Holden, p.1
Holden, page 1
HOLDEN
BROTHERS IN ARMS IN ALASKA BOOK 9
KALI HART
Holden is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2021 by Kali Hart
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without express written permission from the author/publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Brothers in Arms in Alaska Series
Sneak Peek SLADE
1
RACHEL
I absolutely love this time of year.
The leaves have all turned, the air is crisp, and snow covers the mountain tops. Fall doesn’t last long in Alaska, but the few weeks it sticks around have always been my favorite. Pumpkin spice latte in hand, I stroll to my shop, Middle of Nowhere Alaskan Crafts. In just a couple of short hours, I’ll have my heaviest influx of customers buying up supplies to make their unique moose for the Three Rivers Fall Festival.
Before I can get my key all the way in the lock, I catch a drift of woodsy cologne on the gentle breeze. Holden Black. A wave of electricity travels from my racing heart, all the way to the tips of my toes, and back. But I’m not about to show weakness to the Army veteran I can never have.
“You’re out and about early this morning. Looking lovely as ever, I might add.” That deep, suave voice creates a yearning deep in my soul. I have a laundry list of reasons why I can never get involved with a military man again, and no matter how badly I’d like to pretend they don’t exist, I can’t.
“This your first time in town during the festival?” I ask as I unlock the door and step inside the shop, allowing him admittance outside of business hours. I don’t dare make eye contact. His crystal blue eyes have a way of ensnaring a woman in a trance.
“Yeah. It must be a bigger deal than I thought.”
“You have no idea.” I’ve lived in Three Rivers all my life, except for a couple of years I spent in Anchorage with my ex. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I haven’t missed a single festival, except when I was seven and came down with the chicken pox. “This town goes nuts for it.”
“Guess you’re anticipating a busy day.”
“Yes, quite.” From behind the counter, I steal a glance at Holden who’s examining a spinning display of stickers. I have to look closely to detect the Army in him. His blonde hair has grown out long enough to thread fingers through it, and the stubble dusting his cheeks is definitely out of regulation. But the hints are still there, especially in the way he carries himself. Once a soldier, always a soldier.
“What’s this moose making competition all about?” he asks, abandoning the sticker rack and strutting to the front counter. The first time I laid eyes on Holden he was standing right where he is now. That the man was buying a gift for his mom back in the states only made me crush harder.
“The challenge is to use your creativity and imagination to make a moose in a way no one else has.” It takes all my concentration to push through my opening tasks. “No one is allowed to start until today, or you’re disqualified.”
“How would anyone know if you started sooner?” If I’m not mistaken, Holden has taken a genuine interest in the competition. I’d never tell him, but it makes him that much more attractive. A flash of a future where the two of us enter the contest together teases me. It can never be, Rachel.
“When registration opens, you have to present the different types of materials you’ll be working with. That way no one changes up their design in the middle of the competition. Whatever types of materials you present today are the only ones you’re allowed to use.”
“Interesting.”
“The most unique moose—decided by popular vote—wins.”
“So that’s it, then?” Holden sounds unimpressed.
“I know it sounds simple, but wait until this weekend when they’re all on display. You’ll be amazed at what people come up with.” I steal another glance, but he catches me this time. “Everyone who attends can vote on their favorite.” I have to keep talking or I’ll do something foolish, like give in to the man who’s been asking me out every day for a week.
“You entering?”
“No.” I glance around the store that I hope will be one hundred percent mine in a few short weeks. Just twenty-three hundred dollars and you’ll be all mine. That’s why most of the inventory is priced to move for this competition. I’m ready to buy out my aunt so she no longer has something to hold over my head. I give the checkout counter an affectionate pat, as I do every morning, even as I shake my head at Holden. “I’ve never had a knack for the creation process. But I love watching it come together for everyone else.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
I stiffen, sour memories from the past trying to surface. I don’t let them do anything more than remind me why I should steer clear of Holden Black. “Did you need another souvenir for your mom? She has to have a dozen by now. Or maybe you need supplies?”
Holden lifts the corner of his mouth; the smile that forms is deadly to my resolve. What I wouldn’t give to taste those lips pressed against my own. In another lifetime…
“You’re suggesting I should enter the contest?”
“You could. But I think you’d be out of your element.”
Mischievousness dances in those crystal blue eyes as he leans across the counter, bringing the delicious aroma of his cologne with him. My nipples pebble, not at all interested in self-preservation. They yearn for me to let loose. To give in to the temptation that could very well destroy not only my dreams of owning this store, but destroy my heart as well.
