Her Rocky Mountain Protector Page 5

  When she heard his sigh, she realized how close he was standing to her. “About half this,” he told her. “I can barely move around as it is. “I’m going to throw out two of the sofas.”

  She set the basket down on the table. “Which two?”

  He pointed out the two worst of the three. “I’ll take them,” she told him.

  “You’re kidding?”

  “No. They’re older, but the frames look to be in great shape. I can reupholster them and sell them in the shop.”

  “They’re yours,” he assured her.

  Gina examined all the different antique pieces that interested her. He told her no when she asked about the Hoosier cabinet. She’d expected that, but she got a nice sideboard and two end tables to sell on consignment. And he just gave her the old rocking chair.

  “Is there more?”

  He arched a brow, and she caught a gleam in those dark brown eyes. Then a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and there was a strange feeling in her stomach.

  “Show me?” Her voice was a little throaty.

  He didn’t say a word as he walked to the doorway leading to another room. She followed tentatively as he opened the door and she stepped through into the next room.

  She immediately saw the huge bed that took up most of the limited space. She got closer to the metal frame to see that it was brass, heavily tarnished, but definitely brass. “Oh, my. This is quite something.”

  “Oh, yeah, it is,” Grady agreed. “And my grandfather was very proud of this bed.”

  “I take it he had it for years.”

  He nodded. “Ever since I can remember. And I spent a lot of summers here as a kid. Fletch was so proud that he bought it with one of his first gold strikes.”

  Gina walked around to the other side. “Of course he wouldn’t want to sell it?”

  He shrugged. “It does take up a lot of room, but probably not.”

  She glanced around. Like the other space the room was crowded with furniture. “There would be more room to move around if you removed one of these armoires.” She went to one cabinet and examined the hand-carved detail on the doors. “This is a lovely piece. I’m not an expert, but I could have an appraiser look at it.”

  He hesitated, so Gina moved on to the other cabinet. “This one is nice, too. Not as well made, but I could sell it for you if you want.”

  This was the last thing Grady thought he’d be doing today. When Gina Williams showed up on his doorstep, he didn’t think they’d end up in his bedroom. Whoa, don’t go there.

  “Grady?”

  He shook off the thoughts. “Sure, I’ll check with my grandfather and get back to you. Just leave me the bed and something to put clothes in. Right now my focus is working on the outside.”

  “Well, I should let you get back to it. I’ll go.”

  She turned to leave and Grady reached for her arm. Then hearing her gasp, realized his mistake. He also saw the panicked look in her eyes and released her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “It’s okay. I’m still a little jumpy.”

  “No, I had no right to grab you like that. Look, you don’t have to leave. It’s just my frustration with all this stuff in the cabin. Hell, I don’t know what to do with fifty years of junk around here. I wouldn’t know an antique if it bit me.”

  “Are you trying to get ready to sell this place?”

  He shook his head. “No, but my grandfather can’t continue to live like this if he wants to come back here. I’m training dogs, and since I’m staying here longer than planned, I need to build temporary kennels.

  “First, I need to clear an area outside. A guy is coming Monday to haul off all the things in the front yard. So the inside of the cabin isn’t a top priority.”

  She smiled. “You’re going to train more dogs for a living.”

  He wanted to make a living at something he enjoyed, and that was working with dogs. “Since I’m retired from the army, I need to do something. Of course, Grandpa Fletch could be a handful.” He couldn’t abandon the old man who had always been there for him.

  “Sounds like a interesting man.”

  “He has his moments. I’ll ask him about the furniture the next visit, because I can’t concentrate on the cabin until then.” This bedroom was getting smaller by the minute. Her scent drifted in his direction, reminding him of the things he’d lost, that he’d chosen to walk away from.

  She followed him back into the main room. “Then we’re out of your hair.”

  She headed for the door, then paused and turned back to him with those sparkling green eyes. “I have an idea. How about if when you get the okay from your grandfather, I’ll handle organizing the inside of the cabin for you?” She walked back to him so he got the full effect of her beauty. Her flawless skin and perfect mouth. All that thick brown hair brushing her shoulders made his hands itch to touch it.

  “There’s no need for you to do that.”

  “I know, but you rescued my son. There’s no way I can repay you for that. Please, let me help you.”

  He’d pretty much been a loner since his marriage had ended. His choice. And this woman wasn’t helping his solitude. “Do you have someone to help you cart off this stuff?”

  She nodded. “There’s a man who works for my brother-in-law. He does pickups and deliveries for me, too.”

  He sighed. “Okay, let me check with Fletch and I’ll get back to you.”

  Just then Zack came rushing inside. “Boy, Grady, your dog is really smart.”

  Grady wasn’t used to having kids around. “He’s been well trained.”

  “By you?”

  “No, I’m not his first handler. A soldier named Vince Richards worked with him while in Afghanistan.”

  “Why do you have him?”

  Grady shot a glance at Gina, then said, “Because Scout is retired and I adopted him. I’ve also adopted two more military dogs. They should arrive next week.”

  The boy’s eyes widened. “Wow. I wish I could have a dog like Scout. Mom said I could get a puppy.”

