Chapter Twelve

Carrying her suitcase, April followed Carrie down a hallway with doorways on either side. Tess pulled up the rear with her belongings. “Wow. How many bedrooms did you say there were?”

“Six, according to Brand,” Tess replied.

“Yep. One for each brother, then one for their parents. Although how they knew they were having five children when they built this place eons ago, I don’t have a clue.”

“Maybe they always planned on five?” April peeked into a room, found a large bed, a dresser and what appeared to be a bathroom along the front wall.

“I’m not sure. I do know there’s nearly ten years between Dusty and Evan. So either Evan was an oopsie or they tried and weren’t successful for quite a while.” Carrie paused in the middle of the hallway, her light footballs on the hardwood floor ceasing. “This first bedroom belongs to his parents. We keep it tidy and prepared in case they drop by without notice.” Walking backward like a museum tour guide, she pointed first to her left. “This is Archer’s room, where we sleep now. Directly across the hall is Brand’s room.”

Tess stepped forward and into the room. “Interesting.”

Carrie and April shared a knowing grin.

“Who are we going to kick out?” Tess asked, still eyeing the place where the next-to-oldest brother spent his nights.

“Colt and Evan both offered up their rooms.”

April frowned, wondering why Dusty hadn’t done the same. Then she recalled his bad dreams and realized that waking up in a strange place might make those nightmares worse, and thus he’d need more time to recover once he did wake up. Status quo sounded like the best bet for a man like Dusty, troubled with brutal memories of his time spent in the service.

“Colt’s room is on your left. Evan’s is one door down.”

“Which one is Dusty’s?” April hated to ask, but curiosity drove her to catch a glimpse of where the serious former SEAL grew up.

“This one.” Carrie gestured to her left.

April unashamedly looked in, found blue walls, a large bed with a bright quilt, a dresser and a small desk complete with an old wooden chair. Neat and well-arranged, the room seemed spacious despite being smaller than the front two bedrooms. She could imagine Dusty sitting at the desk, doing his homework, or perhaps lying across his bed, pondering the meaning of life.

Immediately she compared this room with his house back in Colorado. She hadn’t seen past the kitchen and main bathroom, but didn’t believe his bedroom now could stand up against his old one, not in organization, belongings or interior design. This had been his place of sleeping in his youth. Now, as a grown man, a retired warrior, he most likely preferred everything much more simple and plain. Maybe he just didn’t want to take the time to paint or spend his energy trying to fancy up the place. Or, deep down, he’d spent so many nights curled up on the ground that a ritzy room no longer felt comfortable.

“What’s wrong?” Tess asked as she halted beside April.

“I was just thinking.”

“About?” Carrie asked.

“How much Dusty’s changed since he left home.”

A pregnant pause filled the air before Carrie broke the silence. “So, Colt’s room or Evan’s?”

April frowned. “I hate to boot them out of their beds. Can’t I just sleep on the couch?”

Tess nodded. “Me too. You all are so kind to take April and me in, I can’t bear to be any more of a burden.”

Carrie waved her hand dismissively. “The guys volunteered. Besides, they’d no more let you girls sleep on the couch than they’d let a cow go without food during a snowstorm. Their mother raised them right, and years of her lectures actually stuck.”

“But—” April started to protest, only for her hostess to cut her off.

“If you try to sleep on the couch, don’t be surprised if one of the men comes along, scoops you up and delivers you to a bedroom.”

April’s heart fluttered. The thought of Dusty cradling her against his chest, nuzzling her cheek as he carried her up the stairs to his bedroom, then placing her in his bed sped her heart and made her stomach flip-flop. He would tuck her in and climb in beside her, spooning together with her under the covers as they drifted off to sleep.

A woman’s laughter broke through her thoughts. April blinked as Carrie chuckled.

“Oh, my. You’ve got it bad. Both of you.”

April looked at Tess, then they both grinned.

“Can’t help it if my imagination took a bunny path.” Tess cleared her throat and shrugged.

April concurred.

Carrie shook her head. “Okay. Just in case that plan fails, let’s consider where to stash your belongings.”

Both women strode forward, not stopping until they stepped into the last room. “Where will Evan sleep?”

“With one of his brothers or on the couch if he snores too loud. Knowing him and his playboy nature, I wouldn’t be surprised to find him trying to sneak in to sleep between you two.” Carrie grinned with genuine humor.

“I wouldn’t mind,” April replied honestly. “It’s his bed. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to do more than just sleep.”

“You might not mind, but I bet Dusty and Brand might not be as accommodating.” Carrie winked at them and started to retrace her last few steps. “The bathroom is directly across the hall. There’s another downstairs if you need it, as well as one in the master bedroom,” she rattled on, completing the tour in quick fashion.

