Puppy Love in Thunder Canyon

by Christyne Butler

  “Here we are, sir.” The maître d’ stood to one side at the opening to a private area just off the main room, separated by a slight stairway. “The wine you requested has been laid out for you. Your server will be with you shortly.”

  “Thank you, Robert.”

  The man’s slight nod told Thomas all of his plans were in place, which didn’t surprise him. The Gallatin Room was a five-star eatery and one of the finest dining establishments in the entire state of Montana.

  He entered the space behind Annabel in time to hear her gasp again as she stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the entire mountain.

  “Oh, Thomas! This is glorious!”

  He smiled and walked past the perfectly set table for two and joined her at the curved wall of windows. “Have you never been here before?”

  She turned to face him, her hair gliding slowly across her shoulders. “Once or twice for a special occasion, but never in this spot and never with this view.” Her gaze moved to the table. “Never this fancy.”

  “Didn’t we agree fancy is the chosen word for tonight?” Thomas teased, pulling out the closest chair and waiting until she sat before he moved to the other side of the table.

  “I think you and I have different definitions of the word.” Annabel accepted the glass of wine he poured for her.

  “Maybe so,” Thomas said, raising his glass in a toast to her. “So I’ll go with another word, beautiful. You look very beautiful tonight, Annabel.”

  Pleasure flashed in her eyes, but before she could respond their server appeared with the first course of their meal. Thomas enjoyed Annabel’s confusion as a colorful salad plate was placed before her.

  Once they were alone again, he reached for his own fork and dug in, but paused when he noticed Annabel hadn’t moved. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

  “Ah, no.” She opened her cloth napkin and laid it across her lap. “Is that a Caesar salad you’re having?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  She looked at her plate again. “Mine’s a garden salad without the shredded cheese, croutons or onions.”

  Thomas fought to keep his features passive. “I can see that.”

  “And the ranch dressing is served in a separate dish on the side,” Annabel persisted, “because there’s nothing worse than soggy lettuce.”

  “That’s an interesting reason.”

  “Thomas, this is exactly the way I like my salads.” She leaned forward, her voice a low whisper. “What’s going on?”

  “Just eat,” he replied, matching her tone.

  “Thomas—”

  He waved his salad-laden fork at her. “I heard your visit with Mr. Owens went well today.”

  “Yes, it did.” Annabel reached for her fork. “He told me the most amazing stories about serving in the navy during the Second World War and how he met his wife in San Francisco after the war ended. Did you know she was a nurse?”

  Thomas nodded around a mouthful of food, waiting until he swallowed to speak. “Yes, he mentioned you pointed out how she would expect him to be a better patient.”

  Annabel laughed. “I did no such thing. He’s the one who made that admission. When he told me they’d shared over fifty years of marriage together I agreed that she must’ve known him better than anyone else in the world.”

  “Well, I would think so.”

  “Did you know they fell in love and married within a month of meeting each other?” Annabel paused to take another sip of wine, then sighed. “He told me he knew she was the one for him after their first date. Do you think it’s really possible to be so sure that you want to spend your life with someone that quickly?”

  “I don’t know. My grandparents were married for fifty-five years, after they dated for four years first. Of course, that was because my grandfather was a freshman in college when they met and my grandmother wasn’t even out of high school yet.”

  “My folks have been together for over thirty years. Let’s hope long marriages run in the family, huh?”

  Thomas’s mouthful of salad lodged in his throat.

  He coughed and reached for his wine, thankful that Annabel didn’t notice his distress due to the amazing sunset outside that grabbed her attention.

  “Are you okay?”

  Okay, so she did notice. “Yeah—ah, yes, I’m fine.”

  They finished eating just as the server returned. The empty plates were whisked away and moments later, the main course was served with a flourish.

  Annabel’s eyes widened as she stared at the offering in front of her. “Surf and Turf?”

  “North Atlantic lobster tail with porcini-rubbed filet mignon and apricot-glazed green beans.” Thomas provided the specifics as the server silently disappeared again. “Hope it tastes as good as it looks.”

  “I’ve only had lobster and steak together a few times, but I’ve always considered this combination my favorite meal in the world.”

  “Yes, I know.” Thomas smiled and reached for the wine. “Can I refresh your glass for you?”

  Annabel only nodded, holding out her glass toward him, her gaze still on the food before her.

  When the idea to create a meal made of her favorite foods first came to him, Thomas wasn’t sure it was a good one, but seeing Annabel’s reaction was just what he’d hoped for.

  “But how?” She finally looked at him after setting her glass down. “How did you know?”

  “After you left the hospital yesterday I stopped by ROOTS, introduced myself to your sister Abby, and asked what your favorite foods are.” He decided the direct approach was best. “Then I made arrangements to have them served tonight for us.”

  Annabel’s gaze dropped back to the table. The candlelight danced over her shocked features and when she captured her bottom lip with her teeth, Thomas wanted nothing more than to lean across the table and release the fullness from its imprisonment.

