Free Secret Desire by Susan D. Taylor Page A

peg. He pulled open the barn door and pushed the motorcycle outside. He climbed on and kick-started his favorite ride. He gunned the engine, giving his cycle enough power to do a wheelie. A bit juvenile, but he always got a rush as the front wheel lifted off the ground, and he rode across the yard on the back tire.
    Jasper barked and ran alongside the motorcycle for a ways while Dustin warmed up. When he was ready to ride hard, he stopped. “See you, boy. Go home.”
    In no time, he’d reached the edge of his property and squirted zigzagging lines across the fields. The fields were fallow, and he took his time on runs that were almost too worn down to perceive. He remembered and rode hard, sweat trickling under his helmet and over his body. He hit a narrow sinkhole, careened upward, and for a moment thought he was about to take a fall.
    He came down torquing the front wheel and prayed that the ground would be level until he could get the bike under control. The bike sputtered and the engine cut. He pushed up his goggles. He attempted to kick-start the engine but nothing fired. After three more attempts, he took off his helmet. Mosquitos buzzed around while he knelt down beside the motorcycle. Fuel dripped, spilling over his fingers. A carburetor line had come loose.
    “Brother.” He had no choice but to walk back to the barn. He stood up and looked out from the ridge at his pasture and far on the other edge, home.
    Well, it was still early and he’d be back in less than an hour with his Jeep. Lucky for him, he could take the road because he’d just about ridden off his property. He was nearly to the corner of the farthest field. The house was twenty or so acres due west. He climbed the fence and began walking along the road.
    Dust rose up and he recognized that someone had turned onto the road. He hoped that he’d turn and see Claire. He grinned as he recognized her car and watched as she pulled over beside him.
    “Hey.” Claire smiled behind sunglasses. “You out for a walk or can I give you a ride?”
    “Yes, I’d very much appreciate a lift.” The color of her pale blue dress made her eyes change to the color of the sky.
    “Come on, cowboy, climb in.” She half-laughed.
    Dustin brushed off his pants and shirt. She looked as fresh as dew on the grass and even though he’d escaped a near collision with the ground, he was covered in dirt and dust.
    She reached over and opened the door. As she did, he caught a glimpse of cleavage. He swallowed hard and redirected his gaze back to her face. Her lips were parted, her mouth so inviting. He imagined what it would be like to kiss her, to pull her body into his. Jesus Christ, he had to get a hold.
    “How’d it go downtown?” Once inside her car he was bathed in her fragrance, some flowery scent reminding him of spring and warm nights.
    “Short. I’m in shock actually. My parents left Fran and me a lot of money.” She was shaking her head. “They saved much more than what we imagined they made in my father’s business.” There was sadness blanketing her eyes and her chin trembled. Dustin wanted to comfort her, to taste those pink lips, feel the way she moved in his arms, and bury his face in her hair. His heartbeat pounded unmercifully in his ears, demanding he do something not just sit there.
    “That’s not so bad.” He rubbed his forehead. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do?”
    “I don’t know. I can’t get my head around the inheritance. Fran and I have an inheritance. I don’t know what to feel exactly. I’d rather trade it, if I could get my parents back. I’m very thankful. But confused.” She smiled hesitantly. “Is that wrong?”
    “No. Of course not. But I thought you said Fran relinquished her part of the estate. She dumped this in your lap. There’s still taxes, court costs, and the work involved. Just because the lion’s share is larger, it isn’t fair that she should reap the reward. It’s yours. Fair and