Summer's Desire (11 page)

“Goo goo eyes and it wasn’t Yukon you were looking
at either.” His bright, teasing smile made her blush.

Glancing at Holden, her blush deepened at his
knowing smile. “So, are you going to introduce me to Yukon or what?”

Holden held out his hand to her and when she clasped
it, he drew her slowly to his side. “Yukon, this is my filly, Summer.”

Summer pretended that she didn’t hear him. “Hello,
Yukon.”

Yukon stared at her for a while then with a fleeting
glance at Holden, he trotted off to the far side of the corral. Holden squeezed
her hand. “I think he likes you.” He gasped as Summer elbowed him in the ribs.

“I’m sure he has a thing for fillies.”

Holden laughed. “It’s a male thing, you wouldn’t
understand.”

Shaking her head, she realized that there was no
winning.

“Come on I’ll take you on a tour of the barn. I have
more horses.” His phone buzzed, and he answered it. “I’ll be right there, Mindy
Sue.”

He looked down at Summer. “I’m sorry the tour will
have to wait.”

“I understand. A horse?”

“No, a couple of dogs got into a fight. I need to
stitch them up.” He surprised her with a kiss on the cheek before he left.

Summer wondered what the heck was going on. She
thought he didn’t like her and now, he was too affectionate and she felt
conflicted. Part of her soaked up the attention and the other part called her a
fool. She walked to the house making a mental list of things that needed to be
done, trying to get it off her mind.

The phone was ringing when she walked in and Matt
was trying to stand. She flew across the room and grabbed the phone. “Hello?”

“So, it’s true. You are there.”

“Brent? You have some nerve calling me. Where have
you been? They think I was in on it.”

“Don’t worry so much, Summer. You are still very
much a part of my plans.”

“I’m hanging up and I never want you to call me
again.”

“Wait! I just want to finish what I started.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” she demanded.

“I got interrupted the last time I saw you. Think
about it.”

He hung up and Summer stared at the phone, her heart
beating a loud tattoo. Her body began to shake and tears filled her eyes. What
did he mean? Oh God, she knew exactly what he meant. That’s why she was naked
but not…

“Summer?” Matt’s voice was filled with concern. “Summer,
you’re pale. You better sit before you faint.”

“What?” A blanket of fog surrounded her. Fear pulsed
through her body. Sit down, Matt said to sit. She sat on a wooden kitchen chair.
How? Why? Finish?

“We should call the police. It was that Brent guy
wasn’t it?”

“No. No police. They never believe a word I say.”

“Maybe they can trace the call, Summer.”

“No. I have to vacuum upstairs. You’ll be okay for a
while?”

“Of course but I really think—”

“Matt, could we talk about this later? If I have to
talk to the sheriff again, I’ll have a meltdown.”

Doubt clouded his face. “For now.”

Summer nodded. “Thanks.” Climbing the stairs she
wished she could run and hide, but where? Brent murdered Paul. If she talked to
the sheriff he’d probably just throw her in jail. If she didn’t—oh hell, either
way she was toast. All she’d accomplished was bringing danger to the
O’Learys
.

Calling Holden wasn’t an option. She couldn’t drag
the
O’Malleys
into this either. She turned on the vacuum
and tears rolled down her face. She had to keep busy or go crazy, but how was
she going to keep her mind occupied? Why would Brent contact her? Nothing made
sense. She’d ask Holden for her money and take off. Oh hell, she just got back.

She vacuumed until her strength gave out. It was an
empty feeling, being on your own. Turning the vacuum off she heard Holden
clearing his throat behind her. She must have been vacuuming much longer than
she thought. Summer closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly she let it
out and opened her eyes. She turned and the concerned expression on Holden’s
face was her undoing. She ran into his open arms and held on for dear life.

“Matt told me as much as he knew.” He tightened the
hug, holding her against him.

He felt so safe and she wished that staying in his
arms was an option. Her body shook and she knew he could feel it. Finally, she
pulled away and stared at him.

“I can tell that you have leaving on your mind.
Forget about it. I want you here.”

“He’s a murderer. I can’t stay. He could harm your
family.”

“That’s true. I’m calling the sheriff and before you
object, I want you to know I will be right there with you. Honey, he needs to
know.”

He looked so sincere. Her first instinct was to say
no, but maybe the sheriff could help keep Holden’s family safe. “Okay.” She
nodded reluctantly.

Holden gave her an encouraging smile and took her
small shaking hand into his big firm one. “Come on. We have a phone call to
make.”

*
* * *

The wariness on Summer’s face went right to Holden’s
heart. He promised himself no more women until the boys were all grown up.
Summer snuck right past his barriers and he had a feeling she wasn’t all happy
about it either.

