by Tena Stetler
“The club sells ear protection for dogs. Several of the K-9 units train here. Would she be all right inside the glass area before you enter the shooting range? She could still see you. But the gunfire would be subdued.”
“Should work. But I still want her to get used to the ear muffs, but first let’s get her used to you.” Summer grinned up at him as snowflakes melted on his long black eyelashes.
Devlin glanced up and shook the snow from his parka. “Better get going.” He leaned in the window and caressed her face with his hand cupping her chin, tilted it upward, brushed his lips over hers lingering in the warm, gentle kiss. After raising his mouth from hers, he held her gaze for a beat and straightened. “Lead the way.” He sprinted to his truck, started the engine, and cleared the snow from the windshield, before signaling her to pull out into traffic.
****
It was still dark when his cell phone rang on the nightstand. He blinked sleepily as he reached for the phone, checked the caller ID. It was the front counter of the club. “Hello?”
“Boss, it’s Jayden. I saw your truck in the parking lot and figured with the snow, you’d spent the night. I can’t get the gun safe open. Did you change the combo?”
Devlin looked at the clock and rubbed his eyes. “You’re in early.”
“Yes sir. Wanted to get the displays setup before you arrived.”
Devlin smiled to himself, the warning appeared to have worked. “Your efforts are duly noted and appreciated, but the safe is on a timer, it’s got about ten minutes before you can open it.”
“Okay, I’ll get the computer system up and running. Sorry to bother you.”
“No problem. I’ll be in shortly.”
Thirty minutes later under a clear blue sky, Devlin strolled into the showroom door. The guns were in the display cases or locked to the wall, and Jayden rounded the counter to assist customers in the merchandise area.
After signing into the computer, Devlin wandered to the lounge area for a mug of fresh coffee. Just about to add cream and sugar to his coffee, someone called his name. He glanced toward the front of the showroom, his sister, Koda and her husband stood at the front counter.
The minute she set eyes on him, she barreled toward him. “Big brother, I’ve missed you,” she squealed.
Devlin strode toward the front counter and braced himself for impact. Catching her mid leap, he swept her into a bear hug and kissed her on the cheek. When he set her back on her feet, he nodded to Wyatt—clasping his brother-in-law’s outstretched hand. “Still have no control over her, I see.”
“She’s your sister; she’s only my wife, which goes a long way to explain her behavior.” Wyatt grinned and grasped Devlin’s shoulder.
He held Koda away from him by her shoulders and met her gaze. “What are you doing here? Is everything all right? Dad?”
Koda smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Taking time off. Dad’s spoiling the kids while we’re gone. Why didn’t you come home for the holidays? Spending them alone is not good for you.” She insisted.
Wyatt blew out a breath. “That translates into she was worried and is checking up on you,” he said, about the time Koda elbowed him in the ribs nearly knocking the wind out of him.
“Wait a minute, I was home Christmas Day. I had to get back to finish the studio apartment, so I’d have somewhere to stay when I couldn’t make it up the mountain. I talked to dad, he understood.”
“One day is not spending the holidays with family. The boys only got to see you for a few hours,” she grumbled.
“It’s better than not at all, like when I was in the SEALs. And I didn’t spend the holidays alone, I was with Dave, Star and the kids, and Lyle with his family. You remember them.”
She nodded. “I remember Lyle, he nearly lost it when his wife divorced him and you had to keep him from trying to kill her new boyfriend. Is he doing ok now?”
“Yeah, his family circled the wagons around him. Eventually, he got joint custody of the kids, which helped. His mom and dad take the kids when he’s on assignment. Dave and Star are doing good. She’s expecting their fourth and final kid in a few months.”
“Right. That’s what they said after Kyle was born, two years ago. She still trying for a girl?” Koda laughed.
“Yep, got one this time.”
“Oh how exciting. I’ll have to stop by and see her before we head home. Is Dave still active duty?” She switched her gaze from Devlin over to Wyatt. “I’ll give Star a call, see if their home.”
