Accidental Love Read online

  Accidental Love

  by

  A.L. Simpson

  Table of Contents

  Accidental Love

  Social Links

  About the Author

  Disclaimer

  Blurb

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Epilogue

  Social Links

  Accidental Love

  All rights reserved

  Copyright © 2016 by A.L. Simpson

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. It remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be reproduced, scanned or distributed for any commercial or non-commercial use without permission from the author and publisher. Quotes used in reviews are the exception. No alteration of content is allowed. If you enjoy this book, then please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy.

  Social Links

  Website: https://alsimpson79.wordpress.com/

  Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.L.-Simpson/e/B01AFF3D44/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462860962&sr=1-2-ent

  Blog: https://alandvixen.wordpress.com/

  FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010789387976

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7746982.A_L_Simpson

  About the Author

  I’m an Australian and live in Queensland.

  I have always loved to write and have a vivid and overactive imagination.

  In my spare time, when I’m not writing, I love to walk, read and shop.

  I believe no mountain is too hard to climb, no river is too wide to span and no journey is too difficult to complete. I follow my dreams and I urge and encourage others to do the same.

  With a positive attitude, the impossible can become possible.

  AL Simpson.

  Disclaimer

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental or historical. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously.

  This is a fictional story and although there may be some facts included, it is a product of the author’s imagination.

  Blurb

  Emma has loved Cody all her life but he sees her only as his little sister's friend.

  When she returns after four years away, nothing has changed.

  Insisting on caring for Zoe who has been left in a wheelchair after an accident, Emma moves into the ranch.

  How will she cope with the man of her dreams on a daily basis?

  Will he realize his feelings too late?

  Chapter One

  The wheels of the rented car spun as Emma turned onto the gravel driveway too fast. The car fishtailed so she hit the brakes and regained control before continuing toward the ranch house. Her foot rested heavily on the accelerator and she was still travelling too fast but was desperate to see her friend, Zoe. The speeding car narrowly missed a cowboy on horseback. Glancing into the rear vision mirror, she saw a thick cloud of dust engulf him. She was too anxious to care.

  Emma screeched to a halt near the front door and leapt from the vehicle. Not caring the car door had been left wide open, she raced up the front steps, pulled open the heavy ranch door and crashed inside. “Zoe, where are you?”

  Her heart broke when Zoe wheeled herself into the hallway. Seeing her best friend in a wheelchair caused tears to well in her eyes.

  “Emma.” Tears streamed down Zoe’s cheeks as she held her arms out to her friend.

  Emma rushed to her, dropped to her knees and gathered her into a hug. “I didn’t know, I didn’t know.” Emma dropped her head to Zoe’s chest and trembled as she cried.

  Zoe ran her hand over Emma’s hair. “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

  The girls were startled by the crashing of the front door against something solid. Someone in boots stomped toward them.

  Emma raised her head, brushed away tears and turned around. Her heart slammed against her chest wall, her nipples tightened and her pussy clenched. The attraction was instant.

  Standing before her was the sexiest man she’d ever set eyes on. So tall his head almost brushed the ceiling, dark hair and smoky grey eyes which right now, were clouded with anger and something else. Pain? Sadness? Guilt? Cody had certainly changed since the last time she’d seen him.

  “Emma, it doesn’t surprise me that you were the idiot who almost knocked me from my horse.” His anger was palpable.

  She rose to her feet, still grasping Zoe’s hand. “Hello to you too, Cody.”

  They hadn’t seen each other for almost six years, except when she had come home for the memorial service for both sets of their parents, four years ago. She had stayed only two days.

  Her brother had taken over their ranch while Cody had taken over his father’s ten thousand acre spread.

  Emma had moved to California to finish college and Zoe had always visited her there. They had a close friendship, more like sisters, which was why Zoe’s tragic accident had hit her so hard.

  Emma had been teaching English in France for two years and as a reward for all her hard work, decided to explore Europe for three months before returning home. Most of the time her cell phone had no signal so she hadn’t worried or thought it unusual when she hadn’t heard from her friend.

  Daniel, her older brother and Cody’s closest friend, had told her about Zoe when she’d arrived home. He had explained even though the accident was severe, she had been in no danger of losing her life. The decision had been made to wait until she returned to give her the news. Emma was livid she hadn’t been notified immediately.

  She stood with her eyes locked on Cody’s face as his gaze raked her body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. “Like what you see?” Her lips turned up into a seductive smile.

  Cody flinched at being caught out. Goddamn, she’s turned into one hell of a woman, she didn’t look this good last time I saw her.

  Emma was not overly tall; she would probably have fitted under Cody’s outstretched arm. Her raven black hair hung down past her waist and he wanted to drown in her whisky brown eyes. He swallowed hard. He had the urge to drag her into his bedroom and find out how she would feel pressed up against his body. Fuck, he couldn’t think straight with her standing there staring at him like the cat who had swallowed the canary.

