Her Cowboy Reunion
Her Cowboy Reunion
Debbi Rawlins
Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!Mike Burnett is the one good memory Savannah James has of living in Blackfoot Falls, Montana. His gentle smile was the only kindness she knew before she left town under a cloud of scandal. Years later, the quiet cowboy is also the only one who recognizes her. Savannah’s torn between wanting to hide her past and wanting to show everyone who she’s become.For Mike, Savannah’s history isn’t as important as who she is now. And he can’t understand why such a beautiful and successful woman thinks she needs to prove herself. He wants to believe they could have future…if only she doesn’t let the past keep them apart.
Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!
Mike Burnett is the one good memory Savannah James has of living in Blackfoot Falls, Montana. His gentle smile was the only kindness she knew before she left town under a cloud of scandal. Years later, the quiet cowboy is also the only one who recognizes her. Savannah’s torn between wanting to hide her past and wanting to show everyone who she’s become.
For Mike, Savannah’s history isn’t as important as who she is now. And he can’t understand why such a beautiful and successful woman thinks she needs to prove herself. He wants to believe they could have a future...if only she doesn’t let the past keep them apart.
DEBBI RAWLINS grew up on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, but always loved Western movies and books. When she was twelve she spent the summer on the Big Island of Hawaii, and had the dubious honor of being thrown off her first horse. A year later, minutes before a parade started down her street, she managed to find the most skittish horse in the lineup and...you can probably guess the rest.
These days, sixty-five-plus books later, she lives on four acres in gorgeous rural Utah surrounded by dogs, cats, goats, chickens and free-range cattle who just love taking down her fence every couple years.
Also By Debbi Rawlins (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Made in Montana
Stealing the Cowboy’s Heart
Made in Montana
Alone with You
Need You Now
Behind Closed Doors
Anywhere with You
Come On Over
This Kiss
Come Closer, Cowboy
Wild for You
Hot Winter Nights
Sizzling Summer Nights
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Her Cowboy Reunion
Debbi Rawlins
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
ISBN: 978-1-474-08094-1
HER COWBOY REUNION
© 2018 Debbi Quattrone
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
“Can I ask you a quick question?”
This was it.
Savannah was an idiot. Why would she get off that easily? “Okay.”
“Have we met before?”
“No,” she said, and even managed a smile. “I don’t see how.”
“You’re not from around here?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
“It’s not a line. You really do look familiar.”
She shrugged. “I get that a lot.”
Mike frowned. “I can’t see why,” he said, his gaze roaming over her face, lingering on her mouth. “I’m Mike, by the way.”
“Savannah.” She used her middle name these days, so that should have thrown him. But now he was studying her even closer. “Well, I’d better get back to the table. I promise not to bulldoze over you again.”
“No worries. I’m tough,” he said with a dazzling smile. It disappeared in the next instant. “I know where I’ve seen you—”
Dear Reader (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9),
Mike Burnett, the hero of this book, has been on my mind for a long time. The Made in Montana series began in Blaze, and Mike was first mentioned in Behind Closed Doors. He did some carpentry work for the heroine in that story, and that might have been it. But he stuck with me. Honorable, reliable, handsome, he kept popping into my thoughts, but I wasn’t finding the perfect heroine for him. Then he showed up in Come Closer, Cowboy, and would have asked the heroine out, but she was already taken. Mike not only stayed with me, but I was getting worried. He needed someone really special.
Then came Savannah James, along with a great deal of relief. I could stop worrying. No one could be more perfect for him, just like he was for Savannah. Mike had known her as a shy, quiet girl who’d been dealt a harsh blow. Hadn’t seen her in years, but when she showed up in Blackfoot Falls, he recognized her right off, and, oh, boy, she remembered him. I’m so pleased to have finally found the perfect woman that a man like Mike deserves...and Savannah is one lucky lady.
Hope you enjoy their story!
All my best,
Debbi Rawlins
Contents
Cover (#u0d996852-c1f9-5dcd-a3f7-205b2fb0d9fa)
Back Cover Text (#u995fe22a-defb-559e-93c0-01a40773d615)
About the Author (#ub005de19-925e-5e0c-b9d4-5764753a01bb)
Booklist (#u0b608b7e-780e-5bdd-aaae-90a6eeff4678)
Title Page (#ub8564711-0e32-54fb-8315-3c2936dd5a43)
Copyright (#ue3f15d70-bd6d-56bd-b33a-e3d8355ef55d)
Introduction (#u1d1962fc-5670-502b-a178-f56e52e599d5)
Dear Reader (#ud62e0276-ba22-5be0-a69d-835880d191a4)
Chapter One (#ue711a31d-e46e-554b-a035-6c1b0d1456af)
Chapter Two (#u7734f189-39f9-58cc-baae-505c65db1e32)
Chapter Three (#u51253fda-0f76-5567-acb0-5efb86256fcc)
Chapter Four (#ud9bda65b-0aee-5d1b-a76f-86dcc2b91ce9)
Chapter Five (#ud5bafdc9-1b03-5571-a544-08eb7d6f178e)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Elizabeth Savannah James sat in her rental car outside the motel. Somewhere between Denver and Blackfoot Falls, she’d gotten cold feet. Terrified someone would recognize her. Worried her boss would discover she’d been less than truthful.
Well, too bad.
Now wasn’t the time to go into a meltdown, she thought as she drew in the clean mountain air.
The whole idea that she was starting to panic was ridiculous, considering it was her choice to come to this small cow town. In fact, she’d lobbied hard for this assignment. No one would remember her or even give her a second look. She’d left Montana at fourteen, and before that she’d been homeschooled and rarely ventured far from her family’s cabin. If not for the explosive chain of events that had led to her and her mom fleeing town, Savannah figured most people would barely have been aware of her existence.
That final week, though...
She shuddered.
The scandal had reached every tiny, dark corner of the community and rocked it to its core. But then, her mom had committed one of the most unforgivable sins known to mankind. Or at least to every woman who lived within a hundred miles of Blackfoot Falls. And she hadn’t done it just once.
So, after receiving a notice from the bank, they’d packed as much as they could into her mom’s shabby two-door compact and then sneaked off sometime before morning light. The little rattletrap had the loudest muffler. Savannah remembered squeezing her eyes shut and covering her ears with both hands until they’d gotten miles away from Blackfoot Falls and all the evil glares.
To a shy, introverted teenager, it had felt as if all eyes were on her, as if every person in the county despised her, and all she’d wanted to do was run as fast as she could.
That fateful day had occurred quite literally half a lifetime ago. Now, at twenty-eight, she looked completely different. Her mousy brown hair was honey blond now, she’d lost the extra ten pounds of baby fat ages ago and she didn’t answer to Elizabeth any longer. But best of all, she was successful and enjoying a career she loved.
Just as long as her boss never found out she’d lied. Not outright, but by omission. Porter Burke International had a sterling reputation. No other company was better at community branding and development. That’s why Sadie Thompson, the mayor of Blackfoot Falls, had hired them to find a way to attract more tourists.
But first Savannah and her small team of secret shoppers needed to get a fresh take on the place. Playing tourists, they would check into the motel and inn, eat in the restaurants, drink in the bars, shop in the stores and generally partake of everything the town had to offer. Their undercover operation would last five days, and then they’d give a presentation to go over their assessment and suggestions.
A knock on the car window made her jump.
Dammit.
Ron opened her door. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“What do you mean?”
“Did you just get here? Have you driven down Main Street yet?”
Savannah sighed. “Where’s Nina? Didn’t you two come together?”
“She’s checking in at the Boarding House on the other end of town.”
“Wait a minute—”
“Move your head an inch to the left. You can probably see it from here,” he said, his sarcasm grating on her nerves. “Talk about a one-horse town...it’s maybe seven blocks long. They don’t even have a traffic light.”
“Why aren’t you with her? You should be checking in together.” They were supposed to be posing as an engaged couple.
“This is ridiculous. Three of us stuck out here for a week? Hell, we could’ve wrapped this up in a day.”
“If you’d read your prep sheet, you’d know that Hollywood has taken an interest in the area. They’ve been shooting films and TV miniseries all around here.” She glanced toward the breathtaking snowcapped Rockies in the distance. They looked as if they’d sprung up in the town’s backyard. “Plus, the crews left behind a number of movie sets, and the town council is trying to decide how best to use them.”
Ron gave her an annoying smirk.
With his dark hair and hazel eyes, Savannah had once considered him a good-looking man. He could also be charming when he wanted. Or he could be a first-class jerk.
“Are you going to just stand there?” The door remained slightly ajar, and when he didn’t respond she considered giving it a push. He was a notorious hound dog. Putting him out of commission for a while would make many women in the office happy. How he’d managed to hold on to his job, she’d never know. “Move,” she said, oh so tempted. “Please.”
“What’s it been, two years since you’ve been out in the field?” he said, finally stepping back. “Bet you’re sorry you chose this assignment.”
Ignoring him, she grabbed her purse and key fob and checked to make sure the car’s license plate number was included in case the desk clerk asked for it.
“Ah, I get it,” he said. “You wanted to get me alone.”
“Yeah, that’s right.” She swung her legs out of the car and stood. In her heeled boots, she had an inch on him...which she liked. “How did you end up here?” At the last minute he’d replaced Duncan, who Savannah had requested to be part of the team. She never would’ve asked for Ron. “I thought you were headed to New Orleans.”
“I pulled a few strings.”
Frowning, she popped the trunk and went around to get her bags. “That doesn’t make sense...”
Ron quickly lost the cocky grin and shrugged. “I wanted a shorter gig.”
He looked as though he was holding something back, which made Savannah nervous. Of all the assignments, she couldn’t have this one go sideways. He’d asked her out a couple times, and she’d politely declined. It had been a while, and everything had been fine between them, especially since she worked in the Denver office and he was usually on the road.
But God help him if he stuck one toe over the line. A nasty thought had her biting down on her lip. Wouldn’t Ron just die if he knew she’d started seeing Porter Burke two months ago? She wouldn’t say, of course, but just imagining the shock on his face brought her a moment’s satisfaction.
He beat her to the bags, grabbing both of them.
“Thank you, Ron,” she said, trying to keep her tone pleasant. “But I’ve got it. You really should go catch up with Nina.”
“Change of plans,” he said, heading toward the motel entrance.
“What do you mean?” she asked, hurrying to keep up with him.
“I’m staying here, too.”
“What? Wait. Duncan booked two rooms over at—”
“I changed the reservations.”
“What do you mean you changed them? Without consulting me?”
They reached the door and he stepped back, exchanging a smile with an older woman exiting the building. It gave Savannah a minute to settle down and get her temper under control. She wanted to kill him, but instead she’d just maim him for life.
A couple was sorting through brochures in the lobby, which was small enough that it would be difficult for Savannah not to be overheard. A woman standing behind the front desk greeted them. Ron gave her a big smile, stepped up and set down the bags.
This was starting out just great. Ten crummy seconds. That was all Savannah would’ve needed to drag Ron back out to the parking lot without causing a scene.
“We’re checking in,” Ron said. “I believe you have our reservation. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Carver.”
Savannah gaped at him, too stunned to say anything.
“Yes, we’ve been expecting you.” The woman—Patty, according to her name tag—transferred her attention to a monitor screen. “Oh, and congratulations. I see you called this morning and requested a honeymoon suite—”
“What? No. That’s a mistake.” Savannah quietly cleared her throat as she tried to regain her wits. The woman looked confused. “We aren’t really married. Not yet.” Forcing a smile, Savannah elbowed Ron. “Quit being so impatient.”
“Come on, honey. Don’t be—”
“We need two rooms.”
“Well, to be honest, we don’t have anything like a honeymoon suite. But let’s see what we do have...” Patty returned her gaze to the monitor. “How about a connecting—”
“No. Nothing connecting either.” Savannah didn’t trust herself to even look at Ron. “In fact, a different floor would be preferable.”
“Savannah, honey...”
She pushed his arm away from her shoulders. “Actually, I’m still pretty upset with you from that last little stunt you pulled.” The heel of her boot found his big toe. She didn’t step down too hard.
Ron whimpered.
Oh, well maybe it was a tiny bit harder than she’d intended.
“I’m sorry, Patty.” Savannah found it wasn’t as difficult to smile this time. “I didn’t mean to include you in our little tiff. Now, about my room?”
“No problem.” The woman hid her amusement as well as Savannah hid her satisfaction over inflicting pain on the stupid bastard.
And she was in no way finished with him. Maiming was now officially off the table. Another cute move and she was going for the jugular.
She had to be careful, though. In their line of work, attracting too much attention sometimes ended with them giving themselves away. The town was a legitimate client paying for Porter Burke’s services. The team had to give it their best effort.
Savannah hadn’t once forgotten how much she had at stake here.
Life had been good to her these last six years. She had just about everything she could want and certainly more than she’d ever dreamed possible, given her background. But some elusive piece seemed to be missing, and she couldn’t shake the feeling Blackfoot Falls might be the key.
The whole point of coming back to her childhood home was to get some closure. Being run out of town had been traumatic, and she’d had nightmares, plenty of them, for years. Now she’d see it all from an adult’s perspective instead of a hormonal teen’s.
This quest was one of completion, a symbolic way of locking the past behind her, so she could finally, unequivocally feel like the woman she appeared to be. Content, successful and capable of creating the life she wanted.
Now, if she could just figure out a way to get rid of Ron.
* * *
MIKE BURNETT SWUNG into the saddle and pulled up the collar of his jacket against the chilly October air. The sun had already dropped behind the snowcapped peaks to the west, so he didn’t need to check the time to know he was running late. He’d hoped to be home well before sundown.
Maybe he was wrong about the calf straying this far. He thought he’d caught a glimpse of the little hellion in the brush, but it must’ve been a coyote.
After taking a final look around, he started down the ridge, scouring the overgrown sage while keeping Dude at a slow walk. As they approached the clearing, the gelding sniffed the air. His nostrils flaring, he danced impatiently, waiting for a signal.
Mike knew what was coming. “It’s getting cold. Any chance I can talk you out of this?” he said, leaning forward and stroking the bay’s neck. “Huh, you big baby?”
Dude decided that was permission enough and galloped toward the trees. They skirted a trio of pines, leaped over a fallen branch, raced past a grove of cottonwoods and then splashed across the creek. Mike could’ve done without that part of the ritual, but he’d had the bay for five years now and he liked that Dude still had the playfulness of a colt.
Besides, even in the cold, Mike still got a rush riding like the wind. He wasn’t sure which one of them liked the exercise better.
After his own excitement leveled off, it was obvious Dude still needed to burn off some energy, and Mike didn’t have the heart to slow him down. Together, they raced across the field, through the tall grass, until the barn came into view.
Chip, the part-timer he’d hired last spring, apparently hadn’t left yet. His sorry old green pickup was still parked in the driveway. He was a good kid, still finding his way at the ripe old age of twenty-two, but he had a strong back and never complained about the work.
Right behind Chip’s truck was a newer black crew cab that Mike didn’t recognize. Course, there were about twenty trucks in the county that fit the same description.
Probably belonged to Victor or another friend of his parents who had come to see them before they left to spend the winter in Florida. For years they’d waited until after Thanksgiving to go stay with his sister, Lauren, and the grandkids and then returned by mid-April. But now all it took was the first dip in temperature to get them packing up their small trailer.
Mike wouldn’t be surprised if they told him they were leaving Montana for good. His dad didn’t need to be out in the cold dawn hours feeding the animals, what with his arthritis. Mike had taken over most of the chores, although his dad still managed to ride his old chestnut during the warmer months.
Chip walked out of the barn just as Mike rode up. “Hey, your mom was looking for you.” Chip glanced toward the house. “I think she wanted to catch you outside. I can take Dude.”
“Thanks.” Mike dismounted, wondering why the secrecy. “Whose truck?”
“Some old guy named Lawrence. I don’t know him, but I seen him before...over by Twin Creeks.”
“Ah.” Mike had a bad feeling Lawrence was here to speak with him. “What are you still doing here? I figured you’d be at the Watering Hole by now.”
Snorting, he took the reins. “I ain’t setting foot in that place ever again. Those friggin’ pool sharks from the Circle K hustled me out of fifty bucks and a round of beer.”
“Never again, huh?”
Chip shrugged. “Or until next payday,” he said, chuckling. “Gotta win my money back so I can buy my girl a ring. Hey, I heard you’re pretty good.”
“I don’t know who told you that. I hold my own, but that’s it.”
“If you aren’t doing anything tomorrow night, how about meeting me at the Full Moon? Maybe give me a few pointers? I’m buying.”
Mike laughed. “You just said you were staying away from the game.”
“Not from pool, just those Circle K crooks. And they stick to the Watering Hole.”
Mike hadn’t had a night out in a while. Probably do him some good. Especially with his folks gone. The house was going to be too quiet for the first few days. “Yeah, I just might do that. I’ll even spring for the beer.”
“Sweet.” Chip tugged on the reins. “Come on, boy. I see he let you go swimming again.”
