Heart of the Wild

By Rita Hestand

Book One (of the Amory's) John Douglas thinks nothing of asking Chayton Amory to go get his daughter before her wedding and bring her to his cabin. Why should he, he thinks of Chayton like a son. But Chayton isn't a willing participant. And Kasie Moore, John's daughter is a hell-cat to live with. Chayton should know, he was gonna marry her eight years ago.

A blizzard traps them in the small confines of Chayton's cabin, forcing them to admit some strong under current of feelings for each other.

Kasie has Chayton pegged for a "yes man" for her father. Little does she know that he loved her dearly eight years ago when she walked away from their engagement.

Pride keeps Chayton from admitting his love, and lack of trust comes between them even though their kisses scorch the very snow.

Two strong willed people come together in a malestorm of passion and love, if they can only get past the old hurts they've caused each other. Can love survive the heart of the wild?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Jan 15, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452303284

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

Heart of the Wild

(Book One of the Amory's)

Rita Hestand

Heart of the Wild

Copyright© 2009-2019 Rita Hestand

All rights reserved

Other Books in Series:

Sweeter Than Wine

Mail Order Nanny

License Notes

This book Heart of the Wild is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

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

~Dedication~

This book is dedicated to all the soldiers who are fighting for our country and to keep us free. Especially to Rusty Rolandson, my grandson, the Marine.

Blessing Rita Hestand

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Prologue

Dammit, why me, John?

You're the only one I could ask. The only one I would ask such a thing of.

Hang on, John, Chayton shouted into the phone, and then let it dangle as he stepped outside the confines of the small phone booth. He had to get some air. Put some distance between himself and that phone conversation.

Kidnapping…Lord, what had he gotten himself into? Chayton Amory paced the area, oblivious to the cold north wind that threatened an early winter in his Oregon Mountains, as his mind ran rampant over John's last words. Finally, he jerked the door open and grabbed the receiver with a vengeance.

He hated being put in such a position, but there was only one answer, and he already knew it.

Okay, John, you win. I'll do it, against my better judgment.

I knew I could count on you.

Chayton Amory rolled his eyes skyward, as he bit his tongue to keep from swearing. If it had been anyone but John Douglas III, he would have given a flat refusal and hung up. John was the only man big enough to ask such a thing of him. Chayton loved and respected him. John knew that and used it. Still, when Chayton had lost his parents in a boating accident ten years ago, John had been there for him and Tanka. He couldn't refuse him. And John knew it.

All I want you to do is go get Kasie before the wedding and bring her back to the cabin, so I can talk to her.

Chayton held his silence, as his long, hard body shrugged with the weight of his decision. Just the sound of her name sent an unwelcome reaction through his entire system.

Look, I know what I'm asking of you, but something tells me I've got to stop this. Emotion filled John's voice. Emotion and John didn't mix.

John, Kasie's a big girl, now.

You don't understand. He's a rock star, for crying out loud. Can you imagine our Kasie falling for a rock star? John nearly shouted. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. I just feel so damned helpless. Okay, look, I'll level with you. I ran a check on this Rick Springer fella. And on the surface, he looks okay, but I dug a little deeper and found out he has a violent temper. He's had a few fights, been arrested once. Of course, they covered that up from the press. I've got to find out if he's taken that temper out on Kasie. Until I know for sure, she's not marrying the son-of—

I can understand your concern, but… Despite his resolve not to care, hairs on the back of Amory's neck raised at this news. Hitting a woman was about as low as they came in Chayton Amory's books. Rick Springer's name suddenly tasted like acid on his tongue.

I've done my best to stay out of her life, since the day she walked out on us, but I'm still her father. I love her.

John's voice broke again. Chayton cleared his throat and adjusted his stance. The emotion in John's voice had Chayton feeling downright guilty for not wanting to do this for the man. The break in John's voice was real and clarified his position.

I'm sure Ava's taken advantage of the fact that she's controlling things. I expect she was the one that convinced Kasie to change her name to Moore, Ava's maiden name. I never thought Kasie would go that far to be rid of me. I mean, I raised that kid, not Ava.

I know, John. And you did a good job. Don't berate yourself for that. But she's a grown woman, and sometimes we can't change things, even if they are for the better.

Look, I don't care if you have to hog tie and drag her to get her up there, just do it. When Amory didn't respond, John continued. I don't know if this is right or wrong, Chayton. She may never forgive me for it. I only know I can't stand by and do nothing.

