Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set

by Maddie James

  Anna let her out of the booth and watched her scamper toward the kitchen. When she sat back down, she focused a serious stare in his direction. “I saw your sketch book on the table last night and flipped through your drawings.”

  With everything else that had happened, he’d forgotten all about the sketch of Hailey he’d started until his sister mentioned it. “Seeing her again has stirred up a lot of memories.”

  “Which ones? Because, I remember how devastated you were the last time she shattered your heart.”

  “We had a long talk last night. I have my eyes wide open this time around.”

  “It’s not your eyes I’m worried about, Nate. If you have any faults at all, it’s that you care too much. And it’s not that I dislike Hailey, either. It’s just like you were saying the other night, she’s moved on to a life of her own. Do you really see her moving back here?”

  “I’m trying not to think that far ahead. She’s going to stay in town six weeks to help Bill through rehab.”

  “Just be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt. You’ve been through more than your share of heartache.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Hailey pulled up to the large barn and killed the engine. Having been freshly plowed, large banks of snow bordered the long, winding drive, but the small parking area was relatively clear. For that she was thankful.

  She twisted the review mirror toward her and checked her hair and makeup, despite the fact that she’d stopped by home to collect some research, change into more professional clothing—dress pants with a matching jacket over a silk blouse—and touch up her makeup. The reflection staring back was nearly glowing, almost unrecognizable. A purpose shined in her eyes reminding her of a roaring fire. Unlike the woman who had spent the last six weeks bemoaning the loss of her job—sinking deeper into a depression—Hailey was ready to do battle.

  Deciding to leave her purse and computer in the car, she locked it before shoving the keys into her pockets and heading for the barn’s main entrance.

  A few horses had been out in one of the front pastures. Because of the placement of the barn and a snow fence on the west side of the property, there were only a couple inches of fluffy snow in the paddock. The horses seemed to enjoy playing in it.

  Once inside, she noticed a good number of the animals were still in stalls.

  The facility was new, and larger than Hailey had imagined it would be. Over the years, her siblings had talked about the Sunnydale Farms venture. She remembered Mrs. Crawford from her 4-H days. The woman had always been enthusiastic about teaching kids about horses and riding. It didn’t surprise Hailey that her former instructor had opened the facility to help kids in need.

  That was about the limit of her knowledge of hippotherapy until she’d studied up on the basic facts.

  In the arena, Mrs. Crawford’s son Ben kept hold of the lead line on a small horse. He led the animal in a wide circle, directing the rider on its back to stretch forward and touch its ears.

  Once that task was completed, Ben directed his student to find his seat again, then twist back to touch a spot near the tail. It was only after Hailey watched for several moments, that she noticed a wheel chair sitting on a platform and the limited mobility in the rider’s legs.

  “Hailey Lambert? I thought that was you.” A familiar voice called out from behind her.

  Hailey turned and saw Mrs. Crawford approaching. The woman wore barn appropriate clothing—jeans and a large blue sweatshirt. She looked as Hailey remembered, just a little older around the eyes with hair that was only a touch grayer. “I wish I could say it was a social call.”

  The light in Mrs. Crawford’s eyes dimmed. “It’s not?”

  Hailey swallowed hard. Looking into a familiar face made this task more difficult than she’d thought it would be. “I wanted to talk about what happened last night. With the horse?”

  Mrs. Crawford took a step back, pushing a hand into her front jean’s pocket. “The Albrecht’s called you?”

  “Anna Jenkins. The horse wasn’t yours?”

  “No.” Mrs. Crawford started walking up the barn aisle, motioning for Hailey to follow. “A few of the horses are mine and then there are a few—like Sonny—that I lease. He was a good horse for the Albrecht’s when the kids were coming up through 4-H, but they’re grown now. He wasn’t being ridden much. I have a need for sound, well-mannered horses. The ones that are bombproof are hard to come by but are just what I need for the kids’ therapy sessions.”