  Grady arched an eyebrow. “A dog is a lot of responsibility and work.”

  The boy nodded. “I know. Mom said I have to feed him and take him for walks.”

  And Gina added, “And make sure he doesn’t have accidents in the house.”

  “And I want him to protect me, too.” Zack turned to Grady. “Can you help me teach a dog to do that?”

  Grady hesitated, knowing the boy was still traumatized over what had happened. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  GRADY drove his truck through the gates of Shady Haven Nursing Home. With the brick and red-cedar shingles, the two-story building looked like a mountain resort. That was only part of the facility, too. There was also a drug rehab center on the far side of the property. And they’d added a newer section, the senior assisted-living apartments.

  He walked through the double doors and the inside was just about as impressive. A large reception area had a fireplace and gleaming hardwood floors. In an adjoining room, Grady could see several patients in wheelchairs. One of them was old Joe Fletcher.

  He walked in past residents playing games at different tables. His grandfather was playing cards, no doubt taking their money, too.

  “Hey, Fletch, what are you up to?”

  The thin man with the leathered skin glanced in his direction. “Hey, Grady.” He smiled. “Good to see you. Hey, everyone, this is my grandson. Master Sergeant Grady Fletcher.”

  He pulled up a chair, swung it around and straddled it. “Come on, Joe, I’m retired now. It’s just Grady.”

  “But you’re a hero.” Those same dark eyes looked back at him. “I heard about the boy.”

  Grady was surprised. “That w
as an accident. I found someone trespassing on your land. I told the sheriff.”

  The old man gave him a toothy grin. “I’m proud, son. Now, can you break me out of here?”

  “Whoa, you aren’t even healed yet. You need physical therapy.” He leaned forward. “And about coming home. It’s a death trap there.”

  Those bony shoulders lifted in a shrug. “So I’ve collected a few things.”

  Grady arched an eyebrow. “A few! I’d say, in certain circles you could be known as a hoarder.” He sobered. “I need to get rid of a few things so you can get a walker around the place.”

  The old man grumbled some, then said, “Whatever you think is best, son. Just leave my bed alone.”

  * * *

  It was a few days before Gina heard from Grady when he gave her the okay to come out. It took another day before she could get Mac Burleson and his brother, Connor, to drive up to the Fletcher place. They both had other jobs, working for her brother-in-law at Yeager Construction. She couldn’t pay them the same money as Jace and she didn’t need them too often.

  She was reluctant to come along, not knowing if Grady really wanted her there. She also wondered if it was his burn scars that kept him out of town and on the mountain. Somehow, she thought he might just be a solitary man by nature. No sign of a wedding band. Of course, that didn’t mean there wasn’t someone special. Maybe he was at a loose end since he retired from the army and had to stay here until his grandfather got better.

  She shook away any personal thoughts of Mr. Fletcher. It was none of her business. She was interested only in his furniture, not him. She pulled her car up next to the familiar truck, leaving room for Mac’s vehicle. She climbed out and that was when she noticed the changes.

  The rusted old cars that littered the yard were gone, along with the mining equipment. The grass had even been mowed. Along with the Burlesons, she went up the walk and saw the new wooden steps to the porch. The door opened and Grady came out.

  “Good morning,” she greeted him, trying not to notice how the long-sleeved T-shirt hugged his wide shoulders and flat stomach. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”

  “There’s a possibility of snow flurries tonight. I needed to get things done.”

  “Well, we’re here to help. Grady, this is Mac and Connor Burleson.”

  The men shook hands and then quickly started with their tasks. The brothers loaded the two old sofas onto the truck bed, and went back for some smaller pieces that Grady had told her to take. In about thirty minutes the job was finished. Mac and Connor tied the furniture down, and then they were on their way back to town.

  Back in the cabin, Gina began rearranging the furniture that was left behind. She placed the sofa toward the fireplace and tucked a large quilt over the back, then put a braided rug in front of it to cover the rough wooden floor. Since there was room now, she pulled the kitchen table away from the wall and placed a checkered tablecloth she found in the cupboard over the scarred surface.

  She stood back and examined her work. “Not bad.”

  “It looks a helluva lot better than it did.”

  She turned to see Grady. “Sorry, I hope you don’t mind that I moved some things around.”

  He shook his head. “No. You made it look so much better and I can get around the room now. More importantly, my grandfather will be able to.”

  She thought it looked cozy. “Well, I should probably get back.”

  Grady looked at her. “If you have a few minutes, I’ve got something to show you.”

  Gina was surprised and intrigued. “Sure.” She followed him out the door to the side of the cabin. That was where she saw a high fence and the small building.

  “You built a kennel.”

  “It’s temporary.”

  She saw Scout. He barked and came to the fence to greet her. Soon another shepherd came into view. A lighter color, more golden. “That’s Beau.” Then two others appeared. “And that’s Rowdy and Bandit.”

  “Oh, Grady. They’re beautiful. Can I pet them?”

  “I want to work with those two awhile first.” He gave a hand signal and the dogs sat, and he managed to retrieve the smaller shepherd named Bandit. Once outside, the lovable animal was all over her. “Well, aren’t you a lover.”

