“You will go home, Barney. We’ll take care of it. I’ll pay you for what you would have worked,” Connie said with a shrug. “If I had known it was sleeting, I would have given you a call and told you not to come in. The weather is not your fault, hon. Go home, and if it’s better tomorrow, we’ll see you then.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Barney smiled at them then walked out of the kitchen.
Sloane heard the bell ring as he left. She smiled at Connie then Owen.
“You two are wonderful people,” she said.
Owen smiled. “We like to keep our employees happy, so they like it here. Barney’s a great kid.”
“So, how’s the bakery coming, hon?” Connie asked her as she removed dishes from the tote and placed them in the sink.
“I finally got it all cleaned up. It was just really dusty. I am so excited to open. I’ll need to hire some people though.”
“I’m sure there are a lot of people who would love to work in a bakery.” Connie smiled at her.
“I’ll post an ad online soon. I want to open in a couple of weeks.”
“Lanie said Holt stopped in at the bakery the other day.”
Sloane felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she glanced away from Connie and shrugged.
“Yeah, he stopped in.”
Connie snorted, and Sloane narrowed her eyes. “What?”
“He just happened to stop in, huh?” Connie asked with a smirk.
Sloane blew out a breath. “Okay…I’m having dinner with him tomorrow night.”
“That’s wonderful. He’s such a nice man. Been through a lot, and it’s time he started getting back out there.”
“Oh, please, Connie. We’re only having dinner, and I just went through a divorce.”
“All the more reason to go out with a nice man.”
“You know, I think Lanie’s right, you’re incorrigible.”
Connie laughed, picked up a rag, and left the kitchen to wipe down the tables. Sloane smiled when Owen handed her a plate with her burger on it. She got down from the stool, headed for the dining area, took a seat at one of the tables, and ate her burger.
She couldn’t stop thinking of Holt and how sexy he was. Those blue eyes and his smooth voice could have her out of her clothes in no time. She hadn’t had sex in forever and she was feeling a great need. Doug had always been too tired after coming home from the office. Of course, screwing your secretary every day would do that.
Didn’t she deserve to be happy? Doug was. She didn’t want to be alone for the rest of her life, but the divorce hadn’t been final a year yet. What’s the time limit on how long you should wait? She snorted out a laugh, making Connie lift an eyebrow at her when she walked behind the counter to pick up more dishes.
“Connie, do you know if there’s a time limit on when you can start dating after a divorce?”
Connie chuckled. “If there is, some people sure don’t abide by it. Do what makes you feel good, honey. Don’t worry about how long it’s been. Most marriages are over way before a divorce, so consider that.”
Nodding, Sloane picked up her burger and took another bite. Once she finished, she picked up her plate, returned to the kitchen, and helped clean up before they closed for the evening. She was anxious to get up to her apartment and take a hot bath to ease her muscles.
After she pulled on her coat and hat, she waved at Connie and Owen then headed out the back door. The metal steps were just outside. Anyone could go out the door but not in since it wasn’t an entrance door. She carefully climbed the steps, since they were slick from the sleet coating them. When she reached the top, she inserted her key, pushed the door open, shoved it closed behind her then locked it. She was exhausted, but she knew the bakery would be so worth it. She’d decided to name it Sweet Nothings. When the bakery in Albuquerque sold, the name went with it.
After she pulled off her coat and hat, she hung them on the hall tree just inside the door then took a seat on the sofa to tug her boots off. She was too exhausted even to untie them, and she knew when it came time to put them on again, she’d complain about having to untie them. Smiling, Sloane got to her feet, picked up her boots, and headed down the hallway. That tub was calling her name.
****
Holt sat at the dining room table with his parents and enjoyed the pot roast his mother had made.
“So, what’s been going on with you, Holton?” his mother asked.
“Not much. I have a dog now.” He grinned.
“Where did you get a dog, son?”
