Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) Read online

She wiped her eyes and walked with him as he took Maddy to the barn. “Hearing about the lion scared me but I should have known better than to worry. You always take care of my son.”

  He swallowed a lump in his throat, wondering if Ava trusted him a little too much. “You and Dylan are part of my family. I’ll always look out for you both.”

  “Thanks, Logan. That means so much to me.” She smiled and paused as they reached the entrance to the barn. “I’ll wait out here for Dylan.”

  He nodded and led Maddy inside.

  Dylan chuckled as he approached and pointed toward Skipper’s stall. Crazy animal

  Logan nodded and rolled his eyes, seeing that the skittish horse had found his way home just fine after all.

  Dylan turned to leave but Logan touched his shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Thank you for staying calm and helping out today. I’m proud of you. Your father would have been too.”

  The boy’s eyes glistened as he nodded.

  After Dylan left, Logan fed Maddy and spent some time picking the mud from her hooves. Alone with his thoughts, his mind drifted where he didn’t wish it to go. He pictured Addie the way he’d found her a few hours ago, staring at the sky—her eyes vacant. He’d only been that scared two other times in his life—most recently about four months ago. The day he decided to give up practicing medicine.

  All of a sudden his mind transported him back to that terrible day. He saw broken glass and twisted metal scattered along the two lane highway. His mother’s screams pierced the air and the stench of burning rubber filled his nostrils.

  The flashback hit him like a tidal wave and his knees buckled. Logan clung to the metal gate to stay upright. His body trembled in the dim light of the barn. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for doubting you.”

  He calmed and leaned his forehead against the cold metal gate. Today had been different. He’d gotten there in time to save Addie when she needed him. He knew it wasn’t a coincidence that he was there at the right place and time.

  “I didn’t think you listened to my prayers anymore,” he whispered. “But I just wanted to say, thank you for watching over Addie and for proving that you’re not through with me yet.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Gary Hart apologized to Addison for the third time that night. “I want you to know that your stay here will be free of charge and the trail guide has been fired for his carelessness.”

  She met Belle’s gaze for a moment. The poor girl looked ready to burst into tears and it was Addison’s fault.

  She turned back to Gary and gave him the sweetest smile she could manage. “There’s no need for that Mr. Hart. I take full responsibility for this accident. I was on my phone when the horse got spooked. I wasn’t holding the reins like he instructed me to. Please give the trail guide his job back.”

  “Okay. If that’s what you want.” A smile lit up the rancher’s face. “On one condition. Please come eat dinner with our family tomorrow night.”

  Addison grinned, realizing that Gary and Logan had the same smile. “It would be an honor.”

  After Gary walked out of earshot, Belle hugged Addison and sniffled. “Thank you, Addie. Colton really needs this job to help his mom pay the bills.”

  Addison smiled. “Of course. I never would have blamed it on him. After all, I’m always getting myself into some kind of trouble.”

  Belle leaned back and wiped her eyes. “Well, I’m going to stay with you tonight just to make sure you’re okay.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m fine, really.”

  Belle shook her head. “No, I insist. I’ll sleep on the couch.” She held up a plastic bag. “I even brought you dinner and my famous chocolate cake for dessert.”

  Addison chuckled at her new friend’s sweet gesture. “Okay, if you insist. A night of girl talk sounds like fun anyway.”

  Chapter Seven

  ~ ~ ~

  Logan arose with the sunrise and journeyed out of his parents’ guest room.

  His father greeted him in the kitchen and prepared two cups of steaming black coffee. “How’d you sleep, son?”

  Logan took his cup and they sat across from each other at the table. “All right. I’m going to try and get an early start today. I have that new horse to train. He’s a feisty one.”

  His father nodded and took a sip from his coffee. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Addie to join our family for dinner tonight. I figured it was the least we could do since she had that accident yesterday.”

  Logan gulped and tried to hide his discomfort. “Why would I mind?”

  His father shrugged. “I don’t know. Just thought I’d give you a heads up. I know you two have had some…should I say chemistry?”

  Logan choked on his drink and sputtered. “Dad. We’re just friends. Nothing more.”

  “Okay okay. No need to get all bent out of shape. Just thought I’d mention it.”

  Logan wiped his mouth with a napkin. “So what did you really want to talk to me about?”

  His dad hesitated and fiddled with the handle of his coffee cup. “Your mom and I…we’re not getting any younger. My knees are getting worse and I’ve been slowing down quite a bit.”

  “Well that’s why I came to help, Dad. Can I do anything else to take the pressure off you?”

  His dad nodded. “I’d like to start transitioning the leadership of the ranch over to someone else. My top two choices would be you or Ava.”

  Logan stared at the table, not liking where the conversation was headed. “Dad, we’ve been over this before. You know how much I love it here. This is where I grew up, but I don’t enjoy the business side of it. It’s just not me. I’m not exactly sure where my future will lead me, but I don’t want to be tied down here for the rest of my life. And Ava…she’s made it clear that she no longer wants the responsibility. Not without Nathan by her side.”