“Yeah, Dave’s still with the team. You guys must have driven all night. You sure everything’s ok?” An eyebrow raised, Devlin glanced from his sister to Wyatt.
“Well—we arrived last night, but you were nowhere to be found and didn’t answer your cell.” Koda admitted.
“And her imagination ran wild, insisted we get up at the crack of dawn and come down here, only to find you sipping on a cup of coffee.” Wyatt grunted pouring two cups of coffee, handing one to his wife who grimaced and promptly set it on the counter.
“You worry more about me now than when I was on assignment.” He rolled his eyes and slid a glance toward Wyatt.
“That’s because I didn’t know what you did, until you retired.”
“And saw the sniper movie.” Wyatt added. “That was a bad mistake, letting her watch that show.”
Devlin groaned and checked the phone messages. “Sorry, I turned my phone off last night and hadn’t checked messages yet this morning.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a mischievous grin. “I had a date.” The lock click in the back caught Devlin’s attention as the morning group walked out of the shooting range.
Koda’s brown eyes widened. “With a woman?” She flicked her long black hair over her shoulder and stared at her brother.
“No. An elf.” He shook his head. “Of course with a woman. Let’s take this conversation upstairs to my office.”
She grabbed his arm and whirled him around to face her. “No shit?”
Wyatt pried his wife’s fingers off Devlin, and steered her by the arm toward the stairs. “He doesn’t want the whole club knowing his business. Now move it.”
Devlin led the way up the stairs across the carved balcony and down the hallway to his comfortable office. “Make yourself at home.” He pulled out a packet of hot chocolate poured it in a mug, drew water from the hot tap of the water cooler, gave it a stir, and handed the mug to Koda. “Better?” One side of his mouth curved up in a lopsided grin he knew she couldn’t resist.
She took a sip. “Mmmmm. Much better. So tell me all about her. What’s her name? When do we get to meet her? How long have you been seeing her?” Koda asked.
Devlin held out a hand, palm forward. “Whoa, one question at a time. She owns a yoga studio a few miles away. Her name is Summer Dawn Rylie, last night was our first date, and she’s got one hell of a guard dog.”
Koda’s eyes rounded. “She has a guard dog? Why?”
“I didn’t ask. I was more interested in other things last night.”
“Did you sleep with her?”
“Koda, that’s enough. No more badgering your brother or we are going back home, now. Got it?” Wyatt said.
Devlin leaned back in his chair and roared with laughter. Whatever was in Koda’s brain came right out her mouth. “No. I didn’t sleep with her. I didn’t even try to get her into bed.” Devlin tried to look smug but guffawed again. “And if you don’t promise me you’ll keep that mouth shut, I’ll never allow you to meet her. Is that clear?”
Koda nodded her head vigorously. “We’d given up hope on you ever settling down.”
“You’re taking a huge risk,” Wyatt said dubiously. “We both know there’s no filter between her thoughts and her mouth.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. I’ve always kept the family secret.” She slapped her hand over her mouth.
The office intercom beeped. Devlin frowned at his sister and picked up the phone.
“Summer’s here, and has some questions ab
out a weapon.” Jayden said. “She asked for you.”
Chapter Five
Meet the Family for Better or Worse
Summer poked her head inside the glass door to the showroom, and slid her sunglasses on top of her head. “Is it all right if my dog comes in? She won’t bother anyone, but I need to size her for ear protection.”
“Sure. If the gun shots won’t freak her out,” Rhonda said.
“Piper’s well trained.” Summer said holding the door open. The dog trotted in and looked up. “Sit, Piper.” Summer leaned toward the dog, gave the hand signal to stay, dropped the leash, and walked toward the clerk.
Rhonda glanced in Summer’s direction. “That is the cutest t-shirt you have on.” She stepped closer to get a better look. “Oh, it’s a candy hearts collage with sayings on them like we got as kids.”
“Thanks. The stores should have bags of heart candy since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.” Summer smiled at the memory, she used to love those little hearts. “Is Devlin around?”
