“You will not come in here and cause trouble. Are we clear on this?”
“Yes, now let go of me.” The man jerked his arm away then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
“Either take a number or leave. There’s a ticket dispenser for this reason,” the sheriff said as he glanced around at the crowd then back to her, and she swooned a bit when she stared into gorgeous blue eyes. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, thank you. They wouldn’t take a number…” She mentally shook her head. What a thing to say!
“We haven’t met. I’m Sheriff Sam Garrett. I want to know if anyone causes you any problems.”
“Sloane Gates, and yes, I will let you know, Sheriff. I hate running you over here—”
“It’s my job, and please, it’s Sam.” He smiled at her. “You have to be related to Lanie, Deidra, and Rissa.”
“Yes, we’re cousins,” she said with a smile as she stuck her hand out for him to shake. Sam removed his glove then took her hand in his. “Nice to meet you, Sam.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” He glanced at the patrons again. “All right, everyone, once you get a ticket, you can get your orders.”
Sam touched the brim of his hat then strode out.
The air whooshed out of Sloane like air let out of a balloon. She gazed around and smiled at the woman with the ticket in her hand who was next.
“JoJo will get your order now,” Sloane said then entered the kitchen and leaned against the wall.
“You okay?” Nancy asked her.
“Yes. When will they learn to use that dispenser?”
“Probably never or when they finally realize JoJo or Katherine won’t wait on them without one.”
“We can only hope, right?”
“Yep. No one gets served without a ticket,” Nancy said.
“Thank God the sheriff got here so fast.”
“Sam is a wonderful sheriff. Not to mention sexy as hell.” Nancy laughed.
Sloane grinned. “That he is. Is he married?”
“Yes, and a lot of women wish he wasn’t, but he does love his wife.”
“Lucky woman. Okay, let’s get back to work and try to get this nasty confrontation behind us.”
“Just makes me realize I really do need a man,” Courtney murmured.
Sloane and Nancy laughed.
****
Holt entered the bakery to see people standing in line, holding tickets. Apparently, they’d finally learned to take a ticket if they wanted to place an order. He touched the brim of his hat as he strode past everyone to enter the kitchen. He glanced around to see Sloane at the table removing little yellow cakes from a pan.
“Hey,” he said as he headed for her.
“Hi. What are you doing here?”
“I was on my way to the Feed Store and wanted to see if you wanted to have dinner sometime.”
“I’d love to.”
“Great. How about Saturday evening?”
“That sounds good.”
“I’ll pick you up at six, and if you want to stay with me, that will be entirely up to you. All right?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll see you then.” He leaned down and kissed her temple then turned around to leave. “Nancy. Courtney. You two have a nice day.” He tipped his head then walked out feeling good.
The next day, the weather was overcast and cold. The damn Montana winter was hanging on hard this year. Of course, it seemed to hang on every year.
Holt strode down the aisle of the barn and grinned when he saw Trick Dillon leading a horse to him.
“Hey, Trick,” he said and put his hand out to his friend.
“Holt. I decided to come get this girl. She’s been giving Richie fits from what he’s told me.”
“She’s female. What do you expect?” Holt grinned.
“Ain’t that the truth. I’ll do what I can with her. You know I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
“Hell, Trick, you know damn well you can make promises about a horse.”
“I don’t know about that. I’ve had a few that weren’t trainable.”
“A few? Bullshit. Maybe one or two but no more. I’ve seen you work with a horse. Hey, how’s Kaylee?”
“She’s great but busy with Harlee.”
“You have a beautiful family, Trick.”
“I know I do.” Trick leaned against the barn wall and folded his arms. “So, I hear you’re still seeing Sloane.”
“I am. I’m not sure where it’s going yet and I’m not an easy man. I’m too set in my ways,” he muttered.
Trick laughed. “Most of us men are.”
“Kaylee and Harlee have you wrapped around their little fingers.”
“As Carolyn did with you. I know how much you loved her, and she loved you but maybe it is time to move on.”
Holt rubbed the back of his neck. “It is but it’s hard. I didn’t think I’d survive Caro being gone but it’s getting better. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone though and I’m not sure I’d survive it a second time.”
“Same here. I can’t imagine my life without Kaylee. Well, I’d better get this beauty back to the ranch and see what I can do with her. I’ll call you or just bring her back, Holt.
“Thanks, Trick. Tell Kaylee hello for me.”
Trick touched the brim of his hat. “Will do.”
Holt watched him stroll down the aisle of the barn leading the horse. Grinning, he thought that horse didn’t stand a chance. Trick would get her trained without a doubt.
On Saturday afternoon, Holt drove into town and pulled into the parking lot of Katie’s Florist and Greenhouse. He shut the truck off then climbed out and entered the store. He smiled when he saw Madilyn Morgan behind the counter helping a customer.
“Hi, Holt,” she said with a smile on her beautiful face.
“Madilyn, how are you?”
“I’m great. Someone will be right with you.”
“No hurry.” He glanced around then headed for the greenhouse.
He entered and smiled when he saw Katie Madison pruning a plant of some kind.
“Hi, Katie,” he said as he headed her way.
