Page 23 of Luna

“My name is Hunter William Douglas. I am twenty-one, recently graduated from college, and the middle child of Braxton and Dacey Douglas. My mama grew up here in Pendleton, and we used to come every summer. Dally and I loved every minute of being here. Anyway, we spent the school year at our home, Bramble Hall, in North Carolina. I met a girl, Katherine, who made me think she was so deeply in love with me, nothing could ever change that. However, I discovered what she was deeply in love with was my family’s money and the inheritance my grandfather left for me that I would receive upon my twenty-first birthday.”

“That’s terrible, Hunter.”

He nodded and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “It was a painful lesson, for sure, but a good one for me to learn. After Katherine’s duplicity, I’m wary when I meet people. I’m never sure if they are nice to me because they like me or because they like my money. I really was in Baker City delivering a horse for Dally. You’ve probably heard by now she lives and breathes horses.”

At Luna’s nod, he continued. “When I boarded the train and saw the only open seat was next to you, I decided not to tell you who I was just to see if you might like Hunter the cowboy.” He shrugged. “I thought you might figure things out on your own or that Ilsa or Caterina might say something to let you know I’m not just Dally’s hired hand, although my sister sure treats me that way most of the time. I’m sorry for deceiving you, Luna. It won’t happen again.”

“Fair enough. And I’m sorry for ruining your evening, Hunter. I should have remained home because I had a feeling the crowds would be more than I could handle. I do apologize.”

He leaned forward and sandwiched her hands between his. Luna found she liked the feel of his work-roughened hands around her own. She had no idea how much money Hunter may have, but his hands weren’t those of a man of leisure. They belonged to someone who worked hard. He could make light of his situation, but a lesser man wouldn’t have put in the long days he did training his sister’s horses. He would have simply hired someone to do the job.

“Do not apologize, Luna. Had I known your story before, I would have been better prepared to help you. As it was, you didn’t ruin anything. I’ll admit I was rather disappointed ol’ Buffalo Bill barely did more than ride around the tent and leave. I don’t think the Wild West show held much excitement for the people who live in the town that hosts the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up.”

“The Round-Up is certainly something everyone talks about all the time. Is it really as exciting as the claims make it out to be?”

Hunter grinned. “It certainly is. We’ll plan to go in September, but I’ll make sure you aren’t packed into the crowds so you can enjoy it.”

“Thank you. I’d like that very much.”

Much to her shock, Hunter lifted his hand and pushed down the high lace collar of her dress. “Is this why you wear high collars all the time? To hide the scar?”

Stunned by his forwardness as well as the feel of his fingers brushing across the soft skin of her neck, she could do no more than nod.

His hand moved up to cup her cheek, and his thumb caressed her skin, while his gaze held hers. She could see warmth, admiration, and kindness in the depths of his captivating gray eyes.

“It’s barely noticeable, Luna,” Hunter said in a husky, hushed voice. “You shouldn’t worry about covering it up. Let people see the brave woman you are. One who experienced something tragic and terrible but survived.”

Tears stung her eyes, and she nodded, unable to speak. Before she could think of a suitable response, Laila raced onto the porch and plopped onto Luna’s lap. “Wasn’t it the best circus, Luna? Did you see the lions? They called them a troupe of lions! Daddy took photographs of them. I can’t wait to see them.”

The little girl’s chatter erased any awkwardness Luna might have felt. Ilsa and Tony invited them inside, but Hunter shook his head. “I’d better get home before it gets too dark.” He stood and gave Luna a long look. “Thank you for a memorable evening, Luna.”

“Thank you, Hunter.” Luna smiled and watched him walk down the porch steps and around the corner of the house.

“Come help me cut slices of that decadent cake Luna made, Laila.” Ilsa held out a hand to her daughter. Laila took it and tugged Ilsa inside, clearly wound up with excitement from the circus.

Tony hunkered down by Luna’s chair and stared into her face. He looked so much like her beloved papa she almost threw her arms around him and gave in to the urge to cry against his shoulder.

He must have sensed her mood because he placed a hand on her arm and patted it softly. “Are you feeling better, Luna?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.

“I am, Tony. Thank you. I hope my abrupt departure didn’t disturb anyone’s joy in the festivities.”

“Not a bit, Luna. Not a bit. We should have been more thoughtful about the circumstances and planned better. I apologize for not being more aware of your needs in the situation.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Tony. I thought I’d be okay once the circus started, but the noise and crowds and then the firecrackers all happened at once. I just wish …”

At her pause, Tony stood and pulled her to her feet, settling an arm around her shoulders. “Wish what, Luna?”

“I wish I could be normal again.”

Tony gave her a warm hug. “Normal is boring. We all, every single one of us, have our own quirks and troubles. Sharing the burden is just part of the sweetness of life.”

Luna tucked his words into her heart and joined Ilsa and Laila in the kitchen. Although she hadn’t been hungry earlier, she eagerly took a piece of cake and listened as Laila animatedly described all her favorite things from the circus.

Although she wouldn’t voice her thoughts, Luna’s favorite part of the evening had been when Hunter had brushed his thumb over her cheek. For a moment, she’d thought he might kiss her. However, the very notion of him doing such a thing seemed preposterous.

They barely knew each other and were just getting acquainted. The tentative bonds of friendship that were forming between them had been slightly strained when she realized Hunter had been deceptive, at least in regard to Dally being his employer and not his sister.

She understood his reasons for not telling her his last name and explaining who he was, but she hoped he wouldn’t feel the need to be misleading again. If he was, Luna wouldn’t tolerate it.

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