Free The Junkyard Boys by SH Richardson Page A

several storage units that Range explained held some of the more valuable items for sale, like copper and brass. They were held under lock and key and were monitored with a built-in security system. Behind the storage units was a clearing, and just beyond that was a sight that made me gasp out loud and cover my mouth with my hands in shock: a house, and not just any house but a beautiful, modernized cabin that took up the entire side of the yard. Since it was located at the base of a hill, you couldn’t see from the junkyard it at all, unless you were standing at this exact location beyond the clearing.
    “Oh my god, Range, is that your house? It’s beautiful.” It truly was a marvel. The house had a wraparound porch and picturesque glass windows from top to bottom. It was like something out of a magazine, and I couldn’t help but gawk at it. This was not what I imagined would be in a place like this. How could something so lovely be in the back of a junkyard?
    “Buck had it built years ago when he wanted to settle down and start his family. He always said he wanted the place to be his home away from home. An escape from all of the trials and tribulations of the everyday world.”
    “It’s so beautiful it hurts to look at it. Any family would love to call this place home.”
    Range took my hand and gave me a gentle nudge until we were moving in the direction of the house.
    “Come on, baby. I’ll show you the inside. You can get to it from a private road, but I wanted to show you the yard first.”
    There were trees and shrubbery all around. Seasonal flowers were blooming along the walkway and there was even a small vegetable garden off to the side. A big oak tree out front had a tire swing hanging from it, perfect for a small child to have loads of fun on a warm, sunny day. I had a flash of Range pushing a small boy on the swing as they laughed and giggled with each other while it swayed back and forth. What a strange thought to have right then. We stepped through the front door into the living room and the sight took my breath away. Vaulted ceilings and a wide-open floor plan with natural light flowing from every window gave the space a feel of being outside, although we were inside.
    “Would you like something to drink? We could order take-out if you’d like.”
    I took a seat at a nearby empty chair as I tried to compose my thoughts. I had so many questions I wanted to ask about this place and the people who lived here. Why would a man build such a wonderful home and not live here himself? What would make him abandon the notion of having a family to occupy this space to one day just leaving it all behind? I simply couldn’t understand what or whom would drive a man like Buck to turn his back on happiness.
    “Tootsie baby? You ok over there?”
    I shook my head to rid my mind of these painful thoughts and focused all my concentration on the beautiful man standing before me. Mrs. Foster was absolutely right. He really was a sight to behold. All muscle and defined lines, super model good looks, and a smile that made my panties wet from just one look. His strong arms were at his sides and I wanted those arms wrapped around me, holding me close so that all I could feel was warm and secure.
    “Baby, you keep looking at me like that and we are gonna have a serious problem.”
    “And just how am I looking at you?”
    “Like any minute you’re gonna jump outta that chair and attack me like a starving man at Thanksgiving dinner. Not that I’m complaining or anything. I like that look on you.”
    Well, yeah, that pretty much summed up how I was feeling, so I did the only thing a girl in my position could do. I jumped up and attacked him. I’d never been aggressive when it came to men. Perhaps it was my self-imposed dry spell or the way this home called out to me like I belonged there and never wanted to leave. Whatever it was, I didn’t give a shit. I needed him. All thoughts or inhibitions I’d had went right