Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) (12 page)

She chuckled. “I haven’t seen you light up so much around someone since Sam.”

His smile faded. “It took me by complete surprise. I never thought I’d find love again...” He gulped, picturing his childhood sweetheart—her dark hair and eyelashes, complemented by dazzling hazel eyes that always seemed to gaze into his very soul. After she passed away ten years ago, he was so torn up. He refused to let himself fall for anyone…that was until Addie stumbled into his life unexpectedly.

“Logan, can I give you some advice?”

He snapped out of his daydream. “Of course.”

“I’m not saying I don’t approve of Addie. The exact opposite really. She seems like a very nice girl and very talented. I just want you to be cautious. You really don’t know very much about her yet and I’d hate to see your heart broken again.”

Logan put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Mom. I will be.”

She shivered and pulled up the collar of her jacket. “Can you help me inside? I think I’ve had long enough of an outing for tonight.”

“Sure.” He pushed his mother’s wheelchair back toward the ranch house while mulling over her advice. Was he falling too quickly for Addie? Even if it were true, it seemed there was no going back now.

~ ~ ~

O
n Friday morning Addison lounged on the Hart family’s front porch while sketching some design concepts for the cabins.

“What a beautiful day,” Maggie commented from across the patio table. “I’d forgotten how much I love sitting out here.”

Addison looked up from her sketch pad and watched Logan and Colton practicing for the rodeo a few yards away. With the mountains for a backdrop it reminded her of a scene from one of her dad’s western films.

She let out a contented sight. “It
is
an amazing view…and it’s lovely that you can enjoy it right from your own front porch.”

Logan caught Addison watching him and tipped his cowboy hat.

She blushed and waved before he rode away.

Maggie chuckled. “I don’t know if you’ve realized it yet, but my son is quite smitten with you.”

Addie avoided Maggie’s eyes and chewed on the end of her pencil for a moment before scribbling a new concept on her sketch pad. “I don’t know about that. After all, we’ve only been on one date.”

“Believe me. A mother can recognize the signs.”

Addison looked up and her blush deepened. “You really think so?”

“Yes.” Maggie nodded but her smile faded. “The question is, do you care about him enough to tell him your secret? I can’t keep this from Logan and the rest of the family for much longer.”

Addison stalled by gazing toward the mountains in the distance. Maggie didn’t know that her little secret had grown and mutated into a living breathing monster.

She’d done her best to forget about her surprise encounter with Jared a few days ago. He was probably just bluffing and the picture of her sharing a kiss with Logan would satisfy him. Still, Addison couldn’t help worrying that he would release that juicy photo just for spite. What would the Hart family think of her if the news story showed up on the front page of the newspaper? They’d probably never want to speak to her again.

Addison gulped down a lump in her throat and met the other woman’s gaze. She made up a weak excuse. “I’ve tried to tell him. I just lose my nerve every time.”

Belle came out the front door and handed them glasses of iced tea before joining them at the table. “How are the designs coming?”

Addison exchanged a brief glance with Maggie. The older woman’s slight nod told her they’d finish the uncomfortable conversation later.

She composed herself and faked a smile in Belle’s direction. “Good. We just have a few more things to decide on for the sample cabin.”

Belle took a sip from her iced tea and a smile lit up her face. “You’re going to love it, Mom. Addie’s been letting me help her shop and the design plan will be very inexpensive for us to duplicate for the other cabins. We bought almost everything at the thrift and antique store.”

Addie nodded. “When I’m done with the sample cabin have you thought about using pictures of it for the ranch website?”

Maggie gave her a blank stare. “Website? We don’t really have one of those. I mean we are listed with some travel magazines but would you recommend having one?”

Addie nodded. “Absolutely. Everyone needs one these days. You’d be surprised how many new customers you could reach.” She chewed on the end of her pencil again and then looked up smiling. “I’ll tell you what. When I go home next week I’ll talk with my friend Victoria. She does some web design and we’ll get something set up for you.”

