“I’m sorry?”
“You couldn’t get a room at the lodge, so where are you going to live while you’re here?”
“Actually, Dr. Stone helped me out with that.”
Apparently Adam had succumbed to Blackwater Lake’s philosophy of neighbors helping each other out. The family practice doc had relocated last summer and rented an upstairs apartment from Jill Beck, a local woman. “What did Adam do?”
“He suggested I rent his old place, since he and Jill are engaged and living together downstairs.”
“And?”
“Jill agreed to a short-term lease, something she doesn’t normally do. But I guess she made an exception for me.”
“You and Jill must have hit it off.”
“We did. She even invited me to the wedding, since it’s going to be right there on their property by the lake where I’ll be living.” A smile lit up her face like the town square at Christmas. “C.J.’s actually the one who insisted I had to come to the ceremony, because he’s wearing a tuxedo. That little guy of hers is just as cute as can be.”
“The kid is something else.”
“Anyway,” she continued, “I was relieved to find something, and the silver lining is that it’s more homey than a hotel.”
“It has great views of the lake and mountains.” Right now Alex had no complaints about his view. Ellie Hart sure did brighten up a drab, boxy, portable construction trailer.
“A definite plus. But now...” Her tone turned regretful. “Y’all have been so nice, but I need to make up for bein’ late on my first day. It’s not the way to make a good impression. Time for me to get to work.”
She’d made an impression all right. Time would tell whether or not it was good. And as testy as he’d been about her tardiness, he couldn’t believe he was going to say this. “Look, if you need time to settle and unpack, take it.”
“That’s really sweet, but...” She shook her head. “There’s a lot to do, and the foundation’s being poured tomorrow. I need to check the fittings for the bearing walls and go over the next phase of the project.”
“I already did that. So, unless you want changes—but I can’t see why—the plans are good,” he said. “Really good.”
“Thank you for sayin’ so.” She allowed herself a small smile. “But I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”
“I respect that.” He waited for her to respond, but she focused on her computer.
Finally she looked up. “Was there something else?”
“Just one thing.” He folded his arms over his chest. The guy who’d been told he could charm the bloomers off a man-hating spinster had been sucked in by her charm, because he couldn’t believe he was going to say this, either. “You were a couple of hours late through no fault of your own. It’s okay to cut yourself some slack.”
“All due respect, that’s not how I see it.” She met his gaze. “I’m a woman in a traditionally male occupation.”
“If you’re worried about gender bias, don’t be.”
“Y’all are a man, and you can’t really understand why I have to earn respect.” She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “It’s my responsibility to plan, design and oversee the construction of the clinic to make sure it’s functional, safe, economical and environmentally friendly. It has to meet the needs of the people who work there and everyone who uses it.”
“In my opinion, you left nothing to chance.”
Alex had studied in detail the final construction plans, and he was impressed with her attention to local and state building codes, zoning laws and fire regulations.
“It never hurts to check and double-check. If alterations need to be made, the sooner the better. Otherwise the project could go over time and over budget. And everyone will be checking and watching just a little closer because I’m a woman.”
That was why he was checking her out, and it was no consolation that he hated himself for it. Obviously she wouldn’t want to hear that. So, he tried to put himself in her shoes, which wasn’t easy since they were four-inch heels.
“I see where you’re coming from, Ellie, but I’ve been in the building business for twenty years. Fetching, carrying and learning the trade while I was in high school. In college they actually let me use tools,” he added, gratified when his self-deprecation earned a smile. “Eventually I started my own company in Southern California.”
“I thought you lived here in Blackwater Lake,” she said.
“I do. About two years ago I opened a branch of the business here.”
“Why?” She seemed genuinely interested.
To answer her fully would require him to reveal details about his personal life, and that was something he wasn’t prepared to do.
“This town is a diamond in the rough. Word is spreading outside of Montana that it will be the next Aspen or Vail. It has a lot to offer recreationally during the winter and summer. Clean air and water make it an ideal place for a vacation home or settling in for retirement. There’s going to be a building boom, and I wanted in on that.”
“So y’all are ambitious and career-oriented.”
“Yes.” Partly because he no longer had a family, and work kept him too busy to think about all he’d lost.
“Good. I feel the same way.”
He nodded his approval. “Already we have something in common.”
“I’m tickled y’all understand where I’m comin’ from.”
“I do. It’s nice to know we’re both on the same page.” And there was one more thing. “How about a drink tonight after work at—”
She held up a hand. “I need to stop y’all right there.”
Maybe if he explained. “It’s a McKnight Construction custom to buy the architect a drink on the first day of a new job. For luck. Call me superstitious.”
The corners of her mouth curved up, showing off dimples and the delicate shape of her lips. But the smile didn’t make her eyes sparkle this time. “I’m goin’ out on a limb here and say that y’all don’t often work with a female architect.”
“You’d be right. What gave me away?” he asked.
“Again—out on a limb, but I’m willin’ to bet that means y’all don’t usually flirt with your architect.”
