Josie was ready to push him away, but the second his lips touched hers everything changed. She moaned and her arms wrapped around his neck, holding him there, afraid he would stop. Then he drew her against him, and she could feel his desire, his need for her.
He broke off the kiss. “God, Josie... What you do to me. What you’ve always done to me.”
She hated how he made her feel vulnerable again. “I guess this isn’t getting much work done. Besides, your tool belt is digging into me.”
Grinning, he released her. “I can take it off.”
Keep it light. “Thanks for the offer, but we need to get to work. We have a wedding in a month.”
She caught his look, but ignored the pain she’d felt remembering their own wedding plans so long ago. She’d learned the hard way they were foolish dreams.
CHAPTER EIGHT
OVER THE NEXT five days Josie worked long, hard hours at the lodge with Garrett, then spent evenings with Ana, Vance and her father. Exhausted, she slept very well at night. She valued those hours of slumber, but it didn’t look like she was going to get many tonight.
It was her duty as maid of honor to do a bachelorette party for the bride. So on Friday afternoon, the celebration began. She’d gone with Ana to see her sister’s wedding dress in Dillon. Josie fell in love with the gown and agreed it was the perfect choice.
Once finished with shopping they stayed in town, and the plan was to meet some of Ana’s friends for dinner. The three women—Sara Clarkson, a longtime friend; Clare Stewart, another school friend; and Josie—all convinced Ana to go into the Open Range Bar and Grill.
If they were going to misbehave tonight they wanted it to be away from their small community. The surprise was they were headed off to a honky-tonk for a few drinks to celebrate the upcoming wedding. Josie hadn’t expected her commonsense older sister, Analeigh, to be so eager to go.
Inside the bar, Josie looked around the rustic-looking room that was a little raunchier than she liked. Although, it didn’t seem to bother anyone else but her. It was crowded with people, and a country-Western song was blaring from the DJ booth. The dance floor was filled with couples two-stepping to the latest Tim McGraw song. This wasn’t Josie’s kind of fun, but seeing the look on Ana’s face was priceless.
Her sister leaned toward her and cupped her mouth. “I’ve heard about this bar—I can’t believe I’m really here.”
“Every girl needs a send-off,” Josie said, and glanced at the bartender, Tony. She’d spoken to him earlier, and he’d been happy to help out. “Come on, let’s go find a table.”
She took her sister’s hand and pulled her through the crowd until she spotted a table that had a sign on the top. Reserved for Slater Sisters.
“Oh, look.” Ana sighed. “Did you do this?” she asked Josie.
Josie smiled. “A phone call,” she yelled over the music.
They sat down just as the music ended, and Clare said, “Oh, my, look at all the guys.”
“I’m not looking. I’ve already found mine,” Ana said.
“You are so lucky to have Vance, Ana,” her friend Sara told her.
Her sister got that dreamy look again. “I know. And he’s been right under my nose for years.”
Josie recalled the runaway boy, Vance Rivers, that their father had taken in. Of course, back then she and her sister were jealous because Colt had paid more attention to Vance than his own daughters. Josie realized now that it wasn’t Vance’s fault.
The young waitress dressed in a little T-shirt, a pair of jeans and boots took their drink order, margaritas all around.
Clare drew their attention. “You know who else is a really good-looking man? Garrett Temple.” The blonde looked at Josie. “Do you still lay claim on the man, or do the rest of us get a chance with him?”
Josie stiffened as all eyes turned to her. She found she wanted to ward them off, but she hadn’t the right to. “It’s been years since Garrett and I were a couple. Besides, I’m headed back to L.A. soon.”
The music started up again, and the waitress brought over their drinks. Josie handed over her credit card for the first round as Sara and Clare got up to go to the dance floor with two guys.
Ana leaned over and said, “Sorry, I don’t want Clare to bring up bad memories.”