Mike took off his Stetson and ran a hand through his hair as he turned toward the house. Before he could take another step, he heard the kitchen door squeak open. Time to oil the hinges again. The old log-and-stone house, which had been built by his granddad, needed some attention. Thankfully, Mike had the money to make the more urgent repairs over the slower winter months.
“Hey, Mom. Chip said you—”
She motioned for him to keep his voice down as she hurried toward him wearing her usual jeans and flannel shirt but no jacket. He was a good fifteen yards from the house and the windows were all shut tight. No one inside would overhear them. But he wasn’t going to argue, if she’d even give him a second to get a word in.
At sixty-three years young and only five foot two, Rosemary Burnett was trim and energetic, and boy could she move when she put her mind to it. Probably didn’t realize she was still wearing her fuzzy pink house slippers.
After a quick glance over her shoulder, she veered left and gestured for him to follow her to the barn.
They met just inside, out of view. “What’s all the cloak-and-dagger about?”
“Lawrence Peabody is here,” she said, her face flushed.
“Okay.”
“Claims he heard we’re leaving in the morning and stopped to say goodbye. Now, when has that stingy old goat ever given your dad and me a second thought? Huh?”
Mike couldn’t argue there.
“First thing out of his mouth was to ask where you were and what time you’d be back.” She ducked her head to look past him toward the house. “If I were you, I’d climb right back on Dude and take off.”
Mike smiled. The thought had occurred to him. “Maybe it’s not what we think.”
“Of course it is, Michael. Didn’t you hear? He’s expanding his sundry store over in Twin Creeks, and there’s talk he’s buying the old drive-through in Blackfoot Falls and making it into a restaurant. I bet you dollars to doughnuts he wants you to do carpentry work for him.”
“If he asks, I’ll explain I’m too busy.”
She reached up and cradled his left cheek with a motherly hand. “Will you, honey?”
“Winter might be a slow time, but I’ve got a lot of repairs to make around the house and barn.”
“I understand why it’s hard for you to say no to some of these folks. Lord knows what we would’ve done without the money you brought in during those lean years. Most folks could’ve waited to get their repairs done, but they called out of the kindness of their hearts. We both know Lawrence Peabody wasn’t one of them.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” He meant it. Mike felt no obligation to the man who had taken advantage of the Burnetts’ situation.
Like most everyone in the ranching community, Mike and his family had struggled for a while. The recession had hit the whole country hard. But friends and neighbors had really stepped up, hiring him to do anything from minor repairs to remodeling work on kitchens.
Only one person had haggled him down to a ridiculously low price: Lawrence Peabody. So, no, Mike wasn’t about to do any more work for the man.
Ultimately the family and the ranch had survived, and they were doing well now. They’d increased the herd to seven hundred head, which kept him damn busy. In fact, he’d decided to talk to his dad about offering Chip full-time work. They could afford it now and still be able to hire seasonal help.
“Well, I’d better hurry back inside before Lawrence catches on that I warned you.” She started to leave, noticed her house slippers and sighed. “I’ll chase him out in a bit. We still have some packing to do.”
“No need to do anything on my account. I have no problem telling him no. What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Before the rooster crows. You know your father.” She took a few steps and stopped. “I’m sorry we’re leaving you here alone for Thanksgiving, Michael. I really—”
“Don’t give it another thought. The cold is getting harder on Dad. I’m glad you’re leaving now.” It seemed like the perfect time to ask if she thought they might do better living in a warmer climate. But the sad smile that lifted the corners of her mouth stopped him.
“You should come to Florida for Christmas. Your sister and the kids miss you. Little Jared is getting so big, you won’t believe it when you see him.”
“Well, I’ve got fences to mend before I can even get to the house repairs—”
“It’s not fair, son.” She blinked, tears bringing a sheen to her eyes. “So much of the burden has rested on your shoulders. But I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Come on, Mom.” He put an arm around her, aware that he’d just gotten his answer. “I wouldn’t want to be anyplace else but right here. I love ranching, you know that.”
“Good thing. I’m just plain too old to have more sons,” she said with that wry sense of humor they shared.
Mike laughed. “Look, about Florida, we’ll see. I just might surprise you.”
“Better yet, I wish you’d find a girl,” she said. “A nice young woman who understands what it means to live on a ranch and work outside come rain or shine.” She squinted at him. “Oh, don’t you give me that look. I know you want that, too.”
He didn’t bother to deny it. Now that things had settled back to normal and he could actually make a decent living, he figured it was time to find the right woman. Didn’t mean he’d hold his breath, though.
Chapter Two (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
The Full Moon Saloon looked like the place to be. Only seven thirty on a weeknight and it was hopping. Mostly locals, from what Savannah could tell as she and Ron searched for a table.
Nina was already sitting at the bar and being chatted up by a cowboy. She didn’t look too put out by the attention, or by the loud jukebox blaring country music several feet from her. Though if it drowned Ron out, Savannah wouldn’t complain. They’d been in town only one day, and she’d had it with him. Maybe it was time for them to have a big public argument so she could call off the engagement. Send him back to Denver without anyone at the motel getting too nosy.
Just thinking of the possibility was enough to cheer her up. In fact, she’d misjudged the scope of the job. They’d never had a small town client before, and it really didn’t require three people. He’d claimed he wanted a shorter assignment. Maybe she could find a way to justify sending him back early.
The place hadn’t grown much. To an isolated teenage girl, Blackfoot Falls had seemed much bigger and more exciting. And maybe it had shone a little brighter years ago. But so many shops on Main Street had closed during the economic crunch. The mayor wanted to give reluctant would-be shop owners a little boost, convince them it was time to take another chance.
“Check it out,” Ron said, nodding at the stage and dance floor. “I wonder if they do the hokey pokey here. I bet they give lessons.”
“Don’t be an ass,” she muttered and then hurried to a table that had just been vacated.
She took the seat that gave her a good view of the bar and then kicked the leg of the other chair so Ron wouldn’t sit too close to her. Of course, he just dragged it closer.
“Sit across from me,” she said, just as the waitress squeezed through behind him. “You’re in the way.”
“We’re supposed to be engaged.”
Savannah glared at him, even though the woman probably hadn’t paid any attention at all. “You need to watch it.”
“Oh, I am.” Grinning, he slid his arm along the back of her chair. “I like that blouse. Did you wear it for me?”
So annoyed with him that she’d forgotten what she was wearing, she glanced down at the silky denim-like shirt. A gap offered a small peek of her pink bra. Sighing, she adjusted it, using the opportunity to dig her elbow into Ron’s ribs.
He just laughed. “Shouldn’t we be holding hands and making out or something?”
“Yeah, why don’t you try it?”
“What’s up with you, anyway?” He leaned back to look at her. “Every single woman in the office would go out with me in a minute. But not you, Miss High-and-Mighty.”
Unbelievable. “Why haven’t you gotten fired yet?” Savannah studied him. “That’s not a rhetorical question. I honestly want to know how you’ve managed to keep your job.”
“The clients love me.”
“Maybe,” she said grudgingly. “But don’t be so sure about the women in the office.”
His frown of disbelief was cut short when his phone signaled a text. Fine with her. She checked her own phone then scooted her chair several inches over and glanced around.
A few cowboys were playing pool in the back and trying to impress a group of women she guessed were from the Sundance dude ranch. She’d learned all about the place while getting a mani-pedi at the Cut and Curl earlier that day. Which was exactly what she’d hoped for. Even though she’d done her research and the mayor had given her a rundown, nothing beat the local beauty shop for getting the real feel of a town.
It had surprised Savannah that the McAllister family, who owned the Sundance, had gone the dude ranch route, since they were in the business of raising cattle. But the new venture had been wildly successful. So another ranch owner had followed their lead, while two smaller operations were thinking of opening B & Bs.
The waitress stopped at the table just as Ron put his phone away. “Sorry, folks. Hope you haven’t waited too long,” the brunette said with a friendly smile. “What can I get you?”
“Do you have champagne?”
“Oh, God, Ron, would you—” Savannah cut herself short when the woman glanced at her.
“Well, excuse me for wanting to toast my bride-to-be.” Ron shrugged, looking to the waitress for sympathy.
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” she said. “I’m sorry, we don’t have champagne. We do carry a couple of decent wines, though.”
“You’re right. That was very sweet.” Savannah forced a smile and touched Ron’s hand. “I’ll take a beer. Whatever you have on tap.”
The woman nodded and looked at Ron.
“Be right back,” Savannah said, withdrawing her hand and making a break for it before he could say anything.
She dug several bills out of her jeans pocket to get some change then leaned on the bar near the jukebox while she waited for the bartender to finish pouring a line of shots. Another hour with Ron and she was going to be ordering some of that tequila herself.
Nina was two bar stools away, still laughing it up with the long-haired cowboy. When she noticed Savannah, she said something to the guy, and he disappeared. Left his mug of beer, though, so he couldn’t have gone too far.
When Nina gave her a questioning look, Savannah realized her mistake. She’d only wanted to get away from Ron and to browse the jukebox selections. Hopefully find something that wasn’t country. But now Nina thought Savannah was trying to get her attention.
The bartender glanced over at her. “Be with you in a minute,” she called out from halfway down the bar.
“Take your time,” Savannah replied. “And I mean that with all my heart.” She smiled at Nina. “My fiancé is driving me nuts. So I’m ditching him for a while.”
“Ah.” Nina dialed down her grin. “Well, if you’re only at the engagement stage, there’s still time.”
“Don’t I wish.”
“My heart goes out to you.”
“Thanks.” Savannah laughed and peered down the row of customers sitting on the stools. Mostly cowboys in their twenties and thirties. Nobody she recognized, but she really didn’t expect to see anyone she would remember. Or who would remember her.
Earlier, at the diner, she’d bumped into an older woman who looked familiar, and that had put Savannah on edge. But it was just nerves, which she suspected had more to do with Ron and how he seemed to be shadowing her every move.
“Are you visiting?” Nina asked, just as the bartender was approaching.
Savannah nodded. “You?”
“Yep. I’m from Nebraska. On my way to Glacier National Park.”
“Traveling alone?” Savannah asked conversationally.
“Yep.”
The bartender smiled at Savannah. “What can I get you?”
“Change for the jukebox, please.”
“You got it.” She opened the register and glanced at the dollar bills Savannah laid on the counter before she started digging out quarters. “Couldn’t help overhearing,” she said. “For what it’s worth, men outnumber women two to one in this county.”
“Wow.” Nina’s eyes lit up. “Good to know.”
“Yeah, lucky you. Hey, my fiancé is pretty good-looking,” Savannah said, as the bartender dropped the coins in her palm. “I’ll trade you.”
Both women grinned.
A waitress called out, “Mallory,” and the blonde bartender gave her a nod. “You guys need anything else, let me know,” she said, slapping the bar before heading off.
“You knew that, didn’t you?” Savannah murmured. “That’s why you stuck me with Ron.”
Nina laughed. “Nope. That switch was all his idea.”
Savannah sighed. Even so, Nina should’ve cleared it with her first. “I’d better get back before he comes over and bothers me.”
She swung around and ran right into a wall of hard, solid male. Her breath left her in a whoosh, and she stumbled back against the bar with a fair amount of force.
A hand shot out to steady her. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Are you okay?”
“Fine.” She brushed the hair away from her warm cheeks. The bar had to be made of solid oak. She’d hit it at an odd angle, and it would probably leave a bruise, but she was more embarrassed than anything else.
“Did I hurt you?” He eased his grip on her arm and lowered his hand.
“It wasn’t your fault, it was mine.” She finally looked up at his face. Classically handsome. Dark hair, cut short. Dark eyes. Tall...
Oh, God. She knew him.
Mike something. His family had owned a ranch about three miles from where she’d lived in that run-down cabin. They hadn’t actually spoken...he was older, but he’d always waved when he saw her walking to the creek, where she used to hide out, anxious to get away from her parents’ endless arguments until her dad had finally left.
One time, Mike had even offered her a ride in his truck. Savannah had always had a book with her. That day, though, she’d been carrying three heavy hardbacks and enough snacks to last her a week. Just in case she had gotten brave enough to run away. It was the only time she’d seen him up close. She remembered because she’d thought he had kind eyes.
Burnett. That was his last name.
Nina touched her arm. “Are you okay?” she asked, clearly concerned.
“What?” Savannah blinked at her. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her gaze went back to Mike. “How about you?”
His mouth quirked up a little at the corners. “Right as rain.”
“Good. Okay.” She swallowed at the way he was staring at her. Didn’t mean he recognized her. He probably just thought she was some crazy woman. “Again, I’m so sorry,” she said, stepping around him and then hurrying to the table.
“What the hell was that about?” Ron asked.
“Nothing. I wasn’t paying attention and plowed into that guy.”
Ron frowned. “So why were you staring at each other?”
“I—I don’t know. I was in shock.” She touched her side, which barely hurt. “Plus I think I bruised my ribs.”
“Want me to have a look?”
“Gee, how kind of you to offer.” She turned away from his boorish grin. And sneaked another peek at Mike.
He picked up a mug of beer the bartender had just slid over to him and then carried it into the back room. Even if Savannah hadn’t seen him up close, she would’ve recognized his loose, easy stride. It was pretty amazing, the things that had stuck with her. The smell of the first day at the public school. The sound of the creek near the cabin. The way the kids had stared at her that awful day. And the kindness of her neighbor.
“Did you hear me?”
Savannah had vaguely heard him say something about Kalispell. “What about it?” she said, starting to pick up the beer the waitress had left. Only then did she realize she was still clutching the handful of quarters. “Oh, damn. I forgot to choose some songs.”
Her heart picked up speed. From here she couldn’t see Mike. But from the jukebox she’d have a great view of the back room. The thought worried her. If anything, she should be staying clear of him. Just in case...
“Come on, you don’t really want to stick around. There’s gotta be a lot more happening in Kalispell than this hick town.”
“But their mayor didn’t hire us, did he?” She should’ve lowered her voice. “You know what? You’re right.” She reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out the rental key. “Go. Have a good time. I’ll team up with Nina.”
“Ah, you’re anxious to get rid of me.” He took the keys, raising his right eyebrow at her. “So you two can pick up all the cowboys you want.”
“Don’t be an idiot.”
Ron glanced toward the back room. “We’re supposed to be the happily engaged couple,” he said, returning his arm to the back of her chair and leaning close. “What would people think?”
“Okay, I was wrong about the town and our approach. Is that what you wanted to hear? We don’t need to see how they roll out the carpet for a special occasion. This isn’t that kind of getaway. So feel free to hit Kalispell. On the company’s dime.” At this point, Savannah would gladly pay his expenses out of her own pocket. “Stay a few days, write up something that relates to Blackfoot Falls and I’ll take care of it from there.”
Ron studied her for a long, unnerving moment. “Nah, I kind of like this arrangement,” he said, tightening his arm around her.
It took all of her willpower not to react. “Maybe you should go back to Denver. I’m sure there’s another assignment better suited to your taste.”
He shook his head. “Hicksville is starting to grow on me.”
Savannah reared back when it looked as if he might try to kiss her. “Don’t you dare. And if I hear Hicksville one more time, you are going back to Denver whether you like it or not.”
His mouth curved in a cocky smile. “Don’t let that supervisor title go to your head. The only reason I haven’t moved up the chain is because I don’t want the headache.”
She wondered if he resented her promotion—the one she’d worked hard for and totally deserved. “You’re being unprofessional. I don’t care if you think this job doesn’t matter or that no one will pay attention to your snide remarks. In a place like this? Everyone knows everything, and what they aren’t quite sure of, they’ll fill in with information that will fuel the best gossip. No matter who they harm or what they—” She stopped and took a breath when she saw how oddly he was looking at her. “Anyway, we don’t need our impression tainted or our recommendations not taken seriously.”
“That’s some insight,” he said in a slightly mocking tone. “How do you know so much about it? Where are you from?”
She rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows how small towns operate.” She picked up her mug before she mouthed off again.
As she took a sip, she saw Mike emerge from the back room, his gaze sweeping the bar and briefly lingering on her before he turned away.
Her stomach did a complete somersault.
Chapter Three (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Mike set his beer on the bar and smiled at the dark-haired woman sitting two stools away and eyeing him as he waited for Mallory. She didn’t look familiar, but the woman who’d bumped into him earlier sure did.
“Hey, it’s good to see you, Mike,” Mallory said as she walked up. “Sorry I couldn’t talk before. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Yep, been busy. So have you, I see.”
“Business is great. I’m only closed one day a week now. And that’s just for the sake of my sanity.”
“Glad to hear it.” Mike had gotten to know her a little when he’d done some carpentry work for her. He’d already quit doing side jobs by the time she’d moved to town, but he couldn’t say no. Frankly, had she been available, he would’ve asked her out. “Listen, the woman I almost ran over earlier, do you know her?”
Mallory glanced past him and shook her head. “I’ve never seen her before. Probably a tourist. She’s sitting with a guy, though.”
Mike smiled. “I was just curious. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her.”
“Ah.” She stared past him again. “Well, for what it’s worth, she might be sitting with the dude, but I’m guessing she’s not thrilled about it.”
