rocking chair, hoping to get in a few hours of reading while she kept a lookout for the sexy cage fighter. She still couldn’t figure out what would possess a man to willingly subject himself to a beating. Randy certainly had the physical prowess to be the best, but at what point in his life did he make the decision to pursue that career?
She knew the moment when biology became her passion. There was a small river that ran along the side of the property. She’d sit for hours and watch the creatures do their thing. She was fascinated by anything that moved, from ants, to butterflies, to minnows. With her plant and animal books always in hand, she learned the names of every creature and plant by the time she was ten.
That seemed like a lifetime ago.
A horse in the distance caught her attention. Dust bloomed behind the racing steed while the rider held steady as if the speed was as natural as floating on a lazy river. What she wouldn’t give for a pair of binoculars. From his imposing size, it had to be Randy. Both animals were things of beauty to watch. As he neared the barn, he slowed. By the time he reached the entrance, the horse was walking. Randy leaned over and patted the horse, as if to congratulate his mount for the excellent ride.
As soon as he disappeared, she went inside to shower. It was time to get ready for the first class of the last semester of her master’s degree.
* * * *
April knew most of the University buildings quite well, but it had been a long time since she’d stepped foot in the physics building. She’d had the professor that was teaching this course before, just not in this part of the campus. This course was called Education for Science Teachers, and it involved methods for teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. Apparently, they would be doing labs throughout the class. Most of the class would be a breeze, but her talent in physics was sorely lacking, and the labs were the worst.
She sat next to Darlene, a woman who’d been in her class before. Their professor was hovering over the desk, sorting through his books and papers. He’d been so focused that even when the door opened, everyone except him looked to check out the newcomer.
A click sounded and the heads collectively glanced up. Holy moly. Something didn’t fit here. A six-footer with narrow hips and broad shoulders edged in and glanced around. His deep, chocolate-brown eyes seemed to take in the whole room at once. When his gaze landed on her, she prayed he’d stop and linger. While he didn’t rush away, his gaze continued to sweep the room, as if he was sizing up the group. He smoothly walked to the front and discussed something with the teacher. This man was no student. While he only looked to be a few years older than she was, from the way he acted in control in front of her teacher, this man was someone important. Only she had no idea who.
After a brief conversation, he eased out. This time he didn’t make any eye contact. Darn. The door closed, and she turned to Darlene, whose eyes were wide. “Who was that man?”
Darlene tilted her head to the side and sighed. “That is the man in my dreams.”
She laughed. “Does this man have a name?”
“He’s Blake Danforth.” She flicked a finger across the tip of her nose and tilted up her chin. “He’s the new department chair of the Physics Department.”
“Is he a snob?”
Darlene smiled. “No, but his name implies money, doesn’t it?”
She mentally said his name. “Yes. Have you spoken with him?”
“No. He just got here three weeks ago, but I did a little digging on the sex god. Apparently, he was a professor of physics in Denver. When he got the chance to be department chair here, he took it. He’s only thirty and some kind of child prodigy. He graduated from high school at fourteen.”
“Oh, my. How did you find this out?”
“I have my ways, my pretty.” Darlene attempted to cackle
like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Their teacher tapped the table, signaling class would begin. Good thing he started with biology so she could let her mind wander to the newcomer. Besides the man’s great butt, two things that Darlene said caught her attention. One was that he’d moved here three weeks ago, and two, that he was from Denver.
Randy had moved to Intrigue three weeks ago and was from Denver. Normally, she would have dismissed this connection as being an outrageous coincidence, but what were the chances that two people arrived at the same time to a small town from Denver? If they did know each other, April doubted it would be well. Dr. Genius was just that, and Randy mucked stalls for a living. However, they might have connected through Randy’s cage fighting. While Dr. Danforth was buff and all, he didn’t compare to Randy in the overall strength department.
Darlene nudged her to take notes. It wouldn’t do to fail her last semester. After ninety rather boring minutes, the teacher let them out on break. She and Darlene stepped out together. As they headed to the candy machine down the hall, her friend nodded to one of the rooms.
“That’s Dr. Danforth’s office.”
The light was on, and April got a great idea.
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Chapter Three
April turned to Darlene. “I need to ask Dr. Danforth something.”
Darlene laughed. “What? Will you go out with me?”
“Shh. No. It’s about someone I think we both know.”
“Uh-huh. Just don’t be late back to class. You know how Dr. Stuffy gets when we wander in after he’s started.”
“I know. Go.”
Darlene rolled her eyes and headed back to class with her candy bar in hand. April made her way down the hall, her pulse racing. She knocked and held her breath.
Secret Temptation [The Callens 3] (Siren Publishing M?nage Everlasting) Page 2