Belle frowned from across the table. “Wow, you’re really leaving next week? I can’t imagine not having you around the ranch.”

“Yes, you’ve become like family,” Maggie added.

“Thank you. I’m really going to miss all of you.”

Logan approached with a charming smile on his face. “I hope you ladies don’t mind, but can I steal Addie for a few minutes?”

They agreed but chuckled and whispered something to each other as Logan led her away.

Addie slipped her hand into his. “So what did you want to steal me away for?”

He remained silent until they were out of sight behind a small storage shed. “To steal a kiss.” He removed his hat and his soft lips met hers.

She smiled and leaned back. “What was that for?”

He sighed and smoothed her blond hair with his hand. “You looked stressed and I know my mom and sister can be exhausting sometimes.”

She chuckled at his comment. “Oh, they’re not that bad at all. I enjoy spending time with your family.”

He kissed her again and rested his forehead against hers. “I know. To be honest, I guess I was just looking for any excuse to spend some time alone with you. I’ve been so busy and I know you’re leaving soon. I don’t want to waste a single second of our time together.”

Addison’s smile faded. “Yes, I guess once I have to go back things are going to get a little more complicated, aren’t they?”

He leaned against the shed and took her hands in his. “Complicated is all right by me. I’m falling in love with you, Addie. Distance won’t change that. We’ll figure it all out in time, right?” His eyes gazed into hers, waiting for a response.

Addison looked away and gulped. He loved her? Logan didn’t realize what he was getting himself into or how complicated things were for a celebrity couple. Once the paparazzi knew, they’d never leave them alone.

“Addie, is something wrong?”

She blinked and managed a fake smile. “I have some dust in my eye. I’ll be right back.” She hurried into her cabin and leaned against the closed door, breathing hard.

Why did Logan have such an effect on her? Actually the entire Hart family did. She’d only known them for a few weeks but now Addie couldn’t imagine her life without them.

Life in LA was packed full of stress and drama. However, it offered so many career opportunities and her family lived there. Plus, her dad depended on her to help with the company.

On the other hand, in the mountains life seemed new every day. She loved the quiet mornings and the nice talks with Belle in the diner. Most of all she loved spending time with Logan. His subtle glances while he worked at the ranch and their picnics by the creek had become something that she looked forward to daily.

Now she knew Logan’s true feelings for her but it made things even more complicated. Could she put her fear aside and allow her heart to love again?

One thing was certain. She needed to make a decision and quickly.

~ ~ ~

C
olton's eyes widened as he grabbed a hammer and nails out of the toolbox. “You actually told her that you love her?”

Logan held a new fence post in place and squinted as the sun peeked over the horizon. “Yeah. I’m crazy right? Tell me the truth.”

Colton pounded a nail into the wooden post and then reached for another. “Well, it
is
fast…that much is certain but no, I don’t think you’re crazy. What did she say?”

He winced, remembering Addie’s stoic reaction the other day. “Nothing. Not a single word.”

“Ouch.”

He let out a forced chuckle. “Yeah. Tell me about it. Addie talks up a storm most of the time but I managed to silence her with a few ill-timed words.” He shook his head. “I’m a fool. She already told me that she needed time and I probably scared her. She acted awkward around me for the rest of the day.”

His friend pounded in some more nails and looked up. “Just give her some time. If it’s meant to happen, God will make a way.”

He nodded. “I know you’re right. Maybe with time I’ll learn to keep my big mouth shut too.”

His friend chuckled and pounded in one last nail. Then he started packing away the tools. “It’s not a bad thing that you speak your mind. I’d give anything for an ounce of your courage.”

Logan scratched his chin as they headed back toward the shed and decided to play dumb. “Courage for what?”

Colton cleared his throat and his mouth twitched. “I think you might know part of it.”

A slow grin spread across his face. “I’m guessing it has something to do with my sister?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, in that case I say go for it. There’s no one in this world I trust more with my little sister than you. My dad thinks highly of you too. I’m sure he’d be overjoyed with the prospect of you and Belle running the ranch together someday.”

