Summer in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies Book 2)

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  Cole chuckled. “Was it ever.” He leaned over and kissed his wife briefly. “One kiss, and I was a goner.”

  Caytie could feel how much the newlyweds loved each other. If she ever married, this was the kind of marriage she wanted. This was the kind of love she’d hold out for.

  “You two always give the same vague answer about how you met,” Jace said. “Some how I think there’s more to this story.”

  Lucy lifted one shoulder. “Maybe.” She looked at her husband, and the two shared another secretive smile.

  Lucy’s cell started playing “Mother Knows Best” from Tangled. She silenced her phone. “Sorry, that’s my mom. I wish we could stay and talk, but my little brother’s game is starting and we promised we’d be there on time.”

  “Good luck with your car,” Cole said.

  “Thanks.” Caytie watched as Lucy and her husband weaved their way through the throng of little leaguers leaving with their parents. The game had ended, and Jace’s team lost by one point. The man who wrecked her car was pretty ecstatic when his son told him the news.

  A tow truck arrived and Jeb promised to pay for a rental car for Caytie, asking her to please not sue him since he was a self-employed rancher. Caytie wasn’t her father, and wouldn’t dream of suing anyone. After reassuring him of this, Jeb and his family left. His truck was hardly dented.

  Jace’s team seemed to be in pretty good spirits for losing a game. Caytie guessed it had to do with the fat sugar cookies they snacked on. She really wanted a cookie, or something with a lot of carbs. Maybe she’d make Jace take her to get the frozen custard after all.

  A nice looking guy handed the plastic container to Jace. “Kyden’s cookie is still in there for you drop by his house.”

  “Thanks,” Jace said.

  The guy glanced at Caytie and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Gabe Wesson.”

  “Caytie Holbrook,” she said, shaking his hand.

  “Sorry about your car.”

  “Me too,” Caytie said, watching as the tow truck driver loaded it on the back of his truck.

  “Dad, can we get a milkshake at Big C’s?” the little boy asked.

  “Sure.” Gabe placed his hands on his son’s shoulders. “I guess we’ll see you at practice on Monday,” he said to Jace.

  “Thanks, Gabe.”

  “Yep.” He glanced at Caytie. “Beautiful car. I hope everything works out.”

  “Thank you.”

  After Gabe and his son left, Jace pointed out his truck parked under a big tree. He and Caytie walked toward it. “I need to get the equipment bag. If you want to wait here in the shade I’ll be right back.”

  He handed her the plastic container and jogged across the grass. Caytie watched him talk and laugh with a few individuals as he gathered up the equipment. Life here seemed so simple, and the people were friendly and more down to earth than her acquaintances back home.

  Snow Valley was a nice place to live. On her way to the game, she’d driven slowly through Main Street. The downtown area didn’t look as bleak as she’d first thought. Sure, it wasn’t Beverly Hills, but it was very quaint. There were even a few new businesses that had opened up, since—according to Ilene—Snow Valley was quickly becoming a year-round vacation destination.

  Ilene frequently boasted of Snow Valley’s Christmas activities, which brought tourists in from all across the country. The city was thrilled that more and more of those winter tourists were returning to experience summer in Snow Valley.

  For a moment, Caytie pondered the idea of what it would be like to live here. Would she grow tired of the small-town atmosphere? Already she missed the ocean, plus she had no idea what she’d do to occupy her time. Housekeeping was monotonous work, and so far her attempts in the kitchen had ended with failure. On top of that, she wasn’t sure she could live on a ranch, along with its smells, for a long period of time.

  She could try to get a job, but had no idea what a fashion design graduate—with a propensity for designer handbags—would do in Snow Valley, Montana. Once she gained access to her trust fund, Caytie planned on taking an extensive trip to Italy. She would seek out unique handbags, and start the process of producing her own creations to eventually sell in her own boutique.

  Jace started back toward her, and her heart did a little dance. She didn’t believe men like him existed. Edward and her father had shattered her dreams of getting married and someday having children, but someone like Jace McAllister could change her mind.

