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

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  Sam whipped back, crashing into a table, and then to the ground.

  “L-l-luke!” Annie screamed, leaping to her feet. “St-stop!”

  Sam stood slowly. Luke’s chest heaved with anger. He stayed focused on Sam. Sam had always been too aggressive with women, but this was taking it too far, hitting on Luke’s woman.

  “You’ve got Missy Horman back in town, wanting you, and you ditch her for a chick who can’t talk?” Sam asked, backing away carefully.

  Luke’s jaw dropped. “How dare you?” He stepped forward.

  Annie pushed in front of him. “St-stop. D-don’t d-do th-this f-f-for me.”

  Sam took advantage of the distraction and fled out the door. Luke wanted to chase him and pummel him. He focused on Annie instead, reaching down and grabbing her hand. “What are you talking about? I’d do anything for you.”

  Annie shook her head, pulled free, and backed away. “No.” She spun and ran out the door.

  Luke ignored the staring crowd and ran after Annie. He caught up to her on the sidewalk just outside her shop. “Annie, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry. I promise I usually control my anger.”

  Annie didn’t look at him. She slipped through her front door and strode to her desk, sat down, and started writing. Luke planted himself in front of the desk and waited. He needed to know what was going on in that beautiful mind, and he’d wait until she gave him some answers. His anger slowly cooled at Sam, and embarrassment rushed in. Luke thought he’d overcome his hothead tendencies. Sam had always been awkward, if a little overbearing, but he didn’t deserve a fist to his face for talking to a beautiful woman. Luke hadn’t tried to punch anyone since he’d first met Ty last Christmas. That brought a small smile, despite his distress over whatever had upset Annie so much.

  She finally stood and placed the notebook into his hand.

  You and I are never going to work, Luke. You like killing animals and punching people. I organize pep rallies for peace and protection of endangered species. I don’t need or want you protecting me. I thought I could get past the obvious issues that we have, but we’re not right for each other, and I’m done trying to make it work. Missy needs you. I don’t. Goodbye.

  Luke looked up to try to argue his way out of this one, but she was gone. She’d somehow slipped away while he was reading the note and he’d been so focused he hadn’t even noticed. He checked the treatment and supply rooms then exited the front door and ran around to the side of the building and up her apartment steps. He pounded against the wood and yanked on the door handle. Nothing. Was she hiding out in there? He heard wheels spinning against asphalt and turned to see her gray Sentra peeling away.

  Luke sprinted down the stairs and toward his truck. He jumped in and searched every street for her, but she had disappeared. He stopped, said a prayer, and dialed her number. Of course she didn’t pick up. He banged his fist against the steering wheel and settled for a text.

  You’re wrong about us. We work. I know you don’t need me, but I need you. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do. If you want me to stop killing wolves, I’ll do it. But please, don’t run from me. I don’t want Missy. I want you.

  He rested his forehead against the hot steering wheel and wasn’t surprised when hotter tears streamed down his face.

  Chapter 13

  Annie drove into Billings like a mad woman, almost hoping she’d get a ticket and have another reason to cry. Had she really just done that? Lied to Luke? Run away from the most amazing man she’d ever known so he could get back together with his old girlfriend?

  She swiped at the tears and spotted a decent-sized mall. Swerving into the parking lot, she hoped retail therapy would work. But after spending hours and a lot of money, she felt worse. She’d had a pretzel for dinner, wishing for that hamburger, onion rings, and shake she should’ve shared with Luke. She drove home, dropped her packages next to her bed, and finally allowed herself to read the text Luke had sent minutes after she’d driven away from him.

  Tears welled up. He was so sweet. What was she doing? Then she pictured him hugging Missy and the dejected look on Missy’s face as she’d exited Big C’s. Missy needed him. Annie would have to be okay. She turned off her phone and cried herself to sleep.

  The next day was horrible. She read and re-read Luke’s text message. Every time the door opened, she half-prayed, half-feared it would be him. She had no appointments after three p.m. and no clue what she was going to do with herself. Maybe she could go for a long run. Maybe she would get lost in the mountains. That sounded good.

  She was cleaning up the massage table after her last appointment when she heard the front door open. Her heart jumped. Please let it be Luke. But what would she say if it was? Could she stay strong and unselfish, or would she cave the second she looked at him?

  “Hello? Anybody here?” It was a female voice. Dang.

  She slowly walked out front. Missy stood there, looking absolutely beautiful in a floor-length blue and white striped dress.

  “Hey.” Missy clutched her purse and exhaled slowly. “Well, this is awkward. I’ve come here to tell you that I’m sorry.”

  She paused, and Annie knew she’d have to say something. She tried valiantly, but still stuttered out, “S-s-sorry?”

  Missy’s eyes widened, but she didn’t comment on the stuttering. “I just came back into town and, well, I’d planned on Luke being unattached.” She smiled. “He’s obviously not. I’m sorry if it looked like I was trying to steal him. I wouldn’t do that. I hope you two can be very happy.”

  Annie swallowed. “I b-broke up w-with L-Luke.”

