His fingers twitched. He already missed work even though it had only been five days since he’d left University Neurosurgery in Los Angeles. He’d been sure that a move away from the sprawling metropolis of the City of Angels was a sound decision, but an unwonted and unusual pang of doubt festered in his gut.
A fresh start was for the best. No daily reminders of the life he’d shared with Felicia. None of the petty bullies hounding Mateo in school. No awkward silences from friends and acquaintances who had no idea how to handle a family blasted by tragedy.
The return to his hometown was sensible and practical. His father was close by to help be a family for Mateo, and the hospital in nearby Alton had a shining, newly funded wing that was in search of a skilled neurosurgeon. It fit like a glove.
The only one suffering at the moment was Mateo. No one wanted to start at a new school in the middle of the year. Friendships had been made. Alliances had been built. Even in a small town, Ethan was convinced that they’d eye a newcomer with a pack mentality. Assess and attack.
Tightness grabbed his chest. Every fiber of his being cried out to protect his son from harm and hurt. He wobbled on the precarious parenting tightrope. Too much hovering prevented Mateo from winning his own battles and building self-confidence. Worry gnawed at Ethan. How fragile Mat looked with his thin shoulders hunched and a wisp of his black hair dancing against a breeze.
He had to be strong for both of them. Barrett Ridge was the fresh start they each craved. Ethan tossed the apple core in the garbage and tackled a box of unwrapped dishes and glasses. Only three more boxes and the kitchen would be good to go.
Sunlight glinted through the top edge of the sliding door, and Ethan squinted into it. He folded the last empty kitchen box on top of the other two, ready to carry out to the garage.
A streak of gold zoomed across the yard, followed by a dark-headed blur. And then back again. Ethan shielded his eyes against the brilliant glare. Mateo sprinted past with a goofy grin as a glossy golden retriever chased him.
“What the hell?”
The pair zipped by one more time, and Ethan had to laugh. He stepped out to the patio with his hands planted on his hips. The dog veered off course and loped straight for Ethan, skidding to a halt, inches from Ethan’s ebony suede lace-ups. He held his ground.
“Dad, isn’t he awesome?”
The pup wriggled, panted with a sideways lolling tongue, and waited as if Ethan’s approbation was vital.
“Very handsome.” Ethan extended his hand, and the dog shook paws obediently. “How did he get in the backyard?”
“I don’t know, but he wants to be my friend. Did you see him shake for you? He’s smart.”
Ethan bent to examine the canine’s collar, but Mateo whistled, and the pup bounded off.
“Does he have a name tag?”
“Copper.” Mateo didn’t bother looking up as he tossed a stick for the eager dog.
Ethan scanned the yard. “Did you let him in through the side gate?”
“Nope. I never even heard him. He just appeared at my feet and started rolling around in the dirt. I like him.”
“He is somebody’s pet. We’d better figure out how to get him home.”
“Not yet. Please, Dad?” Mateo shot him a half smile, bent, and rubbed Copper’s scruff.
The vulnerability in Mateo’s gaze crumpled up Ethan’s heart. Crap. He smelled puppy breath and pooper scoopers in his future. Maybe his father’s pack at the ranch would be enough to content Mateo.
“Matty, I don’t think—”
A raspy, metallic screech echoed. The back corner fence panel shuddered, and a lone board flipped up at right angles. A blonde head popped into sight.
“Copper? Copper?” With a twist, a woman’s shoulders shimmied into view. “You naughty mutt. Are you over here?” Her voice was a half-hiss and half-whispered shout, and all laughing irritation.
The guilty party dashed over and promptly lavished a slurping lick across her cheek. She groaned.
“Hey, is Copper your dog?” Mateo called out as his smile faded.
She muttered under her breath and shied away from Copper’s exuberant greetings. “Sort of.” She grinned. “Miserable pooch.”
Ethan liked the sound. It was carefree and breezy, and a tad self-deprecating. Her golden hair danced in a gust of wind and tangled on a splinter.
“You’re welcome to use the gate to retrieve your jailbreaker.” Ethan stepped down from the patio.
Her mouth froze in an O of surprise. She squinted, and then her shock morphed to distress. She pressed her lips together, and Ethan assumed she swallowed an obscenity. He smirked. He couldn’t resist.
She jerked backward, and the fence wobbled. She didn’t budge, but her V-neck sweater strained against her body. Another inch and he’d have a lovely view of the generous swells in that pink lacy bra she was sporting. He eyed his son, but Mateo seemed oblivious to the free show.
“Are you okay?” Mateo approached. “Is that you, Missus Barrett?”
She scrunched her nose and attempted to pull back, but her sweater snagged. “I’m stuck.” She cast a fleeting glance Ethan’s direction but ducked her head and refused to make eye contact.
A glimmer of recognition danced in his brain. He remembered a young woman with golden hair who rarely met his gaze. That had been Austin Barrett’s little sister.
“Sam? Samantha Barrett? You’re Austin’s youngest sister, right?”
A faint whimper issued from between her lips, and she smiled up at him with a comically creased forehead. Her eyes glinted with a cross between hope and dismay. She was resignation and embarrassment all rolled into one adorable package.
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LAST RESORT LOVE
One daring whim leads to a whole lotta smokin’ hot temptation…
Bad luck be gone…Krissa Courtland whispers her vow and stabs a pin in the map. No more cheating exes or downsized jobs. With fingers crossed, she lands in Colorado, but right off, a storm flattens her dream cabin. But disaster turns delicious when smoking-hot Nick Olin saves the day. And now Vail’s sexiest resort developer is her landlord and next-door neighbor.
Nick’s silky brown curls and teasing smile are tempting, but Krissa can’t shake the ache in her soul and won’t trust in love. Too bad for Krissa, Nick has other ideas. With her luscious curves and vulnerable amber eyes, Nick is oh-so distracted from his empire building. Every time Nick makes a move, Krissa bolts. Can Nick prove he’s trustworthy and just the man to heal her heart? Or will Krissa run out on her chance at love?
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Books by Holly Cortelyou
Wescott Springs series
Last Resort Love
Last Sweet Surrender
Kiss Me at Last
Kiss Me, Trouble
Kiss Me in Wescott Springs: The Novellas
Timber Falls series
One Magic Kiss
Barret Ridge series
Two Reckless Hearts
Tempting Doctor Forever
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Holly Cortelyou pens sweet and spicy small town, contemporary romances that just may have a kiss of magic or a twist mystery.
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Two Reckless Hearts (Barrett Ridge Book 1) Page 15