Brad's Rock [Rescue for Hire 7] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Read online

  “Thanks, Brian. Right now I can only give it one day at a time.” Brad gently rocked a sleeping Bella.

  “Before you leave for Cade’s, there’s a note on the refrigerator door with the number for the clinic on it. The owner and head veterinarian’s name is Marcus Bishop. He told me to have you give him a call when you get into town so you can set up an interview.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that,” Brad said. “Thanks for everything, Brian. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Just take care of yourself. And call me if you need to talk or anything else. I want to help you.” The tears in Brian’s voice made Brad grit his teeth to stop the sob trying to bubble up. He would not upset the little girl playing over on the rug.

  “I have to go,” he choked out.

  Ending the call, Brad relaxed back into the chair and rocked Bella for a while. Soon Ms. Emma, with Mrs. Drake following her, came into the room and smiled at him.

  “We’ll put these two down for their naps,” she whispered.

  “I’ve been asked to stay at Cade Miller’s house for a few days while the team is at the hospital with Alex. He has a guest coming and wanted someone there,” Brad explained in a whisper.

  “Oh, I see. Well, go into the kitchen and let Mrs. Martien know. She’ll make up a bag of food for you to take along.” The older woman picked up Bella and left the room.

  “It was good to see you again,” Mrs. Drake said, holding Tina by the hand. “If you can, stop in. We try to fill the freezer full of food when we are here. There’s always plenty to go around.”

  “Thank you,” Brad replied.

  “Mr. Hayward?”

  “Please, call me Brad.”

  “Brad. The girls and I just wanted you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Losing loved ones is never easy.”

  The older woman’s face reflected such kindness Brad didn’t know how to handle it. Very seldom in his life had he experienced true kindness from a woman. He was used to seeing frustration, anger, pity, or expectations.

  “Thank you,” he forced out. So many emotions clogged his throat he could hardly pull a breath of air through them.

  A work-worn hand with skin so thin the thick blue veins were clearly visible rested on his arm. “Over the years, all three of us have lost our partners in life. There were times each of us thought we couldn’t go on,” she admitted. “But it turned out time gave us no choice. I just wanted you to know that there is a tomorrow. All you have to do is get through today.”

  Brad put his hand over the older woman’s. “Thanks,” he said. Somehow that word didn’t seem enough, but he was at a loss for the right thing to say.

  Giving the hand on his arm a squeeze, Brad smiled at the lovely lady and got out of the chair. At the doorway, Mrs. Drake’s voice stopped him. “Brad.”

  “Yes?” Brad looked over and saw her pale blue eyes were sparkling. The look of mischief in them made her seem years younger.

  “If life gives you another chance at love, grab it and hold on tight,” she advised.

  “Um…” Brad choked.

  “A hunk like you shouldn’t have any problem catching some man or woman’s eye.” Mrs. Drake chuckled. “Don’t worry. If they aren’t good enough, I’ll let you know.” With that remark, the sassy woman led Tina out of the room, leaving an astonished Brad staring after her.

  * * * *

  Rock Morrison sat on a hard stone bench, the brisk late October wind blowing crisp leaves around outside Granite City’s small airport. Some of the people coming out of the glass front doors of the airport were commenting on how cold it was. For him the low forty degree weather felt warm. He had just left ice and snow in Alaska, and already his coat and long-sleeved shirt were stuffed into one of his duffel bags at his feet. Sitting there in a sleeveless T-shirt, he was starting to long for his cargo shorts and flip-flops.

  After the plane landed, he called Cade Miller to let him know he had arrived. Cade explained that he was at the hospital with an employee who had been shot during a rescue. Rock’s blood started pumping hard at the thought of a rescue involving that kind of danger. He’d been called an adrenaline junky more than once in his lifetime and refused to apologize for it.

  Now he was waiting for someone named Brad Hayward to pick him up. Rock was glad he never had a problem with plans changing or making decisions on the fly. This job interview was turning into quite an adventure. On cue, a dark-blue truck pulled up to the curb in front of him. The driver’s door opened, and a man hopped out and started around the front of the vehicle.

