The Renegade Returns (Mill Town Millionaires) (6 page)

The women did that huggy thing, then Luke preceded Avery across the breezeway back to the dining room. He led her through the swinging door to the adjacent kitchen. Mary and Nolen were cleaning up the last of dinner.

“Mary,” Avery said, “dinner was absolutely delicious. And whatever that chocolate dessert was—yum!”

The older woman grinned. “Well, I had something a little simpler planned, but such big news warranted an extraspecial dessert, you know.”

Luke should have known Mary would have the 411 before everyone else in the house. He wasn’t sure how, but Mary and Nolen knew everything that went on in Blackstone Manor—no matter how secret it might be.

Mary wiped her hands and hurried over for a hug. “So you have to tell me—how are you, girl?”

“I’m good,” Avery said with a smile.

Behind the older woman with her Kiss the Cook apron, Luke spied an entire rack of little beauties cooling down. Mary’s infamous chocolate chip cookies. He drew in a deep breath. Yep, chocolate was definitely in order tonight.

“Does my favorite cook have anything left for me?” he asked.

The woman eyed him with the same suspicion she had when he was a teenager up to no good. “There’s only one thing worth you nosing around my kitchen,” she said. “If I let you have one chocolate chip cookie, then all the other men want one, and on it goes.”

“But they’ve already had dessert,” he argued. “It should be safe.”

He wasn’t pulling anything over on Mary. “So have you, Lucas Blackstone. But I guess I can make an exception for ya.”

She scooped a couple of cookies off the cooling rack and set them on napkins before handing them each one. Nolen frowned. “What about me?”

Mary’s brow shot up. “When you finish your work, you can have one, too.”

The butler muttered as he headed back through the door to the dining room, leaving them all smiling. Mary turned back to Avery. “So everything going okay? The clinic is doing well?”

Luke saw Avery blossom beneath the older woman’s attention. “It sure is. How’re those hips doing?”

“Good, thanks to you.” Mary glanced over at Luke with the wisdom of ages in her eyes. “This girl works wonders, you know.”

He remembered that heavenly massage. “Oh, I’m getting the picture.”

Mary pointed in his direction. “You see you do everything she says, and it’ll all work out fine.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The words were forced as Luke’s mind flooded with Avery’s warnings to wait another season to return to racing. He wanted to push the concern away, but it kept resurfacing—especially at night when he lay in bed, legs aching from the day’s exertions.

Luke knew his body. He could return to tip-top shape by February. He had to believe that. The question was, could he prove it to everyone else? Only he understood the danger of losing his worth the longer he was away from the track. Why wait and have to rebuild his reputation when he could come back sooner and stay on top?

All of his hard work up to this point
would not
be for nothing.

Luke’s thoughts distracted him as they finished their cookies, then stepped out the back door into the cooling fall air. Avery snuggled into her light leather jacket as the slight breeze ruffled the long strands of her hair. The varying shades of blond, the highlights visible even in the dark, fascinated him. All Luke’s memories of her were with her hair up or back. He’d known her ponytail was thick, but never realized just how full and glossy her hair would be in its unfettered glory.

Down as it was now, it transformed into a waterfall of pure temptation. Luke’s palms itched to dig in, experience that silkiness against his skin. A groan slipped out unbidden, whisked away by the night air.

“Are you okay?” Avery asked. “Should we go back inside?”

“No, I’m fine.” If no one counted the throbbing ache behind his zipper.

“Do you like being back?” she asked, her voice quiet.

“It’s okay,” he said, leading her down the gentle slope of the lush back lawn, past heirloom iris beds that were only greenery now. “Every nomad needs a home base, right?”

“Doesn’t North Carolina feel like home to you?”

Nothing really did.
“I have an apartment there, but I wouldn’t really call it home. A place to stay, maybe.”

She gestured back toward Blackstone Manor, impressively handsome despite the dim light. “Here, neither? Even with your brothers both home?”

“No. I mean, Aiden and Jacob gutted Grandfather’s suite on the second floor so I’d have a convenient space—but it isn’t really mine.”

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

“Why?”

After a moment’s pause, she said, “I’d be lost without my house, and I hate that you don’t have the same comfort.” She was quiet for a few steps before she went on. “A lot of people asked why I didn’t sell it after Mom died. Move closer to the clinic. After all, it’s way too big for a woman all alone.” Her laugh was a huff in the air. “An old maid—I’m sure they say when I’m not around.”

“Honey, you’re as far from a typical old maid as a woman can get.” He reached out to touch that hair, rubbing a small swath between his finger and thumb.

