Finding Love In Big Sky, Montana (Resort to Love--Finding Love line Book 2)

by Angela Ruth Strong

  Of course, there was no reason they ever had to see each other again. He was probably only in town for the holidays. Maybe even on his honeymoon. After all, he’d been engaged the last time she’d spoken with his brother. Goodness, she shouldn’t be thinking about kissing him at all.

  There wasn’t any mistletoe around, was there? She did a quick scan of the doorways to make sure she was safe. For the moment. Though she retrieved a tube of lip gloss from her pocket because her lips felt dry all of a sudden.

  “Seriously, what are you doing here? Vacation?” he pressed. “You must be doing well for yourself.”

  Not yet. But she was living in a spot where others vacation. That was pretty good, right? She’d tell herself it was. She glazed the makeup wand over her lips then rubbed them together. “I inherited my grandpa’s ranch.”

  He planted one palm on the back of the chair across from her and leaned onto it as if he needed it to hold him up. “What an opportunity.”

  Dot appeared. “It is. Paisley’s turning the ranch into a retreat center and camp. It’s going to be great. I’d go work for her myself if I wasn’t already training to become a tattoo artist.”

  Paisley stuck her lip gloss back in her pocket. She might not have to talk to Josh after all. Dot could do it for her. Paisley would sit back and enjoy the entertainment of Josh’s expressions as he struggled with how to respond to the shop owner.

  His eyes widened. And they looked a little bloodshot for some reason. “What an opportunity,” he said again. Was he okay?

  Dot clapped her hands. “Oh, Joshua, you have to see my tattoo.” She whirled and removed her hat all in one motion.

  Paisley dragged her eyes from Josh to frown up at Dot. How did they know each other? “You know him?”

  Had Josh been coming to the shop regularly? Had he moved to Big Sky? That meant there would be the chance of running into him repeatedly. She might have to start starving her sweet tooth to keep that from happening.

  “I do now.” Dot sat her hat back on her head. “I heard you call him by name when he entered, and I’m sure we are going to be the best of friends.” She looked over her shoulder at the man in question. “You like tattoos and coffee, right Joshua?”

  There was that half smirk again. His gaze dipped to Paisley for a second. “Love them. How much for a cup of black coffee?”

  “First cup is always free for Paisley’s friends,” Annabel called from behind the counter as she poured him a steaming mug.

  Paisley pressed her lips together to keep from arguing that he wasn’t her friend. She didn’t need the older women to admonish her for being such a Grinch. And she didn’t want to answer any questions about what kind of relationship she used to have with Josh. Especially in front of him.

  Josh stuck a hand in his pocket and coins clinked. Somehow paying for coffee with change didn’t match the image she had of “the same old Josh.” And where was that fiancée of his? Back in Chicago? Had he left her there for a reason? Paisley should have gotten a look at his ring finger before his hand disappeared from view.

  “That’s really nice of you, ma’am. Could I possibly get the coffee to go? I’ve been driving all night, and I have five more hours until I reach Sun Valley.”

  “What?” Dot took the words right out of Paisley’s mouth. Though Paisley wouldn’t have had quite the volume or dramatic flair.

  Paying for coffee with change was one thing, but driving cross-country? According to Josh’s little brother Sam, Josh always flew first class. And besides, driving straight through from Chicago by himself wasn’t safe. “That’s not safe.”

  “I know.” Josh shifted his weight. He looked out the window then at Paisley. “The last pass was closed, otherwise I’d be there by now.”

  Paisley tilted her head. Something was off.

  Annabel clomped over and held out the paper cup he’d requested. “Aren’t you exhausted? You should really get some sleep.”

  All three women watched as he took a sip. He didn’t seem as comfortable with the female attention as Paisley remembered.

  He cleared his throat. “I’ll sleep when I get there. I doubt there are any hotel rooms open here as it’s ski season and all.”

  “Not true.” Dot turned from Josh to Annabel. “That’s not true, is it? Didn’t Hazel say there was a cancellation at her bed and breakfast this morning?”

