Take Me Home Read online

  Take Me Home

  By Inez Kelley

  Logging manager Matt Shaw is wary when Kayla Edwards, the owner of Mountain Specialty Spices, hires his firm to harvest timber on her Appalachian property. It’s a place he knows better than the back of his calloused hand—it’s his family’s old homestead, lost years ago in a painful foreclosure. He’s hauled himself up from dirt-floor poor since then, and resolves to stay professional...but Kayla’s vivacious beauty makes it hard to focus on his job.

  Home. That’s how army-brat-turned-foodie Kayla feels about her new mountain hideaway. What’s more, the hottest lumberjack ever to swing an axe has agreed to manage her timber crop and get the old maple syrup operations back on tap. Matt’s ruggedly sexy ways and passion for the land have her falling hard.

  The heat between them grows wild...until Kayla discovers that Matt hasn’t been up front with her. She feels devastated and, worst of all, used. How can Matt prove it’s her he wants and not her land?

  60,000 words

  Dear Reader,

  I’m on vacation, camping in the semi-wilderness. No, not when you’re reading this (well, maybe, who knows?) but when this letter is due to our production team. So I’ve chosen to hand off my Dear Reader letter responsibilities to the team for the month of November and let them tell you all about the fantastic lineup in store for you. We’re a team who really enjoys the books we acquire, and I know they’ll be glad for a chance to convince you to give one a try. In the meantime, I’ll be back next month. Happy reading!

  Angela James, Editorial Director

  Dear Reader,

  Editorial assistant Stephanie here. Since Angela is “camping” (all I’m saying is that camping seems to involve a lot of tweeting), I’ve compiled a few fun facts about this month’s new releases. What kinds of great books do we have in store for you this time? Will I get in trouble for making fun of my boss’s camping skills? These are the questions I will strive to answer for you today.

  Redemption by Stephanie Tyler, new adult, post-apocalyptic

  Stephanie Tyler returns with book two in her post-apocalyptic new-adult motorcycle club series.

  Redemption continues the story of the Defiance MC with Mathias and Jessa’s story. If you missed book one, Defiance—Cas and Tru’s story—you’re missing out on a fantastic world and some swoon-worthy romance.

  —Angela James, Editorial Director, Carina Press

  Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance

  Shannon’s books are must-reads if you love contemporary romance.

  Shannon Stacey’s holiday novellas are becoming something of a delightful tradition at Carina Press, and we’re happy to have the latest in our hands!

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Chance of Rain by Amber Lin, contemporary romance

  We’re happy to welcome Amber to the Carina Press family!

  This small-town reunion romance gripped me from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go. The tortured alpha hero, who just happens to be a Navy SEAL, also didn’t hurt!

  —Tara Stevens, Assistant Product Manager, Digital Products

  Take Me Home by Inez Kelley, contemporary romance

  Inez writes contemporary and fantasy romance for Carina Press. Her new lumberjack series had the (admittedly largely Canadian) team intrigued from the start!

  Maple-syrup maker Kayla falls for a sexy lumberjack with a bitter past and a wary heart in the first of her new Country Roads series featuring loggers in the Allegheny Mountains.

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Slow Ride Home by Leah Braemel, contemporary Western romance

  Leah writes wonderfully sexy, emotional romances for Carina Press, including Texas Tangle and Tangled Past.

  Leah’s lovely writing drew me right along into a sensual story of love, heat and scandal. With cowboys. Look for more of the Grady family to come. Did I mention there are cowboys?

  —Brendan Flattery, Digital Production Coordinator

  Love a Little Sideways by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance

  Shannon’s bestselling Kowalski family miniseries is a must-read for contemporary romance fans.

  What begins as the annual Kowalski Camping Trip of Doom turns into a brand-new start for an unlikely couple—charming, funny proof that what we think we want and what the heart wants isn’t always the same thing.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Sing for the Dead by PJ Schnyder, paranormal shifter romance

  PJ writes futuristic science fiction romance and paranormal romance for Carina Press.

  The exciting second book in the London Undead trilogy brings readers back into a world where zombies have taken over London. Now the werewolves who’ve stepped up to fight the creatures have a new ally—a member of the Fae who jumps right into the middle of the fray!

  —Mallory Braus, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Through the Black Veil by Steve Vera, urban fantasy

  You may remember us gushing about Drynn, Steve’s first book in this series.

  In book 2 of the Last of the Shardyn series, our fearless heroes have returned to their magical homeland to warn everyone about the danger threatening to destroy their world.

  —Rhonda Helms, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Improper Arrangements by Juliana Ross, erotic historical romance

  Juliana writes sizzling historical romances set in Victorian times for Carina Press.