Josie shook her head and took a drink and tasted the salt along the rim. “It’s okay, Ana. Everyone here remembers Garrett and I together. I can handle that.”
“Good.” They drank and caught up on local news the past years. Soon the music turned to a fast-paced song, and everyone got up to do a popular line dance. Ana grabbed Josie’s hand. “Come on, I want to dance.”
Lined up on the floor next to Ana, Josie began to do the steps. She laughed as she messed up, but then finally caught on and got the rhythm. Maybe this night would be fun after all.
* * *
It was nearly eleven o’clock. This wasn’t how Garrett wanted to spend his Friday evening as he walked into the Open Range Bar behind his friend Vance. He could smell sweat and liquor.
Vance had called him earlier and said his friend the bartender, Tony, had phoned him about a party with the Slater sisters and was worried about them driving home.
Garrett glanced around the crowded room and the couples dancing, or cuddled up together at tables. There were still guys lined up three deep at the bar looking hopeful they’d find that special girl, at least for tonight.
He’d never been the type to hang out in places like this. He’d been married and had a child when he was barely the legal age to drink alcohol.
“You sure they’re still here?” He wasn’t too upset that he’d get a chance to see Josie. Would she be happy to see him? Would she be with another guy? She’d been keeping her distance at the lodge, making sure she worked in another area.
“Yes. Tony called and he’s been watching the party for the past few hours. It seems they’ve been drinking tequila shots. He wanted to make sure they got home safely. Thanks for helping out, friend. I wasn’t sure if I could handle all four of them.”
“Not a problem.” Garrett was more worried that Josie would be angry that he came to break up the party.
Vance pointed toward the table. “Hey, there they are.” He started in that direction, and Garrett followed him.
When the girls spotted him they cheered, and Ana jumped up and threw herself into her future husband’s arms. “Vance, you came to my party.”
He kissed her. “I hope you don’t mind. Garrett and I wanted to make sure you ladies got home all right. It’s a long drive back.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Ana said. “But first you have to dance with me.” She tugged Vance’s hand, leading him onto the floor. Soon Ana was plastered against her man.
Garrett couldn’t help but look around for Josie. He soon discovered her on the dance floor with some guy. He stiffened, seeing the man’s hand moving lower on her hip. He immediately walked through the crowd. “Excuse me, but would you mind letting go of my...girlfriend?”
The shorter man with the wide-rim Stetson glared back.
Garrett stole a glance at Josie, then back at the guy. “Look, we had a big fight and she left. I went out looking for her to tell her how sorry I was.” His gaze locked on hers again. “I’m sorry, darlin’. Will you forgive me for being such a jerk?”
Josie opened her mouth to speak, but instead, Garrett reached for her and planted a kiss on her lips to convince her dance partner of his intentions. When he’d released her—not that he cared—the stranger had disappeared.
“I guess he’s gone,” he told her, but he couldn’t get himself to release her. She felt too good in his arms.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
The music started up again with the Miranda Lambert song, “Over You.” Garrett pulled Josie close and began to move to the slow ballad. The feel of her body against him had him groan in frustration. “Dancing with you.”
“No, really, what are you doing here?�
� she whispered against his ear.
He wondered the same thing himself. “The bartender is a friend of Vance’s. So we came to drive you ladies home,” he told her as he led her around the dance floor to a secluded corner.
“I can manage getting everyone home,” she told him. “And I can handle groping men.”
He pulled back and looked in her eyes. “I guess I didn’t need to kiss you to get rid of the guy.”
“No, you didn’t need to do that,” she answered weakly, but he saw the desire in those cobalt-blue depths.
“What a shame, that was my favorite part.” He placed another sweet kiss against her lips.
She swallowed hard, wanting more. “Garrett...”
Before she could finish, Ana and Vance danced toward them, and Ana said, “Oh, Josie, I’m having so much fun. This is the best bachelorette party I’ve ever been to.”
Vance frowned at Ana. “Since when have you been to any other ones?”
