Page 38 of Deacon (Men of Clifton, Montana #52)

Monday morning light filtered through the office’s floor-to-ceiling glass door as Deke eased it open, the chrome handle cool under his palm.

He stepped inside, the faint aroma of strong coffee and worn leather chairs greeting him.

He strode to his desk, removed his Stetson, and hung it on the oak hat rack.

Sliding into his chair, he turned the computer on and glanced up as Hud dropped into the opposite seat with a soft thud.

“What did you do over the weekend?” Hud asked, leaning back, one booted foot resting on the opposite knee.

“After unpacking, we relaxed.” Deke’s voice was low, relaxed. “Yesterday we didn’t do much. I wish I had half the energy Ellie has.”

Hud grinned, the morning sun catching the crinkle at the corner of his eye. “How’s she settling in at her new place?”

Deke chuckled, his shoulders loosening. “Like she’s lived there forever.”

Hud nodded. “She’s precious, man. And Ava… well, she’s gorgeous.”

Deke’s gaze snapped up, his jaw tightening. “Stay the fuck away from her.”

Hud laughed, the sound echoing off the walls and making Deke shake his head in mock exasperation.

“Man, you are too easy. I wouldn’t do that to you and you know it.”

“I know, but women chase after you like you’re a prize, though hell, I can’t see why.”

“Because I’m better-looking,” Hud shrugged with a grin. Then he pushed to his feet. “Seriously, Deke, you have nothing to worry about with Ava. She’s too in love with you.” He ambled toward his desk by the window, sunshine outlining his silhouette.

“In love with me? Bullshit,” Deke muttered under his breath.

“Talking to yourself?” Rawley’s voice came from the next desk, where he was settling in behind stacks of paperwork.

Deke smirked. “Feels like that’s all I do these days.”

At that moment Dave strolled over from the back office, paper in hand. He dropped it on Rawley’s desk with a soft thump. “Seven horses missing in Spring City.”

Rawley picked up the report. “On it. I’ll catch you later, Deke.”

“Yep,” Deke replied, watching Rawley don his hat and stride toward the elevators. He exhaled, new assignments were always looming, and he hoped he was done with traveling for a case for a while.

As he rifled through case files, a soft buzz vibrated in his pocket. He pulled out his phone: a text from Ava.

How about steaks tonight? I found some in the freezer.

He tapped back, grinning. Sounds good. Medium rare. He laughed when she sent a sick emoji back.

If that’s what you want.

Deke glanced around the room then texted: I want you.

Dessert ?

Definitely. What’s Ellie up to?

Your dad has her. She’s being spoiled rotten.

No surprise there.

Is it okay if I walk to the barn?

Ava, do whatever you like. I’ll let you know when I’m heading home.

Okay. Stay safe.

Yes, ma’am. He pocketed the phone and opened a drawer for a pen. His fingers froze on the cold metal as he spotted a Barbie doll still sealed in its plastic display box, bright pink dress shimmering under the fluorescent lights. He looked around, no one was watching, then he stood, holding the toy.

“Okay, who left this here?” he asked, voice amused. The men nearby chuckled but stayed silent.

“Well, thanks whoever did. My daughter’s going to love it.” His grin widened as he sat back down, warmth spreading through him. He really did work with a great bunch.

****

Around midday, Ava pressed her palm against the heavy, wrought-iron latch and swung open the barn’s door.

A rush of cool, sweet air swept past her, laden with the faintly sour tang of fresh-cut hay and the deep, animal musk of worn leather bridles.

Her boot heels clicked on the threshold, then crunched softly over the straw-scattered concrete floor.

Narrow beams of sunlight slanted through the high skylights above, each ray gilding a swirl of dust motes and casting the aisle in a soft, honeyed glow.

She paused, taking a long breath of that fragrant air, then set off toward the nearest stall, only to find its gate slid open and its interior empty.

She wandered onward, fingertips grazing the boards of each open stall door, feeling the grain’s subtle ridges beneath her skin.

The smell of muck rose from the floor, but no horse stirred behind the doors.

Somewhere toward the barn’s rear, a hinge groaned, and Ava lifted her gaze to see a tall figure filling the back doorway.

Sunlight haloed him, highlighting the broad sweep of his shoulders and the long lines of his legs.

“Ma’am? Do you need some help?” His voice rolled out low and warm, rich like dark molasses and sent a sudden thrill through her chest. Ava’s pulse tapped in her ears. She was in love with Deacon, yes, but she could still appreciate a handsome man.

She stepped forward. “No, thanks. I’m Ava Parsons.”

