His Valentine Bride

by Cindy Kirk

  But from the speculative gleam in her friend’s eyes, Betsy had a sinking feeling that was simply wishful thinking.

  Adrianna delicately forked off a bite of the pizza. “Are you saying you think Ryan likes me?”

  “You’re his type, Anna. You’ve got the look he goes for. Perfect hair. Immaculate makeup. Stylish clothes.” She couldn’t say more without betraying Ryan’s confidence.

  “And that’s really gone well for him, hasn’t it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s dated a lot of women since he’s been back in Jackson Hole, but none of them have stuck.” Adrianna swept her hair off her face with the back of her hand. A group of men in a nearby booth cast admiring glances her way, but her friend didn’t appear to notice. “What does that tell you?”

  “Um, that he just hasn’t found the one?”

  “Or that he’s looking for love in all the wrong places,” Adrianna said.

  Betsy couldn’t help but smile. “Do you really have to use the lyrics from a country song to make your point?”

  “You have to admit it fits.”

  While they ate, Betsy wondered if perhaps Adrianna was right. Was Ryan setting his sights on unattainable women? Not that the handsome cowboy-turned-lawyer wasn’t a worthy catch himself, but it seemed as though the women he chose weren’t a good match for him.

  Adrianna was a perfect example. Ryan was an outdoorsy type who loved winter sports. Once snow started flying, Adrianna considered being outdoors as going from a building to her car. Not only that, Ryan was a meat-and-potatoes guy. Adrianna refused to eat anything with a face. The reality was, the two had little in common and Ryan didn’t even know it.

  This led Betsy to the logical conclusion that Ryan didn’t love Adrianna but was merely mesmerized by her beauty. Not that her friend wasn’t a wonderful woman. She just wasn’t the right woman for him. And if Ryan had been around Adrianna for any period of time, he’d have discovered that for himself.

  Which meant Betsy didn’t need to fear the two being together. In fact she should be encouraging interaction.

  Contemplating that idea, Betsy took a big bite of her slice of pizza and washed it down with a sip of soda. “Ryan told me Tripp should be back in Jackson next week.”

  “That’s what he told me, too,” Adrianna said in an offhand tone.

  Intrigued, Betsy lifted a brow.

  “Tripp called this morning and mentioned he was relocating. Because I know Jackson Hole so well, he wanted my help and thoughts on various rental possibilities.”

  “Why would he need your help?” Betsy pulled her brows together. “The guy grew up here.”

  A deep red inched its way up Adrianna’s neck.

  “It’s been a long time since he’s been home,” Adrianna responded, then promptly changed the subject. “What shall we do tonight? Do you have any thoughts?”

  “A movie?”

  “We could.” Adrianna expelled a sigh. “But there’s not anything good playing right now.”

  Wally’s Place was an option. Until this moment Betsy had planned to keep Adrianna away from the popular sports bar because she knew Ryan would be there. But perhaps she needed to rethink her strategy. As long as Ryan thought he was in love with Adrianna, any feelings he might be developing for Betsy wouldn’t stand a chance.

  He needed to be around Adrianna so he could see just how incompatible they were....

  Risky. But deep in her heart, Betsy believed she stood a chance. A good chance. When they were slinging snowballs and insults at each other today, she’d felt a connection. The look she’d seen in his eyes told her he’d felt it, too.

  “We could check out Wally’s Place.” Betsy’s casual tone was at odds with her racing heart. “They have a live band tonight.”

  Adrianna took another bite of pizza, thought for a moment, then nodded. “Sounds like fun.”

  “Would it make you uncomfortable if Ryan were there?” Betsy had to ask. Adrianna didn’t appreciate surprises.

  “What makes you think he’ll be there?”

  “From what he’s said, he usually goes there on the weekends.”

  “Ah, now I understand.” A knowing look filled Adrianna’s eyes. “This is all part of some grand plan, isn’t it?”

  Betsy simply smiled and let her beautiful friend draw her own conclusions, praying this “grand plan” wouldn’t blow up in her face.