Ana giggled. “I haven’t, but this is still the best because it’s mine.” She wrapped her arms around Vance’s neck. “And you’re going to be my husband. Oh, I love you so much.” She planted a kiss on her groom.
Vance finally pulled back. “Hey, honey. Why don’t I take you home?” He leaned in and whispered something in her ear that had her smiling.
Ana turned to Josie. “We’re going home now.” She wrapped her arms around her sister. “Thank you so much for the party. It was fun to spend time with you.”
“You’re very welcome,” Josie said. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Clare and Sara get home.”
She looked at Garrett. “You can go, too.”
He shook his head. “Not on your life, darlin’. I’m you and your ladies’ designated driver tonight. You got a problem with that?”
God help her. Josie shook her head and handed him her keys. “Not a single one.”
* * *
The next morning, Josie slept in later than usual, but felt she’d earned the extra hour. After all, it was Saturday. She went down to the kitchen and had a quiet breakfast while Colt joined her with coffee, but there wasn’t any sign of Ana or Vance.
She thought about Garrett and last night. He’d insisted that he drive her car, and then made sure that Sara and Clare had gotten home. During the ride back to the ranch, Josie realized she’d had more to drink than was safe to drive. Although she wouldn’t admit it to Garrett, she liked that he’d taken care of her. She just couldn’t let herself get too used to having him around, not when their futures were headed in different directions.
She only had to hold on a few more weeks. She needed to make it through Thanksgiving, then soon came the wedding.
Refilling her mug, she headed to the office to work. She knew the safe way to avoid temptation was to avoid Garrett altogether. She might just have a solution to the problem.
Josie walked in, sat down at the desk and dialed Tori for an update on upcoming events.
“Slater Style,” her twin answered.
“So we’re still in business?”
Tori groaned. “It’s crazy here. Do know how many parties are scheduled for the holidays?”
Josie smiled. “Yes, I’ve been following the bookings Megan sent me, and we’ve gone over things.”
153
Megan Buckner had been her assistant for over two years. The woman had really stepped up and taken over two jobs. Of course, Josie hadn’t planned on being gone from L.A. this long.
“We need more help,” Tori said. “I’m not sure I can do these parties myself.”
Josie knew she’d put a lot on her sister’s shoulders, but she figured there was something else on her mind.
“Tori, Megan has the list of regular employees we hire for big parties. What’s really wrong, sis? Did something happen?”
She heard the long sigh. “No, it’s not the business. It’s just...”
“What? Is it Dane? Is he bothering you?”
There was a long silence.
This wasn’t like her twin. “Tori, tell me.”
“I have no proof it’s him, Josie. I know he’s watching me, but as far as I know, he hasn’t violated the restraining order. And yes, I called Detective Brandon like you suggested. He said the police’s hands are tied, too.”
Josie closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Tori. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I called to tell you that I’m getting the next flight to L.A. At least I can take some of the business pressure off you.”
There was a pause, then Tori said, “It’s great you’re coming back, but I don’t want you to get involved with my trouble. Dane will just get angrier.”
Josie was frustrated. “Fine, but we need to handle this situation, Tori.”
“I know. Please, can we talk about something else? I’m worried about the wedding in Santa Barbara. Will you be here in time for that?”
Josie knew how important the Collins/Brimley wedding was to her. Both affluent families, they could bring her future business, or give her a bad name, and Slater Style would be finished. “Yes, I’ll be there Friday.”
Josie asked to speak with Megan. When her assistant came on the line, it wasn’t long before Josie knew everything was under control, but the wedding party’s families were concerned about Josie’s absence. “Thanks for all your work, Megan. Will you put Tori back on the phone?”
“What do you need, sis?” Tori said.
Josie went over the flight time, then added, “I want you to be careful, Tori. Dane has already proved he can be violent. So don’t go out alone at night and set the alarm in the house.”