  Chapter 16

  Although the temperature had dropped back down into the seventies, Jace still felt the heat. As he made his way back toward his truck, he removed his ball cap and instantly felt some relief as a mild breeze sifted through his damp hair.

  Truthfully, his hot flash probably had more to do with the beautiful blonde waiting for him. She was watching him now. And it made him nervous.

  A tiny smile appeared on her lips, and he almost wondered if she could read his thoughts. His eyes zeroed in on her mouth. Lucy and Cole Taggart, and all their talk about kissing, had Jace wondering—no, obsessing—about what it would be like to kiss Caytie.

  What if he kissed her and, like Cole Taggart, he was a goner? Caytie was all wrong for him. He couldn’t see her relocating to Montana, and he sure wasn’t leaving the ranch to move to California. Besides, she was running from something, and catching Caytie wasn’t in his immediate plans.

  He slapped his hat back on and made a decision. He couldn’t kiss her. Ever.

  Caytie still held onto the cookie container, and Jace mentally groaned. He’d promised Kyden to stop by after the game to give his special game-day treat. Since Caytie had no other means of transportation, he’d have to take her with him.

  “Is everything okay?” Caytie asked as Jace tossed the baseball equipment in the back of the truck.

  He glanced at her from under the brim of his hat. “Sure.”

  She narrowed those pretty blue eyes of hers. “Then why are you scowling?”

  Dang, he needed to work on his poker face.

  He unlocked the truck, and opened the door for her. “I’m just bummed about losing the game.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” She slid into the passenger seat, and Jace caught the subtle scent of her perfume. Man, she smelled good.

  He closed the door and rounded the front of the truck. If he hadn’t promised her a trip to Billings, Jace would’ve taken her home and then come back to see Kyden. But he still had a few hours of training with Moonshine, and he’d already told Ian he was taking Caytie shopping.

  “I just need to make a quick stop before we head home,” he said, starting the truck.

  “I hope it’s to get food. I’m starving.”

  Jace glanced at her as he cautiously backed out of his parking space. “What do you want to eat?”

  “I don’t suppose Snow Valley has any place to get sushi?”

  That made him laugh. “Nope, but we can grab a burger at Big C’s.”

  “That does sound tempting, but since I’m going shopping for jeans this evening I better stick to something light.”

  “Eating a cheeseburger isn’t going to make that big of a difference.” He shot a quick look at her. “Besides, you aren’t even close to being overweight so stop worrying.”

  She was quiet for a few seconds, and he wondered if he’d said something wrong. Finally, she said, “I just like to eat healthy. There’s a history of obesity and food addictions in my family so I like to be careful.”

  Jace’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “Yeah, I’m aware of family addictions.” He came to a stop sign and looked over to find Caytie watching him. “My mom was a drug addict. She OD’d when I was sixteen.”

  He wasn’t exactly sure why he’d just shared that with Caytie. It wasn’t a topic he liked to discuss with anyone.

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

  Jace nodded before looking away and continued on their way.

  “Is that when you came to live with Un
cle George?” Caytie asked.

  “Yeah, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. I never knew who my father was. I don’t think my mother did either.” Geez, if he didn’t shut up he’d be sharing all his family secrets.

  “I wish I could’ve come to live with Uncle George after my mother passed away.”

  “Why didn’t you? I know George wanted you to.” Jace was grateful she’d dropped his depressing past.

  She blew out a big breath. “My father didn’t let me, and what my father wants, my father gets.”

  Jace knew from the things George said that Caytie’s father wasn’t the greatest guy. He’d guessed the reason Caytie showed up at the GH unexpectedly was because of her father.

  Caytie’s phone started to ring. She answered, and from what Jace could gather, Mr. Clark was making arrangements for her to get a rental car.

  Victoria’s house was up ahead, and Jace was grateful Caytie was on the phone. He didn’t know how to ask her to stay in the truck while he took Kyden his cookie. Shoot, he was tempted to ask her to duck down so Victoria didn’t see her in the truck.

