Chapter Three
Slade was the lastto arrive for Sunday brunch at his mother’s house the next day. He blamed the new neighbor.
For the first time since he thought he was head over heels in love with Candace Baker in the eighth grade, he couldn’t stop thinking about a woman. Nicole Wells carried a chip on her shoulder in a way similar to his attitude after returning home for good from the military. At the time, he’d shoved away family and friends alike, shunning all overtures of support and yearning for nothing more than solitude and enough physical labor to exhaust him. Since meeting Nicole last night, he itched to tell her the work would only go so far in keeping the demons at bay, and he should know. His nights were still haunted by the part he’d played in cutting a child’s life short because others were using him as a deadly pawn in the adult game called war.
He arose that morning thinking, why bother; she wouldn’t listen any more than he would have ten years ago. His family had refused to give up on him, battling through his defenses and attitude until he caved to their concern and caring and let them back into his life. The age of the last suicide bomber he’d taken out remained his burden alone, but during several nights of imbibing too much alcohol with his brothers, he’d spoken of the toll his military job had taken on him.
Family meant everything to Slade, but when he’d carried his coffee out to the patio this morning, the first thing he heard was the steady strike of a hammer pounding a nail again. Picturing Nicole taking up her daunting task of repairing a fence that should be replaced tempted him to skip brunch, but then he would disappoint his mother. He didn’t care for the tug-of-war he’d battled for three hours before finally hopping on his motorcycle and riding into Eagle’s Nest. In the last ten years, he hadn’t missed a Sunday meal with his mother and stepfather and refused to let one meaningless encounter break that record. If they were more than willing to switch from dinner to brunch to accommodate Allie and Lily’s family time when needed, the least he could do was arrive on time. His preoccupation with the new neighbor would have to wait.
Slade could hear voices and laughter from the back yard as soon as he cut the engine and removed his helmet. He hooked the helmet on the handlebars, combed his fingers through his hair to get the longer strands off his face and neck, and then followed the paved walk around the side to the wrought iron gate. The smokey scent of charcoal hit him as he walked into the back yard and saw his brothers and parents gathered. The cool breeze sent smoke spiraling away from the covered patio, chilly enough for Allie and Lily to wear long sleeves.
“There you are.” Andrea Hastings, his mother, rushed forward to greet him, appearing closer to forty instead of already turning sixty with her wide smile and sparkling green eyes. Going on her toes, she kissed his cheek. “Come on. William is cooking German sausages, and I made German potato salad.”
“Sounds good.”
It would sound even more appealing if Slade didn’t think of Nicole at that moment and wonder if she was eating alone today. None of his business, and shouldn’t bug him, he reminded himself, following his mom toward food and family. Before Reed retired from law enforcement and Brett moved back home from San Antonio, he’d spent many days with the hired hands, preferring solitary meals over seeking company. During the week, he still ate alone, so no big deal.
Brett handed him a glass of iced tea, his shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms as tan as Slade’s from working outdoors. “Sorry I couldn’t get out there yesterday to help you and Reed. Lily called me with a domestic abuse case.”
“I was at the shelter when the young woman came in,” Allie stated, joining them. “The poor girl was really shook up.” She gave him a quick hug, which he returned.
Lily, and now Allie, volunteered at Casper’s homeless shelter. Unfortunately, there was no shortage of men with tempers and the people they claimed to care about bearing the brunt. Lucky for those victims, Brett offered free legal services which sometimes called for putting in weekend hours.
“No problem,” Slade told Brett as Allie moved to her husband’s side and leaned against him. “We had enough help. The guys got it done.”
“Not without complaining,” Reed put in from the grill. “These are about done, right, William?”
Their stepfather nodded, his wide chef’s hat tilting. A knee-length white apron with Chef Will in red lettering completed the ensemble he wore whenever he did the cooking. “Another minute or two.” He glanced at Lily and Andrea sitting at the table. “Go ahead and get the potatoes out of the oven, hon. Then we’ll be in.”
