“Better finish making the coffee,” he said, running a hand over his face and exhaling.
Feeling oddly bereft, Savannah swallowed and nodded. “You still feel like watching a movie?” she asked, fully prepared for him to suggest they call it quits for the evening.
“Sure. I’ll even try to behave.” He smiled wryly. “No promises, though.”
That eased her anxiety. But damn, she’d better figure out what exactly she wanted and stick to it. Really, would it be so terrible to spend the night with him? She wasn’t committed to Porter. And for goodness sake, she hadn’t had sex in forever.
Mike had returned to his task, while she just stood there, staring at nothing and thinking way too much.
“I need to ask,” Mike said suddenly. “Are you seeing anyone?”
Savannah should’ve expected the question. In fact, she’d waited for it a few times yesterday. “Kind of.” She shook her head. “Not really.” Yeah, that didn’t sound evasive at all. Jeez.
“How long?”
“Two months.” She hoped his frown didn’t mean he thought she was lying. “We’ve only gone out a few times.”
“That’s all?”
“We haven’t had sex,” she blurted, blushing like crazy when the words tumbled out. “Oh, God. That was a terrible thing to—” She sighed at his slow smile. “I know, I know, way too much information.”
“No, actually, I’m relieved, so—” he shrugged “—thanks.”
“Honestly, it’s not really going anywhere. Porter’s got some personal issues to work out, so it’s just been a couple of dinners and drinks. And I’ve already decided—”
Mike had tensed. It was a slight shift in his expression, his posture, but real nevertheless. “You don’t need to explain anything to me.”
“I just didn’t want you to think I played loose—or that I’m anything like my mother.” Her stomach churned. Why hadn’t she just shut up? “I didn’t mean that. Not like it sounded.”
Except she did, and she turned back to loading the dishwasher before he could see the ugly truth in her eyes.
“Hey.” He caught her arm and gently pulled her back around to face him. “The thought never crossed my mind.”
“Just for the record, my mom isn’t like that anymore. That was a crappy thing for me to say.”
“I knew what you meant. And certainly no one would blame you for being touchy.” He traced the skin over her cheekbone with his thumb. Once, twice. Then again. “This is torture.”
“What is?”
“Touching you.”
A warm, giddy sensation took over her senses and erased any lingering doubt. “Then don’t do it,” she said, trying to control a grin.
His low, intimate laugh made her shiver with anticipation. Looping her arms around his neck, she pushed up on her toes. Her lips barely reached his, but anyway pressing herself against his hard body elicited a much better response.
A wickedly deep groan echoed from the back of his throat. She heard the pounding of her own heart, felt the beating of his against her breasts as he claimed her with an openmouthed kiss. His tongue swept inside, finding and stroking hers until her knees started to weaken.
His hand slipped down to the curve of her backside and, exerting a light pressure, he urged her more firmly against him. Sanity had fled with the touch of his hand and the taste of his mouth. Her resolve to stay out of his bed was following close behind.
She doubted Porter could ever make her feel like this.
The callous thought cooled her off some. She wasn’t doing anything wrong, but she was so tempted...
Mike evidently noticed the change in her mood. He broke the kiss and stepped back, clearing his throat. “Okay. Coffee.”
Savannah nodded and as he turned toward the coffee maker, she glimpsed the bulge in his jeans.
“Why don’t you go choose a DVD while I finish up?” he said, his voice hoarse. “Assuming you still want to stay.”
“I do.”
“Good. I’ll join you in a minute.” She was glad he kept his back to her, since she needed some time to cool down herself.
Somehow she made it to the couch. Just as she sank down onto the cushion, she remembered she was supposed to pick out a movie. Even if she managed to stand, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to control her impulses. But if she gave in and slept with Mike, what would tomorrow be like? Seeing everyone from town. Them seeing her. Would it be written all over their faces? Would it embarrass him? Make her seem less professional?
She shouldn’t do it, that was all. She needed to control herself, at least until after her work here was finished.
* * *
THE COFFEE DRIPPED, the sizzle on the hot surface below the pot an excellent representation of Mike’s thoughts. Her company was called Porter Burke International. The chances of their being another Porter at that company were pretty much nil. The man Savannah had spoken to yesterday was Porter Burke. Her boss.
She had to know that taking up with her boss was a dicey move. She’d put the career she said she loved at risk. Savannah was smart. Clever. Intuitive. It didn’t sound like something she’d do.
Did those kinds of relationships ever work out? Maybe. He’d never worked in an office environment, and just because common knowledge said it was a stupid move didn’t mean all that much.
Maybe he’d misunderstood, but he didn’t think so.
Instead of going to the den, he got a package of microwave popcorn from the pantry and popped it then put it in the ceramic bowl he’d bought for his father about twenty birthdays ago. It said Dad’s Popcorn—Hands Off on the side. His dad took that inscription to heart. Using it was a guilty pleasure when his folks were in Florida.
The coffee was ready, so he filled a cup for her and took out a soda for himself. Just in case, he added another soda to the tray and walked it all out to the living room.
The TV was off, and Savannah was sitting on the edge of the sofa, staring at the dark screen.