“Yeah, he’s in his office with clients, I think.” Rhonda glanced upstairs toward the offices, started toward the phone, but Jayden already had the handset to his ear, talking.
“If Devlin is busy, I can come back later. But, I really need the dog ear protection so Piper can get used to them. Would they be in the merchandise area?”
“No, Devlin keeps them in the back. Only stocks them for law enforcement and Military K-9 units. They know how to use them. Hunters—” Rhonda rolled her eyes. “Most don’t have a clue, don’t train the dog properly with the earmuffs, bring the muffs back because their dog chewed on them, or wouldn’t stay on. So—cut our losses—we don’t put ’em in regular stock.” Rhonda stared at Piper for a couple of beats. “Any idea what size she’d wear or what kind you want?”
Silently Devlin appeared at the far end of the counter with a pair of earmuffs in his hand. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Summer jerked at the sound of his voice, as she stood in the middle of the aisle. He scooted next to her and snaked an arm around her waist, holding the pink earmuffs in front of her with the other hand. He pulled her to him and kissed her cheek while Piper gave him a hard stare.
Not used to a show of affection, Summer felt her face heating up. To make matters worse, the memory of last night’s kiss flooded back, it was sweet, gentle, and she’d enjoyed it—a lot. Getting involved wasn’t an option—if she did, she’d have to tell him—she just couldn’t.
“How much does she weigh? About 70 lbs?” Devlin asked.
Devlin’s voice roused her from her thoughts. “Yes, that’s close.” Summer took the earmuffs and wiggled out of his grip. She pulled the muffs out of the bag as she walked toward Piper and held them in front of the dog. “These look like they’ll fit. How did you know?”
“Overheard your conversation on my way down the stairs.” Devlin smiled and cut a sideways glance toward his office.
Brows knitted together, Summer stared at him. “I meant how did you know what size?” Her gaze followed his, a woman stood in the doorway to his office staring down at them. Within a couple seconds, she disappeared.
“I fit all the dogs that come in here for ear protection. Show the owners how to train the dog, so the dog’s ears are fully protected. I hope she likes pink.”
“She doesn’t care what color they are, but I like pink. Thanks. What do I owe you?”
“We’ll settle up later. Try the muffs on her.”
Summer knelt down, tried the ear covers on Piper, took them off, adjusted the straps, and retried. This time, Piper shook her head and pawed at the irritating objects. Summer gave her a quick command. “Leave it.” Piper stopped her paw in midair and stared at Summer.
“You’ll get used to them girl. Don’t want to injure your hearing.” She removed the muffs, rubbed the dog’s ears, and placed the ear protection on the counter. “Thanks for your help, I’ll pay for them, and you can get back to your customers.”
“Rhonda give her a twenty-five percent discount. I’ll sign the slip.” Devlin ran his fingers through his hair, glanced upstairs, over to Summer and exhaled slowly. “About the people in my office.” He waited for Rhonda to finish the transaction and hand Summer the receipt. “Let me walk you to the car.”
“It’s not necessary.” Summer gestured for Piper to follow. Devlin accompanied them out the door.
The parking lot was clear, but the piles of bright white snow around the edge was blinding. Summer stopped to put her sunglasses on and turned surprised to see him still behind her half way across the parking lot. “Is something wrong?”
“Not exactly. Oh, hell. My sister and brother-in-law popped in this morning, that’s who’s in my office. They arrived last night and tried to reach me. I’d turned my phone off, so we wouldn’t be bothered during dinner. I had a really great time last night.” He paused and ran his hand through his hair, again. “You know what—never mind…It’s my problem. I look forward to seeing you and Piper Friday.” He turned to leave.
Summer caught his arm. “So…you missed their calls and they were worried? Is that it?
“Yeah.”
“And you told them where you were and about us.” Summer smiled, she liked thinking of them as an “us”. She had to find a way to explain to Devlin…if this was going to work. “Now they want to meet me.”
“In a nutshell. Except—” He shook his head and sighed. “My sister says things before thinking. You know what I mean?”
