Читать книгу Rocky Mountain Brides: Raising the Rancher's Family - Patricia Thayer - Страница 11

MUCH later that night, unable to sleep, Leah sat at the kitchen table. She had her laptop open and decided she needed to go over the series of pictures she’d taken on her last assignment. Her editor had e-mailed a list of the pictures they wanted to use for the magazine’s next issue.

If there was any consolation to her job it was that a lot of readers would see the famine and destruction in the already war-torn area. She wanted her photos to help the cause, the children especially. Another picture appeared on the screen and Leah stopped breathing.

Soraya. She was a beautiful little girl. At the age of six, she’d already experienced too much heartbreak in her short life. She had lost her entire family in the earthquake and had been living in a tent camp, begging for food from anyone who would throw her some scraps. When Leah found the child she was starved and close to death.

Leah clicked the mouse and another picture appeared. Soraya’s big brown eyes looked back at her. Leah clicked on another, and another as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“What are you still doing up?”

Leah recognized Holt’s voice. She swiped the tears from her cheeks and looked up to see the bare-chested man standing in the doorway, dressed in only a pair of low-riding jeans. She swallowed hard. “I couldn’t sleep so I decided to do some work. Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

He shrugged. “I heard you come downstairs, but when you didn’t return, I wanted to see if you were okay.”

“Just a little keyed up.” She didn’t want to talk about herself. “Corey had a good time tonight.”

“Yeah, he did.” Holt walked to the table. “What about you? You look like someone stole your puppy.”

She forced a smile. “I was just concentrating on work.”

Holt knew it was a lie. She’d been crying, and he hated the fact that it bothered him. That he felt the need to comfort her. “What have you got there?”

“Some of the pictures I took on my last overseas shoot.”

“Mind if I have a look?” He didn’t wait for her permission and looked over her shoulder.

She hesitated. “I…I guess not. This group is from my most recent assignment. I was shooting the thousands of people who are still displaced by the earthquake.” She began to scroll through the pictures.

“Man, these are something.” He studied each picture and was amazed at how Leah had captured the defeat and despair on their faces. Next were the children with their hopeful smiles as they posed for her. It was hard to look at their emaciated bodies, realizing they were caused by starvation. A beautiful dark-haired girl appeared on the screen whose big dark eyes tugged at his heart.

“They needed so little, but yet, so much,” Leah said, tears in her voice. “And with all the other tragedies in the world, there just isn’t enough money, enough help. No child should have to live this way.” Along with the sadness came an angry tone. “It’s all so cruel…so tragic.”

Holt pulled up a chair, sat down and placed an arm around her. “I know, but you can’t save them all.”

Leah covered her face with her hands. “But why couldn’t I have saved one?” she asked. “Just one little girl, Soraya.” A sob racked her body. “Oh, Holt, she was doing so well…I found her a shelter, and I promised to come back to see her. I was going to bring her home to the States so she could live with me.”

She shook her head as tears flooded her eyes. “I couldn’t save her. She died.”

Holt drew her into his arms and held her close as she cried. He wanted to absorb some of her pain, her agony. How long had she carried this with her? “It’s not your fault, Leah. It was a natural disaster in a country devastated by years of war.”

She raised her head and looked at him. “But I promised her I’d help her…to keep her safe.”

Now her obsession with Corey became clear to him. “Leah…you did the best you could do. You were probably the only one who took the time for Soraya. For a short time, you were able to give her love…and hope.”

That seemed to make her pause. “You think so?”

Emotions tore at him as he nodded.

As if she all at once became aware of their closeness, she sat up straight. “My editor needs me to go back.”

Seeing the pictures, Holt suddenly realized how dangerous her job could be. The last thing he wanted was for her to go back.

“I thought you had at least a month.”

“I do. But they never really want you to take that much time. I’m staying until after Mom and Dad’s anniversary.”

He found he didn’t want her to leave at all. “I’m not an expert, but I think you could use some time off.”

“But the more pictures I take, the more the world will see what’s going on there…with the children.”

“So, single-handedly you’re going to try to save them all?”

“No, but I need to do something.”

“And your pictures do that. People will see these children in the magazine.” An idea hit him. “Do these photos go to your editor?”

“They’ve already bought the ones they want. These others are mine.”

Mesmerized, he studied the photos again. “I hope you know, Leah, you’re an incredible photographer.” Her pictures should be displayed in a gallery, or at the very least put into a book, he thought.

Leah gave him a trembling smile. “Thank you.”