“You’re wrong about the flirting. This is just me being friendly.” Did that sound as smarmy to her as it did to him? He really didn’t mean it that way. “It’s sort of like pouring a solid foundation that sets the tone for a good working relationship.”
“Yes. Until it’s not.”
“You’re saying the male/female work dynamic complicates things.”
“I am.” Conviction and determination made the Southern drawl even thicker. “You have my word that our working relationship will be just fine during regular business hours and won’t suffer at all for lack of alcoholic beverages afterward.”
The thing was, in theory he agreed with her, but in reality he really did buy a drink for his architect on the first day of a new job. Considering his strong reaction to Suellen Hart, he should have been grateful that she’d turned him down flat.
“Whatever you want.” He stood and started to walk away. “But for the record, Ellie? ‘No first-day drink’ means I am treating you differently.”
“Understood. And, Alex?”
He turned. “Yes?”
“I need to put something out there.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not being rude, just honest.” She took a deep breath. “Don’t let the short skirt and Southern accent fool you. I’m not anyone’s idea of a magnolia blossom. I don’t wilt or have the vapors. I’m smart and I can do this job as well or better than any man. And that’s what I intend to do. One bad experience can set a career back, and that’s not going to happen to me.”
Again. She didn’t say it, but the word hung in the air between them. Offhand he’d guess someone at work had hit on her, it didn’t go well and her professional reputation had suffered. Getting a good recommendation from the firm after that wou
ld be next to impossible and could account for the twelve-month gap in her work history.
“All right. Duly noted, Ellie.”
“Okay. Good.” She turned her attention back to the computer and tuned him out.
Alex returned to his corner and realized his hot female architect had finally arrived, but now his problem was worse. He needed a woman more than ever, and he made a mental note to take this itch away for a long weekend, somewhere no one knew him.
* * *
There were a lot of good-looking bachelors in Blackwater Lake, and Alex McKnight was number one on the list as far as Ellie was concerned. Her friendly-yet-professional facade had been sorely tested during these past two weeks, and she was looking forward to some fun. This wedding was shaping up to be just the thing.
Jill Beck and Adam Stone’s evening June ceremony was about to start. It was being held on the front lawn of their house, downstairs from the apartment Ellie was renting from them. She was sitting next to Liz Carpenter, the receptionist at Mercy Medical Clinic, who was pretty much the only person in town she knew other than the bride and groom.
“Is this seat taken?”
Ellie didn’t need a visual to know that voice coming from just over her right shoulder belonged to Alex McKnight. For the past two weeks the deep tone had been messing with her mind from nine to five. The rest of the time memories of it unsettled her. She looked up at him, and her breath caught.
If she’d been prone to having the vapors, this was certainly a vapors-worthy moment. In his dark suit, gray dress shirt, silver-and-black-striped tie, he could stop the world. Hers at least, darn it all.
His short, dark hair was neatly combed. Intensely brown eyes were fringed by dark lashes that made her think of hot kisses under a black velvet sky full of stars. She’d seen him at the end of a long day, several hours after five-o’clock shadow had set in, but no scruff was there now. His lean cheeks and strong jaw looked freshly shaven. She had the most absurd desire to touch his face, see if the skin was as smooth as it looked.
“Ellie?”
He was waiting for an answer to his question.
“Hi, Alex.” She forced herself to smile at him. “No, this seat is free.”
“Not anymore.” He sat beside her and his jacket sleeve brushed her bare arm. Any second she expected sparks to flash between them. He leaned close and said, “You didn’t have far to go for this shindig.”
“Just downstairs.” His breath tickled Ellie’s ear, and the spicy scent of his cologne had her willpower waving the white flag of surrender. After that first day he hadn’t treated her any differently from the rest of the crew. In fact, one of the carpenters was a woman, which had made her feel foolish for her declaration of independence. “I really think they invited me so I wouldn’t make trouble with the local law when the party gets noisy.”
He laughed, and his gaze traveled over her from the top of her head to the pink-painted toes peeking out of her silver high-heeled sandals. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks. Y’all clean up pretty nice yourself.” That was an understatement. Part of her wanted to call him on the compliment, but they weren’t at work and she needed to lighten up. “So, are you a friend of the bride or groom?”
“Both. Adam and I got to be friends when we were on the committee for the clinic expansion. He and my brother were determined to add on and upgrade equipment to better service the medical needs of the community. He’s a good guy. I know Jill because I keep my boat at her marina.”
“I’m guessing it’s not a rowboat.”
“You’d be right. It doesn’t fit on top of the car.” He grinned. “I take her to the other side of the lake on weekends when I really want to get away from it all. No cell reception.”
“So, you pitch a tent over there?” she asked.
“Nope. The boat has a cabin.”
With a bed? she wanted to ask. Fortunately the words stayed safely in her head, and he couldn’t hear the crash bang of her heart that followed the racy thought.
Just then the trio of musicians began to play a soft wedding march. Everyone turned to the aisle, which was covered by a white runner and ran between the two groups of folding chairs. Moments later the blonde flower girl and dark-haired ring bearer walked by, followed closely by matron of honor, Maggie Potter. Then Jill, wearing a strapless, cream-colored satin-and-lace gown, walked by holding the hand of her seven-year-old son, who was giving her away. She was a stunning redhead, and C.J. took after her. He looked especially cute in his tuxedo.