At first he thought it was purely sexual but now his
heart was vested. He couldn’t push his feelings away any longer. He wanted her
with a ferocity that he’d never felt before. He wanted the whole package including
her love.

By the way her body stiffened, he knew that Sheriff
Brown had arrived. She wanted to flee; he could see it in her eyes. He went to
her and hugged her. The boys were on the porch and they let the sheriff in.

Holden went and shook hands with him. “Thank you for
coming out here.”

Sheriff Brown nodded and his eyes zeroed in on
Summer. “So, I was right all along. He did contact you.”

Summer gasped and her hand went to her throat. “He
did contact me, today.”

“Summer, give it up. Just tell me where your boyfriend
is.”

Holden closed the distance between himself and
Summer. He stood at her side and stared the sheriff down. “Brent called here,
yes. It was the first time.”

“Well, thank you for telling me. I’ll file a
report.” He turned to leave.

“Where are you going? Summer is scared out of her
mind and that’s all you have to say?”

Sheriff Brown turned to them and smiled. “Now this
is an—what do you call it? An analogy for you. Lay down with dogs and you’re
bound to get fleas.”

“He threatened her. For the love of God, what is wrong
with you?”

“Listen Holden, you seem like a nice guy and you have
your brothers to worry about. Don’t burden yourself with this one. She lies and
steals and is an accomplice to murder. I can’t make the charges stick yet, but
I will. Can’t you see she’s just covering her tracks by telling me about the
call? Brent probably calls here all the time and you just don’t know it.”

Holden felt gut kicked. “No extra protection?”

The sheriff laughed. “You think about those fleas,
they bite.” He was still laughing as he went out the door.

“Damn it!” Holden took a step toward the door.
Summer’s hand on his arm stopped him.

“Please, Holden, don’t make it worse. It’ll be all
over town by tomorrow. I knew he wouldn’t believe me but I didn’t expect him to
laugh either.”

John ran into the house straight at Summer. “I’ll
protect you!”

His little earnest face brought tears to her eyes.
“I know you will.” She glanced up and exchanged gazes with Holden. His plea for
her to stay was evident in his eyes.

Blinking back tears, she kissed the top of John’s
head. She almost laughed when he wiped it away. He made her heart smile.

“I just don’t want anything to happen to any of you
because of me.”

Mark stood tall. “We’re the
O’Learys
and we take care of ourselves.”

Holden grinned. “That we do.”

Summer glanced at Luke. His opinion mattered. “I’ll
put a bullet in anyone that tries to hurt you.” His voice was hard and serious.

“Okay, guys no bullets,” she said. They weren’t
nodding in agreement.

“Unless absolutely necessary,” Holden added.

Bullets? What in world? “Holden, can I talk to you
alone for a minute?” She headed for the door, hoping he’d follow.

As soon as the door closed, she whirled around to
face him. “Why are we talking about bullets? I don’t want one hair on those
boys heads hurt. Guns are not the answer. How many guns do you have? They’re
locked up right?”

Holden held both hands up in surrender. “Whoa,
Summer. Yes we have guns. Yes they are in several gun safes.”

“Several?”

“Listen, you grew up around here, certainly you know
the dangers that are out there. There are plenty of wild animals, etcetera. We
need our rifles. There is a safe in my closet, one in the barn, and one behind
a hidden panel in the great room. They have keypad locks and we all know the combination.”

“You’re a militia.”

“Not quite. We only use them for protection. We’ve
never had to pull a gun on anyone nor do we ever expect to. They just wanted
you to feel safe.”

Summer sighed as she stared into his brown eyes.
“You’ll talk to them? I don’t want them with guns waiting for Brent to show
up.”

Holden stepped forward and brushed her cheek with
the back of his hand. He tucked a stray hair behind her ear and kissed her
cheek. “Don’t worry.”

She nodded but knew that there was no way to keep
from worrying. Life had led her to many places, this being the best. But it was
true, she was trouble.

“I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you about the sheriff.”
He enfolded her in his strong arms.

It felt so good to be so close. He smelled of
leather and soap. Summer burrowed against him, cherishing the comfort. She
could really fall for him if she wasn’t careful. Her heart thumped in her
chest. Hell, it was too late for caution. Turning her head she placed her ear
over his chest and smiled. Out of the corner of her eye she saw John and Luke
at the window sticking their tongues out at her. “We’d better go in. We have an
audience.”

Holden was slow to let her go. “I’m a package deal
you know.”

Pulling back, she lifted her gaze to meet his dark
eyes. “I know and I like the package.”

“If we didn’t have two—oh make that three—voyeurs,
I’d kiss you senseless," he said, his voice husky with promises.

Holden’s phone rang and once again he had an
emergency to attend to. “A horse that’s been standing in wet mud for days. He
can barely walk. It’s a damn shame.”

