Snowbound in Starlight Bend: A Riding Hard Novella Read online

  “Seven years. Maddox is twenty-nine. No, the girls he grew up with are either married or gone—mostly both. Starlight Bend has a smaller proportion of women to men, and he hasn’t ventured outside it to look elsewhere. High time he did, I’m thinking.”

  Aunt Jane squarely met Haley’s gaze. Haley regarded her kind but no-nonsense face and said, “I have no intention of hurting him.”

  Aunt Jane shrugged. “Might be too late for that.” She glanced out the window and jerked her chin. “He’s coming now. Don’t tell him I told you.”

  Maddox was swinging down from Sammy. He tossed the reins to Buddy and made for the back porch.

  Haley didn’t have time to give Aunt Jane more than a reassuring nod, because Maddox headed into the kitchen with a determined stride.

  “Got your phone back.” He held it up. “Works just fine now. I told you Andy can fix anything.”

  Chapter Nine

  “Dad!” Haley sang out his name as he answered the phone. She was alone in the living room, Aunt Jane keeping to the kitchen and Maddox out doing what he did with horses. Lance had followed Maddox, so Haley sat by herself.

  “Hey there, pumpkin.” Her dad sounded relieved but as though trying to be nonchalant. “How’s the winter wonderland?”

  “Very pretty—but cold. If I’d have known, I would have packed long underwear.”

  “So long as you’re all right.” He didn’t mask the relief this time. “I was a little worried.”

  No, he’d been a lot worried, Haley could tell. “I’m so sorry. My phone wouldn’t work—nothing would. I’m a long way from a town bigger than a postage stamp, and my car’s kind of buried.”

  “It’s all right, sweetheart. Linda told me she got your texts, so I knew you were okay. Where are you exactly?”

  “Little place called Starlight Bend, in Montana. It’s beautiful. Great spot for a summer vacation.”

  Her father burst out laughing, his worry abating. “Vacation? Haley, you haven’t taken vacation in ten years. You wouldn’t know what to do on vacation.”

  “I’d go hiking and fishing,” Haley answered. “So I hear.”

  Dad continued to laugh. “I’m just glad you’re safe and sound.”

  “I’m not sure when they’ll have my car free. There’s only one guy in town with a plow—if the roads aren’t clear by Christmas, apparently, he doesn’t work that day. But I’m going to try very hard to be home for Christmas Eve dinner, Dad. I promise—”

  “Slow down, pumpkin.” His endearments warmed her—he was the only one who could use them without irritating Haley. Except Aunt Jane now. And, all right, Maddox. “If you can’t make it, you can’t. We can open presents and have dinner any day after you get back. Frankly, honey, I’m kind of glad you’re stuck there. You need a little time away from the office.”

  “Not this much time. The whole Chicago deal will probably dry up because I haven’t gotten the contracts started …”

  “I have the contracts started. I do know a thing or two about our business, you know, sweetheart. I want you to relax and not stress over anything. You just enjoy a downhome, old-fashioned Christmas. What’s this I hear about a handsome cowboy?”

  Linda … Haley hid a growl. “I was joking. Maddox—that’s his name—he dug me out of the car, and I’m staying at his place. I mean, his aunt’s place. His aunt lives here too. I’m not having a dirty weekend.”

  Her face flamed even as she spoke. Last night, Maddox had been warm in the dark, his hands and mouth all over her, lovemaking like she’d never experienced in her life.

  Not that she had the chance for much in her busy days, and she was always careful about who got close to her. But Maddox won the prize for the man who’d made her feel the most sexy, most cared for, wanted for herself.

  “Well, maybe you should have a dirty weekend,” her father shocked her by saying. “You work far too much, Haley. It’s time you thought about your own life.”

  “My own life?” Haley repeated in bewilderment. “I’m CEO of our company. That is my life.”

  “You listen to me, pumpkin.” Dad’s voice went stern, barely softened by the pet name. “There’s much more to life than accounts and deals. That’s fine for the office, but you have to live beyond that. Take it from me. I didn’t pay attention to my personal life until it was far too late—I assumed it would still be there when I was ready for it. Well, it wasn’t. You have to hang on to people you care about as hard as you can, because one day you turn around, and they’re gone.”

