I pack snow into a nice, hard ball, and throw it, hitting Josh in the shoulder.
“Good shot!” Cara announces and joins me, scooping balls of snow and throwing them at the guys.
Seth gets into the spirit, throwing snowballs back at us while Thor barks encouragement.
“They’ve declared war, Dad!” Seth exclaims when Zack cuts the engine to the tractor and watches us.
“No, you did!” I yell and throw another snowball, hitting Zack square in the chest. He looks down at the snow on his coat and then narrows his eyes at me. “You woke us up!”
“How is Cara supposed to drive to work if we don’t plow?” Josh asks with a laugh and hops off the tractor.
“You didn’t have to plow this early,” she replies and throws another snowball. We duck and weave, avoiding the snow being hurled at us by Seth.
“This is a big ranch,” Zack says as he also jumps off the tractor and slowly advances toward us, ignoring the snow being flung at him. “We had to start early so we could get the other chores done too.”
“You woke us up,” I reply haughtily, but can’t smother the giggle that comes out when I hit Zack in the right shoulder, sending snow spraying up onto his face. He wipes his eyes on his sleeve and then slowly kneels to scoop up a ball of snow. “Oh shit.”
“We’re dead,” Cara agrees and giggles when Josh runs after her, tackling her before she can run into the house, tickling her and rubbing snow in her hair.
Zack stalks me slowly, his brown eyes pinned to mine, the dimple in his cheek winking at me as he tries to hold the laughter in.
“You don’t scare me,” I lie. I will not show fear. I clench my lips to keep from screaming as he advances. “I’m going inside.”
“Oh no, you’re not.” He catches me and shoves snow down my shirt.
“Oh my God!” I scream and run away from him. I grab snow and throw it haphazardly over my shoulder, missing him by at least six feet, and he laughs loudly.
“Is that all you got?” he taunts me.
“You’re a bully!” I laugh and try to get away, but suddenly Seth and Thor are there too, tossing snow and laughing, and I can’t take it anymore. I fall into the snow, on my back, heaving and laughing and wet. My eyes are closed for a moment, but when I open them, two brown-haired heads are staring down at me as Thor licks my cheek. “Uncle.”
“We won, Dad!” Seth and Zack high-five each other and Zack holds out a hand to help me out of the snow, but I shake my head.
“I’m comfortable.”
“Aren’t you freezing?” he asks with a frown.
“Yeah, but it’s not bad. I worked up a sweat kicking your ass.”
“I’m not the one on the ground, sugar.”
I giggle again and when he offers me his hand, I take it and pull him down onto the snow beside me.
“You were saying?”
He chuckles and looks over at me, flat on his back. “I never would have pegged you for someone to get dirty in the snow.”
“I’m not dirty,” I reply. “I’m wet.”
I laugh at the implication and see his brown eyes spark with awareness.
“You know what I mean,” I whisper.
“Yuck,” Seth grumbles. “Uncle Josh is kissing Aunt Cara again.”
We glance over to see that Josh has rolled them so he’s under Cara, taking the brunt of the cold, and they’re kissing like high school kids.
“Get a room!” I yell.
They laugh, then come over to help us out of the powder.
“That’ll teach you,” I say and toss my wet hair over my shoulder.
Cara mimics me and follows, stomping to the front door. As we step inside, I can hear the guys laughing. Cara shuts the door and we dissolve into giggles, high-five each other, and strip out of our boots and sopping-wet scarves.
Suddenly the door opens and Zack pokes his head in.
“Jilly, I’m taking you car-shopping today. I’ll come get you at noon, after I wrap some things up.”
“I have to work today.”
“You can work here,” Cara offers with a grin. “You brought your computer.”
I look back and forth between them and then sigh in defeat.
“Fine.”
Zack winks and shuts the door as Josh fires the beast back up.
“I’ll get the coffee brewing,” Cara offers. “We won’t be going back to sleep now.”
“You don’t have to go with me,” I insist as Zack and I drive back into town. “You’ve done enough. Josh called the guy to come fix the furnace and will meet him at my place in about an hour. I can take my old car to the dealer and trade it in.”
“I don’t mind,” he replies without glancing at me.
“If you’re worried that I’ll be taken advantage of because I’m a single woman buying a car—”
“That’s only part of it,” he interrupts and parks his truck on the street in front of my house. The snowplow blocked my car in again this morning. “You’re not driving that again.” He points to my little Honda and I bristle.
“It’s perfectly safe.”
“Not during a Montana winter, it isn’t. I’ll drive you in it and we’ll trade it in.”
“You’re very bossy,” I accuse him.
“Your point?” He cocks a brow and stares at me, and I can’t help but laugh and shake my head.
“Fine. Thanks. I have to shovel the driveway first. The car will never get through that mess.”
“Just take your stuff inside, Jill. I’ll shovel.”
“You’ve been shoveling since very early this morning.”
“It won’t kill me.”
He pushes out of the truck and I watch him walk around the hood to open my door for me.
The man moves effortlessly. The feel of his muscles and smooth skin under my hands will be forever branded on my brain.