  His neglected cock pressed against his zipper and he shifted uncomfortably. How long had it been since he’d had a good fuck? Two months? He was going to have to get himself a woman, and soon. Down boy. I’m angry, remember.

  “I see you’re still full of attitude. You could have killed someone speeding down the driveway like a maniac. You’re not on the freeways of California now so I’ll thank you to keep your fancy car to a reasonable speed while you’re on my property.”

  Emma glanced down at Zoe and grinned. “I always did rub your brother the wrong way, huh?”

  Zoe squeezed her hand. “You sure did, sis.”

  “Are you intending to stay?”

  “Yes, I’m going to take care of Zoe.”

  “If she was so important, why weren’t you here two months ago when she first had her accident?”

  His question cut her to the core.

  “I didn’t know.” She gazed down at her friend. “I was travelling, out of communication range for most of the time. Dan didn’t tell me until I got back.” She knelt down in front of her friend and gathered both of her hands. “I swear I would have come straight away if I’d known.” Tears poured from her eyes.

  Zoe gathered her close. “I know. Dan came
to visit me in the hospital and we made the decision not to tell you. We knew you would rush straight back and we didn’t want your holiday ruined. You worked so hard for it, Emma and there was nothing you could have done here.”

  “That worked out well for you, didn’t it?” Cody sneered. “You traipsing around Europe instead of being stuck in a hospital room with your best friend.”

  “Cody! What the fuck is wrong with you?” Zoe shouted.

  Emma stood up and approached him. Her clenched fists rested on her shapely, jeans clad hips. Quick as lightning, one hand left her hip and connected flush with his cheek. “Don’t you ever suggest a holiday means more to me than Zoe. I love her like a sister. I would risk my life for her. If I had known, I would have come back on the first flight.”

  “Rather convenient.” He ran his hand over his stinging cheek.

  Emma raised her hand for another slap but he grabbed her wrist. “Enough. Just remember what I said about speeding on my property and you won’t be riding any horses while you’re here. He spun on his heels and stomped from the house.

  ~*~

  “What the fuck is wrong with him? I know he’s never liked me but he’s never been so angry and cruel.”

  “Push me through to the kitchen. We’ll have coffee and I’ll tell you what’s going on.”

  Emma sprang to her feet and wheeled her friend down the hall to the large, sunny kitchen.

  A woman dressed in jeans and a T-shirt stepped through the door which led from outside. “I didn’t realise you had company, Zoe. Do you still want me to prepare lunch?”

  “No, flip the switch on the kettle please and we’ll have coffee.” The woman turned and did as she’d been asked. When she turned back, Zoe introduced Emma. “Eden this is my closest friend in the world, Emma. Emma. We think of each other as sisters, we grew up together and love each other dearly. She’s just arrived back from teaching in France for two years and touring Europe.

  The two women nodded and sized each other up.

  Pretty girl. Gorgeous blonde hair and blue eyes, bit like a fucking Barbie doll. I wonder if Cody has made a move on her yet. Emma’s stomach clenched at the thought. Whoa, back up. Why do I care? But she did care, and she hated that she did.

  “Eden is my nurse, helper and Jill of all trades around here.”

  Emma forced a smile. “Do you live here?” Jealousy was having a party in her chest.

  “No. I live in town and make the trip out every day.” Eden made their coffee.

  “You won’t be needed now I’m here.” Emma shocked herself. She was dismissing the nurse? Did she have a fucking death wish? Cody would be furious.

  Eden raised an eyebrow. “Zoe?”

  “I’m sorry but if Emma is willing to take care of me, I’d very much like that. I did say it could be a short term thing when my brother hired you. I was hoping she would offer.”

  Eden’s shoulders slumped but she smiled. “Yes you did. I think I’ll leave now if you don’t mind.” Tears welled in the girl’s eyes.

  “What about your payment?” Zoe asked.

  “You have my address, send it to me please.” Eden leaned over and kissed Zoe’s cheek. “It’s been a pleasure working here. Thank you.”

  I bet it’s been a pleasure. One hunky cowboy probably made it very pleasurable. Emma forced a smile. “Goodbye Eden and thank you for all you have done for my beautiful friend.”

  The nurse departed, leaving the girls to savour their coffee and discuss recent events.

  ~*~

  “So tell me what happened and why Cody is so damn angry. I’m sure it wasn’t only because I was driving a little fast, and why the comment about not being allowed to ride the horses?”

  Zoe sighed. “About two months ago Cody had brought in some wild horses to be gentled and trained. I took a liking to a small buckskin mare and I started working with her. It was with the intention of replacing Shiloh who is getting old. The mare seemed gentle and she responded to me really well.” Zoe sipped her coffee.

  “She had taken to the saddle without the slightest bit of apprehension so I decided the time had come for me to ride her. Cody was out rounding up the new calves with Gil and Spencer so I was on my own. Cody has warned me a thousand times, never to attempt to ride a wild horse without anyone around, no matter how gentle they appeared to be.”

