Brody Read online

  BRODY

  Men of Clifton, Montana Book 3

  Susan Fisher-Davis

  Erotic Romance

  Secret Cravings Publishing

  www.secretcravingspublishing.com

  ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  If you find a Secret Cravings Publishing e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

  A Secret Cravings Publishing Book

  Erotic Romance

  Brody

  Copyright © 2015 Susan Fisher-Davis

  E-book ISBN:

  First E-book Publication: March 2015

  Cover design by Dawné Dominique

  Edited by Susan Toth

  Proofread by Renee Waring

  All cover art and logo copyright © 2015 by Secret Cravings Publishing

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  PUBLISHER

  Secret Cravings Publishing

  www.secretcravingspublishing.com

  Dedication

  A big thank you to my readers. It’s because of you that I do this.

  My husband, Rob for staying away when I’m in my cave. I love you.

  Thank you Toby S. for being a wonderful friend, confidant, and listener.

  Thank you Darren Birks for being Brody.

  Darren Birks Photography for the cover shot.

  The Cravings Ebook Club

  The Cravings Paranormal Ebook Club

  Have you heard about the newest idea in ebooks, the ebook club? Secret Cravings Publishing has two ebook clubs, The Cravings Ebook Club or the Cravings Paranormal Ebook Club, and we invite you to become a member.

  As a new member, you will receive Trouble With a Cowboy* by Sandy Sullivan and Blood Kisses** by H.N. Sieverding FREE, just for joining!

  You’ll also receive 4 BRAND-NEW EBOOKS, specially selected by our Editorial Director, every month in a variety of genres for a total price of only $9.99 for all 4. This comes out to barely $2.50 per book, much less than the retail price and you’ll be able to enjoy your books even before they are uploaded to the popular sales sites. One of several privileges of club membership.

  *Trouble With a Cowboy, a western, erotic romance:

  18 wheels had her heart until one hard-up cowboy found her kickin' up her heels and propositions her to take his bull to Vegas.

  Jacie Hawkins drives big wheelers for a livin'. Something not a lot of women do. Littleton Oklahoma is just a dry stopover for a few hours of rest and relaxation at the nearest bar. Jacie needs to find a hot cowboy to release some of her pent up frustrations on for the night, but wannabe's aren't her style.

  Tucker Marshall needs a big-rig driver to haul his prize bull to National Finals Rodeo and he needs one fast. Who would have thought he'd find one shootin' pool at the local bar dressed to kill and takin' numbers?

  Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun and a little more?

  **Blood Kisses (Nightwalkers 1), paranormal erotic romance:

  Ashleigh Brown, the author of the popular Nightwalkers series, lives a quiet life free of the limelight. She keeps her real identity secret by writing under the pen name, Victoria Allure. She soon finds herself in a bind when she's kidnapped by a group of handsome vampires seeking Victoria. She then agrees to meet their Master, who's a huge fan of her books. But instead of meeting him, she accidentally crosses paths with her rock star crush. He is the sexy muse behind Nightwalkers and the man she based the hero in the series upon. She would do anything to meet him but little does she know her crush has a secret...

  We will try to match your books to your preferences, however, if you’re a major paranormal fan, we suggest you join the Cravings Paranormal Club. Everything is the same except that three of your four books will be paranormal. The remaining book will be of a different genre.

  As a club member, you will also receive:

  · our monthly newsletter

  · sneak previews of new books

  · exclusive interviews with your favorite authors

  · special offers not available to the general public

  To join, visit the Secret Cravings Publishing website. At the bottom of the page you’ll see a button for the club. You can sign up there and share your preferences for genre, format and heat level with us. You will be charged, automatically, through PayPal, only $9.99 every month. Your books will be shipped within 1 day after PayPal payment has cleared. You may cancel at any time by clicking on the “unsubscribe” button located on the Cravings Club tab at the bottom of our website and keep the FREE BOOKS as our gift.

  We hope our Secret Cravings books will delight you each and every month.

  Best wishes,

  Beth Walker

  BRODY

  Men of Clifton, Montana Book 3

  Susan Fisher-Davis

  Chapter One

  Brody Morgan rode his Harley down Main Street and ignored the stares. Five years ago, he’d left Clifton, Montana, vowing never to return. They couldn’t know it was him behind the smoked visor but the glares made him think differently. He mentally shook his head. The people of Clifton would have a field day once they found out he was back and going to be working for the Sheriff’s department.