His concern was genuine, Chayton knew that much. No one loved his kid like John. She's my only daughter, just like you're the closest I've had to a son. I'd do the same for you if you were in a bad position.

I appreciate that, but I don't think you realize what you're asking me to do.

Aw, I know how it gets under your skin, but that was a long time ago. I know this puts you in an awkward position, but I'm concerned for her safety now.

Look, maybe she'll walk out on him.

I aim to see she does.

~*~

Kasie balanced the phone on her shoulder as she stirred the batter with her other hand.

But Mother, I've already explained, I can't afford to come early. I've got my work–

Nonsense, of course you can! I've already paid for your ticket, and I don't want to hear another word about it, Kasie. I've reserved a suite for you at the hotel.

Kasie gripped the phone tighter in her hand. A suite, but I don't need a suite, Mother! Rick and I talked about a small wedding. It could still be beautiful, still have flowers and a big cake, but just don't invite so many people.

Now Kasie, stop being so difficult, will you? Let me do this for you, darling. It's the only wedding I'll get to throw, so let me do it right. Besides, can you imagine what the papers would say if we threw a small inconspicuous wedding for Rick Springer. His fans might maul you to death.

Kasie didn't answer. That part was true.

I'll admit I wasn't all for this in the beginning, but I never imagined so many people knew him. I mean, people my age, for goodness sake! He's a sensation out here, darling. Everyone is talking about him, taking pictures, wanting the story of how the two of you met. The photographers are everywhere and wondering where his bride-to-be is. I want everything to be so perfect for you. Oh, I can't wait! We've so much shopping to do!

Her mother's voice dripped with excitement. Shopping? Kasie screeched, her fist coming down on the counter so hard that it vibrated the bowls. But you know I hate shopping.

Of course, you don't hate shopping; you're a woman, aren't you? Now, it's all arranged; you'll fly out tonight.

Kasie sighed, wanting to argue, but knowing it was useless. Okay, Mama. I'll call my boss and see what I can do.

Feeling that same old queasiness in her stomach at giving in so easily to her mother, Kasie's smile began to fade. But she was tired of arguing with her over trivial things.

What? I told you never to use that expression, it's so…country.

Mama? Kasie grimaced. Her mother hated the sound of that word. She considered it a hick abbreviation. I'm sorry, Mother, it just slipped out.

You would think, after all this time, you would have acquired some sophistication. I guess growing up with your father is to blame.

You can't blame it on Dad. Kasie defended her dad, for some strange reason. She hadn't even seen her father in eight years. Besides, I liked calling you that, she mouthed silently into the phone. She somehow felt that this wedding was bringing her closer to her mother.

And she wanted that.

You're forgiven, darling. It's not your fault. Well, I'll expect you on the 10:40 flight from Dallas, then.

Did you send Dad a wedding invitation?

Good Lord, no. After what he did to you? Trying to marry you off to that-that logger creature. He doesn't deserve an invitation. He'll hear about it soon enough, I'm sure. And he'll probably be livid, knowing how he likes to control things.

Kasie rolled her eyes at the effigy her mother's voice conjured. You're probably right, Mother. As usual.

Of course, I am, dear. Now, we're set then. Giles will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel. All you have to do is be on the 10:40, darling.

I really don't think I can make it that quickly. I'm right in the middle of baking a cake for Mrs. Thompson, down the hall. I haven't finished packing, I'll have to call my boss; I've so many things to take care of.

Mrs. Thompson? Who's that? Do I know her?

My neighbor down the hall, you've met her, but I doubt you remember. She's going to be keeping an eye on my apartment while I'm gone. And she promised to water my plants for me. She's very old, and not in the best of health. She loves sweets.

Why in heaven's name didn't you just buy one, if you had to do something for her?

Because, it's not the same. I wanted to do something special for her, and I am a pretty good baker. I enjoy cooking. I intend to do a lot of it, once I'm married.

Well, I don't know why you bother. Rick certainly can afford the best restaurants in town. But bake it if you must and get packed. I just don't feel like arguing tonight. I'm too excited.

All right, but if I don't get off the phone now, I'll never make the 10:40. Kasie tried to sound anxious.

Another battle lost, Kasie sighed as she hung up the phone. She looked at the phone as though it were the enemy. In eight years, the only thing she knew for sure was that her life was not her own. It never had been. It looked as though it never would be. Even marrying Rick wouldn't change things. She was being manipulated, and she hated it. Both her parents had spent most of her life trying to control her.