I know what he looks like under those clothes, and it’s enough to make my heart skip several beats.
“Coming?” he asks.
Yes, please.
I just nod and hop out of the tall truck. He follows me inside with my bags, then leaves with my shovel to get to work on the driveway, but I refuse to be left out. I find another shovel and dig in, helping him. He scowls at me, but I shake my head.
“My driveway, my responsibility, Zack.”
“You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”
I smile widely and we continue to shovel in silence, working until it’s all clear and my car will have a fighting chance of making it out of the driveway.
“Okay, let’s go.”
I pass him the keys when he holds his hand out, unwilling to fight the issue, and settle into the passenger seat as he maneuvers us out of my drive and onto the street.
“Jesus, you drove this yesterday?”
“I drive this every day.”
He swears under his breath and carefully drives the fifteen miles or so to the next town over.
“What kind of car do you want?” he asks.
“I think a Ford.”
“Okay.” He nods and pulls into a Ford dealer, just off the highway.
Zack and I wander among the Ford SUVs until a salesman wanders out to ask us what we’re looking for.
“She needs something with all-wheel drive,” Zack begins before I can even open my mouth. “I’d rather she drive a V-8, but I know she’s going to want something that gets better gas mileage than that, so a V-6 is fine.”
The salesman nods and points to an Explorer.
“Wait,” I interrupt. “I do want those things, but I also want heated seats and a moonroof.”
Zack frowns down at me.
“And satellite radio,” I add.
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely, I have to have my tunes.”
“You don’t need those things, Jill. You need an independent front and rear suspension.”
“I need GPS.”
“You need antilock brakes.”
“They a
ll have antilock brakes.” I roll my eyes at him and his lips twitch but he keeps that stern look on his face.
God, I want to kiss him.
“How long have you two been together?” the salesman asks with a chuckle and Zack and I both freeze.
“Oh, we’re not together,” I rush to assure him. “We’re just friends.”
Zack doesn’t say anything at all, his jaw just ticks when he clenches it shut, and the salesman just shrugs and chuckles.
“Okay then. Sounds like the Edge might be a good fit for you.”
“Do you have red? That’s one of my must-haves.”
Zack mutters about women and their priorities as we’re shown to a beautiful red Edge that has all of my wants and Zack’s requirements.
I sit in the driver’s seat and sigh in contentment.
“I’ll take it.”
Zack shoots me a scowl. “Can we have a moment, please?”
“Sure, take your time.” The salesman leaves us be, sitting in the warm vehicle. I push the button for the seat warmer and grin when I feel my ass begin to warm up.
“My ass is warm.”
“It’s going to be when I put you over my knee and spank your ass.”
I gape at him and then laugh, holding the steering wheel in a death grip.
Just the thought of it has me squirming.
“What did I do wrong now?”
“ ‘I’ll take it’?” He rubs his fingers over his mouth and I can’t help but watch the motion.
“I want this car.”
“He’s a salesman, Jill. Jesus, play a little hard to get.”
And just like that my heart freezes.
“Thanks for reminding me that that’s not my strong suit.” My voice is hard and I hate that I can feel heat on my cheeks from embarrassment. “I’ll take it doesn’t mean he’ll get the price he’s asking for. I’m also a salesperson.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“You know, I don’t just jump into bed with men.” Dear God, shut up! Stop talking!
“Jilly, that’s not what I meant at all, damn it.”
I shake my head and move to open the door, but he grips my hand in his, stopping me.
“Of course I don’t think that about you. Jill . . .”
He cups my cheek in his palm and forces me to meet his gaze.
“Look . . .”
Before he can say any more, my phone rings in my pocket.
“Hold on.” I smile when I see Max’s name on the caller ID. “Hey, Max.”
Zack’s eyes narrow on mine as he watches me, listening unabashedly.
“Hey, Jill. I wanted to check in with you to make sure that you’re okay after our run-in yesterday.”
“Oh, I’m fine. It was a tiny dent. I’m actually at the dealership now, trading it in anyway.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Hey, let me make it up to you. I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight.”
“Really?” I bite my lip and watch Zack’s face redden, his jaw clench. Why is he so pissed?
“Sure, it’ll be fun to catch up. Sounds like there’s a lot of gossip to fill me in on.”
I smile. “There is. Sure, dinner sounds good.”
“Awesome. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Actually, I’ll just meet you at seven. Just text me and let me know where.”
“No problem. See you later, Jill.”
I click off and frown at Zack.
“What?”
“You know, Max always was a womanizer.”
“So?”
“Are you sure you want to go out with someone like that?” He crosses his arms over his chest and won’t look me in the eye now. Our moment before Max’s call is over.
“It’s just dinner, Zack. There’s no ring on my finger.”
“It’s your call.”
“Damn right it is.”
He turns his head and pins me in his brown stare. He looks angry and frustrated and hurt.
“Zack . . .”
“Let’s go take care of the paperwork.” He pushes out of the car, shutting it firmly behind him, and stalks off toward the office, leaving me to follow behind him.
What the hell is wrong with him?
When I join Zack and the salesman—Bob Larue—in the office, we all sit at the desk and get to business.