Mike choked out a laugh. “Thanks. I’ll pass.” Picking up his mug, he stepped back, remembered what happened before and checked to see if he was clear.
The woman on the bar stool smiled. “What’s going on back there?” she asked with a glance toward the pool tables. “Anything interesting?”
“Besides pool, there’s darts and a mechanical bull.”
“Sounds fun.”
He looked at Mallory, who hadn’t strayed far and was wiping the counter. “Is the bull working?”
“Should be.”
The woman laughed. “I meant the pool. The bull...not so much.”
“If you want to play, you won’t have any trouble finding someone to go up against.” He hoped that didn’t sound like a brush-off, even though it was.
“I’m waiting for someone,” she said with a small shrug. “Maybe later.”
Mallory dropped the rag as Mike turned to leave. “Want another beer to take back with you?”
“Nah,” he said, holding up the half-full mug. “This should do me. I gotta get up early tomorrow.”
“Well, don’t be a stranger. Winter should slow you down some at the ranch.”
“You’re right.” Mike fought the urge to glance over at the blonde before he disappeared into the back. It wasn’t just that she was attractive. It was driving him nuts not being able to place her. But it was also obvious she wasn’t from Blackfoot Falls or anywhere nearby. She was most definitely a city woman. So not much chance he knew her at all.
Ah, hell.
He sneaked a look.
And damned if she wasn’t looking right back at him.
Trouble was, she wasn’t just sitting with the guy. They were so close to each other a stiff breeze couldn’t slip between them. Mallory was right, though. The woman didn’t look all that happy with the setup.
He headed back to the pool tables. Chip stood in the corner chalking his cue and frowning. “I was wondering where you were,” he said. “We’re up next.”
Mike set his beer down next to Chip’s mug on the ledge then picked up his own cue. “I haven’t played in a couple of years so don’t expect much.”
“Bet you’re still better than me.” Snorting, Chip downed half his beer in one pull.
“You drink like that when you play the Circle K boys?”
Chip’s sheepish expression was his answer. “How’s your pitching arm these days?”
“My what?”
“I heard about you,” Chip said. “You played ball in high school and in college, too. I ran into Kenny Edwards at the pawnshop the other day. When I told him I was working for you, he said he used to be your high-school coach.”
“That was a long time ago.” Mike watched a lanky young guy in a camo T-shirt sink two stripes on the break. His cocky grin wasn’t doing him any favors. Another tip for Chip—don’t get cocky, especially when booze is involved.
“Kenny said you should’ve gone pro. You were that good.”
“Yeah, well, Kenny’s wrong.”
“Wait,” Chip said. “Weren’t you scouted for a farm team? I can’t see Kenny lying about something like that.”
The other table had only four balls plus the eight ball left, and the two guys from the Lone Wolf seemed evenly matched. He and Chip would be up in a couple minutes. Sooner if the guys would quit showing off for the three women cooing words of encouragement.
They had to be tourists, sipping their fancy drinks and flirting shamelessly. Mike couldn’t listen to them or talk about baseball without thinking of Ellen. He’d known his ex-wife most of his life. Or at least, he thought he had. They’d married the summer after graduating from college. Turned out, though, being married to a professional ballplayer was more important to Ellen than being married to him.
“So? Did Kenny exaggerate?”
“No,” Mike said finally. “I could’ve played for the Billings Mustangs. Just like a whole lot of other guys.” In his heart, he’d known he didn’t have what it took to play pro ball. And it wasn’t as if he didn’t like ranching. Hell, it was in his blood.
Chip’s thick brows lowered into a frown. “A lot of guys? I don’t think so.”
“They’re only a farm team.”
“Yeah, for the Cincinnati Reds. Do you know how many major-league heavy hitters came out of farm teams? Most of ’em, probably.”
“Why are you bringing this up? It’s all history. You should be watching these guys and learning a few tricks.” Mike nodded at the kid in the camo T-shirt. “He’ll need to use inside English on this shot. If he does it well, the ball will curve right into the hole.”
After the shot—perfectly executed—he realized Chip was back to staring at him.
“You know,” Chip said, a hopeful gleam in his eyes. “Sometimes the Circle K guys play softball. How about if you—”
“Not interested.” Mike shook his head.
“Why not? Those guys are all young, probably about my age. They wouldn’t know about you playing baseball back in the day.”
Mike couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t imply I’m old if you want a favor.”
“So, you are thinking about it?”
“Softball isn’t even the same—” Mike saw the blonde walk up to the jukebox and completely forgot what he was going to say.
* * *
SAVANNAH SCANNED THE long list of songs. She hadn’t heard of most of them, but then she’d always been horrible at remembering titles. Or even knowing what they were in the first place. And frankly, she didn’t have time to listen to music. Work managed to eat up most of the hours in her day. During her commute to and from the office, she generally listened to self-help CDs. After all, no matter how much she loved her life and career, there was always room for improvement.
“Hey.”
Startled by Nina’s voice practically in her ear, Savannah turned on her with a glare. “What are you doing? We can’t suddenly be best friends.”
Nina gave her a funny look. “Jesus, you’ve been riding a desk too long. You really need to chill.”
Savannah supposed she might be letting paranoia mess with her head and then, worse, overreacting. “What is it?”
“That cowboy from earlier... I think the bartender called him Mike? He was asking her about you.”
Savannah’s heart nearly exploded. “Asking about what?”
“He wanted to know if she’d seen you before. Said he thought you looked familiar.”
Savannah leaned on the jukebox for support. This was bad. So, so bad.
“Obviously it was just a line,” Nina said, glancing over the song selection. “Oh, and he’s hot and I hate you.”
“Duly noted.” Somehow, Savannah managed to stay calm. “Why don’t you go after him?”
“I tried. He wasn’t interested.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Ron. But if I were you, I’d totally ditch his ass and go for the cowboy.”
They both laughed, and Savannah relaxed. Maybe Nina was right and it was just a line. The possibility that he could actually be attracted to her sent a little shiver down her spine.
But wait...he wouldn’t need to use a line with the bartender. Savannah circled back to worrying. Still, how could he remember a girl he’d never really known or had ever seen more than a dozen times from afar? Fourteen years ago?
Nina pointed to something on the jukebox. Savannah squinted to see what it was then realized Nina was covering up the fact that they’d lingered too long and for no apparent reason. No one was paying them any attention, but she’d get the third degree from Ron.
“I’d better scoot,” Nina whispered. Then in a louder voice as she backed away she said, “Thanks for letting me cut in with my song.”
“No problem.” Savannah shot a quick look in Ron’s direction before returning to the song list. He was still answering texts.
She’d chosen several songs, but she couldn’t for the life of her recall what they were. What she really wanted to do was check out the back room, but she knew she’d better wait until Mike left.
It was a tough call. Should she get it over with, see if he remembered her? Or try to avoid him? She wondered how often he came into town. All she really had to do was stay away from the two bars. Maybe the diner and steak house, too. And probably the Food Mart and variety store just to be safe. Definitely the hardware store but that one was easy.
Oh, hell. The town wasn’t all that big. Twenty-three hundred people in the whole county, most of them spread out on ranches and farms.
Should she or shouldn’t she?
Since she couldn’t decide, she figured the smart thing would be to leave. Ron had had one foot out the door from the minute they’d arrived. If she pleaded a headache and went to her room, he just might decide to hit Kalispell.
And she’d be left in peace to write up today’s notes. If she were to run into Mike again, at least she’d be more prepared.
Taking a step backward, she was struck with the temptation to steal a quick look at the pool players. All she had to do was turn her head to the right...just for a second...
She moved back another step and felt something directly behind her.
A deep rumbling laugh caressed her ears.
“We’ve gotta stop doing this.” It was Mike’s voice. His laugh. His hand touching her lower back.
Savannah whirled around.
He stood a couple feet away, holding his almost-empty mug aloft. Enough beer remained to have made a collision unpleasantly wet.
“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t look. Again.” She glanced helplessly at Nina, who arched a brow at her, clearly trying not to laugh.
“Excuse me,” another voice said from behind her. “Could I squeeze by to get to the jukebox?”
Savannah turned, and as she moved out of the way, smiled an apology at the woman trying to hold on to a fistful of quarters. When she switched her gaze to Mike, the intensity with which he was studying her jolted her back to the problem.
If she wanted to test the waters, now was the time.
But Nina was right there, not more than ten feet away now. And Ron...he could be charging toward them for all she knew.
Savannah turned her head and saw that he was still preoccupied with his phone. She inched around so that she wasn’t directly facing Nina.
“I’m usually not this oblivious,” she said, keeping her voice low and steady, even as her courage faltered. “I would really appreciate it if you’d let me pay for a refill.”
“I didn’t spill a drop,” he said with an easy smile. “But if you have the time, I’d like to buy you a drink.”
“Oh. No.” Her mouth went dry. “All I meant... I’d just—” She cleared her throat. “I’m with someone.” She glanced briefly toward Ron. “But I’d like to pay for your beer. You know, as an apology. That’s what I meant...”
His smile faded. “I understand,” he said, nodding slowly. “Can I ask you a quick question?”
This was it.
Savannah was an idiot. She wasn’t prepared, and there was nothing she could do but listen. “Okay.”
“Have we met before?”
Her chest actually hurt, though she didn’t think it was anything serious. Yeah, why would she get off that easily? “No,” she said, and even managed a smile. “I don’t see how.”
“You’re not from around here?”
“Nope.”
“Billings?”
She shook her head. “Denver.”
“It’s not a line. You really do look familiar.”
She shrugged. “I get that a lot.”
Mike frowned. “I can’t see why,” he said, his whiskey-brown gaze roaming over her face and lingering briefly on her mouth. “I’m Mike, by the way.”
“Savannah.” She’d gone by Elizabeth back then, if he’d known her name at all. Her middle name should throw him. “Well, I’d better get back to the table. I promise not to bulldoze over you again.”
“No worries. I’m tough,” he said with a dazzling smile. It disappeared in the next instant. “I know where I’ve seen you—you were that kid—” He cut himself short and, with a slight frown, searched her eyes.
Panic roiled in her stomach. She heard a whimper and, with a start, realized it had come from her. Unable to move, she stayed frozen in her tracks as she silently pleaded with him to not give her away.
“No,” he said after the longest ten seconds on record. “I was thinking of someone I met at the Denver stockyards a while back.” He moved to let someone pass. “Ever been there?”
She just shook her head.
“Sorry, my mistake.” With a quick smile, he shrugged and walked away.
Chapter Four (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Savannah had slept in longer than she’d intended, so by the time she hit the continental breakfast in the lobby, the only thing left on the silver trays was a blueberry muffin and some kind of fruit Danish bearing the indent of someone’s finger.
Good thing she wasn’t all that hungry. She could smell the coffee, though. Before she made it to the cart with the silver urn, a woman came out from a room behind the desk.
“Looking for coffee?” she asked, and Savannah nodded. “I was just coming to check if I needed to make a fresh pot.”
“I’ll let you know in a second.”
“I’ll go on and get some started. It seems you got shortchanged,” the woman said, nodding at the table.
“I’m late.” Savannah grabbed a cup. “My fault, not yours.” She flipped the lever and watched the dark sludgy brew stream into the cup.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, I promise it’ll just take a minute.” The older woman’s updo was a ’60s-style beehive like the one Savannah had seen in pictures of her late grandmother. Glancing at the bowl of apples, the woman hustled back around the desk then paused at the door. “I have some oranges, if you’re interested.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll go see what they have at the bakery.”
“Well, I feel just terrible. You paid for a room same as everyone else. We should feed you breakfast.”
Savannah smiled. “Actually, I’m going over there for a latte. So, please, don’t worry about it.”
The woman darted a look at the glass door. “You know, your fiancé left about ten minutes ago. Maybe he went to get something to surprise you.”
Savannah frowned. She’d only spoken with Patty at the desk, and yet this woman knew Ron was her fiancé. Oh, great.
“We haven’t met. I’m Maxine.” She pointed to her name tag. “It’s Patty’s day off. She told me you had a handsome fiancé, and my word she didn’t do him justice at all. You’re very lucky,” she whispered, nodding sagely.
Savannah dug up a smile. “Yep, he’s a peach, all right.” She scanned what she could see of the parking lot. “Any chance you saw which way he went?”
“Hmm, well, he got in his car...”
Of course...he still had her key. “Okay, thanks, Maxine.”
“I’ll have fresh-made before you get back, hon.”
Savannah kept walking but waved an acknowledgment. As soon as she was outside, she remembered she needed money and glanced around as she patted the pockets of her jeans. Luckily, she found a crumpled five-dollar bill and some change.
Crossing the parking lot at a clip, Savannah headed toward the bakery. Two shops down was the steak house that had reopened in the last year. Halfway there, she felt the chill seeping in through the lightweight sweatshirt she’d thrown on just to grab coffee in the lobby. It was in no way adequate for a chilly fall morning.
They had quite a full schedule today. Nina had obtained a list of people who were turning portions of their ranches or bunkhouses into guest quarters, mostly in line with a B & B rather than a dude ranch. Savannah figured they could form a co-op in order to offer the same kind of activities that actual dude ranches provided. But she’d know more after she’d visited with them.
The brisk walk helped wake her up, but she was more than ready for a hazelnut latte by the time she opened the door to The Cake Whisperer. What she wasn’t ready for was a crowd. It seemed half the population of Blackfoot Falls had squeezed into the small bakery. The benches on the right were taken, as were the only two chairs. Standing a little too close together were dusty cowboys, a couple young moms, several older ladies...
...and Mike.
Wearing a Stetson, the brim pulled low, he stood off to the side, his head bowed toward an older woman as he listened to whatever she was telling him.
What on earth was he doing in town this early? Shouldn’t he be feeding horses or milking cows or something?
Savannah seriously thought about slipping back out. And she didn’t much care if he noticed.
“Oh, don’t be shy, honey.” A tiny white-haired lady caught Savannah’s arm with a surprising grip. “Not everyone’s in line. They’re just gossiping. You just step right on up here,” she said, tugging on Savannah.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll come back later.”
The door opened behind her, and three women crammed into the shop. They kept chatting, apparently unaware that they were literally breathing down the back of her neck.
“Is there a special on today?” Savannah muttered.
The white-haired lady chuckled. “Kylie,” she said, nodding at the woman reaching into the display case. “She’s the owner. She bought a fancy coffee machine, and now she’s got a bunch of us hooked on caramel lattes. Ever heard of them?”
“Um, actually, yes.” Between the scent of the coffee and the fresh-baked aroma of cinnamon and sugar, her stomach wasn’t all that pleased about leaving and let her know it. She risked a glance at Mike.
He was looking right at her.
Savannah sighed. On top of really not wanting to engage with him, she probably looked like crap, since she hadn’t intended to go beyond the motel lobby.
It wasn’t too late to make a getaway.
“Excuse me,” she said, pulling back her arm. “I really don’t have time to wait.”
The woman blinked. “Aren’t you visiting?”
“Yes,” she said, glancing over her shoulder so she wouldn’t run someone over. That hadn’t gone so well last night.
“Well, honey, you shouldn’t be in such a hurry. I’m Eunice. What’s your name?”
“Savannah, but I’m not on vacation. And honestly, I don’t mean to be rude...” she said, inching backward.
The door opened again just as a young girl slipped past her to leave. One customer down as two more entered.
A big, burly cowboy nodded at her. His younger sidekick just stared, his cheeks turning a little pink when someone jostled her and she pressed against him.
“Okay, everyone, this is ridiculous.” The owner had straightened and was surveying the crowd while another woman operated the espresso machine, not once looking up. “Anyone who’s already gotten their order, please step outside and give everyone else room.”
“It’s chilly out there,” came a voice from the front.
“You need to expand, Kylie,” someone else said.
“I’m working on it.” She handed over a white box and some change. “In the meantime, I don’t want to get fined for having too many customers in here.”
“Who’s gonna do that? Grace?”
“Yes, Grace or one of her deputies. There are fire laws about occupancy, and I’m over the limit. So, please...”
Savannah would be happy to comply if they’d let her through. “Excuse me,” she said to the two men, motioning with her hand for them to give her a clear path.
“Okay, everyone.” Mike’s voice rose above the murmurs. Except he wasn’t standing off to the side anymore. He’d moved closer to her. “Kylie’s right. This isn’t safe. And it’s not fair to people who haven’t been waited on yet. So, come on...it’s not going to kill anyone to step outside.”
After a chorus of grumbling, people started to move toward the door. Savannah made it onto the sidewalk. But she’d barely had time for a sigh of relief when Mike appeared next to her.
“Hey, it shouldn’t be a long wait,” he said. “Some folks just want a doughnut.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked. “Don’t you have hogs to slop? Feed to pitch? Cows to milk?”
He choked out a laugh. “I think you have me confused with someone else.”
“Well, aren’t those the kind of things people do on ranches?”
“Some, I suppose. Assuming they have milk cows and hogs.”
“Oh. Right,” she said, backing away and feeling like a complete dope. “Well, nice seeing you again.”
“Hey, look, I just wanted to say that if I made you uncomfortable last night, I’m sorry.”
