Chapter Fifteen

Dusty pulled into the gravel driveway, drove over to the old barn and parked his truck. After sliding out of his seat, he collected Ben, sat him on the ground, then shut the door. Automatically checking out his surroundings, he made his way to the front porch and plopped down on the top step. Ben trotted over and sat between his legs.

He looked out over the land, noted the horses grazing contentedly, the blue skies, the light breeze. The pristine ranch spoke of a caring hand and oversight attentive to detail. The same as he remembered growing up. Unlike then, the family farm didn’t offer contentment.

Needing to get away for a while, he’d spent most of the day hiking the trails of the local nature reserve in an effort to dispel the restlessness he’d woken up with that morning. The forest surroundings had offered up a few answers, though nothing groundbreaking. He’d missed his brothers and intended to take the opportunity to grow close once again, to catch up and be part of the family once more. Never again would he let simple pride cause a chasm between them. Yet at the same time, he’d realized he could never return to the ranch and live full-time. No way. Too many things had changed. He’d changed. And this was no longer his home.

Nightmares plagued him from time to time. Those wouldn’t go away any time soon, if ever. He found comfort in his somewhat isolated stable and surrounding land. People rarely visited and those who did didn’t stay long. His animals provided an income as well as companionship. They would be part of his days come hell or high water.

Ben whined as if sensing his owner’s inner turmoil.

Dusty reached down to scratch the dog’s head as he stared at his longtime companion. The gray hairs on Ben’s muzzle told the story. Time had passed and he was no longer a pup anymore.

Looking up, his gaze landed on April, still working with the horses in the center pasture. Her dark blonde ponytail swayed with each step as she moved around the large animals with easy familiarity, brushing and petting each one, even taking the time to check their hooves for stones or mud. She didn’t have any makeup on and, quite honestly, didn’t need any. A healthy glow and natural radiance showed on her supple skin while those big blue eyes completed the pretty package. As he watched, she wiped a trickle of sweat from her forehead using the pulled up hem of her white T-shirt. Dampness showed through the upper section, a testament to perspiration in the summer heat.

His stomach flip-flopped as his libido sat up and took interest.

The squeak of the front door snared his attention. Dusty didn’t bother to turn around, figuring whomever stepped onto the porch would make themselves known soon enough. The strong footfalls of boots clued him in at least to the gender of his visitor.

Archer started down the steps, stopped, then sat down next to Dusty, his legs stretched out in front of him. For a few beats he mirrored Dusty, just raking the horizon with his eyes. “Got something on your mind?”

Dusty bent one leg up. No sense in lying or avoiding answering. Archer had inherited their father’s penchant for making people talk. He’d needle someone until they finally grew frustrated enough to blurt out the answers. That quality made him a top-notch lawyer and a pretty decent brother. “Not particularly. Just restless.”

“Have anything to do with your three a.m. walk around the property?” Archer arched an eyebrow.

A little surprised at being caught, Dusty met Archer’s gaze. “Hell, you should have been a SEAL. Got the instincts and sharpened senses of one.”

“How do you think I snuck out so many times and never got caught as a teen?” A ghost of a grin appeared on Archer’s lips.

Dusty grunted in answer.

Archer locked his fingers together and rested them on his lap. “I didn’t expect you to come home from hell and not carry more than a few scars.”

Dusty tensed. He couldn’t help it. Those secrets remained too personal, even for his brother. “Yeah.”

“No need to hide all that from those who care about you.” When Dusty remained mute, Archer studied him for a moment before turning his attention back to the field. “She’s a damn hard worker. Carrie said April even insisted on footing the bill for part of the groceries today.”

That fact didn’t surprise Dusty in the least. April never seemed to expect or want handouts. She pulled her own weight and then some. Dusty considered her past. “She’s had a hard time. A former boyfriend hit her. She’s leery of men.”

Archer’s jaw ticked before he blew out a long breath. “She’s like her filly. A survivor. I bet she’d respond to a man’s gentle touch just like that filly responds to yours.”

I’m afraid to find out. Dusty bit back the truth. After his last fiascos, he hesitated in setting his future on another woman. The last two situations had been bad enough. A third might break him for all time. Hell of a time for a SEAL to hesitate due to fear. He snorted at himself. “I’ve got issues.”

