Phantom Heat

 

The Phantom Horse Bridge Series

Book Three

 

 

Robin Deeter

 

Dedication

To Essie, my rock and best friend. Thank you for being the incredible person you are and for your constant encouragement and support.

 

A Special Thank You

A huge thanks to my fellow authors in this series, George H. McVey and Lynn Donovan, who invited me into the world of Phantom Horse. It’s a true joy, and I’m very honored to be along on this journey with two fine people such as yourselves.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to all my faithful reader friends for joining me on yet another new adventure. You’re the reason I do what I do, and I appreciate you more than I can adequately express. I hope you enjoy this series as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life. Happy reading!

 

 

Other books by Robin Deeter

 

 

Chance City Beginnings

(Prequels to Chance City Series)

 

Part One

Part Two

 

Chance City Series

 

Mail Order Mystery

Mail Order Mystery Audio Book

Mail Order Mystery Print Book

On the Fence

Crossroads

Gray Justice

When the Thunder Rolls

And the Lightning Strikes

A Very Decker Christmas

 

 

The Paha Sapa Saga

 

Sacrifice and Reward

Sacrifice and Reward Audio Book

Sacrifice and Reward Print Book

Winter Moon

The Bear, Part One

The Bear, Part Two

The Phantom Horse Bridge Series

 

Phantom Origins Book 0

Phantom Heat

 

Wolf Junction Series

 

Silver Bell Shifter

 

One

 

 

Leaves swirled around in the early October wind as Lucas Hart drove down Lewis and Clark Avenue and swung his red Ford Mustang into the parking lot in front of the Phantom Horse Diner. He killed the engine, grabbed his cellphone, and got out of the car. The sun emerged from behind a cloud as he walked to the door and opened it.

Immediately, the mouth-watering scents of coffee, chicken, and waffles and frying burgers hit him, making his stomach growl. The authentic 50’s style diner was jampacked with the lunchtime crowd. The only place available was a stool at the counter, so he hurried over to it.

Sitting down, he accidentally bumped the person on his right. “Oh, sorry about that.”

He found himself looking into the smiling brown eyes of Jimmy Troutman, aka, Fish. Lucas had met and became friendly with the outgoing, amusing owner of Fish’s Fantastic Pre-Owned Vehicles when he’d been in Phantom Horse (formerly known as Gladstone) back in August. Jimmy wore a vibrant blue suit with a blue-and-red striped tie. Although the suit was a little loud for his taste, Lucas thought that the smartly tailored outfit matched Jimmy’s personality.

“Well, if it isn’t the famous producer who’s gonna help save our town.” Jimmy held out a hand to Lucas. “Heard you were coming back soon.”

Shaking Jimmy’s hand, Lucas said, “I don’t know about saving your town, but I’m here to make a great TV show. How goes things?”

“Great. Sales are up, and I ain’t killed the bane of my existence yet, so it’s all good.” Jimmy slid a menu over to him. “Here you go. I already know what I want.”

Lucas wasn’t paying attention to Jimmy, though. The captivating redhead he’d met in passing the last time he’d been in Gladstone had just come out of the kitchen. His temperature rose as his gaze traveled over her curvy form. No other woman he knew could make faded jeans, an old white T-shirt, and a grease-stained apron look as sexy as Leanne Gladstone.

“I know what you want, and it ain’t on the menu.”

Lucas turned in surprise at Jimmy’s quip, irritated by the knowing smile on his face. Had he been that transparent? Crap.

Jimmy’s smile widened into a grin, and he laughed. “Nailed it, didn’t I? Or should I say that you’d like to n—”

“Shut up!” Lucas said a little louder than he’d intended. A few people looked his way, but he ignored them.

Jimmy lowered his voice. “Aw, c’mon. I don’t blame you. If Leanne wasn’t a Gladstone, I’d have tried to date her. But there’s no way I want to join that family.”

Lucas understood Jimmy’s reluctance to become even more involved with the overbearing Hal Gladstone. He looked over and nodded a greeting at the older man, who conducted more town business from booth 12 of the diner than he did from his office. Hal was like a steamroller, mowing down any resistance to his plans and keeping people in line with his indomitable will.

“I feel bad for her,” Jimmy said.

“How come?” Lucas asked, perusing his menu to keep from staring at Leanne, who was talking to one of the waitresses.

Jimmy tapped away on his cellphone. “She has three culinary degrees, but here she is cooking in a diner. The girl can outcook Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and Emeril Lagasse with one hand tied behind her back, but is she serving up fine cuisine at some swanky place in New Orleans? No. She’s stuck in little ole Phantom Horse, slinging hash and cabbage. Sad.”

Lucas frowned as he glanced at Leanne. He agreed with Jimmy, and he knew that someone with Leanne’s kind of culinary expertise must consider cooking in a diner a considerable step down. He knew how that felt.

Although he’d always wanted to be a TV producer, he’d never thought he’d wind up working on a paranormal show. Still, he was lucky to have a job. The industry was so competitive that, even though he had a Master of Fine Arts degree from USC, he’d been lucky to get his foot in the door.

“You should come to one of the Sunday dinners that she puts on.”

Lucas set aside the menu. “Here at the diner?”

“No. Over at the B&B once the diner closes at three. She cooks all types of cuisine. I never have breakfast on the Sundays I go because I want to be able to eat everything,” Jimmy remarked as a waitress came over to them.

“Hi, guys. Sorry for the wait.”

“No problem, Helen. Did you meet Lucas Hart when he was here a couple of months ago?” Jimmy asked.

Helen’s dark eyes sparkled as she looked at Lucas and patted her salt-and-pepper hair. “I sure did. Who could forget those baby blues?”

Lucas grinned at the middle-aged woman’s flirting. “And who could forget a stunning woman like you? Nice to see you again, Helen.”

Helen snorted. “You’re full of bull, but I’ll take the compliment. Same here, honey. So, what’ll it be for you gents?”

Jimmy said, “I’ll have the open-faced roast beef sandwich, gravy fries, Pepsi, and a piece of blueberry pie. Extra gravy, please.”