Her hands still shook as she poured the batter into the pan.

Perhaps marrying Rick would eventually bring her independence from her meddling parents. Yet, she somehow doubted it.

Ava hadn't liked Rick at first, but Kasie had stood firm when she announced they were going to be married. So, Ava finally gave in, and threw herself into arranging the wedding. He might only be a rock star, but he was very popular, and made very good money, Kasie had informed her. Ava couldn't deny that. And as long as Ava had some control over her daughter, things went smoothly.

After placing the cake in the oven, Kasie went into the living room. She'd felt restless and edgy all week, not having a clue as to why.

Seeing Rick's picture on the mantle, Kasie sighed again. Most women swooned at the sight of Rick Springer. Most women! She hadn't swooned over a man for eight years ago, since Chayton Amory! At least this relationship was based on something solid—trust and understanding. Who needed love?

Running her fingers over the picture, she wondered why she didn't feel elated about the wedding or Rick. She should miss him by now. She hadn't seen him in over two weeks. He'd flown to Los Angeles for a concert and photo layout for his next album. So why didn't she feel lonesome? Why didn't her heart jump when looking at his picture? Wedding jitters, that's all it was, she told herself as she turned Rick's picture over and placed it face down.

Yet, deep in her heart, she knew there was another reason.

Chapter One

Silly bird, look what you made me do. Kasie Moore glanced at the seagull that continued to circle above. He seemed more interested in her red ball cap than the fish in the sea, she decided as she bent to retrieve her wet cap from the edge of the shore. Go build your nest with someone else's cap, she muttered aloud, as she cast the bird a quick appraisal.

Wiping her wet hands on her fish-smeared jeans, she curled her braid back into the ball cap, and slipped it on top of her head.

She didn't know why she felt so grouchy this morning, yelling at a seagull. Perhaps lack of caffeine did it. Rick insisted she needed to lay off coffee. She had tried, but this morning she could almost smell that beautiful blend perking through the lobby of the hotel.

Didn't Rick realize people needed a few bad habits?

He meant well, though. She shouldn't be mad. It was for her own good. Now, who did that sound like? Her parents! Funny, she'd never seen that comparison before.

The Pacific waters stretched forever against an early awakening of the California horizon. Kasie sighed with contentment, as her gaze swept the skies. The warm, blue-green blanket of water teased the shore as the gentle breeze whimpered an early winter, and the pungent sea air tickled her nose.

Then without warning, everything changed. The magnificent glow of pre-dawn faded. Her red ball cap suddenly disappeared as her head was covered with what felt like a dirty knitted cap. She felt herself being hefted and effortlessly flung against a solid form. Bouncing first one way, then another, on what felt like tremendously strong shoulders, Kasie struggled. Bone and muscle meshed. A corduroy jacket rubbed where her damp sweatshirt rose up from her waist. It felt soft, against a man that was obviously neither. A whiff of pine and woods and clean earth floated about her nose as she twisted her head and struggled with the musky old cap that had been crammed over her head and face.

She grabbed at her neck and realized the cap had been tied and knotted with a string.

Hair tickled her belly as the man's head turned several times, as though he might be looking for direction. It had to be one of the guy's in Rick's band, playing a joke.

This is cute. Is Rick having me abducted?

There was no answer. She formed a tight fist and let the first punch fly. A grown man should know better.

No answer came, although she thought she heard the man mumble something incoherent under his breath. A dead silence prevailed, and still he kept walking. His gait was light, springy, as though traveling up and down hills on foot were nothing to him. As though carrying her over his shoulder were nothing!

Let me go! This isn't funny! Kasie yelled seconds later from under the thick knitted cap that smothered her words like an audio tape gone badly. She had never liked practical jokes, although Rick had been known to pull some.

Get this dirty thing off my face! She struggled for clean air. Tiny flecks of light filtered through the cap, but she still couldn't see. If this was Rick's idea of a prank, she didn't like it.

Her words choked her, as she blindly struggled against the man.

Kasie heard him rumble with what had to be laughter, and an odd sense of knowing hit the pit of her stomach. For a moment, her memory jangled, then left her again as she continued to struggle.

Something about this man seemed familiar. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something. Panic stricken, her mind reeled with possibilities. Most kidnappers were not strangers. At least that was what she'd heard on one of those news talk shows. Thank God, she'd paid attention.

Okay, so the trick was to stay alert. Use the senses, she remembered. She heard the shoreline disappearing into the distance. He walked up a steep incline. It had to be the hill directly above the beach. At least she still had her sense of direction.