“We all do, bro,” Archer affirmed softly. “From what I’ve seen that girl means something to you or you wouldn’t have brought her along. If she gives you peace and happiness then don’t let her slip through your fingers. God knows you’ve had little enough of those things recently.”

April brought him companionship. But happiness? Peace? He couldn’t quite say. The world appeared a bit brighter and less gray with her around. She didn’t gab all the time, make demands or get in the way. Instead she simply shared his space, easing a little of his burdens in doing so. Her curves and sweet smile lashed his arousal while her upbeat personality had put a smile on his face more times than he could count. Yes, he cared for her or she wouldn’t be here now. Was caring enough to take that chance and place all his bets on April? “I’m not sure.”

As if sensing the topic of conversation, April chose that moment to glance up. She met Dusty’s eyes and smiled.

His breath caught.

She tossed the brush into a bucket, patted the chestnut gelding on the rump, then picked up the bucket and started his way.

“Don’t take too long figuring it out. The brothers have already put their bids in,” Archer cautioned.

Dusty frowned. “They’ll have to get in line.”

“That’s what I’d hoped you’d say.” He turned his focus to April. “There’s a barn dance Friday night. You might consider asking her to it.” Archer stood up and smiled at April. “Seems to me all that work polishing their hides will be for naught when they start rolling in the dirt again in a couple of hours.”

April grinned back. “Probably. At least they were shiny and pretty for a little bit.”

“True.” Archer inclined his head. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if there’s any of Carrie’s cherry pie left.” He disappeared back inside the house, leaving the two of them alone.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Dusty watched as April fussed with a stray strand of hair that had fallen out of the ponytail and blew across her face. “Thanks for taking the time to groom them.”

“No problem. It helps fill in the hours and keeps me busy. You know what they say about idle hands.” She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, drawing his attention to her feet still encased in those damn running shoes.

No time like the present. “Want to go out for ice cream?”

April’s eyes widened. “Won’t we get in trouble for ruining our supper?”

Dusty smirked. “I won’t tell if you don’t. Besides, Archer is pigging out on dessert as we speak. If he can do it, we can too.”

“Ice cream sounds heavenly.”

Dusty stood up and brushed off the seat of his pants. “Then let’s go.” He took the bucket from April’s hands, placed it on the front porch and gestured for Ben to follow.

April glanced from the dog back to Dusty.

He shrugged. “Ben loves vanilla.”

April chuckled. “Then, by all means, he should get his treat as well.”

Dusty stopped at the truck, loaded Ben inside, waited for April to get settled, shut her door then went around to the driver’s side. He snapped his seatbelt and took a second to peer over at April. Despite being windblown and sweaty, she’d never looked more beautiful.

Maybe Archer had a point after all.

With that thought, Dusty cranked the engine and drove down the driveway.

* * * *

“You’re dripping.” Dusty watched as a line of vanilla ice cream made its way over the edge and continued on a path straight to her hand.

“Ack!” April licked at the leak in an attempt to stem the tide. She was only marginally successful.

At their feet, Ben licked up the last bit of vanilla ice cream from the Styrofoam bowl. He hadn’t waited for his to melt. Instead he’d dove into it and eaten with gusto.

Dusty lifted another spoonful of his sundae and placed it into his mouth while focusing on April. The way she lapped at her treat made his cock sit up and take notice. He could almost picture her doing the same to him. Sliding those full, rosy lips over his tip, then flicking that cute pink tongue all over his aching dick.

He bit back a groan and shoveled in another bite in an attempt to cool off his quickly heating blood. As tasty as the frozen dessert was, it did nothing to quell his rapidly developing hard-on.

Ice cream might have been a bad idea.

His libido disagreed as he watched her attack the cone with enthusiasm.

The shaded patio offered protection from the sun as well as more moderate temperatures. It was still hot enough to melt their treats, but not totally uncomfortable. With Ben along, they’d had two options—either take up temporary residence on the patio or eat in the truck. The decision had been unanimous in favor of keeping his truck fairly clean and the interior free of sticky residue. Ben had even participated in the vote with a quick bark.

“This really hits the spot. Thank you.” April collected a couple more napkins and wrapped them around the cone portion.

“You’re welcome. It seemed like a good day for ice cream.”

“Any day is a good day for ice cream.” April grinned happily.

