I admired myself in the full-length mirror, then floated down the steps and out the back door. The sky had a pinkish tint to it, and I watched the clouds roll over the horizon, then sniffed in the cold mountain air. “Lizzie.” I whistled and clucked. She was in the furthest reaches of the corral and appeared sleepy. I often wondered if animals got depressed just like people did, and I thought about what I’d do with her when the baby came. I still didn’t have the heart to sell her, but I knew that there would be no horse-back riding for me in my pregnant future.
She ambled lazily toward me and then snorted. I patted her head and tried to run my hand through her tangled mane. I knew that Joe would have taken her out trail riding on a winter day like today, and it filled me with sadness to know that I simply couldn’t give her as good of a life as he did. I looked at my watch and saw that it was almost six-thirty, so I gave her one last pat and then walked to the truck.
I stepped behind the wheel and turned on the radio, then drove down the long, gravel road that led to the highway. I flicked the knob on the radio and heard a familiar tune. “I know that life is gonna be fine, so long as I got you by my side…by my side, by my side.” It was an old blues song that Joe used to like. I turned it off and choked back a tear. Then I headed on down to the Moose Creek Tavern.
Chapter 8
I looked at my hair in the rearview mirror and then rummaged in my purse for my lip gloss. The last date I had been on was with Joe several years before. “I hope I’m doing the right thing.” I ran my hands through my hair a few times and then shook my head. I felt foolish. I was a pregnant widow, and I was getting ready to meet a cowboy in a tavern for a date. How had my life changed so dramatically in a matter of months?
As I walked up the steps to Moose Creek Tavern, I felt a wave of anticipation rise through my chest. My watch read seven o’clock on the dot, and I hoped that Christopher was already inside. I didn’t want to feel any more awkward than I already did by having to look around for him if I was too early. “Good evening, miss.” A young man opened the door and let me in.
“Thank you.” I smiled and then looked around. The tavern was warm and dimly lit. A few men sat at the bar sipping on brandy, and the bartender looked nonchalantly in my direction when he saw me inching forward. He slid a drink menu in front of me, but before I could even open it I felt a strong hand on top of my shoulder.
“I’m glad to see that you made it. Let’s sit down.” Christopher pulled out my chair and then helped me take off my parka. His chivalrous gesture was a welcome greeting, and I batted my lashes with approval. He smiled and took off his sheepskin coat, then loosened his blue, wool scarf.
“I’m glad that I decided to come.” I tilted my head and got comfortable in my chair. We had a view of the Bridger mountains to our left, and a quaint alpaca farm to our right. I craned my neck and watched the embers shoot up from the fireplace at the other end of the tavern. Christopher opened up his drink menu and rubbed his chin in thought.
“Are you a beer drinker, Alyssa?” He smiled and then scanned the menu. I shook my head.
“Not really.” I scrunched my nose and then pretended to study the menu, even though I already knew that I’d be ordering a lemonade.
“I’ll have a Jack and Coke.” Christopher handed the bartender his menu and then looked at me with a curious smile. “Alyssa.” He leaned across the table and folded his hands together. “I wouldn’t care if you ordered a hot chocolate. As long as you’re here, that’s all I need.” He winked and then sat back in his seat. I caught a whiff of his pine scented cologne and it filled me with a subtle intoxication.
“I used to be a drinker before I was married.” I smiled and thought back to some of my earlier days with Joe. We used to spend weekends snowshoeing and hiking out in the backcountry, and part of our adventures always ended with a drink or two in the lodge or the cabin where we stayed.
“Oh.” Christopher looked intrigued. “So you used to be married?” He raised his eyebrows and then frowned. “I guess I should have known better. A beautiful woman like you probably had her pick from many men.” He took a sip of his drink and then walked his fingers across the table. “But why should I worry about that now? You’re here with me.” His green eyes danced across my body, taking in as much of my appearance as possible. I smiled and he gently touched my hand.
“I lost my husband a few months ago.” It was the first time I had spoken about the accident without choking up. Christopher looked on with interest.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He gazed at me with concern, then took another sip of his drink. I nodded my head solemnly and only looked up when the bartender set my lemonade in front of me.
“It’s okay. I mean…” I didn’t know what to say, and I started to feel like I shouldn’t have left the house. “It’s hard, but I know that I have to move on with my life.” As soon as I spoke I was hit with a strong wave of nausea. Christopher sipped on his drink, oblivious to my internal churnings. I sipped my lemonade and then took a deep breath.
“You know.” Christopher took a sip of his drink. “I’ve been intrigued by you ever since I saw you step foot inside Avalanche.” He smiled, his hand still on top of mine. “I think you’re beautiful, and I’d like you to come visit my ranch one day soon.” His dark hair and green eyes still had me captivated, even though I’d been looking at his face for the last hour.
“Thanks. I’ll have to think about it.” I took another sip of my lemonade and then swung my feet back and forth under my bar stool. So far, it was a smooth date. We definitely had chemistry between each other but as soon as I thought about the possibility of a kiss, I immediately saw Joey’s face in my mind, and it filled me with sadness.