  His voice held sadness and finality. Haley’s mother had certainly vanished abruptly—there one morning, gone by that night. She’d left a note explaining what she’d done but never came back.

  “That’s why I don’t go very far from you, Dad,” Haley said quietly. “I don’t want you to find me gone too.”

  Her father was silent a moment. When he spoke again, he was less abrupt. “I know, sweetie. But I’m all right now, you know that. I want to see you with someone who makes you happy—for you, not because of the business. If it’s this cowboy, well then, he has my blessing. I like horses.”

  Haley gave a nervous laugh. “It’s nothing like that. Maddox doesn’t— He isn’t— I don’t think this is going anywhere.”

  “From the sound of your voice, I’m guessing it could go somewhere. I’d like to meet him. Maybe I’ll come out for your snowed-in Christmas.”

  “You can’t,” Haley said quickly. “I mean, the roads are piled high, and even if the nearest airport reopens …”

  She couldn’t say why she didn’t want her father coming to Montana. Not right now. Starlight Bend seemed to be frozen in a bubble—like a snow scene in glass—forever perfect. If she let her real life in, the globe would shatter, leaving only ruined remains.

  Her father’s voice filled with amusement. “I understand. Why don’t you talk to your cowboy, and if he’s willing, he can come up to Seattle. He should know what he’s getting into.”

  “He’d never come to Seattle,” Haley said with conviction. “Maddox made it clear he likes to stay home.”

  He’d chosen Starlight Bend over following his fiancé to Los Angeles, where he could find a job that paid him well. He’d chosen the wide-open spaces over the city’s polluted sky and wall-to-wall traffic.

  “If he’s serious about you, he’ll come,” her father said, quietly confident. “It’s time for you to choose your path, Haley. Right now, leave the work to me and don’t worry about anything until after Christmas. Try to enjoy your accidental vacation.”

  Haley was already enjoying it, if she admitted it. “I love you, Dad.”

  “Love you too, pumpkin. I’ll let everyone here know you’re fine. Bye-bye, sweetheart.”

  “Oh, Dad, wait …”

  Haley’s mind flooded with all the other things she wanted to accomplish—buying the dollhouse, getting something for Danny. “There’s a couple things I’m going to need your help with.”

  It was still too snowy and cold to train, but Buddy and Maddox took the horses around the covered ring to exercise them. Horses that stood around in their stalls became stale and cranky. Not good for them or for Maddox.

  Riding also gave Maddox an excuse to stay away from Haley. She’d grabbed her phone in wild delight then disappeared into the living room, where she apparently was still talking. Maddox could see her through the window whenever he looked toward the house, phone glued to her ear.

  She’d be making arrangements to haul ass out of there. Maddox imagined a helicopter cutting through the clouds, scattering snow, and Haley running joyfully to it. She’d rise into the sky and be gone, out of his life forever.

  Last night had been amazing. Haley was a wonderful lover, there every moment, her kisses and touches full of fire. No faking it. She’d given all she was, and Maddox had enjoyed bringing her to pleasure again and again. If he could look forward to Haley every day, things would be perfect.

  She’d be unhappy stuck in Starlight Bend, though. Haley wa
s restless, while Starlight Bend was a study in the slow life.

  Not that Maddox could describe his existence as slow. There was always something to do with the horses, visits to his cousins in Austin—or they came up here to choose which horses they wanted. The house was lively with one or more of the Campbell brothers around—Grant and Tyler with their clowning, Adam who could be all business but relaxing enough to talk and laugh, Carter who was efficient in his quiet way.

  In the summer, Maddox taught kids to take care of horses, and he did shows and rodeos. In between he’d take Aunt Jane to Kalispell, or Missoula, or even Spokane to shop and do whatever she needed. On rare occasions, Maddox was able to sit down and enjoy a little quiet fishing, but working with horses wasn’t exactly an easy life.

  Haley didn’t know much about horses though. She liked buildings, offices, fluorescent lights, computers … indoor stuff. She thought Starlight Bend and the country was pretty, but how soon would that pall?