“That’s not quite what I was meaning, Logan.”

He stopped by the corral and studied his friend’s grave expression. “Then what is it?”

“I gave your dad my week’s notice this morning.”

Logan’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“My scholarship application has been accepted so I’m leaving to take some classes at a college in Billings. Eventually I want to become a wild land firefighter.”

“Wow, that’s not what I was expecting.” Logan leaned against the fence and removed his hat while trying to absorb Colton’s news. “Since your dad died fighting that forest fire when you were a kid, I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it.”

“I know, but he loved his job. There’s danger involved but I can’t think of any career that I would love more. I would be helping people and carrying on his legacy.”

Logan nodded. “But this complicates things for you and Belle, doesn’t it?”

Colton hung his head. “Yeah, I know. That’s the hard part but this is just something I have to do. It’s in my blood. I don’t think I’d ever be completely happy if I didn’t at least try to pursue this dream.”

“I understand. When I left for medical school everyone thought I was crazy but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t follow my heart.”

He peeked up at Logan with a storm of emotions brewing in his eyes. “The only problem is…I love Belle and I think she feels the same way. I’ve held off telling her for so long but now I want her to know. I’m hoping maybe someday if things work out between us she’ll come with me.”

Logan cleared his throat and gazed at the colors of the sunrise, praying for the right words. “I’m not sure about that. I think you need ask yourself some tough questions.”

“Like what?”

“Would you be willing to ask Belle to choose between love and owning the ranch? Would
she
ever truly be happy if she followed you and left her dreams behind?”

~ ~ ~

Addison jumped out of bed the moment her alarm beeped. She threw on a sweatshirt and pants, grabbed her makeup bag and hurried up to the ranch house to help Belle get ready for the rodeo.

When Addison entered her friend’s room she stopped short and laughed at the mess. “Are you okay, Belle?”

Her friend clawed through a pile of clothes on the floor. “I’ve never been like this, Addie. I’ve barrel raced since I was fifteen years old and never cared how I looked. I hardly even wear makeup. I’ve got plenty of outfits but now I’m in panic mode. Which one should I wear?”

Addison giggled and scanned the more organized garments laid out on the bed. They were riding outfits dressed up with fancy beading and rhinestones that shimmered in the morning light. She ran her finger tips over the different textured fabrics and then grinned at Belle. “I’d go with the violet one. It will bring out your eyes. Colton will love it.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Honestly, I think he’ll be mesmerized with you no matter what you decide to wear today.”

Belle blushed and looked down. “I don’t know, Addie. We spend a lot of time together making small talk and sharing an occasional laugh but nothing romantic has ever come of it. Do you think he will even notice me with all those other beautiful girls at the rodeo?”

Addison smiled. “Oh, believe me. He only has eyes for you. Have you ever noticed how he waits by the barn every day like clockwork just to help you off your horse after your morning ride?”

“No.” She bit one fingernail, looking deep in thought. “Well, now that I think about it, I guess he
is
always there.”

Addison grinned. “Yes, every morning around ten just for you.” She chuckled at the shocked look on Belle’s face. “Maybe you should tell him how you feel. He might be scared to share his true feelings with you too.”

Belle nibbled on her lip and her lavender eyes widened. “I want to believe you but I’m so scared of being rejected.”

Addison had never seen her friend so worked up. She put her hands on Belle’s shoulders. “Everything’s going to be fine. Just relax. You know what I do when I need some extra confidence?”

“What?”

“I buy a new shade of eye shadow. It might sound silly but it makes all the difference.”

Belle let out a forced laugh and sat on her bed. “Oh, is that so? Well I don’t see any makeup shops around here.”

“Nonsense.” Addison unzipped her makeup bag and started spreading out her beauty products on the dresser. Most had never even been opened. “I’m a walking talking makeup factory. What’s mine is yours.”

