Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) (4 page)

~ ~ ~

A
ddison opened her eyes but couldn’t make out much of anything in the dim light. Rain pelted above her but it sounded louder then rain on a rooftop. Her body rested on the hard ground with something cushioning her head that smelled like campfire and leather. Maybe someone’s jacket? She sighed and drifted back off.

The next time she woke up, a dull light glowed above her and the rain had slowed to a sprinkle.

She heard a man’s voice in the distance. “We’ll start out soon … no, she’s okay. Just in shock.”

Addison touched a small bandage on her forehead and scanned her surroundings. She was under some kind of a tarp or a makeshift tent, but what happened? Where was she?

The man outside chuckled. “Well wouldn’t you be disoriented if you saw a mountain lion and fell off a horse?” He paused. “Just relax and prepare the horses. I’ll go check on her.”

Now Addison remembered everything—the disastrous horse ride and the mountain lion. The memory sent a tremor through her body.

Footsteps approached and a large hand lifted the edge of the tarp. Just enough light filtered through to highlight Logan’s handsome face. He smiled at her. “Welcome back.”

She relaxed and rubbed her eyes. “Where are we?”

He crawled through the small opening and sat next to her. “We’re still in the woods. The storm’s over, but we should try to make it back before nightfall…if you’re okay to travel. If not we can camp here for the night.”

The thought of spending the night in the woods forced Addison to sit up. “Yes, let’s get out of here.” She winced and held her head as dizziness plagued her. “My head feels a little funny but I’m fine.”

“You bumped it when you fell and you have a mild abrasion on your forehead. Nothing serious.”

Addison lifted an eyebrow and chuckled. “Mild abrasion? I’ve never heard cowboys use such fancy words. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a doctor.”

Logan’s eyes darkened. “I used to be.”

“Used to be?”

“Yeah.” He pulled out a small flashlight. “Here, look directly at me. I’m going to check your eyes again.”

Addison obeyed and remained silent. Logan’s stone-like expression told her that he was done talking about his past. She decided not to bug him about it, even though her mind flooded with questions.

He finished and turned off the flashlight. “Well, you don’t appear to have a concussion. You should eat something before we go though. It might help you feel better. Do you like jerky?”

Addison grimaced. “No thanks. I don’t eat very much meat.”

He rubbed his forehead. “Oh, well what about trail mix?”

She nodded and allowed him to help her climb out of the little tent. When she stood, it surprised her to see another person—a pre-teen boy with dark wavy hair. He was almost a mini version of Logan, except with hazel eyes. His son maybe?

Logan spoke up from beside her. “Addie, this is my nephew, Dylan.”

Addison greeted him but he only responded with a shy wave.

Logan spoke to Dylan while using sign language. “Could you please find the bag of trail mix for Addie? She’s hungry.”

Addison hid her surprise as Dylan used a sign she didn’t recognize and then handed her the bag.

She responded with the sign for thank you before he turned back to take care of the horses.

Logan glanced at her with curious eyes. “You know sign language?”

Addison shrugged. “Only the basics. I took a class in college just because it sounded interesting.”

“Well you’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

She nodded. “More than you know.” Addison looked around, for the first time, noticing there were only two horses. Fear paralyzed her heart. “Where’s the horse I was riding? Um I forgot his name again…Skippy…Skitter…”

Logan’s eyes widened. “Skipper? You rode Skipper?”

She nodded. “Yeah, that’s the one. Why does it matter?”

He shook his head and a storm brewed in his eyes. “Skipper’s one of my mother’s rescued horses. Colton should have known better than to let you ride him. My mom’s the only one who can handle that crazy animal.”

Addison shook her head. “It’s not his fault. The horse was so beautiful and I practically begged Colton to let me ride it. I can be quite convincing when I really want something.”

“I bet.” Logan chuckled and his face relaxed. “Don’t worry about it. The horse will be fine. He’s probably all the way home in his stall by now.”

“Well, I’m relieved. He took me on the most terrifying ride of my life but I would hate for any harm to come to him.”

About ten minutes later they started their journey down the mountain. This time Logan let her ride on his horse while he led it down the trail. It slowed them down but Addison was grateful. Her head pounded and every muscle in her body ached. It was all she could manage to just stay on the horse.

Logan glanced at the setting sun as he walked. “We should be back to the ranch right at dusk. My sister is worried sick. She blames herself for your accident since she encouraged you to go on the trail ride.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I’ll have to talk to her when we get back.” She blushed, suddenly remembering her dazed ramblings when Logan found her. “By the way, I’m sorry about what I said earlier. I’m so embarrassed.”

He didn’t turn but she could tell from the way his ears lifted that he was smiling. “Oh, the beautiful man comment?”

She let out a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, I was a little dazed. I don’t know why I said that.”

He let out an amused snort. “So, now that you’re lucid, you no longer think I’m beautiful?” He turned his head and gave her a boyish wink.

Her cheeks flushed cranberry red. “No…I-I mean yes. Oh my.” She sighed and covered her face with one hand. The conversation had taken a very uncomfortable plunge and she didn’t know how to dig herself out. “I guess what I mean is your scruffy beard made it hard to tell what you looked like the other day.”