“He found me, Dad. He was on the ranch running around looking for food. No one has reported a dog missing so far, so I’m going to take him in to see Tess. She’s going to check him over and probably look for a chip. If he’s not claimed, I’ll keep him.”
“That Doctor Garrett is one hell of a vet and a nice woman too,” his father said.
“You’ve always loved dogs. It was too bad Carolyn had been allergic,” his mother added.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s finally gotten easier for you, hasn’t it?” his mother asked him.
“Most times, yes. I still miss her though.”
“You’ll always miss her, son,” his father said in a sad voice.
“It’s time you found someone new, Holton,” his mother said as she looked at him.
“Well, you’ll be happy to know I have a date tomorrow night.” He laughed at the looks on their faces.
“Who with?” His mother sat up straighter.
“Sloane Gates. She’s new in town. A cousin to Lanie, Deidra, and Rissa.”
“If she’s as lovely as they are, you’re a lucky man,” his father commented.
“And if she’s as nice too,” his mother chimed in.
Dinner continued with him telling them how he’d met Sloane and how much he was looking forward to seeing her again. After dinner, he helped them clean up, and then he kissed his mother on the cheek, and hugged his father before heading home.
He swore when he heard ice pinging off the roof of the porch and knew he’d have to take it easy driving. He just hoped it was better tomorrow night. He didn’t want to have to postpone his date with Sloane.
The next night, he drove into Clifton to pick up Sloane. The weather had been on his side and cleared up. He couldn’t believe how nervous he was. He’d been on tons of dates, only none of them in the last five years. Well, it wasn’t that he hadn’t been with any women in five years, but going to see a woman for sex was not a date. This was.
Holt glanced over to the six yellow roses lying on the seat and hoped like hell she liked them. What woman didn’t like roses? Carolyn. She loved lilies. Damn it. Well, too late now.
After he parked the truck behind the diner by the metal stairs, he threw the gear into Park and stared up at the door. Blowing out a breath, he picked up the roses, opened the door then slowly made his way up the stairs. At the door, he looked to the heavens above.
“I hope you’re all right with this, Caro,” he whispered, using the nickname he used anytime he talked to her, then he knocked on the door.
It opened, and he swore his heart hit his stomach. He held the bouquet out to her. She looked at them then up at him, their eyes met, and she smiled, making him huff out a relieved breath.
“I love roses. Thank you. Come on in,” Sloane said and opened the door wider.
Holt stepped across the threshold and looked around. It was a nice little apartment.
“I was hoping you liked them.”
“They’re beautiful,” she said and stuck her nose down into them. She raised her head and gazed up at him.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured and stepped forward to cup her face in his gloved hands then leaned down and lightly kissed her.
“Thank you, and you’re very handsome. Let me put these in some water. Have a seat.”
He nodded, walked to the sofa, took a seat, and glanced around. When she reappeared in front of him, he shot to his feet, and his eyes roamed over her from
the top of her black hair, down her body, encased in a green sweater dress, to the black knee-high suede boots on her feet. Shit. His damn dick wanted to press against the zipper of his jeans. Clearing his throat, he stared into her eyes.
“Those boots are killing me. And you know that, don’t you?”
“Moi?” A sly smile lifted her lips as she batted her eyelashes, making him grin.
“Yeah, you. Come on, darlin’, let’s go before I say the hell with it, stay here, and let you wrap those legs around my waist. With the boots on.”
Her gasp made him laugh. She turned from him, walked to the hall tree, removed her coat, and started to put it on when he took it from her and held it. She put her arms in then turned to look up at him. She stood on her toes and kissed his lips. He reached for her, but she stepped back.
“Later. Let’s go. I’m hungry.”
“I am too, darlin’. I am too.”
He took her hand, led her out onto the stoop, and waited while she locked the door then he took her hand again and helped her down the stairs. He walked her around to the passenger side of the truck, opened the door, and helped her in. She smiled at him as he shoved the door closed then he strode around the front to the driver’s side. After settling in behind the wheel, he gave her a wink, started the truck, pulled out of the lot, and headed for Hartland.