Lucas chuckled. “A heart attack waiting to happen.”

“I’ll have you know that my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are perfect,” Jimmy responded. “Besides, I have an overactive thyroid, so I have to eat a lot so that I’m not as skinny as a rail.”

Lucas just shook his head a little. “I’d like the chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast and a garden salad with Italian dressing, Helen.”

“Trying to keep your girlish figure, huh?” Jimmy teased, which promptly earned him a cuff alongside the head from Helen. “Hey!”

“Quit harassing him, Fish,” she admonished before giving their orders to the cooks.

Lucas laughed as Jimmy scowled at her. “Don’t worry, Helen. I can handle him.” He watched Jimmy rub his head a little. “That’s what’s different about you.”

“What is?”

“Where’s that ugly-ass hat you wear?”

Jimmy bristled and pointed at him. “Don’t insult the hat. It’s right here.” He pulled it out from underneath the counter, where it had been resting on his lap. “I never wear a hat at the table. I do have a few manners.”

Lucas eyed the beat-up Denver Broncos hat. “Makes sense that you’d wear that. It’s as tacky as that Tweety Bird bomb you drive.”

Jimmy’s expression darkened further. “Oh, yeah? At least my Charger has a soul, unlike that piece of fiberglass crap you call a car. If you had to drive a Ford—forgive him, Lord, he knows not what he does—you could’ve at least driven one of the classics.

“Like the ’70 Boss 429. 370 horsepower, competition suspension, rear stabilizer bar, high-capacity engine oil cooler, 65-amp alternator, 85-amp battery—now that’s a car and I ain’t even a Ford man.”

Lucas nodded. “I looked at a few, but when you travel as much as I do, you need something more economical on gas. I don’t want to spend half of my salary on fuel. I don’t have a limited expense account.”

Jimmy stuck his phone in his suit jacket pocket. “Hey, Leanne!” he called out. “You see who’s back in town? Mr. Ghost Busters himself.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Lucas demanded angrily.

“Being your wingman,” Jimmy said, enjoying his revenge for Lucas’ smart remarks about his car and hat.

“I don’t need a wingman.”

“Shh. Be cool. Here she comes.”

Lucas resisted planting his fist in Jimmy’s face as Leanne came to the window behind the counter and smiled at them.

 

 

Leanne gave the two men a little wave. She certainly had noticed Lucas. How could any woman not? His attractively tousled golden blond hair, ice-blue eyes, and tall, muscular build would stand out anywhere. He’d caught her attention last time he’d been in town, but she’d only spoken to him a few times. She’d never pursued anything with him because she’d known that he’d only be around for a short time.

“Hi, guys. So, you’re back to hunt down ghosts, huh?”

Lucas smiled. “Yeah. Well, I’m not a hunter. I’m the behind-the-scenes head honcho.”

Leanne thought it was a shame that a beautiful man like Lucas wasn’t in front of the camera. “Hang on. I have to check the food.”

She turned back to the grill and flipped a few burgers, plated up a couple of orders of chicken and waffles, and started putting Lucas’ salad together. The next fifteen minutes passed in a flurry of cooking. Her assistant, Daisy, worked on other orders at the same time. They had a good rhythm going that enabled them to work around each other without getting in each other’s way too much.

When the lunchtime crowd thinned out a little, the orders slowed down, and Leanne had time to take a little breather. She washed her hands and left the hot kitchen to get a drink and cool off.

As she filled a glass with ice and poured tea into it, Jimmy asked, “Leanne, did you think any more about that Durango you looked at last week?”

Leanne brought her drink around the counter. Jimmy slid down a stool so that Leanne could sit between him and Lucas. She hid a smile at his obvious matchmaking.

“Actually, I did. What kind of warranty?”

“Three years or fifty-thousand miles. I’ll even throw in custom floor mats and give you a gift certificate for five car washes at Squeaky’s,” Jimmy replied.

Lucas smiled as he listened to them barter. He had to admit that Jimmy was generous with the extras he was offering Leanne. His input wasn’t required, so he took the opportunity to watch Leanne while her attention was elsewhere.

He wanted to kiss her full, pink lips, and he loved the way her gorgeous gray eyes sparkled whenever she smiled. She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail, which showed off her pretty neck and ears. Warmth spread through him as he imagined kissing her. He was surprised that someone hadn’t snagged the striking redhead by now.

Suddenly she looked at him, and he realized that she was expecting a response from him about something. He’d been gawking at her too much to pay attention to her and Jimmy’s conversation.

Leanne’s heart did a little flip when she saw the heat in his gaze as he focused on her. “Do you think that sounds like a good deal?”

Lucas had no idea since he’d been fantasizing about her. However, he was the type of man who went after what he wanted, so he decided to be direct. “Sorry. I tuned out there because I was too busy thinking about taking you out, Leanne.”

Jimmy let out a delighted hoot. “That’s my cue to go.”

Knocked off-kilter, Leanne almost panicked. “Oh, you don’t have to leave, Fish.” There was safety in numbers.

But Jimmy had already picked up his plate and drink and walked across the diner to an empty booth.

She found herself tongue-tied when she returned her gaze to Lucas’.

“So, how about dinner? Somewhere you don’t have to cook,” Lucas said. “Let someone take care of you for a change.”

When was the last time someone had said that to her? His abrupt yet considerate invitation caught her completely off guard.

Lucas smiled and took out his wallet. “Tell you what: here’s my card with my cellphone number on it. You think about it, and call me if you’re interested. Life is short, and I don’t believe in wasting time, Leanne. Just a warning.”

She took his card and looked at it. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” Lucas laid some money on the counter and stood up. “I hope to hear from you soon.”

His devilish smile made her stomach drop pleasantly, and she almost accepted his invitation right then. However, she didn’t want to appear overeager, so she gave him a saucy smile instead. “Maybe. We’ll see.”

He laughed, waved at Jimmy, and headed out the door, leaving her to watch his nice jean-clad backside as he walked to his vehicle. Resisting sighing like a teenager with a crush, Leanne returned to the kitchen and forced her concentration back to cooking. But try as she might, she couldn’t keep the images of the handsome producer from repeatedly flitting through her mind that afternoon.