The man tilted his head, peeling off scuffed leather work gloves that bore telltale smudges of sweat and dirt. He tucked them into a back pocket with a slow, easy motion.

“Ms. Parsons, pleasure to meet you. I’m Jonah Randolph, Deke’s manager. We heard you were settling in.” He offered her a hand; the calloused pads warm beneath her fingers.

“Please,” she said, tilting her head. “Call me Ava.”

He smiled, that grin broadening to reveal straight, white teeth. Creases formed at the corners of his beautiful sapphire-blue eyes.

“Jonah. Were you looking for a mount?” He leaned casually against a post, the brim of his black cowboy hat casting a shadow that accentuated the strong line of his jaw.

Ava shook her head, laughing. “Nope. Just being nosy.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” he said with a grin.

“How long have you run this place?” she asked.

“Twenty years. Deke’s a good man, treats everyone fair.”

“He is a good man.” She watched him lift his hat, run his fingers through his hair, then resettled the hat on his head. She loved when a cowboy did that and almost sighed. Deacon did it a lot too.

“Well, I’m heading out for lunch. You have a good day.”

With that, he strode down the aisle, each footfall stirring tiny whirlwinds of dust around his boots. His steps were measured, confident, and utterly magnetic. Ava found herself unable to look away as he stepped into the bright afternoon beyond the barn doors.

She quietly lifted her phone and angled it through the shadows and snapped photos of him.

The camera captured his broad back, the flannel over his broad shoulders and jeans that hugged his ass, and what a nice ass it was.

His hat sitting perfectly on his head. She opened her messaging app and sent the pictures to Joella with a single line:

I have a cowboy for you.

Her phone buzzed immediately.

I’ll take him!

You can’t even see his face!

I bet you could bounce a quarter off that ass. Wrangler butts drive me nuts!

You need to visit me. Trust me, the front is as good as the back. He’s six-five, just as tall as Deke.

How fast can I get a flight???

You know you’re always welcome here. Oh, and I told you Deke’s got two brothers just as handsome as he is.

So that’s where all the hot men are. Are you sure Deke won’t mind if I drop in?

He said it’s fine, but you should probably wait until Thanksgiving.

Okay, but I demand a front shot of that cowboy. Do you know his name?

Jonah Randolph. Black hair poking from under his hat, gorgeous sapphire blue eyes, perfect smile. Late thirties early forties, maybe?

Stop tempting me or I’m booking a flight.

I’d love that.

How is it going with you and Deke?

Really well.

That’s great to hear. He is sexy. I’m sorry, but I have to run, lunch break’s over. Love you. Give Ellie a hug for me.

We love you.

Get me that picture!

Ava smiled as she slipped her phone into her back pocket and glanced toward the tack room door.

She pictured Ellie, up by now, probably being doted on by her Pap, Frank, who had insisted she call him Pap the moment they arrived, his grin so warm she couldn’t refuse. Deacon’s family already felt like home.

She turned and left the barn. In the driveway, she ran inside the house to retrieve her keys, and climbed into her SUV.

The scent of pine from the pinewoods that bordered the ranch mingled with the faint residue of hay on her jacket.

She drove down the dusty lane to Frank’s house, knowing her daughter would be delighted by the toys Frank had already piled around the living room.

Halfway there, her phone buzzed again. She pulled the vehicle over, heart pounding when she saw her father’s name on the screen. A sudden wave of homesickness hit her. She swallowed hard, then answered.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hey, sweetheart. How’s Clifton treating you?”

“It’s beautiful. You have to see it.” She glanced out at the rolling hills. “I’m so happy we moved.”

“We’ll come visit once you’re settled,” he said. “You sound good.”

“I am.” She brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “I know Jessica would love it here, too.”

“I’m sure she would. I’d like to meet Deke’s family.”

“They’re wonderful.” Ava exhaled, her gaze drifting toward the winding road out front. “I’m going to pick up Ellie now, Frank has her.”

Her father chuckled. “So, she’s already spoiled more than usual.”

“Yes.” A lump formed in her throat at the thought of her little girl with her doting grandfather. “He asked if she could call him Pap.”

“Are you all right?”

“I am.” She forced a smile, though he couldn’t see it. “It’s just… sometimes I feel guilty for keeping Ellie from them. It’s hard to think we’ve been here almost a month now, and already everyone loves her.”

“Who wouldn’t?” He chuckled. “We miss you both, but you’re where you belong.”

Ava watched snowflakes drift down in lazy spirals. “It’s snowing here. Any at home?”

“Not yet, but they’re calling for it.”

“I don’t know what Deke’s family does for Thanksgiving, but I’d love if we could all spend it together.”