by Leigh Bale
“Thanks, Zoë. I appreciate it.” His voice sounded low and husky with emotion. Maybe she’d gotten through to him after all. Maybe—
“I’ve got to go now.”
Okay, maybe not.
He gave her that quirky smile of his that told her he was beyond uncomfortable.
“Will we see you at church tomorrow?” We, as in her and Jonah. “Blaine will be there and the other dads you met on the father-son outing,” she hurried to add.
He stiffened and she immediately regretted asking the question.
“We’ll see.”
As he stepped outside, the screen door clapped closed and she watched him saunter over to his truck. The warm evening air gathered around her, smelling of sweet honeysuckle. The setting sun had just started to disappear beyond the western mountains.
The slamming of his truck door jarred her back to reality.
“Great, Zoë. Way to throw yourself at the poor guy,” she scolded.
She closed the front door, not expecting to see Tanner at church tomorrow or ever.
But she was wrong.
* * *
Zoë was already sitting in a back pew the next morning when Debbie and Blaine entered the chapel with Billie, Jonah and the other Milan children.
“Mom! Are you okay?” Her son hugged her tight, gazing at her bandaged hands as if they were an entire body cast.
She kissed his face. “Of course, sweetheart. Did you have fun on your sleepover?”
“Uh-huh.” He slid across the row and plopped down with Billie, waiting obediently for the meeting to start.
Debbie shifted her toddler in her arms and sat next to Zoë. “Are you really all right?”
“Yes, really. Just some mild burns that will heal soon.”
And then Zoë looked up and saw Tanner Bohlman standing in the doorway. A warm, tingly feeling buzzed through her arms and legs. Like the anticipation of Christmas morning, only ten times better.
“Hi, Tanner. It’s good to see you here.” Blaine greeted the other man with a handshake. “Why don’t you sit with us?”
Wow! If Zoë thought Tanner had been handsome in his Forest Service uniform, she could hardly take her eyes off him in his dark pin-striped suit. Gone were his scuffed work boots, replaced by shiny black wing-tip shoes. His lean cheeks showed that he’d shaved that morning, and he smelled faintly of spicy aftershave.
Debbie nudged her with a knowing smile. Without being asked, the woman stood and stepped across Zoë so she could sit on the opposite side. Her intention was obvious. She was making room for Tanner to sit next to Zoë.
“Hi, Tanner!” Jonah waved, his face beaming.
Tanner nodded, then his gaze locked with Zoë’s. “Is it all right if I sit here?”
“Of course.” She made a pretense of shifting down the bench to give him more room.
Rather than stumble across everyone, Blaine went around to the opposite side and sat next to the little boys, bringing the baby’s carrier with him. Zoë knew he’d make sure the children behaved during the service. It felt good to be sitting with friends and family.
It felt good to be sitting beside Tanner.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. And she meant it with every beat of her heart.
He smiled but didn’t say a word.
* * *
Tanner wiped his brow and hoped he hadn’t just made a big mistake by showing up at church today. He didn’t want to give Zoë the wrong impression. They were coworkers and friends. That was all. Nothing more. And yet, he’d become so hungry for companionship—her companionship—that he couldn’t resist being here. If only he didn’t feel so comfortable around her and Jonah. If only he didn’t care about them.
But he did.
He listened intently to the message, absorbing every word. Remembering the scriptures and lessons his grandparents had taught him so long ago. It all came whooshing back, so nice and familiar. Like long-lost friends he’d learned to live without but never could quite forget.
Later in Sunday school class, Blaine introduced him to everyone. At first, he felt alone in a deep sea of unfamiliar faces. But then he recognized several of the dads. Everyone was so welcoming that he soon felt right at home.
Except with Paul. When Tanner sat beside Zoë, Paul glared daggers at both of them. Tanner did his best to ignore the other man but couldn’t help saying something about it to Zoë.
“I think he’s feeling territorial.”
At her questioning glance, Tanner nodded toward Paul, who turned around with a huff and sat stiffly in his seat.
Her lips tightened. “As far as I’m concerned, he has no territory.”
“You sure about that? He let me know on the father-son outing that he has plans to ask you out. Maybe I shouldn’t—”
“I’m positive. He’s called and asked me out several times since then. I’ve tried to make it clear I’m not interested, but the guy won’t take no for an answer. Maybe with you here, he’ll leave me alone for once.” She gave a shudder of repugnance, then shook her head in exasperation.
Tanner’s stomach turned several cartwheels. Even though he had no right, he’d been feeling a bit jealous. Now he felt amazingly relieved. “Good. He’s not the man for you.”
“Is that so?”
He didn’t answer. She gave him a curious look, her blue eyes crinkled in surprise, but she didn’t comment further. Thank goodness. If she pressed the issue, he wasn’t sure how he’d explain himself.
Later, he learned that Zoë normally played the piano for the children during singing time. With her fingers wrapped up like little mummies, she couldn’t do it today. Several people remarked about her injury, but she downplayed it all.