 

Two

 

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Leanne.”

Leanne jumped at hearing Jimmy’s voice behind her as he entered his office at the car dealership a couple of days later. She tried to keep from blushing as he came around to sit behind his messy desk. She’d been daydreaming about Lucas and hadn’t heard Jimmy come into the room.

“What happened to you?” she asked, frowning as she took in his jeans and a dirty gray sweatshirt. “Why are you dressed like that?” It was somewhat unnerving to see him in anything other than one of his bright, stylish suits.

Jimmy looked down at himself and then smiled at her. “Stevie called off this morning with the flu, so I’m filling in for him in the shop. Had three oil changes lined up, and I had to inspect a couple of trade-ins.”

Leanne thought it was commendable that Jimmy was willing to pitch in like that. She sometimes forgot that he’d gotten his start working at his uncle’s garage when he’d been a teenager. Jimmy might be loud, hyper, and opinionated, but he also had a kind heart, and he was always honest in his business dealings.

She jumped again when he let out a loud whistle and hollered, “Hoover! Get your little piggy butt in here!”

Leanne turned around to see Jimmy’s little black-and-white potbellied pig, Hoover, trotting into his office. She grinned when she saw the sparkly silver bowtie that Hoover wore. Usually, Jimmy matched Hoover’s bowties with his outfits, so Leanne assumed that Jimmy had initially planned on wearing something similar that day. She’d have liked to have seen that suit.

Hoover grunted and came over to Leanne to be pet.

“Hi, Hoover.” She scratched his back, which he loved. “You’re such a handsome little guy. Are you being good?”

Jimmy scowled. “No. Well, it’s sort of not his fault. He was trash can diving because MELANIE KEEPS FORGETTING TO PUT HER MCDONALDS TRASH IN THE BIG CAN SO HOOVER CAN’T GET IT!”

Leanne winced at his pointed yelling, which was undoubtedly loud enough to carry out onto the show floor.

“So, I had to give him a Benadryl because he’s allergic to tomatoes, which she had in her salad yesterday,” Jimmy said.

Leanne couldn’t quite hide her smile over the way Jimmy doted on the porker. Jimmy took Hoover almost everywhere with him, and he spent a lot of time training him to do tricks.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said.

Hoover scampered over to a plastic milk crate, which was his toybox, and grabbed a little stuffed dog. He brought it over to Leanne and pressed it into her hand. When she took it, he backed up and waited expectantly.

“What does he want?” she asked.

“To play fetch. Throw it out the door,” Jimmy said.

Leanne tossed the toy, and Hoover tore out of the office after it, making her laugh.

Jimmy chuckled as he handed her a packet of papers. “He’ll play all day if I let him. Everything is in order, but you look it over to make sure I didn’t forget anything.”

Leanne scanned the purchase agreement but found nothing amiss. “Looks good to me, Fish.”

“Great. Here’s a pen.”

Hoover returned with his toy and dropped it at Leanne’s feet.

“Not now, Hoover. In your bed,” Jimmy said.

With a dejected air, Hoover walked over to his Alabama Roll Tide doggie bed and lay down.

“Good, boy.”

Leanne signed the sales agreement at the appropriate spots and handed it back to Jimmy. “I can’t believe you talked me into buying this car.”

Jimmy cocked his head. “Sweetheart, there are very few people I can’t sell a car to. Besides, you know that old Windstar was gonna nickel-and-dime you to death and that I sell only quality cars.”

Leanne grudgingly admitted that he was right. “I know, but I was pretty attached to that van. I had it in college, you know?”

“I get it.” Jimmy neatly arranged her copy of the agreement and slid it into a large envelope with the car dealership’s logo printed on it. A trout sat in a convertible, waving as it sped along. Fish’s Fantastic Pre-Owned Vehicles was printed in an arch over the fish and car. “I couldn’t part with my first car. Still sits in my garage at home.” Jimmy dangled a set of keys in front of her. “Ready to drive your new ride?”

A thrill of excitement shot through Leanne. Even though she was going to miss her van, she was looking forward to driving the shiny silver Durango.

She opened her palm, and Jimmy dropped the keys into it. “I sure am.”

“All right, then. Let’s get you in that thing.” Jimmy rose and held out a hand to her. “Congrats on getting a whale of a deal at Fish’s Fantastic Pre-Owned Vehicles, Miss Gladstone.”

Leanne chuckled as she shook his hand. “Do you know how corny that sounds?”

Unoffended, he flashed her a smile. “Yeah, but it sticks in your mind, doesn’t it? Good sales gimmick, huh? Just like I keep trying to tell Harry that y’all oughta call the B&B, Harry’s Haunted Hotel.”

“Like hell we will,” Leanne said. “Our town might become a tourist attraction, but I’m not going to have a tacky name like that associated with it.”

Jimmy laughed and walked her outside. The Durango was parked close to the door. “Okay, now if you have any problem, any at all, you call me. I personally went over this again this morning, and everything is ship-shape. The certificate for Squeaky’s is in the glove box, and she’s as clean as a whistle.”

Leanne got in while he held the door for her. She looked down at the custom floor mats. “They do look sharp, Jimmy. How did you get custom floor mats so quick?”

His eyes gleamed with mischief. “They came with the car, sweetheart.”

Leanne’s mouth dropped open. “You said that you’d throw them in as part of the deal!”

“Well, I did, didn’t I? I coulda taken them out.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“Aw, don’t be mad. I did give you a great warranty after all,” Jimmy said. “Plus, the certificate. And I detailed this puppy and gave you an air freshener. Did I mention the two free oil changes?”

“No, you didn’t.”

He winked at her. “Well, you get two free oil changes.”

Leanne laughed at him. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

“Good. So, are you gonna call Lucas?”

His question threw her for a loop. “What?”

“Are you gonna call him?” Jimmy pulled out his phone. “I have his number if you need it. I think you should call him. He’s a nice guy and smart, too.”

Leanne’s cheeks burned with indignation. “I didn’t come here for your matchmaking, Jimmy. Why do you always meddle in people’s love lives? It’s none of your business.”