“Holt. How are you?” she asked as she hugged him.
“I’m great. How are you?”
“Wonderful, thank you.”
Holt glanced down at her swollen belly.
“Boy or girl?”
“Don’t know. We don’t want to know yet. We’ll be happy either way.”
“I know that’s the truth.”
“Do you need some help with something?”
“I want to get some flowers. I have a date tonight.”
Katie smiled. “It’s about time.”
He laughed. “Yeah, I agree.”
She set the shears down and pulled off her garden gloves. “What kind of flowers?”
“Hell, Katie, I don’t know. Roses maybe.”
“Roses? Did you screw up? Come with me.”
“No, I didn’t screw up,” he said with a laugh then followed her back inside the store and watched her walk behind the counter, slide open a glass door, reach in, and pulled out pink roses.
“These should do the trick. A nice variety of pink colored roses are so pretty.”
“Those are nice. I’ll take a dozen.”
“Do you want them in a box or paper?”
“Paper, I think.” He frowned because he wasn’t sure which was best.
Katie laughed. “Paper is perfect.”
Holt nodded then leaned against the counter and glanced around. Katie had a great little shop here. There was no other florist for miles. She did well all year long but during the spring, summer, and fall, she really made a killing. Between the Clifton Bed and Breakfast and the Bur Oak guest ranch, the town was filled with tourists during most of the year.
He watched as she pulled a sheet of paper off a roll then placed the roses on it and wrapped them. He smiled at Madilyn as she moved to stand beside Katie.
“How are you
doing, Holt?” she asked him.
“I’m good, Madilyn. How’s Brody? I haven’t seen him lately.”
“He’s great. Sam keeps him busy,” she said with a laugh.
“I’m sure he does. Katie, how’s Riley?”
“Wonderful,” Katie said with a sudden sigh making Holt chuckle.
“When are you due?”
“Next week.” She smiled up at him.
“And yet you’re here working.” He shook his head.
“We women are tough, Holt.”
“Hell, I know that’s the truth.” He glanced behind him when the door opened and grinned when Sam entered.
“Holt,” Sam said with his hand out for Holt to shake.
“Hey, Sam.” He shook the sheriff’s hand.
“Katie-bug, I need to get some flowers for Tessa.”
“I’ll get them for you, Sam,” Madilyn said stepping away from the counter.
“It’s her birthday and this is the first chance I’ve had all day to get here.”
“Any plans for tonight, Sam?” Holt asked then laughed when Sam grinned.
“Yeah, but none of your business.”
“Got ya.”
“We’re going out to dinner…first.”
“I don’t even want to know any more.” Holt chuckled holding one hand up as if to deflect any further information.
“Good thing.” Sam grinned.
“Please stop. You’re my brother and I love you, but I don’t need to hear what you have planned with my sister-in-law either,” Katie said as she put the finishing touches on the flowers.
Sam and Holt laughed then Holt paid for the flowers, touched the brim of his hat, and strode out. He climbed into his truck, pulled out of the parking lot, and drove home. He really couldn’t wait to see Sloane tonight and he hoped she liked the roses. He had to admit they were pretty.
At six that evening, Holt climbed the steps to Sloane’s apartment with the roses in his hand and hoped like hell tonight went well. He’d told her the truth when he said he liked her. He liked her a lot and though he’d never admit it to her, it scared him to death.
He reached the stoop, took a deep breath, and knocked. When the door opened, he couldn’t seem to catch his breath. She looked so beautiful.
“Hi, come in,” Sloane said as she pushed the door open wider.
“Hi. You look gorgeous,” he said and meant it. “I hope you like pink roses.”
She wore a black dress that hugged her body like a second skin. It ended just above her knees and on her feet were red stilettos. Holy hell.
“I do. Thank you and you look very handsome,” she said with a smile, took the flowers then put her face into the bouquet.
Holt smirked. All he wore under his coat was a black dress shirt, jeans, and on his feet were his black boots. He owned one suit and that was for weddings or funerals. He cleared his throat.
“Thanks. Are you ready?”
“Yes, just let me put these in the fridge for now then get my coat. Is it cold out?”
“A little.” He took her arm in his hand and turned her to face him. “Can I have a kiss?”
When she beamed a smile up at him, he grinned and lowered his lips to hers. He moaned when she opened to him and he slid his tongue inside her mouth. She moved her tongue against his then he slowly lifted his lips.
“Now you have lipstick on you. Let me get that,” she said as she stepped away from him, laid the roses down, picked up her purse from the table, removed a tissue then wiped his lips. “All good. I’ll be right back.”
He watched as she picked the roses up again, entered the kitchen, put them inside the fridge then reentered the room, and smiled at him.
“Did you make a reservation?” she asked him.
“I did, but I told you I know the owner so he can always get me in.”
“The place always seems packed.”
“It is. A lot of us grew up with Grant, so we know we can get in whenever we want.”
“I see. Well, he has a great restaurant.”
“That he does. You’ve probably heard of him. Grant Hunter.”
“Grant—the country singer?”
“Yep. He was born and raised in Clifton.”
“Oh, my. I never knew that. I love his music,” she exclaimed then frowned. “I was so disappointed when he left the music industry. He’s such an amazing singer.”