  And cover her mouth with his.

  “Does this mean we’re having strawberry chocolate devil’s food cake for dessert?” she asked, cutting into the steak.

  Thomas laughed, loving the playfulness in her eyes. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  The meal was terrific and they talked while they ate, sharing stories that covered everything from childhood experiences to college escapades. When dessert arrived, Annabel claimed she was too stuffed to eat, but the cake was perfectly sized for two and they managed to make a pretty good dent in it.

  “Mmm, that is just too delicious for words,” Annabel purred after sliding her fork from between her lips. “This has got to be the best meal I’ve ever had.”

  “I’m in complete agreement with you.” Thomas signaled for the server, who came into the room. “Do you think we could meet the chef? We’d like to thank him for this amazing meal.”

  “I’ll see if he’s available.”

  A few minutes later a tall man with black hair arrived at their table. “I’m Shane Roarke, the executive chef here at the Gallatin Room.”

  Thomas introduced himself and Annabel, offering his compliments before his date took over the conversation as only Annabel could, with charm and grace.

  “I can’t believe Thunder Canyon was able to lure you away from the big city, Mr. Roarke,” Annabel said after the man admitted to working in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle before taking his current position at the resort.

  Thomas noticed the quick tightening of the chef’s jaw for a moment, but then the man blinked and it was gone. “Well, I’ve only been here since June, but I’m finding I like the slower pace of Thunder Canyon,” Shane said. “I’m glad you enjoyed your meal.”

  The man left and Thomas saw Annabel’s gaze follow him as he walked away. A flare of heat raced through him that could only be jealousy, but Thomas quickly squash
ed the emotion.

  “I need to tell my cousin DJ about him,” Annabel said, turning her attention back to the dessert. “I think they would get along great.”

  “Why’s that?” Thomas asked.

  “DJ owns the Rib Shack, another restaurant here in the resort. Not that he could get Mr. Roarke to work for him, but he’ll probably try.” She took another mouthful of cake and then laid the fork on the plate. “Oh, this really is so good, but I can’t possibly eat another bite. I’ve probably gained five pounds from one meal.”

  “How about we work some of that off by dancing?”

  Annabel’s shocked gaze locked with his. “Dancing?”

  The idea surprised Thomas just as much the moment the words left his mouth, but right now he wanted nothing more than to hold this woman in his arms.

  “Why not? There’s wonderful music coming from the main area and we’ve got plenty of room.” Thomas stood and held out his hand.

  “Oh, I’m not the best dancer.” Annabel sat back in her chair, the candlelight highlighting the pretty blush on her cheeks. “The whole two left feet thing.”

  “Maybe you just haven’t met the right partner yet.” He waited, knowing it wouldn’t take her long to match up his words with her earlier declaration about him not having met the right dog. “Dance with me, Annabel. Please.”

  She placed her hand in his and Thomas gently pulled her to her feet and into his arms. He easily maneuvered her until they were in front of the windows again, the star-filled night sky a beautiful backdrop to the dimly lit room.

  Her left hand rested at his shoulder and he tucked her other hand in his and brought both of them to rest over his heart. The softness of her hair brushed against his jaw and he inhaled, pulling her sexy vanilla scent deep into his chest. His hand flattened across her back, seeming to startle her, but he just pressed her tighter to him, her curves wreaking havoc with his attempts at controlling his libido.

  Despite all the time they’d spent together over the past two weeks, and the few times they touched, they’d never been this close.

  Thomas now knew why he’d worked so hard to keep distance between them. Holding Annabel in his arms wasn’t like anything he’d ever felt before.

  And that scared the hell out of him.

  “You are a liar, Miss Cates.”

  “Am I?” Her words caressed his neck with warm breaths.

  “You’re a wonderful dancer.” Thomas lowered his head a few inches until his cheek rested against hers. “I think you like keeping me off balance where you’re concerned.”

  “Now why would I do that?”

  He leaned back, hating how their bodies separated, but wanting to see her eyes. “I don’t know. I’m normally not a man who likes surprises.”

  “Well then, what I’m about to say next shouldn’t be a surprise,” she said, looking up at him, “but I’m going to tell you anyway.”

  He stilled, having absolutely no idea what she was going to say.

  “This has been the most magical night of my life, Thomas.” Annabel gazed at him, her eyes wide. “Thank you…from the bottom of my heart.”

  * * *

  Annabel had no idea what time it was when Thomas pulled his sleek sports car to a stop in her family’s driveway.

  The last time she’d looked at the glowing digits of the car’s clock it had been almost eleven-thirty. That had been when they left the resort, and as hard as she tried, Annabel just couldn’t keep her eyes open during the drive home.

  They’d stayed at the restaurant for another hour after her heartfelt thank-you that she’d been so sure would end in a kiss.

  Only she hadn’t been brave enough to rise up on her tiptoes and press her mouth to his.

  Instead Thomas had replied with a simple “you’re welcome” and they continued to dance until coffee arrived, which they enjoyed while finishing off the last of that decadent cake.