He raised an eyebrow at her and hit a button on his phone. Her text message alert went off a moment later. “Now, you have his number. There’s no excuse not to call him. Far as I know, you haven’t been out on a date lately.”

The way he ignored her grated on her nerves. “You’re lucky I already signed those papers, James Troutman!”

Jimmy’s annoyed frown gave her satisfaction. He hated it when people called him by his given name. “Hey, don’t get your panties in a twist, Leanne. I just think you deserve to be happy, that’s all. You and Lucas are a good fit. You’re both professionals in a demanding job, and you’re both really attractive. You’d make pretty babies.”

“Babies! We haven’t even started dating!” Leanne jabbed the keys into the ignition.

“Hey, hey! Knock that off, Leanne. You’ll kill the ignition,” Jimmy admonished. “The sooner you date Lucas, the sooner you can make babies.”

She glowered at Jimmy. “Fish, close the door and step away from the vehicle. I’m leaving now.”

“Sheesh. Toucheeey! Remember to leave a good review on Yelp and my Facebook page, okay?” he asked.

“Fish!”

Jimmy closed her door and moved back a couple of steps when she turned the engine over. He smiled and waved as she put the car in drive and started towards the road. Three of the six colossal windsock people on his lot waved wildly in the autumn breeze as she waited for a few cars to pass.

Leanne resisted the impulse to peal out of the car lot. Once she was on the road, she grew accustomed to the way the Durango handled compared to her van. There were no knocks or food smells. Her anger at Jimmy started abating. She sighed, letting go of her tension. It wasn’t any of Jimmy’s business, but it had been two months since she’d gone on a date.

Since she’d been managing the diner, dealing with her father’s shenanigans, or working with her brother, Harry, on the B&B renovations, squeezing in a love life was hard.

Thinking about Lucas’ invitation, she felt that maybe Jimmy was right. Didn’t she deserve to have a little fun? She put her right-hand turn signal on, turning down the street leading to the diner.

As she pulled into the parking lot and drove around behind the diner, she thought of a way to get Jimmy back for his trick with the floormats and his meddling. She parked the car, took her cellphone out of her purse, and fired off a text message to him.

 

Leanne: I’ll call Lucas, but it’ll cost U.

Jimmy: Ok, I’ll bite. What did U have in mind?

Leanne: Free car washes for 1 year.

Jimmy: A whole year??

Leanne: Yep. Or I won’t call him.

Jimmy: Fine. 1 free car wash per month, but I want proof U actually GO out with him!

 

“Damn him!” Leanne fumed. “No wonder he ropes people into buying cars so easily.” Letting out a groan, she typed, “Deal.”

She jumped and squealed when someone tapped on her window. Her phone slipped out of her hand, and she swore as she looked into Hal Gladstone’s eyes.

“You gonna come to work or sit out here all day?” he yelled.

Her blood pressure shot up as she pulled the keys from the ignition and grabbed her purse. Hal stepped back from the door as she opened it and got out. “I just got here from picking this up at Fish’s.” She snatched her phone from the floor where it had fallen. “I told you I was going there this morning, remember?”

Hal started looking the Durango over. “Yeah, yeah. I remember.” He kicked a tire and walked around the back. “I don’t see any rust on it. Looks like it’s in good shape. Where’d he get it?”

“An elderly man owned it and took excellent care of it,” she said. “I’m sure he wasn’t crotchety and conniving like some other old man I know.”

Hal wagged a finger at her. “Watch your mouth, missy. Show your old man some respect.”

Leanne ground her teeth together and hit the lock button on the key fob. “Then how about you show me some?”

He glanced sharply at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I don’t want to work in this diner until the day I die,” she said. “I didn’t study my ass off—”

“Language, young lady.”

“I didn’t earn three culinary degrees for nothing, Dad. I don’t belong working here,” she said. “You know that I’m right. Mom says so, too.”

“Don’t drag your mother into this,” Hal said.

Leanne tucked her cellphone into the back pocket of her jeans and stalked towards the backdoor of the restaurant. “I wish you’d fully retire and leave me to run this place.”

“What do you mean?” Hal followed her into the kitchen, where Daisy was busy getting things ready for lunch. “I did retire.”

Leanne said hello to Daisy and went on to her small office off the kitchen. Hal trailed after her.

“No, Dad, you really haven’t.” She hung her jean jacket and purse on a hook on the wall. “You sit in that booth every day like some king surveying his kingdom. You won’t let me make any changes to the menu or upgrade the place.”

Hal jabbed a finger at her. “That ain’t true. I let you put in that frou-frou coffee machine thing, didn’t I?”

She speared him with a hard look. “That’s one minor change. One. You vetoed the salads I suggested. I don’t understand why you wanted me to come back home to manage this place when you still want to run it!”

Hal’s jaw clenched for a moment before he said, “I’m not going to let you ruin everything I built here with your fancy, citified ideas. The diner is a fixture in this town. People like the place just the way it is, and if you go messing with things, they might not come anymore. So, no, you’re not putting more rabbit food or tofu or anything else like that on the menu. The sooner you get that through your head, the better.”

Leanne shook with rage as she stared into his eyes. “You’re unbelievable. Don’t you have a conscience? You lured me back here, claiming to be sick, but you’re not. You say you’re going to retire and have me run the place, but you haven’t. You just wanted a slave to work in this place. Why didn’t you just hire someone instead of dragging me away from my career?”

Hal looked guilty for a moment, but his expression hardened again. “I was feeling poorly for a while. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get better. Is it so wrong that I wanted my daughter to come home?”

Leanne snorted. “What does it matter? You didn’t bother with me a whole lot when I was a teenager. You were too busy being the mayor to be much of a father. Running this town has always been more important to you than anything else. That’s one reason I went away to college. I was tired of playing second fiddle to the town of Gladstone.”

Hal’s face reddened. “I’ve always taken care of my family! Always. How dare you imply otherwise!”

Leanne stepped up to him. “We’ve always had material things and a nice place to live. That’s true. But you’ve never given any of us kids the respect we deserve. You only care about your dreams for Gladstone, but you’ve done everything in your power to kill our dreams.