  * * *

  “Sure you don’t want to come with me?” Betsy asked with a smile so appealing that Ryan was almost tempted to agree. Emphasis on the word almost. He didn’t like Benedict Campbell enough to go three feet, much less push his way through a crowded room simply to greet the guy.

  He lifted his glass of beer. “I’m a little busy.”

  Betsy rolled her eyes and pushed back her chair. “I guess that means I go by myself.”

  She pretended to be irritated with Adrianna, who’d also refused her request. But Ryan wasn’t fooled. It was obvious she’d set it up so that he and her friend could have some time alone together.

  He cast a sideways glance. As always, Adrianna looked stunning. Tonight she wore a green sweater and jeans that hugged her slender curves and made her legs look as though they went on forever. The overhead light played off the auburn highlights in her hair. Her cherry-colored lipstick emphasized her full lips.

  The strange thing was, Ryan felt no urge to kiss her. It must be because they were in a bar. He’d never been into public displays of affection.

  “How’s the baby business?” he asked when she continued to sit there sipping her martini. If it had been Betsy, she’d have been talking a mile a minute by now. Ryan had to admit that it had taken him a while to get used to the nonstop chatter, but now it felt odd to be sitting in silence.

  “It’s been surprisingly busy lately.” Adrianna turned in her chair to face him. “More women are choosing to have their babies at home. It’s a great way for other family members to be a part of the birth. After all, it’s a completely natural experience.”

  Ryan’s smile froze on his face. Was she saying that the kids were there for the birth? He couldn’t imagine if his mother had wanted him in the room when his little sister was born. He might have had to run away from home. “How nice.”

  She returned her attention to her martini.

  He shifted his gaze to Betsy, who now stood next to the prominent surgeon. Like Adrianna, Betsy wore jeans and a sweater. Unlike her friend, Betsy had a girl-next-door prettiness that made the whole room light up. She was laughing and talking with the doctor as if they were old friends.

  “She’s really coming out of her shell.” Adrianna leaned closer.

  Her perfume seemed almost cloying tonight. He sat back. And he didn’t appreciate her comment.

  “I didn’t know Betsy was ever in a shell,” he said, rising to her defense. He would have said more but a hand slapped him on the back.

  “Why did I know I’d find you here?”

  Ryan recognized the voice immediately. He turned in his seat, rising as he did. “I thought you weren’t getting into town until next week.”

  Tripp Randall laughed. “Can’t a guy be spontaneous?”

  His friend’s blond hair was covered by a ball cap. A hint of a scruff dotted his chin. He cast a curious glance in Adrianna’s direction. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”

  Adrianna rose in one smooth movement, stepped forward and gave their new guest a big hug. “Welcome back to Jackson.”

  Tripp looped an arm around her neck in a friendly gesture. “Now, that’s more like it.”

  Ryan shot him a pointed glance. “If you’re expecting a hug from me, you can forget it.”

  “Mind if I sit?” Before Ryan could answer, Tripp pulled out Betsy’s chair and plopped down.

  “That spot is taken, but I guess you can sit there for now.” Ryan slanted a sideways glance at Adrianna. “Unless you prefer it be just you and me?”

  Her eyes widened and she looked shocked.r />
  “Just kidding,” Ryan told her.

  Tripp stared at him and Adrianna. “Are you two a couple?”

  “Us? No,” Adrianna said, a little too quickly for Ryan’s liking, despite the fact that issuing a quick disclaimer had been the first thing that had come to his lips, too.

  “Actually, I’m here with Betsy.” Ryan pointed to where she stood with her hand on the doctor’s arm. “She’s the one in the blue sweater. And I’m also with Adrianna.”

  “Two women. You’re moving up in the world, boy,” Tripp said with an easy smile. “I don’t believe I know Betsy.”

  “Keenan McGregor’s sister,” Ryan said. “I recently hired her as my legal assistant.”

  “Betsy’s a sweetheart,” Adrianna said loyally.

  For some reason, Ryan didn’t want to talk about Betsy with Tripp. He knew his reluctance made no sense. After all, he’d promised Betsy he’d try to get the two of them together. Of course, he reasoned, first he had to make sure his friend was worthy of her. That might take some time.