  He shut off the engine and the car stilled. She heard him turn toward her, but again, her eyelids were too heavy even though she’d love to see the expression on his face.

  “Annabel?”

  He spoke her name in a soft whisper that sent shivers up and down her spine. Something she’d been experiencing from the moment he walked onto her front porch dressed in a charcoal-gray suit that fit him to perfection. Heck, even her sisters had sighed as they peeked at him through the dining-room window.

  “Are you asleep?” he asked, his voice back to its normal level, which was still sexy.

  “No, but if I lived another mile or so away I probably would be.” This time she succeeded in opening her eyes and smiled. “Did I thank you for an amazing evening?”

  “Many times.”

  “Good.” She closed her eyes and stretched, pointing her naked toes in a perfect arch. The heels had slipped off the moment she got into his car. The pair were her favorite, but she didn’t wear them too often.

  Or this dress, because while she loved what the bandage-style dress did for her curves, it tended to ride up whenever she sat.

  Or stretched.

  The sound of the driver’s side door opening and the inside light coming on had Annabel bolting upright in her seat. She grabbed the hem and yanked it back into place before looking at Thomas, but he was already out of the car.

  The interior went dark again when he closed the door, but she’d found her purse, shawl and shoes by the time he walked around the car.

  Sliding out of the passenger seat, she gently closed the door behind her. Except for the porch light at the kitchen door, the house was dark and the last thing she wanted was an audience when she and Thomas said good-night.

  “I was going to get the door— Hey, you’re shorter.”

  Annabel smiled and held up her shoes dangling from her fingers. “Sore tootsies.”

  “You okay to walk in bare feet?”

  “Of course. I’m outside all the time— Thomas!” Annabel felt the ground disappear beneath her feet as Thomas lifted her into his arms and headed for the side porch.

  “We can’t—” he paused and cleared his throat, his grip tightening on her bare thighs “—can’t take any chances.”

  She looped her arm around his shoulders, grateful when she didn’t knock him in the head with her purse. Moments later, they stood in the soft glow of the light and he gently set her feet to the ground, his arm staying around her waist.

  Her hand slid to his upper arm, but she tightened her hold, keeping their bodies close, hating that her other hand was filled with her shawl and shoes.

  “There you go. Home safe and sound.”

  She tried to read the emotion in his gaze, but he dipped his head, the shadows making it impossible for her to see.

  Did it matter?

  Was he finally going to kiss her?

  “Thanks for tonight,” he finally said, releasing her and stepping away. “I haven’t had… It was a great night.”

  The lump of disappointment in her throat when he made no move to give her a good-night kiss made it impossible for Annabel to speak. She could only nod as she reached for the screen door.

  He stepped off the porch and she spun around, opening the inside door and slipping into the kitchen before he even made it back to the driveway.

  Not knowing why she did, Annabel stood at the door and watched through the window as he climbed back into his car and started the engine.

  What had gone wrong?

  Tonight had been pure magic from the moment he’d picked her up. He’d been gracious with her family, attentive to the point of distraction from the first moment he touched her and that meal—who goes to the effort of making sure they had a private table, finding out a date’s favorite foods…

  He should’ve kissed her.

  She should’ve kissed him.

&
nbsp; She dumped her stuff on the counter beside her, her hand hovering over the light switch, and still his car stayed.

  Was he waiting for her to—

  She dragged her fingers downward, flipping the lever and the porch went dark. Then she twisted the lock on the door, the click echoing in the quiet.

  Suddenly the car’s engine cut off, and Thomas emerged, sprinting back across the drive. She undid the lock, yanked open the door and pushed at screen. Seconds later, he had her wrapped in his arms as he pushed her up against the wall, his mouth covering hers in a searing kiss.

  Her hands plunged into his hair, pulling him closer and loving how his kiss was thorough, possessive and exploded with an intensity that had started the moment they met. His hands moved lower until they cupped her backside, pulling her tight to him. He leaned into her, lifted her until their bodies aligned perfectly, allowing her to feel the evidence of his arousal.

  She moaned low in her throat, their tongues stroking against each other, eager to share the heat and hunger. He echoed that moan back to her with his own, and regret pulsated through her because she knew they had to stop.

  Finally, he lifted his head, his hands sliding back to her waist. He pressed his forehead to hers, his rapid breathing matching her own as her hands moved to lie against the restless rise and fall of his chest.

  “Wow.” Annabel stole another kiss, thrilling at the groan the quick swipe of her lips over his brought forth. “Please, tell me we are going to do this again. And soon.”

  Thomas’s laugh was husky and warm. “What’s that? Go out for dinner?”

  “Yeah, that, too.” Especially if this man were on the menu as appetizer, main course and dessert because she was already craving another taste of heaven.

  Chapter Eight

  “I think you’re doing what mothers do best, sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

  Annabel stilled as her father’s voice carried from the kitchen to the stairway.