Christopher ordered another Jack and Coke as I sipped slowly on my lemonade. I looked at my watch and decided to get home since I had to be up early for a breakfast shift at Avalanche. “Thanks for the nice date.” I got up and wrapped my scarf around my neck, then offered to pay for my lemonade. Christopher chuckled and then pulled out a wad of twenties from his pocket.
“I’m more than happy to pay for your lemonade, Alyssa.” He grinned and then stood up from his seat. We walked out of Moose Creek Tavern together, gazing up at the moon that had just poked out from beyond the horizon. I was eager to get home, so I picked up the pace as we walked toward my truck.
“Let me know when we can get together again.” Christopher leaned forward, and placed his lips on mine. He kissed me in what felt like a whirlwind of a moment, and I backed away in surprise. He grinned and then turned to walk away as I climbed into the cab of the truck. I started the ignition and watched as he walked away.
I had no sooner pulled out of the lot when I heard a rumbling noise underneath the truck. I slowed down and the sound continued. Then the steering got difficult and a loud thud resounded from the passenger side. A flat tire?At night and with no spare? I rolled my eyes and then did my best to pull over next to a snow bank. I threw down the lights and climbed out to check. Sure enough, the passenger side tire in the front was completely flat.
I stood there for a few minutes trying to decide what to do. Walking to Avalanche was out of the question because it was at least fifteen miles away. I thought about calling Rebecca but remembered that she had a class at nights, and my neighbor was probably out in the barn getting his horses fed for the night. I mulled over as many other options as I could, and then folded my arms across my chest. I had nobody to help me, and once again I realized how much I missed Joe.
Chapter 9
Just as I was about to fish around in my purse for Christopher’s phone number, a pair of headlights landed on my face. They got bigger and brighter, then disappeared completely. The engine from their vehicle shut off, and a man climbed out from behind the wheel. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a deep voice. He wore a checkered flannel coat a pair of black wading boots.
“Got a flat, huh?” He approached me slowly and looked at the tire.
“It sure look
s like it.” I placed my hands on my hips and stared at the flattened rubber.
“You’re Alyssa, right?” He looked at me, then looked back at the tire.
“Yes. Have we met?” I studied his face for a second, trying to decide if I knew him.
“No. But I come into Avalanche a lot, and I’ve seen you a lot waiting tables. I was there one night when you were chatting with Christopher.” He nodded his head and continued to stare at the tire.
“I see.” I smiled and then looked at him to see if he had any suggestions for fixing the flat.
“In fact, I was there the night he asked you out, because I heard him talking to a few of our buddies afterward.” He walked around to the back of the truck and then frowned. “No spare, huh?” He pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose and then ran his hands through his hair.
“No. I don’t have a spare.” I shook my head. “Are you friends with Christopher?” the conversation had piqued my interest.
“Oh yeah.Me and him go way back. Both of us are from ranching families.” He looked at me with curiosity and then thrust out his hand. “I’m Rick.” He smiled and I placed my hand in his. “Nice to finally meet you.” He stared at me for a few minutes and then looked away.
“I don’t suppose you’ve got a free hand to help me with this do you?” I looked at Rick with hope. “And possibly a free tire?” I laughed at myself for not being prepared to handle a flat. What was I thinking driving around in Montana with no spare tire? Most of the roads were gravel, stone, or a combination of the two. Flats were common.
“I actually have a spare in the back of my truck. I can help you out. Don’t worry.” Rick pushed his glasses back up the bride of his nose and then left to get the tire and the tools. I stared up at the moon, wondering how I could have been such a fool to travel in such an unprepared fashion. Rick came back with a tire and a toolbox, then sat down on the passenger side and got to work.
“Thanks for your help.” I wasn’t an overly religious person, but I did find it peculiar that Rick had appeared out of thin air during my time of need.
“You’re welcome.” Rick positioned his wrench so that he could get the tire in, then paused. “You know, I hate to say this, Alyssa, but…” His voice trailed off and I frowned. What was he about to tell me? “A flat tire is the least of your worries.” He pushed his glasses up his nose again. I stared at him with suspicion.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I put my hands on my hips and inched a little closer.
“It means…” He tightened the lug nuts and then leaned forward to make eye contact. “…that you’re asking for trouble with Christopher Marlow.” He raised his eyebrows, tightened the nut, then slapped his hands on his pants. “You’re all set here.” He got up from his crouching position and then started to walk away.
“Hey, wait.” I looked at him with confusion. “What are you telling me this for? Why is Christopher trouble?” I couldn’t let Rick leave without filling me in on whatever he knew. It was as if he had just dropped off a treasure chest, but not the key to unlock its bounty.
“Let’s just say that he’s got a reputation.” Rick nodded his head and thoughtfully ran his hands through his beard. I bit my lower lip, not happy with the sounds of this.
“What kind of reputation? Please tell me what you know, Rick.” I could hear the subtle desperation in my voice.
“Alyssa. I don’t want to get you upset, and I know that we just met, but…” He looked away, and I could tell that he was uncomfortable telling me much more than what he already had. “Christopher is not such a nice guy, that’s all. You should just be careful.” He pursed his lips and then turned around to walk away. I grabbed him by the shoulder and he stopped.