“No, no,” she said. “It’s totally fine. You mistook me for someone else. We’ve all done that at one time or another...”
His brows drew together. Something in his expression began to chip away at her confidence. She’d hoped he hadn’t recognized her for certain, but maybe she hadn’t fooled him.
Was he expecting her to come clean? Confess that she was, in fact, Elizabeth Savannah Riley? She was Savannah James now. She’d legally changed her last name to her mom and stepfather’s when she was sixteen.
She shouldn’t worry he’d say anything untoward though. He’d certainly been discreet last night. “I’m sorry, I’m just... I have a lot to do today.” She looked behind her then took another step back.
“Right. Sightseeing.”
She smiled and nodded.
“You should go have a look at the creek. It’s risen in the last couple of years, with the heavy winters.”
Her stomach lurched. Did he mean her creek? The one where she’d spent half her childhood? He hadn’t been specific. More evidence he knew exactly who she was?
“I’ll see you soon, I’m sure,” she said, then turned, refraining from darting across the street so it wouldn’t seem as if she was running from him. Even though he couldn’t think anything else.
Why on earth had she put herself in this situation? Everything could blow up in her face, and it would be her own fault. Why had she thought it would be quick and simple to slip in and out of town and put the old haunting memories to bed for good, without anyone being the wiser?
Now she had to depend on Mike not outing her. He’d already proved himself, but her ditching him like a bad date might turn that around, and then where would she be?
This was the perfect time to figure out how deep a hole she’d dug for herself. Do some damage control. She wouldn’t dare acknowledge Mike when she was with Ron or Nina. They’d want an explanation that could cost her dearly. Worse, it could cost the company this job and damage its reputation.
Savannah turned around and headed back to the bakery, hoping he was still there. A gray truck was coming toward her. As it got closer, she saw Mike behind the wheel. He slowed down and lowered the passenger-side window.
“Can I offer you a lift?” he asked, despite the fact they were now headed in opposite directions.
“No thanks,” she said, but she found herself hopping in anyway. Guess she needed a bit more calm.
He rubbed his jaw and laughed.
“I know. Ignore me,” she said, and managed a slight smile. “We need to talk.”
He drove a short way then pulled over to the curb. “Okay. Shoot. I assume this has something to do with your fiancé?”
Her face got hot, and it was hard to look at Mike without blurting out every last thing. Of course he knew about Ron. He’d known it last night. “That’s not the only thing,” she said, then worked up the nerve to meet his eyes. “I don’t want anyone to know who I am. I’m frankly shocked you recognized me. It was so long ago.”
“I’ll admit, you’ve changed. I wasn’t sure at first.”
“You were very kind last night. I didn’t even realize how kind until this morning. I appreciate it. And honestly, I’d like to explain why I’m here, but it’s kind of complicated.”
“Hey, it’s nobody’s business why you’re here, including mine,” he said, shrugging. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”
He wouldn’t. She knew it. Even though curiosity was alive in his gaze. It was so tempting to spill it all. To let him know that Ron wasn’t her fiancé, far from it. Mike had to remember exactly what had chased her and her mom out of town. She’d had so few interactions with the people in Blackfoot Falls—a rare lunch at the diner, some trips to the market and then getting to attend school, which had seemed like a miracle but had ended up a public disaster. Mike had always been nice, though.
It would feel good to explain why she was here, that it was for her job. That she’d overcome her unfortunate past and made something of herself.
“Savannah?”
What was she thinking? She couldn’t admit any of that. Not yet. After she gave the presentation, then maybe. In the meantime, she needed to keep her head down, stay focused on the job. And not be sitting in his truck for everyone to see. Jeez. Talk about stirring the pot. She glanced around and noticed her rental heading their way, with Ron driving it.
She ducked down, bumping her forehead on the dashboard. “Drive. Please. Anywhere but the motel parking lot.”
Mike didn’t say a word, just put the truck in gear and zoomed out of there. He turned the corner, made another turn, drove some more then turned again. If he kept that up, it wouldn’t just be butterflies she was feeling.
Finally, he said, “I think we’re in the clear.”
When she poked her head up, she saw he’d pulled into a vacant lot behind the motel. “Okay. This is good,” she said, checking the side mirror. They were at the edge of town; the only thing past the motel was a gas station. “I’m sorry about that. About everything. But thank you.”
Before he had a chance to speak, she opened the door and jumped out.
“Wait.”
She considered ignoring him. But she didn’t want to make things worse and not just because he could cause problems. It wasn’t fair to him.
After another cautious look around, she got back in but left the door ajar. “There is an explanation,” she said, keeping her voice level. “I promise. Trust me, if you can. For a bit.”
“I meant it, Savannah, it’s none of my business.”
“I know,” she said. “I’d actually like to tell you as soon as I’m at liberty to do so.”
Now he looked twice as curious. “Look, I hope this isn’t out of line, but I’m glad I got to see you. You were such a shy kid, I couldn’t help wondering what had happened to you.” His smile filled the cab with its warmth. “You’ve come a long way. You should be very proud of yourself.”
His words brought a lump to her throat. She hadn’t realized just how much she needed to hear that. Barely able to swallow, she said, “Thank you, Mike. I don’t... I should go.”
She jumped out before he could say anything else. Or she ended up oversharing. The emotion he’d tapped into ran deep, so deep she wondered what else was buried down there.
But now wasn’t the time to start digging for insight. She saw an entrance next to a loading dock and figured it was for employees. The brisk walk and morning chill felt good as she skirted the building to get to the front entrance. Dying for some coffee and time to get back her sense of control, she forgot to check the lot for Ron. Though what did it matter if he was around or not? It didn’t help that she was still confused about why she cared what Mike Burnett thought. So he’d been nice. Mike had always been nice.
She entered the lobby. Ron wasn’t there, but a fresh pot of coffee was. And luckily, Maxine was nowhere in sight. Savannah calmly got a Styrofoam cup and poured a quick one then hurried into the elevator before someone stopped her.
Leaning against the elevator wall, she wanted to weep. This trip wasn’t turning out to be the serene and healing experience she’d imagined. After wallowing for a few seconds, she realized she hadn’t pressed the button. She straightened, hit her floor and took a fortifying sip of caffeine.
She was made of tougher stuff than this. After what Mike had told her, how could she dare think this wasn’t the road to closure? And if she encountered a few bumps along the way, she’d just put the blame on Ron. That made her feel a tiny bit better.
Chapter Five (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
The wind was blowing again and despite the sun shining directly overhead, the cool afternoon air kept things pleasant for Mike and Chip. Not a bad day for moving the rest of the herd to Logan Flats, where they’d have a few more weeks of grazing before winter.
Mike wished he knew when Savannah planned on leaving town. After seeing her at the bakery yesterday, he’d decided it would be best not to run into her again, what with her getting all jittery around him. Though he couldn’t help wondering why she’d want to come back to Blackfoot Falls.
It couldn’t be nostalgia. And he knew for a fact it had nothing to do with the cabin and land she and her mom had left behind. The bank had owned the property for years. The shabby two-bedroom cabin had never been worth much, but the seventy acres it sat on butted up to Burnett land. At one point he and his dad had considered buying the whole thing. Now, for some reason, Mike was glad they hadn’t.
“Dammit.” Chip must’ve jumped five feet. “Why the hell did you let him go? I almost injected myself.”
Watching the calf plow past Chip, Mike swore under his breath. The little guy headed straight to his mother. They’d have to catch him again. Cool nights and warm days had produced four sick calves. They all needed antibiotics and to be put in a pen to heal. “Sorry.”
“Where’s your head at? You’ve been acting weird all week.”
More like two days, but he didn’t correct the kid. Mike shaded his eyes and checked to see if Bill and his brother had made it to the mouth of Sunrise Canyon yet. He’d hired the pair to help gather the rest of the cattle that hadn’t been relocated yet. Another day and they’d be done rounding up the heifers. He radioed Bill to ask for their head count.
Just over three hundred.
They were almost finished.
“Helluva job, guys. Meet me back at the house by six. I have cash for you.” He clicked off. “Thanks for recommending them. They’re good workers.”
“Yeah, they’re pretty quick for a couple of old dudes.”
“Shut up,” Mike said, laughing. “They’re in their forties.”
“Yeah, I know.” Chip grinned. “What are they...about seven years older than you?”
“And here I was going to ask if you’d like to work here full-time.”
Chip’s brows shot up. “Are you serious?”
“Not anymore.”
“Come on. You know I was just joking.”
“I was thinking you could start in about a month?”
“Sounds good to me, but isn’t that sucky timing? Will you have enough work for me all winter?”
“Yep. I got a lot to do, so you’ll be taking over some of my daily chores.” Mike stepped back after they treated the last calf. He’d asked his dad last night about making Chip full-time, and just as Mike knew he would, his dad told him to make the call. “Look, I know you do other odd jobs here and there and if you want to continue, we can work your schedule around them.”
“Thanks, Mike.” Chip carefully stowed the meds in the metal box. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind letting most of those jobs go. Let a high-school kid take ’em. Some of the older folks around here are just plain cheap.”
Mike smiled. Most of them were on fixed incomes. He’d never minded doing work for any of the old-timers. They hadn’t tried to take advantage. “As for which days you work, I’m flexible. Although I need you to do the morning feeding at least three days a week.”
“Hell, I live close. I can do it every morning if you want.”
“After a night of pool and beer?”
Frowning, Chip scratched the side of his head. “Okay, I might’ve jumped the gun...”
Mike laughed. “We’ll work it out.”
“Hey, you want to go to the Full Moon again?”
Mike knew he should say no. Savannah could have left already. But he had no way of knowing, so there was only one answer.
Chip blotted his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. “Maybe that cute blonde is still around and you’ll get lucky.”
“What blonde?”
Snorting a laugh, Chip said, “What blonde? The one you were eyeing every chance you got.”
“I thought she looked familiar, that’s all.”
“Right. Uh-huh.”
Mike shook his head. “If you’d been paying more attention to the game instead of me, maybe I wouldn’t have beaten the pants off you.”
That wiped the smirk off Chip’s face. “Okay, okay.”
“Twice.”
“Hey, I almost had you the second time.”
“And yet...” Mike’s attention was drawn to the silver sedan traveling south on the county road.
Chip turned just as the car passed. “Who’s that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Probably tourists. They’re always getting lost looking for old movie sets. Last month I found a carload of them stuck near the creek.”
The ill-kept gravel road was almost a quarter of a mile away, but Mike thought Savannah might have been behind the wheel. The sedan looked a lot like the one she’d been trying to avoid yesterday.
He headed for the cottonwood where he’d tethered Dude. “Nobody has any business down here,” Mike said, grabbing the reins. “I’m going to go check.”
“Want me to go?”
“I’ve got it. Probably just a tourist, like you said. You might as well head back.”
Mike rode straight toward the Rileys’ old cabin. Though she could be headed for the creek, he’d start with the cabin first.
Without a clear trail, the area thick with lodgepole pines and overgrown brush, it took him twenty minutes when it should’ve taken ten, and for all he knew, she was already gone, but once he’d made it to a small clearing, he thought he heard a faint bleat. Slowing Dude to a walk, Mike listened. It was a stray calf, all right. As he dismounted he heard another bleat.
After pushing his way through a thicket of gnarly sage and scaring a grouse, he saw the little fellow, exhausted and wobbling under a small cottonwood. The calf was clearly a late arrival and a runt, probably only a week old. Odd that he’d gotten separated from his mother. He didn’t belong to Mike, but it wasn’t uncommon for The Rocking J cattle that grazed on public land to stray in with his herd.
Damn, he wished he’d brought the ATV.
Mike doubted the mother was around, since she hadn’t responded to the bleating. But he remained perfectly still, trying to listen for her. After a few minutes, he phoned Chip, who hadn’t seen any men from The Rocking J. But he agreed to look for their number on Mike’s desk and give them a call.
Mike disconnected and inched closer. The calf barely made a sound. And when Mike scooped him up, he didn’t struggle.
“I bet you’re scared, aren’t you, buddy? Let’s see what we can do about that.” Dude wouldn’t be happy about giving the calf a ride, but too bad. It wasn’t going to be easy for Mike either.
All legs, weak and panting, the calf allowed himself to be laid on his belly over the saddle. Dude shifted nervously and his ears went back, but Mike soothed him until the gelding finally settled. Mounting was tricky, but he managed to plant himself in the saddle and then wrap the calf’s legs around his middle so he could hold on to the little guy.
A low bellow sounded from the direction of the creek, a popular spot for stragglers. He headed toward it. That bellow was from a bull, and not one of his, but the calf’s mother might be somewhere close to the bull.
Luckily, the creek wasn’t far, but he kept Dude at a slow pace, making sure the little one didn’t get jostled too much. The calf hadn’t moved much since his first two kicks, which wasn’t a good sign. Probably dehydrated. And Mike still hadn’t heard the high-pitched call of a momma who couldn’t find her calf.
As it turned out, the silver sedan was parked on the side of the trail that led to the creek, but Mike couldn’t spare it any attention. His focus was on the calf, and he’d given Dude his head knowing he’d follow the scent of the water.
Then something occurred to Mike. “Hey, no swimming today,” he said, leaning down to stroke the gelding’s neck. “You got that?” The horse ignored him and picked up speed. “I mean it, Dude.”
Mike heard a laugh and looked up, not at all surprised to see Savannah. This had been a favorite spot of hers.
She rose from the rock she’d been sitting on. “Does he ever answer you?”
“No, but sometimes I get the feeling he’d like to.” He reined the gelding to a halt.
Savannah saw his passenger and gasped. “That’s a... What is that?”
“A calf. Would you do me a favor?”
“Sure,” she said, dusting off the seat of her jeans as she warily approached. “Maybe I should’ve said ‘that depends.’”
Mike passed her the reins. “Hold on to these while I get down,” he said, lifting the calf in his arms.
“Wouldn’t it be simpler to let me hold him?”
“It would if he weren’t sixty pounds.”
“That’s not so much. I’m pretty strong.”
“Sixty pounds is a lot of weight, especially—”
She rolled her eyes and reached up for the calf.
Mike held firm and continued, “Especially if he starts kicking again.”
“The poor thing looks too exhausted.”
“He’s also scared.”
She tossed back the reins. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t think I could handle him,” she said, and moved closer, her attention focused completely on the scrawny, leggy bundle he reluctantly placed in her arms.
“Watch out.”
“I see,” she said, laughing, her face lit with pure joy as his skinny legs went everywhere. “Oh, he’s so sweet.”
Dude snorted.
“You are, too,” she said with a fleeting glance at him.
Even after Mike dismounted, she held the calf close and stared into his tired brown eyes. He quit squirming and let his head rest against her chest.
Savannah sighed.
“I’ll take him now.” Mike secured Dude’s reins and could tell the big baby wasn’t thrilled about it.
“Just point me in the right direction,” Savannah said, clearly not about to give up her ward.
“Let’s get him closer to the creek, then you can put him down. I want him to call out for his mom. If she’s anywhere in the area, she’ll let him know.”
“Come on, baby, let’s get you some water.”
Mike shook his head. “He’ll only drink from a teat or a bottle at this age. I mean, we can try, but I doubt he’ll know what to do.”
“Oh,” she said, walking carefully, seemingly without difficulty.
Several moments later, Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “This is far enough for now.”
“Why?”
“There’s a bull around here somewhere. I need to make sure we’re not near enough for him to get wind of us. They can be dangerous.”
“Okay. I’ll watch this guy.” She crouched and carefully put the calf on his feet. His little bleat wouldn’t travel far.
“I’ll be right back.” Mike headed out at a jog and heard another bellow, which sounded as if it was coming from farther up the creek.
He followed the water’s edge for a bit then stopped and listened. No upset momma. As for the bull, Mike guessed he was up past the second bend. It seemed safe enough to bring the calf so he could try that bleat again.
When he got back to where Savannah was petting the calf, she stood up with a look of excitement in her eyes.
“Did you hear something?” he asked.
“No, but I had an idea. I’ve got a first-aid kit in the back of the rental car. Sometimes they include gloves. Maybe we could fill one with water and cut off the tip.”
Mike doubted it, but, hell, at this point it wouldn’t hurt to try. “Good idea,” he said. “Why don’t you go get it while I check if anyone’s seen his momma.”
“Sure thing.” Her cheeks were pink, her eyes shining. This woman in no way reminded him of that shy, gawky teenager who’d always walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. She wasn’t just pretty, she looked happy and alive.
Chip called to tell him The Rocking J had sent out a couple men to find the momma, and Mike asked him to bring his ATV to the creek. Dude would be happy he didn’t have to give the calf a lift again.
Savannah was back two minutes later. “Here,” she said, holding the sealed bag of powder-free medical-grade gloves. “How should we do this?”
“First, let’s get him closer to the water. Maybe the scent will stimulate his saliva.”
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Debbi Rawlins
Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!Mike Burnett is the one good memory Savannah James has of living in Blackfoot Falls, Montana. His gentle smile was the only kindness she knew before she left town under a cloud of scandal. Years later, the quiet cowboy is also the only one who recognizes her. Savannah’s torn between wanting to hide her past and wanting to show everyone who she’s become.For Mike, Savannah’s history isn’t as important as who she is now. And he can’t understand why such a beautiful and successful woman thinks she needs to prove herself. He wants to believe they could have future…if only she doesn’t let the past keep them apart.
Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!
Mike Burnett is the one good memory Savannah James has of living in Blackfoot Falls, Montana. His gentle smile was the only kindness she knew before she left town under a cloud of scandal. Years later, the quiet cowboy is also the only one who recognizes her. Savannah’s torn between wanting to hide her past and wanting to show everyone who she’s become.
For Mike, Savannah’s history isn’t as important as who she is now. And he can’t understand why such a beautiful and successful woman thinks she needs to prove herself. He wants to believe they could have a future...if only she doesn’t let the past keep them apart.
DEBBI RAWLINS grew up on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, but always loved Western movies and books. When she was twelve she spent the summer on the Big Island of Hawaii, and had the dubious honor of being thrown off her first horse. A year later, minutes before a parade started down her street, she managed to find the most skittish horse in the lineup and...you can probably guess the rest.
These days, sixty-five-plus books later, she lives on four acres in gorgeous rural Utah surrounded by dogs, cats, goats, chickens and free-range cattle who just love taking down her fence every couple years.
Also By Debbi Rawlins (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Made in Montana
Stealing the Cowboy’s Heart
Made in Montana
Alone with You
Need You Now
Behind Closed Doors
Anywhere with You
Come On Over
This Kiss
Come Closer, Cowboy
Wild for You
Hot Winter Nights
Sizzling Summer Nights
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Her Cowboy Reunion
Debbi Rawlins
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
ISBN: 978-1-474-08094-1
HER COWBOY REUNION
© 2018 Debbi Quattrone
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.
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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
“Can I ask you a quick question?”
This was it.
Savannah was an idiot. Why would she get off that easily? “Okay.”
“Have we met before?”
“No,” she said, and even managed a smile. “I don’t see how.”
“You’re not from around here?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
“It’s not a line. You really do look familiar.”
She shrugged. “I get that a lot.”
Mike frowned. “I can’t see why,” he said, his gaze roaming over her face, lingering on her mouth. “I’m Mike, by the way.”
“Savannah.” She used her middle name these days, so that should have thrown him. But now he was studying her even closer. “Well, I’d better get back to the table. I promise not to bulldoze over you again.”
“No worries. I’m tough,” he said with a dazzling smile. It disappeared in the next instant. “I know where I’ve seen you—”
Dear Reader (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9),
Mike Burnett, the hero of this book, has been on my mind for a long time. The Made in Montana series began in Blaze, and Mike was first mentioned in Behind Closed Doors. He did some carpentry work for the heroine in that story, and that might have been it. But he stuck with me. Honorable, reliable, handsome, he kept popping into my thoughts, but I wasn’t finding the perfect heroine for him. Then he showed up in Come Closer, Cowboy, and would have asked the heroine out, but she was already taken. Mike not only stayed with me, but I was getting worried. He needed someone really special.
Then came Savannah James, along with a great deal of relief. I could stop worrying. No one could be more perfect for him, just like he was for Savannah. Mike had known her as a shy, quiet girl who’d been dealt a harsh blow. Hadn’t seen her in years, but when she showed up in Blackfoot Falls, he recognized her right off, and, oh, boy, she remembered him. I’m so pleased to have finally found the perfect woman that a man like Mike deserves...and Savannah is one lucky lady.
Hope you enjoy their story!
All my best,
Debbi Rawlins
Contents
Cover (#u0d996852-c1f9-5dcd-a3f7-205b2fb0d9fa)
Back Cover Text (#u995fe22a-defb-559e-93c0-01a40773d615)
About the Author (#ub005de19-925e-5e0c-b9d4-5764753a01bb)
Booklist (#u0b608b7e-780e-5bdd-aaae-90a6eeff4678)
Title Page (#ub8564711-0e32-54fb-8315-3c2936dd5a43)
Copyright (#ue3f15d70-bd6d-56bd-b33a-e3d8355ef55d)
Introduction (#u1d1962fc-5670-502b-a178-f56e52e599d5)
Dear Reader (#ud62e0276-ba22-5be0-a69d-835880d191a4)
Chapter One (#ue711a31d-e46e-554b-a035-6c1b0d1456af)
Chapter Two (#u7734f189-39f9-58cc-baae-505c65db1e32)
Chapter Three (#u51253fda-0f76-5567-acb0-5efb86256fcc)
Chapter Four (#ud9bda65b-0aee-5d1b-a76f-86dcc2b91ce9)
Chapter Five (#ud5bafdc9-1b03-5571-a544-08eb7d6f178e)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Elizabeth Savannah James sat in her rental car outside the motel. Somewhere between Denver and Blackfoot Falls, she’d gotten cold feet. Terrified someone would recognize her. Worried her boss would discover she’d been less than truthful.
Well, too bad.
Now wasn’t the time to go into a meltdown, she thought as she drew in the clean mountain air.
The whole idea that she was starting to panic was ridiculous, considering it was her choice to come to this small cow town. In fact, she’d lobbied hard for this assignment. No one would remember her or even give her a second look. She’d left Montana at fourteen, and before that she’d been homeschooled and rarely ventured far from her family’s cabin. If not for the explosive chain of events that had led to her and her mom fleeing town, Savannah figured most people would barely have been aware of her existence.
That final week, though...
She shuddered.
The scandal had reached every tiny, dark corner of the community and rocked it to its core. But then, her mom had committed one of the most unforgivable sins known to mankind. Or at least to every woman who lived within a hundred miles of Blackfoot Falls. And she hadn’t done it just once.
So, after receiving a notice from the bank, they’d packed as much as they could into her mom’s shabby two-door compact and then sneaked off sometime before morning light. The little rattletrap had the loudest muffler. Savannah remembered squeezing her eyes shut and covering her ears with both hands until they’d gotten miles away from Blackfoot Falls and all the evil glares.
To a shy, introverted teenager, it had felt as if all eyes were on her, as if every person in the county despised her, and all she’d wanted to do was run as fast as she could.
That fateful day had occurred quite literally half a lifetime ago. Now, at twenty-eight, she looked completely different. Her mousy brown hair was honey blond now, she’d lost the extra ten pounds of baby fat ages ago and she didn’t answer to Elizabeth any longer. But best of all, she was successful and enjoying a career she loved.
Just as long as her boss never found out she’d lied. Not outright, but by omission. Porter Burke International had a sterling reputation. No other company was better at community branding and development. That’s why Sadie Thompson, the mayor of Blackfoot Falls, had hired them to find a way to attract more tourists.
But first Savannah and her small team of secret shoppers needed to get a fresh take on the place. Playing tourists, they would check into the motel and inn, eat in the restaurants, drink in the bars, shop in the stores and generally partake of everything the town had to offer. Their undercover operation would last five days, and then they’d give a presentation to go over their assessment and suggestions.
A knock on the car window made her jump.
Dammit.
Ron opened her door. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“What do you mean?”
“Did you just get here? Have you driven down Main Street yet?”
Savannah sighed. “Where’s Nina? Didn’t you two come together?”
“She’s checking in at the Boarding House on the other end of town.”
“Wait a minute—”
“Move your head an inch to the left. You can probably see it from here,” he said, his sarcasm grating on her nerves. “Talk about a one-horse town...it’s maybe seven blocks long. They don’t even have a traffic light.”
“Why aren’t you with her? You should be checking in together.” They were supposed to be posing as an engaged couple.
“This is ridiculous. Three of us stuck out here for a week? Hell, we could’ve wrapped this up in a day.”
“If you’d read your prep sheet, you’d know that Hollywood has taken an interest in the area. They’ve been shooting films and TV miniseries all around here.” She glanced toward the breathtaking snowcapped Rockies in the distance. They looked as if they’d sprung up in the town’s backyard. “Plus, the crews left behind a number of movie sets, and the town council is trying to decide how best to use them.”
Ron gave her an annoying smirk.
With his dark hair and hazel eyes, Savannah had once considered him a good-looking man. He could also be charming when he wanted. Or he could be a first-class jerk.
“Are you going to just stand there?” The door remained slightly ajar, and when he didn’t respond she considered giving it a push. He was a notorious hound dog. Putting him out of commission for a while would make many women in the office happy. How he’d managed to hold on to his job, she’d never know. “Move,” she said, oh so tempted. “Please.”
“What’s it been, two years since you’ve been out in the field?” he said, finally stepping back. “Bet you’re sorry you chose this assignment.”
Ignoring him, she grabbed her purse and key fob and checked to make sure the car’s license plate number was included in case the desk clerk asked for it.
“Ah, I get it,” he said. “You wanted to get me alone.”
“Yeah, that’s right.” She swung her legs out of the car and stood. In her heeled boots, she had an inch on him...which she liked. “How did you end up here?” At the last minute he’d replaced Duncan, who Savannah had requested to be part of the team. She never would’ve asked for Ron. “I thought you were headed to New Orleans.”
“I pulled a few strings.”
Frowning, she popped the trunk and went around to get her bags. “That doesn’t make sense...”
Ron quickly lost the cocky grin and shrugged. “I wanted a shorter gig.”
He looked as though he was holding something back, which made Savannah nervous. Of all the assignments, she couldn’t have this one go sideways. He’d asked her out a couple times, and she’d politely declined. It had been a while, and everything had been fine between them, especially since she worked in the Denver office and he was usually on the road.
But God help him if he stuck one toe over the line. A nasty thought had her biting down on her lip. Wouldn’t Ron just die if he knew she’d started seeing Porter Burke two months ago? She wouldn’t say, of course, but just imagining the shock on his face brought her a moment’s satisfaction.
He beat her to the bags, grabbing both of them.
“Thank you, Ron,” she said, trying to keep her tone pleasant. “But I’ve got it. You really should go catch up with Nina.”
“Change of plans,” he said, heading toward the motel entrance.
“What do you mean?” she asked, hurrying to keep up with him.
“I’m staying here, too.”
“What? Wait. Duncan booked two rooms over at—”
“I changed the reservations.”
“What do you mean you changed them? Without consulting me?”
They reached the door and he stepped back, exchanging a smile with an older woman exiting the building. It gave Savannah a minute to settle down and get her temper under control. She wanted to kill him, but instead she’d just maim him for life.
A couple was sorting through brochures in the lobby, which was small enough that it would be difficult for Savannah not to be overheard. A woman standing behind the front desk greeted them. Ron gave her a big smile, stepped up and set down the bags.
This was starting out just great. Ten crummy seconds. That was all Savannah would’ve needed to drag Ron back out to the parking lot without causing a scene.
“We’re checking in,” Ron said. “I believe you have our reservation. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Carver.”
Savannah gaped at him, too stunned to say anything.
“Yes, we’ve been expecting you.” The woman—Patty, according to her name tag—transferred her attention to a monitor screen. “Oh, and congratulations. I see you called this morning and requested a honeymoon suite—”
“What? No. That’s a mistake.” Savannah quietly cleared her throat as she tried to regain her wits. The woman looked confused. “We aren’t really married. Not yet.” Forcing a smile, Savannah elbowed Ron. “Quit being so impatient.”
“Come on, honey. Don’t be—”
“We need two rooms.”
“Well, to be honest, we don’t have anything like a honeymoon suite. But let’s see what we do have...” Patty returned her gaze to the monitor. “How about a connecting—”
“No. Nothing connecting either.” Savannah didn’t trust herself to even look at Ron. “In fact, a different floor would be preferable.”
“Savannah, honey...”
She pushed his arm away from her shoulders. “Actually, I’m still pretty upset with you from that last little stunt you pulled.” The heel of her boot found his big toe. She didn’t step down too hard.
Ron whimpered.
Oh, well maybe it was a tiny bit harder than she’d intended.
“I’m sorry, Patty.” Savannah found it wasn’t as difficult to smile this time. “I didn’t mean to include you in our little tiff. Now, about my room?”
“No problem.” The woman hid her amusement as well as Savannah hid her satisfaction over inflicting pain on the stupid bastard.
And she was in no way finished with him. Maiming was now officially off the table. Another cute move and she was going for the jugular.
She had to be careful, though. In their line of work, attracting too much attention sometimes ended with them giving themselves away. The town was a legitimate client paying for Porter Burke’s services. The team had to give it their best effort.
Savannah hadn’t once forgotten how much she had at stake here.
Life had been good to her these last six years. She had just about everything she could want and certainly more than she’d ever dreamed possible, given her background. But some elusive piece seemed to be missing, and she couldn’t shake the feeling Blackfoot Falls might be the key.
The whole point of coming back to her childhood home was to get some closure. Being run out of town had been traumatic, and she’d had nightmares, plenty of them, for years. Now she’d see it all from an adult’s perspective instead of a hormonal teen’s.
This quest was one of completion, a symbolic way of locking the past behind her, so she could finally, unequivocally feel like the woman she appeared to be. Content, successful and capable of creating the life she wanted.
Now, if she could just figure out a way to get rid of Ron.
* * *
MIKE BURNETT SWUNG into the saddle and pulled up the collar of his jacket against the chilly October air. The sun had already dropped behind the snowcapped peaks to the west, so he didn’t need to check the time to know he was running late. He’d hoped to be home well before sundown.
Maybe he was wrong about the calf straying this far. He thought he’d caught a glimpse of the little hellion in the brush, but it must’ve been a coyote.
After taking a final look around, he started down the ridge, scouring the overgrown sage while keeping Dude at a slow walk. As they approached the clearing, the gelding sniffed the air. His nostrils flaring, he danced impatiently, waiting for a signal.
Mike knew what was coming. “It’s getting cold. Any chance I can talk you out of this?” he said, leaning forward and stroking the bay’s neck. “Huh, you big baby?”
Dude decided that was permission enough and galloped toward the trees. They skirted a trio of pines, leaped over a fallen branch, raced past a grove of cottonwoods and then splashed across the creek. Mike could’ve done without that part of the ritual, but he’d had the bay for five years now and he liked that Dude still had the playfulness of a colt.
Besides, even in the cold, Mike still got a rush riding like the wind. He wasn’t sure which one of them liked the exercise better.
After his own excitement leveled off, it was obvious Dude still needed to burn off some energy, and Mike didn’t have the heart to slow him down. Together, they raced across the field, through the tall grass, until the barn came into view.
Chip, the part-timer he’d hired last spring, apparently hadn’t left yet. His sorry old green pickup was still parked in the driveway. He was a good kid, still finding his way at the ripe old age of twenty-two, but he had a strong back and never complained about the work.
Right behind Chip’s truck was a newer black crew cab that Mike didn’t recognize. Course, there were about twenty trucks in the county that fit the same description.
Probably belonged to Victor or another friend of his parents who had come to see them before they left to spend the winter in Florida. For years they’d waited until after Thanksgiving to go stay with his sister, Lauren, and the grandkids and then returned by mid-April. But now all it took was the first dip in temperature to get them packing up their small trailer.
Mike wouldn’t be surprised if they told him they were leaving Montana for good. His dad didn’t need to be out in the cold dawn hours feeding the animals, what with his arthritis. Mike had taken over most of the chores, although his dad still managed to ride his old chestnut during the warmer months.
Chip walked out of the barn just as Mike rode up. “Hey, your mom was looking for you.” Chip glanced toward the house. “I think she wanted to catch you outside. I can take Dude.”
“Thanks.” Mike dismounted, wondering why the secrecy. “Whose truck?”
“Some old guy named Lawrence. I don’t know him, but I seen him before...over by Twin Creeks.”
“Ah.” Mike had a bad feeling Lawrence was here to speak with him. “What are you still doing here? I figured you’d be at the Watering Hole by now.”
Snorting, he took the reins. “I ain’t setting foot in that place ever again. Those friggin’ pool sharks from the Circle K hustled me out of fifty bucks and a round of beer.”
“Never again, huh?”
Chip shrugged. “Or until next payday,” he said, chuckling. “Gotta win my money back so I can buy my girl a ring. Hey, I heard you’re pretty good.”
“I don’t know who told you that. I hold my own, but that’s it.”
“If you aren’t doing anything tomorrow night, how about meeting me at the Full Moon? Maybe give me a few pointers? I’m buying.”
Mike laughed. “You just said you were staying away from the game.”
“Not from pool, just those Circle K crooks. And they stick to the Watering Hole.”
Mike hadn’t had a night out in a while. Probably do him some good. Especially with his folks gone. The house was going to be too quiet for the first few days. “Yeah, I just might do that. I’ll even spring for the beer.”
“Sweet.” Chip tugged on the reins. “Come on, boy. I see he let you go swimming again.”
Mike took off his Stetson and ran a hand through his hair as he turned toward the house. Before he could take another step, he heard the kitchen door squeak open. Time to oil the hinges again. The old log-and-stone house, which had been built by his granddad, needed some attention. Thankfully, Mike had the money to make the more urgent repairs over the slower winter months.
“Hey, Mom. Chip said you—”
She motioned for him to keep his voice down as she hurried toward him wearing her usual jeans and flannel shirt but no jacket. He was a good fifteen yards from the house and the windows were all shut tight. No one inside would overhear them. But he wasn’t going to argue, if she’d even give him a second to get a word in.
