Home on the Ranch: Tennessee Bull Rider Read online

  Three times the surprise!

  Nate Tenley knew going home to Elk Valley wouldn’t be easy. He has a lot to apologize for—starting with disappearing on Amber Eason after an unforgettable night together. That night, he’s shocked to discover, had three adorable consequences. On top of adjusting to instant parenthood, he also has to tell his best friend, Amber’s older brother, he’s the triplets’ father.

  Amber has given up on dreaming of a future with Nate. Sure, their attraction is as strong as ever, but can this bull-riding adventurer really settle down? If Nate wants to regain her trust, he’ll have to prove he’s committed to her and their children. Unless her brother runs Nate out of town when he learns the truth!

  He looked at her then, the admiration in his expression making her body hum with pleasure. “Thank you.”

  Her throat closed so tightly she could barely speak. “For what?”

  “For giving us three beautiful children. For sacrificing so much to keep them safe, healthy and happy.”

  Her face heated as he returned his attention to Savannah.

  Amber stilled, watching helplessly as Nate fell in love with their daughter, right there in front of her, and knew he’d do the same with his sons after holding them, too.

  The sight turned her heart over in her chest and gave her a glimpse of the man she used to believe Nate could be.

  “Will you help me, Amber?” Nate hugged Savannah closer. “Show me how to be a good parent?”

  Without falling for him all over again? Without risking her heart and hard-won independence to a man who was only sticking around temporarily out of a sense of duty?

  Amber answered as honestly as she could. “I’ll try.”

  Dear Reader,

  I had a blast returning to Elk Valley to write Nate Tenley’s story. Small Southern towns are often full of family, friends, down-home comforts and the most cherished refrain ever whispered on a front porch: “Did you hear about...”

  Gossip, secrets or just good old-fashioned neighborly concern; call it what you will, every little town has plenty, and Nate’s hometown is no exception.

  Nate, still carrying regrets from his past, leaves the rodeo circuit and returns home in hopes of making amends for loving and leaving his best friend’s sister, Amber Eason. But not only is Amber determined to move on from her childhood crush, she’s been keeping a big ol’ secret from Nate—and everyone else. Toss nosy neighbors, three cute babies and one very overprotective brother in the mix and Nate finds himself smack dab in the middle of an Elk Valley scandal.

  In Tennessee Bull Rider, Nate and Amber discover being who they really are beats being a poor imitation of who others think they should be. And they both realize that sometimes the biggest, most enduring love is found in the smallest of towns. Right where it’s been all along.

  Hope you enjoy! Thank you for reading.

  April

  Home on the Ranch:

  Tennessee Bull Rider

  April Arrington

  April Arrington grew up in a small Southern town and developed a love for movies and books at an early age. Emotionally moving stories have always held a special place in her heart. April enjoys collecting pottery and soaking up the Georgia sun on her front porch.

  Visit April at Twitter.com/april_arrington or Facebook.com/authoraprilarrington.

  Books by April Arrington

  Harlequin Western Romance

  A Home with the Rancher

  Men of Raintree Ranch

  Twins for the Bull Rider

  The Rancher’s Wife

  The Bull Rider’s Cowgirl

  The Rancher’s Miracle Baby

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

  Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!

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  Dedicated to the best writing sisters ever: Jessica Calla, Larissa Weatherall, Therese Beharrie and Jenni Fletcher. Your talent, generosity and kindness are inspiring. Thank you for reminding me how much fun it is to write!

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 1

  Nate Tenley never stayed in one place for long. Keeping his butt on a bull for eight seconds was tough enough. Keeping it glued to a chair in Elk Valley Café while another man hit on Amber Eason was a damn deal harder.

  “I don’t mean to disturb you, sweetheart.” The prick—clean-cut and presentable in a suit and tie—leaned farther across the counter, looking toward the kitchen entrance. “Just thought I’d tell you how much I enjoyed this pumpkin pie you made.” He smiled. “It’s perfect for the October chill that’s blowing in. A great mix of spicy and sweet.”

  Nate looked up as one of the low-hanging kitchen doors swung open. From his vantage point at the opposite end of the wraparound bar, he could only see a small portion of Amber’s profile on the threshold, but he knew exactly what the jerk was admiring. The same beautiful parts of her that kept him awake and aching at night.

  That thick, blond hair spilled over her slim back in the same way it had cascaded across his bare chest when she’d leaned over him a year ago. The curve of her breasts, fuller than he recalled, looked as soft and comforting beneath her T-shirt as they had felt against his cheek their one night together. Her jean-clad legs were as long and slender as he remembered. He could still feel them winding gently around his back, embracing his hips, urging him on.

  “Thank you, Will.”

  And her voice... That beautiful voice. Soft, sweet and understanding. Her pleading whispers had been like smooth velvet against his skin. Only it’d been his name on her lips. Not some other man’s.

  Wincing, Nate glanced down, his attention straying to her feet. She shifted from one foot to the other, her sneakers squeaking against the faded linoleum floor.