He knew she felt him from the slight hesitation of her body and words, but then she continued walking without looking his way.

“That house has been the one constant in my life. I’ve been through a lot of bad times there, but also my best. I don’t want to let it go. Guess that makes me overly sentimental, huh?”

“Not at all.” Without thought, Luke said, “If I called anywhere home, it would be my garage. Crazy, I know, but I’d rather be there than anywhere.”

“Makes perfect sense to me, Luke,” Avery whispered.

She paused, looking up at the night sky. It was chilly, but clear, with stars in abundance. Luke didn’t care. He was too busy soaking up Avery’s shadowy profile.

When had this conversation turned so serious? He should be concentrating on fun—not home and hearth.

Finding her arm in the dark, he let his hand slip down to grasp hers. “Come here,” he said, changing their direction toward the nearby oak tree. Massive in size, family lore said it had been there since they settled this land many years ago. Now other trees kept it company, including a couple of magnolias and a pretty old weeping willow, but the oak stood above them all.

Luke and Avery slipped below the bottommost branches to the sheltered circle beneath the tree.

“How pretty,” she breathed, as a small amount of moonlight dappled through the leaves.

Luke led her around to the other side where Aiden had helped him hang the tire swing. Now the fun would really begin. “Ever play on one of these?”

“Hmm…no, can’t say that I have.”

Her dubious tone thrilled him. Even in the dark, he could feel her eyeing him as if he needed to be watched. He might be heading for craziness, after all. That was fine. The more she resisted, the sweeter the surprise when she gave in.

“Never?” he challenged. “Come on. When was the last time you sat on a swing? Any swing?”

Her sigh sounded long-suffering, as if she were indulging him. “When I was a kid, I guess.”

“Then it’s way past time. Hop on.”

“What?” She took a few steps back. “Me? No.”

“Yes,” he said in a singsong voice. “I dare you.”

“Luke, I’m not dressed for a tire swing.”

Oh, she was reaching for excuses now. “What? They’re pants, at least. Besides, getting dirty makes it a lot more fun.”

He hadn’t meant his words to come out quite like that, or for desire to deepen his voice, but his fascination with her was outstripping his control.

“Come on, where’s that little adventurer that’s trying to break free?” he goaded.

That did the trick, because she moved in his direction. Yes, one hesitant step at a time, but she was moving toward the swing instead of away from it.
Baby steps.

She stood next to the tire for long moments, then Luke heard a small laugh. “You’re gonna find this hilarious, I’m sure,” she said, “but I don’t even know how to get on this thing.”

He moved close, resting his free hand against the small of her back. Just that simple touch was as electric as her falling into his arms earlier. He let the forbidden thrill move through him, savoring it for just a moment.

“Well, you can climb on top and ride.” He paused, clearing his throat. When had something so simple become so riddled with innuendos? “Or you can slide your legs through the middle.”

And sit on that delectable rear of hers. He did not need to think about her anatomy right now or he’d end up in a world of hurt.

Avery, of course, chose the safer option of sitting in the middle. Luke held the tire steady for her, then moved into position behind her back.

“Don’t you dare push me,” she said, looking over her shoulder. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

Luke gave a playful growl but a growl nonetheless. “Don’t tell me what to do, woman. My body is operational in all the places I need it to be.”

Let her think about that for a while. He let his cane fall to the ground and grasped the tire on either side of her. His balance held steady as he got her moving. Avery caught her breath with the first swoop. Luke grinned. The sound lent strength to his pushes, making her soar.

For long moments, the only thing heard was the creak of the rope, the rustle of leaves in the tree and the sound of their breath. Then something new joined in—slow at first, but gathering speed. The sound of her enjoyment, laughter mixed with a sort of breathlessness that radiated in his soul.

He had a vivid memory of that same sensation, the first time he could remember feeling it. His first time behind the wheel, alone in a car. Following the road to the deserted outskirts of town, and indulging in his need for speed. He hadn’t reached racing heights, or even come close, but it had been his first taste, leaving him hungry for more.

With each push her breath caught, then laughter sprung forth as she reached the apex and hung suspended a moment before rushing back down. He backed up to give her more room, just enjoying the show. Her indulgence lit him up inside, mixing with lingering passion. Almost as if he were living vicariously through her.

No. He’d always lived his own life, on his own terms. But he could still enjoy her journey, right?

So he let the sound of her flow over him, through him—letting his eyes slip closed to hold it inside. Then a small cry and
wham
!

The weight against his chest toppled his balance. Luckily he’d been trained to fall. His body instinctively rolled along one side rather than slam down, but he lay disoriented for a moment. Within seconds he heard feet running in his direction.

