Second Summer Read online

  “Annie,” Claire called, “I’ll go speak to the driver if you want to check off the rest of the kids as they arrive.”

  Annie grabbed the clipboard, made sure all the current kids were checked off, and walked outside. She peered at her watch, eight-fifteen. She looked up to see Caroline’s large, silver SUV pull into the lot. Caroline jumped down, followed by Jace on the other side. As Annie started to focus on some newcomers in another car she spotted one more occupant step out of the SUV—Heath.

  Annie hadn’t seen him since the charity event, and certainly hadn’t expected him to show up as one of the chaperones for the field trip. Caroline had always told her how busy he was between the various businesses and his social life.

  “Hey, Annie!” Caroline waved and started towards her. “Brought an extra chaperone. Hope it’s okay.”

  “Of course it is. We can always use the extra help. Hello, Heath. Haven’t seen you in a while.” She shielded her eyes from the early morning sun and looked up. Yep. He was just as handsome as she remembered.

  “Hello, Annie. I think the last time was the charity dinner,” Heath lied. He knew exactly the last time he’d seen her, had wanted to call her numerous times, but always stopped himself. Besides, as Caroline’s friend, she was off-limits.

  “Yes, well, it’s good to have you here. Would you and Jace mind rounding up the kids as they arrive and show them into the community room? Caroline and I need to speak with the parents and sponsors.” She handed him the clipboard.

  “I’m here for whatever you need,” Heath replied and followed Jace toward the parking lot.

  Annie stepped back to allow them to walk past her towards a group of kids about fifty feet away. Heath’s chambray shirt was tucked into tight fitting jeans, which covered work-worn brown cowboy boots. She’d only seen him twice—once at the charity dinner and then today. He’d worn the traditional cowboy hat each time. He looked good.

  “Won’t be long, maybe twenty minutes and everyone will be loaded and ready to go. You sure it was all right to bring Heath?” Caroline had walked up to stand beside her.

  “Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” She’d never said a word to her friend about the attraction she felt toward Heath. Annie knew all single women were attracted to him, and many married women as well. It would have been a ridiculous conversation to have with her closest friend in Fire Mountain. After all, the MacLarens had helped settle this area. Their ancestors had been mayors, councilmen, state representatives, and held numerous other local offices over the years. They were a public icon and Caroline was a part of it. Anyway, it was just a passing feeling after being alone for almost two years. She would’ve felt the same if any attractive man had paid attention to her.

  “Well, I know he kept an eye on you at the dinner.” Caroline held up a hand when Annie started to protest. “I know you never said anything, but I got the impression you liked the attention he gave you.”

  “Of course I enjoyed it. Any woman would be flattered to have Heath pay her any attention at all. He’s good-looking, smart, funny, and a great dancer, by the way. But it was one dance and he walked me to my car. Nothing more. Besides, I’ve had the love of my life, and believe me, I don’t expect it to happen twice.”

  “Just making sure. You know he’s asked about you a few times.”

  “What?”

  “Heath never pays any attention to my friends. You’re the first.”

  Annie mulled this over a moment before shaking her head. “Caroline, believe me, that doesn’t mean a thing. The man’s got women hanging off him like tinsel. Besides, you warned me off of him, remember?” She was saved from Caroline’s reply when the driver stood on the bus steps and waved to them. “Looks like it’s time to go.”

  The group arrived in Flagstaff almost two hours later, parking in the large university lot. Caroline and Annie had taken seats in the front while other chaperones had sat in the middle. Jace and Heath had taken seats in the far back, which allowed them time to talk as well as keep watch on the kids. All were teens in their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school. They’d all expressed an interest in seeing the large campus in northern Arizona.

  Planning for the field trip had taken a great deal of time, and somewhere along the way Annie had forgotten that the MacLarens funded a foundation to help pay tuition and housing expenses for foster children who went to two or four-year colleges. Caroline, Jace, and Heath were all on the board, as well as a couple of local businessmen. They wanted to be involved, get to know the kids who’d be moving out, going on their own. It suddenly made sense why Heath had come on the trip.

  “What’s first?” Jace asked. Heath stood beside him, looking over the vast campus while the other chaperones crowded around.

  “A couple of administrators will give us a tour and explain admittance procedures. Two of the oldest foster kids have already applied, so they’ll have individual attention from counselors. The rest will tour some of the outlying buildings then we’ll meet back at the cafeteria for lunch.” Annie had been reading from her itinerary, not noticing that Heath followed her every word. “We need to split into two groups, one with each administrator.”

  A couple of the adults took on the task of dividing the kids and adults. They’d finished just as the two school officials arrived.

  “We’re all set,” Annie informed the new arrivals.

  The first group took off in one direction while Annie’s group went another. She’d expected to see Caroline in her group, but when she looked behind her it was Heath her eyes locked on.

  “I thought you’d want to stay with Jace.” Annie had dropped back a couple of steps to come even with Heath.

  “You did, huh?” he grinned.

  She studied him. Was he teasing or just making conversation? “Doesn’t matter, we’ll all see the same things.” Annie tore her gaze from Heath to concentrate on their guides.