“I’ll help.”
Lily patted Slade’s shoulder as she followed his mother inside, Allie turning to go with them. She was more reserved than Allie, yet both women were perfect matches for his older brothers. He was reaping more than one benefit by welcoming them into the family.
While they ate, talk around the table bounced from topic to topic, most of which he listened to more than participating. Sinking his teeth into a sauerkraut-covered sausage slathered with mustard, his thoughts again drifted to Nicole, pondering on whether she would take a break from work or not. Why should he worry if she pushed herself? Damn it, he wasn’t her keeper; he’d barely met the woman. Her input in their short conversation consisted of telling him to go away. She’d made it clear she didn’t want help and preferred to be left alone, so why was he itching to do the opposite and go bug the crap out of her?
Slade jolted when Allie waved a hand in front of his face. “Earth to Slade. Pass the carrots, please.” Her curious look wasn’t the only one.
“Sorry. Daydreaming.” He handed her the bowl of chopped carrots glistening with caramelization.
“Duh.” Across the table, Reed raised a brow and rested an arm atop Lily’s chair beside him. “Anything you want to share?”
Might as well, he mused. The idea that popped into his head would require enlisting their help if he went through with it. “I met the new neighbor. She bought the Studman farm. From our brief conversation, she appeared to be tackling the repairs needed for an animal rescue by herself.” He shrugged, hoping the gesture conveyed this was no big deal when he asked, “Anyone want to help me haul some lumber over and help put up a new fence?”
His mother and Allie beamed at him and replied at the same time. “She?”
“You never get involved with neighbors,” Brett stated.
Slade glared at the three of them. “It’s only a short fence, and we have plenty of wood slats, so don’t make anything more of it than a few hours of neighborly help. Are you in or not?” he asked his brothers.
“I am,” Reed said. “Lily’s brother won’t be in until this evening.”
“Yes. Levi texted and said it would be around seven. I appreciate you changing dinner to earlier, today, Andrea, so I can be home when he arrives.”
“Not a problem, Lily, dear. I think that’s a wonderful idea, Slade.” She sent Brett a pointed look.
“Yes, of course I’ll help,” he answered as Allie stood to gather plates with Lily.
“If you have time, Lily, we can run over some sandwiches later. I’d like to meet...what’s her name?”
He rose and narrowed his eyes at Allie. “Don’t even think about pulling any matchmaking stunts.”
Smiling, she quipped, “I won’t. Just following your example and making a neighborly visit, that’s all.”
As she and Lily carried dishes into the kitchen, he turned to Brett. “Keep an eye on her.” Allie had good intentions, but he still didn’t want her butting into his personal life.
“I always do,” he replied with amusement.
***
SLADE ARRIVED AT THEIRstorage barn before his brothers, who were dropping off Lily and Allie first, and he backed up to the wide sliding doors to make it easier and faster to hook up the flatbed. With around four hours of daylight left to work outside, they should get a majority of the fence enclosing half an acre behind Nicole’s house replaced. If she balked at accepting their help, he could always point out how much work she faced building a shelter, he mused, sliding out to open up the doors.
Brett finished backing into the barn close enough to attach the flatbed, Reed riding with him. “So, you’ve already met the new neighbor,” he stated, reaching for his hat sitting on the dash before shutting his truck door.
Reed strolled up to Slade, grinning, and clapped him on the shoulder. “We’re trying to figure out how that happened. Being the least sociable, you didn’t piss her off already, did you?”
“Not yet, but there’s time. She has an attitude to rival mine and won’t be happy to see us.” Slade jerked his head toward the open barn. “Shall we?”
“Then why are we doing this?” Brett asked, following him inside.
Slade pulled his work gloves from his belt and put them on then bent to attach the trailer to the back of his truck. “Because she’s attempting to shore up a fence that’s too rotted with age to make it worth the time and effort.”
Reed hefted a stack of boards from the stash along the side, grunting. “Will she welcome our help or boot us off her property?”
