“I wasn’t gonna bother. If people wanna drink, they’ll come. They won’t care if I’ve draped crepe paper around the bar and hung tacky ghosts from the ceiling.”
Alana figured she was past the danger point. If Sadie had intended to bring up her shouting match with Gunderson, she would have already. So Alana just smiled. “What changed your mind?”
“I was talking to Marge over at the diner and she thinks I’m being shortsighted. With the Sundance bringing in tourists, and Clyde who owns the Double R and Eli Roscoe from the Circle K talking about following in their footsteps, Marge thinks we should do more to spruce up the town. Maybe keep the boys from taking those gals to Kalispell or anyplace else.”
“You mean others ranchers are thinking of switching to dude ranches?”
“Nah, they wouldn’t out-and-out change over. They’re mostly cattlemen. But a lot of people have large houses, or bunkhouses they don’t use anymore, that they could convert to guest quarters and start their own dude ranches. With the price of corn, this area’s been hurt bad. People gotta do whatever they have to do to survive.” Sadie pulled out a roll of black crepe paper from the box, her dark brows dipped in a frown. “Even with the likes of Avery Phelps shooting his mouth off about strangers bringing nothing but trouble.”
“Any truth to that?”
Sadie snorted and waved a plump hand. “Not a lick. I feel sorry for the man. His wife died, and he’s been miserable ever since, but it wasn’t like he treated her so good when she was alive, either. Now it seems all he does is drink and try to make everyone else as miserable as him. That’s the reason he’s taken up with Gunderson. They used to hate each other, now they’re like two peas in a pod, trying to rile the McAllisters.”
Alana’s attention sharpened at the mention of Gunderson. “What’s the deal with him, anyway? Why does everyone tiptoe around him?”
“Hmm, ornery old bastard is the richest man in the county,” Sadie said. “He wouldn’t personally have anything to do with stealing your things, but I wouldn’t put it past him to keep his mouth shut if he saw who did. Probably figured you were a Sundance guest and decided to let the feathers fly.” She rooted around inside the box, then flapped her hand at the airborne dust she’d stirred up. “It’s not as if he doesn’t have enough land, but he’s been trying to get the McAllisters to sell him a piece of their spread for over forty years. I suspect they might’ve had to cave in until Rachel started bringing in money with her dude ranch idea.”
“I’m sorry it’s been that bad for them,” Alana said quietly. Glancing around the bar, she was suddenly aware that the wood-plank floor and rickety stools that she’d assumed were intentionally rustic actually were in need of repair.
“Like it or not, the town has benefited from the McAllisters’ gumption,” Sadie said.
Alana inhaled deeply. “Then let’s keep the tourists and their money right here in Blackfoot Falls.”
The woman’s eyebrows rose. “What’s that?”
“Don’t give them a reason to drive to Kalispell or wherever.” Excited, with ideas already starting to flow, Alana slipped off her stool and started walking around the tables. “You have extra room here—who owns that vacant space next door?”
“I do.”
“Fantastic.” She knocked on the dividing wall. “There’s no brick behind here, is there?”
“Girl, what are you doing?”
“What would you think about turning the Watering Hole into an old-time saloon? It wouldn’t take much.”
Sadie shook her head. “Where did that come from?”
“You agreed with Marge about trying to keep tourists here. I’m an ideas person. It’s what I do for a living. I can help you.”
“Why?” Sadie blinked. “Why do that? You’re on vacation. A pretty crappy one at that.”
Alana gestured dismissively. “I don’t have much to do while Noah’s working. It would be fun.”
“How much longer you gonna be here? It’s Wednesday already.”
“Oh.” Alana did the math and shook her head again. Talk about being delusional. She had only three days left before she returned to New York. Only three days left with Noah. “That’s okay,” she said, trying to rally her sagging spirits. “I can still do a lot.”
Sadie studied her for a moment, then smiled gently. “You’re gonna miss him, aren’t you?”