“Say I enter,” he says, meeting my gaze. I should look away, but I can’t. I’m mesmerized by the crystal blue color, wishing I could get lost in them for days. Yearning to see those beautiful orbs peering down at me with the two of us tangled beneath the sheets. “Rachel?”
I clear my throat, searching the counter for my latte. “What was that?” I ask before taking a sip.
“If I win, you have to go on a date with me.”
I nearly choke on the pumpkin spiced liquid. It’s all I can do to not spit it out and really embarrass myself. After I’ve regained my composure, I say, “I hate to break it to you, but you won’t win. The competition is too fierce.”
“Then you have nothing to lose by agreeing, right?”
“Agree to go out on a date with you if you win?” I shake my head, moving around the counter to hang a few sale signs throughout the store. “Not a chance.”
“But you just said that I won’t win.” He pushes off the counter, reminding me of his height when he stands tall and follows me. I stare at his chest, wondering how perfectly my head would fit tucked against it. “What if I buy most of my supplies from you?” he adds, forcing me back to reality.
Get a damn grip, Rachel. “You buy most of your supplies here, and I only have to go on a date with you if you win?”
“A public date.”
I should say no. Even though I know Holden won’t win, it doesn’t seem fair to give him false hope. A military man completely turned my world upside down and stole everything from me that meant anything, including my pride. And that’s only one of the reasons I shouldn’t entertain this. But my damn nipples are tingling again, begging me to be a little reckless. Aunt Becky never has to know.
“Why not buy all the supplies from here?”
“Because I have a few things at home I’m working into the design.”
I feel myself caving. Damn the gruff, sexy man for taking such an interest in my favorite festival. “Fine. But anything you don’t have at home, you must buy from me. That’s the deal.”
Holden flashes me a victorious smile that should make him look annoyingly smug. But because my lady bits haven’t seen action in a long time, it only makes him look sexier. “Deal.”
2
HOLDEN
“You’re giving up a fishing trip to make some moose for a festival?” My brother Slade stands outside my open garage door, keeping a safe distance from the sparks about to fly when I set to welding pieces of my sheet metal moose together.
“Yep, that about sums it up.” I haven’t told him, or anyone else for that matter, that I’m completely hung up on Rachel Tomlin. I get the distinct impression that she’d rather no one know I’m pursuing her like it’s my life’s mission. But I’d give up way more than fishing if she’d just give me a chance. There’s a connection between us that’s undeniable. I know she feels it too or she wouldn’t let me hang out in her shop before it officially opens.
“Winter’s coming. The salmon are biting. And you want to do arts and crafts.” Slade lets out a disbelieving laugh. I’ve kept my interest in Rachel under wraps from everyone, including the brother
“And there’s caribou in the freezer thanks to me,” I say before pulling down my welding mask, allowing the grinder to drown him out.
“You better be around to help me clean fish when I get back,” Slade argues when the grinder stops.
A glance at my watch warns me I better get my ass back to town if I want to catch Rachel before she closes up for the day. “Sure. If you actually catch any,” I jab, recalling the last fishing trip I took with Slade where he didn’t get a single bite.
“Do you want me to bring you back a coloring book?” Slade asks as I head for my truck.
“You won’t be laughing when I win.” Though the date with Rachel is the only prize I truly care about, the winner of the competition takes home five grand. I can already see the look on Slade’s face when he sees the big fat check sitting in the living room. “Don’t let Everett catch all the salmon, okay?” I shut the door, cutting Slade off before he can get in one last jab.
Though I love living remotely with twenty-two acres to call my own, today it’s hindering me from getting into town as quickly as I want. But before I first set my sights on Rachel a week ago, I didn’t have many reasons to frequent town.
I consider grabbing Rachel a latte, wishing I could convince her to grab dinner instead. But time is against me. I barely make it to the shop to see her flipping the open sign to closed.
“Hey, I was just about to lock that,” she says to me as I close the door behind me.
“Go ahead and lock us inside.” I can’t resist flashing her my mischievous smile. One that causes her green orbs to darken a shade every time I use it. “I’m not worried about being held prisoner. Unless you’re into that kind of thing.”
Rachel rolls her eyes in amusement. “You wish.”
“You can tie me up, or I’ll tie you up.” I quickly rake my gaze over her delicious figure. “I’m flexible.”
Her gentle, sweet laughter stirs a place deep in my soul. Rachel likely thinks I’m only after a good time, but the truth is, I’m in this for the long haul. I’ve never been drawn to anyone the way I am with this curvaceous beauty. She’s captured me heart and soul, whether she understands that or not. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to break through her defenses.