“I’m just speaking the truth,” he told her, thinking about his friend, Jason Mitchell, back in New York. He owned a gallery on Fifth Avenue and specialized in new talent.

Although he would be getting more deeply involved in her life, he couldn’t seem to stop himself. Suddenly he realized he’d do about anything to keep her safe…and here. And it had nothing to do with the deal they made about Corey.

The next morning, Holt got up at dawn, but there weren’t any sounds from Leah’s room as he passed by. Corey was already in the kitchen and starting breakfast. Holt had to admit that the boy was a hard worker.

“Mornin’, Holt. Zach said you and him are going to move the herd today. I was wondering, since I cleaned my room, if I could go with you?

Holt knew how hard the boy had worked the past week to learn to ride. And he’d done pretty well. Holt also remembered all the times he’d wanted to go places with his grandfather, but the man seldom had time for him. Zach was right, a boy needed to prove himself.

“It’s going to be a long morning. You sure you’re up for it?”

Corey’s eyes widened in expectation. The freckles across his nose and cheeks seemed to become more prominent. “Zach said I can handle it. He’s been teaching me to rope and cut a calf from his mama.”

“I guess there’s no better teacher than Zach. He’s been doing it for a long time. He even taught me.”

“I know.” Corey took a pitcher of orange juice from the refrigerator. “Zach said you turned out to be a pretty good cowboy, too—for a city boy.”

“He did, did he? That’s high praise. Well, if he thinks you’re ready, then I suppose you are.”

Those blue eyes rounded. “Really? I can go?”

Holt nodded.

The boy let out a loud whoop. But before Holt could quiet him down, Leah appeared in the doorway, her hair mussed, her dark bedroom eyes still heavy from sleep. Dressed in a conservative pink cotton robe, with a print gown underneath, she exposed just enough of her leg to cause his blood to race.

“What’s going on in here?” she asked.

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to wake you,” Holt said.

Corey went running to her. “Leah, Holt says I can go to help move the herd today.”

“That’s great,” she said, then looked at Holt and smiled. “Guess that makes you an official ranch hand then.”

“I’ve got to get my boots and my hat.” The boy ran out of the room.

Leah smiled tentatively at Holt. She’d tried to stay in bed until he had left the house. She was still vulnerable from their middle of the night encounter. He’d learned more about her than her own family. What amazed her was he just let her talk and cry it out. And the sexy cowboy hadn’t taken advantage of the situation. He was so not the man she once thought he was. Why did he try so hard to hide this side of himself?

Leah marched across the room and stood in front of him. “Looks like you’re playing hero again.”

“It’s not my intention,” he said uncomfortably. “But it’s not going to hurt Corey to come along.”

“Well, whatever, you’ve made a little boy pretty happy. And thank you for helping me out last night, too.” She rose up on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to meet hers.

The minute their lips met Leah knew she was in trouble. She quickly discovered she wasn’t in control of anything, least of all her heart.

The woman made him crazy.

Holt looked across the herd of Herefords to see Leah riding along with Zach. The old man was right. She knew how to handle a horse. And Corey had wanted her to come with them, too.

Ordinarily he wouldn’t mind having her ride with them, until she’d planted that kiss on him this morning. A kiss so explosive he nearly lost all coherent thoughts. Then she ended it and walked out the door as easy as you please.

Well, he wasn’t going to get involved. She had nice girl written all over her. A woman who didn’t play games. She was the worse kind, a woman who wanted a permanent relationship. But he hadn’t been willing to do a lot of things until Leah Keenan came barreling into his life.

Zach walked his horse up beside him. “How you holdin’ up?”

“I’m fine. Why?”

“You keep looking in my direction.” A lazy grin spread across his weathered face. “Of course maybe it wasn’t me you’ve been lookin’ at. Could it be Leah?”

Did the old man have radar? “It’s my land, I can look anywhere I please.”

“If it helps ease your pain, she’s been stealing glances at you, too. The boy and her make a nice pair.”

Holt sighed. “You’re the only pain I have. Now, why don’t you help me get this herd into the pen?”

Zach rode off, his laughter ringing in Holt’s ears. Damn. The last thing he needed was to think about Leah all the time. He had enough on his plate with the ranch, and Corey. He didn’t want to fall for a woman who was going to be headed off to God knew what country.

He’d always been the one to walk away first. That way it didn’t hurt so much. Who was he kidding? He’d had a lot of hurt in his life. It hurt that his own mother couldn’t see past the hatred she had for his father and love her son. He hated that his own father couldn’t love him enough to come and see him.

