He glanced at his watch.
“How long do you have?” she asked.
“An hour.”
She bent over and kissed him. “Slacker.”
He laughed. “Occasionally.”
“So, tell me about this lunch you had with all those sexy women.”
He stared up at her beautiful face. “Not that I don’t admire Mayor Marsha, but the woman is in her seventies.”
“We should all look so good at her age.”
He sat up and studied Montana. He traced her cheekbones, the line of her jaw. “Speaking as a professional, you have nothing to worry about. You’ll always be beautiful.”
He watched color stain her cheeks as she looked down. “Simon, don’t.”
“What? Tell you what I know will happen?”
“I’m not that special.”
“You are to me.”
Daphne wiggled between them and started licking him.
“Your other girlfriend wants your attention.”
He picked up a delighted Daphne and cradled her in his arms. “You’re shameless.”
Daphne gave him a doggie grin and closed her eyes as he rubbed her belly.
“The lunch?” Montana prompted.
“They want me to stay in town.”
“Did that surprise you?”
“I knew it was coming. They asked me to tell them what I wanted, rather than simply offering one thing after another. To be honest, I’m surprised it took them this long to get around to making their pitch. Usually I get it from the beginning, either directly or indirectly. Sometimes one person will be sent in to convince me, sometimes it’s a committee. Either way—”
He stopped talking as Montana went white, then pressed her lips together.
“What?” he asked.
Guilt flashed through her eyes. “Oh, God. I forgot. No, it’s not that I forgot, it’s just…” She squeezed her eyes together, then opened them. “You’re going to take this wrong. I know you are. Don’t be mad, okay? Just let me explain.”
He had no idea what she was talking about. “All right.”
“It’s me. They sent me. Right after you got here, Mayor Marsha asked me to get to know you and find a way to convince you to stay in town. I was supposed to be that person. And we’ve been together and now you’re thinking I lied to you, but I didn’t. Most of the time I forgot. I mean, I had a couple of conversations with people about where to take you and stuff and…” She swallowed. “You hate me now, don’t you?”
He carefully put Daphne down on the grass, leaned toward Montana and kissed her.
“I don’t hate you.”
“I don’t understand. You should be furious. I betrayed you.”
He chuckled. “Hardly.” He cupped her cheek. “Don’t take this wrong, but you didn’t do a very good job. We rarely talked about the town.”
“I know. Like I said, I forgot.”
“You’d be a lousy spy.”
She sighed. “I wouldn’t want to be a good one. All that lying.”
She kissed him back, her mouth soft and hungry against his.
When they parted, he asked, “Did the mayor ask you to sleep with me?”
Montana stared at him. “Of course not. She would never do that.”
He held in a laugh. “Just checking.”
“Simon! How could you even think that?”
“I didn’t. I was curious as to how far the good people of Fool’s Gold would go.” He stretched out on the grass again. “I’ve been offered virgins before, after all. And a cow.”
“I know someone who has goats if you want to check into those.”
“No, thanks.”
“Okay, but it’s your loss. I think they’re French goats. Very sophisticated.”
“Well, if they’re French…”
She tilted her head. “You’re not going to suggest the sister thing as a way to entice you?”
“What sister thing?”
“Guys get this idea that because we’re identical it would be really cool to have all of us in bed at once. We think it’s icky, but trust me, we’ve had more than one request.”
He sat up. “No. You’re the only one I’m interested in.”
“Really?”
“You’re completely different from your sisters.” He took her hand. “Not to hurt anyone’s feelings, but you’re much prettier and more fun to be with.”
She laughed. “Thank you, but I think you’re biased.”
He knew he wasn’t, but she wouldn’t believe him. “Your names are interesting. A family tradition?”
“No. A quirk of fate. Mom had some trouble during delivery. For a while there was a question as to whether or not she would make it. There was my dad with three newborns in the hospital and three young boys at home. My brothers missed their mother and resented their yet unseen sisters for taking her away. To help smooth things over, my dad said they could pick out our names.”
She grinned. “Over the years, we’ve heard some of the alternatives. Oceania was tossed around, apparently, so we figure we got lucky. At least people can spell the states.”
“Multiple births are hard on the mother.”
“Is this the doctor speaking?”
“Sorry. I get carried away.”
“It’s okay. I like that about you.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“We’re Christmas babies. So Dad was dealing with the possibility of losing his wife and the mother of his children on Christmas Day.”
“Poor guy.”
Palmer and Jester raced toward her. She caught them both in her arms and kissed their heads.
“How are my best boys?” she asked, her voice full of affection. “You, too, Bentley. You’re one of my best boys.”
As if Bentley spoke English and would be hurt if he were left out.
Simon had never met anyone like Montana and doubted he ever would. While Fool’s Gold had gotten to him more than any other place he’d lived, what he would miss the most was Montana. Her laugh, her smile, the way she led with her heart.
Come with me.
The words formed in his mind and he almost spoke them. Because for the first time in his life, he was willing to consider the possibility of something more than a temporary relationship.
