Her Rocky Mountain Protector Page 9

  Grady was surprised. “You want your own rescue dogs?”

  Justin nodded. “Not just dogs, but I want a team with their handlers. And I’ll pay well for it.”

  “Just for the winter?”

  “Colorado has a long ski season.” Hilliard went on to say, “I’m also developing mountain bike trails, with a training facility that will open in a few months. People go off the trail and get lost, even experienced hikers and bikers. I’d like to offer them that sense of security, especially since I’ll be responsible for a lot of amateurs not used to the rough terrain.”

  Grady didn’t want to be interested in the project, but he was. “You have a lot going on.”

  Justin nodded. “I do. I like living in a small town the size of Destiny. It’s a great place to raise a family. Tourism is our main economy here.” He glanced around. “This is all too beautiful to change. A lot of opportunity for someone with your talent.” He handed him a business card. “If you have a chance, stop by my office at the Heritage Mountain Complex, and I’ll show you my biking trails.”

  Grady took the card. “I can’t promise anything.”

  “I understand, but I’d like a chance to show you what I could offer you and your partner.”

  Before Grady could say any more, Zack raced up to him. “Grady, look, Bandit found this.” He waved the old T-shirt, but he held on to the leash with his other hand. “I buried it, and Josh took him out to search and he found it.”

  Justin excused himself and walked away.

  Grady knelt and petted the boy’s dog. “Hey, that’s a good start.”

  The kids agreed. “And I want to train him more,” Zack told him.

  “It not something that’s going to happen overnight, son. Scout took months and he was worked with every day.”

  “If you show me what to do, I’ll work with Bandit every day. I promise. And my mom can bring Bandit out to you on the weekends so he can let Scout show him what to do, too.”

  That was the last thing Grady needed, more time with Gina. “Why don’t you concentrate on Bandit being a good friend? You don’t need him to be a rescue dog.”

  He saw the disappointment on the boy’s face. Suddenly the memory of being a neglected kid with no one having time for him rushed back. “Okay, how about this?” Grady said. “What if I bring Scout into town a couple of afternoons and we’ll spend time teaching Bandit a simple command?”

  The boy’s eyes rounded. “Really?”

  “Zack, I’m willing to help, but I’m not going to be around very much longer.”

  The kid looked shocked and sad. “Why? Aren’t you going to live in the cabin and train rescue dogs?”

  “I’m only training here temporarily. I’ll be going home to Texas.” He hadn’t had a home anywhere in a long time. “As soon as my granddad is better.”

  The boy’s eyes lit up. “What if he doesn’t get better for a long time? Can you still help me with Bandit?”

  He found he would miss the boy, too. “Only if it’s okay with your mother.”

  “If what’s okay with me?”

  Grady turned around to find Gina approaching them. He felt his mouth go dry, hating that she had that effect on him.

  “Mom, Grady said he’ll help me train Bandit. Please, can he?”

  “Zack. We talked about this. You can’t take up all Grady’s time. He needs to work with his dogs, too.”

  Grady stepped in. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it.”

  She didn’t look convinced. “Zack... Why don’t you go and get Bandit some water?”

  Once the boy and dog were gone, she spoke. “Grady, you don’t have to do this.”

  The sound of her saying his name did things to him. “It’s really not a problem.”

  It was a problem for Gina. She didn’t need to spend any more time with this man. “Still, your time is valuable.”

  “So is yours and you took the time to straighten up the cabin. Speaking of which, I need to ask you a favor.”

  What could he possibly need from her? “Sure. Whatever you need.”

  “My grandfather wants to talk to you about the furniture.”

  “Does he want it all back?” she asked. “Of course he does. I haven’t sold any of it, so the sofas can go back.”

  She looked up to catch him smiling. “What?”

  “You can’t let Fletch intimidate you. That cabin was a disgrace. It’s needed to be cleaned out for years. I only want you to check with him about a few of my grandmother’s things.”

  “Of course. I’m sure you want them to stay in the family, something to hand down to the next generation.”

  He frowned. “That’s something that isn’t going to happen. The Fletcher line ends with me.”

  * * *

  Gina watched as Grady walked off to care for the dogs. Okay, she’d said the wrong things again. Did he think he wouldn’t ever marry, ever have children?

  “Hey, sis,” Lori called to her.

  They hugged. “Hi, Lori. Glad you could make it.” She glanced at her niece, Cassie, who was already playing with the others.

  “Jace had a business call.” Lori looked at the group with the dogs. “Seems you got here early enough to spend time with the popular dog trainer.”

  “Don’t get any ideas,” she warned. “It was Zack who wanted to bring Bandit. Besides, I’m doing business with Grady. He’s cleaning out his grandfather’s cabin and the furniture is filling up the shop.”

  “He’s also a man who spends time with your child. I’d say that’s a good quality. I take it he’s going to help Zack train Bandit.”

  “I don’t know, Lori. Why don’t you ask him?”

  Her sister looked taken aback by her attitude. “Are you okay?”

