by Lauren Canan
“Oh?” Wade’s dark eyes glimmered with barely contained amusement.
She shook her head. “I was simply helping Chance find my cherry.”
No one moved.
It took about five seconds to realize what she’d said.
Her admission didn’t faze Chance as he dangled the small red fruit from its stem.
“And I got it,” he said, before popping it in his mouth, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
* * *
The hot dog was delicious, and in spite of having already eaten all that fruit, she downed every bite. Chance disappeared for a couple of minutes and was soon back with a lemonade and a cold beer.
“Wade is offering his guests beer? That seems a little odd.”
“He keeps them in the fridge. I never really formed a liking for champagne.”
Holly took a sip of her lemonade. Neither had she, but probably not for the same reasons. People on her side of the road generally didn’t attune their taste buds to the full-flavored bouquet of the world’s finest champagne.
“What now?” she asked, setting her empty plate aside.
“Put your shoes on and I’ll show you.”
Stifling a groan, she stood up and slipped her feet into the shoes. Chance took her hand and led her to a large room adjacent to the atrium. Above them there was a dome ceiling decorated with twinkle lights. At the back of the room a six-piece orchestra was tuning up. As the music filled the space, Chance took Holly into his arms.
“This is so nice,” she said, smiling up at him. “I didn’t know you danced.”
“You’re about to find out I don’t. Watch your toes.”
He danced beautifully. It felt so good to be held in his strong arms, pulled tight against his powerful body as they swayed to the strings of the slow, soul-touching melody.
As they danced it felt as though the temperature in the room got warmer. The songs being played now were slower, the melodies strumming the strings of her heart. Holly felt as though she’d stepped up to an entirely new level, feeling a closeness to Chance she’d never felt before. There were plenty of women at the edge of the dance floor who were ready to pounce and take her place at the first opportunity, but selfishly she held on tight. And it seemed Chance was equally unwilling to release Holly.
“When you’re ready to call it a night and head upstairs, just let me know. We’ve been here over four hours. I’m more than ready to get the hell out of here.”
Holly stepped back. “Let’s go.”
He took her hand and led her through the throngs of people still making the most of the party. Just outside the double doors that opened into the great hall, they found Cole.
Chance leaned forward and quietly spoke a few words to his brother, who nodded and gave Chance a couple of pats on the back. Cole looked at Holly and winked.
Then Chance guided her farther down the hall to a small elevator. A couple of seconds later they stepped out onto a higher floor. It was peacefully quiet and every bit as elegant as the first floor had been. These people knew how to live. Antique mirrors randomly adorned the walls along the hallway. In between were very old, beautifully framed pictures, presumably of Chance’s ancestors. Men standing with a crowd of smiling people in front of the entrance to a mine, next to an oil rig or next to a gorgeous thoroughbred held by a groomsman with a jockey on its back and a blanket of roses over its neck.
“That’s my uncle on the day he won the Triple Crown.”
“He’s magnificent.”
“I assume you mean the horse?”
“There’s a horse?”
Chance laughed and it was a nice sound to hear.
“I think you’ll be comfortable in here.” He pushed open the door to an amazing bedroom suite. It was decorated in varying shades of blue in a French motif with a fireplace on one wall. A large canopy bed dominated the room. “I’ll be just next door.”
“Okay. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’m an early riser.”
“So am I.”
Chance leaned down, his face close to hers. The dim lighting in the hall shadowed just enough of his features to make him devilishly handsome.
“I had a good time,” she whispered.
“I can almost say the same. You made it bearable. Thank you, Holly.”
Then his lips, gentle, sweeping, were joining hers. He ventured inside just enough to taste and let her do the same. Then he was pulling back.
“Good night.”
* * *
“So did you have fun?” Amanda asked the next day as Holly sat holding Emma, bouncing her on her lap. She couldn’t kiss the baby enough, hold her tight enough. The fragrance of baby powder, shampoo and Emma was a much-needed relaxant after her overnight stay in Dallas. She now knew how Cinderella had felt going to the ball. Thankfully Holly had returned home intact—with both shoes. And the great blue-and-white flying coach had made a perfect landing with the prince behind the controls.
“Holly?”
“Oh. Yes!” Holly came back to reality. “Sorry. Just a bit jet-lagged.”
“Jet-lagged? You only went to Dallas. This just keeps getting better. I’m going to want to hear all about it. Every delicious savory detail. Promise me.”
“Sure.” Not.
“Okay, then. I’ve gotta head out. I’ll talk with you soon.”
“Thanks so much, Amanda.” Holly stood and hugged her friend’s neck. “Really. You are so great to keep the baby for me.”
“Anytime.” Amanda touched the tip of Emma’s nose. “See ya, kiddo.”
“Keyo.”
Holly saw Amanda to the door, then called Kevin. She and Emma checked the clinic and made sure all was in order for tomorrow. Monday. Always a busy day.
* * *
Something woke Holly out of a sound sleep. The dogs in the kennel were barking in that way dogs do when there is someone or something in their immediate vicinity. Two shepherds, a terrier and a mixed breed named Henry were definitely acknowledging something.