  Rock watched the tall drink of water stop on the concrete sidewalk before the entrance of the airport and begin searching for someone. It took a minute, but Rock finally heard the little voice inside his head called self-respect urge him to quit embarrassing himself and close his mouth.

  The man had messy sandy-blond hair that looked to have been nicely styled at one time. He was about six-one, and the open jacket he was wearing couldn’t hide the muscled chest or slim waist. Now that Rock got a good look at him, the man had muscles galore but seemed a little underweight, like he had been ill recently.

  Big light-blue eyes, surrounded by thick dark lashes, dominated the blond’s face. The dark circles under his eyes and pale skin concerned Rock. But before he could concentrate too much on it, a square jaw and kissable lips drew his attention.

  Rock’s gaydar was pinging away, and despite his whole life potentially changing completely in the next few days, he was hooked and began making plans to somehow meet the big guy. Yeah, he knew there was a chance he would never actually succeed in meeting the man standing in front of him. But this was Rock’s way. When he saw something he wanted, he started making plans to get it.

  Frowning, the man glanced at Rock and looked away before coming back to him. Amazing light-blue eyes widened when they settled on him. This wasn’t an unusual occurrence when someone first saw him.

  Rock was five-eight and one quarter. Yeah, he was going to cling to that quarter of an inch until the day he died. Currently he wore a dark-purple T-shirt with the sleeves cut off and a pair of light-green-and-white checked pants. His flat-soled tennis shoes were bright green to match.

  The T-shirt showed off his lean, muscled arms covered with colorful tattoo sleeves starting at the top of his shoulders down to about three inches above his wrists. His multiple shades of blond and brown long dreadlocks were drawn up into a thick ponytail on the back of his neck, hanging to just above the middle of his back.

  Usually if people got past the tats, clothes, and dreads, they faltered at his piercings. Both of his ears were decorated with an array of shiny silver and black beads. One eyebrow had a small hoop with a matching black bead in it. Roc also had his nipples pierced, although no one could usually see them. And only certain attentive lovers saw his guiche.

  Rock had to give the stranger some credit. After a small hesitation, he turned and headed his way with a smile. Rock felt his mouth drop open again. Deep dimples had appeared on each side of those kissable lips and straight white teeth, and Rock fell in lust.

  “Hi, by any chance are you Rock Morrison?” the hunk of pretty man asked. His deep, gravelly voice sent ripples of desire down Rock’s spine. Rock returned the smile and said, “Yes I am. Are you Brad?”

  Brad nodded and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Just before he shook the man’s cold hand, Rock noticed it was trembling slightly. After years of recuing people in the wilds of Alaska, his mind automatically raced through Brad’s symptoms, trying to figure out if he was sick or something.

  “Likewise,” he replied, making sure to hold on just a little longer, letting Brad know he was interested.

  Blue eyes widened comically, and Brad took a sudden step back. If Rock hadn’t grabbed his arm, Brad would have lost his balance and landed on his ass. As it was, his weight propelled Rock forward, and he found himself deliciously pressed against the bigger man, sending them staggering back a couple more steps.


  “Aw shit,” Brad mumbled.

  Strong fingers encircled Rock’s upper arms, and once Brad was steady on his feet, much to Rock’s disappointment, he was firmly moved away.

  Seeing the distress in Brad’s eyes, Rock immediately tried to reassure him. “Hey, it’s okay. Thanks for picking me up. Cade said I would still be staying at his house even though he’s at the hospital.” Seeing Brad relax slightly, he continued. “I know it’s an imposition, but could we stop somewhere and get something to eat? I’m starving, and I’m not sure what I’ll find at the house considering they had to leave for the hospital in such a hurry.”

  Brad wiped a shaking hand down over his mouth and straightened the collar of his black leather jacket. “The grannies sent bags of food along with me when I arrived at the house yesterday. Hop in the truck, and we can eat at Cade and Bret’s.”

  After grabbing the two duffel bags he’d brought along, Rock climbed in the big truck’s cab, and they were on their way. He didn’t like the uncomfortable vibes coming off the man next to him and decided talking might ease the situation.