“I called Deidra and asked her about the restaurant. She said they have great food.”
“Fantastic food. Everyone knows if you want a good burger, you hit the diner. For a full menu of fancy food, you hit the Hartland Restaurant.”
“Nice. What would you recommend?”
“That we say fuck this and go back to your apartment.”
She sputtered out a laugh. “I can see you’re going to be a handful, Holt James.”
“I am more than a handful, sweetheart.” He grinned.
“Modest too.”
He shrugged. “Just sayin’.”
Sloane laughed, making him grin. She seemed like a lot of fun, and he knew for sure he wanted to get to know her.
“Men,” she said, shaking her head.
Holt chuckled. “I do like that dress, but those boots—definitely!”
“They belong to Deidra. We can wear each other’s clothes.”
“So, have you hired anyone yet?”
“I posted an online ad and one in the Feed Store. Trent suggested that.”
“Good idea.”
“I’m glad the sleet didn’t amount to anything. I can’t believe the weather. It’s supposed to be spring and it’s so cold.”
He chuckled. “This is Montana, after all.”
He drove into the parking lot at the restaurant to see it was packed as usual. Sloane pointed out a spot where a car was backing out, and he drove into it and parked. After he stepped out, he walked around the front of the vehicle to head for her side, but she was already stepping down from the running board.
“I would have gotten the door for you. My mama raised me right.”
“I have no doubt, but I am more than capable of opening a door.” She smiled up at him.
He took her hand, and they walked across the lot then entered the restaurant. After being led to their table, he helped her remove her coat and hung it over the back of another chair then he removed his hat and coat, placed his coat on a chair, and laid his hat on the empty seat. They were given menus and ordered drinks. He glanced over the menu, but he knew he wanted a ribeye. He placed the menu on the table and looked across at her. The low light in the restaurant didn’t take away anything of how beautiful she was. Her hair was down around her shoulders, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief. She knew damn well she was tempting him. Hell, what woman didn’t know how to tempt a man?
“I think I’ll have the shrimp scampi,” Sloane said as she placed the menu on the table and looked at him.
“All right.”
He waved their server over, and she made her way to the table to take their orders then moved away once they had ordered. He watched Sloane toy with her glass and wondered if she were nervous for some reason.
“Do I make you nervous, Sloane?”
“No, not you so much as being on a date. It’s been a long time.”
He leaned back in the chair and folded his arms. “How long?”
“Almost thirteen years. I was married for ten, dated Doug for two years before we got married, and now I’ve been divorced for almost a year.”
“It’s been about the same for me. I met Carolyn twelve years ago, and we got married rather quickly. We were married for six years, and she’s been gone for five. You’re the first woman I’ve dated since her death.”
“Really?” She sat back and stared at him in what looked to be disbelief.
“Yes. Oh, I saw women, but not for dating.” He grinned.
She laughed. “You are bad, Holt.”
“You have no idea.” He almost choked on the words because he’d said those same words to Carolyn when they met. “So, tell me about your ex.”
She picked up her drink, took a sip, and set the glass down.
“He preferred screwing his secretary over me,” she said with a shrug.
“He must be an idiot.”
She blew out a breath. “It had been going on for two years before I discovered the truth. I’m the idiot.”
“No, you’re not. His feeling that he needed to have another woman when he had you…that makes him the idiot.”
“Thank you.” She tilted her head. “So, what do you do, Holt?”
Damn, he liked the way she said his name. It was as if he was experiencing déjà vu. It was just like with Carolyn all over again, and his reaction was the same. He wanted to hear her scream it when he was buried between her legs. Shit, now his damn dick wanted to test the strength of his zipper. Talk about the horses!
“I raise Morgan horses. I have a thousand-acre ranch, and I have recently acquired a dog.”