With Tori’s promise, Josie said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. That was when she caught Garrett’s large figure in the doorway. His sheepskin jacket was open, revealing a fitted Western-cut shirt and jeans over his slim hips and long legs. His cowboy hat in hand.
She ignored her racing pulse. “Garrett, is there something wrong?”
He held up her keys as he walked across the room, his gait slow and deliberate. He’d driven her car home last night, then used the vehicle to get himself back to his place. “And I stopped in to see how you were feeling this morning.”
She shook her head, barely able to meet the man’s gaze. “You don’t have to babysit me.” Then she quickly added, “I appreciate you taking me home last night. Thank you.”
He smiled and it did things to her. “You’re welcome,” he told her, but didn’t leave.
“Is there something else you need?”
“Just some input on the lodge. I have some countertop samples I need you to look at. Charlie’s brought my truck, and the samples are inside.”
“What happened with the ones we picked out two weeks ago?”
“They didn’t have enough granite slabs to do the entire lodge.”
“Okay.” She glanced back at the computer screen. “Give me a few minutes. I need to book a flight to L.A. first.”
He frowned. “You’re leaving?”
She nodded. “Just for the weekend.” She continued to scan through the flights. “I’ve been contracted to do a large wedding, and I need to be there.”
Garrett already knew from the conversation it was more. “Is that the only reason?” He sat down on the edge of the large desk. “Is an ex-boyfriend bothering her?”
Josie hesitated, then nodded. “Dane hasn’t broken any laws yet, but I’m worried about Tori’s peace of mind. It’s getting to her.”
“My offer is still good. I can call my friend.” Why did he keep getting mixed up in her life? “He’s a private investigator and might be able to help.”
“I appreciate your offer, Garrett, but when I go to L.A. I plan to bring Tori back here. She can work her web design business from here and help me with Ana’s wedding.” Her fingers worked the keyboard on the webpage.
Just leave, Garrett told himself. She doesn’t want your help. “Book me a seat, too.”
She jerked her head around to look at him. “You? You can’t go.”
He shrugged.
“Why not? Someone’s got to watch out for you two.”
Her eyes widened. “For one thing, Tori and I have handled things on our own for a long time. Secondly, we’re not your problem.”
“I’m Vance’s friend, and you’re his family. Besides, there’s a jerk out there who’s making your sister’s life miserable. What would Ana do if she knew?”
Josie shook her head. “She doesn’t need this worry. I can take care of Tori.”
His stomach tightened at the thought of some jerk possibly hurting her or her twin. “Josie, I can’t just stand by and let someone hurt either you or your sister. What if I’m a deterrent for this guy? Wouldn’t my presence help keep him away? Although I wouldn’t mind taking a few jabs at him.”
He watched her fight with his reasoning. “Okay, say it does, it still doesn’t solve the problem.”
“Let’s just see the situation, then go from there.”
“Wait, what about Brody? You can’t leave him.”
“Brody will be in Bozeman at his grandparents’ house. It’s a three-day weekend from school. So I’m all yours.”
She didn’t look convinced.
“This is your sister we’re talking about, Josie. We wouldn’t want to take any chances with her safety. We’ll just tell Tori that I’m helping you with the event.”
Those blue eyes bored into his. “This still isn’t a good idea.”
Hell, he already knew that, but it was too late to stop. He wanted to be with Josie.
* * *
Friday afternoon Josie found herself seated next to Garrett on an early-morning flight to Los Angeles. She’d been grateful he hadn’t said much and she was able to get some work done. He’d slept.
When they’d landed at LAX, Garrett got a rental car, and knowing that Tori would be working at home, they drove straight to the town house that she shared with her twin.
Garrett pulled into her parking spot, but Josie hesitated before going inside. “I don’t want you grilling Tori. She’s been very secretive about her relationship with Dane, and when things turned abusive it made her more ashamed.”
“It’s not my place to tell her what to do. I only want to help her.”
Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch Page 10