  “Hey, stay back,” Grady ordered. It worked, but the little guy began to whine when she moved away.

  “I thought you were only getting two dogs.”

  “When I picked these two up at the Durango airport, my partner, Josh, told me about Bandit. He didn’t complete the program, but I didn’t want him to go into a shelter.” Grady turned that dark gaze on her. “If you’re serious about getting a dog for Zack, this guy would be a good one for him.”

  Gina looked back at the dog. He had the gold and black markings of a shepherd, with two circles around his eyes. “Is he safe for kids?”

  “These dogs are socialized before they even start with any other training. I’d never recommend him if he wasn’t safe. Of course he needs a little discipline, but yes, he’d be a good companion dog for Zack. And a good watchdog for the house, too.”

  “Is Zack old enough to handle a big dog?”

  “Owning any pet is work, Gina.”

  She was a little surprised when he said her name. He’d never been that personal before.

  “If you have a yard, and can afford to feed him, Bandit will be a great dog for a child. But only if you feel you want a pet.”

  She refocused on the cute dog. “Okay. Okay, you sold me. What do I owe you for him?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing, Josh and I are just glad that we could find him a home. I would like to hold on to Bandit for a few days, just to see what needs to be worked on. I’ll bring him into town this weekend. Will you be home?”

  “I work Saturday, so is Sunday okay?” At his nod, she went on to say, “Plan on staying for supper.” She began to laugh like a silly girl. “Oh, Zack is going to be so excited, especially since you’ve picked him out. He hasn’t stopped talking about Scout and you.” She added silently that she’d done her fair share of thinking about this man, too.

  * * *

  Sunday afternoon Grady drove his truck off Main Street onto Cherry Street, a tree-lined street with well-kept family homes. The Williamses’ house was a green clapboard bungalow with a large front yard and spring flowers that edged a big porch.

  He pulled up to the curb and parked his truck and glanced around. This reminded him of another lifetime. He’d once had a home that looked a lot like this. It had taken them a while before he and Barbara had been able to get their first place, especially since the army had moved him around every few years.

  Then he’d been stationed in Texas to stay for a two-year stint. But he hadn’t stayed, he’d left to go back to fight a war. He closed his eyes, not wanting to remember the rest. Maybe because he wanted to forget the pain of a bad marriage, and the child he’d never know.

  He leaned back against the headrest, recalling the whirlwind romance with the pretty blonde, Barbara Dixon. They’d met at a nightclub while he was on leave, he’d ended up going home with her, and had just stayed. They’d married within weeks, just days before he was deployed.

  Nearly a year later he’d come home from overseas and found they were strangers. They were. In all fairness, he hadn’t worked that hard at being as social as Barbara needed him to be. He’d tried over the next year to be as attentive as he could.

  She struggled with him being gone so much, but he felt helpless to change it. Their marriage suffered for it. Then while deployed again in Afghanistan, Barbara shocked him with the news that he was going to be a father. Excited, he hoped to be home when his child arrived into the world. Then complications had set in and Barbara had gone into labor a month early. He’d got emergency leave, but by the time he arrived home, it was too l
ate. He couldn’t even share the loss with his wife. She wanted nothing to do with him. His son was gone. The marriage was over, maybe before it had even had a chance.

  Grady shook away thoughts when he heard his name and looked to see Zack running toward the truck. Scout barked from the backseat, causing a chain reaction from Bandit.

  “Okay, boys, I want you two on your best behavior.” He climbed out of the truck. “Hey, Zack. How’s it going?”

  “Fine.” He nodded toward the truck. “Who’s with Scout?”

  “What?” He turned and looked at the dogs. “Well, how did he get in my truck?” Grady opened the back door and signaled for Scout to come out. He was grateful that Bandit stayed, but obviously he wanted to get some attention, too.

  “You call him out.” Grady showed the boy a hand signal.

  Zack motioned and Bandit jumped out of the truck. “I did it.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Mom, did you see what I did?”

  Gina walked up to them. “I saw. Boy, this sure is a pretty dog.”

  Grady could only stare at her. Gina Williams was the pretty one. She was dressed in jeans and a blue sweater, showing off her trim figure.

  “What’s his name?” Zack asked, drawing his attention back.

  “This is Bandit.”

  “Wow! That’s a cool name. Are you going to train him to rescue people, too?”

  Grady shook his head. “No, I have Scout. And my two other dogs, Beau and Rowdy, are back at the cabin. This guy is pretty young and he needs a home.”

  “Really? Can anyone adopt him? I mean even a kid?”

  Grady nodded again.

  Zack looked at his mother. “Mom, can we adopt Bandit and have him live with us?”

  She acted like she was thinking it over. “That depends. Are you sure this is the kind of dog you want?”

  “Yes! He almost looks like Scout.”

  “A dog is a big responsibility.”

  Grady took over. “You’ll need to feed him, Zack. Not just when you have time, but every morning and evening.” He petted the shepherd. “He needs to be walked, and most importantly, clean up after him.”