At sixty-three years young and only five foot two, Rosemary Burnett was trim and energetic, and boy could she move when she put her mind to it. Probably didn’t realize she was still wearing her fuzzy pink house slippers.
After a quick glance over her shoulder, she veered left and gestured for him to follow her to the barn.
They met just inside, out of view. “What’s all the cloak-and-dagger about?”
“Lawrence Peabody is here,” she said, her face flushed.
“Okay.”
“Claims he heard we’re leaving in the morning and stopped to say goodbye. Now, when has that stingy old goat ever given your dad and me a second thought? Huh?”
Mike couldn’t argue there.
“First thing out of his mouth was to ask where you were and what time you’d be back.” She ducked her head to look past him toward the house. “If I were you, I’d climb right back on Dude and take off.”
Mike smiled. The thought had occurred to him. “Maybe it’s not what we think.”
“Of course it is, Michael. Didn’t you hear? He’s expanding his sundry store over in Twin Creeks, and there’s talk he’s buying the old drive-through in Blackfoot Falls and making it into a restaurant. I bet you dollars to doughnuts he wants you to do carpentry work for him.”
“If he asks, I’ll explain I’m too busy.”
She reached up and cradled his left cheek with a motherly hand. “Will you, honey?”
“Winter might be a slow time, but I’ve got a lot of repairs to make around the house and barn.”
“I understand why it’s hard for you to say no to some of these folks. Lord knows what we would’ve done without the money you brought in during those lean years. Most folks could’ve waited to get their repairs done, but they called out of the kindness of their hearts. We both know Lawrence Peabody wasn’t one of them.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” He meant it. Mike felt no obligation to the man who had taken advantage of the Burnetts’ situation.
Like most everyone in the ranching community, Mike and his family had struggled for a while. The recession had hit the whole country hard. But friends and neighbors had really stepped up, hiring him to do anything from minor repairs to remodeling work on kitchens.
Only one person had haggled him down to a ridiculously low price: Lawrence Peabody. So, no, Mike wasn’t about to do any more work for the man.
Ultimately the family and the ranch had survived, and they were doing well now. They’d increased the herd to seven hundred head, which kept him damn busy. In fact, he’d decided to talk to his dad about offering Chip full-time work. They could afford it now and still be able to hire seasonal help.
“Well, I’d better hurry back inside before Lawrence catches on that I warned you.” She started to leave, noticed her house slippers and sighed. “I’ll chase him out in a bit. We still have some packing to do.”
“No need to do anything on my account. I have no problem telling him no. What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Before the rooster crows. You know your father.” She took a few steps and stopped. “I’m sorry we’re leaving you here alone for Thanksgiving, Michael. I really—”
“Don’t give it another thought. The cold is getting harder on Dad. I’m glad you’re leaving now.” It seemed like the perfect time to ask if she thought they might do better living in a warmer climate. But the sad smile that lifted the corners of her mouth stopped him.
“You should come to Florida for Christmas. Your sister and the kids miss you. Little Jared is getting so big, you won’t believe it when you see him.”
“Well, I’ve got fences to mend before I can even get to the house repairs—”
“It’s not fair, son.” She blinked, tears bringing a sheen to her eyes. “So much of the burden has rested on your shoulders. But I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Come on, Mom.” He put an arm around her, aware that he’d just gotten his answer. “I wouldn’t want to be anyplace else but right here. I love ranching, you know that.”
“Good thing. I’m just plain too old to have more sons,” she said with that wry sense of humor they shared.
Mike laughed. “Look, about Florida, we’ll see. I just might surprise you.”
“Better yet, I wish you’d find a girl,” she said. “A nice young woman who understands what it means to live on a ranch and work outside come rain or shine.” She squinted at him. “Oh, don’t you give me that look. I know you want that, too.”
He didn’t bother to deny it. Now that things had settled back to normal and he could actually make a decent living, he figured it was time to find the right woman. Didn’t mean he’d hold his breath, though.
Chapter Two (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
The Full Moon Saloon looked like the place to be. Only seven thirty on a weeknight and it was hopping. Mostly locals, from what Savannah could tell as she and Ron searched for a table.
Nina was already sitting at the bar and being chatted up by a cowboy. She didn’t look too put out by the attention, or by the loud jukebox blaring country music several feet from her. Though if it drowned Ron out, Savannah wouldn’t complain. They’d been in town only one day, and she’d had it with him. Maybe it was time for them to have a big public argument so she could call off the engagement. Send him back to Denver without anyone at the motel getting too nosy.
Just thinking of the possibility was enough to cheer her up. In fact, she’d misjudged the scope of the job. They’d never had a small town client before, and it really didn’t require three people. He’d claimed he wanted a shorter assignment. Maybe she could find a way to justify sending him back early.
The place hadn’t grown much. To an isolated teenage girl, Blackfoot Falls had seemed much bigger and more exciting. And maybe it had shone a little brighter years ago. But so many shops on Main Street had closed during the economic crunch. The mayor wanted to give reluctant would-be shop owners a little boost, convince them it was time to take another chance.
“Check it out,” Ron said, nodding at the stage and dance floor. “I wonder if they do the hokey pokey here. I bet they give lessons.”
“Don’t be an ass,” she muttered and then hurried to a table that had just been vacated.
She took the seat that gave her a good view of the bar and then kicked the leg of the other chair so Ron wouldn’t sit too close to her. Of course, he just dragged it closer.
“Sit across from me,” she said, just as the waitress squeezed through behind him. “You’re in the way.”
“We’re supposed to be engaged.”
Savannah glared at him, even though the woman probably hadn’t paid any attention at all. “You need to watch it.”
“Oh, I am.” Grinning, he slid his arm along the back of her chair. “I like that blouse. Did you wear it for me?”
So annoyed with him that she’d forgotten what she was wearing, she glanced down at the silky denim-like shirt. A gap offered a small peek of her pink bra. Sighing, she adjusted it, using the opportunity to dig her elbow into Ron’s ribs.
He just laughed. “Shouldn’t we be holding hands and making out or something?”
“Yeah, why don’t you try it?”
“What’s up with you, anyway?” He leaned back to look at her. “Every single woman in the office would go out with me in a minute. But not you, Miss High-and-Mighty.”
Unbelievable. “Why haven’t you gotten fired yet?” Savannah studied him. “That’s not a rhetorical question. I honestly want to know how you’ve managed to keep your job.”
“The clients love me.”
“Maybe,” she said grudgingly. “But don’t be so sure about the women in the office.”
His frown of disbelief was cut short when his phone signaled a text. Fine with her. She checked her own phone then scooted her chair several inches over and glanced around.
A few cowboys were playing pool in the back and trying to impress a group of women she guessed were from the Sundance dude ranch. She’d learned all about the place while getting a mani-pedi at the Cut and Curl earlier that day. Which was exactly what she’d hoped for. Even though she’d done her research and the mayor had given her a rundown, nothing beat the local beauty shop for getting the real feel of a town.
It had surprised Savannah that the McAllister family, who owned the Sundance, had gone the dude ranch route, since they were in the business of raising cattle. But the new venture had been wildly successful. So another ranch owner had followed their lead, while two smaller operations were thinking of opening B & Bs.
The waitress stopped at the table just as Ron put his phone away. “Sorry, folks. Hope you haven’t waited too long,” the brunette said with a friendly smile. “What can I get you?”
“Do you have champagne?”
“Oh, God, Ron, would you—” Savannah cut herself short when the woman glanced at her.
“Well, excuse me for wanting to toast my bride-to-be.” Ron shrugged, looking to the waitress for sympathy.
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” she said. “I’m sorry, we don’t have champagne. We do carry a couple of decent wines, though.”
“You’re right. That was very sweet.” Savannah forced a smile and touched Ron’s hand. “I’ll take a beer. Whatever you have on tap.”
The woman nodded and looked at Ron.
“Be right back,” Savannah said, withdrawing her hand and making a break for it before he could say anything.
She dug several bills out of her jeans pocket to get some change then leaned on the bar near the jukebox while she waited for the bartender to finish pouring a line of shots. Another hour with Ron and she was going to be ordering some of that tequila herself.
Nina was two bar stools away, still laughing it up with the long-haired cowboy. When she noticed Savannah, she said something to the guy, and he disappeared. Left his mug of beer, though, so he couldn’t have gone too far.
When Nina gave her a questioning look, Savannah realized her mistake. She’d only wanted to get away from Ron and to browse the jukebox selections. Hopefully find something that wasn’t country. But now Nina thought Savannah was trying to get her attention.
The bartender glanced over at her. “Be with you in a minute,” she called out from halfway down the bar.
“Take your time,” Savannah replied. “And I mean that with all my heart.” She smiled at Nina. “My fiancé is driving me nuts. So I’m ditching him for a while.”
“Ah.” Nina dialed down her grin. “Well, if you’re only at the engagement stage, there’s still time.”
“Don’t I wish.”
“My heart goes out to you.”
“Thanks.” Savannah laughed and peered down the row of customers sitting on the stools. Mostly cowboys in their twenties and thirties. Nobody she recognized, but she really didn’t expect to see anyone she would remember. Or who would remember her.
Earlier, at the diner, she’d bumped into an older woman who looked familiar, and that had put Savannah on edge. But it was just nerves, which she suspected had more to do with Ron and how he seemed to be shadowing her every move.
“Are you visiting?” Nina asked, just as the bartender was approaching.
Savannah nodded. “You?”
“Yep. I’m from Nebraska. On my way to Glacier National Park.”
“Traveling alone?” Savannah asked conversationally.
“Yep.”
The bartender smiled at Savannah. “What can I get you?”
“Change for the jukebox, please.”
“You got it.” She opened the register and glanced at the dollar bills Savannah laid on the counter before she started digging out quarters. “Couldn’t help overhearing,” she said. “For what it’s worth, men outnumber women two to one in this county.”
“Wow.” Nina’s eyes lit up. “Good to know.”
“Yeah, lucky you. Hey, my fiancé is pretty good-looking,” Savannah said, as the bartender dropped the coins in her palm. “I’ll trade you.”
Both women grinned.
A waitress called out, “Mallory,” and the blonde bartender gave her a nod. “You guys need anything else, let me know,” she said, slapping the bar before heading off.
“You knew that, didn’t you?” Savannah murmured. “That’s why you stuck me with Ron.”
Nina laughed. “Nope. That switch was all his idea.”
Savannah sighed. Even so, Nina should’ve cleared it with her first. “I’d better get back before he comes over and bothers me.”
She swung around and ran right into a wall of hard, solid male. Her breath left her in a whoosh, and she stumbled back against the bar with a fair amount of force.
A hand shot out to steady her. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Are you okay?”
“Fine.” She brushed the hair away from her warm cheeks. The bar had to be made of solid oak. She’d hit it at an odd angle, and it would probably leave a bruise, but she was more embarrassed than anything else.
“Did I hurt you?” He eased his grip on her arm and lowered his hand.
“It wasn’t your fault, it was mine.” She finally looked up at his face. Classically handsome. Dark hair, cut short. Dark eyes. Tall...
Oh, God. She knew him.
Mike something. His family had owned a ranch about three miles from where she’d lived in that run-down cabin. They hadn’t actually spoken...he was older, but he’d always waved when he saw her walking to the creek, where she used to hide out, anxious to get away from her parents’ endless arguments until her dad had finally left.
One time, Mike had even offered her a ride in his truck. Savannah had always had a book with her. That day, though, she’d been carrying three heavy hardbacks and enough snacks to last her a week. Just in case she had gotten brave enough to run away. It was the only time she’d seen him up close. She remembered because she’d thought he had kind eyes.
Burnett. That was his last name.
Nina touched her arm. “Are you okay?” she asked, clearly concerned.
“What?” Savannah blinked at her. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her gaze went back to Mike. “How about you?”
His mouth quirked up a little at the corners. “Right as rain.”
“Good. Okay.” She swallowed at the way he was staring at her. Didn’t mean he recognized her. He probably just thought she was some crazy woman. “Again, I’m so sorry,” she said, stepping around him and then hurrying to the table.
“What the hell was that about?” Ron asked.
“Nothing. I wasn’t paying attention and plowed into that guy.”
Ron frowned. “So why were you staring at each other?”
“I—I don’t know. I was in shock.” She touched her side, which barely hurt. “Plus I think I bruised my ribs.”
“Want me to have a look?”
“Gee, how kind of you to offer.” She turned away from his boorish grin. And sneaked another peek at Mike.
He picked up a mug of beer the bartender had just slid over to him and then carried it into the back room. Even if Savannah hadn’t seen him up close, she would’ve recognized his loose, easy stride. It was pretty amazing, the things that had stuck with her. The smell of the first day at the public school. The sound of the creek near the cabin. The way the kids had stared at her that awful day. And the kindness of her neighbor.
“Did you hear me?”
Savannah had vaguely heard him say something about Kalispell. “What about it?” she said, starting to pick up the beer the waitress had left. Only then did she realize she was still clutching the handful of quarters. “Oh, damn. I forgot to choose some songs.”
Her heart picked up speed. From here she couldn’t see Mike. But from the jukebox she’d have a great view of the back room. The thought worried her. If anything, she should be staying clear of him. Just in case...
“Come on, you don’t really want to stick around. There’s gotta be a lot more happening in Kalispell than this hick town.”
“But their mayor didn’t hire us, did he?” She should’ve lowered her voice. “You know what? You’re right.” She reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out the rental key. “Go. Have a good time. I’ll team up with Nina.”
“Ah, you’re anxious to get rid of me.” He took the keys, raising his right eyebrow at her. “So you two can pick up all the cowboys you want.”
“Don’t be an idiot.”
Ron glanced toward the back room. “We’re supposed to be the happily engaged couple,” he said, returning his arm to the back of her chair and leaning close. “What would people think?”
“Okay, I was wrong about the town and our approach. Is that what you wanted to hear? We don’t need to see how they roll out the carpet for a special occasion. This isn’t that kind of getaway. So feel free to hit Kalispell. On the company’s dime.” At this point, Savannah would gladly pay his expenses out of her own pocket. “Stay a few days, write up something that relates to Blackfoot Falls and I’ll take care of it from there.”
Ron studied her for a long, unnerving moment. “Nah, I kind of like this arrangement,” he said, tightening his arm around her.
It took all of her willpower not to react. “Maybe you should go back to Denver. I’m sure there’s another assignment better suited to your taste.”
He shook his head. “Hicksville is starting to grow on me.”
Savannah reared back when it looked as if he might try to kiss her. “Don’t you dare. And if I hear Hicksville one more time, you are going back to Denver whether you like it or not.”
His mouth curved in a cocky smile. “Don’t let that supervisor title go to your head. The only reason I haven’t moved up the chain is because I don’t want the headache.”
She wondered if he resented her promotion—the one she’d worked hard for and totally deserved. “You’re being unprofessional. I don’t care if you think this job doesn’t matter or that no one will pay attention to your snide remarks. In a place like this? Everyone knows everything, and what they aren’t quite sure of, they’ll fill in with information that will fuel the best gossip. No matter who they harm or what they—” She stopped and took a breath when she saw how oddly he was looking at her. “Anyway, we don’t need our impression tainted or our recommendations not taken seriously.”
“That’s some insight,” he said in a slightly mocking tone. “How do you know so much about it? Where are you from?”
She rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows how small towns operate.” She picked up her mug before she mouthed off again.
As she took a sip, she saw Mike emerge from the back room, his gaze sweeping the bar and briefly lingering on her before he turned away.
Her stomach did a complete somersault.
Chapter Three (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Mike set his beer on the bar and smiled at the dark-haired woman sitting two stools away and eyeing him as he waited for Mallory. She didn’t look familiar, but the woman who’d bumped into him earlier sure did.
“Hey, it’s good to see you, Mike,” Mallory said as she walked up. “Sorry I couldn’t talk before. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Yep, been busy. So have you, I see.”
“Business is great. I’m only closed one day a week now. And that’s just for the sake of my sanity.”
“Glad to hear it.” Mike had gotten to know her a little when he’d done some carpentry work for her. He’d already quit doing side jobs by the time she’d moved to town, but he couldn’t say no. Frankly, had she been available, he would’ve asked her out. “Listen, the woman I almost ran over earlier, do you know her?”
Mallory glanced past him and shook her head. “I’ve never seen her before. Probably a tourist. She’s sitting with a guy, though.”
Mike smiled. “I was just curious. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her.”
“Ah.” She stared past him again. “Well, for what it’s worth, she might be sitting with the dude, but I’m guessing she’s not thrilled about it.”
Mike choked out a laugh. “Thanks. I’ll pass.” Picking up his mug, he stepped back, remembered what happened before and checked to see if he was clear.
The woman on the bar stool smiled. “What’s going on back there?” she asked with a glance toward the pool tables. “Anything interesting?”
“Besides pool, there’s darts and a mechanical bull.”
“Sounds fun.”
He looked at Mallory, who hadn’t strayed far and was wiping the counter. “Is the bull working?”
