The truck driver gave a small bow, sweeping his cap in a mocking gesture. Still grinning like a wild cat. Caitlin finally realized he was having fun at her expense, teasing the city girl.
When he lifted his head again, he was standing closer than she’d thought. The most devastatingly sapphire blue eyes stared back at her. His jaw line was strong and chiseled, but a boyish spray of freckles crossed his nose and cheeks.
So this was how God created Montana men.
“Allow me to introduce myself, Miss San Francisco. I’m Quentin Hudson.”
Caitlin held out her hand to shake his, and then realized her glove was covered in globs of mud. Feeling scatter-brained, she pulled off the glove and it fell to the floor. With sudden horror, she wondered if she had mud splattered across her face, too.
“Clean up’s easy around here,” he said, taking her cold hand in his warm one to give her a firm welcome shake.
“I’m Caitlin Webster.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Caitlin.”
She gave him a strained smile. “Just Caitlin.”
Quentin Hudson helped her out of her muddy coat and Caitlin felt heat rising up her cheeks. This man was nothing short of annoying, but darn if he wasn’t the most gorgeous man she’d met since Stefan Rivas.
Chapter 6
“Rayna’s upstairs,” Quentin said. “Let me find out which room she wants you in.”
Caitlin was puzzled by the man’s familiarity. “Soooo,” she said. “Who are you exactly? I mean, why would you be showing me around the inn, and how do you know Rayna’s upstairs?”
Understanding lit up those sparkling sapphires of his. His eyes were so compelling Caitlin had to glance away periodically so she didn’t just stare at him like a fool.
“Right. I can see how you’d be confused. I’m a carpenter. Well, a general contractor with a specialty in carpentry. I’m doing a small remodel for the Starry Skies.”
“Rayna and Wade are remodeling the B&B?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly. We did a major one several years ago when they bought the old place. Right now we’re in the middle of adding a nursery.”
“Ah, I get it now. For the baby.”
“You’re quick, Miss Caitlin.”
“Just Caitlin.”
“Got it, Just Caitlin.”
Caitlin’s eyes narrowed. “Very funny.”
He quirked his lips into another grin. “I try to entertain.”
“When you’re not running over women with your truck?”
“Only special visitors to Snow Valley.”
Caitlin eyed him and lifted her chin. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”
“Only if you want me to.”
“I’ll take the 5th on that.”
Jerking her gaze away from his, Caitlin eyed her white coat. Bits of mud continued to fall on the floor. “I hope my coat isn’t ruined,” she said, trying to suppress the peculiar, fizzy feeling going on in her stomach. She as not going to flirt with this heathen Montana man—but it was disconcerting to see how easily they had fallen into the odd conversation just now.
Quentin Hudson cleared his throat. “Miss Webster, honestly, I apologize about the mud spray. If you’re coat isn’t salvageable, I insist on replacing it.”
Caitlin gave a small nod, which was followed by a moment of uncomfortable silence.
“Meanwhile, I’ll show you where the cleaning and laundry supplies are,” he added.
She gave him a tight smile. “Guess I need to give myself a tour of the place if I’m going to be living here for a couple of months.”
“Dive in anywhere, Just Caitlin. Rayna needs a lot of help.”
Caitlin glanced at the ceiling. She didn’t want to be stingy with her generosity, but she hadn’t thought she was in Snow Valley to take the role of housekeeper.
Quentin seemed to read her mind. “When Doc Taggart put Rayna on bed rest, Wade hired Mrs. Davies to take care of the hotel. She’s here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And every other weekend when Wade’s on call.”
“Everybody seems to be on a first name basis here.”
“This is Snow Valley. Most of us go way back.”
“Who’s doing the cooking?”
“That would also be Mrs. Davies. She prepares and freezes what she can on her days off. I think Rayna’s hoping you can pitch in with that, though there aren’t as many guests during the winter months, especially with the holidays over. Only one couple at the moment. Captain Wade helps out as much as he can, but he’s Fire Chief, so he’s gone quite a bit.”