  Then again, how long could Maddox live in a city, inside all the time, no place to just walk. Out here, he could stride for miles with nothing to hem him in. He’d die in a city. But would Haley fare any better in the country?

  And why was he trying hard to figure out how not to let her go? Why was he so determined to find a way, to have a chance?

  Because she was Haley. Beautiful, take-no-shit, able to stand toe-to-toe with him, but with flashes of gentleness. She truly cared about the kids and the gift tree, got along terrific with Aunt Jane, and liked dogs. No, ew, get that slobbering, hairy thing away from me. Haley talked to Lance as though he understood her—and he did—let him sleep with her, dropped him tidbits from the table. She’d been timid with Sammy at first, but was now coming around to like him too.

  Would she be that accepting of Maddox?

  He tried to put his spinning thoughts aside while he and Buddy worked with the horses, but it was difficult. Buddy watched him narrowly, as though wondering what had him so distracted. When Buddy caught Maddox watching the house, his narrow look turned to a knowing grin. Maddox sent him a scowl, which made Buddy only grin harder.

  By the time Maddox sent Buddy home for lunch and walked back to the house, Haley was still on the phone.

  She breezed into the kitchen, saying good-bye to her friend Linda, then finally took the phone from her ear and beamed a huge smile at Maddox and Aunt Jane. Maddox had thought her pretty when she was furious—she was even more beautiful when happy.

  “Talked to my dad and to my friend who makes the dollhouses,” Haley was saying. “Dad will send a dollhouse with a friend in a private plane so it will get here by Christmas morning. My dad said he’ll scour the stores for a remote-control plane for Danny. Is that all right with you, Maddox? If you’d rather get him something else, I can tell him. Oh, and even better.” Her smile was huge. “I found Danny’s dad.”

  Maddox stared at her without blinking as she spoke, then as Haley announced that she’d located Danny’s father, Pete Vining, which hadn’t been all that difficult, Maddox barreled to her, took her by the shoulder, and pushed her into the living room.

  “What the hell do you mean, you found Danny’s dad?”

  Maddox’s fingers bit down, and his blue eyes held nothing of the warmth they’d had when he’d loved her last night. Even during the poker game, his eyes had sparkled with good humor and wickedness. Now he was angry.

  Haley jerked from his grip. “I mean, my dad found him for us. He’s in a prison in eastern Oregon.”

  “I know that,” Maddox said in a hard voice.

  Haley blinked. “You know? Shit, Maddox, why didn’t you say so? My dad and his assistant spent all morning calling all over the place, tracking him down. How do you know?”

  “I asked around, and asked Buddy to ask around. Can’t keep much secret in this town. Turns out Danny’s mom knows exactly where her husband—now her ex-husband—is, and is happy he’s there. Pete was a bad man, Haley.”

  “I realize that. But my dad was able to speak to him—his lawyer got him through. Danny’s dad sounded so happy to hear about his son and wants to see him.”

  “That’s not for you do decide,” Maddox returned. “It’s for Danny’s mom to agree to, and for his lawyers and hers, and the wardens and social workers. You can’t know on the basis of a phone call whether he’s safe for Danny to visit.”

  “I know.” Haley huffed a breath. “I’m not a complete idiot. But at least we can give Danny the choice. If it’s a matter of cost to get him there …”

  Maddox’s look turned fierce. “Not everything can be solved with money, sugar. Maybe you can buy anything you want, including a fancy-ass car because you need a ride across seven states, but that doesn’t mean you can tell people what to do with their lives. I’ll buy Danny a new fishing rod and take him out on the ice—I’ll do things with him a dad would do. Keep your expensive presents to yourself.”

  Haley stared at him in hurt surprise a moment, then her anger returned. She stepped up to him, looking him straight in the eye. “Money isn’t something I throw around or take for granted, Maddox Campbell. It’s a tool—sometimes you use it to solve problems like trying to get yourself home in time for Christmas. Sometimes you make kids happy with it by giving them great presents. Sometimes you help a kid reunite with his dad—if he and his mom want him to.”