He smiled softly in return. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d sat outside an ice cream shop, eating and chatting with a woman. Most of the women he’d dated wouldn’t have come within a mile of this place, citing the need to stay on a strict diet in order to keep their perfect figures. He found April refreshingly different. “How’s your stay so far?”

She glanced his direction. “Wonderful. It’s like a vacation with the Waltons.”

He snorted and took another mouthful.

“Really, your family is so sweet, taking Tess and me in. They’ve been nothing but gracious.”

He heard the respect in her voice. “I’m glad.”

“The question is, are you enjoying being back?” She met his gaze.

“Yeah. For the most part.” He debated how much to add. “It’s just odd going from being alone for so long to being dropped into the middle of a busy household. Takes some getting used to.”

“I can see that. With four ornery brothers, I’m sure that takes a bit of adjustment. Not to mention the lack of privacy.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Privacy? What’s that?”

April laughed. “That’s about right.” She swallowed another bite of her treat. “Must have been a bit challenging growing up. Not like you could hole up in the bathroom for some alone time.”

Dusty grinned. Talk about an understatement.

She tilted her head as mischief sparked in her eyes. “Bet you were popular in school. Girls chasing after you all the time…”

He shrugged. “I had my fair share.”

“Had?” She blinked at him.

Continuing to eat, he playfully peered up at her now and again before flashing a wide grin.

April rolled her eyes. “I don’t even want to go there. Details might send me into hiding for a day or three.”

“Or, at the very least, turn your cute cheeks scarlet.” As he spoke the words, a bright pink blush appeared on her face. “Just like that.” He found the coloring added to her beauty.

“Oh, good grief.” April peeked down at the ground. “Ben? Think you could help a girl out?”

The dog stared up at her, eyed her cone and wagged his tail.

April shook her head. “Can he have the rest?”

Dusty nodded.

“Here you go then.” She fed him the last bit.

Dusty heard Ben crunch a couple of times then lick his chops. Not a bad day for the old guy.

His phone binged. Plucking it from his belt, he scanned the text message. “Well, hell.”

“What is it?” April’s face conveyed worry and restrained fear.

He wanted to kick himself for causing such fright, especially knowing they both waited eagerly for word about their homes. “Brand just sent me a message. Severe storms are moving in fast. We need to get home and get the horses inside before they arrive.”

“Oh.” April gathered up their trash, dropping it into a nearby wastebasket. “We better hurry then.”

After digging out his keys, he called to Ben and strode quickly to the truck. Lifting Ben with ease, he deposited the dog inside then slid into the driver’s seat. Plans quickly clicked into place, lining up tasks that needed to be done before the storms hit. He cranked the engine and started off.

“The old barn will have to do. There’s not enough stalls for all the horses, but if we leave a couple of the geldings to roam inside, we’ll make it.”

“What about the alpacas?”

Dusty turned on the highway and hit the gas. “Brand will see to them. They’re small enough to fit comfortably in the foaling shed in their paddock.” He ran details through his mind. “We’ll have to put straw down in the stalls. Right now it’s just dirt. The feed is in the feed room. There’s a gate that can be shut to keep the geldings out of the hay that’s stored at the back of the barn.”

“Okay. So what’s the plan? Straw first, then gather horses?”

Dusty checked the horizon, noting the darkening skies to the north. “If time allows. If it doesn’t, we’ll focus on the horses first. Last thing we need is for one of them to get struck by lightning.”

He glimpsed April pale out of the corner of his eye. He understood completely. With any chance of storms, he made sure the horses were inside and under cover. His family had lost a few head of cattle over the years due to lightning. Never a good situation.

Reaching over, he took her hand in his. “Don’t worry. We’ll make it.”

Twenty minutes later, he wasn’t so sure.

Wind whipped dust, leaves and plants around like tumbleweeds. One look at the sky made up his mind—bring in the horses first. Straw could wait.

They’d pulled in the driveway to find the brothers and Tess corralling the small stock into the foaling barn. Dusty knew as soon as that task was done they’d chip in with the horses. Until then, he had to gather up lead ropes and catch the nervous animals.

April hurried to the barn alongside him, grabbed a handful of lead ropes, then trotted to the nearest pasture. He made a quick pit stop in order to put Ben in the house to keep him out of the way. Never would he take a chance of Ben being kicked or trampled by scared horses. The dog might not appreciate the separation, but it was for his own good.