  Brody grunted. Him as a deputy? They’d laugh their heads off. But, he needed a job and the sheriff, Sam Garrett, needed a deputy. Sam was a good friend. They’d worked together at the US Marshal’s office in Butte but had been friends growing up in Clifton. They talked regularly and when Brody told Sam he’d left the Marshals, Sam offered him a job. Brody hated the idea of returning to Clifton, but he didn’t have much of a choice. He was going to clean up his parents’ home and live there until he decided what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He was thirty-two and should have kids by now. A beautiful redhead clouded his vision. Brody shook his head to clear it. She was the reason he never wanted to come back and he wasn’t looking forward to seeing her again. He’d broken her heart when he left and she’d never forgive him. She’d shouted it at him when he rode away on his bike. The June sun beat down on him as he rode down Main Street. His eyes scanned the sidewalks crowded with people. What the hell was going on? He remembered the sidewalks as being empty even during the Christmas season but now, people moved along them, going in and out of the shops. Brody came to a stop at the intersection and stared at the people crossing the street in front of him. There was only one main street through Clifton with one stop light. Tall brick buildi
ngs stood on each side. His head moved to the other side and there were just as many people over there too. Was there something going on he didn’t know about? Sam hadn’t mentioned anything when they spoke last week. Mentally shaking his head, he moved the bike forward when the light changed to green. He could feel the sweat trickling between his shoulder blades and down his spine. The leather he wore had him sweating in the summer but it was necessary to a biker, no matter how hot the weather. It was a safety issue, not a fashion statement.

  He pulled into the Sheriff’s Department parking lot and shut off the bike. Straddling it, he removed his helmet and glanced around. No one paid him any mind. Sighing, he swung his leg over the bike, strode to the doors, and walked inside. It was much cooler inside than the heat outside. Brody glanced to his right and saw an older woman staring at him. She slowly stood.

  “Brody Morgan as I live and breathe,” she huffed.

  Brody frowned at her and then recognition dawned. “Betty Lou Harper?”

  Betty Lou cackled. “It is.” She came around the counter faster than a woman her size should be able. She grabbed him and hugged him. “You look so good, honey. It’s good to have you home again.”

  Brody leaned down to hug her. She barely reached his shoulder. “It’s good to see you too.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here to see Sam. Is he in?”

  Betty Lou shook her head. “He ran down to the diner to pick up lunch. He’ll be back in a few minutes. Have a seat in the waiting room. It’s much cooler in here.”

  Brody nodded and took a seat in the room across the hall. The old black and white tiles on the floor showed scuffmarks from years of wear. The red plastic chairs sat along a wall. He set his helmet on the chair beside him and ran his fingers through his black hair. Stretching his long legs out in front of him, he clasped his hands together over his flat stomach and leaned his head back against the wall while he waited for Sam.

  A few minutes later, Brody jerked when someone kicked his foot. He jumped up from the chair, ready for a fight. Sam Garrett stood in front of him glaring.

  “I see you’re as ugly as ever, Garrett,” Brody growled.

  “Same to you, Morgan.”

  The two men stared at each other, then laughed and hugged. “Damn, it’s good to see you Brody. Come on back to my office.” Sam led the way.

  Brody watched as Sam took his Stetson off and hung it up before moving behind the old wooden desk and sitting down. He nodded for Brody to take a seat. Sam leaned back in his chair, folded his arms across his broad chest, and stared at Brody.

  Brody shifted in the chair. “Christ, Sam. You’re making me feel like I’m in the fucking principal’s office.”

  “Good. Because in a way you are. I’m your boss. You won’t get to slide by. I’ll ride your ass just as I do the other two deputies I have. Are we clear on that?”

  “Crystal,” Brody growled out the word.

  “Good. I’ll get the paperwork.” Sam stood. “Betty Lou, I need…”

  “I already have it, Sam.” Betty Lou stood in the doorway with the paperwork.

  Sam muttered under his breath making Brody chuckle, but he straightened in the chair when Sam glared at him.

  “Here, fill this out. I’ll need you on night shift. Is that a problem?”

  “Would it matter, Sam? I’m fine with it.” Brody reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out a pair of glasses, and put them on.

  “You still wear glasses? No contacts?” Sam asked.

  “I can’t stick those damn things in my eyes. Never could,” Brody mumbled.

  Sam laughed. “I understand. I hate putting drops in.”

  Brody ran his hand over his mouth. “Me, too. I’ve always been like that. Too late to change now.”

  Sam nodded. “Once you’re finished, just give the paperwork to Betty Lou. You can start tomorrow night. I’ll get you a few shirts. I’ll have to order more. Just wear jeans. You have your own weapon, right?” At Brody’s nod, Sam continued. “Not much goes on in this town but be careful when you check out Dewey’s bar. It can get rowdy and with all the tourists in town, it could be worse.”

  “Tourists? What are they here to see?” Brody frowned.

  “There’s a bed and breakfast just outside of town now. Hattie Daniels’ place.”

  “Hattie turned her ranch into a bed and breakfast?” Brody couldn’t fathom it.

  Sam puckered his brow. “Hattie passed away over a year ago. Her granddaughter Becca inherited it and turned it into the Clifton B and B. Becca also married Jake Stone.”