“Luke? Luke, are you hurt?”

Avery’s breathlessness only made him want to take her breath away in a whole other manner. The warmth of palms meeting his pants-clad legs and seeking upward took his own breath away. He peeked at her. “If I say yes, can I get a massage?”

She loomed closer. “Are you kidding me?”

He ignored her exasperated tone, the dull pain in his hips, and focused on the red of her full lips in the darkness and the wealth of hair like a waterfall as she leaned over him. There was no stopping himself. No talking himself out of it. Before he thought, his hand was buried in her hair, and he was pulling her down, closer to where he wanted her.

Then their lips met, and Luke sank into a world of sensation. So soft. So smooth. The taste of sugar and chocolate. Her lips parted. Tentatively her tongue swept against his and he was lost. Need exploded through his body, draining his control. He retreated, sucking in much-needed air.

Only then did he register that sweet palm still high on his thigh, just inches from where he wanted it. Avery seemed oblivious. “Are you okay?” she asked again.

“I swear, if you ask me that one more time, I’m going to flip you over and show you just how okay I am.”

Just like that, the hand was gone. Damn shame, but probably for the best right now.

He’d veered onto a dangerous road tonight—led astray by her inherent beauty and his own need for adventure—and he hadn’t applied the brakes in time.

Knowing himself, he wasn’t sure he could stop now. And his next crash might leave more damage than his last.

SIX

I
f looks could kill, Luke Blackstone would be deader than a doornail.

He hadn’t expected resistance to his appearance at the mill, since his brothers had already reestablished the Blackstone family presence. But with one look, Mark Zabinski had made his feelings toward Luke clear.

“I’m glad you came in, Luke,” Jacob was saying. He turned back toward the employees in the office. “Everyone, I’m sure you know my brother Luke. He’ll be joining us as a partner, so he wanted to take some time to learn more about operations.”

The secretaries in the office smiled and welcomed him. The daytime shift manager shook his hand. The dagger look from Mark had been quickly suppressed, but a frown still lingered on a face already going soft around the edges. No one else seemed to notice.

Luckily, Aiden walked through the door just then. As he paused beside Jacob, Luke wanted to laugh. He’d never understood how those two could look so comfortable in their suits, even though Aiden still maintained a messy artistic style to his hair. Just the thought of wearing a suit jacket every day caused Luke’s throat to start closing.

“Well, ladies, we don’t want to keep you from your lunch,” Jacob said, much to Luke’s relief. He was ready to get the espionage part of his visit over, so he could see Avery.

He simply couldn’t get her out of his brain. Her soft hair, silky skin and eager kiss. He had every intention of going to the therapy center this afternoon. No appointment. No reason for going…except for not being able to forget the taste of her tongue. Her sweetness flavored her, and had given Luke a contact sugar rush. He could tell himself he simply wanted to invite her out on an adventure, but deep down, he knew he was lying to himself.

“We do need to head out,” Clara said softly. “I don’t want to get caught in that bad weather coming in this afternoon.”

“Oh, I think it will be this evening before that hits,” Aiden said. “Y’all will be safely home before that.”

“Most definitely,” Jacob agreed. “We want everyone to be safe.”

The significance of those words wasn’t lost on Luke as he gave the ladies a quick goodbye, then followed his brothers out the door. What they were doing here today, and in the days to come, was about the safety of everyone involved with Blackstone Mills—both employees and family.

Still, Luke tried to keep it light. “Let’s get on with this,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “I’ve got places to be—”

“Places more important than this?”

Luke didn’t care much for Mark’s hard tone, so he slowly swiveled his head to stare at the man who had followed them out of the office. “As a matter of fact, yes. I have plans for Avery tonight.” Only she didn’t know it yet.

The flush that swept over Mark’s jaw and neck was satisfying to Luke, even if it was petty of him.

“Let’s head over to the manufacturing floor, then back this way,” Jacob suggested.

“I’ll catch up with you when you get to the accounting office,” Mark said. “I need to check out a computer problem over there.”

“Good deal,” Jacob said on his way down the hall. “We need to go over the plans for the computer system in that department anyway.”

Aiden and Jacob were gone in seconds, but Luke couldn’t stop himself from looking back. He glimpsed Mark’s face blazing with an inordinate amount of fury before the other man turned away, leaving Luke to wonder if he had pulled a tiger’s tail with his needling remark.

He followed his brothers over to the manufacturing part of the plant, easily slipping into his public persona as he greeted acquaintances. He may not truly be joining the company as a full partner, but he cared about these people.

He’d do whatever was necessary to ensure their safety.

