Her Rocky Mountain Protector Page 8

  He took a shaky breath, wondering if this sad helpless feeling would ever leave him. The feeling that told him he’d served his country proudly, but couldn’t get home to help his family. Of course, if he’d known that Barbara had been pregnant before volunteering, he might have thought twice about going back overseas. He remembered the weekly phone calls he’d made home and hearing about the pregnancy, then later when the commanding officer had given him the news that his wife was in the hospital. He’d managed to get on the first plane home. But it was too late. Worse, Barb blamed him for everything, but not nearly as much as he blamed himself.

  He quickly shook away the memory.

  His thoughts turned to Gina. No! He wasn’t getting involved with her. She needed a man who would be there for her. A normal man without battle scars, who was able to give her what she needed. Treat her how she needed to be treated, special. Give her a home and a life of happiness.

  Hell, he wasn’t sure what his future would be. He had a grandfather who needed to be cared for. A cabin in the mountains that didn’t even have a flushing toilet. He’d had no business kissing her. He needed to stay away from both mother and child.

  Scout barked then raced out of the bedroom. Then Grady heard, “Hello, is anyone here?”

  “Who the hell?” Grady quickly put the box back into the drawer and hurried through the cabin to find the intruder leaning down and petting the shepherd in the open doorway.

  “Hey, Sarge, you shouldn’t leave your door open,” the man said.

  Grady recognized the army corporal right away. Twenty-seven-year-old Josh Regan had served in his unit overseas. They’d both survived the explosion that day that had taken out two of their squad members. They’d spent time in the hospital where they’d been treated for wounds and burns. That was where they’d come up with the idea of training dogs.

  “Hey, partner. What are you doing here?”

  “Well, I figured I’d stop by and see how you’re getting along with the dogs.”

  Grady couldn’t help but smile. “Not too bad. I thought you were headed home to Georgia for a visit with your family and your girl.”

  The tall, lanky Southern boy straightened. “I’ve been home and discovered there isn’t a girl waiting any longer.” He sighed. “So after chowin’ down enough of my mother’s cooking, I thought I’d stop by here to see you and the dogs and firm up our plans before I headed back to Texas.” Regan looked around. “So this is the place you talked about... Nice digs.”

  “Livable. The view is the best.” He studied the kid. “I told you the last time we talked, Josh, I can’t leave yet.” They’d planned the partnership, but then that had been delayed when his grandfather had ended up in the hospital. “I’m not sure when I’ll get back to Texas.”

  “I know that. I just thought I’d take a detour before heading back to Lackland. Maybe I can hang around for a few days and we can work with the dogs.”

  The idea was a good one. He could get some work done on the cabin and not neglect the dogs. “I should have thought about that. We could work here for now. The cabin is short on guest quarters, but you’re welcome to bunk on the sofa.”

  Regan seemed to relax. “You sure?”

  “Wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t. Besides, I could use a hand with the training here, and you’re the expert handler.”

  A big boyish grin appeared. “I’ve got a sleeping bag in my truck. Then I’ll go visit with Beau and Rowdy.”

  Josh followed Grady out to the porch. He pointed over his shoulder. “I have built some makeshift kennels for now, but we might need something sturdier if we’re going to work on training.”

  The corporal stopped and looked around at the view. “I could get used to this great view.”

  It was a great view, but their training facility was in Texas. “Yeah, but it’s still my grandfather’s cabin and he’s dead set on returning here once the doctor releases him.”

  Josh let out a long breath. “Too bad. I could get used to the cooler weather.”

  Grady couldn’t help but smile, too. It was good to see a familiar face. Someone who had been through the same things and understood. “Well, you’re not going to get the chance to sit around and enjoy it. We’ll be working.”

  “That’s why I’m here. To help out.”

  And Grady was glad. They could get some things done, and it would keep him from thinking about a pretty brunette who was too young and fragile for him. He glanced at his partner and realized Josh was better suited for Gina. Yet, he didn’t want the man anywhere near her.