  Missy tilted her head. “Why?”

  “We’re t-too d-dif-ferent.”

  Missy pursed her lips together and studied Annie for an uncomfortably long time. “You’re lying.”

  “N-no.”

  “Oh, I believe you broke up with him, but you did it for the wrong reasons.” Missy came forward and touched Annie’s arm. “Annie. He’s never looked at me the way he looks at you. Never.”

  Annie’s breath caught. Kazlyn had repeated never like that too. “R-really?”

  “You have something special. I don’t know what he did to upset you, but try to work it out. He’s one of the best men I know, and you’re the woman he wants.”

  Tears blurred Annie’s vision. “Wh-what about y-you?”

  “Me?” Missy smiled. “Aren’t you a sweetie? I’ll be fine. I’ve got a long road to get over the things my husband did. But someday I’ll be healed and I’ll find someone who looks at me the way Luke looks at you.” She winked.

  Annie brushed the tears off her cheeks. “Th-thank y-you.”

  Missy surprised her by giving her a brief hug. “Thank me by going to find Luke.”

  Annie grinned. “I c-can d-do that.”

  ***

  Today of all days they had to move the cattle from Luke’s canyon to the meadows closer to the ranch because there’d been two more kills and they just couldn’t seem to stop the wolves. Porter wanted Luke to help him hunt, but Luke couldn’t do that. He’d promised Annie he wouldn’t do that. He groaned, pulled his hat off, and pushed a hand through his hair. Like it mattered. She’d never responded to the text message that he’d put his heart and soul into.

  There were just a few strays to round up, and then he could go shower and see Annie. Maybe in person he could convince her that they should be together.

  A gray car gingerly picked its way over the pot holes up toward his log cabin. He leaned forward on his horse, not sure if he could believe what he was seeing. Annie’s beautiful curls bounced as she exited the car, her muscular form looking irresistible in a lacy white dress. Luke threw a prayer up that he could make this right. He pounded his heels into Phillip. “Come on, boy, get me to her fast.”

  ***

  Annie shaded her eyes against the sun, wondering where she could find Luke, hoping she could fix the mess she’d created last night. A thunderous noise announced a huge black horse. L
uke sat astride with his cowboy hat on and his blue eyes determined. She fanned herself before dropping her hand. Hot cowboy, indeed—those women in LA had no idea.

  Luke reined in the horse and jumped down, covering the distance between them in two long strides. “Annie, I’m sorry.” He pulled her into his arms. “I’m so sorry. Can we make this work?”

  She blinked up at him, wanting to just hold on and never have to talk this through. “I l-lied.”

  “What?” He stood straighter but luckily didn’t pull away from her.

  Annie stroked a hand down his stubbled cheek. “Th-thought y-you sh-should be w-w-with Missy.”

  “No.” The word came out with a rush of breath. “It’s you I want, Annie. Only you.”

  “M-missy t-told me.”

  “Really? She told you we should be together?” He grinned. “I always liked that girl.”

  “H-hopefully n-not t-too m-much.”

  “Not as much as you, that’s for sure.” He lowered his head and took advantage of her mouth. His lips seared into her like a brand. She was Luke’s, and nothing would be right without him.

  “So all the stuff about us not working and endangered animals and that crap?”

  “N-not cr-crap.”

  “Sorry, not crap, but you’re willing to work all that out?” He suddenly looked like a little boy begging for an ice cream cone. “You want to be with me?”

  “M-maybe.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him and softened her lips.

  Luke threw his head back and laughed. “‘Maybe’ I can work with.”

  He kissed her again, and Annie decided nonverbal communication was her favorite way to converse.

  Additional Works

  By Cami Checketts

  Sweet Romance

  Tenderness and Terror Series (Clean Romantic Thriller)

  Clean Romantic Suspense

  Shadows in the Curtain

  The Colony

  Poison Me

  Fourth of July

  Run Series (Clean Romantic Comedy)

  Dead Running

  Dying to Run

  About the Author

  Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.

  Sign up for Cami’s newsletter to receive information about new releases, discounts, and promotions here.

  If you enjoyed A Touch of Love, please consider posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your personal blog. Thank you for helping to spread the word.

  www.camichecketts.com

  First

  Love

  Taylor Hart

  Dedication

  To my amazing four sweet boys—Daniel, Grant, Jacob, Benjamin…believe anything is possible—and it will be.

  To my husband and best friend, Mark. Love you, love you, love you!

  Chapter 1

  For Janet, a Snow Valley wedding was a sight to behold. Especially since her brother, Kevin, was marrying the love of his life, Molly O’Hare. Living to see this day had been one of her great motivations when she was battling cancer.

  Now Janet stood beneath the white tent strung together across the property line dividing the Snow and O’Hare acreage absorbing the beauty of this moment. Sunset pinks and oranges played across the sky like some painting in a fancy gallery.

