Reed laughed. “Yeah, thanks for the warning.”
“At least you have a place to store most of this stuff. My apartment is crammed with boxes everywhere.”
“If you need to store some things, you’re welcome...”
“Thanks... Most of it is junk that I’ll be donating.” She paused. “So, I guess Erika told you about the new BASE jumping site proposal.” The two lovebirds kept nothing from each other. Honesty was a pillar of their strong relationship. Cassie envied them that.
“She did. That’s why you’re here? To let me talk you out of it?”
“Hardly. Erika tried to intercept our plans by going to Mayor Morell first and giving him a heads-up and no doubt a ton of stats about BASE jumping injuries.” Knowing her friend, she’d probably put together a PowerPoint presentation. “Hear anything about that?”
Reed shook his head. “No, but it doesn’t surprise me. Did it work?”
“Oh my God—seriously? You too?” She’d been hoping at least her brother would be on her side. Growing up, they’d always had each other’s back.
“Me too what? Am I concerned about you and this idea? Damn straight I am.”
Cassie folded her arms. “What’s the big deal? No one has any problem with my company going out into the wilderness on hikes and camping trips and rappelling and all sorts of other dangerous things... How is this so different?”
“Well, for one, the other things you mentioned aren’t illegal.”
“We’re trying to change that...”
“For two, you are the one in control of those adventures. I have all the confidence in the world in you and your experience. Montana is a stranger.”
“She’s Kaia’s mom.”
“Still a stranger. Look, you can’t expect me or Erika, or Tank for that matter, to be over-the-moon excited about this. It’s dangerous, it’s a liability for your company, and on a selfish note, we are the ones who will be called out on rescue if things go wrong and someone gets hurt.”
Her brother had a point, but she was in no mood to listen to reasoning that might have her second-guessing things. “Montana is a professional and the other jumpers are too. I’m not planning to lead a group of amateurs up there. No first timers or anyone without specific qualifications.” She wasn’t stupid. They needed to start giving her more credit and trust that she knew what she was doing.
“I just think you are putting a lot of faith in someone you don’t know. Montana has an agenda, Cassie. I don’t fully believe for one second that she’s here simply because of Kaia.”
Cassie didn’t either. Montana wanted all aspects of her former life back, including her passion for the sport. “No, I know that too... But what’s wrong with her wanting to build a career doing something she loves, while reestablishing the connection with Kaia?”
“What’s wrong is that extreme sports junkies are like addicts. They crave the high of the adrenaline rush...nothing compares to that and if they have to choose between their addiction and the people they love, the addiction most often wins. We know that more than anyone. You know that,” he said.
He was comparing Montana to her father. He was right about a lot of what he said, but... “Montana had an injury that kept her away from Kaia.”
“And Dad had an illness...”
“We can go back and forth making comparisons all day.”
“All I’m saying is that the two situations are not so different.”
“Okay, well, Dad’s getting better, trying to make a new fresh start, and you’re on board with that...so can’t you extend the same courtesy to Montana? Give her the benefit of a doubt? Give her a second chance too?”
Reed touched her shoulder, the way he always did to soften a blow of brotherly advice she wasn’t going to want to hear. “Here’s the thing. A lot of people I care about could get hurt from Montana being here, so you’ll have to forgive me if I retain some of my better judgment on this one, until I’m proven wrong.”
* * *
TANK’S MOOD WAS as dark as the heavy late spring snow clouds as he entered the station the next day. Another night without his daughter at home had him more on edge than he’d been in a long time and given the circumstances of the last few weeks that was saying something.
It was supposed to be a one-night sleepover, but Kaia had texted the day before asking if she could spend the next night as well, and he’d been at a loss for a reason for her to come home. Besides the fact that they hadn’t really discussed how things like sleepovers were going to work... They’d need to. Soon. A routine was going to be important for all of them.
His daughter’s text at nine, saying she was going to spend the day with her mom shopping, had further increased his bad mood. Seems she hadn’t missed him at all.
He was trying and failing to be okay with these sudden changes.
“Hey, man...how was it?” Reed asked, then seeing his face, he tapped him on the back. “It’ll get easier.”
“Doubt it.” Tank collapsed onto the cot in the back and tried to relax. “It was just so weird not having her there. I kept forgetting and checked her bedroom twice. I don’t know how other parents successfully coparent. I never signed on to be a part-time dad.” Years ago, he’d been prepared for a life with Montana. He’d barely known her, but he’d been ready to commit to a future for Kaia’s sake. They’d liked each other and there had been chemistry...he’d figured they would make a relationship work, for their daughter. Montana leaving hadn’t been ideal, but he’d figured things out then too.
Now what?
“I get it, man, but just be grateful that you’ve had ten years to yourself, and as hard as it is to acknowledge, having her mom in her life is in Kaia’s best interest.”
Best interest. He’d heard that a lot lately. He’d repeated it to himself. But Tank wasn’t so sure. Montana could have a change of heart and leave again, and then what? And if she stayed, and her access times and visitations increased, could he really survive sharing his daughter’s time with her mother?