  The follow-up to Improper Relations features a mountain-climber hero, Eli. He is my favorite type of hero: rugged, handsome, rough around the edges, mysterious. Love him!

  —Carly Chow, Assistant Manager, Digital Commerce

  Finessing the Contessa by Wendy Soliman, historical romance

  Wendy Soliman writes wonderful, exciting historical romances. The first two Forsters books are currently available from Carina Press.

  In Wendy Soliman’s Regency romance Finessing the Contessa, Lord Robert Forster is drawn to the brilliant Sicilian he meets at a chess match, but is she a spy or an innocent pawn in a game of international espionage?

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  All In with the Duke by Ava March, male/male historical romance

  Ava March writes can’t-miss historical male/male stories for Carina Press.

  Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, has vowed to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man’s true intentions. But the beautiful Tristan Walsh is too intriguing for Max to resist, and it’s not long before their wicked nights together turn into something more.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  For Her Eyes Only by Shannon Curtis, romantic suspense

  This is the third book in Shannon’s exciting McCormack Security Agency series.

  For Her Eyes Only features an admin assistant pairing up with the MSA’s undercover expert to investigate a murder. I loved the sexual tension between the hero and heroine!

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Getting Rich by Monique Domovitch, cozy mystery

  Monique’s first novel with Carina Press, Getting Skinny, had us all eager for the follow-up.

  Just when she thinks she’s on the verge of getting rich, Nicky Landry finds out somebody is out to get her—and whoever it is has murder on the menu—in Monique Domovitch’s second Chef Landry Mystery.

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

&nb
sp; No Place Like Rome by Julie Moffett, action-adventure, mystery

  In addition to writing the Lexi Carmichael mysteries, Julie also writes Scottish historical romances!

  Our favorite geek girl is off to Rome with the sexy and mysterious Slash to solve a case involving the Vatican, a dead body, some steamy kisses from her partner, and a top-secret encrypted file that even she can’t hack.

  —Alissa Davis, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Season of Seduction, erotic holiday anthology

  Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy, erotic romance

  Jeffe writes steamy erotic BDSM romance for Carina Press, as well as (also steamy!) fantasy romance.

  Jeffe Kennedy heats up the season with this sultry, adventurous Facets of Passion novella set against the balmy days—and scorching nights—of a high-powered woman’s holiday-vacation-turned-sexual epiphany.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo, erotic romance

  Christine’s Long Shots series, about a BDSM club and its patrons, includes a choose-your-path erotic romance!

  This sexy and emotional novella features an interesting holiday business—stripper Santas! There was so much great tension between the heroine and her hero, who also happens to be her boss.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Ménage on 34th Street by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis, erotic ménage romance

  We are proud to welcome Elise and Emily to the Carina Press family! This is their first book with us.

  Katrina and Liam have a happy marriage, but they’ve always felt there’s room for more. When their friend Hunter returns from active duty, they know exactly what that “more” is. Now if only they can convince Hunter...

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin, erotic BDSM romance

  Jodie writes about true-to-life characters exploring their sexy sides in her Bondage & Breakfast series.

  This BDSM novella has a lot of things going for it—it’s sexy, emotional, and there’s a really hot cop. Jodie is known for writing wonderfully realistic characters, and she doesn’t disappoint here.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Gifts of Honor, military holiday collection

  Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail, contemporary military romance

  Stacy writes both paranormal and contemporary romance for Carina Press.

  Stacy Gail gifts us with the sweetest of holiday reunions for a wounded Army Ranger and his one true love. Patience and forgiveness meet sharp wit and sizzling attraction!

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley, contemporary military romance

  Rebecca’s debut book with Carina Press, a fantastic sports romance called The Striker’s Chance¸ came out in September.

  Three days before Christmas, a surprising phone call from an old love changes absolutely everything in this compelling novella.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Dedication

  For my personal lumberjack, Ryan.

  After nearly twenty years, I figured it was time to write what I know and love.

  Acknowledgments

  A special thank-you to Ron at Valley Farms of Aurora, the largest maple syrup producer in West Virginia, for all the insight and assistance.

  Deb Nemeth has taught me more about writing than any class, club or group ever could. She’s the potter to my clay and words can’t describe how grateful I am to have her as my editor.

  To all my Rat Girls, who listened to me whine and moan, what would I do without you?

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Nearly 75 percent of West Virginia is covered by

  forests.

  The state tree is the sugar maple.

  Dear Fate,

  Suck my dick, you twisted fuck.

  No love, Matt

  Matt closed his eyes, cursing under his breath. He wasn’t supposed to be here. His job was logging manager, not forester, although he was qualified to do either. He wouldn’t be here now, if Alvarez’s wife hadn’t gone into premature labor. Matt’d glanced at the name and address Alvarez sent him and left it at that. The county had readdressed everything two years ago, so the road name and numbers had meant nothing to him, were just random coordinates on his GPS. But staring at this modern interpretation of a farmhouse filled his mouth with acid.

