Page 31 of My Salvation
CHAPTER 14
KATE
Hmm...I look into my closet, trying to decide what to wear out to the ranch. Pulling out dark skinny jeans, a white tank top, and a soft heather grey cardigan, I throw them on and slip my feet into short black booties. Leaving my hair down, I spritz on some perfume and head to the living room.
Rubbing my hands down my jeans, I pace while I wait for Lev to arrive. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous. It’s as if I’m meeting their parents instead of Shaw. My main issue is, I don’t know if it will be uncomfortable to be around both Lev and Lowell after going out on dates with them both. And what does Shaw think of me dating two of his brothers? Is this going to be weird? Exhaling loudly, I run my hands through my hair. It would be rude to back out now.
Lev arrives about five minutes later. Opening the door, I take in a sharp breath. Even wearing worn faded jeans and a black Henley, the man is incredibly sexy. Smiling, he steps into the apartment and wraps his huge body around mine. He squeezes me tight as he holds me for a few minutes. Taking my face into his hands, he leans down to give me a lingering kiss.
“Hello, sweetheart. Ready to go?”
Reaching into the closet, I grab a coat and my purse and follow him out the door. About twenty minutes later, we pull into a driveway with a sign above it displaying “Eagle’s Nest”.
“Is that the name of the ranch?”
“Yes, it used to be ‘Walker’s Ranch,’ but Shaw changed it when we all moved here. Our unit’s call sign was ‘Eagle,’ and he wanted something that represented all of us, not just his original family. We all have a stake in the ranch, although Shaw runs and manages it.”
We’re probably two or three miles from the entrance before I see anything else. A barn comes into view, a fenced pasture with horses, a corral, and finally, a huge, gorgeous timber mansion. I’ve never seen a house this big.
“Wow, that’s beautiful! And huge! How big is this house, anyway?”
“Around fifteen thousand square feet. Shaw’s dad built most of it when he was younger, but we’ve updated and added to it since we took over. Most of the rooms are now suites with attached bathrooms. We expanded the patio area in the back to include a full outdoor entertaining area. Do you like it?” He is studying my face, as if he wants to know how I feel about his home.
“I’m sure it’s perfect for you all. Plenty of room. Honestly, it’s tough for me to imagine living here. I’m so used to living out of a suitcase now, I don’t know if I could settle down again.” Biting my lip, I’m not sure how I feel. Seeing this house makes me feel as if my nomadic life is far from settled.
A slight frown crosses Lev’s face as he listens. Opening the door, he comes around the SUV and helps me out. Threading my hand through his, we walk towards the house. Massive pillars frame tall double doors in black wrought iron. When we walk in, Lev takes my coat and purse and hangs them on a hook just inside the door. We walk down the hall into a massive living room with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the Montana country and framing the mountains standing tall in the background. The living room includes a large sectional and several leather club chairs. A massive fireplace takes center stage and holds a variety of frames on the mantel.
Walking up to the fireplace, I look at the pictures. They had traveled the world together while stationed in the Army, and several photos depict them in exotic places, from Dubai to Singapore to Iceland. Earlier pictures show baby faces staring at the camera with devil-may-care grins. Older pictures display harder faces and more reserved smiles. All of them display a tight brotherhood.
I turn around to ask Lev about their travels when I notice a beautiful, tall man standing off to the side. Wide shoulders, lean waist, and about 6’4”, I’m guessing. Smiling, I walk up to him and hold out my hand.
“Hi, I’m Kate Michaels.”
His large hand reaches out and engulfs mine. He is tall like Lowell and almost as muscular as Lev. His face, though, is beautiful, with strong, chiseled features. Dark brown tousled hair and dark brown eyes complete the picture.
“I’m Shaw, Shaw Walker. It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Michaels.” He deliberately inserts my doctor title into the return greeting. I’m not sure if this is just a sign of formal manners or he is trying to say something. I address it head on and leave it up to him to find a way forward.
“Kate, please.” I wave my tingling hand towards the mantel. Yes, my hand is tingling, but I’m ignoring it. “Your travel photos are incredible. You guys have been to a lot of places. I’d love to hear more about them as travel is a passion of mine. I usually take a few weeks off and travel to a fresh place each year. My next trip will be to Southeast Asia, so if you have any tips for visiting there, I’d love to hear them.”
Looking thoughtful, he asks, “Who do you usually travel with each year?”
I’m not sure why it’s his business but I don’t have anything to hide, so I answer anyway. “Solo traveler, mostly. My mom will sometimes join me on my trips to Europe or to the countries where getting around is easier for her. Why?”
Frowning, he and Lev exchange looks. “It’s dangerous out there for a single woman traveler. You should really find a travel companion or group.”
Shaking my head, I disagree. “I take every precaution when I travel. Life is short, and I refuse to let fear dictate my choices.” I will never again live in fear for any reason. My hand creeps up, subtly touching the place on my shoulder where the first bullet hit me. My past and my determination to live beyond it shining clearly on my face.
Looking over at Lev, who has been quiet through this exchange, I ask him for a glass of water. Sliding a glance to my right, I watch Shaw study me. I’m not sure what to think of him yet. I have a feeling still waters run deep with this man. Maybe we just need to get to know each other better.
“Please have a seat.” Shaw gestures to the living room and waits until I’m seated on the couch before choosing a chair opposite me.
“Lev told me this is a working ranch. What does that mean, exactly?”
Shaw taps his thigh as he quietly tells me, “We run multiple operations here, including beef and pig, dairy, some farming, and even horse-breeding. I’d be happy to give you a tour.”