Tess plopped her suitcase down inside their designated bedroom. “Do you want to shower first or second?”

April shrugged.

“You can both go at the same time. Tess, why don’t you use the hallway bathroom? April, follow me and I’ll take you to the master bath. That way you won’t have to wait.”

Twenty minutes later, April brushed out her hair, having already slipped on shorts and a T-shirt, the sleeping attire she normally wore in the summertime. The pink shorts were loose and comfortable along with the white shirt. Her hair dampened the top where tendrils dripped droplets onto the cotton material, but she didn’t care. The loose strands would dry soon enough and besides, who would actually see her travel from the bathroom to the end bedroom?

With one more stroke with the brush, she packed up her small bag, folded her dirty clothes into a neat pile and headed back to the bedroom. No sooner had she stepped from the doorway than she collided with a hard, unmoving body.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Strong arms reached out and steadied her.

She looked up to find Dusty staring at her as if she’d grown wings since the last time he’d seen her. His eyes raked her from head to toe before lingering on her wet shirt a second longer.

“Ummm. Hi.”

Dark brown eyes met hers. “Hi, yourself.”

The corners of his lips curled up in either amusement or quirkiness, she wasn’t sure which. Either way, her mouth went dry and her heart picked up the pace as he stared at her with a look rife with interest, longing and something resembling hot desire. Not that she had much experience in reading lust in a man’s eyes, but the appreciation she noted couldn’t be ignored.

“We’re sleeping in Evan’s room. Although I still think I should sleep on the couch so he can have his own bed.” The words slipped out as she tried to deal with a surge of heat owing nothing to the temperatures outside and everything to do with his proximity and the sparks in his eyes as he studied her.

“Evan won’t mind. He’ll bunk with Colt.” Dusty’s low baritone voice carried no farther than her ears, sending a thrill over her entire body.

They had spent hours together before, but in the process of chores or simply sharing a meal. Standing face to face in a hallway seemed definitely more intimate than they’d been before—barring that one kiss that still prompted her dreams, both during the day and at night. “You have a nice room.” She nearly groaned at the lame compliment. Her mind ceased to function normally as long as he stood there, arms hanging relaxed at his side, his short black hair ruffled from the breeze. Jeans covered his lower half while a button-down Western shirt covered the top. Tan arms stood out against the brightness of his clothing. She knew the color reached at least his waist from working outside without a shirt. Just another tidbit that added to the overall yumminess that made up Dusty.

“Thanks. I wouldn’t have minded you taking my bed.”

The offer didn’t surprise her as much as the exquisite tightening in her stomach. For a second she wondered if the sheets still carried his scent, but quickly decided that after so long and a few washings, they would smell like detergent instead of musk and horses, Dusty’s everyday cologne. “I wouldn’t kick you out of your bed. Heck, I still feel bad about burdening Evan to move.” She sighed. “Carrie wouldn’t hear of Tess and me taking the couches, but I might just do it anyway.”

He cupped her chin and lifted until her gaze met his. “My mother would jump on a plane, dash home and take a switch to my rear and the rest of my brothers if we let you ladies spend the night on the couch.” His grin was rife with promise. “Sleep where you like, but you’ll end up in a bed before the night is done.”

Butterflies took flight in her stomach. “Whose bed?”

Dusty’s smile widened to show teeth even as his eyes twinkled down at her. “Whose bed, indeed?” He traced his finger along her jaw line.

She swallowed and found herself sinking into the charm of a man she’d only known for a week. If he carried her off to his castle and kept her, she wouldn’t utter a single protest at that moment. She soaked up the rapt attention to the fullest before kicking her floundering brain into gear.

Footfalls announced someone trotting up the stairs. Dusty released her but didn’t move. April’s feet refused to budge as well.

Evan stepped into the hallway, spied her and grinned. “Hey, April. I hear you girls are stealing my bed for the night.”

“Yes. I’m sorry.” The words came out a bit more breathless than she’d intended. Dusty glanced down at her but remained mute.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll share with Colt.” He approached her, leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Besides, I’ll have the privilege of knowing two beautiful ladies not only slept in my bed, but dreamed of me too.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Dusty rolled his eyes and snorted, but his lips twitched just enough to give him away. He found his little brother entertaining, just wouldn’t own up to such a fact.

April jumped on board. “Oh, I’m sure Tess and I will have all kinds of dreams. Wonderful dreams. Filled with handsome men.”

“Naked men and women?” Evan asked excitedly.