  “Who are the grannies?” he asked.

  Brad smiled, causing those lovely dimples to reappear. “They are these three awesome older ladies who swooped in to help my brother, Brian, and his partner, Jack, take care of their premature twin babies a couple of years ago.”

  “Which one works for Rescue for Hire, your brother or Jack?” Rock figured he better start getting names straight. Just in case he got the job.

  “Jack is the one who works for Rescue for Hire. My brother was a teacher before the girls came along. Now he stays home with them. They’ll be adding to their brood when their surrogate gives birth to another set of twins in a couple of months.” Brad’s smile was sad, making Rock wonder what he was thinking about.

  “Wow. How exciting is that? I have always hoped that one day I could create a family with someone,” Rock commented.

  He didn’t know what he’d said, but the man next to him seemed to deflate. Brad was now huddled behind the steering wheel, with his shoulders slumped downward in complete defeat. When the truck swerved, Rock decided it was time to take over.

  “Pull over,” he ordered.

  “What?” Brad looked over at him, eyes cloudy.

  “Pull over, now.”

  Brad parked the car on the side of the road and twisted in the seat, frowning at Rock. At least the defeated aura was gone for the moment.

  “What’s the matter?” Brad asked.

  “I may not know you at all, but even I can see you have some shit going on. How about I drive, and you can take a break for a while,” Rock offered.

  Sad blue eyes stared at him for a long moment. Without a word, Brad got out of the truck and the two switched positions. Putting the vehicle into gear, Rock pulled away from curb.

  “I’m going to need directions,” Rock stated.

  Five minutes later, they left Granite City and entered a deep forest. Surrounding them, the autumn foliage was a gorgeous mixture of orange, gold, and red colors. Rock was amazed. Alaska didn’t have much of a fall, or a spring season for that matter. Maybe a week or two at the most, and it never looked anything like this.

  Next to him, Brad cleared his throat, getting his attention. “I just got into town yesterday myself,” he said.

  Surprised, Rock glanced over at the man who was staring intently at his folded hands lying on his lap. Before he could say anything, Brad continued.

  “I lost my wife and children in a terrible accident last year. My brother Brian asked me to come and visit. Unfortunately, Rescue for Hire’s tracker, Alex, was shot during a rescue a couple of days ago, and everyone is at the hospital.” Brad looked over at Rock. “That’s what they do. When one of their own is hurt, they all stay at the hospital until they can bring them home.”

  “So Cade asked you to pick me up?” Rock was starting to get a true picture of the company he was considering working for. His heart bled for the tracker who was shot. He knew it would be unacceptable if for some reason he and Lily couldn’t perform their job.

  “Yeah, I couldn’t stay at Brian’s house anyway. Seeing his children running around hurt too much,” Brad admitted.

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” Rock said.

  “Thank you,” Brad replied. “We’ll be staying at Cade’s house together until Alex is stable enough for Cade to come home and talk to you.”

  Rock concentrated on driving the truck down the deserted two-lane road, keeping his face expressionless. Brad might have had a wife and children, but Rock’s gaydar was never wrong. Spending some time alone with the blond hunk wouldn’t be a hardship at all. Rock’s plans went into overdrive.

  Chapter Three

  Pain. A red, angry, hazy cloud of heavy pain weighed him down, preventing him from moving away from the agony ripping through his body.

  “Come on, pet. Open your eyes for me.” Leo’s voice sounded so far away.

  A warm hand gripped the icy skin on his arm, and fingers gently rubbed his cheek. Struggling, Alex fought to open his eyes for his Sir.

  Dull light spread through the murky red, turning it to cloudy gray. Blinking, Alex tried to focus. Nothing made sense. Where was his dad? Where was Leo? Leo wouldn’t leave him. He’d just heard his voice. A loud buzzer pierced the air, making him jump. Pain exploded from his leg and chest. Furious beeping erupted all around him.

  “You need to calm down, Alex. I can’t help you until you open your eyes.” Leo’s tone was firm but didn’t have a demanding edge to it, yet.