  * * *

  “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.”

  The next morning, Grady sat across from his grandfather at Shady Haven. “Okay, what am I up to?”

  The older man glared. “You’re cleaning up the cabin, then you’re going to clear out as soon as I get out of this place.”

  Grady sighed. “You always knew I was headed back to Texas, but I’m not going to leave you until you can make it on your own. You still need rehab on your hip. That means you can’t return to the cabin, especially with so much stuff crammed into the place.”

  “I did just fine before,” Joe said, his dark eyes narrowed as he raised his large, veined hand. “I know where everything is.”

  “So you want me to put everything back? That might be hard to do since Gina Williams carted most of it off.”

  The old man frowned. “Who is Gina?”

  “She runs the thrift store in town.”

  “You kept my bed, didn’t you?”

  “Didn’t touch your bed. But Gina wants to know about some of Grandma’s things.”

  Joe eyed him closely. “Seems you’re spending a lot of time with this woman. Are you sweet on her?”

  Grady wasn’t sure how to handle this one. “No, I’m not. I don’t have the time for a woman. Besides, you know I don’t do so well in relationships.”

  “You would if you picked the right one.” There was a hint of a smile. “Bring this Gina by here. And I’ll tell you if she’s good enough for you.”

  “Look, Fletch, don’t you think I’m too old to have your approval on who I see.”

  “Ha, ha. So you are seeing her,” he said, then he sobered. “Don’t be too stubborn to see what’s right in front of you, boy. Take it from one who knows. Time slips by fast. So make an old man happy, and bring your young lady by.”

  Grady knew it would be foolish if he did bring Gina here. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  * * *

  Sunday afternoon, the Keenan Inn was the place to be, especially if you liked to be around family, friends and good food.

  Gina got out of the car followed by Zack just as another vehicle pulled up behind her. She immediately recognized Grady and it sent her heart racing. She’d known he was going to be here, but she still wasn’t ready to see him again.

  “They’re here, Mom. Grady and Scout are here.”

  Before she could stop him, her eager son grabbed Bandit’s leash and raced off toward the truck as Grady climbed out. It had been a few days since the incident in the garage, and their kiss. The feel of his firm mouth against hers, his scent stirring her emotions. It was still fresh in her mind.

  The man was hard to forget. His mere size and presence demanded her attention. Yet, she’d never been frightened by him, even by those dark, piercing eyes. He looked good. She knew he was self-conscious about the scar along his neck, but she didn’t even notice it anymore.

  She inhaled a calming breath and walked over to him. His gaze caught hers and held, refusing to let her look away. Then finally he spoke. “Hello, Gina.”

  “Hi, Grady,” she managed to say.

  Zack caught her attention. “Mom, can I go hide some stuff so Scout and Bandit can find it?”

  “In a minute,” she s
aid, noticing another man getting out of the passenger side of the truck. He was younger with dark hair that had the familiar military cut.

  “Gina,” Grady began, “this is Josh Regan. We served together. He’s also my partner in training the dogs. He’s staying with me for a while.”

  The younger man said, “Hello, ma’am.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Josh. Please call me Gina. This is my son, Zack, and Bandit.”

  Josh smiled. “It’s good to meet you both.”

  “Are you in the army, too?” Zack asked.

  “I was. I served under Sgt. Fletcher. I was a dog handler.”

  “Wow! Cool.”

  Grady stood back and watched how Regan’s attention remained on Gina. Okay, she was pretty enough to be stared at, but not as if she was his next meal.

  “Hey, Josh.” Grady handed him the dog leash. “Would you mind taking Scout out back and getting the kids organized on the exercise? I’ll be there in a few.”

  “Sure.” The younger guy didn’t question the order and walked off with Zack and the dogs. Grady turned back to Gina. Oh, Lord, she looked good. “How have you been?”