“What did you pick?”
His voice startled her, making her head jerk. “Sorry, I forgot. I’ll go look now. Is that popcorn I smell?”
“Yeah. Well, you know. Movie.” He put the tray on the coffee table as she stood.
When she came back to the couch, she was holding his copy of Moonrise Kingdom. “This okay?”
“Yeah, great.”
The movie was running a minute later, but Mike wasn’t paying much attention. He was too busy staring at her hand as she swiped popcorn from the bowl. Her fingers were long and elegant with neatly trimmed nails.
“Did I mention,” she said, right in the middle of Bill Murray’s dialogue, “that I’m putting in for a week of vacation starting on Tuesday?”
“Vacation.” The popcorn in his hand dribbled back into the bowl. “Here?”
She grinned at him. “Yep.” She flicked a kernel into her mouth.”
“Seriously?”
Her smile didn’t waver. “And I’ll tell you something else I’ve decided.”
“What’s that?” he asked, hoping like hell it was to spend the night with him.
“If anyone makes a comment about me not understanding small towns, I’m going to tell them who I am.”
It felt like a sucker punch. Her joy at her plan was painfully obvious, and so, so misguided. But he needed to be careful. Not make her paranoid.
“What?” she said, her smile dimming.
“That’s a big turnaround. I’m not sure it’s going to do you any favors.”
“What do you mean?”
He let go of his held breath. “You remember what those people were like at the last presentation. They haven’t suddenly become more rational.”
“True. But it should help if they know I understand.”
“Didn’t you tell me you’ve lived in Denver since you left here?�
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Her eyes narrowed. “Yes.”
“Someone’s bound to mention you were only fourteen when you left, and you were hardly ever in town.”
“That just means my world was even smaller.”
God, he hated this. “I don’t know, there’s a difference between living an isolated childhood and growing up in a small town.”
“You think they’re right, don’t you? I don’t understand the culture.” She visibly swallowed and then seemed to deflate before his eyes. “Or is this about my mom? It is, isn’t it? They’ll blame me—”
“No. That’s not what I’m saying.” He paused, afraid he’d unintentionally brought them down this rocky path. No, she didn’t understand the small town mind-set, but the conversation had veered to something more personal. “Naturally, there will be a few who’ll pick on anything to complain about. Doubly so when there’s even a minor threat of change in the air.”
“I don’t believe it,” she said, looking away from him. “You said it was all on my mother, and that I had nothing to be ashamed of.”
“You don’t. Believe me, you don’t. But you’ve seen what some of the older folks around here are like...”
When she turned to face him, she looked bleak. “How do you stand it, then? These people who are so stubborn, or is it just willful? I never wanted to think that small towns meant small minds.”
“That’s not fair,” he said. “We’re talking about a few vocal individuals. You said yesterday the folks you met at the diner had been smart and savvy.”
“No use talking about it. I don’t even know if I’ll say anything.”
He wanted to put his arms around her. Help her see that he was trying to do her a favor. “Look, anyplace you live is a trade-off. My family had a rough go after the economy tanked. The ranch wasn’t making enough to pay the bills. But I’m good with carpentry, and the people in town know it. They hired me, even though some weren’t all that much better off. They had me doing remodels and repairs and everything in between. And some of those people were part of the group that was giving you so much grief. Mostly, they’re all good-hearted, kind folks and believe me, they’re in the majority.”
She stood up, making it clear his message hadn’t been welcome.
“May I just add one more thing?” he said. “I’m not saying don’t do it, but I think tomorrow’s forum is a lousy time.”
She blinked and looked away.
Hell, maybe he should’ve used the termob mentality,” since that was what he was thinking. But he was battling more than Savannah’s disappointment. What she’d said about the town made it very clear that she would never want to live here again. Until now, he hadn’t realized he’d subconsciously held on to a small hope she might, once the dust settled.
More than that, he realized with a sinking feeling, she hadn’t let go of the past. She was still looking for validation from the outside. How else to explain such a sensible woman dating her boss? He could ruin her, and that hadn’t scared her off?
And now she wanted to prove herself to the town that hadn’t given one thought to the child who was thrown out with the bathwater. It wasn’t enough that she was great at her job or that she was offering something tangible that could help Blackfoot Falls and everyone in it.
“I need to do some thinking,” she said with a strained smile. “Would you mind taking me back to the motel?”
Chapter Eighteen
The next morning Savannah turned on her laptop as she sipped her coffee. First, she checked her calendar to make sure she had nothing pressing to do this week. If she’d ever needed a vacation, it was now.
Sometime around midnight, she’d finally made peace with what Mike had told her. She understood that he was just playing devil’s advocate, and that he had her best interest at heart. Fortunately, they hadn’t parted on a bad note, and she was reasonably certain he’d still welcome her hanging out with him for a week.
Also, she needed him to know that she appreciated his efforts. Though she was still prepared to reveal who she was if the occasion demanded it, knowing she could take whatever heat came her way. After visiting the cabin, she’d never felt stronger.