“I understand, and I don’t mind helping. That’s what I’m here for.” Caitlin shook out her damp hair, exhaustion from the travel coming over her suddenly. She hated to think about her appearance. Tired eyes, pale skin, no lipstick.
“Good luck, Just Caitlin,” Quentin said. “I’m dropping off some pricing paperwork for the nursery. Do you mind taking them upstairs to Rayna for me?”
“Um, sure.”
He handed a folder over and, despite Caitlin’s trying to avoid skin contact, their fingers touched. Those eyes were making her drown. How could that happen when the man had just tried to run her over? To keep her head, she decided to stay coolly angry with him.
“Thanks. See you later, Just Caitlin.”
Her mouth opened to ask him why she’d be seeing him later, then realized that Quentin Hudson would be here every single day doing the construction.
She gave a small, limp wave as he headed out the door, stamping his boots on the porch before striding back to his big red, obnoxious truck.
Caitlin swore silently in her head. Seriously, she had to see him every day? Well, she’d just have to avoid him as much as possible. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be like other men—namely Stefan—who liked to be waited on while he was practicing the piano or watching TV. She’d be royally ticked off if this construction guy expected her to make him lunch every day. Or bring him cold drinks. She wasn’t a waitress!
Giving a self-deprecating laugh, Caitlin realized that she was beginning to think in small town lingo. As if a spell had come over her when she entered the city limits of Snow Valley.
Maybe it was the curse. After all, Madame Tallulah had said she was cursed.
Caitlin took a deep breath when she shut the front door. She’d help Rayna deliver a healthy baby, make sure Rayna’s own health and postpartum symptoms were taken care of, and then she was out of here on the next plane.
But Caitlin still had one nagging question. How could she break a curse when she didn’t even know what it was? What a come-on, Madame Tallulah had given her. Present the idea to a customer and then leave them scratching their head afterward.
“And why am I standing here puzzling over a curse that was totally made up by a woman who calls herself a fortune teller?” she said out loud to the empty foyer.
Chapter 7
“Is somebody there?” a woman’s voice called down the staircase.
“Rayna, is that you?” Caitlin called back, taking the stairs two at a time.
At the landing, Rayna Kinsella stood, one hand on the railing, wearing purple flannel pajamas and fluffy slippers. Well, not exactly pajamas. More like comfy sweats and a men’s flannel shirt. Probably Wade’s. Her seven month swollen belly was obvious. Her long black hair streaked with purple had been tied up into a messy knot. Tendrils of curls floated along her wan cheeks.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Caitlin!” Rayna said, grabbing her into a big hug. “And you are so adorable, too! I don’t think I’ve seen you since you were in sixth grade or thereabouts.”
“Probably. My memories are a little vague.”
“It was a big, noisy family reunion and you were off playing on the beach in San Diego with the other cousins. I think I had recently graduated college and was getting my California tan to show off when I came back to Snow Valley. I have to admit, I was also surreptitiously eyeing the extremely well-built officers running along the shoreline from the Navy Academy just
down the beach.” Rayna wiggled her eyebrows and laughed.
“Eye candy, huh?”
“I’m lucky. I got to marry the best eye candy in Montana.”
“I hear he’s a firefighter, too. Ooh, lala!”
“I like a girl who appreciates my accomplishment at snagging a man younger than me.”
“You’re terrible, Rayna,” Caitlin told her, remembering the spitfire in her mother’s younger cousin from so long ago. “Now what are you doing out of bed?”
“Going stark raving mad with boredom. Did you know how truly awful daytime television is? Game shows and soap operas.”
“Agreed times ten. But I’m usually asleep during the day.”
“You must work nights, you sly creature. Or else you’re the laziest woman alive. I’ve also read every book in the library, too. Well, maybe I exaggerate,” Rayna added with a smile. “So what do you think of our adorable Snow Valley so far?”