  He stopped in front of her house just as Caytie’s phone conversation ended. He turned toward her. “One of my players was home sick, and I promised to bring him his treat.” He put the truck in neutral, and engaged the emergency brake. “Just sit tight and I’ll be right back.”

  “Tell Kyden I hope he feels better,” Caytie said, handing over the cookie container.

  “How’d you know that was his name?”

  She pointed to the container “It’s the only cookie left and has his name on it.”

  “Oh. Right.” Jace had no reason to feel guilty, so why did he? “I’ll be right back.”

  He walked up the front walkway, hoping Kyden opened the door. He could give him the cookie and be on his way.

  Before he could even knock or ring the doorbell, Victoria opened the door. She placed her finger to her lips. “Shh. He just fell asleep on the couch and I don’t want to wake him.” She stepped out on the porch, and quietly closed the door.

  Victoria faced him, giving her a perfect view of his passenger. Of course she noticed Caytie right away.

  “Who’s in your truck?”

  Jace really didn’t want to get into this right now. “George’s niece is here for a visit.”

  “What’s her name?” Victoria asked.

  “Caytie.” Jace held up the cookie container. “I just wanted to drop off Kyden’s cookie.”

  Victoria’s eyes flickered to Jace. “Thank you. He’ll be sad he missed you.”

  She didn’t make a move to get the cookie out, instead her eyes trailed back to his truck.

  Jace quickly opened the lid. “We lost the game by one point. Tell him we really missed him.”

  She brought her gaze back to Jace. “I will.” She moistened her lips. “Or, why don’t you come back this evening for dinner? Ky’s no longer contagious and he’d love to hear all about the game.”

  Lifting a hand, he rubbed the back of his neck. He should just tell her now that he wouldn’t be accepting any more invitations to dinner. “Uh, tonight isn’t good. I’ve got some errands that will take me into Billings.”

  “What about tomorrow after church?”

  “Isn’t there a potluck after church?”

  “That’s right. I almost forgot.” She smiled. “I’m sure Kyden will feel up to going to the potluck. Maybe we can all sit together.”

  Jace swallowed hard. They had never sat together in church, or shared a picnic blanket at any of the potluck’s before. “Victoria, I don’t think—”

  An ear-piercing scream rent the air, cutting off his rejection.

  He whirled around to see the truck door open and Caytie hopping up and down, swiping at her hair and yelling, “Get it off! Get it off!”

  “Get what off?” he asked, striding over to her.

  “A spider.” She continued to swipe madly at her hair. “Do you see the spider?”

  Jace tried not to laugh, but was unsuccessful. “If you hold still I can see if the spider is still there.”

  “You better not be laughing at me,” she said, as Jace examined her hair.

  “Of course not.” He grinned before turning her around to check out the back.

  “I don’t see a spider,” Victoria said, standing so close to Jace their arms touched.

  He had completely forgotten about her. “Neither do I,” he said.

  Caytie glanced over her shoulder. “Promise?”

  “Yep.”

  She turned around and straightened her white tee. “I don’t like spiders.”

  “Yeah, I got that,” he said with a laugh.

  Caytie cut him a glare before addressing Victoria. “Hi, I’m Caytie Holbrook.” She held out her hand.

  “Victoria Pearson.” Victoria briefly shook her hand. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t like spiders either.”

  Caytie shuttered. “Thanks for trying to make me feel better.”

  “Jace says you’re here visiting your uncle.” Victoria shifted her weight just enough to press even closer to Jace’s side. “How long will you be here?”

  “I’m not sure.” Caytie looked at Victoria and then Jace. “I’m kind of playing it by ear.”

  There was an awkward silence. Jace wished he’d get a phone call or something. Finally he said, “Hey, I need to get back to the ranch. I’m breaking Judd Clayton’s colt, and I’ve got a lot of work to do before I give Judd an update.”

  Victoria’s hand came to rest on his forearm. “What about the potluck tomorrow?”