And damn, what if Kaia eventually decided to live with Montana? Having visitation every second weekend, like the other divorced dads he knew, would be the death of him.
“I want to believe that... This is just frustrating,” he said.
“Good, you broke the news to him already,” Tyler said, entering the station.
Jesus, what now? He sat up. “What news?”
Reed punched Tyler’s shoulder. “Thanks, man... I was planning to tell him when he wasn’t already looking like shit.”
Tyler grabbed his training gear and ducked out, leaving Reed to deliver more bad news.
“Sorry, man...” Reed stood and handed him a new member enrollment form.
Tank scanned it quickly, then tossed it straight into the trash. “Nope.”
Reed retrieved the papers. “Every member application needs to be accepted or rejected on merit, Tank. Not personal feelings.”
“Fine. She’s a liability. End of story.”
Reed read from the file. “Level two avalanche training, Advanced Backwoods Safety, CPR and First Aid—all up to date. And, man, she bench-pressed more than I did at the gym the other day.”
Fantastic. She had a membership at their gym now too.
“As much as it annoys me that she’s convinced Cass to go along with this BASE jumping thing, she’s obviously tough and strong-minded. She would be an asset...”
“I just need one aspect of my life that she’s not tangled in. Just one.” He was losing Kaia to her, she’d stolen the woman he was arguably in love with, claiming her as her new BFF, he still hadn’t come up with the funding to buy out her share of the bar, and now this.
Wild River was suddenly feeling too fucking small. Like claustrophobic small.
“I know this whole situation sucks, but there’s nothing you can do about her being here. Yo
u have to start embracing it, seeing it as a good thing. Otherwise you’ll go mad.”
Too late.
“And who knows? Maybe if she’s part of the crew, she’ll forget this whole BASE jumping idea.”
Reed was underestimating Tank’s ex. Nothing could make Montana forget about her one passion in life. All this other stuff was just a way to integrate into the Wild River community.
Tank checked his watch. “I’m going to get Diva for training...”
“About that...”
“Don’t ask.” No, he and Cassie hadn’t discussed the dog living with him yet. They hadn’t discussed a lot of things yet. Last time they spoke, they’d argued about Montana. “Do me a favor and find something wrong with Montana’s member application.”
Ten minutes later, he pulled his truck in front of SnowTrek Tours. Climbing out, he headed inside. Then immediately wanted to walk back out.
Had Montana’s laugh always irritated him? Or was it just now when it melded with Cassie’s?
They stopped when they saw him standing there.
Great. Now he was the buzzkill.
“Hey.” He glanced around. “Where’s Kaia? I thought she was spending the day with you, shopping?”
“She’s in the washroom. We decided to stop by and say hi to Cassie and Diva on our way to the mall,” Montana said, petting a sleeping Diva curled up next to her on the oversized chair.
Even the dog was a traitor.
“Oh...” He cleared his throat. “So, last night went okay? Everything’s good?” Maybe forty-eight hours with her mom was too much. Maybe she was ready to come home now...
Cassie turned her attention to her laptop, an obvious attempt to give them privacy in the small space, but he knew she was listening and just as interested in how the first full weekend was going.
“It was great. We watched a full season of Friends and just hung out and talked. She’s a really great kid.”
Yes, he knew that. “Isn’t that show a little old for her...?” He couldn’t remember the late nineties sitcom well, but he was fairly certain it contained adult themes.
“She said she’d watched Seinfeld with you, so I didn’t think Friends was any worse.”
Was it him or was there a note of challenging defiance in her tone?
“Hi, Dad!” Kaia said, reappearing from the bathroom.
He smiled, dismissing the issue of the show. It felt like forever since he’d seen Kaia and he was oddly relieved to see her in her jeans and a sweater, her hair in a ponytail, a chocolate milk mustache...looking exactly as she had before the weekend.
What had he been expecting? That she’d grow up in two days?
“Hey...good morning,” he said as she hugged him.
He squeezed tight, instantly feeling better about things. Maybe it would be okay.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I thought I’d take Diva for a run... But it looks like she’s still asleep, so I’ll come back later.”
Montana stood. “We have to get going. The mall is open now. Why don’t you stay, Tank? Cassie can show you the pictures we took of the new BASE jumping location.”
Cassie shot her a murderous look.
“You got it approved?” That fast?
“No,” Cassie said.
“Not yet,” Montana corrected, pulling on her light spring jacket. “I’ll see you later, Cass,” Montana said, obviously not wanting to stick around for the conversation. He’d talk to her later, when Kaia wasn’t around. He couldn’t believe they’d told Kaia about her plan. How did their little girl feel about her mother resuming the dangerous sport?
“Bye, Cass,” Kaia said. “I’ll see you at home later, Dad.”
“The mayor is actually considering approving the new site?” he asked when the door closed behind Montana and Kaia.
“Not yet. We need to file some paperwork...but we’re hoping Wild River will soon have the third legal jumping site in America.” He may have imagined Montana’s tone, but there was definitely an edge in Cassie’s.