“I’m having a bit of a Twilight Zone experience. It’s surreal driving out here. I’ve never seen so much empty space. And your contractors like to drive big red trucks right through the front yard—as well as take up entire parking lots.”
Rayna laughed. “I take it you met Quentin Hudson.”
“I’d like to spit nails at him. You should see my muddy new coat.”
“Mrs. Davies will get it cleaned up perfectly, she’s a wonder. And don’t buy anything new for your wardrobe. You’re in the country now. And it’s winter. The mud will last until May.”
“Seriously?”
“Perfectly. Just look at my face.” Rayna lifted an eyebrow. “Snow Valley is gorgeous just about every month of the year except January when the trees are bare and spring feels a hundred years away. Lucky you to land here in the dead of winter.”
Caitlin laughed and pushed away a fresh twinge of homesickness. Good grief, she was twenty-seven years old and had never lived away from home. Having her own apartment two miles from her parents didn’t count.
Rayna grimaced. “Uh, oh. I just had a contraction.”
“Back to bed with you,” Caitlin said firmly, taking her arm.
Rayna let out a small giggle. “It’s sheer decadence to roam the stairwell for a few minutes.”
“The house is simply gorgeous,” Caitlin told her, helping her back into the king-sized bed.
“Please poke around. Peek into the guest rooms. Quentin did a marvelous job remodeling and getting us in business a few years ago. He’s the best.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
“I’ll give him a scolding and tell him to treat you well.”
“Please don’t! I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”
“Whatever you say, sweetie.” Rayna grasped Caitlin’s hand in hers. “I’m so grateful to you for coming. Wade’s work schedule got piled on this winter and there are some office politics going on, plus a new fire station going in at the county seat. The man probably drives two hundred miles a day alone. I don’t want to lose this baby.”
“Don’t say that,” Caitlin told her. “You are going to have a perfect baby, I promise. Do you have any doctor charts I can look at? Your medical history and the history of the pregnancy?”
“Doctor Taggart sent me home with them when I told him I had a midwife coming. He was relieved, I think, not to worry about me way out here on the far side of town.”
Caitlin nodded. “I’ll read over the files and charts tonight and we’ll do a physical exam tomorrow morning.”
“Don’t worry about me for now. Go unpack and settle in. I feel perfectly healthy. Meanwhile, I have my remote and Netflix. Just leave the door open so I can shout at you.”
“One question. Why are you upstairs so far from the main living rooms?”
“The master suite is actually downstairs. Quentin is enlarging it to add on the nursery so I’m up in the biggest guest room until he’s finished. He’s behind schedule, but promises me it will be done by the end of February so you’re going to be seeing his crew going in and out all day.”
“Where should I sleep?”
“There’s another small room downstairs where my niece Becca stays when she’s come to help during the busy summer season. It’s the room closest to the living room and kitchen so you can hear guests and answer any questions or needs they might have. I know I’m throwing the dratted inn-keeping tasks at you as well, but we only have one married couple here at the moment. They’re still newlyweds, barely married a year, but avid skiers so they’re gone during the day. They’ll be checking out end of next week.”
Caitlin smiled, waving away her worries. “At least you’re here to answer all my questions as I figure things out. I’ll head down now to explore and unpack. Now take it easy.”
She returned downstairs and wandered the main rooms to get her bearings of the floor plan.
The parlor of the Starry Skies lay under a canopy of crown molding. Chandeliers set into ceiling medallions were reminiscent of the best Victorian mansions of Great Britain. Quentin Hudson had done gorgeous work.
The large sitting room lay through a set of doors off the foyer. Rayna had furnished it in rich mauves and gold brocade. Couches and chairs sat in easy, intimate arrangements before the fire hearth. The hanging lamps, plush rugs, and lace curtains were elegant and yet cozy.
Caitlin could imagine that Rayna’s guests instantly felt at ease when they arrived. Enticed to spend time in this room reading, visiting, and having afternoon tea. She’d noticed the sign on the front desk mentioning the guest tea service.
