A Colorado Family Read online

  Cullen straddled the chair across from him and gazed out the window. “It does look good. I like the repairs I put in, a lot of painting and new fencing. All in all, the place looks good.”

  “And I want to pay you for my share,” Austin insisted.

  “Let’s get you in better shape first, and I’ll have you work it off. The kids that come here to ride would get a kick out of meeting you.” Cullen held up his hand. “I know—we’ll wait until you’re better.”

  Austin had to admit he was glad to be in his new home. “Not a bad place to recuperate.”

  “I guess if you get lonely, I can bring that trailer back here. I can see how you’d miss all that sparkle. The kids were all curious about that ‘sparkly’ house.”

  They both laughed, and then Cullen turned to face his twin. “Did I tell you I’m glad you’re home?”

  Austin could feel the emotions surfacing. “Yeah, you did. You know I’m not going to be here forever?”

  “Yeah. Yeah. You’re going back to bull riding. But I’d be happy if you’d use the ranch as your home base, and come back and visit your family, brothers and nephews.” A grin appeared on his face. “And I’m hoping in the not-too-far-off future, a niece or another nephew.”

  Austin studied his brother. “A baby. You and Shelby are pregnant?”

  Cullen shook his head. “No. We’re both busy with everything else right now, especially Shelby’s catering business and bakery. And my security business.”

  In the bedroom, Erin slipped on a fresh shirt she’d found in her bag, then straightened the room and started down the hall. She had a clean uniform at the center and time enough to grab some food on the way before her shift. She stopped, hearing men’s voices. Please, don’t let it be Jay Bridges.

  She put her bag next to the sofa, then turned the corner to the kitchen as she called Austin’s name.

  “Hey, Austin. I just wanted to let you know that I’m leaving.” She stopped, seeing the two brothers together. They might not be identical, but pretty close. “Oh, hi, Cullen.”

  “Hi, Erin.” He stood and hugged her. “Hey, how’s this guy treating you?”

  “Not bad. I just have to listen to a lot of complaining.”

  “I can’t help that. He was born that way.” Cullen started out of the room. “Well, I need to get back home to the family. Enjoy the lasagna.” He looked at her. “There’s plenty for two, Erin. Stay and eat.” He waved goodbye and left them.

  She turned back to Austin. “I should really go, too.”

  “No, please, Erin, stay,” he pleaded. “I hate to eat alone. Besides, I need to talk to you.”

  She was weak and relented. “Okay, only because it smells so good. I don’t have much time, so you sit there, and I’ll get the food.” She moved around the kitchen, gathering plates and flatware. Once at the table she sat down across from him and cut a section of the casserole for each of them. She couldn’t hold back a groan as she took a bite.

  Austin stuck his fork into his mouth, but he couldn’t taste anything. Damn if Erin wasn’t distracting him again.

  “What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked.

  “Well, I was thinking about all the time it takes you running back and forth from here, then home and to work. All that trouble has to exhaust you, especially since your apartment is on the other side of town.”

  With her nod, he went on to say, “The ranch isn’t that far from the convalescent center...”

  With fork in hand, Erin paused. “What are you trying to say?”

  “Well, it only makes sense, since you’re running back and forth so much... I don’t see why you can’t just move in here.”

  Chapter Four

  Later that night, Erin walked down the hall at the convalescent center. Everyone was sleeping soundly in her ward, or so she thought until she peeked into Hattie’s room. She heard the quiet sobs and went to see if she was in distress.

  The private room was dimly lit, and even with the patient’s personal items and pictures, it still looked like a hospital. But sweet Hattie’s Alzheimer’s disease made it impossible for her to live on her own. With her husband deceased and her three children unable to care for her any longer, she needed to stay here. It was sad to see someone who once had been so vital and active be confined to a room unless medicated, or have an attendant assist her, including to the bathroom.

  She walked to the side of the bed, the railing up to keep the slight woman from wandering off. She was crying. Erin immediately spoke her name, then placed a gentle hand on her back.

  “Hattie... What’s the matter?”

  The older woman raised her head to show the tears that filled her blue eyes. Her bony veined hand reached out and gripped Erin’s. “I want my Johnny. His last letter said he was coming home. He said the war was over, so we can get married now.”

  “Sshh...it’s okay, Hattie.” Erin knew that Hattie’s husband had been gone for over five years, but in her heart and world, he was still very much alive. “He will be here soon. You know all that red tape in the army. Johnny wouldn’t miss your wedding.”

  A sweet smile appeared on her lined face. Her eyes were bright with tears. “I can’t wait to be his wife.” She sighed. “And he looks so handsome in his uniform.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him,” Erin told her. “Do you want me to read his letter to you again?”

  “Yes, please. I would like that.” Hattie shifted against the pillows. “Johnny writes me the most wonderful letters.”

  Erin reached into the bedside table and took out a letter that Hattie’s children had given her. How wonderful that in this woman’s now-confused world, she remembered the love of her life.