“Well, of course I am,” Alana said irritably, not anxious to talk about him, or her leaving. “Let’s get back to the Watering Hole. Are you interested in the old-time saloon theme? I think it would be a draw for tourists.”
“Sounds like a hell of an idea. But, honey, I don’t have that kind of money.”
“It wouldn’t cost much. I bet you have some things in your garage or attic we could use, maybe old wooden signs or even… The ranches around here, they’re quite old, aren’t they?”
“Been in the same families for over a hundred years, most of them.”
“I’m willing to bet they all have attics full of stuff they don’t want.”
Sadie looked at her thoughtfully. “In the back I have a sign that belonged to my granddaddy, offering a shave and haircut for two bits.”
“Yes, exactly.” She turned to measure the room by eye, trying to figure out how much extra space was available. The place was big, the tables and chairs sparse, and she guessed that as time had passed broken furniture hadn’t been replaced. On the walls were three posters advertising rodeos and a county fair.
She gestured to an empty corner. “Over here maybe you can have a game of chance—a legal one, of course. We wouldn’t want to get the sheriff’s boxers in a twist.”
“Well, now, how do you know I wear boxers, Ms. Richardson?”
At Noah’s gruff question, Alana spun around. He stood just inside the door, not looking as annoyed as he’d sounded. A fond smile tugged at his mouth, and she felt herself flush. “Where did you come from?”
Sadie laughed until she started coughing, but quickly got herself under control. “He knocked and I let him in. You were too busy eyeballing things to notice.”
“Am I right about the boxers?” Alana grinned. “It was just a guess, Sheriff.”
He shook his head in mock disgust, moving into the room and looking at Sadie. “She giving you any trouble?”
“For pity’s sake, the woman has a head full of ideas. Don’t know how she intends to pack in so much before she leaves, though.”
Alana met Noah’s gaze and emotion clogged her throat. In three days she had to say goodbye to this man. How was she going to do that without… She turned away quickly, before she made a complete fool of herself. “I bet you could get Gretchen and Sheila to wear saloon girl costumes, and if you can sew, it shouldn’t cost much to keep a selection of dresses to rent to the guests from the Sundance. You can also have theme nights and—”
“Slow down.” Sadie chuckled. “Let’s see what your man wants.”
Alana let out a soft laugh, her mouth open as she darted a look at Noah. He didn’t seem offended or uncomfortable or…much of anything, actually. Maybe he was used to Sadie making crazy remarks.
He lifted his hat and readjusted it. “I’ll be in the office for a while. Come by later if you want to have lunch. If you’re too busy here, no problem.”
“Of course she’d rather have lunch with you,” Sadie declared. “We’re just throwing up some decorations.”
Noah hadn’t taken his eyes off Alana. “I’m interested in hearing all these ideas she has for the Watering Hole.”
“Hey, I have ideas for the whole town,” she said, annoyed that she couldn’t read him. The man could be so damn straight-faced when it served him.
“It’s a shame you won’t be here longer,” Sadie said. “I bet Marge, Abe and Louise would like to pick your brain. Louise has the sewing shop down the street. She’d want the costume business.”
“Sure, I’ll meet with her. Abe and Marge, too, if they’re interested.”
Sadie regarded
Noah with a shrewdness that put Alana on alert. “She won’t have any time left for you, Sheriff.”
His mouth curved in the confident smile of a man who knew better.
“You just might have to talk her into staying for a while longer.” Sadie went around the bar and pulled out a stapler from under the register.
“I don’t know that I’d be able to swing that,” Alana said, keeping her gaze on the older woman. “But it’s possible I could come back in a few weeks.” She couldn’t believe the impulsive thought had slipped out of her mouth. She already had more work than she could handle in New York. Taking off for a long weekend, much less an entire week, was out of the question. And yet…
Noah hadn’t said a word, and she wanted to check his reaction, but didn’t dare. They hadn’t talked about the future. They both understood this was a temporary thing between them, and if he seemed aggravated or panicked, she couldn’t stand it. The last thing she wanted was to ruin the few days they had left.