  “I’m fine.”

  He watched her, seeing her cheeks redden. Was she thinking about the kiss? He quickly asked, “I meant, how have you and Zack been?”

  “He’s back in his own bedroom.”

  “That’s good.” Enough small talk, he needed to clear the air. “Gina, about the other day... I was out of line. I promise it won’t happen again.”

  “Let’s just say we were both caught up in the situation...” She glanced away. “I just didn’t want you to get any ideas. It’s not that you’re not attractive. I mean, any woman would want your attention.” She shook her head. “It’s just I’m not ready, nor do I want to get involved with anyone.”

  Grady heard her words of refusal, but that didn’t change the fact that he was still drawn to her. “I can understand you feeling that way, but never is a long time. You’re too young, Gina. There’s a guy out there for you. Not all are jerks like your ex.” He turned and headed toward the backyard of the inn.

  Gina released a breath. The last thing she needed was Sgt. Fletcher telling her to date. She liked her life just fine as it was. She walked up the steps at the inn. She had her son and business to concentrate on. Grady had his own work, too. They should both be able to keep out of each other’s way.

  Resigned to keeping her distance from the man, Gina walked through the double doors with the glass oval panels, etched with the Keenan name. Inside, she stood in the entry with the antique desk used for registering guests at the historic bed-and-breakfast.

  She glanced around at the high ceiling trimmed with crown moldings and wainscoting stained in a honey color. The walls were painted a light tan and the floors were covered in a burgundy carpet. The large polished oak staircase led to the second and third floors.

  “Welcome.”

  Gina turned and found Tim Keenan. The handsome sixty-year-old offered her a ready smile that reached all the way to his clear blue eyes.

  “Hi, Tim.”

  He walked up and hugged her. “Gina, so glad you could make it today. We don’t see enough of you or your boy. Where is Zack?”

  She stepped back. “He’s headed out back with Grady and the dogs. I came in to see if I can help Claire.”

  “I think we have enough hands in that kitchen, but let’s head back and ask them.”

  Tim and Gina walked through the dining room, which had several small tables for guests.

  “How is Zack handling things these days?”

  “Better,” Gina told him. “He had a few sessions with a counselor.” She smiled as they continued their journey through a butler’s pantry. “I seem to be the one with the problem.”

  Gina was still a little overwhelmed by what had happened with the kidnapping and how close she’d come to losing her son. Yet Zack had seemed to fit right back into school and with the other kids. She was glad about that.

  “I think as parents, Gina,” Tim began, “we always worry about doing everything right for our kids. We can’t. We just do our best and from what I see you are a great mom.”

  Gina felt the emotions building. “Not always. I made so many mistakes...with Eric. My son had to pay for that.”

  The big Irishman drew her into his arms again. “Oh, lass. You’ve got to forgive yourself and move on.” In his tight embrace, she wondered if this was how girls felt having a father who cared about them. “You and Zack are safe here and Eric will never hurt either of you again.”

  “We’re going to try.” She pulled back, embarrassed by the tears in her eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so emotional on you.”

  He grinned. “Not at all. Now, our youngest, Leah, is the emotional one in the family. Always loved drama. Of course if you say anything, I’ll deny it.” He winked. “Come on, let’s join the others.”

  They were greeted by the sound of voices first, then when the door opened, Gina saw several women working together in the huge kitchen, which was divided into two areas, a prep station for cooking and a dining area.

  The Keenan daughters, Morgan, Paige and Leah, were helping their mother. There was a large picture window behind the table and she could see a group of kids running around the yard. The men were standing together talking as they watched the children.

  Gina felt a different kind of emotion. Maybe a little panic. She’d heard from Lori that Claire Keenan had played matchmaker more than once.

  They were all paired off in couples. Except her and Grady. Of course Josh made it an odd number. Good.

