Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set

by Maddie James

  What happened to your pony? Lori returned to signing.

  After Nate translated, Hailey answered. “I just asked my dad that same question last night. Polly is living out at my uncle’s farm and his grandkids still ride her. I want to go visit her before I go home. Maybe, if it’s okay with your dad, the two of you could come along.”

  Lori leaned back, stretching her neck so she could look up at Nate with big pleading eyes.

  “We’ll see. Okay?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ll call my uncle and see when we can come out and then call your dad.”

  Nate narrowed his gaze. He didn’t think Hailey was trying to give his daughter false hope, but also knew she wasn’t going to be in town long and had a lot of family issues to deal with. The last thing he wanted was Lori to get excited and then be let down when time ran out for Hailey to fulfill her offer. “Everyone is really busy this time of year, though. So we’ll just wait and see what happens.”

  Lori nodded again.

  He kissed her forehead. “Do you think you can sleep now?”

  Lori nodded, and turned back toward Hailey. After signing “thank you” again, she slid off Nate’s lap and scampered toward the bedroom.

  The emotions he’d firmly grabbed hold of in the hallway were beginning to fade in her presence and he gave himself a silent pep talk.

  Be firm. Be strong.

  The past is just that. Leave it be.

  “I do appreciate you doing this for her. It was nice, but don’t raise her hopes about going to see horses. She’s really sensitive and her feelings get easily hurt.”

  “It wasn’t a false promise. I plan to call my uncle tomorrow and see if it’s okay.”

  “Why?”

  She pushed her chair away from the table and took her mug to the sink. “Because she likes horses. And I thought she’d enjoy going over to their farm and seeing all the animals.”

  She turned on the water and looked in the cupboard beneath the sink.

  That brought Nate to his feet. Having her in his kitchen doing dishes came just a little too close to his fantasies for comfort. He crossed and took the dish soap from her hand. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I’m not going to come in here, make a mess, and not clean it up.”

  “Too late,” he exhaled the words, then immediately wanted to pull them back. “I’m sorry. I just don’t understand why you came over here tonight. Why you’re being nice to my daughter?”

  She put her hands up and moved back toward the table, taking the same seat she had previously sat in. “I just wanted you to understand how I feel about the house. I was mad in the diner earlier today, but not at you. The idea of losing the house caused me to snap. It was just one too many things to lose.”

  “I can understand that.” He dropped back down to the chair next to her. “But I’ve learned something over the last few years. A piece of property is a thing. Things are not what’s important in life. I want it for Lori. So I can help her.”

  “I don’t want to stand in the way of that, but it’s more than a thing. It’s my childhood.”

  “I don’t want to move into your house because of the value.”

  “I don’t care about the money.”

  “But Jake and your sister do. They need it to pay for your father’s care. Before you say he doesn’t need to go into the nursing home, I’m going to ask you to take off your big-city, rose-colored glasses and reexamine the situation.”

  “Could you do it? If it was your dad?” There were no tears, but a deep sorrow resided in her eyes and slumped shoulders. She wasn’t even trying to keep her emotions in check.

  “I can’t even imagine how hard it is for you, your brother, and your sister; but life is like that. The things we have to do aren’t easy. Doesn’t mean we get to look the other way and pretend it’s not happening.”

  She took a deep breath and let it out slow. “Jake took me on the tour of Pioneer this afternoon. After that, I had a long talk with my father—offered him a half dozen other solutions. He’s resolved himself to do what Jake wants. I’m still not one hundred percent sure it’s the right answer for Dad, but I promised him and Jake I wouldn’t fight it anymore.”

  “I see.” He didn’t know what else to say.

  “And I felt really bad about the way I acted in the diner. I wanted to make sure you understood that it was okay with me that you and Lori move into the house. Then I got here and I saw you… and, well, it just doesn’t matter. My brother will give you a call in a day or two so you guys can work out the details.”

  It was everything Nate wanted, so why was he having a hard time accepting that it was going to be that easy. “You say that you’re giving in, but I don’t feel like your heart is in it.”

  “I’m not happy about putting Dad in Pioneer. I’m not one hundred percent convinced it’s come to that, but he says it’s what he wants. So, I have to accept it. If anyone is going to live in my house, I want it to be you and your daughter.”

  “Thank you. Lori thanks you, too.”

  “You’re so good with her. It’s so evident you’re a wonderful Dad.”

  He felt his cheeks warm and hoped his beard camouflaged the blush. “She makes it easy.”

  “It might be none of my business, but what happened to her mom? Did she die?”

  “That’s my second favorite rumor.” To be honest, Nate didn’t like any of the town-chatter about his single-parent status, but not enough to correct any of them. Since Hailey was giving him this gift—and she’d be gone again in a few days—he felt like he could tell her. “She just didn’t want anything to do with us.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged. “It’s okay. Mt. Pleasant might not be New York City but it’s nothing like this town. It was a bit of a culture shock and I did some things I’m not proud of.”

  “It’s called being a college student.”