  “I think what you’re doing here is amazing. It’s so wonderful to hear how it helps the kids.”

  “Not only kids, I have some adult riders who are benefiting too. The equestrian disciplines and contact with the animals have proven to help with both physical and emotional issues.”

  “Like with Lori Jenkins?”

  Mrs. Crawford smiled wide. “Isn’t she the most brilliant ray of sunshine you’ve ever seen? She’s such a star in the program. Not only has her condition improved—she was barely speaking at all when Anna started bringing her out—but she’s begun reaching out to help other kids in the barn.” Mrs. Crawford’s smile faded. She wiped her hand across her forehead. “I’m going to really miss her around here.”

  “Does it have to be this way?”

  “What am I supposed to do? A healthy horse that didn’t belong to me is dead.”

  “What happened is tragic but not necessarily uncommon. I’m not sure you can pinpoint it as being Anna’s fault.”

  Crawford leaned back against a stall door. “As stable manager, she was ultimately responsible for every horse on this property.”

  “Some horses just colic, though. Neglect isn’t always a cause.”

  “You’re absolutely right, but you tell that to the Albrechts. First, we were dealing with a perfectly healthy horse, who has never had more than a mild case of colic before. Then, the vet suggested he was fed while still hot. I know Anna would never be reckless like that, but what if the Albrechts don’t see it that way?”

  “So you fired Anna to take the heat off yourself? You didn’t even wait to see if they were angry?”

  Mrs. Crawford folded her arms across her chest and leaned further back into the door. “Are you just curious, or working as Anna’s lawyer?”

  Even though she was only trying to get to the heart of the problem so she could propose a resolution that was best for all parties, Hailey had to be completely upfront. “I have been hired by Anna Jenkins. I don’t think anyone wants to see this get messy. I was hoping we could work something out before it all gets out of hand.”

  “That’s what I did. To preserve my program, I let Anna go.”

  “On what cause?”

  “Cause? This is a farm. I bring people in and let people go because it’s the right decision in the moment.”

  “You can’t do that. You can’t fire her without a justifiable reason. I’ll argue the colic wasn’t her fault. You’ll have a hard time proving it was.”

  Hailey could easily read Mrs. Crawford’s body language as it went from defensive to outright angry. “Let me get this straight, Anna is going to sue me if I don’t give her back her job?”

  “We don’t want it to come to that.”

  “But you’ll do it if I don’t cave? I can’t afford to fight. It will bankrupt me. Why don’t you go explain to Geoff and every other child in my program why you’re taking their horses away?”

  Hailey leaned back against the stall door and looked down toward the arena. She didn’t want the farm—or the therapy program—dismantled. “That serves no one. Anna doesn’t want that. Neither do I. But, she doesn’t have many options. She likes working with the horses and the kids. From what I understand she’s really good at it.”

  “She’s very talented, wonderful with both the kids and the horses. I hate to lose her, but I’m afraid if I don’t do something, the Albrechts will sue me for the value of Sonny. Either way, I can’t win for losing, and the children are going to be the ones to pay.”


  “If I can talk to the Albrechts—get them to agree not to sue and say it’s okay for Anna to continue working here—will you rehire her?”

  Mrs. Crawford looked at her in silence for a long moment before slowly nodding. “If the Albrechts are fine with her continuing to work here and promise not to hold us liable, I’d be more than happy to have Anna back. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to fill that hole anyway. However, if they do want Anna held responsible, will you convince her to drop the case?”

  “Everything you’ve said is completely reasonable, but I have to take all of this back to Anna and discuss it with her before I can give a final stamp on any deal.”

  It was a better start than Hailey could have hoped for though, because half the battle was won. All that was left was to convince the Albrechts that Anna wasn’t at fault for the loss of the horse. Then, everything could go back to the way it was.

  “What about Lori? Can she continue with sessions at no cost as part of Anna’s employment?”