In the kitchen, there were tables for two and four customers, plus two long trestle tables. Another area was clearly laid out for serving buffet style, a small stack of menus on the side. Caitlin picked one up, impressed at the breakfast line-up.
“The Big Sky Breakfast”
Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast,
Snow Valley, Montana
All-You-Can-Eat Flapjacks with all the trimmings
Crispy Seasoned Hash Browns
Savory Sausages
Crisp Bacon
Dripping buttered biscuits and local honey
Homemade Peach Preserves
*A Touch of Sweetness*
Strawberry Crepes with Whipped Cream
Behind the kitchen, Caitlin found the guest room Rayna had mentioned. It was perfectly located for easy access to the kitchen, as well as hearing the front desk bell.
She dragged her suitcases across the hallway and spent the next hour unpacking her clothes into the closet and bureau.
Just down the hall was the master suite. And then the construction area. She opened the doors, noting that the nursery was situated next to the guest room and then the master bedroom beyond that.
The nursery had new walls and electrical wires, but no sheetrock or insulation yet. It was freezing in there despite the roof in place.
Caitlin closed the doors again and checked the thermostat in the hall. Despite the cold outdoor temperatures and the age of the house, it was reasonably warm. She’d just have to get used to wearing heavier tops and sweaters in the house.
Now Caitlin was grateful her mother had insisted she purchase flannel underwear. Long John’s Quentin had called them. The man sounded like somebody from a movie set in the 19th century.
She shook her head, determined not to think about him—and to steer clear of him when he was working during the day.
Tomorrow she’d spend with Rayna going over her medical records and perform her own exam. After that, she’d go down to the clinic to speak with that Doctor Taggart about other pregnancies in the valley he might want her help with. And to make sure they were on the same wave length regarding Rayna’s pregnancy. Caitlin planned to stay busy.
Especially if she was running the B&B while Wade was at work for twelve hour days.
Caitlin left her coat and gloves in the laundry room to get Mrs. Davies help with cleaning them tomorrow. Tomorrow was Friday, right? It felt like she’d already lost track of the calendar.
<
br /> Back in her room, Caitlin checked her luggage for any stray items in the side pockets, then zipped up the bags and placed them on the floor of the closet.
She plugged in her phone and iPad to charge and then rummaged through her handbag, tossing the boarding pass and baggage claim ticket.
Pulling out the list she’d made from Madame Tallulah, Caitlin studied it again. “Okay, I’ll play along,” she said, glancing about the walls to see where she could tack it up.
There was a spot between a stunning painting of Snow Valley and another of a young woman and a young man next to each other on horseback. Caitlin wondered if that was Becca Dash. Hadn’t her mother said that Becca had gotten married over the summer? A boy from here, in fact. A childhood friend, but Caitlin couldn’t remember the details.
Flattening the folds of her Breaking the Curse List, she found scotch tape in a cupboard of the kitchen and taped it up next to the east window.
Caitlin pulled out a pen and ran a line through Stefan’s Sin of Epic Proportions. Then another line through Trip to a Distant Land.
“I’m thinking in capital letters now,” she said to herself.
The next moment, Caitlin sucked in her breath. Her heart began to pound. Lifting the pen, she slowly crossed out #3. Encounter with a Diesel Truck. That prediction had been eerily specific.
“This is truly bizarre,” she muttered. “Just no way is this actually happening.”
Could Madame Tallulah truly see into Caitlin’s future?
Chapter 8
Mrs. Davies arrived at dawn the next morning and Caitlin helped her cook the eggs, grating cheese on top. The middle-aged woman was small and thin with graying blond locks, but a powerhouse of energy. She moved around the kitchen like it was her personal race track.
Caitlin took the biscuits out of the oven and put them on a platter while Mrs. Davies fixed the plates. It was an easy service since their guests were small in number and the eight-month newlywed couple had eyes only for each other.
Winter in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance) Page 14