Belle’s eyes darted from one side of the dresser to the other. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Addison’s eyes twinkled. “Well, that’s what I’m here for.” She bit one of her fingernails for a moment and then opened some lavender eye shadow. “Now, eye shadow lesson 101. Less is more. Makeup isn’t supposed to create beauty…rather enhance it. Just a tiny bit of this color will bring out your eyes. Then we’ll blend with some neutral tones.”

Several minutes passed as Addison applied Belle’s makeup while explaining each step. Then she held up the little mirror on the dresser. “There. A masterpiece! What do you think?”

Belle stared at herself in the mirror and a tear gathered in the corner of her eye. “Wow. Is that really me?”

Addison frowned. “Oh, Belle. Don’t cry. You’ll smear your mascara.” She handed her a tissue.

Her friend chuckled and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just, I’ve always thought of myself as kind of plain, I guess. Thank you, Addie.”

“You’re welcome and you’re anything but plain. Like I said before, makeup should only enhance your natural beauty.” She placed the new eye shadow, mascara and lip gloss in Belle’s hand and closed her fingers around them.

“What are you doing?”

Addison smiled. “My gift to you. Besides, you might need to touch up before the competition.”

Belle enveloped her in a bear hug that left Addison breathless. “Thank you, Addie. I’ve always wanted a sister. Now I know what it feels like to have one.”

Addison gulped back her emotions, suddenly realizing the bitter truth. The Hart family had claimed her as one of their own. The closer she grew to them she felt more and more like a fraud. That picture of Logan and her kissing at the restaurant. If it ever got out, his family would never trust her again. Addison’s mind was made up. She had to tell him before he found out from someone else.

She peeked out Belle’s window and caught sight of Logan walking into the barn.

Now. She needed to tell him now.

~ ~ ~

Maddy greeted Logan with happy snorts as he approached her stall. The seclusion of the barn provided him a moment to untangle his jumbled thoughts. Colton was on his way to talk to Belle and he hated to think of the heartache it would cause.

He smiled at his mare and patted the white diamond shape on her forehead. “Well, ole girl, it seems like things are always changing. There’s nothing we can do but accept it and move forward.”

“Talking to your horse again?”

Logan looked up and chuckled as Addie approached. “It soothes her.” He faced the horse again and stroked her shiny coat. “And me too, I suppose.”

“I passed Colton on the way here and he didn’t seem like himself. Is everything all right?”

He kept his eyes on the horse, wondering if he should tell her the truth. “Well, I guess you’ll find out sooner or later anyway. Colton gave my father his notice today.”

She covered her mouth. “His notice? Why would he do that?”

“He’s leaving next week…training to become a wild land firefighter. It’s something Colton has wanted for a long time.”

“Oh no.” She glanced in the direction of the ranch house and then back at Logan with panic radiating through her eyes. “Belle’s going to be devastated. I-I have to go warn her.”

Logan grasped her shoulders. “No. He’s going to tell her right now. This is between the two of them.”

“Do you think he’ll stay if he finds out how she feels about him?”

Logan shook his head, heart aching for his young sister but there was something Addie didn’t understand. “He already knows.”

Her eyes widened. “He does?”

“Yes. He’s known for a while and he loves her too.”

Addie scoffed. “Well, if he loves her and she loves him, what’s the problem? Why can’t they be together?”

“Belle wants to run the ranch and Colton realized it would be selfish of him to ask her to leave her dreams behind.”

Tears filled Addie’s eyes and she shook her head in anger. “It’s not fair. Love shouldn’t be so complicated.”

Logan sighed and pulled her into his arms, letting her weep against his shoulder. They stood like that for a long time and he savored the feeling of holding her in his arms. His love grew for her every day but did she feel the same way? Her silence about the matter sent fear creeping into his heart.

Colton wasn’t the only one facing tough questions about the future.

Addie would be leaving in a few days—back to her normal life. He had so little to offer her. There were so many eligible and wealthy men back in LA that were probably a smarter match for Addie. What guaranteed she wouldn’t forget all about him?

Was love really enough?