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Second Summer
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Contemporary
SHIRLEEN DAVIES
Book One in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Contemporary Series
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Other Books by Shirleen Davies
Historical Western Romance Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Tougher than the Rest, Book One
Faster than the Rest, Book Two
Harder than the Rest, Book Three
Stronger than the Rest, Book Four
Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five
Redemption Mountain
Redemption’s Edge, Book One
Coming fall of 2014
MacLarens of Boundary Mountain
Colin’s Quest, Book One
Coming in 2015
Contemporary Romance Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Second Summer, Book One
Hard Landing, Book Two
One More Day, Book Three – Coming summer of 2014
For more information about Shirleen Davies and her books visit:
www.shirleendavies.com
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Copyright © 2014 by Shirleen Davies
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
For permission requests, contact the publisher.
Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC
PO Box 12618
Prescott, AZ 86304
Second Summer is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used facetiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.
Cover artwork by idrewdesign
Book design and conversions by Joseph Murray at 3rdplanetpublishing.com
ISBN-10: 1941786006
ISBN-13: 978-1-941786-00-0
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Description
Second Summer – Book One in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series
In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family. The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.
Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .
Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.
It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .
Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.
However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .
The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?
Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.
Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.
Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series—heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance. Watch for Hard Landing in the Spring of 2014.
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Dedication
This book is dedicated to Richard, the love of my life.
Acknowledgements
Thanks also to my editor and proofreader, Deborah Gunn, and all of my beta readers. Their insights and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Finally, many thanks to my wonderful resources, including Diane Lebow, who has been a whiz at guiding my social media endeavors, my cover designer, idrewdesign, and Joseph Murray who is a whiz at formatting my books for both print and electronic versions.
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue
About the Author
Other Books by Shirleen Davies
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Second Summer
Chapter One
Late January
Annie walked into the crowded room, making her way between men in jeans and cowboy boots, and those dressed in suits—and cowboy boots. She passed waiters with trays balanced precariously on one hand while using the other to distribute champagne, wine, and non-alcoholic punch to people who barely acknowledged their presence while accepting the free libations.
She’d been there thirty minutes and had yet to see the friend who’d invited her. It was Annie’s first venture into adult society since her husband had died almost two years ago after a gallant battle against cancer. Annie and Kit had been a very social couple. He’d laugh if he knew she hadn’t been to an event of any kind since he’d died. Kit wouldn’t know that her heart had been buried with him.
Her path had taken her in a jagged route from one side of the room to the other, but still, no sign of her friend. Annie was just about to give up when she heard a familiar voice.
“Annie! Over here!”
She turned to see her closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, wave her over. Caroline had badgered her for weeks to come to the charity event that she chaired. It was for foster children and she knew it was one of Annie’s heart-points. Kit and Annie had been active in a couple of organizations dedicated to improving the foster care program and establishing funding programs for teens who’d turned eighteen and were about to be cut-loose from government support even if they were only weeks or months from obtaining their high school diploma. Sometimes their foster parents allowed them to stay, but sometimes not. It was a broken system that broke Annie’s heart—at least what was now left of it. Without Kit, the fire had slowed even if she still continued to write checks to the programs they’d supported.
“I’ve looked all over for you,” Caroline said as she hooked her arm through Annie’s and kissed her cheek. “Where were you hiding?”
“I was on the other side of the room. It’s a much larger crowd than I remembered.
” Annie looked at the four other people in the circle. She’d met Annie’s husband, Jace, but the other two were unfamiliar.
“Annie, this is my brother-in-law, Heath MacLaren, and his date, Jennifer. Of course, you already know Jace.”
“Annie, it’s good to see you again,” Jace bent down and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
“It’s nice to be out again, Jace.” Annie’s gaze shifted to the other couple.
“Annie, it’s a pleasure. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.” Heath MacLaren held out a hand. Annie grasped it for a brief moment. His hand was large, warm, and welcoming, the way Kit’s had been the first time she’d met him. She shook the thought from her mind.
“Nice to meet you also, Heath.”