  A minute later she was all business as she bustled between tables, letting the soft country music flow through her. The wedding party would arrive soon. After standing next to her daughter Lacy and watching Pastor John marry Kevin and Molly, Janet had rushed back to the property, making sure her crew had the flowers just right. After all, that was her business. Flowers. Ever since she’d been a modern day ‘Lazarus,’ as her ex-husband had sarcastically labeled her miraculous recovery from cancer, she’d been consumed with spending time with Lacy and flowers. Flowers were about to become even more important as her ex Kurt had gotten approval from the judge to have Lacy for the summer. Janet was not happy about that.

  But she refused to dwell on that right now and instead chose to focus on the wedding at hand. She paused next to Sharon, one of her loyal employees. “The centerpiece looks beautiful.”

  Softly touching her grey bun with its escaping wisps of hair, Sharon took a breath and smiled. She was in her sixties and had come to Janet’s shop the first day it opened and told her she wanted to work. Sharon’s husband had passed, and she needed to keep her hands busy. Janet didn’t know what she’d do without her now. Sharon beamed and looked around. “The combination of white irises, red roses, and lilies make it look heavenly.” She took Janet’s hand. “You did it. It’s perfect.”

  Considering this had been the official first wedding that Flower Girl flower shop had done, Janet happily took the compliment and hugged Sharon. “We both designed it, so I guess the perfection belongs to both of us.”

  “You mean the perfection belongs to me.” Adam, Janet’s student employee for the summer, gently put a diamond shaped glass centerpiece on the table next to them. He leaned forward and lit the candle in the center, grinning.

  Cocky. That’s what Adam was. She tolerated it because he also had endearing qualities like showing up for work on time and keeping up on the inventory which were priceless when organizing big things—like this wedding.

  Janet gave him a firm pat on his tux-covered shoulder. At six foot, he was about two inches taller than her, but with heels, she was eye level. “That’s right. It was all you.”

  He laughed and winked at her. “Save a dance for me?”

  The smallest amount of flirting had begun not even a week after he’d started working for her at the end of May. Now, a little more than a month later, his silly suggestions were filled with more intent. At twenty-three, Adam was only three years younger than her, but Janet felt far older than him. Being diagnosed with and surviving cancer had mentally and emotionally aged her. There was also the fact that she was a mother, and he had no attachments. “I have some younger cousins, Adam. Why don’t you take them for a spin?”

  Adam paused for a second, covering his disappointment smoothly. He pushed off and moved on to the next table to light the candle. “It’s all good.”

  Sharon laughed and walked with her toward the dance floor next to the stage that held the band the Iron Stix. “That boy likes you.”

  Janet studied the lilies and roses draped in loops around the edges of the tent and the arch. She’d spent almost all day yesterday weaving flowers. “He thinks he does, but it’s just a crush that will pass in time.”

  A new song came on, and Sharon playfully took Janet’s hand and spun her out. “Ah, c’mon, Janet. You can’t let Kurt sour you forever. Your true love is out there somewhere.”

  Unwillingly, the face of the man she’d loved and lost flashed into her mind. Warmth filled her, and she knew her cheeks were flushing. She laughed off the memory and let herself be twirled. “I don’t believe in true love anymore.”

  The cars from the wedding party moved toward the property en masse, and Janet dropped Sharon’s hand and headed toward the caterer. Her mother had given her a list of things that needed to be ready when they got back—the food was at the top of that list.

  Sharon called after her. “True love always has a way of finding us when we least expect it.”

  Janet glanced back and shook off a shiver that went through her. Something felt different tonight. It was something more than just the expected wedding joy and excitement. She shrugged it off as she watched Kevin and Molly climb out of the limo. Seeing them together, she couldn’t help grinning to herself. Okay, maybe Kevin and Molly had true love…but she was sure that ship had sailed for her a long time ago.

  Chapter 2

  Michael Hamilton did not know how he had ended up at a wedding in Snow Valley, Montana.

  “This shindig looks like it’s already gotten off the ground.” His father Joe Hamilton walked next to him, wearing black
wranglers, boots, and a button up shirt with a black leather vest.

  Michael studied his father and then shook his head. “Seeing you dressed all cowboy reminds me of when you and mom used to go out dancing.”

  For a split second Michael saw his father’s happy face break and then quickly recover. “I told you, son, that’s part of the reason I came back to Snow Valley. Those times when your mother was still with us were the happiest times of my life.” Joe stopped walking before they reached the wedding party. “Son, I know you said you could only stay one night, but I was hoping you might stay a week or two?”

  Michael let out a sigh and wondered why he’d come in the first place. His company was in the middle of a big project, and he should be back in L.A. “Dad, you don’t realize how busy I am.” He’d rejected his father’s invitations to the ranch for the last three years. In reality, it had only been when he’d opened that envelope and seen the invitation to the Snow wedding that he’d decided that it was time to pay Snow Valley a visit.

  His father tipped his cowboy hat and let out a breath. “I miss her.”

  The center of Michael’s chest filled with pain. His mother’s face flashed through his mind. That night. Holding her hand in the ER when she closed her eyes for the last time. He shoved it away.

  His father’s eyes filled with moisture. “I miss you too, son. I want you back. I want us to work out what’s between us, and I want to be a family again.”