Once and For All: An American Valor Novel Read Online Free Page B

Mac told me a couple of weeks ago the boys would be home for a visit.”
    It took a great amount of restraint, but Bree chose to bite her tongue for the most part. “Would have been nice to know.”
    “I thought I told you they were going to be in town. Huh.” Pete shrugged his shoulders. “Guess I didn’t.”
    Sometimes her highly intelligent father could be so dumb. What she wouldn’t have given for a little forewarning. If she’d known there was a possibility of running into Danny she could have prepared herself mentally, emotionally.
    Or taken up temporary residence in a convent. Somewhere far, far away.
    “So, how is Mike?”
    “Good, it would seem.”
    “He’s always been a good kid. Good man, I should say.” Her father crossed his thick arms over his round belly. “So seeing Mike got you all upset?”
    The aluminum screen door slammed against the frame, immediately followed by heavy footsteps across the wooden deck. No need to turn around to know who it was. To be honest, she was surprised he’d waited this long for a second confrontation.
    “Should’ve known,” her father grumbled. “Do I need to kick his ass?”
    Despite being annoyed with her dad, that made her smile. Having had both knees replaced, there were some mornings her father had difficulty getting down the driveway to pick up the morning paper. No way in hell would he ever be able to kick anyone’s ass, much less the ass of a man in prime physical shape almost thirty-five years his junior.
    But it was the thought that counted.
    “I can handle this.”
    He studied her for a long moment, then, satisfied she could deal with Danny on her own, braced his hands on his knees and stood. After a quick pat to her shoulder, he crossed the yard to the back deck. Stopping only inches in front of Danny, he stared him in the eye. No words were exchanged, but plenty was said between them. Danny held his ground, unflinching, then with a slight nod, respectfully stepped aside, giving way to her father.
    After the back door closed, Danny strolled across the yard to where she sat. A shining example of calm, cool and collected, although history taught her he was likely anything but on the inside. If there was one thing this man learned early in life, when it came to those of the female persuasion, he could catch more flies with honey.
    “Mind if I sit down?” he asked, gesturing toward the makeshift chair her father had vacated.
    There was no point in answering him. If she said yes, he’d count it as a victory. No, he’d sit down anyway just to prove she couldn’t get rid of him that easily.
    A breeze kicked up as he passed by, carrying his clean, fresh scent with it. Clearly, he’d showered, although he hadn’t shaved. He now wore a gray henley, the first few buttons undone, exposing the hollow of his throat, the sleeves shoved up to his elbows, revealing muscular forearms and a large black watch. The heavy-duty kind. One that was more utilitarian than fashion statement. His jeans were faded and worn in all the right places, the soft fabric cupping his ass.
    Bree gave herself a mental shake. The last thing she needed was for Danny MacGregor to catch her checking out his butt.
    Danny smiled at her as he made himself at home on the overturned paint bucket and rested his elbows on his knees.
    “Stop it.”
    “Stop what?” he asked, feigning wide-eyed innocence.
    “You know. Waltzing in here all charm and swagger with that dimple on display.” Of course he only cranked up the wattage of his smile. Bree leveled a finger at him. “I’m immune to your charms, Danny MacGregor. So why are you here? What do you want?”
    “So that’s how it’s gonna be? Cut right to the chase?”
    Bree folded her arms across her chest. “The way I see it, the sooner you say what you want to say, the sooner you’ll leave. Again.”
    A decade of rehearsed conversations finally paid off when her jab hit the mark.
    Danny hopped to his feet and marched halfway across