He chuckled. “Well Addie, I’m not sure what to think of you and your razor-tipped compliments.”

“I-I didn’t mean to
insult
your beard. It’s just not something I would normally be attracted to.” She looked off to the side and noticed Dylan grinning at her. If he could read lips well, he was probably getting a kick out of their conversation.

Logan turned his head slightly and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I see.”

Addison blushed again and shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else.” She’d involuntarily made it sound like she was attracted to him. Although it
was
true, she’d never admit it—at least not today.

~ ~ ~

When the lights of the ranch finally came into view Logan breathed a sigh of relief. He’d brought Addie back safely. Hopefully she wouldn’t think of suing them for her injuries. His family didn’t need any more problems knocking at their door.

Addie had remained silent since he teased her a while back. Logan didn’t know what had gotten into him. She was a fun person to tease and gave him plenty of opportunities but that didn’t excuse his juvenile behavior.

When they neared the outbuildings, Dylan branched off toward the barn but Logan led his horse right up to Addie’s cabin. He stopped in front of the porch and reached to help her down. This time she didn’t object. In fact, for just a moment as he held her waist Addie’s jade eyes twinkled at him in the moonlight.

He let her go and cleared his throat. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”

She nodded. “Yes, thank you for saving me.”

Logan avoided her eyes to keep from getting lost in them again. “Of course. Anytime.”

His father, sister and Ava came running out of the ranch house. Logan met them halfway and put his hand up. “Everything’s fine. Addie just bumped her head and wants to rest. We’ll talk more about it in the morning. I’m too exhausted to discuss it any further tonight.”

His father relaxed and patted Logan’s shoulder. “Of course, son. Please stay in the guest room at the ranch again tonight. I’d hate to think of you traveling up the mountain after dark.”

“Sure. Thanks Dad.”

His dad nodded as he walked past with Belle. Then they started talking to Addie by her cabin.

His sister-in-law stayed put with unspoken questions hiding behind her gaze.

Logan smiled and patted Ava’s arm. “Dylan’s just fine. He’s in the barn taking care of his horse.”

She wiped her eyes and walked with him as he took Maddy to the barn. “Hearing about the lion scared me but I should have known better than to worry. You always take care of my son.”

He swallowed a lump in his throat, wondering if Ava trusted him a little too much. “You and Dylan are part of my family. I’ll always look out for you both.”

“Thanks, Logan. That means so much to me.” She smiled and paused as they reached the entrance to the barn. “I’ll wait out here for Dylan.”

He nodded and led Maddy inside.

Dylan chuckled as he approached and pointed toward Skipper’s stall.
Crazy animal

Logan nodded and rolled his eyes, seeing that the skittish horse had found his way home just fine after all.

Dylan turned to leave but Logan touched his shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Thank you for staying calm and helping out today. I’m proud of you. Your father would have been too.”

The boy’s eyes glistened as he nodded.

After Dylan left, Logan fed Maddy and spent some time picking the mud from her hooves. Alone with his thoughts, his mind drifted where he didn’t wish it to go. He pictured Addie the way he’d found her a few hours ago, staring at the sky—her eyes vacant. He’d only been that scared two other times in his life—most recently about four months ago. The day he decided to give up practicing medicine.

All of a sudden his mind transported him back to that terrible day. He saw broken glass and twisted metal scattered along the two lane highway. His mother’s screams pierced the air and the stench of burning rubber filled his nostrils.

The flashback hit him like a tidal wave and his knees buckled. Logan clung to the metal gate to stay upright. His body trembled in the dim light of the barn. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for doubting you.”

He calmed and leaned his forehead against the cold metal gate. Today had been different. He’d gotten there in time to save Addie when she needed him. He knew it wasn’t a coincidence that he was there at the right place and time.

“I didn’t think you listened to my prayers anymore,” he whispered. “But I just wanted to say, thank you for watching over Addie and for proving that you’re not through with me yet.”

~ ~ ~

Gary Hart apologized to Addison for the third time that night. “I want you to know that your stay here will be free of charge and the trail guide has been fired for his carelessness.”

She met Belle’s gaze for a moment. The poor girl looked ready to burst into tears and it was Addison’s fault.

She turned back to Gary and gave him the sweetest smile she could manage. “There’s no need for that Mr. Hart. I take full responsibility for this accident. I was on my phone when the horse got spooked. I wasn’t holding the reins like he instructed me to. Please give the trail guide his job back.”

“Okay. If that’s what you want.” A smile lit up the rancher’s face. “On one condition. Please come eat dinner with our family tomorrow night.”

Addison grinned, realizing that Gary and Logan had the same smile. “It would be an honor.”

After Gary walked out of earshot, Belle hugged Addison and sniffled. “Thank you, Addie. Colton really needs this job to help his mom pay the bills.”

Addison smiled. “Of course. I never would have blamed it on him. After all, I’m always getting myself into some kind of trouble.”