“I know, I know,” she said with a flippant laugh. “I’m jumping the gun. I doubt anyone else would be interested. Sometimes I get overly enthusiastic.”
“Don’t be so sure you wouldn’t have takers.” This time Noah didn’t mask his thoughts, clearly wondering if she was serious about her offer. “People are hurting financially. They’ve seen the success of the Sundance and they might be willing to listen if you can help them.”
“Naturally, I can’t guarantee results,” she said, trying to ignore the nagging disappointment. It was admirable that he cared about the community, but she’d been hoping for a more personal reaction.
He smiled. “I’m just saying that if you’re willing to throw out a line, don’t be surprised at the size of your catch.”
Alana smiled back. Those sexy eyes of his drove her crazy. Good thing they didn’t have a professional relationship. As tough as she was at the office, she doubted she could refuse this man anything.
“Of course, there’ll be the naysayers. Or worse, the likes of Avery or Gunderson and the few others who think tourists are the devil’s spawn,” Sadie said with disgust. “But most folks pay them no mind, anyway.”
“Well, ladies, I have to get over to the office,” Noah said. But instead of heading for the door, he moved toward Alana. “I’ll be alone. Come whenever.” He stopped in front of her, used his forefinger to push back the brim of his hat, then tilted her chin up. And kissed her long and hard.
Holy crap. Right in front of Sadie.
Alana broke away first and silently cleared her throat. “I’ll be over in a little while,” she murmured.
“Hell, honey, after that kiss, I’d be dragging him into the back room.” Sadie’s rusty chuckle predictably evolved into a cough, then ended with a mild oath when someone banged on the door.
Noah gestured for her to stay seated. “I’ll take care of it, and Alana can lock up behind me. When should I tell them to come back?”
“Another hour. Bet it’s Avery.” Sadie shook her head. “That man is charging headlong into the drunk tank.” Then her face lit with humor. “Let him try arguing with the sheriff.”
Noah opened the door to find a wiry older man wearing coveralls a size too big, with his fist in the air, ready to knock again.
He jerked back and frowned accusingly at Noah. “What are you doing here?”
“The bar’s not open for another hour, Avery.”
The man shot Sadie a reproachful glance. When his gaze moved to Alana, his face crinkled in a pinched expression, cut short by Noah stepping outside and pulling the door closed behind him.
Sadie eyed the oversize wall clock above the shelves of liquor bottles. “Mind locking it?”
Alana had already moved toward the door and made sure the dead bolt was in place. “So that’s Avery.”
“Yup, but now he won’t bother us for the next hour.”
“Good. We can get a lot done. I hope you have a ladder.”
“Now, look here, honey, I don’t wanna take you away from Noah. Gretchen can help me later.”
Alana picked up the box. “Come on, Sadie. Do I strike you as a woman who’d let a man think she was too eager?”
Sadie grinned. “No, I reckon you don’t.” As soon as she turned away, Alana glanced at the clock.
Fifty-eight minutes and counting.
* * *
SITTING AT HIS DESK, NOAH stared at the stack of papers in front of him. If he hadn’t been so distracted waiting for Alana, he could’ve knocked off half the reports by now. Man, she’d shocked him. She was thinking about coming back. Twice he’d come close to bringing up the subject, and had chickened out. No use blowing the little time they had left or setting himself up for disappointment.
No doubt her intentions were good, but once she resumed real life, she probably wouldn’t give him or Blackfoot Falls a second thought.
That should’ve suited him just fine. The sex was outstanding, and as much as he’d miss that aspect of their relationship, he plain liked talking to her. He’d confessed more about his feelings toward his mother to Alana than he had to any other human being, and hadn’t seen a single trace of judgment in her eyes. She seemed to understand his need to stay emotionally detached, and respected his right to have those feelings.
