Sunset Seduction - By Charlene Sands Page 0,52
fascination with my big brother’s buddy. I have loved you for so long, and so hard, for so many years, it’s killing me to pretend I don’t. You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted. I didn’t set out for any of this to happen. I surely didn’t intend to get pregnant, Luke. But that night at the cabin, when I walked into the room and saw you there, I realized that if I walked away, I might blow the only chance I had with you. I might’ve walked away from something I had dreamed about for years. It was important for me to be with you that night. It was my chance to show you how much I cared for you.
“Did you ever ask yourself why I climbed into bed with you that night? Did you think I’d lay with any man sleeping in that bed? Did you think I was a slut? You never once considered that I might have true feelings for you, Luke. You never once looked at me as anything other than a friend, your buddy’s little sister. I have strong feelings for you. I love you with all my heart. And I’m having your baby.”
Audrey set her hand on the new life growing inside her even as tears wet her cheeks. “We will not go into this halfway. We want one hundred percent of you. We want all-in. We want to be your pot of gold.”
Luke swallowed and blinked his eyes. “Audrey.”
Audrey’s voice began to crack. “I will n-never keep you from your child, Luke. And I wish to heaven that you l-loved me, but you don’t, so I won’t m-marry you. I hope you can understand that. Now, I h-have work to do. I’ll s-see you later.”
She turned to leave, wiping tears with the sleeve of her blouse as she headed out the door.
“Audrey, wait!”
Luke’s plea only stopped her for a second. She squeezed her eyes closed and stood waiting for Luke to say what she needed to hear.
When he offered nothing else, Audrey turned to face his blank stare. “I have waited, Luke. For ten years.”
Then she exited the room.
Nine
Luke canceled his meetings for the morning and changed into a pair of washed-out jeans and a T-shirt. He slipped his hat on his head and walked to the barn. He found Ward there, saddling up the dapple-gray Andalusian gelding that would be leaving the ranch in three days. He’d been sold to a Frenchman who wanted the good-natured horse for his twelve-year-old daughter.
“Hey, Luke, I’m just about ready to exercise him. You need me for something?”
Luke stared at the horse that he’d admired for a long time. “How about I take this one out this morning?”
Ward gave him a quizzical stare. “You want to take Caliber out? Well, sure thing. I’ll take one of the Arabians. You want company on the ride?”
Luke didn’t blame Ward for questioning him. He rarely rode the horses he intended to sell. Usually Luke rode his own mare, a fast yet gentle bay mare of fine breeding named Nutmeg. “Not this time, Ward. Appreciate the offer, though. I just want to take him out by myself. Say goodbye, you know?”
Ward gave the animal a firm, affectionate pat. “Yeah, I know. Gonna miss him. He’s got spirit, this one, but he’s a pushover with kids. Edward comes by to see him and the horse has such a tender way with him. That little girl’s gonna be real happy on her twelfth birthday.”
Luke nodded. He mounted the horse and rode off without saying any more. He wasn’t much in a mood for small talk.
He’d tried to small talk his way with Audrey last night with a text message.
Just making sure you’re feeling well.
After the bombshell she’d dropped about having his baby, Luke had been at his wits’ end. Yet, he’d had to give Audrey the time and space she needed. It wasn’t as if he didn’t need time, too. This whole thing had been a weird twist of fate and now an innocent child’s future was at stake.
I’m feeling okay. Going to bed now.
was her curt reply, and Luke had gotten the hint.
This morning, Audrey had dropped her second bombshell. Apparently, one wasn’t enough for her. He didn’t know which one had shocked him more. Now, not only did he have an unborn child to deal with, he had Audrey’s vow of love plaguing his thoughts.
Summer heat drew down on him. Luke lowered the brim of his hat and clucked