“Hello, Annie. Glad you could join us. Caroline mentioned you used to be very involved in this group.” Jennifer was tall, slender, with stunning golden red hair that fell in waves below her shoulders. To say she was stunning was a gross understatement. She looked like a runway model in her sequined, emerald green evening gown.
“Yes, I used to be quite involved. Perhaps I will again at some point.” Annie had thought tonight would be the catalyst she needed to get her life going again. Now she wasn’t so sure. Had it always seemed so hard to move through these circles or had she become jaded?
They all turned at the sound of the maître d’ announcing that dinner was served. The lights flickered twice before the guests started towards the dining room door. Her group was directed to a table for eight. The other couple and single guest were already seated when the five of them arrived. They were in the front at a center table. Annie was shown a seat next to an older gentleman who appeared to be soloing it just like her. He stood to pull out her chair.
“Seth Garner,” he said and held out a hand which Annie accepted.
“Hello Seth. I’m Annie Sinclair.”
“Ah, another Scot, Heath. Did you know that?” Seth harassed.
“Yes, as a matter of fact I did.” Heath settled in his chair on the other side of Annie. “Are you of Scottish descent or is that your married name?”
A pain so quick, yet so deep cut through Annie before she had time to think. She drew in a short breath. After almost two years the mention of her loss still hurt. “Both, actually. My husband was half Scottish. I’m perhaps a fourth. No one will admit to more,” she smiled, hoping it would disguise her unease.
“Hah, she’s got you there,” Seth joked.
“And you, Heath, are you a full Scot or another mixed breed?”
“Oh, at this point in our lives I believe most of us are a jigsaw of backgrounds. However, I will admit to the majority of my genes being Scot.” He smiled, and for the first time in two years Annie felt a jolt to her heart that had nothing to do with pain.
The dinner passed as most of these events did with more wine, introductions, announcements, rich desserts, too strong coffee, and a live auction. The largest donation was an all-inclusive two-week trip for two to Paris. The accommodations could be used for up to two years in the future, which gave the recipient plenty of time to plan. It was purchased by Heath MacLaren.
With the announcements over, the band was free to begin. Annie and Kit had liked to dance. Nothing fancy like some of their friends but they’d had fun. The band tonight played a mix of pop, country, some hip-hop, and a few big band numbers. They had been brought in from Phoenix just for this event and the crowd loved them.
Seth had danced with Annie. He was a good dancer, kept the conversation going, and was a gentleman—three qualities Annie admired. He’d excused himself to join a group of men on the other side of the room, while the other couples visited with friends.
Now she sat alone at the table, sipping her wine, waiting for an appropriate time to say her goodbyes. It was almost eleven, way past time for her to be home in bed with a book.
Annie turned to place her empty glass on the table and push herself up when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“May I have this dance, Annie?”
She looked up to see Heath’s intense green eyes fix on her.
“I was just getting ready to leave.”
“Just one dance.”
She listened to what the band was playing. It was a fast number. Yes, she could do this.
“All right.” She stood to take his hand just as the song ended. They both looked toward the stage when a beautiful, slow song started. Annie turned to Heath. He must have seen the hesitancy in her gaze because he grasped her hand tighter and led her toward the dance floor.
Turning her toward him, Heath took Annie in a gentle embrace, and began to move to the music. After a while he felt her relax. He was glad he’d asked her. Caroline had shared some of what had happened, but he was certain there was more to the story. His sister-in-law was discreet and exceedingly loyal to her family and friends. He knew she thought of Annie as a close friend. Funny that she’d never introduced her to him before.
It was a soft, romantic song, and Heath was a good lead. He was taller than she’d first thought, at over six feet. Her five-foot-five height was a stretch even with her three-inch heels. She hated wearing heels, but tonight she was glad to have them on.
So this was Heath, Annie thought. Caroline hadn’t told her too much about him, but had always warned her away. His situation was complicated Caroline had said. She had told Annie he’d been married for a long time to a woman he’d met in high school. Annie assumed it was the standard marriage of high-school sweethearts gone wrong as the two matured, but Caroline had almost snorted when Annie had used that phrase. She knew he had a reputation for being seen with a different woman at each event he attended, even if all were stunning, tall, and, according to Caroline, ten to fifteen years his junior. At least now she had a face to put with a name.