“She won’t welcome us, and she’ll likely try to get us to go,” he replied, filling his arms with lumber.
Brett followed and lowered his load onto the trailer. “She must have made quite an impression to get you to return of your own volition. I like her already.”
“Don’t make more out of this than a friendly gesture from neighbors.”
He returned inside to get another load, ignoring his brother’s laughter. It was easier to let them think what they wanted than to argue. Besides, he couldn’t help admiring Nicole’s grit and determination in taking on the large project of opening a shelter without seeking help. Maybe a little assistance here and there would keep her from burning out sooner rather than later.
That was Slade’s one and only intention for returning to the new neighbor’s place today.
***
NICOLE GLANCED OUTthe open kitchen window, swallowing the last bite of a peanut butter sandwich. There were different sounds in the countryside where woods surrounded by wide-open spaces replaced concrete and skyrises and Mother Nature’s song whispered in the breeze carrying the rustle of leaves and the trill of birds. She was still acclimating to several vast differences from what she’d grown up with in the city, but the work and challenges ahead of her were what she needed. Speaking of which. She stood and tossed the napkin then returned outside, reminding herself the work wouldn’t get done by itself. The cement slab around the back step would never pass as a patio, but there were more urgent replacements and repairs that required attention first.
She trekked across the ill-kept lawn, pulling on the too-large work gloves she’d found in the old barn that required the most renovation. The crunch of large tires rolling up the dirt and gravel drive drew her thoughts away from the contractor’s scheduled visit tomorrow. A shamrock-green oversized truck towing a flatbed trailer loaded with boards parked alongside the Subaru Forester she had traded her compact car in on before driving to Wyoming. Nicole’s disgruntlement at the interruption failed to prevent a hitch in her pulse when she recognized Slade Kincaid emerging from behind the wheel. She didn’t care for that reaction any more than she did for his and the other two men’s unannounced arrival, and moved at a brisk pace to find out what he was doing.
Nicole tried hard not to appreciate the better, daylight view of Slade’s broad chest in a worn work shirt, his rippling forearms exposed from the rolled-up sleeves, and bristled profile beneath the lowered Stetson. Okay, there’s something about the whole rugged-cowboy package that has an appeal city dwellers lack. That didn’t mean she wanted his company any more today than last night. She untucked her hair from behind her ears to ensure it covered her neck scar before talking to them.
Slade faced her as she reached the truck, tilting his head toward her fisted hands going to her hips. “You’ll find gloves and boots in your size at Ina’s mercantile off the highway heading north,” he said by way of a greeting. “Nicole Wells, these are my brothers, Brett and Reed.”
She gave the two men a quick nod but, before either could respond, she confronted Slade. “Why are you here?”
Turning his back to her, he followed his brothers and started loosening the straps holding the boards, talking over his shoulder. “You need a new fence. What you’re doing won’t hold up.”
Nicole tried not to fume simply because he was right. The wood they brought appeared much sturdier than the weather-worn flimsiness of her fence. She caved, somewhat. “Fine,” she bit out with grudging concession, picking up a heavy box of nails for something to do. “I appreciate the gesture, but ask next time. You’re better off driving closer to the fence. It’s not as if you’ll hurt the yard before you reach the field.” Turning her back on the three men, she led the way across the overgrown yard, keeping her face averted from the paint job the house needed.
The truck rumbled past her, and Nicole went right to work alongside them a minute later, helping Slade move the old boards out of the way.
“This place sat neglected for way too long,” Brett commented, pounding on the thick post Reed was holding steady. “I can get you a good contractor, Nicole.”
“Jim Baker is coming by tomorrow.”
Slade nodded. “He’s good, and he won’t rob you blind. Hey, Sam.” He scratched behind his ears, and Sam was in heaven.
Nicole gave her dog the evil eye for getting friendly with Slade. The man didn’t need an incentive to return. “Go chase rabbits, Sam,” she grumbled, yanking on a stubborn slat.