  “Of course, if you get the Albrechts to agree.”

  ****

  Sitting at the large oak table in the Albrechts’ dining room, Hailey felt like she was intruding, even though she’d been greeted with a warm hug and then been regaled with one of Mrs. Albrecht’s stories from the “good ol’ 4-H days,” as she had called them. The woman then insisted on putting on a pot of tea and scampered off telling Hailey to make herself comfortable.

  Hailey didn’t even have a chance to explain why she’d come by.

  Mrs. Albrecht returned, carrying a tray with a pot of tea and two cups. She filled them both before sitting down herself. “How’s your father doing? I was so sad to hear about his fall. That dear man has been through so much this year.”

  “He’s doing better, but that’s not why I’m here.”

  Mrs. Albrecht adjusted herself in the chair, folding her hands on her lap and smiling at Hailey, waiting for her to continue.

  She quickly practiced the words in her head before speaking. “It was very tragic what happened at Sunnydale Farms. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  The bright smile faded from the woman’s face and she let out a labored exhale before dabbing at the corner of her eyes with her napkin. “We grow up on farms. We’re raised to know that death is a part of life, but it doesn’t make it any easier now.”

  “No, it doesn’t.”

  “You know, I was invited out to Sunnydale just a few weeks ago, for the kids’ Christmas party. They had a riding demonstration to show us what they’re doing. Sonny looked so proud to be carrying that Jenkin’s girl on his back.”

  “Lori?”

  “Yes, that’s her name.”

  “It’s very sad that she isn’t going to be able to continue in the program.”

  “Why is that? Is there not another horse for her to use?”

  “No. Mrs. Crawford let Anna go because of what happened to your horse. Nate can’t really afford to pay for the therapy riding. It was a benefit of Anna’s employment.”

  “Anna Jenkins is wonderful with those children and the animals. Why would Betty fire her?”

  “She believed you would want someone held accountable.”

  “Oh dear. I know I was a blithering idiot when she called last night with the news, but I don’t think I blamed Betty or Anna. These things happen. Of course, I probably didn’t say that last night. You have to understand, I was in such a state of shock.”

  “I can sympathize. You’ve owned Sonny for a long time, as long as I can remember.”

  “He was such a good boy, such a gentle soul, especially with the kids.”

  “I know Lori loved him very much, too.”

  The grief on Mrs. Albrecht’s face morphed to concern, and she picked up the napkin from her lap, twisting it in her hand. “None of this is right. That child must continue riding.”

  “When I went out to talk to Mrs. Crawford this morning, she said that Anna could only have her job back if it was okay with you.”

  “Okay? I insist upon it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Will you take that message to Betty and Anna for me?”

  “Certainly. Thank you so much.”

  A wave of relief washed over Hailey. It had been much easier than she thought to straighten everything out, but—with the benefit of hindsight—she realized she should have expected this.

  All parties were reasonable, but tragic situations had a way of causing people to throw logic out the window. People reacted in fear. Walls were built.

  Like the ones Nate had erected between himself and her.

  Not everything could be fixed by simply talking it out, but keeping things bottled up only made it worse.

  Hailey hoped that by doing the work, and bridging the gaps between the involved parties, she’d shown Nate that she was committed to sticking around and seeing what the future held.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Hailey had called the diner and asked Nate to bring up a dinner special for her father, he had hopes it would be the first step to an evening together, and was disappointed that Hailey had asked him to bring Anna and Lori along.

  It seemed a little soon for her to have a progress report on her fight to get Anna’s job back, but it was the only reason he could think of that she’d ask him to bring the family in tow.

  He took two steps ahead, pushing open the large doors between wings, holding it for his sister and daughter, before following them to the room number Hailey had told him on the phone.

  As they entered, Hailey looked up from her laptop. The smile she gave him said that she was as anxious to be in his arms as he was to hold her.

  That little piece of his heart that was still struggling to keep things light and easy with her forced his gaze toward Bill.