“It was Tanner’s quick thinking that made it better,” she insisted. “He rinsed my hands with fresh water.”
Though he’d done very little, Tanner couldn’t help feeling pleased by her praise. He felt as if they were a team.
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I didn’t know you played the piano.”
She nodded, and he was once again surprised by her many talents. Was there anything this woman couldn’t do? He kept finding more and more to like about her every day.
“By the way, your apple pie was delicious,” he told her.
A wide smile lit up her sparkling blue eyes. “I’m glad. Did you eat it all last night or save some for today?”
He chuckled, enjoying her sense of humor. “I was so hungry when I got home that I ate it all. I should have shared it with you.”
But he’d been so dazed that he hadn’t thought about staying with her a little bit longer. He’d felt nervous and fearful of his own feelings and had gotten away from her as fast as he could. So he could think clearly.
It hadn’t helped. He was as confused by his feelings for this woman as ever.
“There will be other pies,” she promised, resting her bandaged hands in her lap.
He glanced at her dainty, flowered dress, amazed by her transformation. At work, she wore hip waders and tromped through muddy creekbeds. Then she’d change into some feminine concoction that made his senses roar into awareness. She had so many different facets to her and he valued every one.
She gazed serenely up at the front of the class, listening intently to the teacher. He took a moment to admire her delicate profile and flawless skin.
“Are we still going kayaking?” she whispered for his ears alone.
“Yes, of course we are. I’ve already scheduled it for several weeks from now.”
A woman sitting in the row directly in front of them tossed a scolding frown his way. He clamped his mouth closed, thinking he should shut up and pay attention.
“Good.” Zoë ducked her head on the pretense of smoothing a wrinkle of fabr
ic over her left thigh.
He stared at her sleek calves and high heels, then slumped down a bit in his chair so he could come more level with her head. Maybe he shouldn’t have suggested the kayaking trip. He’d had a moment of weakness because her hands had been injured. Because he’d wanted to protect her and make her happy. Now he’d put his own heart at risk. He could fall in love with this woman so easily. He just hoped it wasn’t too late already.
“When can you meet to discuss the water-irrigation project?” He spoke as quietly as he could.
She took a deep inhale and let it go, her voice a low caress. “Tomorrow.”
“I can stop by your office in the morning.”
“That sounds fine.”
The woman in front of them flounced around and gave them another sober glare, this time with a huffy sigh added. Zoë choked back a laugh. Like a naughty girl chastised by her mother, yet not repentant in the least.
“You’re gonna get us into trouble,” he warned, waggling his eyebrows at her.
She didn’t respond, but her smile remained.
Yep, he was hooked. He could no longer deny he had serious feelings for this woman. But what should he do about those feelings? His dilemma was getting worse every day.
* * *
After her Sunday meetings ended, Zoë stood in the front foyer waiting to speak with Tanner before going home. Jonah should be getting out of his class soon. Maybe she’d invite Tanner to—
“Hi, Zoë.”
She turned with a smile and faced...Paul Carter. Her smile dropped like a stone and her stomach gave a violent twist. She’d hoped to avoid him today.
“Hi, Paul.” She didn’t smile as she took two steps back.
He followed, closing the distance between them, reaching out to clasp her upper arm as he showed his toothy grin. “I’m glad we have a moment to speak alone. I finally understand why you’ve been turning me down every time I ask you out.”
She blinked, shrugging his hand off her arm. His heavy cologne assailed her nostrils and she tried to hold her breath. “You do?”
“Yeah, Blaine Milan told me you’ll be moving back to Portland soon. I want to reassure you that isn’t a problem for me.”
She took a sideways step but found her path blocked by a potted tree. A spindly branch and leaves batted her in the face, so she held up her hand for protection. “And why is that?”
“I’m relatively set financially, you know. I can live anywhere I choose. And I’ve always wanted to visit Portland.”
A blaze of horror shot up her spine. “No, that won’t work. Not at all.”
His grin widened. “I know you’ve been worried about getting involved with me when you won’t be staying in town. But now there’s nothing to keep us apart. I can come with you.”
“Oh, Paul. No. I’m not interested. I’ve already told you that a dozen times.”
“But I figured it was just because you’ll be leaving soon. It’s so like you to want to spare my feelings. But seriously, we have no obstacles in our way now.”
She gritted her teeth, her mind racing with a rush of words she longed to say but didn’t dare utter inside the church. Why could this man not get this through his brain? He had her cornered. Literally. Short of pushing against his chest and being extremely rude, she had very few options left.
Glancing to her left, she saw Millie Archer standing near the door chatting with Sandy Gardner. They each smiled and cast knowing glances in her direction. Zoë didn’t want to cause a scene, but neither did she want everyone believing she was romantically involved with this horrible man. A feeling of pure panic clawed at her throat. If Paul didn’t give her some space soon, she’d be forced to—
“Ahem, excuse me, Paul.”
Zoë peered over Paul’s shoulder. Tanner stood there, a forced smile curving his lips. His eyes had darkened to narrowed black points.