  There used to be a real farmhouse on the grounds, with peeling white paint and a sagging wraparound porch. The windows used to rattle when the wind blew too hard, and the coal furnace had to be coaxed into working right if it got below zero. There used to be a closet in the upper west bedroom that had his name carved inside the door.

  That door, along with everything else, was long gone. He sat for a minute, letting the motor idle and his thoughts drift back. Ghostly images swam from somewhere in his mind: the cold floor of the hallway on his bare feet, the crickets singing in the grass on a summer night, the softness of well-washed sheets wrapping around him. Painful memories intruded. Utilities being regularly shut off, bank calls that led to letters on official-looking paper, sheriff deputies standing guard while they carried out only personal belongings.

  He looked up into the mountains, the raw rocks peeking from the tree line and stretching toward the blindingly blue sky. Those mountains were ancient. He just felt old. He squeezed the steering wheel. “I can’t do this.”

  Three taps got him into his phone’s email program where he scoured the schedule Alvarez had forwarded. There had to be someone else available, anyone. Resignation dredged up a sour churn in his gut. There wasn’t another forester available for two weeks. It was him or nothing.

  He glared at the shiny white clapboard. “Fuck a buzzard.”

  Grabbing his compartment clipboard and phone, he climbed from the cab. He could do this. He would do this. Besides, it was ancient history. This all belonged to someone else now.

  Early September heat baked the back of his neck as he headed up the gravel drive. He ran a hand through his hair then smoothed it back into place. At least he was wearing a company-logo polo and new jeans. His hiking boots were expensive waterproof leather and not the stained steel-toes he normally wore. He wasn’t the same poor little boy who’d walked away choking back tears.

  The house wasn’t the same either. The porch had a deep-red-painted floor instead of unpainted wood. There was a huge picture window where a row of four should have been. The upper level boasted three gables, not two.

  He started to knock but spied a doorbell beside the fancy red metal door with its oval beveled-glass window. Something so small cemented how foreign this new house was. He wasn’t coming home. Home didn’t exist anymore. Losing this place had killed his father but no ghosts haunted this new place. None except the ones in his head.

  He jammed the button a tick too hard and braced for coming face-to-face with whoever owned his childhood.

  Think of something else, anything else—production reports...grocery list...building the deck...

  The door opened. A woman offered him a welcome smile.

  Sex works. Yeah, thinking about sex now.

  Wide gold-flecked brown eyes dominated her makeup-free face, her che
eks and lips boasting a natural pink. Dark blond waves escaped her ponytail, and a smudge of some brown powder dusted the front of her yellow tee right along the peak of one breast. That faint shadow drew his eyes like a magnet.

  You’re not a dog in heat. Stop it. Some dark, ugly part of him wanted to hate her on sight, to blame her. He knew it was wrong but couldn’t help it. And it wasn’t hatred that had his dick suddenly knocking on his zipper like a Jehovah’s Witness.

  He forced his gaze up to her face. “Ms. Edwards? I’m Matthew Shaw from Hawkins Hardwoods.”

  Kayla Edwards dusted her hand on her jeans before offering it to him. Her grip was soft but firm and slightly gritty. “How’s Mrs. Alvarez?”

  “Fine, as far as I know. No baby yet.”

  “Hope everything goes okay for them.” She looked over her shoulder. “I’m sorry. Time got away from me. Can you give me a few minutes to finish up?”

  “Sure.” He took a step back. “I’ll just wait out by the—”

  “Oh, no, come on in. This won’t take long. You can talk while I finish bagging.”

  He dipped his head and followed her into an entry hall. The scent of spices hit him so strongly he blinked. She disappeared through a doorway and he trailed behind, absently noting the floor was laminate, not hardwood. A patterned rug’s bright design pulled the pale butter-color from the wall and made the living room seem cheery. There was no hearth, no fireplace, no memory lingering in wait.

  The dining room was missing but the kitchen was huge, done in muted reds and golds with professional-grade stainless appliances more suited to a restaurant than a family kitchen. A butcher-block island held two dozen small bags, all with the same printed logo. No notches marked children’s growth over the years on the door frame. There was no mud porch and the back door wasn’t even in the same place.

  Matt blew out a silent breath.

  “Would you like some lemonade, Mr. Shaw?”

  “Matt, please, and no, thanks, I’m fine.”

  She pointed to a tall bar stool and he took a seat, watching her move in quick efficient moves. Using some weird, tiny long-handled spoon, she took yellow powder from a plastic container and added one scoop to each of a dozen bags.