  The group walked through a dorm, then the student activity center, and the library. Heath kept pace with Annie the entire time, making small talk, not crowding her, just staying close enough to make her aware of his presence. She didn’t know what it was about the man that had her on edge. She had no interest in a relationship, wasn’t looking for anyone to help her fill her time. Her life was good as it was.

  “How have you been? Caroline mentioned it’s been almost two years since your husband’s death.” Heath regretted the comment immediately. He looked down at her but Annie’s face was impassive.

  “I’m doing good. Everything seems to be falling back into place.” She glanced toward a student who’d asked a question, then back at Heath. “It will be two years next month. April eighth. At one in the afternoon.” She swallowed, trying to get past the lump in her throat.

  “He was a good man, a loss for everyone who knew him.”

  “You knew my husband?” Annie hadn’t known that Kit and Heath were acquaintances.

  “We were members of the same men’s group that met downtown for lunch a couple of times a month. Looking back, I wish I’d spent more time around Kit. He was an interesting man.”

  “That he was. There’ll never be another like him.”

  The sadness in Annie’s voice wasn’t lost on Heath. He realized how much she still loved her deceased husband and wondered if that kind of pain ever healed.

  The rest of the day passed according to the schedule allowing them time to walk the old downtown area, the original train station, and stop in a few shops. Most of the kids had some spending money, but it was obvious that others had been given nothing. Jace and Heath passed out a twenty-dollar bill to each one, not differentiating between who had money and who didn’t. Now they all had something.

  She’d been told that the MacLarens were generous, and today was just another example of their kindness.

  The ride home was uneventful. Caroline sat with Jace while Heath took a seat across the aisle from Annie. He’d been quiet since their exchange about her husband.

  Heath stared
out the bus window, thinking over the conversation they’d had about Kit. He’d been honest when he’d said Kit was a good man.

  What Heath hadn’t mentioned to Annie was her husband’s clear devotion to her. From the few conversations they’d shared, it was obvious that Kit adored his wife. Heath had found himself wondering what his life would’ve been like if he’d loved a woman the way Kit had.

  He glanced across the aisle at Annie’s profile. She was attractive—not what he’d consider stunning. He’d spent the last few years dating women who were beautiful and younger. Caroline had said her friend was a few years older than her, about Heath’s age, which was forty-five. The women he dated were closer to thirty, maybe thirty-five, but rarely older than that. They understood he had no interest in love or a relationship. After years in a loveless marriage he had no desire to be entangled in anything permanent.

  Annie was what his friend Dale would call a keeper. Someone you’d fall in love with, marry, and come home to every night. That wasn’t something Heath wanted. But he did find himself wondering if he could be friends with someone like her. Could a man enjoy a woman’s company, become good friends, without it becoming physical?

  Could he?

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Three

  “What do you think?” Caroline asked after she’d enumerated the reasons she wanted to bring Annie on as a board member of their foundation. They needed another outside member, one that had a passion for foster children, and could provide additional input. The current board consisted of Heath, Jace, Caroline, their attorney, and their accountant. Annie would be a good fit.

  “Have you spoken with her about this?” Jace asked.

  “No, not yet. I wanted to pass it by all of you first.”

  “She does have a good background, firsthand knowledge of the foster care system, and an obvious desire to help the kids. Do you think she’d be interested?” Colt Minton had been the MacLaren attorney for years, as had his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He’d grown up with Health and Jace, knew their interest in the community and desire to give back.

  “I believe so but I don’t want to speak with her until we’ve reached a decision.”

  “Does she work, Caroline?” Colt asked.

  “She’s a writer. Quite good, in fact. That keeps her busy but her time is flexible—perfect for a position on our board.”

  Heath had busied himself reviewing another item on their agenda, concealing his thoughts on Annie joining the board, but lifted his gaze at Caroline’s mention of Annie’s work. He’d never thought of her working.

  “I think it’s a good idea. What about you, Heath?” Jace looked at his brother, wondering why he hadn’t participated in the conversation. As the foundation chairman, he was normally quite candid in his thoughts and questions.

  “I’ve met her just the two times, so I’ll defer to you and Caroline on this one. However, we’ve discussed adding one more person who can add diverse opinions and ideas. Someone with connections to possible donors and funding sources. As a writer, perhaps she could help guide our grant proposals.”

  “She knows a lot of people but I don’t believe she’d be the ultimate lead for funding. I do think she’d be great for guiding our grant efforts.” Caroline knew Annie had performed a similar role in past organizations and would be a huge benefit to them in that area.

  “Well, if we’re done with talking, let’s move this forward,” Jace recommended.

  A minute later they had unanimously approved their new board member and instructed Caroline to discuss with Annie their desire to have her join them.

  After the meeting everyone stood and left—except Heath. He had mixed emotions about Annie. It had been a week since the field trip and each day he’d thought of her. He knew for a fact he’d never date her, but couldn’t shake the desire he felt to pull her into his life in some way. Perhaps this was the opportunity he needed to get to know her better. Even though he was busy with work, family, and an active social life, there was still a void he’d never been able to fill. Not after marrying, not after the birth of his children, and definitely not with the women he dated.