Then he looked around at the kennel and the grounds, at the other service dogs, lying in the sun. He thought about her family and her home.
This was where she belonged. Besides, to ask her to leave would imply a promise on his part. A promise he could never make.
If she were different…he began to imagine, then realized the foolishness of that line of thought. If she were different, he wouldn’t want her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“MOM, I WANT TO ASK YOU something,” Montana said as she sat in her mother’s kitchen, a glass of iced tea in front of her.
“Of course. What is it?”
Her mother set a plate of chocolate chip cookies on the table.
They were fresh and the scent of chocolate reminded Montana of all the times she and her sisters had made cookies in this kitchen. Denise had set up three stations, so each of them could measure and stir, then carefully place the raw cookie dough on the cookie sheet.
“You did a good job with all of us,” she said impulsively.
Her mother laughed and sat across from her. “Thank you for that endorsement.”
“It can’t have been easy, raising six kids. Plus, Josh came to live with us.”
“After the first couple, it’s not that much harder. I had a lot of help from your father and not one of you was especially difficult.”
“Still.”
Montana wanted a family, but she’d never thought of having six kids. Talk about overwhelming.
“How are things going with you?” her mother asked.
Montana told her about the puppies and the fundraiser she would be going to with Simon. “Work is busy,” she said. “All my standing appointments. The library reading program is
working out really well. Max has brought in some new dogs for training.”
She watched her mother as she spoke, but Denise didn’t respond to the name. Obviously, being subtle wasn’t going to work.
“Mom, I want to talk about my boss.”
“Sure, honey. Is there a problem?”
“Not a problem. Just…” She shook her head. “Is Max Thurman the same Max you used to date? Is he the guy from your tattoo?”
Her mother rose and crossed to the sink. “What an odd question. Why do you ask?”
“Because I work for him. If you two have a past, I don’t want to say something I shouldn’t.”
“How could you possibly do that?”
“You’re not answering the question.”
“I’m not sure I’m going to.” Denise turned to face her. “Yes, I had a life before I met your father. But that was a long time ago. I married your father and I loved him with all my heart. He was a wonderful father and an amazing husband. I would give anything to have him back.”
Her mother sounded emotional and maybe even angry.
“I’m not questioning your commitment to Dad.”
“I should hope not. I’ve been a widow over ten years. I’m just barely starting to date, even though I don’t like it.” Her gaze narrowed. “Have you girls been talking about this?”
“A little. We’re just wondering what happened.”
“Nothing that concerns any of you. I won’t discuss this and I don’t want you three talking about it, either.”
“Mom, why are you mad?”
“I’m not mad. I’m pointing out I don’t need my adult children butting into my private life.”
Montana felt as if she’d been slapped. “All right,” she murmured, standing. “We won’t discuss it again. I’m sorry.”
She grabbed her purse and ran to her car.
SIMON REACHED FOR HIS CELL phone. “Bradley.”
“It’s Erica. How are things in Fool’s Gold?”
“Good.”
Erica worked for the company that coordinated his assignments. As his time in Fool’s Gold would soon be ending, it made sense she was calling.
He glanced at the calendar on the wall. The months had gone by quickly.
“I have dozens of requests, as per usual,” she said. “After Peru, I think the two that look the best are either helping out at a clinic in Appalachia or joining a humanitarian aid group in Pakistan. I suppose it depends on where you want to spend those months. Both teams would be delighted to have you. Should I email the information?”
He felt a light scratching on his leg and glanced down. Cece gazed at him adoringly, obviously wanting to be in his lap. He scooped her up.
“Sure. Send the files and I’ll look them over. I can travel to either place.”
“If you’re going to Pakistan, you’ll need a couple more booster vaccines. One of the thrills of international travel.”
He petted the little dog as she stared at him. Love burned in her little brown eyes. When he shifted his hand so he was scratching her chest, she licked his wrist.
“Send me that information, as well,” he told her.
Erica agreed she would and they hung up.
Montana tapped on his partially open door, then entered. “Hi. I was waiting in the hall. I didn’t want to interrupt your call.”
“You wouldn’t have.”
She stopped in front of his desk. “I’m here to take Cece for a walk.”
The little dog had been spending most of her days at the hospital. When she couldn’t be in Kalinda’s room during a treatment or for meals, Fay dropped her off in his office.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, taking in the troubled expression.
“I had a fight with my mom. Except it wasn’t exactly a fight. I don’t know. I asked her about Max.”
“Your boss?”
She told him about the tattoo on her mom’s hip, how she’d had it for years, probably since before she’d gotten married.
“We never knew who the guy was. Even when Max moved here and hired me, I didn’t put it together. He never said anything and Mom never talked about him. But Nevada saw them together. Or rather, not together. They just stared at each other. It was intense.”
“But if they had a relationship, it was years ago.”