“Mark my words, Hal; your days of keeping me under your thumb are numbered. I’m not going to let you crush my dreams. Now, I have work to do. I’m done with this conversation.”

Leanne left the office before he could see the tears gathering in her eyes. Hal would pounce if he knew how upset she was, and Leanne wasn’t about to give him the advantage. She’d never let him see how deeply his deception had wounded her.

As she tied an apron around her waist, Leanne’s resolve to achieve her goals strengthened. Finished with the apron, she took a deep, steadying breath and started her day.

 

Three

 

 

 

Lucas wanted to bang his head off the desk he was sitting at in their temporary headquarters. The Paranormal Encounters crew had taken over the small parlor of the B&B, and all manner of production paraphernalia, laptops, and the like were strewn around the room.

It was days like this when Lucas temporarily thought about a career change. There were equipment issues, some of the crew were arguing, and his assistant researcher, Austin Strong Bull had disappeared. He’d called the kid five times but hadn’t yet received a response.

As Lucas pulled up some production notes on his laptop, his phone rang. “Finally!” He hit the answer button without looking at the caller ID. “Where the hell have you been? I need you, so get your butt back here, pronto!”

“Lucas?”

His eyebrows rose at the female voice, and he looked at the caller ID. It said unknown. “Uh, yeah. Who’s this?”

“It’s Leanne Gladstone.”

Lucas sagged a little as embarrassment stole through him. “I’m so sorry, Leanne. I thought you were my research assistant calling. I’ve been leav—never mind. It’s good to hear from you. I didn’t recognize your voice at first. How are you?”

Her chuckle told him that she wasn’t offended.

“I’m good. You sound like you’re having a bad day, though.”

He rubbed his forehead as he groaned. “You have no idea. It’s like a three-ring circus some days. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Well, I was wondering if your invitation to dinner still stood.”

A grin spread across his face. “It sure does. When?”

“Tomorrow night?”

“Tomorrow night, it is. Around seven-thirty?”

Leanne said, “Fine with me.”

“Great. So, how’s the diner?”

“The diner is the diner.”

He hated the way her voice went flat. “Jimmy mentioned yesterday that you have three culinary degrees. It’s a shame you don’t have your own restaurant.”

“Yes, it is, but I’m working on that.”

He raised an eyebrow over her angry tone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s really none of my business.”

“No, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

“Me, too.”

“I hope your day gets better.”

Lucas didn’t want to end the conversation, but he knew she was busy, and he had to get back to work. “Same to you. See you later.”

“Okay. Bye.”

Lucas hung up and saved her number to his contacts. The sadness in her voice bothered him, and he decided that she needed some cheering up. He closed his laptop and went out to the lobby where the owner, Harry Gladstone, was working behind a computer.

“Hey, Harry. How are you?”

Harry looked up from the computer with a smile. “I’m good. How about you?”

“Doing fine, thanks. I was wondering if you have the phone number for a florist here in town?” Lucas asked.

“Sure. I’ll look it up.” Harry got out his cellphone and scrolled through his contacts. “Here you go.”

Lucas put the number in his phone. “Thanks.”

“Who’s the lucky lady?” Harry asked.

Although he was a little anxious about informing Harry that his little sister was the intended recipient, Lucas wouldn’t avoid the issue. “Leanne. I just talked to her, and she sounded a little down, so I’m going to send her flowers.”

Harry narrowed his gray eyes. “You’re interested in Leanne?”

“That’s right.”

“I guess I don’t have to tell you that if you upset her, I’ll rearrange your face, do I?” Harry inquired.

Lucas smiled. “You just did. I only have the best intentions towards your sister.”

“You better.” The steely glint in Harry’s eyes backed up his warning.

“Thanks for the number,” Lucas said. “Back to work I go. See ya, Harry.”

“See ya.”

Lucas blew out a relieved breath as he went back to the parlor. He was just as protective of his little sister, Alanna, so he understood Harry’s attitude.

Lucas called the floral shop to place an order and hoped that the arrangement would make Leanne’s day a little brighter.

 

 

“Come on out here, Leanne.”

Leanne stopped cutting up chicken breasts for the chicken and waffles to look at Helen through the order window. “What is it?”

Helen’s dark eyes twinkled. “You’ll see.”

Tamping down her irritation at being interrupted, Leanne said, “Be right there.”

“Okay, honey.”

Leanne put the chicken in a container, washed her hands, and went out front. A large fall floral arrangement of Lemon Queen sunflowers and Sweet Autumn Clematis sat on the counter.

Leanne smiled at Helen. “They’re gorgeous. Who sent them to you?”

Helen chuckled. “They’re not for me, honey. They’re for you.”

Leanne couldn’t believe that someone would send her flowers. It wasn’t a special day in her life, so they wouldn’t be from anyone in her family.

“They won’t bite, Leanne,” Helen teased. “Read the card. I’m dying to know who your admirer is.”

Leanne looked down at booth 12, where Hal sat with a couple of his buddies. Had he sent them to her to make up for their fight yesterday? They’d barely spoken since then. No, not his style. Plucking the card from the flowers, she opened it.

I hope these put a little sunshine in your day. Lucas.

His thoughtful gesture touched Leanne. It wasn’t every man who sent flowers just to cheer a woman up. Lucas had just earned big points with her.

“Well?” Helen prompted.

“They’re from Lucas,” Leanne said.

Helen’s eyes widened. “Oh, my. You lucky duck! He’s a hunk and a half.”

Leanne’s face felt like she was sitting near a fireplace. “Yes, he is. We’re going to dinner tomorrow night.”

“That’s wonderful,” Helen said. “About time you notice a man.”

Leanne groaned. “Not you, too.”

Helen’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Fish insisted that I accept Lucas’ invitation to dinner,” Leanne replied. “I didn’t realize that people were so interested in my love life.”

“Fish has good instincts about people,” Helen said. “I’d say he was right in this case, and I’m glad you did. A girl’s gotta have a little fun.”