He looked up as Leah kicked Daisy’s flanks, sending the horse into a gallop as she went after a stray. Her hair was flying in the wind, her body moved in unison with the animal. They moved as one, and he thought he’d never seen anything more graceful. Corey cheered her on as she chased down the calf and directed it back into the herd. Suddenly Leah’s attention turned to Holt and she smiled.

Or anyone more beautiful.

“This was the best day ever,” Corey said as they returned to the barn.

Zach walked by carrying his saddle. “You may not say that later when your backside is aching.”

“My backside doesn’t hurt.”

“Just give it time,” Leah said, starting to feel the effects of four hours in the saddle. “But you’re right, Corey, it was fun. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden like that.”

“It was so cool when you went off to get the calf.”

“Well, when you’re older, you can do the same thing. I’ve had a lot of practice. Maybe …” She paused not knowing how long he’d be here. “Maybe Zach can teach you.”

“Or Holt can,” the foreman said. “He can handle a cow pony pretty good. I’d say he was a fast learner.”

The boy’s eyes rounded. “Really?”

“Well, I already knew how to ride before I came to Colorado,” Holt said. “I just had to adjust to a Western saddle.”

Zach closed the stall gate. “Yeah, Holt used to wear those fancy breeches and hat, and use a funny looking saddle.”

“That’s because it was an English saddle.” He frowned at the foreman. “We don’t chase a lot of cows back in New York.”

Zach’s eyes twinkled. “Just a funny wooden ball.”

“Polo. You played polo?” Leah asked. She couldn’t hide her surprise as her gaze roamed over the ultimate looking cowboy.

Holt glared at Zach. “I did for a few years. My grandfather belonged to a polo club. It was a tradition. Do you have a problem with that?”

Leah shook her head. This man never ceased to amaze her. Even knowing it was dangerous to her heart, she found she wanted to know more about him.

“Holt, will you teach me to play polo?” Corey asked.

“I think we’re a little busy now,” Holt told him.

“Maybe you have some pictures?”

“Not that I brought with me.” He turned away. “Maybe we should think about finishing the morning’s chores.”

“Maybe we should have lunch first,” Leah suggested. “It’s after twelve.”

“Okay, I’m getting pretty hungry,” Zach said. “What do ya say, Corey, that we head up to the house and put together some sandwiches?”

“I’m hungry, too,” the boy said.

“I’ll heat up the soup my mother sent out yesterday,” Leah called after the two as they headed toward the barn door. “Give me a few minutes.”

Leah finished with Daisy and walked out of the stall. She was about to take the saddle and bridle back to the tack room when Holt stopped her.

“I’ll get it,” he told her. “You go on to the house.”

“Are you coming?”

“I have things to do,” he said. “I’ll be by later.”

She’d seen him withdraw when he’d started discussing his life back east. “You know,” she began, “there are a lot of things in our past we’d all like to forget. Things we can’t change. My big concern right now is making a life for a little boy. And he needs you to help him.”

“I’ve given him a roof over his head.”

“And that’s wonderful. But you of all people should know that’s not the only thing that’s important. He needs you.”

His eyes met hers. She saw stubbornness in the green depths, but also a vulnerability that reminded her of Corey.

“If you want some sort of family man, you better look somewhere else. That’s something I can’t give him.”

She wanted to pound some sense into this man, but at the same time she wanted to pull him in her arms and let him know someone cared about him.

“You might be surprised, and in the meantime you might just find what you’ve been looking for, too.” She turned and walked away so she wouldn’t do something stupid again.

Like kiss some sense into him.

That night, Holt rolled over in bed and glanced at the clock. It was nearly midnight. He cursed as he threw back the sheet and sat up. It had been nearly a week since he’d been able to sleep. Hell, he hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since Leah Keenan stormed into his life.

He couldn’t stop thinking about her, the kisses they’d shared, her softness…the feel of her body against his. The ache he’d felt whenever she was close.

Damn. He raked a hand through his hair. He was slowly going crazy. He got up and went to the window, opening it wider in search of the mountain breeze. Anything to cool off his heated skin. He got some relief, but not enough. Nothing could drive Leah from his thoughts…from his already complicated life. The strange thing was, he didn’t want her to leave the ranch. She’d filled the old house with energy and laughter. Even as he’d tried to stay in the background, she’d pulled him in, including him in a family she’d help create with Corey.