Paul turned to look at Tanner, and Zoë didn’t hesitate to flee. She slid past the two men, standing just behind Tanner. Without thinking, she reached out and clutched the lower edge of Tanner’s sleeve and held on tight. Dizzying relief flooded her entire body. She was not letting go of him until she was far away from Paul.
“Tanner, I was speaking to Zoë.” Paul’s smile faded to an irritated sneer.
“Yes, I couldn’t help overhearing. And I thought you’d like to know why she’s continued to turn you down.” With Zoë clinging to Tanner’s sleeve, the answer probably seemed pretty clear. Zoë was glad that Tanner hadn’t actually lied to Paul, but she couldn’t claim she minded if his actions made Paul jump to some mistaken conclusions.
Millie and Sandy arched their necks, listening to every word. Paul’s pallid face reddened with embarrassment as he cast a glance their way. No doubt his ego didn’t take kindly to this humiliation.
“Zoë wanted to spare your feelings,” Tanner continued. “I’m sure you understand.”
“Well, if she’s already going with you, I understand. There’s plenty of other fish in the sea for me.” The hazy look in Paul’s eyes indicated he didn’t understand a thing, but he had no other option than to politely withdraw. Under the circumstances, Tanner had been very kind to give Paul a graceful way out of this ugly situation.
Tanner reached up and clapped the man on the shoulder in a friendly gesture, then scooped his arm around Zoë’s back. Applying slight pressure with his arm, he whisked her down the hall with him. The cry of freedom thrummed within her veins and she didn’t resist.
As she walked briskly beside Tanner, she glanced back, catching Paul’s annoyed expression. Sandy and Millie tried to engage the man in conversation, but Paul brushed past them without a word and headed outside.
Zoë inwardly groaned. No doubt news of what Tanner had done would spread throughout the congregation. People would believe she was romantically involved with him. Still, it was a small price to pay if it meant she could rid herself of Paul’s unwanted attention.
“I hope I did the right thing. I could see you were in a tight spot.” Tanner spoke low for her ears alone as they stopped in front of Jonah’s classroom door.
“Oh, yes. Thank you for saving me.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“You’re very welcome.”
As she looked up into his smiling eyes, she felt overwhelmed by appreciation. Giddy happiness washed through her and she didn’t think before she made her next request. “I’ve got a roast and potatoes simmering in the slow cooker at home. Would you like to join Jonah and me for dinner?”
She’d forgotten her promise not to invite him over again. He needed to make the next move. But she couldn’t seem to help herself.
He licked his bottom lip and shifted his weight. In his amber eyes, she saw a flash of acceptance, but then it was gone. So fast she thought she’d imagined it.
“Sorry, but I can’t, Zoë. I just can’t.”
All right, she’d learned her lesson a second time. The man wasn’t interested in her. And yet, she got so many funny vibes from him. A look, a smile, a hesitancy that told her he wanted to be more than friends.
So did she.
As Jonah’s class got out and a wriggling bunch of six-year-olds flooded the hallway, Zoë waited for Jonah.
“Tanner!” The boy ran toward the tall man, who dropped to one knee and opened his arms wide for a hug.
Something warm and tight churned within Zoë’s chest. Her son loved this man. But she couldn’t pursue Tanner. It wouldn’t be fair. Because being together would require Tanner to give up his job and move to Portland, or for Zoë to resign her position instead. As much as Zoë and Jonah loved the quaint charm of Steelhead, Zoë couldn’t stay here indefinitely. The security of her employment was more important than love.
Wasn’t it?
Tanner stood and waved at her. “See you tomorrow.”
>
“Yeah, tomorrow.” An ache settled in the pit of her stomach. She no longer looked forward to their meetings. Because they were a constant reminder of what she couldn’t have.
Chapter Thirteen
Over the next couple of weeks, Zoë spent hours with Tanner planning their river-irrigation project. While Jonah colored or played with his toys around her desk, she worked late, calling each of the local farmers and ranchers to ask them to participate. She then followed up with a letter. A series of meetings were held. Everyone was notified of the dates when they should reduce their usage of river water. Three days and nights. That’s all they needed to make this project work.
She hoped.
Tanner enlisted the help of the State Fish and Game Department as well as other agencies. And the first day of the event, they worked tirelessly to lay white plastic, weighted down by rocks, across a long stretch of the nearly dry riverbed. To document their success or failure, they’d set up video cameras along the embankment. Floodlights would be turned on at night to allow them to see any fish moving through the stream channel. A lot of resources had gone into this venture. Even the media had been invited to this event. If it failed, Zoë wouldn’t need to worry about returning to Portland. She would be more than disappointed.
She could lose her job.
Zoë sat next to Tanner beside the dry streambed, both of them wolfing down cheeseburgers. Although it was late afternoon, they’d both been so busy that they’d forgotten to eat lunch until now.
“Do you think this will work?” She poked a French fry into her mouth, unable to disguise an edge of nervousness in her voice. She felt jumpy and excited, yet fearful that their plan might fail. They’d put so much effort and time into this project. It just had to work.