She sank into the chair on the other side of his desk. “I know, so it shouldn’t matter, right? She loved Dad. We all know that. But when I asked her about Max, she got angry and told me it wasn’t my business. That she didn’t want me and my sisters talking about her. She seemed really angry. We have a good relationship. I’m not used to being on the outs with her.”
“So talk to her again.”
“Maybe. I’m giving it a couple of days. I would apologize, only I didn’t do anything wrong. We’ve always been a family who talks about things. She and Dad encouraged that. No secrets. But here we are, ignoring a very tall man.”
He’d never had a close family, so he couldn’t relate to what she was feeling. What he did know was that Montana was hurt and he had to help.
“Maybe she’s embarrassed and doesn’t want you to know.”
“Embarrassed about what? An old boyfriend? Max is a great guy. I guess what scares me is that I always thought Dad was the great love of her life. But what if she loved Max, too?”
“People can love more than one person.”
“Other people. Not my mother.”
He relaxed back in his chair and petted Cece. “That’s rational.”
“I know.” She sighed. “As I said, I don’t usually fight with my mom and I don’t like it. All right, enough about me. Who were you talking to before? Is it okay to ask that? It sounded like you were talking about a trip.”
“My assignment after the next one.”
“Oh.”
She glanced at her lap, then back at him. “Where are you thinking of going?”
“Appalachia or Pakistan.”
“That’s a big difference.”
“There’s poverty in both places, and people who need my help.”
“How do you decide?”
“I have someone send me background information. I look over the cases and see which seems like the place I can do the most good.”
“So why did you come to Fool’s Gold?”
“The hospital set up a program that brought dozens of patients from several states here. Also children from Mexico. I don’t have to be in a Third World country to make a difference. I go where I think I can get the most accomplished.”
“I’m glad you chose us.”
He waited for more, for some hint that he should stay, or an attempt to make him feel guilty. Instead she smiled.
“You and Cece are becoming quite the item.”
“She’s my kind of girl.”
“Adoring?”
“It helps.”
“You are just such a typical guy.”
He knew that wasn’t true but liked hearing the words.
He rose, supporting the dog in his arms. “You okay?”
She stood as well. “I guess. I’ll talk to my mom and everything will be fine again.”
“Can I do anything to help?”
“You already did. Talking about it was good.” She reached for Cece. “I’ll take her for a walk and bring her back.”
He glanced at the clock. “I have to prep for surgery.”
“Okay, then I’ll go to Kalinda’s room and see if Cece can stay there. If not, I’ll take her back to Max’s.”
Simon waited for her to ask more questions about where he would be going, or to suggest he should stay. Instead she kissed him lightly, then walked out of his office, leaving him very much alone.
“HOLD STILL,” DAKOTA grumbled, checking the hot curlers clinging to Montana’s head. “These have to stay in longer.”
“How much longer? They hurt.” Montana did her best to ignore the sense of heat burning perilously close to her right ear. She was more a curling iron kind of girl, but
hot rollers made the curls last longer.
“You’re such a baby,” Nevada told her, lounging on the bed, flipping through a magazine.
“So says the woman in jeans and a T-shirt.”
“I’m not the one going to a fancy fundraiser. I don’t have to dress up.” Nevada sounded smug.
Montana stood in the bathroom off her bedroom and checked her makeup. Dakota hovered behind her, worried about Montana’s hair.
She’d asked her sisters over to help her get ready so she wouldn’t be too much in her own head before her date with Simon. Wanting to be perfect for him was a whole lot more work than she’d thought, and she didn’t need the added stress of making herself crazy.
“You look amazing,” Dakota said. “Leave your makeup alone. Give your hair five more minutes, then I’ll take out the rollers and we’ll fluff.”
“And spray,” Nevada called. “Her hair is pretty long. Those curls are going to need help staying in.”
Montana studied her face. She’d done a decent job creating a smoky eye and had even applied her lipstick with an annoyingly tiny brush. Once her hair was done, she would put on the onyx and diamond earrings her grandmother had left her, and she’d be ready.
Her dress was simple—a sleeveless, black tank style with two-inch-wide straps. The whole thing was fitted and short, dipping just low enough in front to be intriguing. She’d smoothed on a lotion with a faint shimmer, giving her tanned legs a glow. Fancy, high-heeled black sandals waited by the front door, and Dakota had lent her a black satin clutch.
“I’ll give you this,” Nevada said, looking up from her magazine, “the curves are impressive.”
Montana laughed. “You have the same ones.”
“They look better on you.”
“Thanks. You should see what I have on underneath.”
“Shapewear?” Dakota asked.
“It’s practically bulletproof. I can’t breathe, but it makes a big difference.”
She walked barefoot into the bedroom. “Anybody talk to Mom in the past day or so?”
Her sisters exchanged a glance, then looked at her and shook their heads. She’d already told them what had happened when she’d brought up the subject of Max.
“We shouldn’t have let you do that yourself,” Dakota told her. “We should have spoken to her together. Strength in numbers, and all that. She couldn’t be mad at all of us.”
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