  Erin couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever experience that kind of love. Once she thought she’d met the man of her dreams. She found that her husband’s love hadn’t been nearly as strong as she’d hoped. Over a year after his death, and she was still turned off men. Suddenly a picture of Austin Brannigan flashed in her head. Okay, maybe not all men.

  She pushed the thought aside as she opened the yellowed paper and was transformed back over sixty years as she began to read, “‘My dearest Hattie...’”

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING at nearly nine o’clock, Austin began to pace back and forth, and occasionally he looked out the window. Where was Erin? The session was to begin an hour ago. Had she decided not to come anymore since he’d suggested she move in here?

  He leaned against the counter in front of the kitchen window, his leg aching like the devil. He reached for his walker. He still hated using the damn thing. He hoped that with Erin’s help, soon he’d be walking on his own.

  “But she needs to be here.”

  So where was his therapist? He was about to call her cell again when he heard her van coming up the gravel road. Seconds later she came rushing in the door. She was dressed in her familiar tights, oversize shirt and tennis shoes, with that silly large bag tossed over her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I left work without my cell phone, and I was on my way back to get it when I got a flat tire. So I couldn’t even call you.”

  He felt relieved. “Did you get roadside service to change it for you?”

  She frowned at him. “Yeah, I’m roadside service. I’m just glad my spare had air in it.”

  Damn. He pictured her in all that traffic and didn’t like her taking those kinds of risks. “I’m glad you’re okay. I guess we don’t realize how great cell phones are until we really need them.”

  “No kidding.” She sighed. “I know we’re running late, but would you mind if I had a cup of tea before we start?”

  “Of course not. I think I’ll join you.”

  She nodded. “Good idea. You sit down and I’ll put on the water.”

 
She moved around the kitchen efficiently, filling the kettle, then turned on the burner to heat the water.

  She reached into the cupboard where there were several bottles of his pills. She found the one she wanted, then set it on the table. “Have you taken any pain meds this morning?”

  He shook his head at her not-so-subtle hint. “You know I don’t like how they make me feel.”

  “I’ve heard that argument a lot of times,” she acknowledged. “But because you are in pain, you don’t work to your full potential while doing the therapy. So just take it for the session.”

  She walked back to the table, causing her ponytail to swing from side to side. She looked so young and carefree, but the full curves said she was all woman.

  His attention switched to her small hands as she dropped the tea bags into the cups. He recalled the feeling of those strong fingers against his sore muscles.

  Her voice drew him back as she continued. “The pill is only effective for four hours. Weigh that against better results during therapy.”

  “What are you, a spokesman for the pharmaceutical company?”

  “Just your therapist. You hired me for my guidance and abilities, so use them.”

  “How do you know I wasn’t working hard?”

  “Because I can see you tense and grimace during your workouts.”

  “Dang, woman, you’re not going to let this go, are you?”

  “Not as long as you’re being so stubborn.” She opened the bottle, shook out one pill and placed it in front of him.

  The kettle whistled and she filled both their mugs, then sat down across from him again. She sent him a challenging look that caused a reaction he hadn’t felt in a long time. He glanced away, then tossed the pill into his mouth. He reached for the bottle of water and took a drink.

  She smiled. “Good. I like my men cooperative.” She brought the cup to her mouth and took a tentative sip.

  “It’s good that I’m still in that classification.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Are we feeling a little emasculated?”

  He looked away. “More like helpless.”

  “Considering the severity of your accident, you are a very lucky man. Not all are so fortunate, so don’t go feeling sorry for yourself, cowboy, or I’m walking out the door. And that’s another thing. One day, you will walk again. You might have a limp, but you’ll be able to stand on your own two legs. So stop with the pitiful act.”

  Her words stung. “We signed a contract.”

  “You forgot to read the fine print, Mr. Brannigan. I only work with patients who give one hundred percent.” Tears welled in her eyes. “You need to count your blessings. Not everyone gets a second chance. Excuse me.” She got up and left the room before he could speak.

  He heard the bathroom door close. Oh, boy. He needed to learn when to keep his mouth shut, or he was going to lose this woman. He just realized he’d be losing more than a therapist.

  * * *

  ERIN LOOKED AT herself in the bathroom mirror. What was wrong with her, acting like a fool with Austin? She couldn’t even blame it on last night with Hattie or the flat tire this morning. The problem was she needed to do a better job of handling her reaction to the man. That meant to think of him only as her client, a client who was paying her very well so she could have her dream.

  She splashed cold water on her face, washing away any makeup left, but she wasn’t going to take the time to reapply it. Good—a billion freckles should scare him off.

  There was a soft knock on the door. “Erin...is everything okay?”

  She released a long breath and opened the door to find Austin standing there with his walker.

  “First, I need to apologize,” she said. “I acted very unprofessional. I could say I had a rough night and morning, but that’s still no excuse.” She stole a glance at the too-sexy cowboy. “Truth is, Austin, I won’t coddle my clients. If you want a babysitter, then I’m not the person for the job. I’m the person who’s going to work you hard in every session. It’s what your doctor ordered for your recovery. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy when you started. So if we’re not on the same page, I’ll tear up our contract and leave.”