Why was everyone irritated with him all of a sudden?
“Wow. That’s...wow.” Erika’s plan—whatever it was—obviously failed. Tank could only hope that the mayor had enough sense not to allow this to happen.
“Wow good or wow bad?”
“Does it matter? You and Montana will do what you want anyway.”
Cassie shut her laptop with a bang. “Can’t any of you just be happy that I may have found a way to help keep the doors open? First Erika tries to derail us by going to the mayor, then Reed with his big-brotherly advice, and now your attitude—I’m sick of it.”
“Cassie...”
“No. When Reed was going to give everything up to pursue Erika in Anchorage, I supported him. When Erika moved here, I supported her decision. Whenever you need anything—anything at all—I am there for you. Right now, I need support and the only one willing to give it is Montana.”
Tank moved toward her. “Not true.”
“Isn’t it?”
“No. If I remember correctly, you basically told me to butt out.”
“Because you weren’t being supportive.”
“Because I wasn’t saying what you wanted me to say. There’s a difference. And I’m sorry but I’m not going to simply jump on board with a venture that relies heavily on Montana. You I support completely. In everything. Her? I’m not as confident.”
“Her idea is a good one and she was even successful in talking the mayor into at least visiting the site and allowing us to complete the required paperwork. She really knows her stuff, Tank...”
He stepped toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “So do you. You’ve made this business what it is. You. Only you.” His pulse raced as his thumb stroked along her jawline. Her soft, silky skin flushed from her annoyance and the fiery look in her light blue eyes made her that much more beautiful. The stress of recent events had stolen his attention, but now, standing there, touching her, staring at her, he realized how much he missed her.
Her eyes dipped to his lips and he slowly brought her face to his. “I refuse to let Montana come between us,” he murmured against her lips.
Suddenly, he didn’t want anything between them. Not clothes, not space...nothing. He pulled her into him. His expression scanned hers for any sign of hesitation. He found none.
His lips met hers and he kissed her. Hard. Desperate. Just like the kiss in the bar, this one had all of his emotions rising to the surface. Years of wanting combined with the intense conflict between them the last few days made him abandon all common sense.
Sliding his hand into her hair, he deepened the kiss. He was desperate for something familiar and safe to grab ahold of as the ground beneath the foundations he’d built was unsteady.
Her soft moan against his lips had his body springing to life and he held her tighter against him. She tasted like coconut flavored lip gloss and minty mouthwash and he never wanted to stop kissing her. She was the air he’d been craving and all the comfort he’d been lacking.
She was the only thing that made everything feel like it would be okay.
He pulled back slowly, reluctantly, and leaned his head against her forehead. “I want my best friend back,” he said.
Cassie pulled away. The look of determination in her gorgeous eyes was almost frightening. “I want more than that.”
His heart still raced and his mouth went dry. “How much more?”
“What are you prepared to give?” she asked, sliding her hands up over his chest.
He was panicking. She’d never been this forthright about her feelings before. It felt like he had seconds to make a decision he hadn’t been able to make in five years. “Cassie... I don’t know...”
“Right now, I’d settle for your body.”
Could he take this next
step with her? He sure as hell wanted to...but bringing her back to his place and crossing the line would mean no turning back. Yet in that moment he didn’t give a damn about lines anymore. Life was already messy and complicated and the only thing he knew for sure was that he wanted Cassie. “Right now?”
She nodded, her gaze unflinching, her voice unwavering. “Right now.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TANK BACKED HER up against the wall in his hallway less than three minutes later. Bending, he scooped her up, and she wrapped her thighs around his waist. Supporting her weight with one arm draped beneath her ass, he trapped her hands above her head with the other. His mouth crushed hers and Cassie’s entire body melted. How many times had she fantasized about this huge man picking her up and kissing her like this? Their difference in size might look odd to others seeing them together, but it made for one hell of a turn-on when he could bench-press her with little effort.
She returned his kiss with all the passion she’d had to resist over the last several years. All the sexual frustration coming out in what had to be the hottest kiss in Wild River history. If global warming wasn’t a thing before, she was sure their chemistry could melt a few polar ice caps right now. He tasted so good and she couldn’t get enough of the feel of his chest and shoulder muscles beneath his sweater. Damn, he was so freaking hot! She was going after what she wanted and no matter what happened tomorrow or next week or next month—she wouldn’t regret this.
She’d only regret not getting the opportunity to be with him at all. Right now, she was giving in to what her body wanted. She’d worry about her heart later.
“You sure about this?” he asked.
Clearly he wasn’t. Not completely. Not yet...
Wrestling her hands free, she gripped Tank’s face, holding him even closer. He wasn’t getting away. She wanted to kiss him for hours. Never ever stop. Show him their connection. Prove to him that her feelings were real and so were his. No more denying them.
His hand slid beneath her sweater, creeping upward over her stomach, her ribs, then dipping beneath the underwire of her bra to cup her breast.
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