“Get over your snit before you hurt yourself.” Slade jerked the board off and tossed it on the pile, his jaw taut.
She returned his glare, noticing his eyes were slate gray. “You’re the one who arrived uninvited and unannounced. Read it and believe it.” She pointed to the saying in white lettering on her navy, long-sleeved top, All I care about is dogs – And maybe 2 people. His lips quirked, as if he couldn’t help himself, his brothers gazing over with curiosity. Nicole swore the heat suffusing her face was not due to three pairs of male eyes ogling her chest at her invitation.
“That leaves you out, Slade. Everyone likes me and Brett,” Reed drawled.
“Bite me. You.” He pointed his hammer at Nicole. “Learn to accept a friendly offer of assistance around these parts and the fact your dog likes me. Back to work.”
Finding it hard to argue with that, she nodded and worked alongside him in silence for over an hour and a half, amazed at the progress the four of them made in that short time. The old fence sat in a pile a few feet from the new fencing enclosing about 70 percent of the area she allotted for the larger rescue dogs to run around. The last section would attach to the barn side where all she would have to do is open that door then release a few from their kennels at a time. The sun had reached its highest peak and warmth, and now the temperature would drop much faster than it rose, so it surprised her when Brett suggested they keep going until finished.
“You’ve done plenty, and I appreciate it, and how much you’ve accomplished. Go ahead and enjoy what’s left of your Sunday with your families.” The last thing she needed was more guilt poking at her conscience.
Brett squeezed her shoulder and handed her another slat. “We’re good. Our girls will be along soon with something to eat, and we should have this finished by then.”
“They don’t need to do that. Go home in time for your dinner,” she insisted.
Nicole didn’t care for the idea of more visitors any more than she did the fleeting twinge in her abdomen when she imagined what type of woman Slade had chosen. While she could appreciate good looks paired with a hot body, curiosity about his love life didn’t sit well with her. Her interest in men died with Tony, and her healthy sex drive had lain dormant since his diagnosis over eight months ago. With all the work ahead of her, the last thing she wanted was for hormones to kick back into gear.
A wide grin creased Slade’s tanned, whiskered cheeks, and she was taken aback by the humor lacing his voice as he stated, “When Allie sets her cap on doing something, there’s no dissuading her, but hey, go ahead and tell her that when she and Lily get here.”
Reed hammered a board in place but glanced at Nicole. “My Lily is sweet and biddable. She wants to say hello though.”
Why did a few words have to make her sound like such a shrew? And were women still called shrews? Her arms ached, and she was tired. That must be the reason for such inane thoughts.
“Your Lily is only sweet and biddable when she’s not being stalked by a deranged sociopath,” Brett stated around the nail clenched between his teeth.
They said enough to pique her curiosity about both women but not to the extent she wouldn’t rather finish and everyone leave. She would force herself to be nice though.
As if reading her thoughts, Slade bent down, his warm breath fanning her earlobe when he whispered, “If I can hang around, you can suck it up.”
Nicole nodded, ignoring the shiver ghosting down her spine, noticing no one mentioned a third woman. Since she wasn’t about to ask, she focused on completing the fence.
***
ALLIE AND LILY ARRIVEDjust as Nicole left the guys to finish stacking the old wood close enough she could get to it for firewood. She didn’t risk mentioning her lack of experience with wood-burning fireplaces in case they used that as another reason to visit. Looking out the front window, she spotted a vehicle coming up the drive and parking behind the trailer. It was a good thing the narrow road from the highway to the house was long enough, she mused. With the fence finished, she could scratch one big chore off her list, and that put her in a much better frame of mind concerning unexpected guests. At least for today.
Nicole opened the door for the blonde and the brunette, each carrying a tote. One or both emitted a hunger-inducing aroma.
The blonde sporting one purple streak in her hair held up her carrying case. “I hope you like pulled pork. I’m Allie Kincaid, Brett’s wife.”