“Go, rescue the horse. I’ll be here when you get
home.”

The smile she got in response curled her toes. She
watched him drive off feeling like a school girl again. She wondered what type
of teasing she was in for when she went back inside.

No teasing, just goofy smiles, and Luke asked to
talk to her upstairs.

He led her to his bedroom and reached under his
mattress. He had a pained expression on his face as he held out her locket.
“I’m sorry.”

Summer couldn’t stay mad. He seemed lost and sorry.
“Thank you. I’m glad to have it back.” She opened the locket. “They are my
parents. They died a few years back and I was heartbroken when I couldn’t find
it.”

“I thought you stole my money.”

“I know you did, Luke, but stealing to get back at
someone is wrong. You know that don’t you?”

Luke nodded glumly. “It’s just with all the shit
that went down in Texas all because of some skirt, I thought you were the
same.”

More hints to a secret Texas past. She longed to
know what happened but it wasn’t her place to ask. “Thank you for giving it
back to me.”

Luke glanced at the floor avoiding her gaze. So,
you’re not mad?”

“No, we’re good.”

Luke smiled, and then raced past her and down the
stairs.

Summer held the precious locket to her heart. She
missed her parents.

Chapter Seven

Holden shook Jonas’ hand. Out of all the men, Jonas
was the biggest and strongest. “I don’t know if we’d have gotten her on and off
the trailer without you, Jonas.”

“Poor, old Jinky. I didn’t even hear of Miss
Calvin’s passing or I would have been out here to check on the mare.”

“She’d been stuck in that mud for some time. Look
how thin she is.” Holden shook his head in disgust.

They both leaned on the stall gate in Jonas’ barn.
“I’ll try to get her to eat,” Jonas assured him.

“I know you will. I’m impressed with your
dedication. There aren’t enough hours in the day for me to give every horse my
full attention and raising my brothers…”

“Must be tough. I have plenty of time.”

“Not married?”

“No. I haven’t found a lady yet. I was in the Army.
I’m a bit battle scarred.”

Holden could see the pain in the big, brown haired,
amber eyed man. “It’s hard to find the right one for sure.”

“Don’t you have that pretty Summer working for you?”

“Yes.” Holden hesitated, waiting in dread for Jonas
to tell him about the murder.

“Hold on to that one. She’s got a heart as big as
Montana. She was always as sweet as sugar. Damn thing with the sheriff and old
lady Rain spreading nasty rumors about her. Tell her I said hi and to keep her
chin up. There are plenty of people here about that believe her.”

Holden nodded in relief. “I’ll tell her. See you in
the morning. If anything comes up call.”

“Will do.”

It had been a
long rescue. He’d have to get records of every animal in the county and keep
track of owner deaths. Jinky didn’t look good at all. She had Equine Scratches,
an infection of the lower leg
.
Her skin had become crusted, scabby and thickened. It was a severe
case. Her skin oozed and her lower legs swelled. If left untreated the horse w
ould
become lame. That
was his biggest fear. Hopefully
,
Jonas could get her to eat. The next few days would be crucial. He
rubbed the back of his neck. The stiffness was fierce. He was anxious to see Summer
;
h
e needed to know that she was still there.

Life was
constantly changing. He wished he could take Summer’s pain away. It was corny
but she really was like a
s
ummer’s
day. She
brought sunshine and warmth into his life.
Somehow he didn’t feel as tired getting into his truck.
He laughed at himself and pushed down on the accelerator pedal to
get home faster.

The house
came into view and he sighed. Parking his truck, he took a deep breath. He
didn’t want to seem too eager to see her. She shied away at times if he gave
her too much attention.

Holden
frowned, spotting Luke sitting on the porch steps. “What’s up Luke?”

“I did
something I’m not proud of and I wanted to be the one to tell you.” Luke kept
his gaze on his boots.

Holden sat
down next to his brother. “Go ahead, I’m, listening.”

“I stole
Summer’s necklace when I thought she stole my money.” He glanced up at Holden
as though he was trying to gauge
his
reaction.

“Did you give
it back?”

Luke nodded.

“Did you
apologize?”

Luke nodded
again, still staring intently.

Holden
nodded. “It’s not good that you took the necklace, but it is good that you gave
it back. It takes a real man to apologize for his actions. I’m assuming Summer
accepted your apology?”

“Yes, she
did. I am sorry.”

Holden stood
and ruffled Luke’s hair. “I know you are. Glad you two are square.” He walked
into the house. Luke was growing up so fast. They all were.

Summer was
making tea in the kitchen. Holden watched her for a moment. She looked so fresh
and pretty in her white shorts and pink t-shirt. He admired her curvy figure.
Her honey blond hair was in a French braid and he wished he had the right to
undo it and run his fingers through her silky locks.