  “How long are you in town?” Ryan asked.

  “Depends. Through the holidays, for sure.” Tripp’s expression turned serious. “Hopefully longer if the job I want comes through. My dad isn’t doing well. Because I’m here, I’d like to spend as much time with him and my mom as possible.”

  “I remember you saying he’d been diagnosed with cancer.” Ryan cocked his head. “I thought he’d beaten it.”

  “That’s what we all thought.” Tripp pushed back his chair and stood.

  “You’re leaving?” Adrianna said, sounding panicked.

  “Just getting a draw. The waitress looks swamped. Who knows how long it will take her to get to our table.” Tripp glanced at Ryan and Adrianna. “Can I get you anything?”

  “Another apple martini?” Adrianna said with a smile that Tripp didn’t appear to notice.

  “I’m okay,” Ryan said.

  “I’ll be back,” Tripp said, but instead of turning in the direction of the bar, he headed across the room toward Betsy, who’d finally left Benedict’s side.

  Ryan narrowed his gaze as Tripp approached her. Betsy’s tentative smile widened when Tripp pointed in the direction of him and Adrianna. She probably thought he sent the guy to her. As Ryan watched, Tripp crooked his arm. She slid hers through it and sauntered with him toward the bar.

  “She doesn’t even know him,” Ryan said to no one in particular.

  “Like I said, our little Betsy is coming into her own.” Adrianna laughed. “I knew it would happen.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Betsy hasn’t always been popular with men,” Adrianna said. “But lately guys are finally seeing what a great girl she is.”

  “What guys?” Ryan demanded. Betsy hadn’t said one word about other men in her life.

  Adrianna shoved her chair back, still managing to look graceful in the process. “I’m going to check out the ladies’ room. I’ll be back.”

  Just like that Ryan found himself alone. No Adrianna. No Tripp. And most important, no Betsy.

  * * *

  Betsy found it easy to converse with Tripp. Perhaps because she didn’t care what he thought of her.

  He looked different than she remembered, taller, more manly. While he didn’t make her heart beat even a little faster, with his thick blond hair, vivid blue eyes and strong features, he was an attractive man. Even the scruff on his chin looked good on him.

  The tattered jeans and well-worn henley shirt weren’t much to speak of, but perhaps he’d fallen on hard times. She could certainly empathize.

  “What brings you back to Jackson Hole?” she asked when they reached the bar.

  “I’m out of one job and looking for another.” He motioned the bartender over and quickly gave his order. “I have a promising lead here, so I’m back for an interview.”

  “I hope you get the position.” Betsy covered his hand that was resting on the bar with hers. “I know how it feels to be out of work and out of money. It’s no fun.”

  He searched her eyes, then a tiny smile lifted the corners of his lips. “But you have a job now.”

  “I do.” She glanced over her shoulder at Ryan, who was now sitting alone at the table, and waved. “I’m Ryan’s legal assistant.”

  The bartender set down the drinks and Tripp pulled a twenty from his pocket.

  “No.” She pushed his crumpled twenty back at him and took one of her own from her purse. She held it out to the portly bald-headed gentleman behind the bar, who watched the interchange with an amused smile. “My treat.”

  The bartender took the money and turned away, already busy with another order.

  Tripp tried to push the twenty-dollar bill into her hand, but she clenched her fist and shook her head.

  “You might not get this job.” Betsy hated to be blunt, but Tripp had to be realistic. “I mean, I hope you do, but if you don’t, you’re going to need every penny to just survive.”

  His gaze searched her face. His cool blue eyes softened. “Thank you. You’re very kind.”

  “Once you land your job,” she said, “you can buy me a drink.”

  “It’s a deal.” Tripp slanted a look back at the table. Adrianna had returned, and she and Ryan were talking. “He’s really obsessed with her.”

  “Obsessed? What are you talking about?”

  “Adrianna. Ryan told me a couple of weeks ago that she was ‘the one.’” His eyes darkened and Betsy couldn’t tell if Tripp was happy about that or not. Perhaps he wanted Adrianna for himself. Or maybe he agreed with her and didn’t think the two were a good match.