  His dad’s shoulders slumped, making him look ten years older. “This is our family’s legacy, Logan. It needs to be protected. With Nathan gone now…I hoped you would be the one to take this ranch into the future. You never know. Ava’s alone…you’re alone. With time, things could blossom and you two could run this ranch together.”

  Logan sighed, wishing his dad would stop trying to micromanage his life. “Dad, nothing will ever happen between Ava and me. And as far as the ranch goes, I’ll stay until mom is better and you find a replacement for me.”

  His dad frowned and stared down at the table. “I was really hoping to keep this a family-run business.”

  Logan lifted his eyebrows. “I know who would jump at the chance to run the ranch. Someone who loves this place even more than I do.”

  “Belle?” His dad shook his head. “No. She’s too young.”

  “Dad, she’s not a little girl anymore. You’ve been hiding her away in that store but now she’s twenty-one…an adult. Besides, it’s not like you’re leaving it to her right away. You’ll have plenty of time to teach her how to run this place. Belle’s smart. She can do about anything she puts her mind to.”

  His father furrowed his brow. “And what about when she gets married one day? What if that lucky man wants her to move somewhere else? I’d hate to think of what will happen. The ranch could be sold to the highest bidder...end up as property of a logging company. I just can’t risk it.”

  The screen door slammed and Logan jerked his head up.

  Belle stood in the doorway, eyes blazing. “Do you really think I’m that weak, Dad? Just because I’m a woman, that means I would sell the ranch for love? I’d never do that and you know it.”

  Their father stood from the table and walked toward her but she backed away. “Belle, I didn’t say that. Whenever you do find the right man I just don’t want you to have to choose between the ranch and love. I want you to be happy.”

  She flipped her long brunette braid over her shoulder. “Being here makes me happy. This is my home. I can run this ranch, Dad. All I need is your guidance and blessing.”

  Their fathe
r scratched his head and the room fell silent. The tension in the air was enough to drive any person insane. Finally he sat down and looked Belle in the eye. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. The answer is no. At least for now.”

  Belle spun on her heels and darted outside.

  Logan cast his father a disappointed glance and chased after his sister, letting the screen door slam behind him.

  He caught up to her by the corral. “Belle, wait. I’m sorry you walked in on that.”

  She turned with tears clouding her eyes and allowed Logan to hug her. “He’ll never trust me. In his eyes I’ll always seem like a child.”

  He pushed her back gently and held onto her shoulders. “Well, prove him wrong, Belle. Fight for what you want. Show him that you can handle this responsibility.”

  She wiped away her tears. “And how do I do that?”

  “Well for starters, we need to get you out of that store and diner. You need to take on more responsibilities around here. I’ll teach you everything I know about ranching.”

  Her lavender eyes widened. “But who will take over for me?”

  “That will be your first new responsibility as the future owner of Hart Ranch. Hire two more workers and train them to do your old job. You can place an ad in the paper.”

  Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “And you think Dad will go for this?”

  Logan shook his head and a mischievous grin formed on his lips. “No, not Dad. Someone with much more influence.”

  Chapter Eight

  ~ ~ ~

  Breathe. Just breathe,” Addison whispered as she stepped out of the limo and faked a smile for the cameras. The sequins glittered on her red designer gown as she held a pose that would show off her outfit.

  Cameras flashed and the paparazzi went crazy on the borders of the sidewalk but her security guards kept them at bay.

  All their voices blended together. “Addison, are you excited about your big day tomorrow?”

  “What celebrities are on your guest list?”

  “What do you see next for Lewis-Kingsley Films when you and Jared take over the company?”

  She ignored all of them and made a beeline for the door. Her sister greeted her just inside the entrance. She looked stunning, dressed in a royal blue gown with her dark brown hair swept up into a fancy updo. A professional camera dangled from a strap around her neck.

  Brie lifted it to eye level and grinned. “Freeze right there and smile. This one’s going in your wedding scrapbook.”

  Addison humored her sister and struck one more pose.

  After she snapped the picture a tall salt and pepper-haired producer approached. “Now, you and Brie are going to head into the banquet hall and look over the decorations and place settings. Then we’ll get a scene with you and Jared before the guests start arriving. Got it?”

  She nodded as the makeup team swooped in from both sides and started touching up her foundation. “Got it.”

  After the sound guys and cameramen got into position in front of them with a rolling camera stand, the producer counted down from three silently and cued them.

  Addison linked arms with Brie and they headed down the hallway. She tried to act natural in front of the cameras. After all, her family was like royalty in Hollywood. They started documenting her family’s life when she was a child, up until she turned twenty and left home. Now being in the spotlight again after five years was fraying her nerves. She plastered on a smile anyway. “Sorry I’m late. How are things going, sis?”

  “Okay. everything for the dinner is set up but there’s a small issue with the seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner.”

  Her blood pressure skyrocketed. “Small issue? Like what?”

  “I’m not sure. Vic is handling it.”

  Addison groaned, wondering if the producer had staged this “small issue” just for dramatic effect.

  They reached the large banquet room where another cameraman waited. Addison ignored him and scanned the fine linen clad tables and intricate place settings. Everything seemed to be in order. Then she spotted her friend Victoria leaning over one of the tables frowning with a pen in her hand. “What’s going on?”