  She drew a ragged breath, waiting for Maddox to yell at her. When he didn’t, she rushed on. “I know money can’t solve every problem. Do you think that if money could have brought my mother back, I would have done everything in my power to make it happen? My mom didn’t care at all about money—she wanted romance and attention, and my dad was too busy to give it to her. Too busy working hard so we could eat—the business was going down the toilet. He wouldn’t tell us, just worked his fingers to the bone trying to keep us going. But that wasn’t good enough for my mom. She hightailed it out of there when something more exciting came along.” Tears stung Haley’s eyes. “That is why I was so angry when I saw Danny’s Christmas wish. Because I know exactly how he feels. Because I wrote letters to Santa for years asking him to bring my mother back to me.”

  Maddox stood very still. His scowl had faded as Haley had babbled, but now she couldn’t see his face through the blur of tears.

  “Haley.” He was against her, his warm hands on her shoulders.

  Haley leaned to him before she could stop herself. Maddox was large, strong, real. Nothing else seemed to be right now.

  He stroked her hair, his lips pressing the top of her head. He smelled of the outdoors, country wind, cold, fresh air. Scents she had little experience with, and now they nestled in her heart.

  “I lost my folks when I was a kid,” he said softly. “But I never wrote letters to Santa asking for them. I knew it wouldn’t do any good.”

  Haley gazed up at him, her chest tight. She’d at least had hope that her mom would change her mind, contact her, or come home. Maddox had known the grim truth, had learned about loss and grief far too young.

  “I guess we’re a couple of sad cases,” she said.

  “Nothing funny about it.” Maddox pulled her close, a hot kiss touching her temple. “Kids shouldn’t have to go through that. Danny shouldn’t.” He kissed her again. “It was good of you to try to help him.”

  “I planned to speak to his mom first,” Haley said. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “My dad didn’t promise Danny’s dad anything. I know a lot has to be taken into consideration. But my dad said the man did seem remorseful, wanting his family.”

  “We’ll see,” Maddox conceded cautiously. “It’s nothing we need to fight about, sweetheart.”

  Haley nodded. She didn’t want to fight with Maddox. Not right now. Verbal sparring with him was a lot of fun, but her prior life was edging back in. “The friends flying in the toys offered to take me home on the plane,” she said. “But I’d rather drive my car. So I guess you’re stuck with me a few more days.”

  “Not necessarily.”

>   Haley pulled back and looked at him. She’d already made the decision—though she hadn’t quite admitted it to herself—that her father was right, and she needed some time away from work. Time to do nothing, to be with people, to see if what she’d started with Maddox would go anywhere.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked.

  “Buddy and a couple of guys said they’d help dig out your car, now that the snow’s slowed. Roads around town are still blocked, but they might be able to get you to a highway that’s been cleared. Tow you if necessary. Then you can be on your way. Once you get down to the 90, you’ll be fine. Home in time for Christmas.”

  Chapter Ten

  “Oh.”

  Haley didn’t look happy. Which made no sense. If Maddox had told her two days ago that he could dig out her car, she’d have been rushing out the door.

  A wisp of hair fell into her eyes as she stared at him, and Haley brushed it impatiently away. “It’s kind of you.”

  “Thank Buddy. He’s resourceful. Has to be, living in the hollow he does. He’s became a genius at getting out of the snow.”

  Haley rubbed her arms. “I see. Well.” She wet her lips. “I guess I’d better go pack.”

  “It’ll be a while,” Maddox warned. “I’m heading out to help them.”

  “Great. Thanks.”

  Aunt Jane banged in from the kitchen, followed by Lance. “Are you done yelling at each other now?” She looked from one to the other. “Good. Haley, I’ll help you pack. But consider staying on through Christmas, all right? We’d love to have you.”

  Haley rubbed her arms again. “If I can make it home, I should try. I hate to think of my dad alone.”

  Aunt Jane nodded, not offended. “I understand, honey. Let’s go sort you out. You’ll want to wash those clothes first, so you have something clean to wear on the road.”

  Haley’s car looked small and pathetic half buried in snow, surrounded by Buddy and his friends with shovels. The guys had cleared a path to it and were now digging down to the wheels, banging shovels and picks into the frozen crust to loosen it.