“I sure do.” She walked to the car and opened the door for Piper. “I’ll just put her in the car and meet you inside.” Summer snapped her fingers. “Better yet, we could have lunch at the Italian restaurant around the corner.”
“I was going to suggest that. You beat me to it. See you there in fifteen?”
“I’ll be there.”
When Devlin, Koda, and Wyatt walked in, Summer saw the family resemblance right away. The big dark brown eyes, jet black hair, those high cheekbones, and easy smile. Koda had petite features, where Devlin’s were quite masculine. Summer had arrived early, gotten a table, and stood as they crossed the room toward her.
Devlin led the group to the table, slipped his arm around Summer pulling her to his side, almost as if he was protecting her from something…or someone.
“Summer, this is my little sister, Koda and her husband, Wyatt. They’re from Montana here for a visit, or more truthfully to check up on me. I’ll warn you, Koda has a protective streak a mile wide.”
Wyatt stepped forward and offered his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Koda slipped around Wyatt and stared wide eyed at Summer for a beat. “You’re a…I mean it’s wonderful to meet you. I hated to think of Devlin down here all alone.”
“That’s enough. Remember our discussion.” Wyatt said sternly.
“I’m glad to meet you both. The family resemblance is striking. Let’s sit down.” Summer said settling into her chair. “How was your trip?” It wasn’t her imagination, she could feel a magic aura at the table, and it wasn’t just her.
With Devlin the other night, it was so subdued; she thought she’d been mistaken. But there was no mistaking this, Devlin had secrets too. And Koda would be his undoing. Summer smiled, this was going to be intriguing.
Devlin sat next to Summer, with Wyatt and Koda seated across the table. “Summer and I have only been dating a short time, we’re just getting to know each other, so don’t ask personal questions.”
“Fair enough,” Koda said and began questioning Summer. “Where did you meet my brother? Did you know he’s a decorated Navy SEAL? You own a yoga studio?”
Devlin frowned and started to say something, but Summer waved him off.
“We met at the gun club when I enrolled in a woman’s fire arms class. I’m still deciding on the type of weapon I want to purchase. Yes, I am aware he was a SEAL, retired now. And I own Earthbound Yoga studio.” Summer shifted in her seat to face Koda. “How about you? I understand you have ch
ildren and live near your father? What’s it like in Montana? I’ve heard Northern Montana is a lot like Colorado.”
Devlin relaxed against the back of his chair, Summer saw the amusement evident on his face as he watched the question and answer session between her and his sister without batting an eye. Koda had met her match. Summer grinned at Devlin almost like she’d read his mind—maybe she had, but she wasn’t telling.
Summer looked at her watch and stood. “It was wonderful to meet you both. I hope to see you again before you leave. If, I don’t hurry, I’ll be late for yoga class. Not a good example to set for my employees.”
“What type of class is it?” Koda wanted to know.
“Intermediate, with a few advanced beginners mixed in.” Summer answered over her shoulder. “Do you practice?”
“I used to, until the yoga studio at home closed.” Koda shrugged. “Not enough interest.”
Summer drew her bottom lip through her teeth. “You’re welcome to join the classes while you’re here. Devlin has the class schedule and knows where Earthbound is located.”
Devlin got to his feet. “I’ll be right back, want to walk Summer to her car.” He stopped the waitress on his way out and handed her a credit card, said something to her, then followed Summer out the door.
“Are you sure about Koda in your yoga classes? Sounds like they are going to stay the week or so.”
“I think Koda needs to work off that excess energy she is carrying around. Or you’re both going to regret it,” Summer said with a laugh as she hurried out the door and across the parking lot.
Devlin kept pace with her. “You’re probably right. We’re still on for Friday night? Right? It’ll just be the two of us.”
“Oh, I thought Piper was invited.” She grinned at him and reached for the handle on the SUV.
“You know what I mean.” He trapped her against the car door, gathered her into his arms, hands caressing the small of her back. His mouth hovered over hers for a moment as he gazed into her eyes, then his lips descended on hers with an undeniable hunger, his tongue parted her lips and thrust inside exploring, tasting.