“Did you forget something?” she asks, catching me skimming a display of quirky patterned ribbons. “You know the rules—”
“I can only buy more of the same materials I already submitted.” I set the autumn leaf patterned ribbon back in its place, wishing I’d seen it earlier. Slade would give me so much shit, but I think my sheet metal moose will need a bow when it’s all said and done. Guess it’ll have to be blue.
Rachel pushes a few buttons on her cash register before pulling out the drawer. I follow her to a small back office. “How’s your moose making coming along?”
“Good.”
She looks up from her seat, a playful eyebrow raised. “Good? That’s all you have to say? Doesn’t sound like the confident answer of a winner.”
I take a seat on the edge of her desk, fully aware that my leg is less than an inch from her thigh. Heat swirls between the small gap, teasing all my senses. If I ever confessed the fantasies I’ve had about Rachel, she’d turn ten different shades of red. “I’m not revealing my secrets. You won’t know which one is mine until they announce the winner. Same as everyone else.”
She smacks my leg with the back of her hand. “You’re probably just in over your head.”
“Maybe,” I admit, though if I’m in over my head, it has nothing to do with a moose and everything to do with the beautiful brunette stealing glances she doesn’t think I notice. I subtly adjust my leg, allowing it to brush against her jean-clad thigh. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”
Rachel focuses on her computer screen, entering numbers into a ledger. She’s pretending not to feel the electricity between us. But watching the quick rise and fall of her chest gives her away.
“You hungry?”
“You only get a date if you win,” Rachel says without looking at me, stuffing money into a zipper bag and dropping it into the safe beneath her desk. I get an eyeful of cleavage when she sits upright. Dammit, I’m only a man.
“Two people can grab a bite to eat without it being a date,” I counter.
“It’s a small town, Holden. Rumors practically start themselves.” She stands, breaking the little physical contact we had, and grabs the empty cash drawer.
“What are you worried about?” I touch her elbow gently, willing her walls to crumble. Let me in, sweetheart.
“Nothing. It’s just that people talk.”
“I haven’t been in town long enough to earn a bad reputation,” I tease, unable to resist the loose strand of hair resting against her cheek. I hook it with a finger and tuck it behind her ear, letting my fingertip linger along her jaw. “I have references, you know. You can ask around about me.”
She blinks her eyes closed for a few seconds, lifting her gaze to mine when she opens her eyes. “It’s…complicated.”
“You know what’s not complicated?” I ask in a low tone that’s almost a whisper.
“What’s that?”
“One kiss.”
I caress her cheek with two, three, four fingers, tilting her face up with the tip of my thumb. She parts her lips, as if to say something, but instead wets them with her tongue. My pulse triples, anticipating the life-altering moment the graze of our lips promises.
I lean in.
The shrill ring of a phone startles us both. Rachel hops back, reaching for her cell. “Sorry, it’s my aunt. I have to take this.” She swipes to answer, shooing me with her hand and closing the office door behind me.
I can’t hear the muffled conversation, but I can see the strained expression etched into her beautiful features. This aunt has something to do with those walls Rachel keeps fortified. I’d bet the moose making competition on it.
3
RACHEL
“Two pumpkin spiced lattes in the same season?” Nina, the owner of Moosely Coffee, asks with wide eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”
Her question is valid. I’m not a coffee drinker. But I hardly slept a wink last night, and coffee is the only solution that might save the day. It wasn’t enough that Holden damn near kissed me last night, but my aunt had to call and rattle my cage.
“A little tired from all the excitement yesterday, that’s all.”
“Is this about Becky?” Nina asks in a hushed tone. Nina, like me, grew up in Three Rivers. She remembers when Middle of Nowhere Alaskan Crafts was run by my aunt. The same woman who begrudgingly raised me after my mom died. Though I’m grateful she took me in, she never let a day go by when she didn’t remind me how fortunate I was that she provided for me. I miss the days in the shop when Mom was also behind the counter, helping eager customers with their craft projects. They always came to her for advice and suggestions.
“Maybe a little.”
“Oh honey.” Nina’s expression fills with pity. I know she means well, but I hate anyone feeling sorry for me. My life had a few shitty bumps in the road, but I’m so close to a smooth path ahead. Twenty-three hundred dollars from buying out my aunt and honoring my mom’s memory properly.
But getting involved with Holden could jeopardize all of it.
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
When Holden decided to enter the moose making competition, I never worried that he’d win. Considering he’d never even been to that festival before, I was certain he was way out of his depth. But all night long, I kept dreaming that he took first prize—including me. Right when the lustful fantasy got good and steamy, Becky caught us and ripped away my dream of owning the store.
“If you want someone to vent to, I’ll stop by when my shift is over,” Nina proposes.