  Annabel nodded. “Yes, I believe she did. I’ll go call her right now and—”

  “Wait.” Josh scrunched his eyebrows together and rubbed a couple fingers to his temple. No wedding band.

  Not that it mattered. Maybe he lost the ring. Or he was going to get a ring tattoo. Dot could help with that. The sooner the better because . . .

  She shook her head to remind herself it didn’t matter.

  He opened his eyes to meet Paisley’s scrutiny honestly, without the normal flash of arrogance. “I can’t pay to stay here. I’m broke.”

  Her chin didn’t completely drop, but her lips parted a little. Josh had been voted most likely to succeed in high school, and she’d never doubted it for a minute. He looked rich in his shiny boots, designer jeans, and thick sweater. Even his messy hair appeared professionally styled. How could he possibly be broke, not to mention single?

  His gaze flicked to the floor then up to meet hers. “It’s a long story, but let’s just say two days ago I was ordering thousand dollar bottles of wine, and now I can barely afford coffee.”

  That would be quite a story. But it was none of her business. He’d be fine for a few more hours on the road. Then Sam could take care of him. Sam—the former soldier and firefighter—was good at rescuing people.

  “Oh, sweetie.” Dot enveloped one of his big hands between hers. “I was in the same place when I arrived five years ago. But God provides. And I believe He brought you to us for a reason.”

  Josh’s jaw shifted side to side. He looked Paisley’s way. He probably wasn’t used to charity.

  She lifted her eyebrows in response. How silly of her to think Dot would actually let him go. Dot liked being a part of everyone’s business. She wasn’t only a coffee shop owner and tattoo artist in training, Dot was a rescue hero in her own right.

  “You’ll never believe this, but. . . .” Dot turned sideways to motion toward Paisley. Uh-oh. “Paisley has a whole bunk house at her ranch. Nobody is using it right now. In fact, if you need money, she could hire you.”

  Paisley took back her former sentiment. Dot ruined lives.

  Chapter Two

  Josh imagined a cold, log room filled with bunkbeds. Under normal circumstances the image wouldn’t be considered inviting. But after a full day of sitting behind a steering wheel . . .

  The vision faded, forcing him to focus on Paisley’s horrified expression. Really? Why did she find the idea so repulsive? He wasn’t a stranger. He wasn’t rude or uncivilized. People usually liked having him around. Until lately.

  Fine. He wouldn’t go where he wasn’t wanted. This was the kind of reaction he’d left Chicago to avoid. “No, I couldn’t impose.”

  Dot shoved Paisley out of her seat. “No imposition,” said the older woman.

  Paisley’s eyes grew round as she helplessly stumbled toward him. It would have been cute if he didn’t feel like a burden forced upon her—if he wasn’t getting set up for more rejection. He held up his free hand to catch her upper arm and steady her.

  She froze as soon as he made contact. Her mouth opened and closed a couple times, and though nothing came out, her message was loud and clear. The one person who could provide him a chance to get some much-needed sleep was snubbing him.

  He dropped his hand. “I’m sure you’re busy. I’ll be fine with my coffee.”

  Yeah. Give her an excuse to get rid of him and console her for feeling bad about it at the same time. But it was better than hearing the words come from her mouth.

  How had his life come to this? He was supposed to be the guy who took the risks. The guy people couldn’t say no to. The guy wo
men adored.

  She looked up into his eyes. That wasn’t adoration. That was pity. And it stung like Chicago wind. He’d be better off blowing the place.

  Her eyes shifted to something past him. Her face softened. Her shiny lips pressed together as if trying to hide a smile, but a dimple flashed anyway.

  Josh twisted his neck to follow her gaze.

  The red-headed woman behind him froze with her head tilted and her hands tucked under one cheek, pantomiming sleeping. Her eyes blinked when she realized she’d been caught. She straightened and cleared her throat.

  She’d been pleading his case, which was very sweet, but—

  The woman with the head tattoo stepped forward. “You know what, Joshua? It doesn’t appear Paisley is much of a friend to you, so we are going to have to charge you for your cup of coffee after all.”