  She hadn’t been the first one to try to absolve him of his errors, but for some reason—from Hailey—the words were comforting. “When Lori’s mom found out she was pregnant, she just wanted to end it.” He paused, flipping his attention toward the small hall leading to the bedrooms. When he was going through it, the idea of an abortion infuriated him. Now, having his daughter, the memories filled him with disgust. “I told her that I would be a parent and she could continue on with her life.”

  “She doesn’t see Lori?”

  “Never has. Not once. Didn’t even hold her after she gave birth. The last time I saw or heard a word from her was a few hours after the delivery. By that point, we were long broken-up.”

  “I think it’s pretty amazing that you stepped up, but I’m not surprised.”

  He never knew how to respond to these kinds of statements. For him, there was no other choice. “She’s my baby. It’s not always easy, but the only choice we have is to stick together.”

  Looking into Hailey’s eyes reminded him why he usually kept the details about Lori’s mother to himself. He didn’t want or need sympathy from anyone, least of all her. Trying to lighten the mood, he continued. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I certainly don’t. Lori is a shining light in my life.”

  “You’re special. I always knew that.”

  How did they get here? She’d shown up on his doorstep yelling at him, and moved to backtracking on her vow to keep him off her family’s property to complimenting him. The awkward silence seemed to make her uncomfortable too, because she stood.

  “I should probably get going. Dad is home alone.” She walked toward the door, picking up her coat.

  Nate joined her in the front hall and struggled for what to say. “I know things got uncomfortable at the diner earlier today, but I’m glad you came out and cleared the air. I appreciate it.”

  She reached out, laying her hand on his forearm, looking up into his face. Without a word, she pushed up on her tiptoes and slid her hands up his chest and over his shoulders, moving slowly, giving him plenty of opportunity to put a sto
p to it.

  Preventing her never entered his mind. Suddenly, he was catapulted back eight years to the beach and leaned in to her touch as he lowered his head. His eyes fluttered shut as he anticipated her move.

  Finally, she pressed her lips to his.

  She’d initiated the closeness, but Nate quickly took the lead. His arms came around her waist and he lifted her to him, deepening the kiss. When it came to a natural end, several seconds later, he mumbled against her lips. “Why did you do that?”

  She pressed her forehead to his. “I just wanted to… had to… one more time.”

  Chapter Seven

  Nate paced the length of the kitchen. Why did he let Hailey kiss him and then just walk out of his house? And his life? Again!

  His hands clenched into fists. He resisted the urge to take his frustrations out on his innocent kitchen table.

  Why am I asking myself stupid questions?

  Typical Hailey. Stir the pot… and leave. He never should have let his walls down.

  He picked his cell phone up off the table for the third time in ten minutes. Once again, he tossed it down to the table. He didn’t have her number. Even if he did, what would he say? Don’t leave? Stay with me and my daughter?

  That would be disastrous. Lori would become attached, and Hailey would eventually exit.

  His parents’ move west already proved his daughter didn’t handle upheaval well. There was no way he could expose her to another round of it.

  But could he leave things like this with Hailey?

  He could call Jake, but what would Nate say? “I just made a fool out of myself with your sister and I need to apologize… or explain… or something.”

  Nate could hear stones kicking up in the driveway a few seconds before a flash of headlights shone through the window. Hailey had come back to talk once today, maybe it was becoming a habit.

  As the lights circled the house and seeped through the kitchen window, he realized it was his sister, pulling her car around to the back of the house. Disappointment pricked at him, but he was happy for the distraction and retrieved her dinner plate from the refrigerator, popping it into the microwave just as the door slammed. “How’s the horse?”

  Anna didn’t answer. After shedding her boots and coat, she made a straight line for the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Nate’s beer. She looked at it long and hard before putting it back, closing the door, and leaning her forehead against the surface.

  “What happened?”

  “The horse didn’t make it. Then I was fired.”

  “What? Why? Crawford can’t blame you because a horse had colic. You weren’t even there.”

  “But it was my responsibility to do a final check of all the horses before I left.” Her voice cracked.

  Nate felt bad for focusing on the job and not Anna’s loss. He closed the distance, hugging his sister to him. “I’m sorry you lost the horse. I know you care for each and every one of those animals as if they’re yours.”

  Anna’s body trembled in his hug, and a stifled cry—quieted by his shirt—reached his ear.

  “I know you did that check, because Lori told me all about doing it with you.”

  Anna stepped back, shaking her head. Trying to hold off the urge to completely break down, he suspected. “The vet suggested the horse was given grain without being cooled out. And then he rolled before Crawford discovered him. His bowel twisted. Totally preventable, if it had been caught before he rolled.”

  “So Betty is going to hold you responsible because she screwed up? That’s not fair.”

  “No one screwed up. The horse was fine when I left, but I’m the stable manager. Ultimately, it was my responsibility.”

  “I’m so sorry. I know how much you loved that job.”