  He smiled. First thing she’d do after getting home from work would be to kick those things off. She always did love to go barefoot. Had ever since she was a kid. The first time he’d met her she’d been five to his eleven, standing by a mountain river, balanced barefoot on a jagged rock, betting she could catch as many fish as he and her brother.

  Landon. Nate stiffened. His best friend and Amber’s older brother. The very reason he should take his eyes off her, squash his lustful thoughts and keep his ass rooted right where it was. The same reason he should’ve kept his hands off her fifteen months ago. And the reason he should’ve kept driving down the winding mountain road five minutes ago, past the dimly lit café and straight to his brother’s ranch.

  He was looking forward to seeing his brother again. Hadn’t seen him in a year. But the moment Amber’s café had emerged at the top of the hill, Nate had lifted his foot off the pedal and pulled his truck into a parking space. He’d apologized to a waitress who was exiting and had asked to be permitted inside despite the closed sign she’d placed on the door. She’d relented and after entering, he’d been disappointed to find the man seated at the bar instead of Amber. The only sign of her presence had been the sounds emerging from behind the closed doors of the kitchen.

  As much as Nate wanted to speak to her, he’d preferred to do so in private and
he’d tried his damnedest to turn around and leave. But he also knew why he hadn’t.

  Simple fact was, the warm interior, sweet scent in the air and forgiving kindness in Amber’s smile had always felt more like home than any place he’d ever been. They’d been close once and he wanted a chance to earn that back again.

  So he’d returned the stranger’s curt nod of greeting, then walked to the opposite end of the bar, rounded the corner and sat, waiting for Amber to emerge.

  “It’s getting cold out there.” The guy at the bar flicked his cuff back, tapped his platinum wristwatch and looked at Amber. “And late.” His smile widened as he gestured toward the glass dome on the counter with a thick pumpkin pie inside. “Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll cut you a slice? You could put your feet up and let someone serve you for a change. Take a break before you go home.”

  “Thanks. That’s nice of you, but the rush just cleared out and I still have some cleaning to do.” Amber walked to the opposite end of the bar, her slender back to Nate, and reached for the man’s empty plate. “Maybe some other time.”

  Will stilled her hand with his. “How about tomorrow? Same time? I always enjoy ending the day with your company.”

  She slid her hand away—thank God—and started stacking dirty dishes. “Tomorrow’s my day off but I’m working the evening shift again Wednesday so maybe I’ll see you then.”

  Gritting his teeth, Nate slumped back in his chair. A pain shot through his side at the slight jolt. He clutched his left ribs, then stared ruefully down at his callused hand. Unlike Will’s, his fingers were peppered with cuts and bruises. Arena dirt was caked under his nails, giving them a dark undertone.

  It’d been two days since he’d dragged his beaten body, cracked rib and all, out of an angry bull’s way, and after being sidelined for four weeks by a doctor, he’d left the circuit and driven twelve hours nonstop back to Tennessee. At thirty, his body didn’t heal as quickly as it had in the past, and he needed time to recover. Rest, a soft bed and Amber—as always—had been foremost on his mind as he’d headed for Elk Valley.

  Hell, he’d had some bad ideas before but this one? His clothes were rumpled, his muscles weak and he probably stank to high heaven. The last place his filthy hands belonged was on a woman as clean and pure as Amber. If he wasn’t so starved for a glimpse of her, he would’ve waited until he was more presentable to visit.

  A burst of cold air swept into the café on Will’s exit, then the door thudded shut. Nate watched Will slide into the sleek gray sedan parked beside his dust-covered truck and drive off, the soft glow of the red taillights disappearing over the swell of the mountain road.

  Whoever he was, Will wasn’t a tourist. Not if he was here every night sweet-talking Amber. Guy was probably local and obviously well-off.

  The clink of silverware and dishes stopped, silence descending over the now-empty café. Nate looked up, his eyes locking with Amber’s.

  She stood frozen behind the bar, facing him now. Staring.

  Instead of her usual smile of welcome, she wore a blank expression. As though she didn’t recognize him. Or, rather, didn’t want to recognize him.

  He couldn’t blame her.

  Releasing his injured side, Nate shoved to his feet, then dragged a hand through his shaggy hair. The twisting movements increased the pressure on his ribs and he wished like hell he’d had the willpower to keep driving. That he’d used good sense for once and at least taken a shower before dragging himself into her place of business.

  “Hey.” The gruff scrape of his voice sounded harsh in the empty café. Mouth dry, he swallowed hard and tried again. “Sorry. Guess I forgot you closed early on Mondays.”

  He clamped his mouth shut. That wasn’t what he’d planned to say. Not by a long shot.

  For months he’d carefully crafted an apology from the pit of guilt he fell into every night. Words he’d continued to search for into the early hours of each morning when all he could see was the angry pain in Amber’s eyes. The look she’d given him last year when, after the intoxicating effects of tequila and Amber’s kiss had weakened, he’d explained why things had to end there. That his loyalty to her brother was too important. That he’d messed up—again—and his friendship with Landon wouldn’t survive if Landon discovered he was having an affair with his sister.