Belle leaned back and wiped her eyes. “Well, I’m going to stay with you tonight just to make sure you’re okay.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m fine, really.”

Belle shook her head. “No, I insist. I’ll sleep on the couch.” She held up a plastic bag. “I even brought you dinner and my famous chocolate cake for dessert.”

Addison chuckled at her new friend’s sweet gesture. “Okay, if you insist. A night of girl talk sounds like fun anyway.”

~ ~ ~

L
ogan arose with the sunrise and journeyed out of his parents’ guest room.

His father greeted him in the kitchen and prepared two cups of steaming black coffee. “How’d you sleep, son?”

Logan took his cup and they sat across from each other at the table. “All right. I’m going to try and get an early start today. I have that new horse to train. He’s a feisty one.”

His father nodded and took a sip from his coffee. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Addie to join our family for dinner tonight. I figured it was the least we could do since she had that accident yesterday.”

Logan gulped and tried to hide his discomfort. “Why would I mind?”

His father shrugged. “I don’t know. Just thought I’d give you a heads up. I know you two have had some…should I say chemistry?”

Logan choked on his drink and sputtered. “
Dad.
We’re just friends. Nothing more.”

“Okay okay. No need to get all bent out of shape. Just thought I’d mention it.”

Logan wiped his mouth with a napkin. “So what did you really want to talk to me about?”

His dad hesitated and fiddled with the handle of his coffee cup. “Your mom and I…we’re not getting any younger. My knees are getting worse and I’ve been slowing down quite a bit.”

“Well that’s why I came to help, Dad. Can I do anything else to take the pressure off you?”

His dad nodded. “I’d like to start transitioning the leadership of the ranch over to someone else. My top two choices would be you or Ava.”

Logan stared at the table, not liking where the conversation was headed. “Dad, we’ve been over this before. You know how much I love it here. This is where I grew up, but I don’t enjoy the business side of it. It’s just not me. I’m not exactly sure where my future will lead me, but I don’t want to be tied down here for the rest of my life. And Ava…she’s made it clear that she no longer wants the responsibility. Not without Nathan by her side.”

His dad’s shoulders slumped, making him look ten years older. “This is our family’s legacy, Logan. It needs to be protected. With Nathan gone now…I hoped you would be the one to take this ranch into the future. You never know. Ava’s alone…you’re alone. With time, things could blossom and you two could run this ranch together.”

Logan sighed, wishing his dad would stop trying to micromanage his life. “Dad, nothing will ever happen between Ava and me. And as far as the ranch goes, I’ll stay until mom is better and you find a replacement for me.”

His dad frowned and stared down at the table. “I was really hoping to keep this a family-run business.”

Logan lifted his eyebrows. “I know who would jump at the chance to run the ranch. Someone who loves this place even more than I do.”

“Belle?” His dad shook his head. “No. She’s too young.”

“Dad, she’s not a little girl anymore. You’ve been hiding her away in that store but now she’s twenty-one…an adult. Besides, it’s not like you’re leaving it to her right away. You’ll have plenty of time to teach her how to run this place. Belle’s smart. She can do about anything she puts her mind to.”

His father furrowed his brow. “And what about when she gets married one day? What if that lucky man wants her to move somewhere else? I’d hate to think of what will happen. The ranch could be sold to the highest bidder...end up as property of a logging company. I just can’t risk it.”

The screen door slammed and Logan jerked his head up.

Belle stood in the doorway, eyes blazing. “Do you really think I’m that weak, Dad? Just because I’m a woman, that means I would sell the ranch for love? I’d never do that and you know it.”

Their father stood from the table and walked toward her but she backed away. “Belle, I didn’t say that. Whenever you
do
find the right man I just don’t want you to have to choose between the ranch and love. I want you to be happy.”

She flipped her long brunette braid over her shoulder. “Being
here
makes me happy. This is my home. I can run this ranch, Dad. All I need is your guidance and blessing.”

Their father scratched his head and the room fell silent. The tension in the air was enough to drive any person insane. Finally he sat down and looked Belle in the eye. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. The answer is no. At least for now.”

Belle spun on her heels and darted outside.

Logan cast his father a disappointed glance and chased after his sister, letting the screen door slam behind him.

He caught up to her by the corral. “Belle, wait. I’m sorry you walked in on that.”

She turned with tears clouding her eyes and allowed Logan to hug her. “He’ll never trust me. In his eyes I’ll always seem like a child.”

He pushed her back gently and held onto her shoulders. “Well, prove him wrong, Belle. Fight for what you want. Show him that you can handle this responsibility.”

She wiped away her tears. “And how do I do that?”

“Well for starters, we need to get you out of that store and diner. You need to take on more responsibilities around here. I’ll teach you everything I know about ranching.”

Her lavender eyes widened. “But who will take over for me?”

“That will be your first new responsibility as the future owner of Hart Ranch. Hire two more workers and train them to do your old job. You can place an ad in the paper.”

Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “And you think Dad will go for this?”

Logan shook his head and a mischievous grin formed on his lips. “No, not Dad. Someone with much more influence.”