Horses whinnied loudly. Some stood at the gate, more than ready to come in. Others sprinted across the pasture as if trying to outrun the threat.

“Get Miracle and Mischief. I’ll grab the stud. Mares and foals to follow.” He had to yell to make sure she’d hear him over the deafening wind.

She waved at him, made a beeline for the middle pasture, collected her two pets and led them through the gate. Another gelding stuck so close to Miracle that she couldn’t separate the two. Dusty watched her take out another lead, snap it onto Turnip’s halter, and take him along with them.

With a nod of approval, he whistled for Rule. The stallion galloped from the far end of his pasture and slid to a halt right in front of him. “Good boy.” Dusty attached the lead, opened the gate and jogged in with the stallion.

By the time he had Rule in a back stall, April had gone out again. He hurried to catch up, noting his brothers in the paddock with the mares. Frightened foals stuck close to their mothers, especially when a booming roll of thunder shook the earth.

“Shit.”

Dusty dashed through the gate Evan held open. He tossed a couple of leads over to his brothers. “Mares with foals first.” He didn’t have to tell them as they already had the right idea. Still, he needed to make sure the foals didn’t panic and bolt away from their mothers.

He didn’t wait to see if they heard, too busy trying to catch his black filly, Hailey. Her eyes showed white as another rumble of thunder rocked the land. “Come on, sweetheart. The sooner you let me catch you, the sooner you’re safe in the barn.” A couple of near catches had her dancing away. Finally he managed to snag her as she crowded in with another of the mares.

He turned to find Archer leading Bobbie in. “Here. Take this one too. I’ll start on the geldings.”

Archer nodded, snagged the rope and tugged. Dusty had to give Hailey a firm shove to get her going. As soon as they cleared the gate, Dusty turned his attention to the final pasture.

Brand and Tess left the foaling area and started his way. He waved them off. They only had a handful of horses left to go and fat raindrops had started to fall. Cole passed him by with two of the geldings, leaving three remaining.

Evan manned the gate.

April had managed to catch the three horses in the pasture. She waited for Dusty to approach and handed the first two off. “Take them. I’ll follow with Dodger. He’s wound to the hilt.”

Dusty started to protest but a bolt of lightning across the sky startled him into motion. As quickly as possible, he moved the horses out of the pasture. He paused a second at the gate. “Go on inside, Evan. We’ve got the rest. Take Archer and Cole with you.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Just go.”

Dusty watched Evan sprint to the house, getting only marginally wet with the sprinkles, then entered the barn. With all the stalls filled, he settled for tying the geldings to the gate at the back of the barn until he could get Dodger in, shut the door, and set them free to roam. The last thing he wanted to do was take a chance on one of them panicking, dashing back outside and leading them on a merry chase through the nasty forces of nature.

Double-checking the ties on each of the horses, he nodded in satisfaction. They would hold. For now. He swung around, expecting to see April. She wasn’t there.

Worry crept up his spine. He ran to the entrance and came to a stop at the sight before him. April had managed to get just outside the gate with Dodger before the horse balked. She tugged, then scrambled to tighten the lead, forcing the horse to run in a circle around her instead of dash off to who knew where. A couple of seconds later she grasped his halter with her right hand, the lead still in her left.

Rain began to pour in earnest.

Another bolt of lightning raced through the dark sky, this time hitting the ground a distance away.

Dodger reared.

April held on tight, was lifted off her feet for a second.

A lump lodged in Dusty’s throat. He battled with the need to race to her side, knowing that sudden movements would send Dodger right over the edge. Instead he moved stealthily, quickly, with as little excess motion as possible, speaking soothingly to the frightened animal. “Easy, Dodger. We’re almost there. If you’ll just chill long enough to give us a chance.”

The horse’s ears flickered his direction before Dodger pinned them against his head once again.

Dusty moved closer, slowly reaching for the halter on the opposite side of April. “That’s it.”

Dodger threw himself into reverse. Dusty snagged the halter and dug in. He caught April doing the same thing out of the corner of his eye.

With one strong tug, Dusty encouraged the horse to move forward. “Let’s go already.”