  She released a breath. “Yes. Sorry, I’m just tired of everyone asking me about Grady. Don’t get me wrong. I’m so grateful the man found Zack, but that’s as far as it goes. He’s not my man. We’re not together in any way.” She took a shaky breath, unable to stop the awful memories from her marriage. “I’m not ready to be with a man, Lori.... I might never be.”

  “Shh. It’s okay, Gina.” Lori took her hand and walked away from the group for more privacy. “I’m sorry I said anything. And I promise I won’t push you anymore. But be assured, when you find that right man, you’ll be able to trust again.”

  Gina felt that familiar lonely ache that tore at her. She glanced at the good-looking ex-sergeant and a different kind of feeling washed over her.

  She quickly averted her eyes away from temptation. “What if I’m never ready, Lori? What if I can’t stand to ever let a man touch me again?”

  She studied her. “Are you still going to your support group?”

  “As much as I can. I’ve been focused on Zack lately.”

  “You need to focus on yourself, too.” She smiled. “Who knows, you might start feeling secure enough you’d trust a nice man like Grady Fletcher.”

  Gina started to argue and her sister stopped her by saying, “Just don’t rule the man out.”

  Gina knew she couldn’t risk it. Besides, the man wouldn’t be here long enough. He was headed back to Texas and out of her life.

  * * *

  Two mornings later Grady pulled up behind the Second Best Thrift Shop and parked. Maybe he should have called Gina first, but it had all been a bit last-minute. Then he’d got the call from Shady Haven. His grandfather had summoned him.

  He might as well get this over with so he could get back to work at the cabin. He climbed out of the truck and headed for the large back door. He opened it and peered inside. Marie was in the work area, stretching fabric over the arm of one of the sofas he’d given to Gina.

  She saw him right away and stood. “Hello, Grady. What brings you her
e? You find more treasures?”

  “What you call treasures, I call junk.” He glanced around. “Is Gina here?”

  Just then the woman in question walked through the door from the front showroom. She was dressed in her standard dark slacks, but today she had on a soft white-and-navy-striped blouse. It was fitted, showing off her narrow waist and nice curves. Her long dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and hoop earrings hung from her ears.

  She finally spotted him. “Oh, hi, Grady. What are you doing in town?”

  He found he could easily get lost in her green eyes. “Ah, I got a call from my grandfather. He was wondering if you had time to see him today.”

  “I’m not sure...”

  “I told him he couldn’t order people around just to please himself.”

  Marie stood. “Gina, I can watch the shop. Sophie is here, so it’s fine for me to stay.”

  Gina checked her watch. “Okay, but I’ll have a sandwich sent over from the Silver Spoon. My treat.”

  “No, it’ll be my treat,” Grady insisted. “We’ll take Fletch a piece of pie, too.”

  Gina couldn’t think of any more excuses not to go. She went to get her purse and realized her heart was beating like a drum, hard and fast. She had to pull herself together and stop letting him get to her.

  She followed him to the truck and let him help her in, and that meant he touched her. Oh, God. She felt his heat and his strength as he lifted her up into the vehicle. Once fastened in, she laid her head back and tried to relax. Grady didn’t seem to be any more talkative than she. Thank goodness the trip to the restaurant was quick, then the ride outside of town only took about fifteen minutes.

  Grady finally broke the silence when he announced, “We’re here.”

  He parked in the Shady Haven lot, then they walked up to the entrance of the two-story building. “Just one thing before we go in. Don’t let my grandfather get to you. He thinks because he’s old he can say and do whatever he wants. If he gets too personal, tell him to back off.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be perfectly nice,” she said.

  Grady wasn’t sure what Joe Fletcher wanted with Gina. He figured it was because he hadn’t been out for a few days, and the man was probably lonely.

  They walked through the double doors of the facility. “Oh, Grady, it’s lovely here.”

  He had to agree. “I tried to tell Fletch that he’d be more comfortable moving in here, but he misses the cabin.” He went to the desk and asked the receptionist for his grandfather.

  The young woman sent them into the recreation room. Grady guided her down the hall to a large area that had a huge flat-screen television. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with books. There seemed to be a lot of activities going on, and a lot of interaction between the patients and other guests.

  There were several small tables for games. That’s where he found his grandfather with three women. They were playing cards.

  “There he is.” He put his hand against Gina’s back and guided her through the room.

  “Well, well, Granddad,” Grady said as he stopped at the card table. “Seems you’re not so lonely anymore.”

  Joe Fletcher glared at him. “It’s a shame I need to call you to come and see me.”

  “I was here two days ago.”

  “Oh, Joe, is this your grandson?” asked one of the gray-haired women at the table. “He’s just as handsome as you said.”

  “Grady, meet Alice, Mary Lou and Bubbles.”

  He nodded as they seemed to be blushing at his attention. “Ladies and Granddad, this is Gina Williams.”

  She stepped forward. “It’s nice to meet everyone.” She looked at Joe. “And especially you, Mr. Fletcher.”

  Joe Fletcher smiled as he looked Gina over. “Well, well, you’re mighty pretty, Miss Williams. I can see why my grandson has been distracted lately.”

  “Granddad,” Grady said in warning.