“I intend to.” She picked up the flowers. “I’ll put these in my office and then get back to work before Hal starts cracking the whip.”

Helen nodded. “Same here, but he better not get too cranky with me if he knows what’s good for him.”

Leanne laughed and carefully carried the arrangement back to her office. She sat them on the filing cabinet in the corner and inhaled their sweet scent. They had indeed brightened her day. With a lighter heart, Leanne went back to cooking, and she didn’t let anything intrude on her good mood.

 

Four

 

 

 

At seven-thirty, Lucas walked over to the quaint, ivy-covered cottage where Leanne lived, which was located around the back of the B&B.

He knocked on the door and waited. When Leanne answered the door, his stomach tightened with desire. She looked spectacular in a deep blue wrap-around dress. It dipped just low enough in the front to be slightly daring and showed off her shapely calves. She’d left her hair down, and the soft, crimson waves fell just past her shoulders.

“Hi. You look incredible,” Lucas said.

A blush tinged her cheeks. “Thank you. You look pretty incredible yourself.”

Lucas had chosen to wear black jeans with a gray casual suit jacket and a white dress shirt without a tie. The outfit was formal yet a little relaxed. “Thanks. Are you ready?”

“I just have to get my purse and my wrap,” she replied.

Once she’d retrieved her things and locked up, Lucas offered her his arm.

Leanne smiled at his gallant gesture and slipped her hand through it. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely, and they did make my day better.”

Lucas held the Mustang’s passenger side door open for her. “I’m glad you liked them.”

“Very much,” she said, getting in.

Lucas shut her door, went around to the driver’s side, and got behind the wheel. “I’ve never been to the ski lodge. Is it okay if we eat there?”

“Of course. They have great food.”

Lucas flashed a smile at her as he started the car and backed out of his space. “I’ll bet it’s not as good as yours.”

Leanne chuckled. “You are such a charmer.”

“Only with gorgeous redheads.”

She just laughed and shook her head.

As they drove to the Hike and Bike Ski resort, which was about a half-hour away, they conversed about how each of them had gotten their start in their professions. Leanne’s story about how she’d made and sold cupcakes as a little girl amused Lucas. He could just see her with her red curls and bright gray eyes running a cupcake stand. They were having such a good time that they arrived at the resort in no time.

Leanne hadn’t been to the resort for a while, and she liked the changes that they’d made. They’d added a touch of elegance with the flower-like lights that hung over beautifully dressed tables. Those near the windows provided lovely views of the countryside.

“Wow. They updated the place. Very nice,” she said.

Lucas agreed. “It sure is.”

A hostess appeared behind the counter just inside the door. “May I help you?”

“Yes. Reservation for two under Lucas Hart.”

The attractive brunette smiled. “Yes, there you are. Right this way.”

She showed them to a table near a window and gave them menus. Lucas seated Leanne and sat across from her. He noticed a wistful expression on Leanne’s face as she looked around. “Are you all right?”

Her smile was a trifle forced. “Yes. I miss cooking in places like this, that’s all.”

Lucas reached for her hand and smiled when she placed hers in his palm. “I’m sure you do, but it sounds like you have something in the works.”

“Harry and I are attaching a fine restaurant to the B&B,” she said.

“Wow. That’s a fantastic idea. I’m sure the townsfolk will appreciate having an upscale dining establishment.”

Leanne frowned. “Tell that to my father. He refuses to listen, but one way or another, Harry and I are going to do it.” She brightened. “That’s enough of that.”

Lucas squeezed her hand and released it as a waiter approached their table. They ordered dinner, and Lucas steered the conversation towards lighter subjects. He wanted to show Leanne a good time and make her forget her troubles for a while.

The menu selections further impressed Leanne. When their orders came, she thought that the presentation of the various dishes was excellent, and the food tasted as good as it looked.

Lucas enjoyed watching her assess their food and was relieved when she found it to her liking. He was also glad to see that, while she ate like a lady, there was nothing wrong with her appetite.

By the time they’d eaten their dessert of Tartufi di cioccolato, a chocolate ganache truffle, they were stuffed.

Leanne put down her fork and leaned back in her chair. “That was delicious, and it was nice not to cook for a change. I mean, I love cooking, but it’s nice to be the patron once in a while.”

“I’m sure,” Lucas said. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

Leanne shrugged her right shoulder. “Great company, great food, and wine; how could I not be?”

Lucas laid his napkin on the table. “Well, it’s going to get even better. Feel up to some dancing?”

Leanne looked at him in wonder. She hadn’t gone dancing since she’d come home from New Orleans. “I’d love to dance!”

Her eagerness made Lucas smile. “Let’s go then. Glenna said that a killer DJ is playing here tonight.”

“Glenna has good taste in entertainment, so I’m sure they’ll be great,” Leanne said.

Lucas paid their bill, and he led her through an arched doorway to the bar where the stage and dance floor was located.

 

 

Leanne had a blast with Lucas. He was a great dancer and made Leanne laugh with some of his observations about other dancers. He’d gotten rid of his suit jacket as soon as the music had started. The way Lucas filled out his dress shirt had Leanne’s temperature climbing more so than the dancing.

She caught several women eyeing him up and stared a couple of them down. It surprised her that she’d feel jealous over Lucas since this was only their first date.

A slow song came on, and he took her in his arms. She looped her arms around his neck and gazed into his blue eyes. Awareness flowed between them, and she couldn’t look away.

His hands slid lower on her back, and he pulled her against his body. Her breath came faster when he dipped his head and brushed his lips over hers. Leanne couldn’t resist responding to his coaxing gesture. She pressed her mouth firmly to his and tightened her arms around his neck.

The other dancers faded away as he deepened the kiss. She parted her lips and sighed as he touched the tip of her tongue with his. The leisurely way he kissed her ignited her passion, and she didn’t want the kiss to end.

However, when he slowly broke it and drew back, she admitted that it was the right thing to do. Her desire was mirrored in his eyes, and she was glad that the attraction was mutual. A blush stained her cheeks as she realized that she’d just kissed him in front of a whole roomful of people, some of whom she knew.