Holt shut his eyes. As a kid, he’d wanted to belong, but every time he’d reached out to his grandfather, he’d been rejected. And he never had a chance with his father …

The stillness was suddenly interrupted by a soft cry. He immediately recognized Leah’s voice coming from her room next door. He grabbed his jeans off the chair, pulled them on and went out into the hall. He listened at her door and heard the pain-filled sound again. After a moment’s hesitation he let himself into the dark room. With the aid of the moonlight through the window, he saw her slender body thrashing around on the bed and went to her.

“Leah. Leah, wake up.” He sat down on the mattress and gripped her shoulders. “Leah, wake up.”

She finally gasped and jerked upright. “Holt?”

“You were having a nightmare.”

Leah brushed the hair from her face and drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I’m more concerned about you. Are you all right?”

She nodded, but the moonlight revealed the fear in her eyes.

“Do you have nightmares often?” he asked.

“Sometimes,” she said, her gaze avoiding his. “Really, Holt, I’m okay.”

He knew she wasn’t. “Maybe you should talk to someone…professionally.”

“I’m fine. It’s just, sometimes the memories …”

“You’re not fine, Leah,” he said. “You’ve spent a lot of time in war-torn counties. You were probably dodging bullets in your dreams.” That thought made him shiver. “At the very least, talk to your family.”

“It’s not that bad. I just need to get some rest. I’ll be fine by the time I go back.”

He tensed. She was leaving. “So you’re continuing your quest to save the world.”

“I have to. I made a promise …” A sob shook her slight frame.

He wrapped his arms around her. “Shh, it’s all right,” he whispered. “I’m here.” He brushed a kiss against her hair as he held her. “Oh, Leah. What am I going to do with you?”

She burrowed into his embrace. “Just…don’t leave me.”

Never, he promised silently. “I won’t.” Impulsively he bent down and placed a kiss on her mouth before pulling away. “Just let me check on Corey.” He hurried down the hall to the boy’s room and found him sleeping soundly. After covering Corey with a light blanket, he returned to Leah. Holt closed the door behind him and went to the bed. Her wide-eyed gaze showed her sudden apprehension.

“Holt…maybe it would be better if you go back to your room.”

He sat down and picked up her trembling hand. “Do you really want me to?”

She hesitated, then shook her head.

“Then go to sleep, Leah.” He stretched out on top of the blanket beside her, and pulled her close. “I’m right here…if you need me.”

“Thank you,” she whispered as she curled against him, her hand resting on his chest. Within seconds she was sound asleep. It took Holt a lot longer, but having Leah close was worth a sleepless night. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel alone.

The next evening, Leah was anxious to see her sister, the mayor, in action at the town council meeting. She had also managed to convince Holt to attend. Since he was staying in Destiny, he should get to know the town’s residents.

That had been all she’d managed to talk to him about during the past day. Even though they’d shared a bed most of the previous night, he hadn’t said a word about it.

That morning, she woke up when she felt him brush a tender kiss against her forehead before he left her bed at dawn.

Maybe it was best they hadn’t discussed sharing the moment together. They had already gone too far beyond the reason for them being together.

Corey.

The small community of Destiny was already talking about their situation. Maybe it was time Leah thought about moving back to her parents? Corey would understand.

“Are you sure there are going to be other kids here tonight?” Corey asked as Holt pulled his truck into the parking space.

“There usually are during the summer,” Leah told him. “My parents and Morgan will be there. And there’s always cake and cookies.”

They climbed out of the truck and walked together toward the old hall. The structure held maybe three hundred people and served many of the town’s functions. On a warm night like tonight, it was bound to be filled. Everyone was gearing up for Destiny’s Founder’s Day celebration. And Leah suspected that they wanted to meet their newest citizens, Holt Rawlins and Corey Haynes.

At the door, her father waited. “Hi, Dad.”

“Leah.” Tim Keenan greeted her with a kiss. “Corey, good to see you.”

The boy smiled as her father ruffled his hair. “Hi, Mr. K.”

Tim Keenan looked at Holt. “Holt, nice to see you could make it.”

The two shook hands. “Your daughter can be pretty persuasive.”

Tim winked. “She gets that from her mother.”

Claire Keenan appeared. “I heard that.” She offered her daughter a kiss and one for Corey. She surprised Holt and hugged him. “Holt, it’s nice you’re here.”

He glanced around. “It looks like a big turnout.”

“It is,” her mother said. “And a perfect opportunity for Tim to introduce you around.” She nudged her husband and the two men walked off together. “And, Corey, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Claire glanced around then motioned at someone. Suddenly a dark-haired boy about eight years old appeared.