  Why was she pushing him? She’d never been like this before. “I’ll be sure to stop by and say hi.”

  A flash of pain flickered behind her hazel eyes, and Jace knew he’d hurt her.

  “Great.” Victoria looked toward Caytie. “It was nice meeting you.”

  “You too,” Caytie said.

  Victoria glanced at Jace one last time before walking away. He felt like the biggest jerk. As soon as Victoria disappeared inside her house, he turned to find Caytie watching him. “You ready to go?”

  She nodded and glanced at the truck. “I hope there aren’t anymore spiders.”

  “There won’t be, but if it will make your feel better I can do a quick search.”

  Jace checked out the passenger side, and declared it spider free. Caytie cautiously climbed in while he rounded the front of the truck. The first few minutes of the ride back to the ranch were quiet. Then Caytie asked him the inevitable.

  “So, are you and Victoria dating?”

  “No.” He cut her a quick glance. “We’re friends.”

  There were several more seconds of silence.

  “I think she wants to be more than just friends,” Caytie said.

  There was no use denying the obvious. “I know, but I don’t feel that way about Victoria.”

  “You don’t?”

  “I don’t.”

  “Does she know that?”

  “Apparently not.” Jace glanced her way again. “I haven’t wanted to hurt her, and I thought if we kept things the same way she’d know I’m not interested in shifting our friendship status to something else.”

  He focused on the road. “I can see now that was the wrong thing to do. Especially since I’ve never felt any chemistry with her, something I’ve recently discovered is important in a relationship.”

  “Oh,” she said, and then gently cleared her throat. “I feel the same way.”

  Jace felt the knot in his gut loosen. Something had just shifted in his and Caytie’s relationship. He waited for the oppressive feel of regret or panic to hit, but it never came. That alone should terrify him, but for some reason it didn’t.

  Chapter 17

  Caytie twisted the last section of her hair around the flat iron and pulled it through to make a final curl. She quickly unplugged the iron, and cleaned up her mess in the bathroom. Jace should be coming in any minute to shower before they left for Billings.

&n
bsp; A flutter of excitement tickled her stomach. She knew it wasn’t really a date, but something had changed on their drive home from town, and she looked forward to spending time with him.

  Entering her room, she picked her favorite scented lotion and rubbed it over her bare arms. The thought of anything serious with a cowboy still seemed unrealistic. They were too different and both wanted different things, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t enjoy the time they had with one another.

  A tiny flicker of guilt pricked her conscience when she thought of Victoria Pearson. She was obviously in love with Jace. Caytie had picked up the vibes that Jace didn’t reciprocate Victoria’s feelings, even before he’d told her just that, but she hoped her sudden appearance in Snow Valley hadn’t played any part in his feelings. Victoria was beautiful and more like the type of girl Jace would probably end up with.

  Caytie was smart enough to know that she and Jace had chemistry, but she was also smart enough to know that she’d never make him happy. From what she’d gleaned from Kellen, Victoria was an amazing mother as well as homemaker, and those things were important to Jace.

  Grabbing her purse and phone, Caytie made her way downstairs. She grimaced when she detected the faint smell of sulfur. Before Ilene and George left for a surprise birthday party for one of their friends, her uncle informed her the smell was coming from a leak in the septic tank system. A repairman was working on the problem, and hopefully the odor would fade.

  She picked up the can of deodorizer and quickly sprayed a small amount. The fresh scent did a good job masking the unpleasant fragrance from outside.

  Glancing out the window of the kitchen, Caytie was disappointed to find Jace’s truck still absent. Before getting ready for the trip to Billings, she’d wanted to venture out to the arena to watch him train the colt, especially since Kellen was out helping him with the job. The broken septic tank had nixed that idea.

  Wandering over to the fridge, she pulled it open and eyed the fresh peach pie Ilene made earlier. Caytie was so tempted to sneak a tiny piece, but she’d already had way too many carbs. She’d actually let Jace talk her into eating a cheeseburger from Big C’s. She closed the fridge before she gave into the temptation.