  Anna leaned against the counter and rubbed her forehead. “It’s more than a job. Always has been.” She took a deep breath, and let it out with a slow exhale. “I was afraid you were going to be mad at me.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Lori is benefitting so much. But now, if I’m not working there, she won’t be able to go to the farm without paying for the time.”

  True, Lori would be devastated, but he couldn’t be mad at his sister. He knew she’d never intentionally hurt him or his daughter.

  However, this turn of events increased the need to get Lori her own horse.

  “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done to help her. You didn’t do this on purpose. You didn’t do anything wrong at all.”

  “What am I going to do now though? I have to work.”

  “You’re very talented. You’ll find another job.”

  “Doing what I love? In time, but not around here.”

  If Anna moved away to find a similar job to the one she’d just lost, it would destroy Lori. Every single one of her issues would most likely get worse. “I’ll figure something out so you don’t have to move.”

  “Like what? And don’t even suggest working at the diner.”

  There she went shooting his first thought down before it could even be spoken. “It is an option. At least until you find something else.”

  “Not for me. Remember? Dad fired me. He told me I could never come back.” Anna chuckled at the memory and Nate couldn’t help but laugh too.

  At sixteen, she’d worked in the restaurant bussing tables for three days and broke several plates and glasses before their father—who was usually good-natured—had lost his temper and sent her home.

  Nate always suspected she’d done it on purpose so she could take the summer job she really wanted—cleaning stalls at Sunnydale Farm. She’d been working there ever since.

  “Just don’t do anything rash. Give me a chance to come up with a solution,” Nate said.

  Hailey had promised to back off and let him lease the house. He’d planned to get one horse for Lori. Maybe his sister could start her own riding program. Coming up with capital would be a problem but the alternative made a talk with the bank worth a try. He couldn’t just let his sister move away without trying to do something.

  “I’ll give you a little leeway, but not too much. I can’t afford to be out of work long.”

  Thinking better of getting anyone’s hopes up until he worked out the details, Nate decided to keep the seedlings of his plan to himself—for now. “Just give me a week or two before you start looking for out-of-town options. Can you do that?”

  She nodded her head. She was trying to keep a brave face, but Nate could see the utter hopelessness she felt.

  “I’m going to bed,” she said.

  Anna was halfway down the hall when the landline phone rang, something that rarely happened since they’d both started carrying their own cell phones. Nate might have written it off as a solicitor if it wasn’t well past nine o’clock.

  Anna spun back on her heels. “Good news never comes this late.”

  Nate couldn’t argue with that. He reached for the phone with trepidation, shocked to hear Hailey’s panic-stricken voice sounding in his ear.

  “My father fell while I was at your house. He couldn’t get up and I couldn’t get him off the floor either.”

  “Calm down. I’m on my way over.”

  “No. I called an ambulance. They’re loading him right now. The paramedics think he broke a hip.”

  She had the situation under control. So then, why was she calling him? Unless… “Do you want me to meet you at the hospital?”

  “Would you?”

  “I’m on my way.”

  Chapter Eight

  Hailey picked her coat up from the kitchen chair. Without thinking, she ran onto the ice-covered sidewalk.

  The paramedic caught her as her legs began to slide out from under her. “Careful. Let’s get you in the back of the ambulance. Your father is asking for you.”

  She climbed up and sat next to the other paramedic on the small metal ledge connected to the sidewall.

  Her father called out her name.

  She reached over and grip
ped his hand. “I’m right here. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

  “Get your momma for me. Where’s your mom at?”

  Hailey covered her mouth with her free hand and swallowed the tears blocking her throat. Even though there had been episodes and indicators over the last few days, she’d refused to believe her siblings when they said her father couldn’t be alone. She had accused both of them—and Nate too—of exaggerating the magnitude of his disorientation.

  She’d asked for an ultimate sign that her father was as bad as everyone had said and now had seen the worst with her own eyes.

  He’d been screaming for his wife since she’d returned home and confused Hailey for her mother for a second time in two days. And when she first tried to help him, he had used abusive language and swung at her once.

  “Can’t you give him anything?”

  “We have to be careful about what we administer. I’m betting they take him to surgery tonight. We don’t want to do something that will prevent that.”

  “But he’s in so much pain.”

  “I know. We’ll be there in a few minutes and the doctor will do what he can.”

  She bent slightly at the waist, trying to get closer to her father. The ambulance swayed as it rounded the corner and she nearly lost her balance. Holding her father’s hand, she chastised herself for leaving him alone to go investigate her unresolved feelings about the past.

  Nate.

  After kissing him, she’d fled the house in an embarrassed state of horror. Why did he have this effect on her? Maybe avoidance was her auto-response to the tough issues.

  But it was more than that. She’d almost turned around to go back to Nate’s twice, but resisted the urge. There was nothing cut and dried about the situation. Obviously there was still a physical attraction, but their worlds were wildly different and so much time had passed.

  Even if Nate wanted a second attempt at a relationship—and she wasn’t sure he did—they’d both endured so many changes, they had to be different people than they were back then.