  What? Was Paisley’s dislike that contagious? Or had he truly become revolting all of a sudden? He’d best pay and make his escape.

  Josh reached for his change once again. “How much?”

  “A dollar twenty-five.”

  Paisley dropped her hands to her sides and stared at Dot, forehead wrinkling. Was she going to stand up for him now? Like a sibling who wanted to be the only one who picked on him? He’d had a couple brothers like that growing up. He could do without her false show of support.

  Josh pulled the cool quarters from his pocket to count out the payment for the coffee.

  “On second thought . . .” said Dot.

  Josh kept counting. Thankfully, he had enough. He’d pay Dot whether she changed her mind again or not. He needed the coffee as much as he needed to get going.

  “On second thought, the price of coffee beans is going up, and we need to raise our prices, as well. Two dollars.”

  The red-head gasped. “Dot.”

  Paisley held out her hands in disbelief. “What are you doing, Dot? He needs the caffeine to keep him awake for the drive home.”

  Dot shrugged. “If you were his friend, we’d give him the coffee for free, but then again, if you were his friend, he wouldn’t need the coffee because you’d let him rest in your bunk house.”

  Coercion?

  Paisley covered her face with both hands.

  Any other day, Josh could sweet talk his way through such absurdity. But whether it was due to his lack of sleep or a lack of funds, the old lady had him outwitted. He’d have to ask for help.

  “Paisley?” He swallowed over the lump of embarrassment in his throat. “Can I borrow seventy-five cents?” He’d pay her back. With interest. Heck, he’d buy her the whole coffee shop if she wanted. Once he got his job reinstated.

  Paisley dropped her hand and gave him an incredulous smile. As if they were on the same team now—both being played like a game of Pinochle. “You don’t need the coffee, Josh.”

  He searched her eyes. No more pity. No more resentment. Not quite friendship, but still an offer to work together. If that’s what she was offering. He wouldn’t assume anything. “I do if I’m going to drive—”

  She rolled her eyes, but her smile stayed intact. “You’re not going to drive home until you get some sleep. Come on. You can bunk at the ranch.”

  Dot raised her fists in victory.

  Annabel laughed. “Dot, I never knew you were so clever.”

  “Me neither,” Dot agreed.

  Josh tightened his grip on the warm cup, not quite ready to accept her deal. He tilted his head toward the giggling shop owners and addressed Paisley. “You’re going to let them win?”

  Paisley pulled mittens out of her coat pockets. “I’m going to let them think they won.”

  Dot spun from her celebration with the red-head. “We did win.”

  Paisley headed toward the front door. “What they don’t realize is that I’m winning by getting out of here and avoiding any more of their meddling. Even in my barn stalls, I have less horse apples to deal with.” She looked at him but yelled the words back, loud enough for the women to hear.

  Dot and the red-head laughed even louder.

  It was nice they could laugh about it. Nice for them, but not for him. He was the joke.

  Paisley obviously didn’t want to have anything to do with him, but she was going to house him to make the old busybodies happy. He’d accept her grudging agreement because it was his best option. But he wouldn’t leave indebted to her.

  He was Joshua Lake, for goodness sake. And that should mean something. It used to.

  If she needed help mucking out stalls or hauling hay, he could do it. It had been a while since he’d worked on a ranch, but he was older and more experienced now, so manual labor would be like child’s play. Plus, it would keep him busy. There wasn’t much he hated more than not having a goal to work toward.

  No, he wasn’t going to be a burden. He was going to be a bargain. By the time he left Paisley’s ranch, she’d be begging him to stay.

  Paisley could handle one day. She would have preferred to avoid having Josh at the ranch, but this wasn’t about her. He clearly needed the sleep. Which meant she wouldn’t even have to interact with him at all, right? And she’d get Dot and Annabel off her back.

  Those two—Dot especially—were more conniving than she’d realized. And as they were most likely trying to play matchmaker with her and Josh, she’d do better to get him away from their meddlesome behavior.

  She reached for the doorknob to lead the man outside to safety.