  He tapped the pencil on the pad a couple of times, laid it down on the paper, and sat back. There was so much more he had to accomplish today. Instead, he found himself wondering if Annie would accept their offer to join the board. He was surprised to realize how much he hoped she would.

  ******

  “Oh, Caroline, I just don’t know,” Annie sat on a kitchen stool, drinking hot tea with Caroline sitting next to her, staring. Annie couldn’t miss the excitement in her friend’s eyes.

  “What’s not to know? This is perfect for you and for the board. You’d be great at it and you have the time. If it’s the expense…”

  “No, it’s not the expense. I understand the board reimburses foundation expenses. That’s not the issue.”

  “Then what?”

  “I’m not sure.” Annie thought a minute trying to pinpoint the exact reason she was pushing back. “You’re all so accomplished and understand what’s needed in a program of this size. What could I possibly add?”

  “Are you kidding? You’re the only one who’s experienced the foster system first hand.”

  “That was years ago.”

  “Granted, but that’s still more knowledge than the rest of us. Plus, you’ve written grants before and succeeded in obtaining additional funding. You know the players and who to call.”

  “Caroline that was in California, not Arizona. Most of the funding organization decision makers have changed since I wrote grants. It takes time to reestablish contacts. It’s a long process.”

  Caroline sat, watching Annie, knowing she was considering the offer. She slid off her stool and walked around the worktable where they sat. She grabbed the kettle and poured more hot water for herself and Annie, understanding her friend needed time.

  “How much time would it require?”

  “We meet once a month for about two hours. Then whatever time you need to start reconnecting with the grant organizations. There is administrative help for you. MacLaren Cattle Co. will make available whatever resources you need.”

  Annie thought over the offer. It was something she would normally jump at. Programs to help foster children were her passion, this was perfect for her. Why was she stalling?

  “All right. If you think I’d benefit the board, then yes, I’d be honored to accept.”

  Caroline grabbed Annie into a warm hug then stepped back.

  “I‘m so glad! You’ll love it.” Caroline glanced at her watch. “I’d better get going. Still need to make a couple of stops before heading home. I’ll get you the past board minutes and anything else you need sometime this week. Oh, and don’t forget you’re meeting us at the shooting range tomorrow. Three o’clock.”

  “I remember. See you tomorrow.”

  Annie sat at the kitchen counter after Caroline left, holding her cup between her hands, and wondering what she’d gotten herself into. She knew it was just what was needed to get her life back on track. Handling the field trips helped, but this was the opportunity she’d wanted since she’d learned of the foundation. The issue wasn’t the additional time or work needed to fulfill her role. The issue was the chairman.

  She’d thought of him numerous times since the field trip. He was a compelling figure, one of those men who commanded attention and respect, but also something more.

  Her life had settled into a routine she enjoyed, one she understood—writing, friends, and family. They’d had three children—two boys and a girl. One boy and girl was from Kit’s previous marriage and a boy from theirs. The oldest boy was now out of college and working in northern California, the daughter was in grad school in San Diego, and the youngest boy was finishing up his degree in Los Angeles. Each called at least once a week and texted every couple of days. They were doing well, adjusting to the loss of their father, and understanding of her desire to stay in Fire Mountain and not re
turn to California—except for occasional family gatherings at her second home in San Juan Capistrano. They were a close family. Her life was full. Now that she had this new position on the board, there was nothing else she needed.

  Her cell phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at a local number she didn’t recognize and picked it up.

  “Hello.”

  “Annie?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s Heath MacLaren. I just heard from Caroline and wanted to let you know how pleased we are that you accepted. I hope you feel the same.”

  “Yes, I’m very excited, and honored, Heath. Thanks so much.”

  “It’s our pleasure. Tell you what, I’m heading into town in about two hours. Meet me for a drink to celebrate your acceptance at Stanton’s. Say five o’clock?”

  Annie didn’t want to say yes, yet she didn’t want to say no, either. It would be a good idea to get to know Heath better. After all, he was the chairman of the foundation and Caroline’s brother-in-law. “That would be fine. I’ll meet you there.”

  “I’ll look forward to it.” The line went dead.

  She stared at the phone, then closed it, walking down the hall to her small gym. A good workout was just what she needed before the meeting at Stanton’s.

  ******

  “Annie, over here.” Heath sat at a corner table, lifting his hand so she could see him. Next to him sat a very pretty woman with short dark hair.

  “Glad you could make it. This is Laurel, a friend of mine.”

  Annie extended a hand. “It’s a pleasure, Laurel.”

  “Same here, Annie. Heath just told me you’d been elected to their board. Congratulations.” She turned to Heath. “It was good to see you. Call me when you have some time.” Laurel placed a quick kiss on Heath’s cheek and stood.

  “See you, Annie.”

  “Laurel.” Annie watched the young woman walk away. Even though it was in the fifties outside, she wore a thin sheath about eight inches above her knees, and heels that had to be at least three inches high. Annie turned her gaze back to Heath and noticed his eyes were still following Laurel out the door.