“He still writes music for other singers, but he just wanted to come home.”
“I saw him in concert in Albuquerque a couple of years ago on his farewell tour. God, he’s gorgeous.”
“Hey,” Holt growled out.
Sloane laughed. “But then, you are too. I’m just amazed that you know him. I mean, actually know him.”
“Yeah, he’s a great guy. His ranch isn’t far from mine.” He held her coat for her.
“Really?”
“Okay, I’m done talking about him. Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.” He turned to open the door.
“All right. Do you ever see him at the restaurant?”
Holt spun around and narrowed his eyes when he saw her biting her lip to no doubt, stop a grin. He shook his head then laughed.
“Tell you what…if he’s ever in there when we are, I’ll introduce you. Happy now?”
“Giddy as a schoolgirl,” Sloane said with a laugh when he growled low in his throat.
Holt shook his head and laughed. He took her hand, led her out the door, took her key from her and locked it, then helped her down the steps to his truck. Inside the truck, he glanced over at her legs and mentally groaned. He loved those wrapped around his waist. Shit. Just get to the restaurant, eat, and see how the night goes.
Chapter Seven
Sloane smiled as Holt took her hand and led her into the restaurant. The parking lot was full, so she was glad he was able to get them in. She loved the food here, and now to find out Grant Hunter owned it she mentally shook her head. Who knew? Well, obviously a lot of people did if he grew up in Clifton.
“Why did he build a restaurant here instead of Clifton?”
“Because of the diner. He never wanted to compete with Connie, so he built it here.”
“That was nice of him.”
“Grant is a hell of a nice man. He always has been. His dad moved to Florida about a year ago, I think, so Grant came home to run the ranch.”
“But for him to quit his career just confuses me. He was at the top.”
“I’m not sure what happened there. He’s never said, and I won’t ask. He’s a good friend and I respect his privacy.”
“Is that your way of telling me to mind my own business?”
Holt laughed. “No, I’d tell you that straight out.”
They stopped at the podium the hostess stood behind and he gave his name. She smiled at them both then led them to a table. She placed the menus down in front of them.
“Your server will be right with you. What can I get you to drink?”
“Sloane?”
“Chardonnay is fine.” She smiled up at the hostess.
“Beer for me. Whatever’s on tap.”
“I’ll get those ordered for you.” The hostess headed for the bar.
“This is such a nice place, and I love the food.”
“And it’s all great.” Holt picked up his menu.
As Sloane looked at the menu, she wondered what would happen after dinner. Would he ask her to go home with him or take her back to her apartment? What would she do if he asked her to spend the night? Did she want to go home with him? She huffed out a breath.
“You’re overthinking this again,” he said, looking at her from under his brows.
“I know.”
“Sloane, nothing is going to happen if you don’t want it to. I’ll take you right home after dinner if that’s what you want.”
“I’m not sure it is what I want, Holt.” She smiled when he hissed in a breath.
“Well, how about we just enjoy some good food, better company, and see wher
e the night leads us?”
“Sounds good to me.”
The server came by with their drinks, took their orders then disappeared.
Sloane glanced around then picked up her wine and took a sip. As she looked toward the door, she smiled when she saw Sheriff Sam Garrett enter with a beautiful woman. She saw him smile when his gaze met hers then headed to their table.
“Hey, Sam. Tess,” Holt said as he got up from his seat.
“Holt,” Sam said as he stuck his hand out then he looked at Sloane and touched the brim of his hat. “Ms. Gates.”
“Sloane, please, Sam.”
“Sloane. This is my wife, Tessa. Tessa, this is Sloane Gates. She owns the bakery.” Sam guided his wife forward with a hand at the small of her back.
“Nice to meet you, Sloane. I should be angry with you for opening that place. Everything is fantastic there.” Tessa smiled at her, making Sloane laugh.
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”
“I didn’t realize you knew Sam,” Holt said with a surprised expression.
“We met the other day when there was a little trouble in the bakery.”
“Trouble?” Holt glanced at Sloane then back to Sam.
“People not taking a ticket and jumping the line.” Sam shrugged. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
“People still causing trouble at the bakery over the tickets?”
“Yes. Some refused to take a number,” Sloane said with a shrug and wondered if it sounded as stupid to Holt as it did to her.
“I’m not surprised. Some people just don’t get it,” Holt said.
“I hated calling Sam, but it was getting out of control.”
“You didn’t try your whistle?” Holt grinned.
“Actually, I did but when it didn’t help, I had JoJo call Sam.”
“I told you it’s my job,” Sam said with a grin. “It’s what I do.”
“Holt, is Tessa the vet you mentioned when you told me about Buddy?” Sloane asked.
“Yes.”
“I specialize in equine but see all animals,” Tessa told her.
“I’ve thought of getting a pet. Not sure whether I should get a dog or a cat since I’m not home much.”
“A cat would be perfect for that. They’re pretty self-sufficient,” Tessa said.
“That’s what I was thinking. I’ll give it some thought then. I hate going home to an empty apartment some nights.”
Holt Men of Clifton, Montana Book 12 Page 13