“Okay,” Bob begins. “Here is the sticker price.”
“I’m going to make this very easy for you,” I reply before Zack can. I push the window sticker back to Bob, pull a pen and paper out of my handbag, write down a figure, push it to him, and smile. “That’s what I’ll pay, including tax and license, and my trade-in.”
Bob scowls and looks at Zack, who just shrugs and sits back, letting me take control.
“I’ll have to run it by my boss.”
“Of course.” I smile sweetly. When he’s gone, I sigh. “I hate this part.”
“You’re doing just fine. Maybe you didn’t need me after all.”
I chuckle. “I’m glad you came.”
Bob sits back behind his desk and passes the paper back to me with a much higher figure on it.
“Now, that’s with a couple rebates that my boss was able to come up with for you.”
“Okay.” I turn to Zack. “Are you ready to go?”
“Where are you going?” Bob asks nervously.
“To a different dealership, Bob.” I smile and lean over his desk. “I’m a woman, not a moron. I knew exactly what I wanted when I walked onto this lot, and I’ve done my research. I know you can match the fair price I wrote on that paper. I see that neither you nor your boss is taking this sale seriously, so I’ll go to someone who will.”
Zack smiles serenely as we turn to leave.
“Wait,” Bob says. “Let me go talk to him again.”
“I’ll give you five more minutes of my time,” I reply coldly.
“By the way, have you secured financing?” Bob asks.
“I’m paying with a check.”
Bob nods and walks away and Zack cocks an eyebrow in question.
“I just received a decent commission from the last house I sold in LA.”
“Good for you.”
Bob returns a few minutes later with a smile. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a new car.”
I smile widely and lean over to kiss Zack’s cheek in excitement.
“I have a new car!”
“Looks that way,” Zack agrees with a smile.
“Now I just need your autograph about five hundred times,” Bob says with a wink.
CHAPTER
Four
“Hey, it’s good to see you,” Max says as he rises from his seat in the downtown restaurant and kisses me on the cheek.
“Thanks, you too.” I grin and take in his dark blue sweater and black slacks, the way they cover his lean body and muscular arms. He pulls my seat out for me, then sits down again across from me. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
“Nope, just got here.” He grins. “You look great.”
“Thank you.” I wrinkle my nose and order a Diet Coke when the waitress stops by to take our drink order. “So, how are you, Max?”
“I’m good.” He sits back in his seat and watches me with happy eyes. “You know, you haven’t changed a bit since high school. It’s crazy.”
“Oh, looks are deceiving, my friend.” I glance down at my menu, make my decision, and set it aside. “Where have you been living? Last I heard was Portland.”
“I did live in Portland for a while.” Max nods. “I’m based out of Seattle now, but like I said yesterday, I think I’ll be moving back home soon.”
“What do you do?” I ask and sip my soda.
“I’m a programmer.”
“As in computers?” I ask and cock my head.
“Yes, but I work with software. I recently sold two programs to Google.”
I feel my eyes go wide in surprise and then I smile and clap my hands. “That’s awesome, Max! Good for y
ou. What kind of programs?”
“They’re ranching programs, actually. Bringing farming and ranching into the new millennium.” He shrugs as if he’s embarrassed and twists his glass of scotch on the table. “So I may be in the market for a new house.”
“I happen to know someone who sells houses,” I tease him. “What are you looking for?”
“Something newer, not in the heart of town. I’d like to be close to Jenna in case she needs me.” He shrugs again and his cheeks heat. “Price isn’t really an issue.”
“I’ll see what’s available and email you a list if you’d like.”
He nods. “Thanks, I’d appreciate it.”
“How is your sister?” I ask after the waitress takes our order.
“Jenna’s great. I worry about her being up on the mountain alone, though. Especially in winter.”
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about her B and B,” I say.
“She’s done a great job with it.” He turns bright green eyes to mine and offers me a half grin. “Tell me about you.”
“I just moved back myself,” I inform him. “Moved back this summer from LA.”
“Why the move?”
I cringe inwardly. I’ve only told Cara about the fiasco that was my life in LA. I’m not baring my soul to Max.
“It was time to be closer to family,” I tell him. “I missed Montana.”
“Me too. Although snowstorms like yesterday make me wonder why.”
“No kidding.”
“Did you get a new car?”
“Yes, a new Ford. It’s red and shiny and the seat keeps my ass warm. I love it.”
Max laughs and leans toward me. He’s so handsome, with his wide smile and gorgeous eyes. He’s successful and intelligent and kind. Please, God, let there be some kind of awareness when he touches me.
“That was your laundry list of requirements?” he asks and covers my hand with his, and I’m disappointed that there is no spark, no sense of awareness.
Damn it! A nice, hot guy is interested in me, and I feel zilch.
Typical.
“Pretty much,” I shrug and slowly pull my hand out from under his. He notices, but doesn’t say anything and I sip my soda in relief. We spend the next hour chatting about our hometown and mutual friends, enjoying our meal.
“Wow, Ty and Lauren Cunningham,” Max comments as he polishes off his chocolate soufflé.