Dealing with people had always come easy to him. Until his accident, he’d been quite the extrovert. The dark period following his accident had birthed an extreme need for solitude. Slowly exposing himself to people again was going okay, as long as it wasn’t a big crowd.

Today was working well for both purposes.

Talking with people in small groups of two or three, casually leaning on his cane and offering his TV-interview smile, allowed him to be accepted, to let down guards and to see what more familiar eyes might miss. After a couple of hours, he hadn’t found anything suspicious. But at least they’d accomplished the first step: making his presence at the mill a natural occurrence.

For everyone except Mark, at least. Luke could still feel his resistance when they met up again near the accounting department. He knew things were about to get interesting when Jacob waved them on while he and Aiden talked over a problem with an employee.

The small accounting office was quiet. A lot of the employees had left early to prepare for bad weather. Being overly cautious, schools had let out early. Plus this tour had taken a bit longer than Luke had planned. He hoped to rush them through this last department so he could get over to Avery’s before the thunderstorms started.

Mark made himself look busy fiddling with papers on one of the desks. Luke ignored the other man’s aimless movements, his mind wandering to thoughts of what he would say to Avery.

Finally tired of the manager and all the noise he was making, Luke turned to face him. “What’re you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

Mark’s stiff shoulders and tight mouth gave Luke confirmation that Mark was gathering his courage for…something. Luke didn’t have the patience to wait. “Why don’t you just spit it out?”

His gaze slid away from Luke’s, but Mark’s chin jutted out in challenge. “I simply want to understand. I mean, why would you bother with Avery when before long you’ll be heading back to fame and fortune? After all, it’s not like she’s your usual arm candy, is she?”

Luke didn’t answer. He needed to get his temper under control first. Mark’s words had a derogatory tone. Luke wasn’t sure if it was directed toward Avery or himself. Neither would be appropriate.

His silence didn’t impact Mark, who seemed to gain courage the more he talked. “It’s okay. Somebody will be here to pick up the pieces after you
walk
away.”

Again, Luke let the jab go, but he couldn’t keep quiet. The more information he had, the more he could warn Avery. Well, that probably wouldn’t go over well, but he’d figure out something. “You mean you?” He cocked his head to the side as if he were truly interested.

Mark just shrugged, grinning.

That lit Luke’s fire. He was known to say stupid stuff before checking himself, and anger weakened his already tenuous control. He didn’t often lash out, but when he did—ugly stuff. “If I understand gossip correctly, you and Avery have been dating for almost a year. Or rather,
had been
dating. If you had closed the deal before I got here, picking up the pieces wouldn’t be an issue—but then again, I guess coming in second might be an experience you need.”

Luke knew his arrogant grin topped Mark’s smirk any day. Not that Avery had ever mentioned being upset over not seeing Mark romantically, if their dates had even been that. Besides, Luke would probably be the last person she’d talk with about Mark, but Mark didn’t need to know.

“Tell Jacob I had to leave,” Mark snapped.

Luke didn’t manage to wait for Mark’s office door to slam before he murmured, “If I feel like it, a-hole…which I won’t.”

Luke stared at the tight seal of the door for long moments, his frustration urging him to burst through and remind that jerk whose family was in charge here. But he didn’t let himself move. Getting all up in Mark’s grill would make him look jealous.

Just like Mark’s overt comments had done for him.

Luke had nothing to prove. But that didn’t stop him from wanting to.

* * *

“Mr. Hutchens, I want you to pay close attention to how you’re feeling. Call me immediately if those muscles seize up again, instead of waiting until you can barely make it here. Got it?”

Avery gave the old man a stern stare, wishing she could just follow him home and watch him 24/7 to make sure he was okay. Or as okay as he could be with terminal pancreatic cancer.

“Are you bossing me around, missy?” His stare was a challenge all its own.

But Avery wasn’t backing down. “You betcha.”

“Well…all right.” The fact that he retreated so quickly concerned her. Mr. Hutchens had been her patient for a while, and he liked to play the crotchety old dude when she gave him orders. But always playfully. He’d rather hurt himself before he hurt her.

If he wasn’t playing the game today, he definitely wasn’t feeling well. Of course, having your back muscles contract and not let go didn’t feel so good, no matter what your other health issues were.

“Now, come in again tomorrow—”

“I can’t afford that and you know it.”

The bell over the door sounded as she glared at him. “You will come and you’re not going to pay for it, either, so get over that pride of yours. I want to keep you upright and mobile. That’s the goal.”
For as long as I can.