The song ended but Heath didn’t let loose his hold, at least not right away. She pulled back and looked up. Those green eyes focused on her again, and a slight smile curved his lips. “Thank you, Annie Sinclair. That was very nice.”
She smiled in return. “Yes, Heath, it was. Thanks so much for asking me.”
He led her back to the table, picked up her small clutch, and handed it to Annie.
“I’ll help you get your coat.”
“But I should say goodbye to Caroline.”
“I’ll tell her for you. Come on.” Heath took her elbow and led her to the coat room then walked her outside to her car.
“Thank you, but I could’ve walked out by myself. You still have Jennifer inside, waiting.”
“It was my pleasure. Besides, Jennifer can entertain herself quite well without me.” Heath took her keys and unlocked the door. “Well, goodnight, Annie. Have a safe drive home.”
“Goodnight, Heath.” Annie slid into the seat and started the engine.
Heath made a brief wave and was off, back to his date, and, well, whatever gorgeous, single men did on a night like this.
Annie drove home. The car radio would normally be playing in the background while she wrestled with one thought or another, but not tonight. Tonight her mind wandered to the last dance and how glad she was that Caroline had encouraged her to attend.
She felt as if she’d crossed a giant hurdle. Annie felt a little lighter as she pulled into her drive and punched the garage door button. It was as if a small piece of a large burden had been lifted, simply pulled away.
She changed into her favorite sweats and sat on the floor to stretch. It was a routine she’d had for years along with using her home gym three times a week. After a while she felt tired enough to slide under the covers. Her thoughts went again to the dinner and table guests. Seth had been very attentive. She’d danced with Jace and the other gentleman at the table, and finally with Heath.
Annie drifted off, hearing the last song in her head, and feeling better than she had in a long time.
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Chapter Two
March, two months later…
Annie woke to a glaring sun shining
in from her large bedroom window. She’d gotten home so late she hadn’t even remembered to close the curtains. Her bedroom looked out over a large deck and an acre of tall pines. She loved this place—had from the first moment she’d seen it.
It hadn’t been Kit’s first choice, but they’d looked at so many houses by the time they’d seen this one he would have taken anything she wanted. His first choice was five acres ten miles outside of town, and miles from the private airport where he kept the plane. After a few days of soul-searching, he’d come to the decision that the one-story ranch two miles from town and five from the airport was perfect.
Annie started for the kitchen, and coffee, when she heard her cell phone. She checked the caller I.D.
“Hello, Caroline.” She balanced the phone between her shoulder and ear while putting the coffee in the little container, shutting the lid, and pushing the start button.
“Hi. I heard it was a real late night getting everything set.”
“Yes it was and I need to be at the church by eight o’clock. The bus arrives at eight thirty. Anyway, I’ll sleep when this is all over.” Annie watched the water drip from the machine into her cup. She really needed coffee this morning.
“You’re right about that. Jace and I’ll be there about eight-fifteen. Anything you need us to pick up on the way?”
“Nope, I think it’s all covered at this point. See you in a bit.” Annie hung up, walked toward the bedroom, sipped the hot coffee, and grimaced—she’d forgotten the sweetener. She back-tracked and grabbed one packet. Slow down, she told herself, there was plenty of time.
Annie pulled her small SUV into the church lot right at eight, turned off the engine, and sat. She mentally checked off everything one more time to be sure nothing had been missed, then climbed out and strolled to the office.
“Hi, Claire. Everything ready?” she asked and set down her notepad.
“Hi, Annie. As far as I know it’s all good.” She looked out the window. “Looks like your bus is here early. Good thing because some of the kids have been here for an hour.”
Annie walked to the community room and peered inside. About twelve kids were sitting around, listening to music, watching television, or texting. About twenty-eight more from various foster families had signed up for the field trip to Flagstaff. Many hadn’t been out of Fire Mountain in years. For some it was their first trip beyond the community of a hundred thousand.