He supposed he should be more concerned about what the townsfolk thought about him blatantly playing house with her. Ironically, if she had turned out to be a criminal, life would’ve been easier for him. Eventually he would’ve arrested her, and everyone would think their sheriff had gone above and beyond to keep their town safe. But this thing between him and Alana had turned personal, and at the end of the day he didn’t care what anyone thought. He was on his own time when he was with her, and it was his business. Period.
The office door opened and his heart rate actually increased when he looked up and saw her face. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled and she’d pulled her hair back into a messy ponytail. She barely resembled the woman wearing designer clothes and a tense frown who’d come through that door five days ago.
“Too soon?” she asked, her gaze dropping to his cluttered desk. “I can come back.”
He threw down his pen. “Get your cute little butt in here and close the blinds.”
She grinned and leaned back against the door. “Such a big talker.” She pushed off, then glanced out the window before approaching him with a mischievous smile. “Any chance we can go home for lunch?”
Dammit, the way her hips swayed made him think of last night. Of her naked, soft and sweet; of him molding his hand to her curves. “You’re gonna be the death of me,” he murmured, frustrated that already his jeans had gotten snug.
She slid a hip onto the corner of his desk and leaned toward him for a kiss. He obliged, brushing his lips across hers and then coaxing them apart. Through her T-shirt and bra, he touched her budded nipple.
With a smothered shriek, she jerked back. “Look who’s causing trouble now.”
“I know.” He quickly checked the window to make sure no one had seen them. What the hell was wrong with him? “Hungry?”
“Now how am I supposed to answer that?”
Noah sighed, looked at his watch. “I’m on duty four more hours.”
Groaning softly, she ran her gaze over his chest, the raw longing on her face sending more blood surging to his cock. “Don’t you have any vacation time?”
Oh, yeah, he knew exactly how much. Last night he’d lain awake while she’d slept, and calculated how he could stretch out the three and a half weeks by grouping the days around holidays. That gave him plenty of leeway to fly to New York a few times.
He caught her hand, and then her gaze. “Is this how you’d want me to use it?”
Alana studied him for a moment, and he could see she was dissecting his words, making sure she understood him. He should’ve been more plain. What did he have to lose at this point?
“You heard my conversation with Sadie,” she said. “What do you think about me coming back?”
“I don’t want you to leave.”
Her lower lip quivered slightly. “Really?”
As he stood up, she came around the desk and rushed into his arms. He held her against his chest, inhaling the familiar vanilla scent of her hair and sweet warm skin. How quickly he’d gotten used to coming home to her in the evening. Next week was going to be rough.
“I wish I could stay longer,” she said, pulling back to look at him. “Maybe I’d be able to squeeze in a couple days, but I have work commitments.”
“Of course you do.” He smoothed back a stray tendril of hair curling toward her lashes. “I understand you have to leave. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“I’m completely serious about coming back, and you can visit me in New York.”
Before he could answer, the sound of the knob turning alerted them that someone was about to enter the office. They quickly pulled apart, and if the door hadn’t stuck slightly, Alana wouldn’t have made it to the other side of the desk in time.
Turned out it was only Roy, but Noah still wouldn’t have been happy about being caught.
“Afternoon.” His deputy whipped off his hat and wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve. “Pretty warm out there for the end of October. Can’t wait to have me a cold one.”
Noah smiled to himself. That was Roy’s sly way of hinting he wanted to get off early. Not today. “Was Gus with you?”
“Nope.” Roy hung up his hat and smoothed the back of his head even though he didn’t have enough hair to worry about. “He’s out at the Double R refereeing. A new wrangler had a minor fender bender with Avery Phelps, who’s raising Cain over it.”
“What was Phelps doing way out there? I saw him trying to get into the Watering Hole less than an hour ago.”
“Dunno. But he was acting kinda weird, even for him.” Roy opened a folder sitting on top of a stack waiting to be filed. He glanced at Alana and gave her a sheepish smile. “For the record, Ms. Richardson, I never thought it was you.”
Own the Night Page 17