  Alex tried his best to will his body to cooperate. The shadowy grayness slowly cleared, and Leo’s beloved face came into view.

  “Hello, love,” Leo said softly. His face came nearer, and Alex felt a gentle kiss next to his mouth.

  “Please, hurts, cold,” he whispered. Slices of pain rippled through his chest and ribs with every breath he took. Things were too confusing to try and figure out why that was.

  Alex recognized the pain button device Leo held up. His eyes followed the tube to a large medication-dispensing machine. Next to the machine was another square blue machine with bright red-lighted numbers on it. Alex knew those were his vital signs. The rapid beeps along with a blinking light had slowed down somewhat.

  “You know the drill, pet. I just pressed the button for the machine to administer the good stuff. Your pain should calm down soon,” Leo said.

  Alex’s attention was drawn to a metal stand. From two of the hooks, hung bags of clear liquid, which Alex assumed were IV bags. The other two hooks contained bags of blood. All had tubes attached that ran down into his arm.

  Teeth chattering, legs and arms trembling, Alex felt his muscles begin cramping with cold. Turning to Leo, he sent what he hoped was a pleading look. Behind Leo, Treb appeared holding a couple of beautiful standard off-white hospital blankets.

  “I went out and asked the nurses for these. They heated them up for you,” Treb said.

  Alex watched his best friend carefully lay a toasty-warm blanket over the blanket already covering his legs. Another, with Leo’s help, was settled over his torso up to his chin. Alex closed his eyes in relief as the pain medication kicked in, and along with the warm blankets, relaxed his body.

  Opening his eyes, Alex looked at Leo. “Did they take my leg?”

  “No. Once the doctors think you’re stable enough, they’re sending you to Mercury Hospital to see Dr. Kendy. He’ll examine you, and then we can discuss what needs to be done.” Leo’s smile was sad, and Alex tensed up, causing the machine to beep wildly.

  “Stop it, Alex,” Leo ordered. “Everything is going to be fine. Now rest. I’ll be right here. I won’t leave you.”

  “Promise?” Alex asked.

  “I promise, pet.”

  Alex took comfort in the hand holding his and let the drugs take him under.

  * * * *

  Brad needed a drink.

  Standing before the built-in cabinets next to the kitchen in Cade’s be
autiful log home, Brad stared at closed wooden doors, knowing behind them was relief for his shaking limbs and troubled thoughts.

  “Why are you standing in the dark?” a quiet voice asked from behind him.

  Jerking, Brad swung around. “Man, you startled me.”

  “Sorry, I’m just trying to figure out why you are standing here looking at a closed cabinet at two o’clock in the morning.”

  Brushing past the smaller man, Brad went into the kitchen and turned on the light above the sink. Taking a clean glass out of the cupboard, he filled it with cold water and drank the whole thing down.

  Looking out the window above the sink, Brad saw nothing but blackness as his mind raced over the possibilities. Brad decided it would be best if he went to bed until things quieted, and then he could sneak back in here for a small glass of liquor from the cabinet. Just to get him through the night. Brad was sure that’s all he would need. After all, he had managed to make it through the night before without a drink. Surely he deserved one now.

  Decision made, Brad turned away from the sink and came face to face with Rock. He’d thought the man looked exotic before with clothes on. Now, wearing only sleep pants and nothing else, he almost blew the top of Brad’s head off.

  For most of Brad’s life, he had been surrounded by jocks and the upper-middle class of society. No one in his circle would ever dare to take on the look of the man before him.

  Rock had a professional skateboarder’s build. Short, wiry, and tough looking would be the best way to describe him. Dreadlocks were something Brad had never seen anyone have in real life, only on television. Rock’s were not only long but multi-colored.

  Brad took in the pierced eyebrow and shiny bits of metal decorating the pretty bird’s ears. Part of him was glad Rock hadn’t put anything in his nose or lip. He might be only a veterinarian, but the doctor side of him just didn’t like the concept of the hygiene part of those types of piercings.

  As Brad dropped his eyes down to the lean, muscled chest, his breath caught in his throat. Tiny barbells were threaded through Rock’s brown nipples.