Next, Savannah called the office. It was already ten fifteen and she hoped her supervisor wasn’t in a meeting. Jeanine was also the Denver regional manager, and she was going to faint when Savannah asked her for vacation time.
Jeanine answered on the third ring.
“Hey,” Savannah said. “Are you sitting down?”
“Uh-oh. Tell me you’re not about to blow up my Monday.”
“I don’t think so,” Savannah said, grinning and picturing the older woman, who’d also been her mentor, juggling the phone and a mug of strong coffee.
“I got your email. You must still be in—what is it—Blackfoot Falls?”
“I am, but I should be finished by midafternoon. Listen, I checked my calendar and I don’t have anything major scheduled. Can you spare me for a week? I want to take some vacation.”
After a brief silence, Jeanine said, “I hope no one died.”
“I almost killed Ron, but no, not that I’m aware of.”
Jeanine chuckled. “He was asking about you a while ago.”
“I will say he felt badly leaving me to finish up. But that was just fine with me. Anyway, vacation time?”
“I don’t see a problem. We’re covered, although Porter is coming next Monday so you might want to be up to speed on all your accounts by then.”
Savannah frowned. “Isn’t he in Paris for meetings?” She knew he was because she’d spoken to him earlier—right while she was in the middle of a juicy daydream about Mike. And Porter hadn’t mentioned anything about going to Denver.
“According to his assistant, he’s going to Milan for a few days, then flying here before returning to Dallas.”
“Did she say why?”
“She didn’t know.” Jeanine paused. “I don’t think either of us is getting fired.”
It was a joke, so Savannah laughed, even though she didn’t feel like it.
“Hey, I’ve got to run, but yes, absolutely, take vacation. Hell, with all the hours you work, I should consider it comp time.”
Ten minutes ago Savannah would’ve loved that idea. It meant she could sock more time away to visit Mike later down the road. But it really bothered her that Porter hadn’t said anything about Denver. Anyway, she wanted to see him in person to break things off, so the timing was great.
They disconnected, and Savannah bounced right back to dividing her thoughts between Mike and the presentation. His reservations about her identifying herself still gave her pause. She liked him twice as much for caring about her like this, so she’d decided not to identify herself. If necessary, she’d just tell them she came from a small town. After all, this wasn’t about proving anything. Besides, she was a professional, and the job had to come first.
Mostly, though, she couldn’t wait to tell him she’d gotten her vacation time. Maybe they could go up to Glacier National Park and to the movies in Kalispell. Okay, she had to concentrate on work right now. But she couldn’t wait until after the presentation. She picked up her cell again and typed.
Guess who has a week of vacation starting tomorrow!
She’d barely returned to reviewing her notes when he texted back.
I’m all yours!
* * *
“OH, FOR CRYING out loud...” Sadie was facing the door, watching people stream into the room. “What the hell is he doing here?”
Savannah looked up from her laptop, though she had no idea who Sadie was talking about. It could’ve been any one of the sourpusses standing along the back wall. Some she recognized from Friday’s presentation, mostly because they’d caused disruptions. No sign of Mike yet. But he’d show up.
She studied the room. Something wasn’t right. “Sadie
? I think we’re missing a row of chairs.”
“No, we aren’t. I had them removed. If those old coots want to whine like a bunch of crybabies, let them do it standing up.”
Savannah bit back a laugh. She was about to point out that the people who should be attending could end up without a seat, but then she saw that Sadie had taken that into account. The first three rows up front had been tagged with reserved signs, which said City Council Members and Merchants Only.
She pitied the first person to ignore the edict.
“We have five minutes. Kylie called to say she might be late.” Sadie’s gaze swept the crowded room. “Most of the other shopkeepers are here.” Sadie moved in closer and leaned down, lowering her voice. “The woman at the end of the front row? That’s Thelma Parsons, the council member I told you about. She’s read your report, and don’t be surprised when she whines about every little thing. Some folks think she’s not all there,” Sadie said, tapping her temple. “Feel free to ignore her. That’s what we all try to do. Once you’re ready to begin, I say we lock the doors.”
Savannah half wished Sadie wasn’t joking. “Hey, if I thought it would do any good...” She spotted Mike entering and couldn’t help smiling.
“I’m curious,” Sadie said. “Did you two already know each other before last week?”
Snapping to attention, she dragged her gaze away from Mike. “Not really,” she said, which wasn’t an outright lie. She met Sadie’s eyes and decided to take a chance. “I used to live here. Not in town but out near the Burnetts’ place.”
Sadie’s eyes widened. “No kidding.”
“I was just a kid, though. Mike and I used to wave to each other, that’s all.” Savannah felt as if her heart might beat out of her chest. If she was this nervous telling Sadie, then maybe she wasn’t ready to out herself to everyone.
“Huh.” Sadie’s brows lowered as she tried to solve the puzzle. “I must’ve known your folks—”
Savannah’s stomach tightened and when her phone buzzed, she jumped on it. “Excuse me,” she said. It was only a text, but she was thankful for the interruption.
Oh, cripes, what did Ron want? He’d texted and called twice already. Well, he’d just have to wait until after the presentation. What could be that urgent?
Her Cowboy Reunion Page 16