She didn’t usually engage in passionate kissing in public. Looking around, she was comforted when she saw several other couples doing the same thing. When she looked into Lucas’ eyes again, humor gleamed in them. She giggled and hid her face against his chest. The loud music drowned out his chuckle, but she felt it rumble under her cheek.

When the song ended, he led her from the dance floor.

“I hate to, but I have to call it a night,” he said, collecting Leanne’s wrap from the table where they’d been sitting a little earlier.

Leanne was also reluctant to go. “I know. Me, too.”

Lucas put his hand on the small of Leanne’s back and guided her out the door. He settled her wrap around her shoulders and let his hands linger a little longer than necessary. “I don’t want you to get a chill. It got colder out.”

Leanne gave him a coy smile. “I feel plenty warm.”

He laughed and took her hand. “Me, too.”

He helped her into the Mustang and got underway.

 

 

“Your chauffeur has arrived!”

Lucas startled and inhaled a sip of his coffee at the loud statement that echoed around the parlor. Looking up from his laptop, he watched Jimmy stride towards him with wide-open arms. “What the hell do you want?” he croaked.

Jimmy just smiled. “Naw, it’s what I don’t want.”

“And what’s that?”

“You to crash that heap of junk,” Jimmy said, holding up a set of keys. “Brought you a loaner. It’s gonna snow later, and it piles up quick around here.”

Lucas frowned at Jimmy. There was something different about him. Then he figured it out. “You’re wearing jeans.”

Jimmy laughed. “How astute of you, Mr. Big Shot Producer.”

“How come? Where’s the suit?”

Jimmy looked at Lucas like he had some screws loose. “No way I’m gonna ruin suit pants by traipsing through a foot of snow. Besides, I told the staff to close up at noon so they can get home safely. I take good care of my people. So, here’s your car.”

Lucas shook his head. “I didn’t ask for one.”

“I know, but I look out for my friends, and you need the sweet ride I just brought you. You ever drive in the snow?”

“A little here and there.”

Jimmy snorted. “Which means you haven’t. Looks like you really do have a chauffeur for the day.”

Lucas rubbed his forehead and wished that he was out with Leanne again. Last night had been fantastic. “Fish, I don’t need a chauffeur.”

“Sure, you do.”

“Don’t you have something else to do, like run your business?” Lucas asked.

“Nope. Not today. All of my paperwork is up-to-date, and all of the repairs are done. I helped get those done last night,” Jimmy replied. “So, I’m all yours.”

Lucas tapped thoughtfully on his desk. “I appreciate the offer, but I can ride with the crew. We’re going out to the bridge to record some footage.”

Jimmy’s eyes lit up, and he became animated. “Oh! Let me come with you! I wanna see how you do things. Please?”

Having Jimmy take him was better than being crammed into one of the crews’ SUVs. He’d also be able to think without a bunch of yammering going on.

“C’mon. I won’t get in the way or make any noise. I’ll just watch,” Jimmy coaxed.

Lucas laughed. “Okay, but don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t. I promise,” Jimmy said. “Let’s go.”

“I’m not quite ready yet.”

“Okay. I’ll go talk to—”

“Fish!” Harry hollered from out in the lobby. “Get Hoover out of the kitchen!”

Jimmy tore out of the room, leaving Lucas laughing behind him.

 

 

 

“Well, you sure sound happy.”

Leanne stopped humming and looked up from the deep fryer to see her best friend Vi Snow standing nearby. “I am.”

“Hey, when I called earlier, you didn’t give me the lowdown on your date.” Vi tucked a tri-colored lock of hair behind her ear and narrowed her eyes. “You were too busy laughing at my oven fiasco!”

“I’m sorry, hon. I shouldn’t have laughed. And we were out late, I woke up late, and when you called, well I could just picture you and Officer McGorgeous standing there with all that fire extinguisher foam over your heads, I just… couldn’t…” Leanne burst into laughter for a moment, then sobered again. “Besides, I’m so tired of dealing with Hal’s BS today, and it was nice to have something to laugh about.”

Vi smiled, her blue eyes shining with mischief. “So, you were out late, huh?”

Leanne shot her a grin. “Yeah, but not doing what you think. Although, the thought had crossed my mind more than once.”

Vi giggled and clapped her hands together gleefully. “That means it’s only a matter of time before Leanne gets some!”

“Shh!” Leanne admonished her. “It does not! Just because I thought about it doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.”

Vi’s face fell. “Aw. Way to ruin my fun. I have no romantic life, so I have to live vicariously through you.”

Leanne smirked at her. “It’s not like I’ve had much of a love life, either.”

“But now you do, and you’re ruining both of our love lives.”

“I don’t sleep with guys on the first date.” Leanne lifted out a basket of fresh French fries and dumped them in the warming pan. “You know that.”

“Second date?” Vi asked, hopefully.

Leanne laughed. “I’m not going to sleep with someone just to satisfy you, Vi.”

“I’ll sleep with him then.”

“Like hell, you will.” Leanne gave her a stern look. “Hands off.”

Vi grinned. “Like I have any chance with him or anyone for that matter. Which is actually for the best.” Her expression turned anxious. “I can’t believe that Tyler is in town.”

“I know.” Leanne hugged her. “But you have a bunch of people who are keeping tabs on him, including me. We’ll make sure that he doesn’t cause any trouble.”

As she comforted her best friend, anger at the asshat who’d broken Vi’s heart simmered in Leanne’s chest. He’d better not come near Vi or Tyson, or I’ll plant my fist in his face.

Vi pulled away and gave Leanne a tight smile. “Come over tonight so you can fill me in on your romantic escapade.”

Leanne grinned. “Okay. I’ll come over as soon as I’m done.” She lowered her voice. “Oh, and I’ll take ten of your pumpkin pies. I only have a few left in the freezer.”

Vi owned Sweet Cheeks Bakery, and Leanne bought pastries and desserts from her on the sly since Hal would freak out if he knew. He viewed Vi’s products as competition with the diner. However, not only were Vi’s confectionary delights delectable, but buying them saved Leanne a ton of time.

