To Protect His Own. Brenda Mott

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      “Caitlin…”

      “I mean it, Dillon.” She got out of the truck and slammed the door, stumbling as she fumbled with her cane. “Dad’s going to bring Spike over later once I’m settled in. He’s all the company I’ll need.” The two-year-old Jack Russell terrier had been hers since he was a pup, and his vigorous devotion and enthusiasm helped raise Caitlin’s spirits.

      “Come on, don’t be that way.”

      “What way?” She whirled to face her brother, the motion making her dizzy. Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to cry. “How could you do this to me?”

      Dillon’s mouth gaped. “Do what? I was only trying to make you feel at home by bringing your horse over.”

      “Well, I don’t want him here.” She clumped up the walkway, tripping on an exposed rock.

      Instantly, Dillon was at her side, catching her by the elbow. “Careful.” He glowered at her. “Maybe you’re not ready for this after all.”

      “Would you stop treating me like an invalid!” Caitlin jerked out of his grasp. “I don’t need everyone hovering over me, I don’t need your help walking up to the damned door and I sure as hell don’t need Silver Fox reminding me of everything I’ll never have again!”

      “Caitlin, wait.”

      But she ignored him, moving toward the house with determination.

      THE SOUND of raised voices floated to Alex on the clear mountain air as he stepped outside. He paused in the middle of lifting another sack of groceries out of the truck to listen. Odd. He’d been under the impression no one lived in the white-frame farmhouse. It was why he’d purchased the property across from it. Privacy for him and Hallie. He frowned at the sight of a tall man arguing with a woman who had her back to Alex. She walked with a cane and, as he watched, stumbled and nearly fell. The man took hold of her arm, and the two continued to argue heatedly before she turned and walked away.

      Alex hesitated. It wasn’t any of his business. But even though he’d moved Hallie away from Aurora knowing the crime rate in Deer Creek would likely be low, he wasn’t naive enough to believe that domestic violence didn’t happen everywhere. Setting the bag of groceries back in the truck, he crossed the dirt road dividing the properties.

      “Is there a problem here?” he asked gruffly as he drew close to the couple.

      When the woman stopped and faced him, recognition hit him hard. It was her, the dark-haired, sapphire-eyed beauty he’d seen at Pearl’s Diner a few weeks ago. The woman Hallie had insisted was Caitlin Kramer. She was no longer in a wheelchair. He would’ve smiled if the situation at hand hadn’t been so serious.

      “No, there’s no problem.” The man frowned at him. His jet-black hair and row of even teeth said pretty boy. His khaki slacks and polo shirt screamed money, as did his haughty attitude. “Who are you?”

      “Alex Hunter.” He nodded in the direction of his own house. “I just bought the place across the road.”

      The young woman raised one eyebrow in a way that sent his libido racing. “I didn’t realize I had a new neighbor. The Realtor’s sign was still up the last time I was out here.”

      “I thought your house was empty, too,” Alex returned. “We just moved in a couple of weeks ago.”

      “I’m Dillon Kramer.” Pretty Boy held out his hand, and Alex shook it, surprised to find it work-roughened, the man’s grip strong and sure. “This is my sister, Caitlin.”

      So it was her. “I’ve heard of you.” Alex nodded and took Caitlin’s hand, relieved she was okay.

      Her face flushed and her eyes darkened. “I hope you’ll excuse me, Mr. Hunter, but I’ve got things to do.”

      “Sure. Sorry for the intrusion.” He gestured toward his place. “I’ve got groceries to put away myself.” He looked at Dillon. “Nice meeting you. You, too, Ms. Kramer.”

      “Likewise,” Dillon said.

      But Caitlin didn’t answer. She merely nodded politely, then turned her back on the two men and walked away.

      To Alex’s surprise, Dillon addressed him softly. “Please excuse my sister’s rude behavior. She’s not normally like that.”

      Alex shrugged. “I didn’t really think she was rude. I’m the one who barged over here uninvited.”

      Dillon gave him a crooked grin. “You know, I’m actually glad you did. It’ll give me some comfort, knowing someone’s nearby to watch out for my sister.” He shook his head. “She’s very stubborn.”

      A million questions hammered Alex as he stared at the closed door of Caitlin’s house. He knew enough from his daughter’s magazines to realize that equestrians of Caitlin Kramer’s caliber didn’t normally live in a modest old farmhouse. His eyes fell on the tall gray horse that moved restlessly in the nearby paddock. Was it the same animal Hallie had been in such awe of?

      “Nice-looking horse,” he said. “My daughter’s been bugging me for one for some time now.”

      “How old is your daughter?”

      “Twelve.”

      “Ah.” Dillon nodded. “Another young girl bitten by the horse-lover bug.”

      Alex laughed, warming to the other man in spite of his initial reservations. “A common virus, I hear.”

      “Oh, yeah. Caitlin was riding before she could walk. Of course, I was, too, so I guess it attacks us guys, as well.”

      “Yeah.” Alex nodded. “I had a horse when I was a kid. But my mom and I moved to Denver when I was in junior high, and that was the end of that.” He didn’t like to think about how his mother lost their home after his father had died of cancer and the medical bills had eaten up all their savings and then some. Or the way she’d had to work two jobs to make ends meet.

      He’d helped all he could when he’d grown old enough to work. He and his mother had had only each other to rely on, just like he and Hallie now did. His mom had passed away when Hallie was five.

      “Guess I’d better let you get back to your groceries,” Dillon said with a wave. “If you decide to get your daughter a horse, come pay us a visit at Foxwood Farms. We’ve got some nice ones.” He headed toward the house.

      I’ll bet you do.

      Alex stared after him, wondering what Caitlin and her brother had been arguing over. Dillon seemed like a concerned and caring sibling. But then, one never knew what lay behind closed doors.

      Alex walked back across the road, anxious to tell Hallie that she now lived across the road from one of her favorite horsewomen.

      CAITLIN SAT in the living room, staring out the window. She felt tired, drained both physically and mentally. Her argument with Dillon had depleted her of the last of her energy, and she sat in Gran’s old rocker with a teacup of chamomile balanced СКАЧАТЬ