reserved and full of pain. He remembered when it was raining she’d been
wearing a dress similar to the one she now wore. Instead of staying inside
she’d run outside dancing in the rain and mud. Her giggles had been infectious.
He remembered running with her getting dirty.
Her parents threw a fit, but hearing her laugh was worth it.
Where was that girl?
If he ever saw Derek he’d wrap his hands around his throat
and kill him. There were few things in this life that were precious. Heidi was
precious and deserved to be treated with care.
He didn’t care what he needed to do. From that day forward
he’d treat her with care and love. Holding onto her hand, Landon made a promise
to give her all the love she deserved. Before the year was over he’d have her
dancing in the rain without a care in the world.
The drive went by without another word. Heidi sat between
them staring out of the window.
Chapter Two
Gavin pulled up outside the ranch’s back door. Most of their
workers had already left. They’d told them early in the day to finish before
three that afternoon. Only a few men were left. They were currently climbing
behind the wheel of their trucks. Gavin gave them a wave then climbed out. He
watched as Landon helped Heidi from the truck. Her dress rode up, and he caught
a glimpse of her plain cotton panties. The quick glimpse was enough to get his
blood boiling. She should be in silk thongs. Her full ass looked good enough to
kiss and smack. Running a hand over his face, Gavin tried to gain control of
his raging hormones. It wouldn’t do for him to lose control.
“I can take it, Landon. You don’t have to lift it,” Heidi
said. He saw she was trying to wrestle her case from Landon.
“Heidi, come here,” Gavin said. She froze, turning toward
him. He saw the indecision on her face. Landon gave him a nod then walked into
the house.
She took several steps until she stood in front of him.
“Yes?”
He reached out stroking her cheek. “Let him take your case.
It’s important to him.” Dropping his hand, he took her hand in his then
escorted her inside. “Now, how about something to eat?” he asked.
“You don’t have to go to all that trouble.”
“I want to.” He placed her in the seat at the counter as
Landon rounded the corner.
“Her case is on the bed in the spare bedroom. All you need
to do is put away your clothes.” Landon took the seat next to her. “Let Gavin
cook. He’s a master in the kitchen.” He looked at him and winked.
Gavin chuckled. “I hear you love cooking as well?” He stared
at her waiting.
A flush bloomed in her cheeks. He saw the effect he was
having on her.
“I enjoy cooking.”
“I look forward to tasting what you have to offer.”
The flush grew deeper. He kept his gaze on her and only let
up when she bowed her head, looking down at the counter.
Walking away, he grabbed some sandwich fillings from the
fridge. He made their sandwiches while listening to Landon talk. Gavin noticed
she barely said a word. She muttered a response every once in a while but
nothing to understand the woman she’d become. The sun had set, and darkness was
in its place. He placed their plates in front of them and watched as they both
ate.
Heidi nibbled on her sandwich as Landon devoured his food.
Gavin ate while watching. He was concerned by how little she ate.
“Thank you for letting me stay with
you guys. I guess you’d want the house to yourselves. Hopefully, my place will
be finished very soon,” she said.
Glancing at Landon, Gavin saw the concern on the younger
man’s face.
“It’s no hardship having you here,” Gavin said, reassuring
her.
Once the food was finished, he followed Landon and Heidi up
the stairs. They showed her where she’d be sleeping, which was across the hall
from them. Landon wanted her close by. With every minute he spent in her
company, Gavin understood Landon’s concern. Her ex had really done a number on
her.
“If you need
David Sherman & Dan Cragg