He gave a sage nod before glancing over her shoulder at the newcomer. “Well, I’ll be. Lucas Renegade Blackstone. I haven’t seen you since you went and got all famous.” He grinned. “At least, not in person.”

Avery breathed deep, almost able to feel Luke’s gaze on her back. Unable to think of a delay, she reluctantly turned around to face him. Heat burned her cheeks as she remembered his kiss from the night before…and her response.

“Avery here working on you, too?” Mr. Hutchens asked.

“Sure is,” Luke said, flashing a grin in her direction.

But not today.
She’d have remembered if she had an appointment for him on today’s schedule, especially since they’d canceled the rest of the afternoon appointments for impending bad weather. So why was he here?

“She treating you right?” Luke asked, oblivious to her inner panic.

Mr. Hutchens stood a little taller, though Avery could tell by his quick breath that it hurt to do so. “Always,” the older man said. “And how’re the legs? I saw the footage on television. That wasn’t a pretty wreck.”

The practice footage had played on newscasts in their county for weeks following the accident, then again after Luke had been released from the hospital. Since he was a homegrown celebrity, everyone around Black Hills had devoured the slightest tidbits about his accident and recovery.

Avery studied Luke from under her lashes as the men talked sports. He leaned casually against his cane, as if it were an accessory instead of a necessity. While charming, he wasn’t laying it on thick. His responses to whatever Mr. Hutchens said were genuinely warm. She’d seen that same sincerity on his face during television interviews. He was honestly interested in other people, which made him so much more darn appealing.

As if he needed any help with that.

“Would you do me a favor, Mr. Hutchens? As soon as my slave driver here clears me to get back behind the wheel, how about we go for a nice, fast drive?”

“Wow. I’ve never ridden in a really fast car. Reliable ones, yes, but never fast.” And the twinkle in the older man’s eyes told them just how exciting that would be for him.

“Well, I have a beaut. She drives smooth and steady—unless there’s an operator error.” Luke winked at the older man. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

“I’m pretty sure you won’t.”

Avery laughed. Leave it to Mr. Hutchens to peg Luke so accurately.

“You laugh, young lady,” Mr. Hutchens said, “but the truth is, when a chance comes once in a lifetime, you take it. And don’t rely on the brakes or you’ll regret it.”

“Very sound advice,” Luke agreed. He tilted his head in Avery’s direction. “See? I’m right.”

Ah, the polite male equivalent of
I told you so
.

“Mr. Hutchens,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”

“I see my daughter pulling up in the parking lot,” Mr. Hutchens said. “And it’s almost time for my medicine. I will see you tomorrow, missy.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, indulging in a quick hug.

“And you,” he said, pinning Luke with a look, “you take good care of her, you hear?”

“Oh, I will, sir.”

Was she reading an innuendo in Luke’s reply that wasn’t there? A flush swept up her neck and across her cheeks.

Maybe not, because Mr. Hutchens winked. “I can see she’s in good hands. Good afternoon, son. Missy.”

“Let me walk you out, Mr. Hutchens,” Cindy said.

“Are you leaving now, too, girlie?”

“I’m hoping to get home before it pours,” she said. “You sure you’ll be okay, Avery?” she asked with a quick glance at Luke.

Avery appreciated the support, since her shaky insides were making her wish that her sassy receptionist would stick around for once. “Yeah,” she said instead. “I’ll get everything closed up.” She ushered them to the door, eager to get any conversation over and done with. “Y’all be safe.”

She and Luke stood side by side as they exited the door and walked slowly to Mr. Hutchens’s daughter’s car. The wind from the coming storm whipped at their clothes.

“What’s the matter with him?” Luke finally asked in a low tone.

Avery matched it, though there wasn’t anyone left to hear. “It’s not a secret. Pancreatic cancer. Not too much longer now.”

“Any insurance?”

“Yes, but therapy benefits can run out pretty quickly.” Something that frustrated Avery to no end. Not because she needed money, but because it kept her patients from seeing her as often as they needed to.

Luke glanced across at her. “Why wouldn’t you let him pay?”

“Because then he’d use not having enough money as an excuse to not show up.” She shrugged. “I’m not really helping with the cancer anyway. Just trying to keep him as mobile as possible for as long as we can. Manage the pain a little. He’s got a great attitude despite a terrible prognosis.”

“That’s wonderful, Avery…what you’re doing.”

She dismissed the compliment, because tooting her own horn wasn’t ladylike. “Somebody needs to take care of them.” And she’d been doing it all her life, right? That was her place. And her joy.

“I see.”

She couldn’t tell if he was agreeing with her statement or what, so she simply nodded. But his next words caught her attention.