“Should be.”
The woman laughed. “I meant the pool. The bull...not so much.”
“If you want to play, you won’t have any trouble finding someone to go up against.” He hoped that didn’t sound like a brush-off, even though it was.
“I’m waiting for someone,” she said with a small shrug. “Maybe later.”
Mallory dropped the rag as Mike turned to leave. “Want another beer to take back with you?”
“Nah,” he said, holding up the half-full mug. “This should do me. I gotta get up early tomorrow.”
“Well, don’t be a stranger. Winter should slow you down some at the ranch.”
“You’re right.” Mike fought the urge to glance over at the blonde before he disappeared into the back. It wasn’t just that she was attractive. It was driving him nuts not being able to place her. But it was also obvious she wasn’t from Blackfoot Falls or anywhere nearby. She was most definitely a city woman. So not much chance he knew her at all.
Ah, hell.
He sneaked a look.
And damned if she wasn’t looking right back at him.
Trouble was, she wasn’t just sitting with the guy. They were so close to each other a stiff breeze couldn’t slip between them. Mallory was right, though. The woman didn’t look all that happy with the setup.
He headed back to the pool tables. Chip stood in the corner chalking his cue and frowning. “I was wondering where you were,” he said. “We’re up next.”
Mike set his beer down next to Chip’s mug on the ledge then picked up his own cue. “I haven’t played in a couple of years so don’t expect much.”
“Bet you’re still better than me.” Snorting, Chip downed half his beer in one pull.
“You drink like that when you play the Circle K boys?”
Chip’s sheepish expression was his answer. “How’s your pitching arm these days?”
“My what?”
“I heard about you,” Chip said. “You played ball in high school and in college, too. I ran into Kenny Edwards at the pawnshop the other day. When I told him I was working for you, he said he used to be your high-school coach.”
“That was a long time ago.” Mike watched a lanky young guy in a camo T-shirt sink two stripes on the break. His cocky grin wasn’t doing him any favors. Another tip for Chip—don’t get cocky, especially when booze is involved.
“Kenny said you should’ve gone pro. You were that good.”
“Yeah, well, Kenny’s wrong.”
“Wait,” Chip said. “Weren’t you scouted for a farm team? I can’t see Kenny lying about something like that.”
The other table had only four balls plus the eight ball left, and the two guys from the Lone Wolf seemed evenly matched. He and Chip would be up in a couple minutes. Sooner if the guys would quit showing off for the three women cooing words of encouragement.
They had to be tourists, sipping their fancy drinks and flirting shamelessly. Mike couldn’t listen to them or talk about baseball without thinking of Ellen. He’d known his ex-wife most of his life. Or at least, he thought he had. They’d married the summer after graduating from college. Turned out, though, being married to a professional ballplayer was more important to Ellen than being married to him.
“So? Did Kenny exaggerate?”
“No,” Mike said finally. “I could’ve played for the Billings Mustangs. Just like a whole lot of other guys.” In his heart, he’d known he didn’t have what it took to play pro ball. And it wasn’t as if he didn’t like ranching. Hell, it was in his blood.
Chip’s thick brows lowered into a frown. “A lot of guys? I don’t think so.”
“They’re only a farm team.”
“Yeah, for the Cincinnati Reds. Do you know how many major-league heavy hitters came out of farm teams? Most of ’em, probably.”
“Why are you bringing this up? It’s all history. You should be watching these guys and learning a few tricks.” Mike nodded at the kid in the camo T-shirt. “He’ll need to use inside English on this shot. If he does it well, the ball will curve right into the hole.”
After the shot—perfectly executed—he realized Chip was back to staring at him.
“You know,” Chip said, a hopeful gleam in his eyes. “Sometimes the Circle K guys play softball. How about if you—”
“Not interested.” Mike shook his head.
“Why not? Those guys are all young, probably about my age. They wouldn’t know about you playing baseball back in the day.”
Mike couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t imply I’m old if you want a favor.”
“So, you are thinking about it?”
“Softball isn’t even the same—” Mike saw the blonde walk up to the jukebox and completely forgot what he was going to say.
* * *
SAVANNAH SCANNED THE long list of songs. She hadn’t heard of most of them, but then she’d always been horrible at remembering titles. Or even knowing what they were in the first place. And frankly, she didn’t have time to listen to music. Work managed to eat up most of the hours in her day. During her commute to and from the office, she generally listened to self-help CDs. After all, no matter how much she loved her life and career, there was always room for improvement.
“Hey.”
Startled by Nina’s voice practically in her ear, Savannah turned on her with a glare. “What are you doing? We can’t suddenly be best friends.”
Nina gave her a funny look. “Jesus, you’ve been riding a desk too long. You really need to chill.”
Savannah supposed she might be letting paranoia mess with her head and then, worse, overreacting. “What is it?”
“That cowboy from earlier... I think the bartender called him Mike? He was asking her about you.”
Savannah’s heart nearly exploded. “Asking about what?”
“He wanted to know if she’d seen you before. Said he thought you looked familiar.”
Savannah leaned on the jukebox for support. This was bad. So, so bad.
“Obviously it was just a line,” Nina said, glancing over the song selection. “Oh, and he’s hot and I hate you.”
“Duly noted.” Somehow, Savannah managed to stay calm. “Why don’t you go after him?”
“I tried. He wasn’t interested.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Ron. But if I were you, I’d totally ditch his ass and go for the cowboy.”
They both laughed, and Savannah relaxed. Maybe Nina was right and it was just a line. The possibility that he could actually be attracted to her sent a little shiver down her spine.
But wait...he wouldn’t need to use a line with the bartender. Savannah circled back to worrying. Still, how could he remember a girl he’d never really known or had ever seen more than a dozen times from afar? Fourteen years ago?
Nina pointed to something on the jukebox. Savannah squinted to see what it was then realized Nina was covering up the fact that they’d lingered too long and for no apparent reason. No one was paying them any attention, but she’d get the third degree from Ron.
“I’d better scoot,” Nina whispered. Then in a louder voice as she backed away she said, “Thanks for letting me cut in with my song.”
“No problem.” Savannah shot a quick look in Ron’s direction before returning to the song list. He was still answering texts.
She’d chosen several songs, but she couldn’t for the life of her recall what they were. What she really wanted to do was check out the back room, but she knew she’d better wait until Mike left.
It was a tough call. Should she get it over with, see if he remembered her? Or try to avoid him? She wondered how often he came into town. All she really had to do was stay away from the two bars. Maybe the diner and steak house, too. And probably the Food Mart and variety store just to be safe. Definitely the hardware store but that one was easy.
Oh, hell. The town wasn’t all that big. Twenty-three hundred people in the whole county, most of them spread out on ranches and farms.
Should she or shouldn’t she?
Since she couldn’t decide, she figured the smart thing would be to leave. Ron had had one foot out the door from the minute they’d arrived. If she pleaded a headache and went to her room, he just might decide to hit Kalispell.
And she’d be left in peace to write up today’s notes. If she were to run into Mike again, at least she’d be more prepared.
Taking a step backward, she was struck with the temptation to steal a quick look at the pool players. All she had to do was turn her head to the right...just for a second...
She moved back another step and felt something directly behind her.
A deep rumbling laugh caressed her ears.
“We’ve gotta stop doing this.” It was Mike’s voice. His laugh. His hand touching her lower back.
Savannah whirled around.
He stood a couple feet away, holding his almost-empty mug aloft. Enough beer remained to have made a collision unpleasantly wet.
“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t look. Again.” She glanced helplessly at Nina, who arched a brow at her, clearly trying not to laugh.
“Excuse me,” another voice said from behind her. “Could I squeeze by to get to the jukebox?”
Savannah turned, and as she moved out of the way, smiled an apology at the woman trying to hold on to a fistful of quarters. When she switched her gaze to Mike, the intensity with which he was studying her jolted her back to the problem.
If she wanted to test the waters, now was the time.
But Nina was right there, not more than ten feet away now. And Ron...he could be charging toward them for all she knew.
Savannah turned her head and saw that he was still preoccupied with his phone. She inched around so that she wasn’t directly facing Nina.
“I’m usually not this oblivious,” she said, keeping her voice low and steady, even as her courage faltered. “I would really appreciate it if you’d let me pay for a refill.”
“I didn’t spill a drop,” he said with an easy smile. “But if you have the time, I’d like to buy you a drink.”
“Oh. No.” Her mouth went dry. “All I meant... I’d just—” She cleared her throat. “I’m with someone.” She glanced briefly toward Ron. “But I’d like to pay for your beer. You know, as an apology. That’s what I meant...”
His smile faded. “I understand,” he said, nodding slowly. “Can I ask you a quick question?”
This was it.
Savannah was an idiot. She wasn’t prepared, and there was nothing she could do but listen. “Okay.”
“Have we met before?”
Her chest actually hurt, though she didn’t think it was anything serious. Yeah, why would she get off that easily? “No,” she said, and even managed a smile. “I don’t see how.”
“You’re not from around here?”
“Nope.”
“Billings?”
She shook her head. “Denver.”
“It’s not a line. You really do look familiar.”
She shrugged. “I get that a lot.”
Mike frowned. “I can’t see why,” he said, his whiskey-brown gaze roaming over her face and lingering briefly on her mouth. “I’m Mike, by the way.”
“Savannah.” She’d gone by Elizabeth back then, if he’d known her name at all. Her middle name should throw him. “Well, I’d better get back to the table. I promise not to bulldoze over you again.”
“No worries. I’m tough,” he said with a dazzling smile. It disappeared in the next instant. “I know where I’ve seen you—you were that kid—” He cut himself short and, with a slight frown, searched her eyes.
Panic roiled in her stomach. She heard a whimper and, with a start, realized it had come from her. Unable to move, she stayed frozen in her tracks as she silently pleaded with him to not give her away.
“No,” he said after the longest ten seconds on record. “I was thinking of someone I met at the Denver stockyards a while back.” He moved to let someone pass. “Ever been there?”
She just shook her head.
“Sorry, my mistake.” With a quick smile, he shrugged and walked away.
Chapter Four (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
Savannah had slept in longer than she’d intended, so by the time she hit the continental breakfast in the lobby, the only thing left on the silver trays was a blueberry muffin and some kind of fruit Danish bearing the indent of someone’s finger.
Good thing she wasn’t all that hungry. She could smell the coffee, though. Before she made it to the cart with the silver urn, a woman came out from a room behind the desk.
“Looking for coffee?” she asked, and Savannah nodded. “I was just coming to check if I needed to make a fresh pot.”
“I’ll let you know in a second.”
“I’ll go on and get some started. It seems you got shortchanged,” the woman said, nodding at the table.
“I’m late.” Savannah grabbed a cup. “My fault, not yours.” She flipped the lever and watched the dark sludgy brew stream into the cup.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, I promise it’ll just take a minute.” The older woman’s updo was a ’60s-style beehive like the one Savannah had seen in pictures of her late grandmother. Glancing at the bowl of apples, the woman hustled back around the desk then paused at the door. “I have some oranges, if you’re interested.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll go see what they have at the bakery.”
“Well, I feel just terrible. You paid for a room same as everyone else. We should feed you breakfast.”
Savannah smiled. “Actually, I’m going over there for a latte. So, please, don’t worry about it.”
The woman darted a look at the glass door. “You know, your fiancé left about ten minutes ago. Maybe he went to get something to surprise you.”
Savannah frowned. She’d only spoken with Patty at the desk, and yet this woman knew Ron was her fiancé. Oh, great.
“We haven’t met. I’m Maxine.” She pointed to her name tag. “It’s Patty’s day off. She told me you had a handsome fiancé, and my word she didn’t do him justice at all. You’re very lucky,” she whispered, nodding sagely.
Savannah dug up a smile. “Yep, he’s a peach, all right.” She scanned what she could see of the parking lot. “Any chance you saw which way he went?”
“Hmm, well, he got in his car...”
Of course...he still had her key. “Okay, thanks, Maxine.”
“I’ll have fresh-made before you get back, hon.”
Savannah kept walking but waved an acknowledgment. As soon as she was outside, she remembered she needed money and glanced around as she patted the pockets of her jeans. Luckily, she found a crumpled five-dollar bill and some change.
Crossing the parking lot at a clip, Savannah headed toward the bakery. Two shops down was the steak house that had reopened in the last year. Halfway there, she felt the chill seeping in through the lightweight sweatshirt she’d thrown on just to grab coffee in the lobby. It was in no way adequate for a chilly fall morning.
They had quite a full schedule today. Nina had obtained a list of people who were turning portions of their ranches or bunkhouses into guest quarters, mostly in line with a B & B rather than a dude ranch. Savannah figured they could form a co-op in order to offer the same kind of activities that actual dude ranches provided. But she’d know more after she’d visited with them.
The brisk walk helped wake her up, but she was more than ready for a hazelnut latte by the time she opened the door to The Cake Whisperer. What she wasn’t ready for was a crowd. It seemed half the population of Blackfoot Falls had squeezed into the small bakery. The benches on the right were taken, as were the only two chairs. Standing a little too close together were dusty cowboys, a couple young moms, several older ladies...
...and Mike.
Wearing a Stetson, the brim pulled low, he stood off to the side, his head bowed toward an older woman as he listened to whatever she was telling him.
What on earth was he doing in town this early? Shouldn’t he be feeding horses or milking cows or something?
Savannah seriously thought about slipping back out. And she didn’t much care if he noticed.
“Oh, don’t be shy, honey.” A tiny white-haired lady caught Savannah’s arm with a surprising grip. “Not everyone’s in line. They’re just gossiping. You just step right on up here,” she said, tugging on Savannah.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll come back later.”
The door opened behind her, and three women crammed into the shop. They kept chatting, apparently unaware that they were literally breathing down the back of her neck.
“Is there a special on today?” Savannah muttered.
The white-haired lady chuckled. “Kylie,” she said, nodding at the woman reaching into the display case. “She’s the owner. She bought a fancy coffee machine, and now she’s got a bunch of us hooked on caramel lattes. Ever heard of them?”
“Um, actually, yes.” Between the scent of the coffee and the fresh-baked aroma of cinnamon and sugar, her stomach wasn’t all that pleased about leaving and let her know it. She risked a glance at Mike.
He was looking right at her.
Savannah sighed. On top of really not wanting to engage with him, she probably looked like crap, since she hadn’t intended to go beyond the motel lobby.
It wasn’t too late to make a getaway.
“Excuse me,” she said, pulling back her arm. “I really don’t have time to wait.”
The woman blinked. “Aren’t you visiting?”
“Yes,” she said, glancing over her shoulder so she wouldn’t run someone over. That hadn’t gone so well last night.
“Well, honey, you shouldn’t be in such a hurry. I’m Eunice. What’s your name?”
“Savannah, but I’m not on vacation. And honestly, I don’t mean to be rude...” she said, inching backward.
The door opened again just as a young girl slipped past her to leave. One customer down as two more entered.
A big, burly cowboy nodded at her. His younger sidekick just stared, his cheeks turning a little pink when someone jostled her and she pressed against him.
“Okay, everyone, this is ridiculous.” The owner had straightened and was surveying the crowd while another woman operated the espresso machine, not once looking up. “Anyone who’s already gotten their order, please step outside and give everyone else room.”
“It’s chilly out there,” came a voice from the front.
“You need to expand, Kylie,” someone else said.
“I’m working on it.” She handed over a white box and some change. “In the meantime, I don’t want to get fined for having too many customers in here.”
“Who’s gonna do that? Grace?”
“Yes, Grace or one of her deputies. There are fire laws about occupancy, and I’m over the limit. So, please...”
Savannah would be happy to comply if they’d let her through. “Excuse me,” she said to the two men, motioning with her hand for them to give her a clear path.
“Okay, everyone.” Mike’s voice rose above the murmurs. Except he wasn’t standing off to the side anymore. He’d moved closer to her. “Kylie’s right. This isn’t safe. And it’s not fair to people who haven’t been waited on yet. So, come on...it’s not going to kill anyone to step outside.”
After a chorus of grumbling, people started to move toward the door. Savannah made it onto the sidewalk. But she’d barely had time for a sigh of relief when Mike appeared next to her.
“Hey, it shouldn’t be a long wait,” he said. “Some folks just want a doughnut.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked. “Don’t you have hogs to slop? Feed to pitch? Cows to milk?”
He choked out a laugh. “I think you have me confused with someone else.”
“Well, aren’t those the kind of things people do on ranches?”
“Some, I suppose. Assuming they have milk cows and hogs.”
“Oh. Right,” she said, backing away and feeling like a complete dope. “Well, nice seeing you again.”
“Hey, look, I just wanted to say that if I made you uncomfortable last night, I’m sorry.”
“No, no,” she said. “It’s totally fine. You mistook me for someone else. We’ve all done that at one time or another...”
His brows drew together. Something in his expression began to chip away at her confidence. She’d hoped he hadn’t recognized her for certain, but maybe she hadn’t fooled him.
Was he expecting her to come clean? Confess that she was, in fact, Elizabeth Savannah Riley? She was Savannah James now. She’d legally changed her last name to her mom and stepfather’s when she was sixteen.