“Corey, this is Mason Langston. Mason, Corey Haynes. Mason, Corey is staying at the Rawlins Ranch. He hasn’t had much of a chance to meet anyone. Do you think you could show him around?”

“Sure, Mrs. K.” He looked at Corey. “Hey, do you like chocolate chip cookies?”

Corey shrugged. “Yeah.”

The boy motioned to follow him. “Come on, before Kenny Dorsey eats them all.”

Leah watched the two boys run off.

“Not to worry, they’ll be fine,” Claire told her.

“I know, but Corey’s very vulnerable. He’s been through a lot.”

“And Mason is a good boy. He’ll be nice to Corey.” Her mother turned her attention to her husband and Holt as they made their way around the hall. “The two older boys seem to be getting along nicely, too.”

Leah was glad that Holt was meeting people. “Holt should know his neighbors,” Leah said. “He’s going to live here.”

“He seems to be attracting the ladies, too.”

As much as Leah tried to ignore that comment, she noticed that Kaley Jenkins Sims was standing very close to him. “Kaley hasn’t changed since high school. She goes after any good-looking male. I heard she’s divorced now.”

“About a year ago,” her mother said. “She has a sweet little girl.”

Leah found she didn’t like seeing Holt and Kaley together. “Well, it looks like she’s on the hunt for number two.”

“Maybe you should stake your claim,” her mother suggested.

That got Leah’s attention. “What? I’m not going to stake any claim. I’m committed to my job. Besides, the man has a lot of baggage. The last thing Holt wants is a woman in his life.”

Claire Keenan smiled. “You can always change your career. And all men claim to be loners before they realize they can’t live without us. From what I can see Holt Rawlins is interested in you.”

Leah couldn’t consider that possibility. She had a feeling, whether intentionally or not, the man could hurt her.

Holt looked up from the conversation and glanced across the hall at Leah. He knew she was enjoying this. He’d met so many people tonight he’d never be able to remember their names.

“I hear that you were a financial advisor in New York.”

He turned to the blond woman named Kaley something. She was attractive in a too-made-up sort of way. Her jeans were a little too tight as was her tank top that carried one of those sayings that he didn’t dare attempt to read.

Luckily the mayor was walking their way. He reached for her arm and pulled her into the circle. “Hello, Morgan.”

“Holt, it’s nice that you could make it,” she told him with a smile that reminded him of Leah.

“Your sister thought it was time I met a few people.”

“I, for one, am glad he came,” Kaley said as she moved in a little closer.

“So am I,” Morgan said. “Holt, if you have a minute, I need to speak with you.” She glanced at Kaley. “If you’ll excuse us for a moment …”

Kaley frowned, but finally managed a tight smile. “I guess I can let Holt go…for a while. Maybe later we can share some refreshments.”

“Maybe,” Holt said as he took Morgan’s arm. “What do I owe you?” he said when they found a deserted area.

“Sorry, Kaley is a little…overeager.”

“You’re too nice. If you hadn’t shown up she’d be naming our children.”

Morgan laughed. “Well, she’s used to men giving her attention. But I only want to discuss a little business.” She took a breath. “First, I want to say that, speaking for the town, we’re glad you’ve decided to stay in Destiny.”

“Thank you. I’m glad I’m staying, too.”

“And secondly, I want to talk to you about a section of your property. Maybe Leah has already mentioned it to you.”

He shook his head. “No, she hasn’t said anything. So what’s this about my land?”

“I’m been looking for a way to bring revenue into town, and it seems logical that we build a ski resort. The town owns an ideal parcel of land, but we just need access from the highway before we can develop the area.”

“Where is this land?”

“It’s Silver Wolf Pass.”

Holt knew the location. It would cut right by Hidden Falls. “You want to build a road through my property?”

Morgan raised an eyebrow. “It’s not as drastic as it sounds. Maybe you should come by my office so you can see the plans.”

Holt didn’t like being blindsided like this. Was Leah supposed to butter him up so he’d be more agreeable when approached? “Did you ever talk about this with my…with John?”

“I did, in fact.”

“And what did he say to your idea?”

“I’m afraid we didn’t have much time to discuss it, but he did promise to think about it.”

“Well, I’m not going to think about it, because I don’t want anyone building a highway across my land. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find Corey.” Holt knew he was being rude, but at this point he wasn’t sure he could contain his anger. Had Leah planned to get him to agree to this?

Before he could reach her, Leah was cornered by another group of people just as the meeting was called to order.

He forced himself to take a seat, but he wasn’t finished with this. He would just have to wait until he got Leah back to the ranch, then he’d set her straight.

Set everyone straight.