  “Grady should open a day care,” Paige said as she nodded to the group of children. “Look how he’s handling those kids. They aren’t moving a muscle, just glued to his every word. Who knew all that military training would come in so handy?”

  Morgan stepped in. “Maybe he can share some pointers on giving orders.”

  Gina turned her attention to Grady Fletcher. Okay so she was drawn to the man whether she liked it or not. Big and strong, he held your attention by his mere presence. The years of military training were engrained in the man. He demanded respect and he got it. From the kids and his dogs.

  “Gina! You made it.”

  She turned to see Claire Keenan crossing the large kitchen to greet her. After a big hug, the older woman stepped back. “You look lovely.”

  Gina glanced down at her dark slacks and cream-colored sweater. “Thank you.”

  “Since I haven’t seen Bandit at school again, I guess you fixed the escape route.”

  Gina nodded. “Grady repaired the fence. And he gave Zack some ideas on keeping the dog home.”

  Claire looked out at the yard. “That man seems to have a lot of talents. We just need to convince him to stay here.” The older woman looked back at Gina. “We need another nice addition to our town, like you and Zack.”

  “Well, we sure love it here. And Second Best is doing great.”

  Claire smiled. “I hear you’re doing some reupholstering.”

  Word spread fast in Destiny. “Grady was very generous and gave me a few items from his grandfather’s cabin. I’m selling some other things for him, too.”

  “It’s about time someone cleared out some of Joe’s...treasures.” Claire turned to the window. “I’m also glad that Fletch has his grandson around to help with his recovery.” She nodded toward the window. “It also seems he’s pretty good with the kids, too. That’s something special in a man.”

  Gina had to agree. “Yes, he is.” That was all she said as she walked outside. She leaned against the railing on the deck and watched as Grady talked with Zack. She saw the happiness and respect in her child’s eyes. Except for Lori’s new husband, Jace, her son had never had a man to look up to.

  Then
Eric had found them, tried to destroy their happiness. She’d worried that Zack would pull back again, but it looked like her boy had survived, and her ex-

  husband hadn’t won.

  Best of all, with numerous charges against him, kidnapping, attempted murder and resisting arrest, he would never be a threat again. Sheriff Larkin was going to make sure that he got everything he deserved. Maybe life was turning out to be something to look forward to.

  Once again, her attention went to Grady. Darn if the man wasn’t one big distraction. It was a good thing his visit was temporary. Now all she had to do was stay away from him until he left town. She could do that.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  GRADY stood at the edge of the yard and watched as Josh took over exercising the dogs. The kids were so into it, and did exactly what they were told to do.

  Scout didn’t let them down after only one sniff of a small stuffed toy. Two of the older kids had been sent off to bury it, then using only their scent, Josh harnessed Scout and they went into the wooded area and soon returned with the correct items.

  Morgan’s husband, Justin Hilliard, came up to Grady. “I’m impressed,” he told him.

  Grady nodded. “Scout’s been well trained.”

  “Does he work in snow?”

  Grady continued to pet the shepherd. “Since we didn’t arrive here until February, there’s been limited opportunity to train, but we did a bit of tracking in the snow. I’m forever surprised how well these animals adapt to different climates.”

  Justin nodded. “I was surprised to hear that you’re headed back to Texas.”

  “That’s the plan.” Grady glanced at Gina standing on the deck. It was tempting to stay, but a bad choice. “I’m only here until my grandfather is able to care for himself.”

  Hilliard let out a sigh. “I was hoping you’d think about training your dogs here.”

  Grady wonder what the man’s point would be. “Why is that?”

  “A couple of reasons. I run an extreme ski resort. People pay a hefty price to get the thrill of pushing it to the limit on the mountaintop. With that, there’s always a threat of a possible avalanche. You know how critical time is in finding a buried skier and the mountain rescue squad here is one of the best. Call me a control freak if you will, but I like to have my own resources. My own qualified rescue team that I could airlift at a moment’s notice.”