  Gina blushed. “Why, thank you, Mr. Fletcher, but I think Grady’s been busy with training his dogs.”

  “That’s probably true. Sad, but true,” Joe said, then excused himself from the ladies at the table. Grady took charge of Fletch’s wheelchair and they crossed the room to an empty table.

  “Can’t wait to get out of this contraption.” Joe hit the arm of the wheelchair. “I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself.”

  Grady sat. “Fletch, you know once you finish rehab, you’ll be able to walk again. All the doctors said so.”

  “I could be dead by then.”

  Gina sat across from the older man. “Mr. Fletcher, you should listen to your grandson. He’s been trying to make the cabin ready for your return, but you have to do your part.”

  Grady bit back a grin.

  Fletch finally smiled. “I like you, Gina Williams. Besides being pretty as a new spotted pup, you seem to have a head on your shoulders.”

  “Sometimes we learn from our mistakes.” She handed him the container with the pie. “Here, Grady brought this for you.”

  He took the offered dessert. “Do you have a man in your life?”

  Gina wasn’t going to fall into this trap. “Yes, I do, as a matter of fact. And I love him to death. In fact, he and Grady are very good friends.”

  The thin man raised a bushy gray eyebrow. “Then he must be a good guy if Grady likes him.”

  “Of course. Grady even got him a dog, Bandit, and is going to help train him. Of course, we both got worried when the dog took off and followed Zack to school.”

  “School?” Joe wasn’t dumb by any means. “Just how old is this man?”

  “He’s nearly eight.” She glanced at Grady and felt a rush of admiration, something she didn’t want to admit. “Your Grady and Scout saved my son’s life.” She swallowed back the emotion. “I will always be grateful.”

  Fletch smiled. “So it was your boy who got lost?”

  “Yes. That’s why I want to help to fix up the cabin. You had a lot of furniture, Mr. Fletcher. But if there’s a question about anything I have in my store, of course I will return it.”

  The old man shrugged. “There’s not much I care to save. My wife had a bunch of frilly stuff—” he glanced at Grady “—I’m sure my grandson could care less about.”

  Gina asked, “Is there anything you care about, Mr. Fletcher?”

  He gave her a big grin. “Just my bed. I love my big brass bed.”

  She smiled. “Oh, I’ve seen it. It’s lovely.”

  “Glad you like it. Someday Grady is going to inherit that bed.”

  * * *

  An hour later, filled with several long stories of the past, Grady and Gina said goodbye to Fletch and walked out of Shady Haven.

  Gina was quiet as she thought about Grady and his grandfather reminiscing about their past summers together. She got a sneak peak of a side to Grady she hadn’t seen before, a more relaxed, a more outgoing side. She doubted that Grady had revealed it to many, and she felt lucky to get a glimpse of this man.

  What she quickly discovered was that she’d like to know more about Grady. Spend more time with him, find out if he wanted more from her than just a spontaneous kiss in the garage.

  She glanced at the handsome man beside her. There was a sudden tingling in her stomach, something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  Was Lori right? Maybe she was ready to move on.

  They reached the truck and Grady turned to her and said, “I’m sorry Fletch bored you going on and on with those stories, and the questions. You should have told him to mind his own business.”

  Gina smiled up at him. “Fletch is a wonderful old man. And you’re pretty wonderful, too.”

  Grady didn’t have time to react as Gina rose up, locked her hands around his neck, pulled him down and covered his mouth wi
th a kiss. Caught off balance, he gripped the sides of her waist and just managed to hold on. As kisses went, what she lacked in experience, she made up for in enthusiasm. He could get into this. Then she quickly released him, looking shocked at her actions.

  “Not that I’m complaining, but didn’t I just get into trouble for doing the same thing last week?”

  Her cheeks were rosy with embarrassment. “You act so big and tough. Then I see how sweet you are with kids...and how much you care for your grandfather.”

  He leaned against the truck and couldn’t help but smile. This woman was so appealing, and so much trouble. That meant he should stay far away from her.

  “Hell, if I’d known that would earn me a kiss from you, I’d have brought you here to see Fletch sooner.”

  “Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have done that.” Her face flamed even more and her gaze darted away.

  He touched her chin and made her look at him. “Did you hear me complain?”

  She only shook her head.

  He wanted nothing more than to continue kissing her, but knew better than to go any further. That still didn’t stop him from asking, “How would you like to get some lunch?”

  She looked surprised at his offer. “I shouldn’t. I mean, Marie is already staying later.” She hesitated. “I guess I could call her.”

  He pulled out his phone. “What’s the number?”

  CHAPTER NINE

  TWENTY minutes later Grady escorted Gina into the Silver Spoon Restaurant. They walked through the glass-paneled door and were greeted by a surprised Helen Turner. The middle-aged owner was wearing jeans and a white blouse, covered by a starched apron. She also had on a big smile.

  “Well, well, isn’t this nice.” She set down two glasses of water as they slid into a booth in front of the window. “Twice in one day.”

  Grady spoke up. “We took the pie out to my granddad and realized we hadn’t eaten.”