“I’m not familiar with Morgans. I’ve heard of them, but I wouldn’t know one if I saw it.”
“Their known for their versatility and are used as stock horses as well as for pleasure riding and driving. Do you ride?”
“Never been on a horse in my life.”
“Well, a Morgan would be a great horse to start on. I can teach you and I’d love to show you my land.” When she nibbled on her bottom lip, he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from groaning. It had been a damn long time since he’d felt like this. “I promise you I’ll make sure you’re safe. I’ll put you on a gentle horse.”
“Okay, I think I’d like to try it.” She smiled at him.
“Great.” Holt picked up his beer and raised his glass to her.
Chapter Three
Sloane thought she’d do just about anything Holt suggested. There had never been a man who looked at her the way he did, made her feel like she was the center of his attention, or treated her so special. She’d never been so attracted to any man, not even Doug. Talk about being nervous. The only man she’d ever had sex with was Doug, and that was as exciting as watching paint dry. For almost twelve years, she put up with a man in it only for himself, and now as she looked across the table at Holt, she had a feeling he wouldn’t be. She watched as his sexy lips rose in a grin, and she swore he knew what she was thinking. She loved the gray sprinkled through his hair at his temples and in his sideburns.
“How old are you, Holt?” She picked up her glass of wine and took a sip.
“Forty. I was twenty-nine when I met Carolyn and a confirmed bachelor. That was until she came along. Tell me about you.”
“Not much more to tell than what I already have.”
“How did you become a baker? Did you go to school for it?”
“Actually, I didn’t. I just loved to cook. Ever since I was a child, I’d be in the kitchen helping my mom. One day, I started baking pastries, and everyone raved about them.” She shrugged. “Kind of became a passion and I got even better, so I decided to open a bakery, and i
t was a huge success.”
“Was it called Sweet Nothings too?”
“No, it was the Baker’s Rack. Doug talked me into selling my half to him in the divorce and in return, he gave me seventy-five percent of the house once it sold. I made out fine, but I missed the bakery. When Connie told me about Celeste’s being closed, I mentioned that I might be interested, so she contacted Celeste. It turned out she was ready to sell it, so I jumped at the chance. I am so excited to open it.”
“It sounds like it. I’m anxious to taste those sweet nothings.” He grinned.
Sloane tilted her head. “Are we still talking about pastries?”
Holt sat back in the chair and laughed. “I was.”
Sloane blushed to the roots of her black hair but watched him bite his lip as if to hold back a grin, and she knew he was fibbing. She raised her glass to him then took a sip. Holt chuckled, lifted his beer, saluted her with it then took a swig.
The server showed up with a large tray, set it on a stand she’d carried with her then picked up a plate, set it in front of Sloane then turned and did the same with Holt’s dinner. Sloane watched her smile at him, and she wanted to poke her eyes out with the fork, but she liked that Holt returned his attention to her instead. That was something Doug wouldn’t have done. He would’ve flirted with the girl right in front of her.
Realizing she no longer had Holt’s attention and after putting the tray under her arm, the server told them to enjoy their meals then picked up the stand and walked off.
Sloane groaned as she smelled the food. She was so hungry. Picking up her fork, she stuck it in the linguini, swirled it around, and lifted it to her mouth. She blew on it, then put the fork in her mouth, moaned then chewed and swallowed.
“Oh, my God! This is fantastic.”
“I’ve never had it, but the steaks here are really good.” Holt cut into his steak, speared it with his fork then held it in front of her. “Take a bite.”
She leaned forward, put her mouth around the fork, and pulled the meat into her mouth then chewed and swallowed.
“That is so good,” she said as she looked down at his plate.
“Nope. Not gonna happen. You should have gotten a steak. This one is mine.” He stabbed another piece, put it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed then grinned at her.
Holt Men of Clifton, Montana Book 12 Page 5