  “Hailey said you couldn’t eat what they try to pass off as food here.” Nate set the bag on the table and unpacked the Styrofoam container containing beef stew over biscuits.

  Bill inhaled the aromas. “This is more like it.”

  Anna shifted her weight and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but do you have any news for me?”

  Hailey turned toward Nate’s sister with a huge smile. “Mrs. Crawford wanted me to deliver this message, ‘don’t be late tomorrow.’”

  Anna’s jaw dropped. “Really? You got me my job back?”

  A pressure lifted from Nate’s chest. He still thought helping his sister get her own program off the ground was a good idea, but now they had time to build a plan without worrying about her making enough money to live.

  Lori’s face lit up. Tugging on Anna’s pant leg, Lori began signing as fast as she could move her hands, as soon as Anna looked in her direction.

  Nate leaned over Lori grabbing each of her wrists. “Baby, it might be best to let your aunt work for a day or two before we assume everything is back to normal.”

  Hailey bit her lower lip, looking as though she wasn’t sure she should speak up, but then decided to anyway. “I asked Mrs. Crawford about Lori’s riding. She says it’s okay. But, I also talked to my uncle, and he said we can go see my old pony tomorrow.”

  Nate could see a longing in Hailey’s eyes but felt his stomach churn. He didn’t want to disappoint Lori, but he also wasn’t sure that Lori and Hailey spending a lot of time together was a good idea. He looked down into his daughter’s pleading face.

  “Do you want to go ride at the barn with your Aunt or go see Hailey’s horse?”

  Lori stuck her lip out. I want to do both.

  He turned to Hailey. “When did you want to go to your uncle’s?”

  “We left it open, but I thought late afternoon. That way I could spend the early part of the day up here with Dad. Kelly can come by and sit with Dad after her husband gets home from work.”

  Nate turned back to Lori. “If it’s okay with Anna, you can go with her in the morning and I’ll come pick you up after lunch so we can go with Hailey before dinner.”

  Lori flipped her gaze to Anna, who laughed a
t the young girl’s hopeful expression. “It’s fine.” Anna then spoke to Hailey. “I can’t thank you enough. Are you sure I can’t pay you?”

  “I’m absolutely positive. I didn’t do all that much. Betty didn’t really want to fire you, but she was afraid that the Albrechts would want someone held responsible.”

  Over the next several minutes, Hailey told the whole story of her mediation between all the parties involved, impressing Nate.

  When she’d first mentioned representing Anna, he’d been afraid that interjecting a lawyer into the situation would raise the tensions, but in the matter of a day, Hailey had turned around what seemed like a hopeless situation.

  She’d found a peaceful resolution that satisfied everyone.

  Jake was right. Hailey was good at what she did, and she would most likely return to it sooner rather than later.

  How could he let her stay with him, knowing that she’d be wasting her talent?

  Anna closed the distance, hugging Hailey’s neck. “Thank you so much. It might be nothing to you, but the job means the world to me.”

  “I can’t even tell you how happy I was to be able to help.”

  Nate squeezed Lori’s shoulders. “Don’t you have something to say to Hailey? She’s the one who worked everything out.”

  Lori took a couple hesitant steps at first, then closed the distance between her and the chair Hailey still sat in. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome.” Hailey looked up to Nate. “There’s some other things I want to talk to you about. Can I come by your house in a couple of hours?”

  “Sure. Let me go back by the diner and give closing instructions to the staff. Do you want to say eight o’clock or so?”

  Hailey nodded and smiled at him. “That’s perfect.”

  Nate hesitated a moment. His gaze darted between Hailey and Lori. It seemed so silly to hold on to the resolve to keep his morphing feelings about Hailey quiet around his daughter, especially after his display of affection earlier in the diner. Besides, he couldn’t bring himself to leave until he said goodbye in the way that he wanted. Nate leaned over her chair and left a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you after a while.”