Thunder boomed. Dodger darted ahead, nearly dragging them along in his effort to get inside.

The second they were in the clear, Dusty shut the large barn doors. “Let him go.” He walked over to the other two geldings and released them from the lead ropes, leaving their halters on for easy catching.

With that small chore done, he turned his full attention on April. “Are you okay? I was sure he’d tear your arm out of socket when he reared like that.”

April waved her hand. “I’m fine.” She sounded out of breath. Understandable considering what she’d just been through. “I knew I couldn’t let him go. He’d take off to parts unknown. The only option was to hang on.”

Dusty approached her, reached out and touched her shoulder. She was soaked and water dripped from her hair. They’d both been drenched before they could get Dodger inside.

He prodded her arm and moved it in a circular motion. If the movement hurt, she didn’t let on. Thank God. He blew out the breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. “You’ll be sore tomorrow.”

She shrugged. “I’ll be fine.” A gust of rain-cooled air blew in from the windows.

April shivered.

He cussed to himself, spun around, strode to the stack of hay in the back and returned with an old stable blanket. “It’s not much, but it’ll ward off the cold until we can get you to the house.”

April smiled softly as he wrapped it around her shoulders. “Thank you.”

“Come on.” He tossed a bale of straw onto the floor. “Have a seat for a minute.”

She walked over and settled down on the makeshift bench. He turned her so she faced the window and climbed on behind her. Wrapping her in his arms, he pulled her snugly against his chest. Being just as wet as she, he didn’t have as much body heat to share. Still, he couldn’t resist the urge to try.

She sighed and leaned into him. “This is nice.”

He nuzzled her nape and chuckled. “Sitting on a hard block of straw, dripping wet, while the heavens unload?”

She twisted to peer at him. “Yep. Because you’re here.”

He stared at her for a long moment. Gradually he leaned in, brushing his lips over hers.

The second he made contact she responded. Sweetly. Beautifully.

Dusty opened his mouth, licked the seam, then darted his tongue inside on her gasp. She tasted of vanilla and sunshine—an addictive combination. Over and over again he sampled her unique flavor.

Just as she turned to meet him head on, his phone rang. The sound startled April, as she jumped.

Dusty answered gruffly, “Yeah?”

“Just wondering if you two are coming in.” Archer’s amused voice carried to his ear easily despite the storm raging outside.

“When the rain slacks. Probably after evening chores, too.” Dusty kept one arm around April, smiling as she snuggled into his chest.

“Need some help?”

“Nope.”

“Thought so.” Archer chuckled. “Guess we’ll see you two later.” He clicked off.

Dusty lowered his phone to the bale of straw and enveloped April with that arm.

“Let me guess. They’re checking on us.”

“Oh yeah.” He nuzzled her nape, noting the silky skin starting to warm. “Will you go with me to the barn dance on Friday?” He hadn’t been sure he wanted to attend. Now the idea sounded promising.

“I’d like that.” She smiled up at him.

He grinned in return. “Good.”

April looked out the window again. “Think it’s raining like this at home?”

“It’s coming out of the north, so no. At least not yet.” He inhaled the scent of lavender from her hair.

“Too bad. We could use this.” She rubbed her cheek against his. “But I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”

“Me either.”

He kissed her again, in no hurry to finish the chores and return to the house. She felt too damn good in his arms to let her go now.

A horse nudged him in the back. Hard.

Dusty groaned.

April giggled. “I think he’s trying to tell you something.”

“Probably.” Dusty shoved at the muzzle only for it to immediately return. “No rest for the weary, I guess.” He released April and helped her to her feet.

“I thought that was no rest for the wicked. At least in your case.” She grinned slyly at him.

“You haven’t seen wicked yet, lady.” He caught her before she sprinted off, lifted her, then lowered her enough to seal his lips over hers. Dusty plundered, not letting her down until they both needed to come up for air.

“Wow.”

“Yeah.” He drew in a deep breath and ignored the aching in his groin. The barn wasn’t the place to start stripping down. Not with three nosy horses ready to not only witness, but nip if they didn’t get their supper soon.

April shed her blanket, leaving him with a clear view of clothing plastered to her body. Curves caught his eye as did her small, perky breasts with pebbled nipples.

Damn.

Later. Much later. He’d pick up where he’d left off. Come hell or high water.