The man hadn't even puffed. He was in better shape than most; in top form, in fact. Not brawny, but hard and lean and well acquainted with hard labor. No—he wasn't in Rick's band.

Who are you? What do you want with me? she demanded, as she let another punch fly just below his belt, onto a solid backside. Very solid, her mind registered.

Still there was no reaction.

Were there people about? Couldn't anyone see what was happening? He couldn't get away with this in broad daylight, could he?

Practical jokes were commonplace on the beach. Grooms snatching their brides away for a surprise dinner.

Yet, this stranger was getting away with it.

It was barely five in the morning. Sensible people were tucked into their soft beds, sleeping. That's where her mother was. That's where Rick was, most likely. And that's where she should be. Why hadn't she been able to sleep? Why had this impending wedding

Reviews for Heart of the Wild

[oldriverbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book was an easy quick read. The characters were all likeable. But the dialog seemed to jump around at times.

Chayton Amory kidnapped Kasie Moore the day before her wedding at the request of her father. Chayton was to take her to his mountain cabin until her father could talk to her about the rock star she was getting ready to marry. When a blizzard struck and they were stranded at the cabin they had to face their true feelings for each other. 8 years ago Kasie overheard her father & Chayton talking and thought it was her fathers idea for Chayton to marry her so she ran away and started a life for herself. Now they need to clear the air about what happen then and what they feel now.

[chandragay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

AUTHOR: Rita has written approx. 34 books to include children's books, poetry and romance, along with plays and short stories. The grownup stuff is written with taste.. GENRE: Romance fiction, Western, Native American, Multicultural romanceSETTING: Modern day Cascade Mountains CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: She has parents with money but she has always tried to be independent and find her way. She doubts herself but is stubborn.CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Native American and handsome. He appears to be a push over. He knows nature and the Cascade Mountains better than anyone.SYNOPSIS: With her wedding just days away, she is kidnapped at the request of her father and taken to the Cascade Mountains. While waiting for her father to arrive, she gets stuck in the cabin of her kidnapper.; a man she walked away from many years ago. ROMANCE: He takes his kisses remembering that his bed was made for a day that never came between the two of them. He will not however, take her virginity so use your imagination. PASSION as in sexual content is "none"; just clean romantic moments.WHAT I LIKED: I can appreciate that a romance fiction does not always have to contain sexual acts. He was just downright handsome. The book made it easy to visualize him.WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Her stubbornness and acting like a brat was a bit overcooked.MOST OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE: None TYPICAL ROMANCE STUFF:He does not want to admit that he loves her and visa versa;Almost nil sexual references to include (7) breasts, (6) nipple, (0) tongue, (0) flick’n (0) hardness, (0) cupping, (3) caressing and over (10) kiss’ns. Penetration (0). Well, you get the picture.This book gets (FIVE) out of (5) STARS because it was just romantic. I enjoyed the entire storyline.

[chandra9of9red · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

AUTHOR: Rita has written approx. 34 books to include children's books, poetry and romance, along with plays and short stories. The grownup stuff is written with taste.. GENRE: Romance fiction, Western, Native American, Multicultural romanceSETTING: Modern day Cascade Mountains CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: She has parents with money but she has always tried to be independent and find her way. She doubts herself but is stubborn.CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Native American and handsome. He appears to be a push over. He knows nature and the Cascade Mountains better than anyone.SYNOPSIS: With her wedding just days away, she is kidnapped at the request of her father and taken to the Cascade Mountains. While waiting for her father to arrive, she gets stuck in the cabin of her kidnapper.; a man she walked away from many years ago. ROMANCE: He takes his kisses remembering that his bed was made for a day that never came between the two of them. He will not however, take her virginity so use your imagination. PASSION as in sexual content is "none"; just clean romantic moments.WHAT I LIKED: I can appreciate that a romance fiction does not always have to contain sexual acts. He was just downright handsome. The book made it easy to visualize him.WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Her stubbornness and acting like a brat was a bit overcooked.MOST OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE: None TYPICAL ROMANCE STUFF:He does not want to admit that he loves her and visa versa;Almost nil sexual references to include (7) breasts, (6) nipple, (0) tongue, (0) flick’n (0) hardness, (0) cupping, (3) caressing and over (10) kiss’ns. Penetration (0). Well, you get the picture.This book gets (FIVE) out of (5) STARS because it was just romantic. I enjoyed the entire storyline.