“Look. I only went on one date with him. Tell me what you know about him so I can decide if he’s worth it. Please. What do you have to lose?” I shrugged and then adjusted my scarf to keep the chill away from my neck.
“Meet me for a coffee tomorrow and I’ll tell you whatever you want.” He cocked his head to the side and I paused. Coffee? Was this another date? I didn’t know what Rick’s intentions were, but I did know that I wanted more information about Christopher.
“When and where?” I placed my hands on my hips and tossed my hair over my shoulder. The air had gotten so bitterly cold that I could see my breath when I spoke.
“Three o’clock at Bozeman Café down on Glacier Avenue.” Rick spoke matter-of-factly and I nodded my head.
“You got it.” I smiled and then sighed. “This better be good.” I gave him a playful wink and then fished around for my keys. Rick turned to leave and I opened the door to my truck. “Hey, Rick.” I called out and he stopped. “Thanks for fixing my tire. I appreciate it.” I smiled and then hopped into the cab and started the ignition. Rick just smiled and walked away.
Chapter 10
I worked my usual shift at Avalanche then walked home to change. I still hated my job as much as I did when I first started, but now that I was making some money, it didn’t seem to be so difficult to drag myself in. I got home with just enough time to get changed and motor down to Bozeman Café. When I stepped inside, Rick was already seated at a booth.
“Hi there.” I sat down and then unwrapped my scarf from around my neck. Rick smiled and passed me a menu.
“I know I invited you for coffee, but this place has amazing blueberry crepes, in case you’re interested.” He winked and then folded his hands on the table, looking me square in the eye as he did.
“Well, I’m glad that I came here to meet you. I guess we should cut to the chase while we’re deciding on food.” I raised my eyebrows, intent on finding out as much as I could in as little time as needed.
“Yes. Of course.” Rick nodded his head and then looked up as the waiter came to our table. “Hello. I’d like an espresso and a short stack of blueberry pancakes.” He handed the waiter his menu and then looked at me to order. I had been having a rather nausea-free day, so I opted for a plate of French toast and an orange juice.
“You know, a few of the waitresses over at Avalanche told me to watch out for Christopher. They seemed to insinuate that he was a player.” I figured I might as well tell him what I already knew.
“They were telling you the truth.” Rick confirmed the accusations, then added more. “He’s also been known to rough up his women.” He took a sip of his water and then studied my face to see how I reacted. “He beat up his last girlfriend because she wouldn’t go to some bonfire at Glen Lake Park.” Rick shook his head and then got quiet.
“This is all very surprising.” I wasn’t even sure of how to react. I couldn’t picture Christopher being violent, and it hurt to hear that he wasn’t possibly the man that I’d been led on to believe that he was.
“You know, Alyssa.” Rick looked me in the eyes and then got quiet when the waiter reappeared with our pancakes and French toast. “Wow. This looks amazing.” He smiled and then nodded his head at the waiter. My eyes widened when I saw how large the portions were. Since I was eating for two, this posed no problem at all.
“What were you starting to say?” I felt like I was being impatient with how quickly I wanted Rick to disclose his information, but I sensed that he knew quite a bit about Christopher, and I wanted to find out all that I could.
“What I was going to tell you was that I think you could do much better than Christopher.” He took a sip of his espresso and I could tell by his lingering gaze that he wanted me to consider him one of the better men he referred to. I lifted a forkful of French toast to my lips and then chewed the sweet, cinnamon flavored bread while Rick watched me in silence.
“I get the feeling that you’ve got your own intentions, Rick.” I couldn’t help but give him a flirtatious smile when I made my statement, and he gave me a playful smile right back.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I’m interested. I mean, come on. Who wouldn’t be interested in you? You’re pretty, you’re unique and you’re patient. I watch
ed you trying to assess that tire for a good ten minutes.” Rick chuckled and then took another bite of his pancakes.
“Thanks for the compliments.” I sipped my orange juice and then looked out the window. I felt a little overwhelmed with everything Rick had just told me. I had the feeling that he wasn’t just playing around, either. “I should probably get going soon.” I looked at him with an apologetic smile. “I’ve got a lot of housework to do.” I know it sounded like a pathetic excuse, but it was true. Rick nodded his head, took some cash out of his pocket to pay the bill, then reached for my hand.
“Come by my place before you go home. I’ve got an extra tool-kit and another spare tire that you can keep.” He smiled and then finished off his pancakes and reached for his coat. I gave him a playful smile. It was a good ploy. I had to give him that. Without even thinking, I followed him out, got in my truck, and drove behind him until we reached Arapahoe Drive. His house sat alone, at the top of a hill, surrounded by pine trees.
“I must be crazy to come here after just meeting you once.” I cocked my head and then watched as he opened the door and motioned for me to enter.
“It’s not crazy at all. You’re a woman, and you’ve got intuition. I think we both know that there’s a little…” He paused and then chuckled. “There’s a little chemistry between us, right?” He pushed his glasses up his nose and then waited for me to walk inside. I grinned and then stepped into his living room which was decked out in a variety of unique art pieces, wood carvings and black and white photographs.
Romance: Luther's Property Page 19