Vi said, “They’re in my car. I over baked today, despite my fire extinguisher fiasco. Nerves.”

Leanne fought back the urge to laugh about Vi’s mishap again. She cast a furtive look around before saying, “Keep over baking. At this rate, I’ll be buying ten from you every day until after Christmas.”

“Fine by me. Oh, wait. Tonight isn’t good for me. How about tomorrow?”

They were interrupted when Helen called to Leanne through the order window. Leanne sent Vi a regretful look. “Gotta go, but we’ll get together soon.”

“Okay. See ya.”

As Vi left, Leanne hoped that she would soon meet a kind man who’d appreciate her. Someone who’d see what an incredible person she was and who’d also be good for her seven-year-old son, Tyson. Vi deserved some happiness after all the hell she’d been through with Ty’s father, Tyler Adcock.

Her thoughts turned to her own love life then, and Leanne smiled inside as she started the new orders that Helen had just given her. While her night out with Lucas couldn’t be classified as one, it was the closest she’d come to a romantic escapade in months. However, if things continued to go well with them, Leanne could see an escapade happening. We shall see, she thought and then turned her mind back to work.

Five

 

 

Lucas couldn’t believe how fast the temperature had plummeted. As he talked to Paul Hourton, the owner of API, which was the paranormal investigative team that the Paranormal Encounters show worked with, he struggled to speak without his teeth chattering. They’d just decided to wrap up the shooting because of the horrible weather, and the curious onlookers from Phantom Horse were slowly leaving the area.

Noting that Paul seemed a little distracted, Lucas followed his gaze and saw Samantha Gladstone, Leanne’s cousin. She was talking to Alan Rivers, aka, Face, who was API’s spokesman. Paul didn’t look happy about it.

“She’s pretty cute,” Lucas said. “You thinking about asking her out?”

Paul rubbed his ginger beard-covered jaw. “Uh, well, it’s definitely crossed my mind.”

Lucas grinned. “Go for it. I was out with her cousin, Leanne, last night.”

Paul’s bottle-green eyes twinkled. “You didn’t waste any time. I know you had a thing for her last time we were here.”

Lucas checked off a couple of things on his to-do list. “Yeah, but I didn’t do anything about it because we were leaving so soon. We’re going to be here longer this time, so I asked her out right away.”

“And Leanne’s okay with that?”

Lucas frowned at him. “What do you mean?”

“Does she know that it’s just short-term?” Paul asked.

Lucas had thought about that. “I wanted to wait until after our date to talk about that. I mean, what if it had been a disaster? I just wanted to have some fun with her.”

Paul smiled. “And did you?”

Lucas chuckled. “We did have fun, but not that kind.”

“Turned you down, huh?”

“No, it was mutual, not that it’s any of your business.”

Lucas had come to know women well. Some had no compunction about jumping into bed on the first date and those who wouldn’t. He was always on the road, so one-night stands were the norm for him.

However, Leanne fell into the latter category, and he’d sensed her reluctance to go further than the goodnight kiss they’d shared. He’d never pressured a woman, and he wouldn’t pressure Leanne, either. If and when they slept together, he wanted her to be completely ready and willing.

A string of oinks and squeals interrupted his conversation with Paul. Jimmy walked towards them while Hoover scampered around in the accumulating snow. His neon green-and-black cammo coat and little matching booties made Lucas crack up even though he’d seen them when Jimmy had picked him up that morning. Hoover flopped over on his back and rolled around in the snow while the men laughed at him.

Jimmy said, “Watch this. Hoover! Snow angel!”

Hoover grunted, rolled onto his side, and started moving his legs like he was running. After a few moments, he got up and shook off. Then he looked expectantly at Jimmy.

“Snowplow!”

Lucas thought he was going to hurt himself laughing when Hoover buried his snout in the snow and took off running. He cut a path to Jimmy’s dark blue Toyota Highlander SUV and then back to them. Jimmy squatted and gave Hoover a piece of carrot for his good work.

“How the heck did you teach him all that, Fish?” Lucas asked.

“Aw, it doesn’t take too long. Pigs are smarter than dogs, and it’s best to keep them busy, so they don’t get into trouble.” Jimmy brushed the snow off Hoover’s snout. “Just last week I taught him how to play basketball.”

Lucas grinned. “Basketball?”

Jimmy picked Hoover up and stuck him under his arm like a football. “Yeah. I’ll show you sometime.”

Lucas finished looking over his notes and said, “Okay, well, I think we’re done here. Better get out of this storm,” he said.

“Yeah, sure,” Paul said a little distractedly.

“See you back at the B&B,” Lucas said.

Paul nodded and walked towards his car. Lucas got into Jimmy’s SUV while Jimmy strapped Hoover into his car harness.

Then Jimmy hopped into the driver’s seat and rubbed his hands together. “Man, I’m glad the heater in this doesn’t take long to get crankin’.” He started the car and asked, “Anywhere else you need to go?”

Lucas looked at the gray sky and the heavy snow that was coming down even harder. “No, thanks.”

Jimmy cautiously turned around and headed back to town. “No problem. You gonna see Leanne again?”

Lucas glanced sharply at Jimmy.

“What?” Jimmy shrugged. “I heard you mention your date to Paul.”

“Oh. I’m definitely going to see Leanne again,” Lucas said. “I took her to the ski lodge for dinner. The DJ up there is awesome. We had a great time.”

“Glad to hear it,” Jimmy said. “You better treat her right, or you’ll have a whole line of people waiting to beat your ass. Me included.”

Lucas grinned as he watched the snowflakes whip past his window. “Harry already gave me that spiel, Fish. No worries. I know how to treat a lady.”

Jimmy pulled into the inn’s parking lot. “Gotcha home all safe and sound.”

“Thanks again.” Lucas reached into the backseat and pet Hoover. “See ya, buddy. Keep Fish in line, okay?”

Hoover nudged Lucas’ hand and grunted as though agreeing.

That was a preview of Phantom Heat: The Phantom Horse Bridge Series Book 3. To read the rest purchase the book.

Add «Phantom Heat: The Phantom Horse Bridge Series Book 3» to Cart