Her face heated, yet she continued, unwilling to let the humor end. “Maybe…”

Dusty’s eyebrows shot up. “Erotic dreams?”

“You know about erotic dreams?” She turned the tables on Dusty.

His grin could only be called sinfully wicked.

Evan coughed loudly. “I think that’s my cue to leave.” Without another word, he turned and headed back down the stairs.

The mood faded quickly with Evan’s departure. Dusty shook his head and shifted his weight. “I better jump in the shower before Evan uses up all the hot water.”

“Okay.” She blew out a breath. “I know it’s late and everyone has an early morning.”

“Yeah.” He looked at her. “You should sleep in. I know you were already worn out from work when you came over earlier today. I’ll take care of the animals. Just use the opportunity to catch up on your sleep.”

“I needed to be there, to do what I could…”

His mouth opened and shut again.

Waiting patiently, April finally decided whatever Dusty intended to say would be forever a secret. “Thanks again. For bringing me along.”

“You bet.” He didn’t budge an inch.

Neither did she. “I guess I should go on to bed.”

“Okay.” Still he stayed put, staring at her as if trying to work out some unique puzzle.

“Goodnight, Dusty.”

“Goodnight, April.”

They remained in place for a bit longer before April forced her leaden feet to move. Brushing past Dusty, she went directly into Evan’s room, shut the door behind her and flopped down on the bed.

Tess blinked at her from a small recliner. “Problem?”

“Men.” April threw her arms over her head. “I don’t understand them.”

“Welcome to the club.” Tess walked over and sat next to her.

April propped herself up in a sitting position, tucking one leg under her. “Don’t you have to take a class in medical school about men and relationships or such?”

Tess chuckled. “I wish. The closest I ever got was sex ed back in high school.”

“I thought doctors knew everything,” April teased her roommate.

“Not even close.” Tess eyed her. “So, what’s up between you and Dusty?”

“I don’t have a clue. One kiss and that’s it. Since then he’s backed off, treated me like a stable hand or even a friend. Then tonight I run into him in the hallway and he looks at me like I’m a medium-rare steak and he’s a hungry wolf.” She picked at the quilt.

“Sounds like he runs hot and cold.”

“Yeah.”

“Probably still trying to decide what he wants. Maybe even fighting his feelings too.”

April considered Tess’ words and found them sound. Considering what Lois had told her about Dusty having no use for women besides carnal activities, April could see how he might be as confused as she was. “True. So, tell me about Brand.”

“Nothing to tell.” Tess focused on the window as if the world outside proved enthralling.

“Uh-huh. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Carrie noticed it too. He’s definitely interested.”

“Then he opens his mouth, grates on my nerves, and we bicker.” Tess sighed sadly. “I don’t know why we can’t get along. He’s really very sweet. Saved my small herd and insisted I stay here free of charge.”

“Foreplay.”

Tess turned and blinked. “What did you say?”

For the first time that evening, April truly smiled. “Foreplay. Seems to me he’d rather kiss you, but he’s not sure, so he ends up with ruffled feathers. You both do. Next time you start to berate him, kiss him instead.”

“That could be dangerous.” Tess tapped her lips.

“Like gasoline on a raging wildfire?”

“Oh yeah.” A slow grin appeared on Tess’ face. “I have a feeling that hunk of a man might carry enough explosives for the both of us.”

“Just let me know, and I’ll be sure to stand clear.” April giggled. She genuinely liked the eye doctor and couldn’t wait to see if love panned out between her and the tall, brown-haired brother who ran the ranch. “When you kiss him, I’ll bet sparks will fly all the way from here to the Colorado line.”

Tess chuckled. “We’ll see.”

They each slipped under the covers. April glanced out of the window and thought of her bedroom at home. Worry ate at her. “What will you do if your home is burned to the ground?” She quietly voiced the question.

Her roommate sighed. “The clinic I work for closed a couple of days ago, being much closer to the fire. I worry about it most.” She paused for a long minute. “I suppose if I lost everything, I’d search for a place to start over. Since I’m an employee of the clinic and not an owner, I have options. There’ll be other offices and even different homes.” Tess turned toward April. “Same as you, most likely. If your hospital takes a hit, you’ll find another place to work and live. Probably move, at least in the near future, then decide where you want to settle down once more and piece together your life.”

April didn’t want to move or piece her life back together. She’d finally found a quiet pool among churning white-peaked rapids and hoped to enjoy the relative tranquility for a long time to come. Dusty’s words came back to her. ‘It’s in God’s hands.’ With that sobering speck of hope, she drifted off to sleep.