She turned
and smiled. Suddenly he didn’t feel as weary. “Any dinner left?”

“Of course.
I’d never let you go hungry. Have a seat and I’ll get your plate.”

“Thank you.
I’m grateful that there’s food left. My brothers eat tons.” He pulled back the
wooden chair and sat down.

“Oh, I’m on
to them. I make a plate for you first.” She chuckled as she put a heaping plate
before him.

“I appreciate
it. There have been many nights I’ve had cold food out of a can.”

“You look
tired.” Summer sat in the chair across from him, her eyes full of compassion.

“It was a
long one. Did you know Miss Calvin?”

“Yes, she was
a fine woman. Too bad about her passing.”

“Her horse,
Jinky
,
was still in a pen out back, standing in deep mud.”

“Oh no! Were
you able to help her?”

“The hardest
part was getting her onto the trailer. Her feet are so tender she could hardly
walk. Jonas and I had to lift her hooves one by one to get her walking and onto
the trailer. Getting her back off and into a fresh stall was just as hard. Thank
God
,
Jonas is a big guy.”

Summer
nodded. “Jonas is a sweetheart. I’m so sorry about Jinky. Is she lame?”

“We’ll know
in a day or two. I’m going out there in the morning. Doesn’t anyone check the
barns for animals when a person dies?”

“Truthfully,
I never gave it much thought. I thought there was an agency that did all that.”
She gazed at him with concern.

It had been a long
while since someone was concerned about just him. Usually he was the one that
worried. It felt nice to have Summer here to share his day. Suddenly she
blushed and adverted her eyes. She must have realized she was staring at him.

“Jonas thinks
the world of you, Summer. He told me that most of the folks are in your corner.
It’s a few nasty ones that believe the sheriff.”

“
Really?
Thank you for
telling me. Jonas is one of a kind.” Her brief smile was sad.

“He said he
was battle scarred?”

Summer
nodded. “We weren’t sure he’d make it when he came home. Shrapnel I believe. He
won’t talk about it and I never wanted to make him uncomfortable. He has a
slight limp but to him it’s a huge limp. He refuses to believe otherwise.”

“So, you two
are good friends?” Somehow he hoped not, he wanted her for himself.

“I suppose.
He’d come into the bar and grill now and then. Always sat at the bar. I grew up
here, Holden. Carlston really is a great place. Sure we have the gossips but
there have been plenty of people that have helped me at one time or another.”

“Yet, you
were leaving town if you didn’t get the job here.”

Summer nodded
and sighed. “The sheriff
harass
ed
anyone that was offering to take me in.”

“That man
needs an attitude adjustment.”

“I’ll help,”
Luke volunteered, walking toward them.

“That’s very
noble
,
Luke, but I think it’s best to just stay out of Sheriff Brown’s way.” Summer smiled
at Luke. Her affection for him glowing in her blue eyes.

Luke smiled
and
Holden bet it was
being called noble that did it.
“Well if you guys will check on Matt before
you go to bed I’d appreciate it. I need my beauty sleep.”

“Sure, Summer
. G
ood
night.” Holden watched her climb the stairs. Her legs were long
and her rear swayed enticingly. He’d bide his time, for now but hell, he wanted
her.

*
*
*
*

Heading up to her room,
Summer didn’t quite
know what to think as far as Holden was concerned. The glint in his eyes pleased
her. Perhaps a little too much. It was a relief
 
Jonas and many of the town’s people didn’t
blame her for Paul’s death
, but s
he was
still
scared out of her wits. Brent meant what he said
and
h
e
’d be coming for her.
Maybe she should have told Holden but she was
half afraid that Holden would go after Brent and get hurt.

She quickly
put her nightgown on and shut off the light. She dragged the wooden chair to
the window that overlooked the front of the house. Drawing the heavy curtain
aside, she stared out into the darkness watching, waiting, and worrying.

She never
felt the way she felt about Holden before. He was in her heart and it was going
to hurt when it was all over. Would it be better to stay guarded with him or
would she regret never making love with him? He made her whole body sing and
she desperately wanted to just wrap her whole self around him. He’d awakened a
whole side of her she wasn’t familiar with. Of course she’d had sex before but
she instinctively knew that it would be so different with Holden. Her nipples
tightened and she crossed her arms over them
,
h
er
whole being
wistful.

Sleep didn’t
even enter her mind as she stared out the window. Brent was someone she thought
she knew
, but h
e had fooled
her
. She
’
d thought they shared a mutual affection when they broke up. There
were no hard feelings, their schedules didn’t mesh.
But, h
e used her and
like a fool
,
she didn’t even know.