  “Let me guess. You didn’t want to waste time waiting for someone to get back?” Emma cut in. Her friend had always been known for her bull at a gate approach and her impatience. That makes two of us.

  “Yep. Everything was going perfectly. Romany, the name I gave her, trotted around the corral and I was going to give it a couple more minutes, dismount and take her back to the barn.” Zoe twisted her fingers, her knuckles turned white.

  “What happened?”

  “Something spooked her and I was taken by surprise when she reared. She threw me into the air, my back hit the corral fence as I came down and everything went black. It was four hours later when Cody and the men came riding in and found me.”

  “Fuck, Zoe. You could have died!” Emma squeezed Zoe’s hands.

  “I know. I woke up in the hospital six days later, I had no feeling from the waist down. Cody looked like death, he hadn’t left my side. He explained I had broken my back and although I had crushed my spinal cord, not severed it, I would never walk again.”

  Tears ran down Emma’s face. “I wish I could have been there for you.”

  “There was nothing you could have done. I knew I’d be home by the time you got back and I didn’t want you seeing me hooked up to all the machines in the hospital. It would have broken your heart.”

  “Yeah, not good with hospitals.”

  “Cody blames himself. He said if he’d been here he could have prevented the accident or at the very least, he seems to think he could have caught me as I flew through the air.”

  “Who does he think he is, fucking Superman?”

  “He told the men to shoot Romany but while he was at the hospital, Gil took her and turned her loose, back with the wild horses. It wasn’t her fault and they knew I would be devastated if she’d been shot.”

  “So, where do we go from here?”

  “I have Physio three times a week. I have slight sensation in my lower stomach and upper thighs but nothing that’s improving. The spasms are the hardest. My legs jump and jerk all over the place and I can’t control them. Eden used to put warm heat packs on them which helped.”

  “Well, I’m here now. You are going to walk again, Zoe. Count on it.” Emma’s tone brooked no argument. “I need to go home and gather my things together, do you want to come for a ride? Get you out of the house for a while. Maybe we can go to Periwinkles for an hour or so.”

  Zoe’s face lit up with excitement. “Getting out of the house would be wonderful. I’d love to have a drink, listen to some music and look out over the ocean. It’s been so long.”

  Periwinkles had been their favourite place to hook up with guys and dance but since her accident, Cody had refused to allow her to go anywhere. She was sick and tired of being treated like an invalid. Thank fuck Emma was here, things would certainly change for the better with her friend taking care of her. If anyone could put big brother in his place it was her.

  Emma placed their mugs in the sink and manoeuvred the wheelchair away from the table. “Let’s go and have fun, sounds like it’s long overdue.”

  A ramp had been installed at one end of the porch, she wheeled Zoe down and to the passenger side of the car. After lifting her in, she fastened the seatbelt, folded the chair into the trunk and slipped behind the wheel. “The adventure begins.”

  She gunned the motor and sped down the driveway, away from the ranch.

  ~*~

  Cody scowled as they zoomed past, covering him with a cloud of dust for the second time that day. But, when he noticed his sister in the front seat, his temper went from zero to sixty in less than a second.

  “What the fuck does she think she’s
doing? She can’t take Zoe out. Where the fuck are they going?” He thought for a moment. “Periwinkles! Goddamn it.”

  His sister had been nagging him to take her to the bar for a couple of weeks but he always refused. He didn’t want her away from the house. He thought by keeping her confined she was less likely to have another accident. And, he didn’t want her to suffer the indignity of having people stare at her.

  He galloped his horse back to the barn. How dare she take my sister off this ranch without my approval! Who the fuck does she think she is? Where the fuck is Eden? She knows Zoe is only allowed as far as the porch.

  As he dismounted, removed the saddle and cared for his horse, Cody pondered the arrival of Emma. He had a feeling his life was about to turn to shit. He might be able to manipulate Zoe, but he had never been able to get his own way with the feisty woman who caused feelings he couldn’t explain.

  Chapter Two

  Cody burst through the glass doors into Periwinkles like a bullet shot from a gun. It had taken him twenty-five minutes to get there, twenty-five minutes of his anger building until he was now ready to explode like Vesuvius.

  He stood next to the bar and ordered a beer while he gave his eyes time to adjust to the dimness. He then scanned the club for Zoe and Emma.

  When he clapped eyes on the two girls, the expletive he let slip was loud enough to be heard by the barman and several patrons, who glanced at him curiously.

  Emma was in the middle of the dance floor, dancing, for fuck’s sake. Dancing with his sister, who was twirling her wheelchair. Emma’s arms were held above her head and the gentle sway of her hips and her perfectly rounded, jeans clad ass, caused his cock to dance in his jeans. Yep, his life had just turned to shit in more ways than one.

  He reined in his lust, and remembered he was supposed to be angry, not sexually aroused. He charged towards the dance floor.