  Victoria sighed and motioned toward two papers on the table. One was white and the other had a large brown stain and runny ink in the middle. “Someone spilled coffee all over the seating chart. I’m trying to duplicate it but I’m having a hard time reading this runny ink.”

  Addison put her hands on her cheeks. “This is a nightmare. Guests are going to arrive in less than thirty minutes! Where’s the wedding coordinator? She should be taking care of this.”

  Victoria shrugged and ran her fingers through her long raven hair. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in a while.”

  “I’ll go look for her,” Brie said from beside her.

  Addison thanked her sister and watched her rush out of the room. Then she turned her attention back to the ruined seating chart. “How are we going to salvage this, Vic?”

  She felt the presence of a camera poised over her shoulder, zooming in on the paper. Addison whipped around and lifted her eyebrow at the producer. “Does this look like something I want to remember? Can we please have a moment alone?”

  The producer frowned and turned to his crew. “All right, you heard Miss Lewis. Let’s take five.”

  After they left, Addison sat at the table, rested her head in her hands and let out a deep sigh. “Why did I ever let Jared talk me into this?”

  Victoria put her hand on her shoulder. “Televising the wedding?”

  She shook her head and looked up. “Not just that. Everything. The over the top decorations, the snobby guests…this marriage.”

  Victoria’s eyes grew wide. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  Addison’s eyes filled with tears. “Maybe. I’m not sure.”

  “Addie, you need to think long and hard about what you’re saying. This isn’t just about you and Jared. It will unite the two companies after the merger.”

  She nodded at her all-business-minded friend. “I know, I know.”

  “Plus…” Victoria continued. “Your popularity will soar even higher after this wedding airs on TV. The best producers and directors will be flocking to work for Lewis-Kingsley Films.”

  She nodded and wiped her eyes “Yes, I know. This will help my father’s business. I’m just not sure if all this is me. It doesn’t feel right. Am I marrying Jared because I love him or because it’s good for the company?”

  Just then Brie returned with a grim look on her face.

  “What’s wrong? Did you find the wedding coordinator?”

  Her sister nodded but didn’t make eye contact. Instead she kept staring at her camera.

  Addison’s heart thundered in her chest. “Please, spit it out Brie. I can’t handle any more surprises.”

  Brie didn’t say a word but just handed her the camera. The picture on the screen made her blood run cold.

  ~ ~ ~

  Addison woke up startled and disoriented from her dream. Where was she? She scanned the walls of the rustic cabin. Then her aching body reminded her of the traumatic horse ride the day before.

  She groaned and sat up, noticing a tray with a blueberry muffin, orange juice and a little note from Belle. Addison smiled as she read the morning greeting. She was so sweet.

  Having some girl talk the night before had been fun. Belle was becoming a good friend. For once she didn’t feel like the heiress in the public eye who had to be perfect all the time. Around Belle she could let her hair down a little, although she avoided talking about anything too personal.

  Addison sat at the little table by the window and tried to forget the awful dream. Outside she could see the ranch hands taking care of their morning chores. It amazed her how quickly they accomplished everything. Keeping the ranch in order took a lot of dedication and hard work.

  Her attention turned to Colton as he busied himself stacking bales of straw by the barn. Every few minutes he stopped and checked h
is watch. It piqued Addison’s curiosity. Was he waiting for someone?

  A few minutes later she discovered the reason behind his odd behavior.

  Belle returned from a morning ride and he dropped everything just to help her off the horse. It seemed like second nature—an unspoken accord between the two of them. They shared a brief conversation before Belle went into the barn. Then Colton paused and watched her walk away before continuing with his chores.

  Addison looked away, her cheeks aching from smiling so much. They were adorable. How did they not recognize the obvious spark between them? Or maybe they did but something kept them from pursuing a relationship. The mystery was enough to drive her crazy.

  After enjoying her breakfast Addison dressed in a long sleeved t-shirt and skinny jeans. Then she ventured outside with her sketch pad and file folder of pictures in hand. On the way down the path, movement in the corral caught her eye. Addison hid behind a tree and peeked from behind it.

  Logan struggled with a half-wild horse in the corral. He managed to dodge the horse’s back hooves twice but the third time one of the animal’s strong back legs glanced his shoulder.

  His body landed hard on the muddy ground.

  Addison gasped and leaned against the tree trunk, suddenly weak from holding her breath.

  Logan winced and stood back up, grasping his shoulder. He dusted himself off, straightened his cowboy hat and resumed like nothing had happened.

  Then the mood changed. The horse stopped and pawed at the ground. Logan approached with caution, taking slow and even steps while stretching his fingers toward the horse. He whispered something she couldn’t make out but it seemed to calm the animal. The horse lowered its head, allowing him to touch its mane.

  Addison let out a shaky breath, touched by Logan’s gentle demeanor with the horse. She walked closer, away from the seclusion of her hiding spot.

  Movement from the ranch house caught her eye. A petite feminine hand held back the curtain in one of the bedrooms. Was there another woman living in the house? Then just as quickly as the hand appeared it dropped from sight.