She slipped out of bed, tiptoed across the hall and into Emma’s room. The baby was sleeping peacefully. About the time she returned to the hallway, the sound of breaking glass reached her ears and the dogs were now going crazy. It sounded as though it was coming from the clinic.
Pulling on a pair of jeans, she slipped into her shoes and stepped out into the cool night air. She hadn’t gone but a few steps when the back door to the building swung open. The security lights, one on each end of the clinic, had been turned off. From the small amount of moonlight, she saw the darkly clad figure throwing something out. It crashed when it hit the ground. Her computer?
Holly turned and ran back inside the house, making sure the door was locked behind her. She didn’t want to turn on any light to draw attention. Grabbing the cell phone from the kitchen counter where it was charging, she quickly called 911. The dispatcher answered immediately. Holly quickly gave her name, address and the reason for her call and was assured the police would be sent right away.
Ending the call, she slipped her cell into the pocket of her jeans and hurried to Emma’s room. More sounds of glass shattering and continued barking tore open the night. It was over fifteen miles to town. Chance was across the road. Without giving it a second thought, Holly dialed his cell. He picked up on the second ring.
“Holly?” His voice sounded amazingly awake for two o’clock in the morning.
“Chance, I think someone is in the clinic. I’ve called the police but Emma and I are here alone and—”
The connection went dead.
Returning to the front room, Holly peeked through the blinds behind the sofa. From here she could see the back of the clinic. Suddenly light from a vehicle flashed across the window. She heard a door slam, and seconds later the driver
ran in front of the lights toward the clinic’s front door. It must have been Chance.
Immediately she regretted calling him. If someone was in there, the person might have a gun. She couldn’t bear to think she might be the cause of Chance getting seriously injured. She couldn’t leave Emma alone so all she could do was watch and wait. Someone in dark clothing ran out the side door they used for deliveries but it was too dark to make out more than a shadow. Seconds later the back door to the clinic opened and Chance lumbered out through it, making a straight line for her house. Holly quickly ran to her back door and opened it.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Was someone in there?”
“Definitely. But they got out before I could get in there. My truck lights probably warned them I was coming.”
“Them?”
“Them. Him. I don’t know, but there is a lot of damage for just one person to do.”
“Damage?” Holly reached for the door. “How much damage?”
“No, Holly.” Chance kept her from going outside. “We don’t know how many there were. We don’t know why. And we don’t know if it’s safe. I cleared all the rooms but whoever did this might be lurking in the wooded area between the clinic and your house.”
“The dogs. I’ve got to at least make sure the dogs are okay.”
“How many?”
“Four.”
“I saw them and they all appeared okay. I’ll go back and check them again when the police get here.”
Before she could voice an objection she heard the sound of a siren. Officers from the Calico County sheriff’s office were on the way. Once they arrived and checked inside and out, Holly was allowed to go into the clinic. It looked as if somebody had set out to destroy everything possible. Expensive microscopes had been thrown through walls. X-ray screens were on the floor in pieces. There was no sign of her computer, which probably meant she was correct to think it was lying in pieces outside.
It definitely wasn’t someone trying to steal and resell. It was vandalism with a vengeance. She hurried down the hall to the kennel, switching on the lights. One by one she checked the animals for any cuts or indications they were hurt. They were all fine. Still excited, but fine.
“Holly.” John Green, a deputy for the county, called her back to the main part of the clinic, where Chance stood. “Do you have any idea who might have done this?”
Holly shook her head. “No. Not at all. Most of our patients are healthy and happy. I’ve only lost two. A seventeen-year-old beagle belonging to J.D. Cordiff. But Mr. Cordiff is in his eighties. He understood his dog had health issues no vet could cure. And Sammy Bartlett lost his Bubbles to cancer a week ago. Sammy is seven. I know his parents. No way they would ever do anything like this. I can’t think of anyone who would have done this or why. Excuse me, I’ve got to go and check on Emma.”
As Holly hurried back to the house, she couldn’t stop the tears from welling in her eyes. Who would do such a thing? And why? Thankfully insurance would cover most of the loss, but even then it would take weeks to get back up and running. She needed to call Kevin.
Emma was still sleeping soundly in her bed, snuggling her stuffed goat. Holly took the cell from her pocket and speed-dialed Kevin’s number. She probably should wait until the morning, but this was serious. It would impact his family’s earnings. After three rings, she heard Kevin’s sleepy voice on the other end of the line.
After explaining what had happened and hanging up, Holly ventured back outside. She wasn’t sure what to think or where to begin. Walking back to the clinic, she began picking up pieces of her equipment. Broken monitor frames, a smashed keyboard, the frame of a very expensive microscope Wade had given as a grand opening gift.
“Holly.” Chance reached out to her, taking the shattered pieces of various instruments from her hand, tossing it all to the ground then drawing her into his arms. “Leave it until the morning. You don’t need to be out here trying to clean up in the dark. The sheriff is going to keep one unit out here overnight. I’ve already called and arranged for a couple of ranch hands to keep them company just in case.”