  His hand darted in front of her to grab the knob first. He pulled the door wide and stepped aside with one of those dashing grins that could have landed him a part in a toothpaste commercial. She preferred to think of it as a little too slick.

  Dot and Annabel giggled. “What a gentleman,” Dot called. But she didn’t know Josh like Paisley did.

  He did seem a little different, though. Maybe his recent poverty had humbled him.

  She shot him a small smile to thank him for holding the door as she stepped through it. The smile froze on her face. Parked in front of her was a brand new silver Mercedes sports coupe. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

  The door thunked shut, and she registered Josh’s warmth at her back, but she continued to stare in shock. A laugh bubbled out like a hiccup. “What is that?”

  Josh eased to her side on the tiny landing and ran a hand over his mouth. “My new car.”

  At least he sounded sheepish. How could he drive something so ostentatious and be broke at the same time? She’d laugh again if she weren’t sobered by the fact he was going to have to ride with her now. “You can’t drive that to the ranch. It’s down a long, bumpy, gravel road covered in snow.”

  His eyes darted toward the car and back. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

  Fine? If he was as poor as he said he was, it wouldn’t be long before he’d have to sell the thing, and it wouldn’t sell very well with scratches or dings from loose pebbles. And that was if it even made it all the way there.

  She closed her eyes. God, I’m really trying here. But he’s trying me more.

  The car engine revved to life, drawing Paisley back to reality. She opened her eyes to find Josh had started the Mercedes by pushing a button on his remote. Did he really think he was going to follow her down the back roads in a luxury vehicle?

  She lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “I’ll let Dot and Annabel know you’re leaving your car here while you grab your stuff. Then I’ll meet you at my truck.”

  He tilted his head. “No, I don’t want to—”

  The bell interrupted him as she pushed the coffee shop door open again. She spoke over her shoulder. “It’s a bit of a drive out to the ranch. I’m saving you gas money. Plus, you can sleep on the way.”

  He sighed and pressed a button on the remote to pop his trunk.

  Later she’d find some special way to “thank” the coffee shop ladies for forcing her to take care of the man. For now, she just had to let them know they’d be babysitting his vehicle.

  Dot stood on a chair at the far
wall, hanging a strand of white twinkle lights as Annabel unraveled them for her. “Leave something here?”

  Funny question. “I need to, actually. You don’t mind letting Josh park his fancy little Mercedes out front overnight, do you?”

  Both faces turned her way.

  Dot climbed down from the chair, dropping the lights at Annabel’s feet. “Joshua drives a fancy little Mercedes?”

  “Ohhh . . .” Annabel gently laid down the rest of the strand.

  They both rushed to the window.

  “It’s beautiful,” Annabel whispered.

  Paisley watched from behind the women as Josh swung a leather duffle bag over his shoulder, slammed the trunk, and waved. She ducked in hopes he hadn’t seen her and mistakenly gotten the impression she was also admiring the vehicle. Because she wasn’t admiring the car. Correction: She wasn’t admiring anything at all.

  With a huff, Paisley headed back outside to play chauffeur and innkeeper. That’s all she was. Like the Good Samaritan. Though the Good Samaritan’s heartrate probably didn’t speed up when nearing the man in need.

  She avoided eye contact and trekked through the snow toward the spot behind The Coffee Cottage where she’d parked her old truck out of the way. “Back here, city boy.”

  Josh crunched after her. Then the crunching stopped. “Whoa.”

  What? She glanced in his direction.

  “You still drive Big Red?”

  Josh knew about Big Red? Of course he did. It used to be her dad’s truck. And it worked well for ranch life. When it wasn’t breaking down. Fixing up the ’77 Ford was always cheaper than replacing it. But someone like Josh probably couldn’t relate to such a sentiment. Which might be why he’d gone bankrupt or whatever.

  She brushed snow off the hood. “I thought about getting a Mercedes, but those don’t haul hay as well.”

  His grin flashed. “I deserved that.”

  She looked down at her keys to hide her own smile, and not because she needed them to unlock Big Red’s doors. Those were never locked. “Hop in.”