Ellie glanced at the groom, waiting under a rose-covered arbor with his brother and the minister. Adam’s expression said he was equal parts dazzled and in love as his bride stopped in front of him.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the reverend asked.
“I do.” C.J.’s voice was loud and clear. “Adam’s gonna be my dad for real now.”
Ellie’s throat clogged with emotion and tears filled her eyes. What was it about weddings that made her so emotional? She hardly knew these people, but the setting was beautiful and romantic. And the three of them were officially beginning their journey as a family. She felt a tear slide down her cheek. Then another. She brushed them away, hoping no one would notice, but a second later Alex was holding out a folded white handkerchief.
He leaned close and said, “I always carry one for weddings.”
She smiled when he pressed it into her hand and moments later was especially glad to have it. The vows and a spectacular kiss had her sniveling like a baby. Immediately after the ceremony, the wedding party disappeared with the photographer for pictures. Guests stood and milled around on the grass or headed to the decorated tent nearby, set up with tables for dinner.
“Thanks. I’ll return this after it’s washed.” Ellie held up the handkerchief. “For the record, I’m glad you were packin’.”
“I always cry at weddings.”
“Right.” She laughed. “I’m completely mortified. You must think I’m a big baby. But I just couldn’t help myself. It was such a beautiful wedding.”
“Don’t apologize. It was beautiful and nice to know some people get a happy ending.” His tone was either wistful or bitter, and it was hard to tell which.
Feeling the way she did about him made personal questions a slippery slope straight into the fires of hell, but she couldn’t keep the words in her head this time. “Who broke your heart?”
“What makes you think someone did?” After they stood, he put his hand on her elbow to guide her over the uneven grass.
The touch of his warm fingers threatened to short-circuit her thoughts. “What you said about happy endings implies that you didn’t get one.”
“I didn’t. Mine failed in a fairly spectacular way.”
She looked up expectantly but he didn’t say more. “Would you like to talk about it?”
“Not really.” But a devilish gleam slid into those smoky eyes and burned the shadows away. “Although I could be persuaded to. If you have that drink with me.”
She wanted to. Technically it wouldn’t be abandoning her principles about getting involved with a man at work because they weren’t at work. “Okay.”
They walked into the tent, where a bar was set up just inside the entrance. Alex ordered white wine for her and a beer for himself, then guided her to an unoccupied white-cloth-covered table in a secluded corner. Small white lights and flower arrangements of roses, orchids and star lilies transformed the interior into something magical.
As the setting and wine worked their magic on her, Ellie began to relax. He pulled out a chair for her, and when they sat and faced each other their knees brushed.
“So, tell me about your spectacular failure,” she said.
“I was married.”
Past tense. She appreciated the straightforward honesty. It was information the jerk at her very first job had kept from her. Just to be sure, she asked, “‘Was’?”
“Divorced.” He took a long drink f
rom his beer, and there was something so masculine about the way his neck muscles moved as he swallowed.
“How did you meet her?”
“On the job.”
Wasn’t that always the way? It was why she was ultra cautious now. The only problem with not trusting was the intense loneliness. Touching Alex even a little made her miss having a man hold her, kiss her. Love her.
“Was this in college?”
“Nope. I was the boss and needed an executive assistant. She was qualified. And beautiful. It turned into more.” Even the dim lighting couldn’t hide the way his mouth pulled tight. “Then she told me she was pregnant.”
“So you married her.”
“And convinced her to move to Blackwater Lake because it’s a great place to raise kids.”
“She didn’t like it here?”
“Partly. Mostly she didn’t like me all that much.”
“Idiot.”
He smiled. “I appreciate that.”
Ellie was aware that she wasn’t a poster girl for great instincts where the opposite sex was concerned, but she’d seen how Alex handled the people who worked for him with amazing fairness. They’d move heaven and earth if he asked. You didn’t get that kind of loyalty by being a jerk.
“So you weren’t the one to end it,” she said.
“No. As it turned out, instead of proposing marriage when she said she was pregnant, the question I should have asked was ‘Who’s the father?’”
The meaning of his words sank in. “Oh, no—she let you believe you—”
“Yeah. I enjoyed having a son while it lasted.” There was raw bitterness in his voice now. “Dylan was almost a year old when she said she wanted his real father to raise him.”
She could see the truth on his face. “Y’all loved that little boy.”
“I sure did.”
“I’m sorry, Alex—”
“Don’t be.”
“It’s not pity,” she protested. “I’m sorry for that child because his mother is a moron. Y’all are probably better off, except that you miss that baby.”
“He’s not a baby anymore. It’s been two and a half years.”
“I shouldn’t have made you talk about it. Especially on such a happy occasion.” She looked around and saw that the tables were filling up with people ready to celebrate another couple’s love.
Harlequin Special Edition July 2013 - Bundle 1 of 2: Marooned with the MaverickHer McKnight in Shining ArmorCelebration's Bride Page 20