“And I’m Lily Regan, going to be Reed’s wife next spring. This”—she held up her contribution—“is Ina’s cheesy potato casserole but my homemade cookies.”
Stepping back, she gestured for them to come in, finding it hard not to appreciate them for the food alone. She hadn’t realized how tired her taste buds were of slapped-together sandwiches. “Nicole Wells, and I appreciate the food as much as your guys’ help this afternoon.” What the house lacked in upkeep, it made up for with space. The online pictures hadn’t done justice to the large rooms, and she pointed toward the dining area off the kitchen where her table opened long enough to seat eight comfortably. She’d adjusted to the extra space inside much quicker than all those empty acres surrounding her. “The place is outdated, but I can vouch for its cleanliness.”
“It’ll be awesome once it’s restored. The woodwork is beautiful,” Lily stated, setting her tote on the table next to Allie’s.
“If you want help, we’re good at rolling up our sleeves and pitching in.” Allie flipped her a cheeky grin. “We’ll even give you advanced notice before we come over.”
Nicole narrowed her eyes and laid the paper plates in front of the chairs as the guys were entering the mudroom and might hear. “Did Slade say something about my attitude?”
“Don’t worry. We got a kick out of it, considering how unsociable he can be at times.”
“Your wife is talking about me again, Brett.” Slade didn’t hesitate to take a seat and reach for the steaming potatoes. “You’ve got to try the Hendersons’ restaurant, Nicole. Sit down.”
She took a seat where she was, next to Slade. the opposite end of the chair next to his he’d pulled out. Everyone except Slade grinned as they sat down, Allie saying, “Oh, I do like you, Nicole.”
Ignoring that, she scooped pulled pork onto her plate then addressed Slade. “Only if it’s close to a grocery store. That’s priority one tomorrow after the contractor leaves.”
Reed took the dish from her. “You’re in luck, then. Ina and Howard own the closest shopping option, right next to their diner. The mercantile carries everything, including groceries.”
Her gaze flicked down the table. “Slade mentioned a mercantile not too far. Thanks.”
Turning her attention to eating, she listened to them talk, nodding or replying with a “thanks” when someone would offer a suggestion, but otherwise staying quiet. Sam had dashed into the bedroom upon seeing the crowd inside, and she couldn’t blame him. The table no longer appeared spacious with three large men taking up so much room, and they were both used to a quiet living environment. In Chicago, her apartment, Tony’s house, and her parents’ place had been her refuges from noise and people after a day spent going from campus to working part-time at the downtown bookstore managing the children’s section then stopping by the shelter.
Nicole breathed a sigh of relief when Lily stood, picking up a few empty plates, and announced, “We have to go. Nicole, both Allie and I work a lot from home now and can go to lunch with you, if you’d like. My brother is passing through tonight and will stay tomorrow, but any other day this week will work for me. How about you, Allie?”
“I’m available. How about Wednesday?”
“Can I let you know? I appreciate the invite, but it’s a busy week and a lot depends on what the contractor says tomorrow. I have deliveries scheduled for the end of the week.” All of which was true, so she didn’t care about Slade’s skeptical look, even if she was happy to see them leaving.
Of course, Slade would have to be the last to walk out, pausing on the threshold when he donned his hat. The others were out of earshot as he leaned in, his wide shoulders and big body filling the doorway.
“I left a card on the kitchen counter with my number to add when you put in Allie’s and Lily’s.” He pinched her chin, his low, deep tone slithering through her like hot lava. “Be nice. Give them a call and yourself a break.” With a tilt of his Stetson, he pivoted and left.
Refusing to stand there and ogle his sexy, loose-limbed stride from the back, she closed the door and leaned against it, fanning herself instead. Her chin tickled from the press of his calloused thumb, her blood flowing with a warm surge that pooled between her legs, leaving her damp. Nicole couldn’t recall when, if ever, she’d experienced such an intense, heated reaction to a man’s nearness while still clothed. He wasn’t even her type, but nonetheless, she vowed not to let a case of lust detract her from her goals.