  “Damn, woman. You’re tough.” He grinned. “I like that, but that doesn’t mean I won’t complain. Hell, I’m paying you enough I should be able to bellyache now and then. So unless you need to yell at me some more, let’s get started.”

  She felt relieved. “No, I don’t want to yell right this minute, but I’ll let you know. Come on—time to get to work.” She walked out into the hall, then into the therapy room and waited until Austin got to the weight bench. She set the walker aside, then knelt down to remove the cast. She pulled down the protective sock and examined the wide, puckered scar.

  “The incision has healed nicely.”

  “Still off-putting, especially to women.”

  Was he thinking about the women he wanted sex with? Of course, he was young and healthy, and had been without a woman for a while. She didn’t doubt that was a long time for the handsome bull rider. That made her think about her own sorry sex life. It had been nonexistent for years. Now all she needed to think about was a baby. Her baby.

  She looked at Austin. “Some people might be, but if they care about you it shouldn’t matter.” She shrugged. “As a woman...it wouldn’t bother me, that is...if I cared about the man.” She glanced away when his gaze got too intense. “I mean, my husband had taken shrapnel in his leg, and it tore both the calf and thigh muscles.” She quickly changed the subject back to him. “You’ve lost some muscle, so it will look a little different than your other leg. And since you live in boots and jeans, I don’t see the problem.”

  That was enough questions. She stood, tied her shirttails into a knot at her waist. “We should get started while your meds are working.”

  The next hour passed quickly as she had him work with leg weights, then moved on to resistance training. He grunted and groaned as he did the up-and-down motions she instructed him to do.

  Finally, she called a halt to the exercise and handed him an ice pack to put on his leg. “Since you worked so hard, I have a treat for you.” She raised her hand. “Take off your shirt. I’ll be right back.”

  Austin did as she’d instructed. What kind of torture was she about to think up now?

  He didn’t have to wait long. She returned carrying a folded table with a handle. She set it down on the floor, then pulled open the legs and sat it up. “This should help release some tension in your neck and shoulders.”

  She left, then returned with a sheet and towels. “How do you feel about a massage?” She spread a sheet on the table.

  “I think I can be convinced.” He got up on his good leg, and with two hops he was on the table, lying facedown. He laid his head on his folded arms.

  She arranged the ice pack under his injured calf, and then she began to work her magic. First he felt the oil dribble on his back, then her hands. Oh, God. Her hands. He groaned as she moved those incredible fingers over his tight muscles. He tried to will himself to relax, but his body wouldn’t cooperate.

  “Okay, I’m begging you, never stop what you’re doing.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Just part of the service when you work hard.” He could hear the humor in her voice. “And you gave me a lot of effort today.”

  He felt her fingers move across his shoulders, down his back, then his spine. He shivered as those fingers dug into his waist. Whoa, what kind of magic was she working?

  “How does that feel?”

  “Heavenly.”

  Her hands continued their journey over his gym shorts to his thighs. Okay, his relaxation just turned to stimulation as her fingers dug into his muscles at the tops of his thighs, then slowly worked their way down to his knees. It was pure agony and getting even more
uncomfortable, possibly embarrassing.

  All at once, she stopped, then placed a warm blanket over him. “Rest. I’ll be back in ten minutes.” She left the room, leaving him aroused and aching. He turned his thoughts to all the different ways he could return the favor.

  * * *

  LATER THAT DAY Austin wandered around the quiet house. He’d managed to convince Erin to stay and nap in the back bedroom. He knew she’d had a rough shift the night before, and he wanted her to get as much sleep as possible.

  He sat down on the sofa and began surfing the channels on the flat-screen television. He needed to forget about the woman tucked into bed at the end of the hall. This time she hadn’t borrowed one of his T-shirts. Did that mean she wasn’t wearing anything?

  He groaned and began punching the remote once again, needing to forget the auburn-haired therapist. Just hours ago, that same woman used her magical hands to drive him crazy. His body stirred with the memory.

  Finally he gave up and tossed the remote on the coffee table. He made his way to the kitchen table and began going through the papers Jay left the other day. His manager was right. They were boring tax papers, along with his 401(k) reinvestment release.

  At the bottom of the stack, he found a recent bank statement with a note attached from his accountant, wanting him to okay payment of some sort of hospital bill.

  Austin usually went through the financials every month, but since the accident he hadn’t had the chance. Even though he trusted everyone who worked for him, he still needed to be alert about where his money was going. Most of his endorsement funds were put in savings and stocks. He wasn’t foolish enough to leave everything in his one account. His attention was drawn to the bank’s monthly electronic transfers, his utilities and upkeep on his condo in Denver.

  Someday he’d hoped for a few acres with a house and barn so he could have a couple of horses. And now since his stepmother’s passing, he owned part of this large ranch. He found he liked it here. Like Cullen had suggested, maybe this place could be a home base while he was on the circuit.