She shouldn’t worry he’d say anything untoward though. He’d certainly been discreet last night. “I’m sorry, I’m just... I have a lot to do today.” She looked behind her then took another step back.
“Right. Sightseeing.”
She smiled and nodded.
“You should go have a look at the creek. It’s risen in the last couple of years, with the heavy winters.”
Her stomach lurched. Did he mean her creek? The one where she’d spent half her childhood? He hadn’t been specific. More evidence he knew exactly who she was?
“I’ll see you soon, I’m sure,” she said, then turned, refraining from darting across the street so it wouldn’t seem as if she was running from him. Even though he couldn’t think anything else.
Why on earth had she put herself in this situation? Everything could blow up in her face, and it would be her own fault. Why had she thought it would be quick and simple to slip in and out of town and put the old haunting memories to bed for good, without anyone being the wiser?
Now she had to depend on Mike not outing her. He’d already proved himself, but her ditching him like a bad date might turn that around, and then where would she be?
This was the perfect time to figure out how deep a hole she’d dug for herself. Do some damage control. She wouldn’t dare acknowledge Mike when she was with Ron or Nina. They’d want an explanation that could cost her dearly. Worse, it could cost the company this job and damage its reputation.
Savannah turned around and headed back to the bakery, hoping he was still there. A gray truck was coming toward her. As it got closer, she saw Mike behind the wheel. He slowed down and lowered the passenger-side window.
“Can I offer you a lift?” he asked, despite the fact they were now headed in opposite directions.
“No thanks,” she said, but she found herself hopping in anyway. Guess she needed a bit more calm.
He rubbed his jaw and laughed.
“I know. Ignore me,” she said, and managed a slight smile. “We need to talk.”
He drove a short way then pulled over to the curb. “Okay. Shoot. I assume this has something to do with your fiancé?”
Her face got hot, and it was hard to look at Mike without blurting out every last thing. Of course he knew about Ron. He’d known it last night. “That’s not the only thing,” she said, then worked up the nerve to meet his eyes. “I don’t want anyone to know who I am. I’m frankly shocked you recognized me. It was so long ago.”
“I’ll admit, you’ve changed. I wasn’t sure at first.”
“You were very kind last night. I didn’t even realize how kind until this morning. I appreciate it. And honestly, I’d like to explain why I’m here, but it’s kind of complicated.”
“Hey, it’s nobody’s business why you’re here, including mine,” he said, shrugging. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”
He wouldn’t. She knew it. Even though curiosity was alive in his gaze. It was so tempting to spill it all. To let him know that Ron wasn’t her fiancé, far from it. Mike had to remember exactly what had chased her and her mom out of town. She’d had so few interactions with the people in Blackfoot Falls—a rare lunch at the diner, some trips to the market and then getting to attend school, which had seemed like a miracle but had ended up a public disaster. Mike had always been nice, though.
It would feel good to explain why she was here, that it was for her job. That she’d overcome her unfortunate past and made something of herself.
“Savannah?”
What was she thinking? She couldn’t admit any of that. Not yet. After she gave the presentation, then maybe. In the meantime, she needed to keep her head down, stay focused on the job. And not be sitting in his truck for everyone to see. Jeez. Talk about stirring the pot. She glanced around and noticed her rental heading their way, with Ron driving it.
She ducked down, bumping her forehead on the dashboard. “Drive. Please. Anywhere but the motel parking lot.”
Mike didn’t say a word, just put the truck in gear and zoomed out of there. He turned the corner, made another turn, drove some more then turned again. If he kept that up, it wouldn’t just be butterflies she was feeling.
Finally, he said, “I think we’re in the clear.”
When she poked her head up, she saw he’d pulled into a vacant lot behind the motel. “Okay. This is good,” she said, checking the side mirror. They were at the edge of town; the only thing past the motel was a gas station. “I’m sorry about that. About everything. But thank you.”
Before he had a chance to speak, she opened the door and jumped out.
“Wait.”
She considered ignoring him. But she didn’t want to make things worse and not just because he could cause problems. It wasn’t fair to him.
After another cautious look around, she got back in but left the door ajar. “There is an explanation,” she said, keeping her voice level. “I promise. Trust me, if you can. For a bit.”
“I meant it, Savannah, it’s none of my business.”
“I know,” she said. “I’d actually like to tell you as soon as I’m at liberty to do so.”
Now he looked twice as curious. “Look, I hope this isn’t out of line, but I’m glad I got to see you. You were such a shy kid, I couldn’t help wondering what had happened to you.” His smile filled the cab with its warmth. “You’ve come a long way. You should be very proud of yourself.”
His words brought a lump to her throat. She hadn’t realized just how much she needed to hear that. Barely able to swallow, she said, “Thank you, Mike. I don’t... I should go.”
She jumped out before he could say anything else. Or she ended up oversharing. The emotion he’d tapped into ran deep, so deep she wondered what else was buried down there.
But now wasn’t the time to start digging for insight. She saw an entrance next to a loading dock and figured it was for employees. The brisk walk and morning chill felt good as she skirted the building to get to the front entrance. Dying for some coffee and time to get back her sense of control, she forgot to check the lot for Ron. Though what did it matter if he was around or not? It didn’t help that she was still confused about why she cared what Mike Burnett thought. So he’d been nice. Mike had always been nice.
She entered the lobby. Ron wasn’t there, but a fresh pot of coffee was. And luckily, Maxine was nowhere in sight. Savannah calmly got a Styrofoam cup and poured a quick one then hurried into the elevator before someone stopped her.
Leaning against the elevator wall, she wanted to weep. This trip wasn’t turning out to be the serene and healing experience she’d imagined. After wallowing for a few seconds, she realized she hadn’t pressed the button. She straightened, hit her floor and took a fortifying sip of caffeine.
She was made of tougher stuff than this. After what Mike had told her, how could she dare think this wasn’t the road to closure? And if she encountered a few bumps along the way, she’d just put the blame on Ron. That made her feel a tiny bit better.
Chapter Five (#ube38997e-4a7b-528b-a3de-d4c47d4e28c9)
The wind was blowing again and despite the sun shining directly overhead, the cool afternoon air kept things pleasant for Mike and Chip. Not a bad day for moving the rest of the herd to Logan Flats, where they’d have a few more weeks of grazing before winter.
Mike wished he knew when Savannah planned on leaving town. After seeing her at the bakery yesterday, he’d decided it would be best not to run into her again, what with her getting all jittery around him. Though he couldn’t help wondering why she’d want to come back to Blackfoot Falls.
It couldn’t be nostalgia. And he knew for a fact it had nothing to do with the cabin and land she and her mom had left behind. The bank had owned the property for years. The shabby two-bedroom cabin had never been worth much, but the seventy acres it sat on butted up to Burnett land. At one point he and his dad had considered buying the whole thing. Now, for some reason, Mike was glad they hadn’t.
“Dammit.” Chip must’ve jumped five feet. “Why the hell did you let him go? I almost injected myself.”
Watching the calf plow past Chip, Mike swore under his breath. The little guy headed straight to his mother. They’d have to catch him again. Cool nights and warm days had produced four sick calves. They all needed antibiotics and to be put in a pen to heal. “Sorry.”
“Where’s your head at? You’ve been acting weird all week.”
More like two days, but he didn’t correct the kid. Mike shaded his eyes and checked to see if Bill and his brother had made it to the mouth of Sunrise Canyon yet. He’d hired the pair to help gather the rest of the cattle that hadn’t been relocated yet. Another day and they’d be done rounding up the heifers. He radioed Bill to ask for their head count.
Just over three hundred.
They were almost finished.
“Helluva job, guys. Meet me back at the house by six. I have cash for you.” He clicked off. “Thanks for recommending them. They’re good workers.”
“Yeah, they’re pretty quick for a couple of old dudes.”
“Shut up,” Mike said, laughing. “They’re in their forties.”
“Yeah, I know.” Chip grinned. “What are they...about seven years older than you?”
“And here I was going to ask if you’d like to work here full-time.”
Chip’s brows shot up. “Are you serious?”
“Not anymore.”
“Come on. You know I was just joking.”
“I was thinking you could start in about a month?”
“Sounds good to me, but isn’t that sucky timing? Will you have enough work for me all winter?”
“Yep. I got a lot to do, so you’ll be taking over some of my daily chores.” Mike stepped back after they treated the last calf. He’d asked his dad last night about making Chip full-time, and just as Mike knew he would, his dad told him to make the call. “Look, I know you do other odd jobs here and there and if you want to continue, we can work your schedule around them.”
“Thanks, Mike.” Chip carefully stowed the meds in the metal box. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind letting most of those jobs go. Let a high-school kid take ’em. Some of the older folks around here are just plain cheap.”
Mike smiled. Most of them were on fixed incomes. He’d never minded doing work for any of the old-timers. They hadn’t tried to take advantage. “As for which days you work, I’m flexible. Although I need you to do the morning feeding at least three days a week.”
“Hell, I live close. I can do it every morning if you want.”
“After a night of pool and beer?”
Frowning, Chip scratched the side of his head. “Okay, I might’ve jumped the gun...”
Mike laughed. “We’ll work it out.”
“Hey, you want to go to the Full Moon again?”
Mike knew he should say no. Savannah could have left already. But he had no way of knowing, so there was only one answer.
Chip blotted his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. “Maybe that cute blonde is still around and you’ll get lucky.”
“What blonde?”
Snorting a laugh, Chip said, “What blonde? The one you were eyeing every chance you got.”
“I thought she looked familiar, that’s all.”
“Right. Uh-huh.”
Mike shook his head. “If you’d been paying more attention to the game instead of me, maybe I wouldn’t have beaten the pants off you.”
That wiped the smirk off Chip’s face. “Okay, okay.”
“Twice.”
“Hey, I almost had you the second time.”
“And yet...” Mike’s attention was drawn to the silver sedan traveling south on the county road.
Chip turned just as the car passed. “Who’s that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Probably tourists. They’re always getting lost looking for old movie sets. Last month I found a carload of them stuck near the creek.”
The ill-kept gravel road was almost a quarter of a mile away, but Mike thought Savannah might have been behind the wheel. The sedan looked a lot like the one she’d been trying to avoid yesterday.
He headed for the cottonwood where he’d tethered Dude. “Nobody has any business down here,” Mike said, grabbing the reins. “I’m going to go check.”
“Want me to go?”
“I’ve got it. Probably just a tourist, like you said. You might as well head back.”
Mike rode straight toward the Rileys’ old cabin. Though she could be headed for the creek, he’d start with the cabin first.
Without a clear trail, the area thick with lodgepole pines and overgrown brush, it took him twenty minutes when it should’ve taken ten, and for all he knew, she was already gone, but once he’d made it to a small clearing, he thought he heard a faint bleat. Slowing Dude to a walk, Mike listened. It was a stray calf, all right. As he dismounted he heard another bleat.
After pushing his way through a thicket of gnarly sage and scaring a grouse, he saw the little fellow, exhausted and wobbling under a small cottonwood. The calf was clearly a late arrival and a runt, probably only a week old. Odd that he’d gotten separated from his mother. He didn’t belong to Mike, but it wasn’t uncommon for The Rocking J cattle that grazed on public land to stray in with his herd.
Damn, he wished he’d brought the ATV.
Mike doubted the mother was around, since she hadn’t responded to the bleating. But he remained perfectly still, trying to listen for her. After a few minutes, he phoned Chip, who hadn’t seen any men from The Rocking J. But he agreed to look for their number on Mike’s desk and give them a call.
Mike disconnected and inched closer. The calf barely made a sound. And when Mike scooped him up, he didn’t struggle.
“I bet you’re scared, aren’t you, buddy? Let’s see what we can do about that.” Dude wouldn’t be happy about giving the calf a ride, but too bad. It wasn’t going to be easy for Mike either.
All legs, weak and panting, the calf allowed himself to be laid on his belly over the saddle. Dude shifted nervously and his ears went back, but Mike soothed him until the gelding finally settled. Mounting was tricky, but he managed to plant himself in the saddle and then wrap the calf’s legs around his middle so he could hold on to the little guy.
A low bellow sounded from the direction of the creek, a popular spot for stragglers. He headed toward it. That bellow was from a bull, and not one of his, but the calf’s mother might be somewhere close to the bull.
Luckily, the creek wasn’t far, but he kept Dude at a slow pace, making sure the little one didn’t get jostled too much. The calf hadn’t moved much since his first two kicks, which wasn’t a good sign. Probably dehydrated. And Mike still hadn’t heard the high-pitched call of a momma who couldn’t find her calf.
As it turned out, the silver sedan was parked on the side of the trail that led to the creek, but Mike couldn’t spare it any attention. His focus was on the calf, and he’d given Dude his head knowing he’d follow the scent of the water.
Then something occurred to Mike. “Hey, no swimming today,” he said, leaning down to stroke the gelding’s neck. “You got that?” The horse ignored him and picked up speed. “I mean it, Dude.”
Mike heard a laugh and looked up, not at all surprised to see Savannah. This had been a favorite spot of hers.
She rose from the rock she’d been sitting on. “Does he ever answer you?”
“No, but sometimes I get the feeling he’d like to.” He reined the gelding to a halt.
Savannah saw his passenger and gasped. “That’s a... What is that?”
“A calf. Would you do me a favor?”
“Sure,” she said, dusting off the seat of her jeans as she warily approached. “Maybe I should’ve said ‘that depends.’”
Mike passed her the reins. “Hold on to these while I get down,” he said, lifting the calf in his arms.
“Wouldn’t it be simpler to let me hold him?”
“It would if he weren’t sixty pounds.”
“That’s not so much. I’m pretty strong.”
“Sixty pounds is a lot of weight, especially—”
She rolled her eyes and reached up for the calf.
Mike held firm and continued, “Especially if he starts kicking again.”
“The poor thing looks too exhausted.”
“He’s also scared.”
She tossed back the reins. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t think I could handle him,” she said, and moved closer, her attention focused completely on the scrawny, leggy bundle he reluctantly placed in her arms.
“Watch out.”
“I see,” she said, laughing, her face lit with pure joy as his skinny legs went everywhere. “Oh, he’s so sweet.”
Dude snorted.
“You are, too,” she said with a fleeting glance at him.
Even after Mike dismounted, she held the calf close and stared into his tired brown eyes. He quit squirming and let his head rest against her chest.
Savannah sighed.
“I’ll take him now.” Mike secured Dude’s reins and could tell the big baby wasn’t thrilled about it.
“Just point me in the right direction,” Savannah said, clearly not about to give up her ward.
“Let’s get him closer to the creek, then you can put him down. I want him to call out for his mom. If she’s anywhere in the area, she’ll let him know.”
“Come on, baby, let’s get you some water.”
Mike shook his head. “He’ll only drink from a teat or a bottle at this age. I mean, we can try, but I doubt he’ll know what to do.”
“Oh,” she said, walking carefully, seemingly without difficulty.
Several moments later, Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “This is far enough for now.”
“Why?”
“There’s a bull around here somewhere. I need to make sure we’re not near enough for him to get wind of us. They can be dangerous.”
“Okay. I’ll watch this guy.” She crouched and carefully put the calf on his feet. His little bleat wouldn’t travel far.
“I’ll be right back.” Mike headed out at a jog and heard another bellow, which sounded as if it was coming from farther up the creek.
He followed the water’s edge for a bit then stopped and listened. No upset momma. As for the bull, Mike guessed he was up past the second bend. It seemed safe enough to bring the calf so he could try that bleat again.
When he got back to where Savannah was petting the calf, she stood up with a look of excitement in her eyes.
“Did you hear something?” he asked.
“No, but I had an idea. I’ve got a first-aid kit in the back of the rental car. Sometimes they include gloves. Maybe we could fill one with water and cut off the tip.”
Mike doubted it, but, hell, at this point it wouldn’t hurt to try. “Good idea,” he said. “Why don’t you go get it while I check if anyone’s seen his momma.”
“Sure thing.” Her cheeks were pink, her eyes shining. This woman in no way reminded him of that shy, gawky teenager who’d always walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. She wasn’t just pretty, she looked happy and alive.
Chip called to tell him The Rocking J had sent out a couple men to find the momma, and Mike asked him to bring his ATV to the creek. Dude would be happy he didn’t have to give the calf a lift again.
Savannah was back two minutes later. “Here,” she said, holding the sealed bag of powder-free medical-grade gloves. “How should we do this?”
“First, let’s get him closer to the water. Maybe the scent will stimulate his saliva.”
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Debbi Rawlins
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
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О книге: Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!Mike Burnett is the one good memory Savannah James has of living in Blackfoot Falls, Montana. His gentle smile was the only kindness she knew before she left town under a cloud of scandal. Years later, the quiet cowboy is also the only one who recognizes her. Savannah’s torn between wanting to hide her past and wanting to show everyone who she’s become.For Mike, Savannah’s history isn’t as important as who she is now. And he can’t understand why such a beautiful and successful woman thinks she needs to prove herself. He wants to believe they could have future…if only she doesn’t let the past keep them apart.