  Betsy swallowed past the lump that had appeared without warning in her throat. “She’s as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside.”

  “How do you feel about her and Harcourt hooking up?”

  I hate it, Betsy wanted to cry out, because he’s mine.

  But he wasn’t hers. Not yet anyway. “If Adrianna and Ryan become a couple, I’ll be happy for them.”

  “Really?” He lifted a brow. “Something in the way you look at him made me think there might be more between you.”

  “We’re friends,” Betsy said firmly, hoping to put an end to his fishing expedition.

  “Good.”

  “Why good?”

  She felt him rest his hand lightly against her back as they made their way to the table.

  “Because I like you, Betsy McGregor,” he said. “And when I land this new position, I’m going to call and ask you to celebrate with me.”

  Betsy smiled, knowing he was only teasing. But she played along anyway. “Then I’ll keep my fingers crossed you get the job.”

  Chapter Nine

  Across the room, Ryan’s gaze settled on Betsy laughing with Tripp at the bar. A knife twisted in his gut. It had been a long time since he’d felt the sensation flowing through his veins, but he recognized it immediately. Jealousy.

  Surprisingly, it wasn’t Adrianna engendering the response, but Betsy. Betsy. With her mile-a-minute mouth just made for kissing. With her snowball-throwing arm and fabulous cooking skills. With her kind heart and killer Monopoly instinct.

  He’d watched Adrianna picking her way through the crowd. Seen the admiring glances sent her way. Until recently Ryan had been one of those guys. Even though she was a nice woman, he realized now that his attraction had been superficial, not deep. Certainly not the lasting kind.

  When Betsy and Tripp returned to the table, he flashed an easy smile, settling his gaze on Betsy. “What kept you away so long, sweetheart?”

  The endearment felt right on Ryan’s tongue.

  Even in the dim light, he could see Betsy’s cheeks pink.

  After staring curiously at Ryan, Tripp handed the drink to Adrianna with a flourish. “Your apple martini, ma’am.”

  The smile that had been missing from the pretty brunette’s lips for most of the evening returned. “I’m not sure about the ma’am part, but thank you, Tripp.”
r />   Ryan stood and gestured for Betsy to take his seat, then grabbed a chair from a nearby table and slid it next to hers. When she smiled her thanks, Ryan felt a surge of satisfaction. She hadn’t looked at Tripp once since she’d reached the table. Which made him wonder if Betsy liked Tripp as she’d said. No matter. When he got his friend alone, Ryan was going to have to make it clear that Betsy was off-limits.

  Tripp would understand. A real friend never poached on another man’s woman.

  “You’re up to something,” Betsy said in a low tone just loud enough for his ears. “I recognize that look in your eyes.”

  “Ever thought of riding a bull?” Okay, so it wasn’t a great way to change the direction of the conversation, but it was the first thing that popped into his head.

  Betsy knew it was noisy in the bar, but had he really asked if she’d ridden a bull? “Ah, no. I lead a rather boring life.”

  “Our lives are only as boring as we make them.” Ryan jumped to his feet and held out his hand. “No time like the present to kick things up a notch.”

  Betsy accepted his hand and slowly rose to her feet. “Kick what up a notch?”

  “Life,” Ryan said. “I suspect we’ve both been sitting on the sidelines playing it safe. It’s time to reach out and grab what we want.”

  Betsy cast a sideways glance at Adrianna, who appeared engrossed in a conversation with Tripp.

  “This isn’t about her,” Ryan leaned close and whispered in her ear. “This is about you.”

  He stood so near that it seemed a shame not to slide her arm around his waist. She looked into his eyes, not caring what he might see in hers.

  Whatever he saw must have pleased him because a slow smile spread across his face. “Are you ready?”

  She’d been ready for him for years, but she’d like to hear exactly what he had in mind. She trailed a finger down his shirtfront. If he wanted to live dangerously, she was definitely in the mood. “For what?”

  “I’ll show you.”

  Riding a mechanical bull wasn’t exactly what Betsy had in mind. In fact, simply sitting on the back of the black-and-white monstrosity scared her spitless.

  “This isn’t what I thought living dangerously meant,” she muttered.