  All good reasons for not letting their one night turn into something more. Reasons that had felt honorable at the time but had eroded into weak, selfish excuses over the past months.

  Her guarded gaze traveled over him, then lingered on his left side. The rosy curves of her lips barely moved as she asked quietly, “Are you hurt?”

  God, yes. But he’d done it to himself...and her. “Oh, you know me. I’m always all right.” He tried for a carefree smile, the one that always helped dig him out of whatever hole he’d fallen into, but reaching for it hurt almost as much as his fractured rib. “How’ve you been?”

  She continued staring and her knuckles turned white around the mug in her hand. “Busy.”

  He nodded, glancing at the dirty plates and cups lining the bar and straining for something coherent to say. The miles were catching up with him, making his tongue thick and his brain slow. “Business still good?”

  “October’s always a great month. Lots of tourists.” She blinked, spun away and resumed stacking the dishes that lined the counter, the clinking of glasses echoing sharply around the room. “Landon didn’t mention you were back in town.”

  Legs shaking, Nate leaned against the bar for a moment, then picked up two dirty cups nearest him. “I just drove in. Haven’t spoken to him yet.”

  “My best guess is that you haven’t spoken to him in months. Otherwise, he would’ve recounted at least a dozen of your new rodeo tales.” Amber walked toward him, arms full of plates littered with dirty silverware. “Because that’s where you’ve been, right? Rodeoing?”

  He wouldn’t lie to her. Never had. She’d always known him too well—the real him. Which was why he’d been so shocked that night when she’d said she loved him. Because he knew to the marrow of his bones that she’d meant it. That somewhere along the way, despite his wild streak and constant screwups, her childhood crush had developed into something stronger.

  He forced himself to answer. “Yeah.”

  Her soft mouth tightened and she nodded slowly. “And you got hurt. So you came home.”

  “That wasn’t the only reason.”

  “But it was the main one.”

  He looked down at the glasses in his hands, the cold condensation from one seeping into the pads of his fingers, sending a chill through him. “Yeah.”

  Amber was silent for a moment, then said, “I understand why you haven’t called me. But to not call Landon...that doesn’t make sense.”

  It did. To him, at least.

  “He’s missed you,” she added.

  He glanced up at her, his mouth moving before he could stop it. “Have you?”

  Her blue eyes hardened. “You don’t get that, Nate. You don’t get to blow in here, flash a smile and ask me about my feelings.” She shook her head. “You knew what mine were and you made yours clear at your brother’s wedding.”

  Nate’s shoulders sagged. Yep. He’d made an ass of himself then, too.

  His twin brother, Mac, had gotten married a year ago, last October. Nate had left the circuit and come home for the wedding, feeling more out of place than ever. Everyone had been there, including Amber and Landon, and almost every pair of eyes had bored into him just as they had every day since he was seventeen, weighing and judging. Memories were long in Elk Valley, and forgiveness short.

  Three months away on the circuit had done nothing to ease his guilt over his and Amber’s one night together—as well as his other painful past actions—and he’d had trouble facing Landon that day. He’d felt like every word out of his mouth was a lie, and his
best friend deserved better.

  Amber deserved better. Something better than whispers behind her back and constant judgmental glances. She deserved an upstanding, dependable man she could show off.

  When she’d approached him, eyes shadowed but expression hopeful, asking him how long he planned to stay, he’d been honest with her. He’d told her he planned to leave right after the wedding. That he had no intention now or in the future of settling in Elk Valley. The secluded mountain town was too small. Too stifling. He’d never fit in and had no desire to try.

  She’d grown strangely quiet. Hating himself for breaking her heart, he’d wished her well and then taken off, hoping his absence would help mend it.

  In a way, it seemed to have worked. She no longer looked at him with adoring eyes or a wistful smile. A fact that hurt far more than he wanted to admit. Even to himself.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “That was out of line. I shouldn’t have asked.” Shouldn’t have stopped. Shouldn’t have come in. “Here.” Wincing, he tucked one of the glasses under his arm, rounded the bar, then reached for the dirty dishes she held. “I’ll get those.”

  “I don’t need help, Nate.”

  “I know you don’t.” The backs of his fingers brushed her warm skin as he tugged at the plates. “For what it’s worth, I missed Landon, too.” He hesitated, saying quietly, “And you. I’ve missed talking to you. I’d really like the opportunity to apologize to you properly. There are things I’d like to say that I should’ve said a long time ago. I was hoping we could talk and that maybe, in time, you might consider letting me try to earn your trust back.”

  Her lips parted on a swift breath and she looked away, focusing on the clock on the wall. A shiny strand of hair slipped over her shoulder, and the long curl drew to a rest on the upper swell of her breast.

  The tips of his fingers tingled, wanting to reach out and rub the soft strand. Lift it and press it against his lips. Breathe in her sweet scent. But friends didn’t do that kind of thing. Certainly not a friend who’d made the kind of promise he had years ago.