  “Wait. What? Are you serious? Jake got married?” Brody was stunned.

  Sam grinned. “Not only Jake, but Gabe’s married too.”

  “Gabe Stone is married?” Brody shook his head.

  “He married Emma Conner. They have a gorgeous little girl. Sophie.”

  “I think I made a mistake coming back here. There must be something in the water.”

  Sam shook his head. “It’s love. Plain and simple.”

  “What about Riley? Have you heard from him?”

  “Not for about a year. The last I heard he was retiring. Thirty-two and retiring. He made a killing in real estate and he also owns a huge beef ranch in Texas.”

  “I haven’t talked to him either. He won’t come back here, that’s for sure. Not as long as his dad is alive.” Brody sighed. “He hates the bastard and who can blame him?”

  Sam shook his head. “I’d love to see him though. It’s been too long.”

  “You married, Sam?”

  “Oh, hell no.” Sam shook his head. “Not gonna happen.”

  Brody laughed and filled out the paperwork and rose from the chair. He stuck his hand out. “Thanks Sam. I appreciate this.”

  “No problem. I needed another man. You came along at the right time.” Sam tilted his head. “Are you going to see Madilyn?”

  “No way in hell. She’d slit my throat.” Brody shuddered.

  “You’d deserve it,” Sam muttered.

  “Jesus, I know Sam. What I did to her was wrong but it was a long time ago.”

  Sam snorted. “Not so long ago she’s forgotten.” He sighed. “I have to get back to work. I’ll see you here tomorrow night. I’m here seven to seven. Come in at six thirty. I’ll introduce you to Rick and Mark then. Once you get into a rhythm, I’ll straighten out the shifts so we all won’t work such long hours.”

  Brody gave him a terse nod. “I’m going to head to the ranch.”

  “Are you staying there?”

  “Yes. Mom and dad haven’t been there in two years. I know it’s going to need some cleaning but I’ll take care of it. A thousand acres allows for some great privacy. I might even get a few Angus again.”

  “It’s certainly prime enough for them.” Sam strolled toward the door. “Any questions, call me.” He handed Brody a card and left.

  Brody sighed and left the office. He stopped at Betty Lou’s desk. “How long have you been working here, Betty Lou?”

  “Since Sam became Sheriff last November. He beat Walt Jefferson by a landslide.” She sniffed. “His mama asked him to hire me. That’s why I’m here.”

  Brody chuckled. “Trust me, Betty Lou, if Sam didn’t want you here, you wouldn’t be here.” He shrugged. “I’ve known him a long time. He’s a straight shooter. I’ve never known him to lie to make someone feel better. He tells it like it is.” Brody leaned over the counter. “You should know that.” After giving her a smile, he strolled outside, hopped on his motorcycle, and headed for the ranch.

  * * * *

  Madilyn Young stared at the motorcycle as it passed the shop where she worked. A shiver ran down her spine. Dear God, please no. Don’t let it be him.

  “Madilyn? Are you all right?”

  “I…yes, Katie. I’m fine.” Liar! Madilyn turned to face her boss and friend, Kaitlyn Parker. “I just thought I saw someone I used to know.”

  “I’ve never understood that, ‘someone I us
ed to know’. You still know them.” Kaitlyn frowned.

  Madilyn laughed. “That’s true. I don’t think it was him, though.”

  “Did you think it was Brody?” Kaitlyn smiled at her.

  “I’m sure it wasn’t him.” Madilyn hoped it wasn’t anyway. She wasn’t ready for him to come back yet. Who was she kidding? She’d never be ready.

  Kaitlyn snorted. “Sam hasn’t said anything lately about him coming back.”

  Madilyn smiled sadly. “I know but I’m hoping he doesn’t come back. Ever.”

  Kaitlyn nodded. “You never know. I’m going to head home since we close in fifteen minutes. You can lock up.” She gave a little wave. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Madilyn nodded and took a seat at the counter. She loved working at Clifton’s Florist and Greenhouse. Katie was a great florist and Madilyn had a green thumb when it came to tropical plants. When the shop opened five years ago, Madilyn was at the door asking for a job. Katie was the manager and with Brody gone from her life, Madilyn needed to do something to keep her occupied. It hadn’t helped for the longest time, then the years fell away and Madilyn was finally able to put him to the back of her mind, but he would forever be in her heart. Damn you, Brody Morgan! Madilyn blinked back tears. Five years later and he could still make her cry. When the bell above the door rang, she glanced over to see Sam Garrett, Katie’s brother and the local Sheriff, walk in. Her heart gave a little skip. Sam was one sexy man. He stood six foot five with a hard body. Dark brown, almost black, hair, and he had the most amazing blue eyes. They were beautiful. She inwardly sighed. No matter how gorgeous Sam was, Madilyn had never been interested in him. Brody Morgan owned her heart.