She nodded. “I called Kevin. He’s going to contact the insurance company. Maybe they will send someone out fairly quickly. Oh, Chance, I have patients who need medical attention. How am I ever...”
“Shh.” Chance’s hand gently pressed her head against his chest, keeping her close. “We will get through this. One step at a time. I want you to go inside your house and get Emma. Pack a few things for both of you. You’re coming to my house until the authorities can get a handle on what’s doing.”
“No, that isn’t necessary. We’ll be fine...”
“I intend to make sure. Go. Pack a bag and let’s get you out of here.”
“But, Chance—”
“Now, Muppet. Stop arguing and go. There is no way you’re staying in that isolated house tonight.” He stepped back and with his finger, raised her face to his. “You can save that stubborn set of the jaw and battle stance for when they catch the perp. This is one argument you will not win.”
She turned and walked toward her house. Chance wouldn’t leave her out here in a wooded area with no alarm system and no way to defend herself. Even though a couple of sheriff’s deputies and a few of the cowboys were stationed in the area, he would not let her stay here tonight. She supposed there was some logic to it. She had to think of Emma. But what she really wanted to do was hide somewhere and wait for the vandal or vandals to come back. Her shock was rapidly changing into anger.
* * *
“Pick any bedroom you want. Wade and Cole are in Dallas so it’s just us.” He stepped over to the outside wall and flipped open a small, discreetly hidden panel. Punching a few numbers, he then shut the lid. “Security. Tonight I don’t trust anything. Come on, you’re exhausted. Lets get you and the baby upstairs.”
“I’m not exhausted,” Holly retorted. “I’m mad as hell.”
To that, Chance could only smile. When Holly had initially called, it had frightened him. Something that didn’t happen very often. He had heard the fear mixed with fury in her tone. He had a feeling were it not for the baby, Holly would have jumped right in the middle of the situation, confronting whoever it was destroying her clinic, and God only knew what would have happened then. She’d never been afraid of very much of anything; whether that was an admirable trait or a fool’s mission he wouldn’t say. But before tonight, he’d respected it. Now he was just glad the baby had instilled a degree of protective caution in her.
He followed Holly up the stairs. She stopped at the top as though lost and unsure of what to do next. Chance stepped forward and opened a door to one of the bedrooms next to his. She walked past him, still holding the baby, checking it out. During the day, the view from here framed the barn and various outbuildings. Step out on the balcony and it had a good view of the courtyard below and the pool with the waterfall.
Seeing Holly inside this house affected him in ways he didn’t want to think about. In all the years they’d known each other, she’d never ventured farther into the home than the kitchen and den downstairs. Now, seeing her in a bedroom, a king-size bed three feet away from where she stood, did something to his equilibrium. For just an instant he let himself envision Holly lying in the center of that bed wrapped in his arms, the sheets tangled around their legs while he took her again and again.
Chance was doing it again. He was envisioning something that could never happen. He needed to stop.
“I asked a couple of men to bring the baby’s bed over.” He was prepared for her objections and raised his hands, palms out. “It’s just for a couple of nights. I thought you both might sleep better. You won’t have to spend the night worrying that she might fall off the bed, and I think she’ll be more at ease in her own bed, with her toys. It might help to comfort her.” Holly was not going back
to her little house until a good security system had been installed. But he didn’t want to add that argument to the problems she already faced. At least not tonight. If there was luck to be had, it would be a done deal before she knew anything about it.
By now Emma was awake, her eyes as big as saucers as she took in her new surroundings, her first finger getting quite a chewing. Holly let her down to wander around and she made a beeline for Chance. She was so tiny. So innocent. He was afraid to pick her up for fear he would hurt her, but apparently the child had different ideas. She looked up into his face, her blue eyes asking a silent question while she gripped the pant leg of his jeans in her tiny hand.
“Up,” she said with absolute clarity.
Chance glanced at Holly. She just smiled. If he didn’t know better he would swear she had set him up. Feeling uneasy, Chance reached down and picked up the baby. She immediately laid her head against his shoulder, her hand gripping his shirt, settling in as though she had always slept there. He gently patted her back with his free hand. He couldn’t believe how right she felt in his arms. He wouldn’t admit, even to himself, how much he liked holding her.
“I imagine the sheriff will try to lift some fingerprints from your clinic tomorrow. I know over half the town has been inside the building, but maybe he’ll get lucky in the lab area. I assume not everyone goes back there.”
“No, they don’t.” She shrugged.
A rap outside the door drew their attention. “Got the little one’s bed, boss. Where you want it?” Two of the ranch hands looked inside the bedroom, finally turning to Chance for directions.
“Just put it... You know, I guess you’d better put it close to the bed so if she wakes up she can see her mother.”
The two stout cowboys soon had the bed sitting next to the large bed where Holly would sleep. With a tip of their hat, they said good-night and left the room.
“You really didn’t have to do this. It’s a lot of trouble for one night.”
“No big deal.” Chance walked to the baby’s bed and deposited Emma in it. She immediately sat up and looked around, her pointer finger securely in her mouth. “See you tomorrow.”