* * * *

“Never seen the like. A fuzzy animal on stilts spitting in Brand’s face and all he does is cuss.” Colt lurched to the side, avoiding Brand’s attempt to smack his arm.

“Nasty tempered beast, I’ll agree. Glad he’s not mine.” Getting comfortable once more on the wide leather couch, Brand crossed one leg over the other.

Dusty stood at the entrance to the living room, listening. His lips curled up at the corners as the brothers continued to give Brand a hard time.

He’d just said goodnight to April upstairs—and stumbled over every word. He mentally shook his head as he recalled the memory. All he could say for himself was that her wet T-shirt and loose shorts had distracted him. Big time. He’d always seen her in jeans and summer shirts, never in such casual attire. The dampness had emphasized her modest breasts, minus a bra, and hinted at rose-colored nipples that had tempted him to taste. He’d been so close to kissing her again. Probably would have if Evan hadn’t come along.

Good thing he had, though.

As much as he enjoyed the sight of April, he couldn’t put all his eggs in her basket. Too many wounds from the past still hadn’t healed. To saddle her with those would be completely unfair.

Overall, his day had ended up pretty good despite the mad dash away from the quickly spreading flames. Worry still sat on his shoulders, but he didn’t lament. After all, he couldn’t do a damned thing about the wildfire. At least his brothers had opened their arms and home, taking him in and treating him as if nothing had happened. A blessing in all respects. That part shone brighter than the noonday sun. So spending the evening with some downtime, hanging out in the man cave, made for a perfect ending.

“Beaten by a llama. What’s the world coming to?” Evan asked.

“Llama stew, probably. Except he doesn’t want to get on the bad side of that perky little redhead.” Archer reclined back in his chair.

“She’s got some nice curves,” Colt offered up.

“And she’s a doctor too. Talk about a catch,” Evan replied.

Brand rolled his eyes. “I don’t care about her money.”

“Maybe not, but I saw how you looked at her today. It’s a miracle she didn’t go up in smoke from spontaneous combustion.” Archer grinned wickedly.

“I’m just doing her a favor. Besides, she’s a prickly little thing.” Brand took a drink of his beer.

“Uh-huh.” Dusty walked in, headed for the smaller love seat and plopped down. “I think she’s caught your eye, bro.”

“Just like that little blonde caught yours?” Evan asked.

Dusty kept his features carefully schooled. “April is just a boarder. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Four sets of eyes stared at him. He glared right back.

“That’s good to know. I’m thinking about asking her out.” Evan nodded slowly. “Nice body, pretty hair. Sweet-tempered. Yeah, I could get used to her sleeping in my bed.”

Possessiveness and protectiveness jumped to the fore. Dusty opened his mouth, then shut it again promptly. The gut reaction confused him. April wasn’t his girlfriend. A friend, yes. They’d found an easy companionship working at the stable. Still, that didn’t mean he’d set sights on her as a future bride. They had shared one kiss, a reckless impulsive act that he couldn’t quite understand and refused to dwell on. That didn’t a relationship make. Nor did that explain why he didn’t care for the idea of his younger brother asking her out. All he knew from the knee-jerk reaction was that he didn’t want another man to snatch her away. His rational mind argued he couldn’t have it both ways.

Maybe not, but that didn’t mean he would encourage his single brothers to sniff around April. She could make her own choices, certainly, but he didn’t have to like them.

“If I wasn’t married, I’d certainly consider April. That girl has a brain and isn’t afraid to get dirty.” Archer crossed his legs at the ankles.

“You’d never have to worry about her wandering off, unless it’s for another animal in need,” Colt added.

“Exactly.” Evan sipped his beer and nodded. “I’m definitely going to ask her out.”

Studying Evan, Dusty couldn’t decide if his younger brother was simply trying to yank his chain, prod him into opening up more about April, or if his interest proved sincere. Try as he might, he couldn’t picture Evan and April as a couple. Not with vet school right around the corner, the physical distance between their homes and a few years separating them in age. Certainly some obstacles, but that didn’t always ensure a quick end to any blossoming relationship.

The thought of April as a sister-in-law struck a sour chord.

Dusty bit his lip, sipped his beer and remained mute. As much as he reminded himself how many times he’d been screwed over in the past by the fairer sex, the flimsy excuse sounded weak to his own mind.

He’d been sitting on the fence for a while when it came to April. Now, he saw what he could lose if another man swept her away. A wave of possessiveness rushed over him.

April might have walked into his life unbidden, but she’d set down roots along the way. He wanted her, plain and simple. Despite all the past hard lessons in dealing with women.

Maybe April could be the exception to the rule.

The question is, am I willing to take that bet?