“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.”
“I’m not so sure,” Montana told her. “She was pretty upset. The thing is, I don’t know why. We’re talking about something that happened over thirty-five years ago. No one cares about that.”
Nevada sat up. “She does. What we don’t know is why. Want us to all go talk to her?”
“No. I’m going to wait a little longer, then go see her myself. One of the things she told me was that she doesn’t want us talking about her and Max. So having us bring it up might make things worse.”
Dakota motioned for Montana to return to the bathroom. After the now-cool rollers were removed, Montana bent at the waist and finger-combed her hair. When it was fluffed sufficiently, Dakota sprayed.
Montana straightened, smoothed her hair in place, then covered her face with her hands for the second spraying.
“You look amazing,” Nevada said, sounding impressed. “Maybe I should grow my hair out.”
Montana fingered the long, curly hair that tumbled well past her shoulders. Going back to her natural blond color last year had been the right decision. “Thanks,” she said, hoping Simon would be blown away.
Dakota leaned against the counter. “You’re crazy about him, aren’t you?”
“I am. I should have been more careful, but I wasn’t and now every time we’re together, I wonder how much longer we’ll have before he leaves.”
“You’re sure he’s going?” Nevada asked.
“Yes. He’d already made plans to go to Peru. That’s next. He’s working on the assignment after that. It could be anywhere from Appalachia to Pakistan.”
“Have you talked to him about it?” Dakota asked.
“More than once.”
She wasn’t comfortable telling them that Simon believed that one of the prices of his gift was that he had to always be on the move. Especially since she didn’t think that came close to the heart of the matter. His wound went deeper. How could he trust—truly trust—after what he’d been through as a child? Distance was safe.
“I know he’s lonely and that he wants to belong. He just won’t let himself.”
“Given what happened to him when he was a kid, I’m not surprised,” Nevada said. “Rules help. They create boundaries. The last thing this guy wants is something out of his control. His mother got out of control and look what happened. Caring is messy and unpredictable. His way keeps him safe. Sure, he misses out on a lot, but even that discomfort doesn’t surprise him. He knows what to expect.”
Both Montana and Dakota turned to stare at her.
“What?” Nevada demanded.
“That was very insightful,” Dakota told her.
“I may not have a Ph.D. in psychology, but I’m not a complete idiot when it comes to relationships.”
“Apparently not,” Dakota said with a grin.
There was a knock on the door.
Montana’s stomach tightened. She walked to the front of the house, and pulled open the door.
She took in the well-tailored, dark suit, the blinding white shirt and the red power tie. But what really caught her attention was the look of admiration and lust on Simon’s face.
“Hi,” she said, stepping back to let him in. “I’m ready. I just have to get my bag.”
He grabbed her arm. “Montana,” he said, his voice husky. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.”
She returned to the bedroom and found her sisters standing in the doorway, listening.
“I was hoping for more,” Nevada said. “That he would be overwhelmed and have sex with you right there on the sofa.”
“Not with you two listening.”
“We would have let ourselves out the back.”
Montana pushed between them and grabbed her small clutch. “You still can.” She grinned. “Besides, you didn’t see the look on his face.”
Dakota laughed. “Point taken. Have fun. Call and tell us all the details.”
“I will,” Montana promised, and returned to the living room. “I’m ready.”
“Me, too,” Simon said with a sigh. “I’d prefer to stay here for a while, but if we’re too late, they’ll get suspicious.”
She thought about mentioning the fact that her sisters were standing in her bedroom, but then decided he didn’t need to know that. Besides, there was always later. “Rain check?”
“Absolutely.”
SIMON USUALLY HATED these kinds of events. He wasn’t a party guy and had always preferred quiet conversation over loud music. However, this fundraiser seemed to be better than most. For one thing, he knew a surprising number of people attending.
The mayor had greeted him at the door. Most of the ladies from his recent lunch were there, along with much of the hospital staff. His recent return to good temper meant that the nurses were now speaking to him. But the biggest difference was Montana.
He’d never attended something like this with a date before. Not only was she the most beautiful woman in the room, she had a social ease that made him feel more comfortable. She knew everyone, knew their children or their parents. She asked the right questions, smiled and laughed in the right places.
“You must be finding a lot to enjoy in our city,” an older woman said, looking more than a little determined. “Fool’s Gold has so much to offer.”
Before Simon could sidestep the implication, Montana spoke. “I’ve been showing him all over town,” she said easily. “Have you been out to the vineyards lately? I think this is going to be our biggest harvest ever.” She turned to Simon. “Grape harvesting is always a huge event in town.”
She returned her attention to the woman. “Now, which of the festivals is closest to the grape harvest?”
And as easily as that, they were talking about wine and grapes and tourists. The pressure to get Simon to stay, forgotten.
“You’re very good,” he told her, when they escaped yet another determined citizen.
“The art of distraction. I’ve been practicing.”
“I appreciate it.”
“I’m a full-service girlfriend. You might have noticed.”
Girlfriend. It wasn’t a word he used in the context of any relationship he’d ever had, but she was right.
He picked up her hand and kissed her palm.
A waiter passed carrying a tray of champagne. Simon collected a glass for each of them.
They were in the ballroom of the hotel up on the mountain. It was an elegant resort designed with comfort in mind. Chandeliers glittered overhead. A small band played in a corner and the sound of conversation competed with the music. French doors led out onto a patio. Beyond that was an acre or so of grass before the mountains rose toward the sky.
He returned his attention to Montana. As always, he wanted her. He couldn’t be in the same room with her and not desire her. But more than that, he enjoyed her company. She was both arousing and comforting. A delicious contradiction.
The music shifted to something slow and sexy.
“Dance with me?” he asked.
She raised her eyebrows. “You don’t strike me as the dancing type.”
“I’m not. But I’d like to dance with you.” He took the glass from her hand and set it on a small table, then led the way to the dance floor at the far end of the ballroom.
“Do you know what you’re doing?” she asked. “Do you want me to lead?”
He took her in his arms and led her through a series of complicated steps. She followed easily.
“Wow,” she said.
“When I was in the hospital, several of the nurses would dance with me. It was an easy way to get exercise. They swore one day I would find the girl I wanted to dance with. I didn’t think it was ever going to happen.”
He’d never told anyone about that before, had never had any reason to use his waltzing skills.
“You’re pretty good yourself,” he said. “What’s your excuse?”
“Mom made us take lessons. Just the girls. It was very sexist of her.”
“I think it’s sweet.”
“You didn’t have three brothers making fun of you.”
“I’m confident you and your sisters were able to handle them.”
“We were, but that’s not the point.”
He bent his head and kissed her cheek then kissed her jaw. He moved his mouth against the side of her neck, across her shoulder. Her skin was warm and smelled like some exotic flower. He felt her body pressing against his and knew there was something to be said for dancing, after all. “What is the point?” he asked, referring to her previous statement.
She blinked at him. “I have no idea what we were talking about.”
He laughed. “I like that you’re easy.”
“I’m actually not. Or I guess I am, but only around you.”
He stopped dancing and looked into her eyes. “It’s the same for me, too.”
Someone bumped into them. Simon pulled her against him and began dancing again.
They danced to several more songs, drank champagne and tasted the hors d’oeuvres. He debated bond measures for local schools with the town treasurer and discussed jail versus community service with the police chief. When Montana excused herself to use the restroom, he was deep in conversation with the mayor.
“Kent and I were wondering if we could borrow the good doctor.”
Simon found himself between Kent and Ethan Hendrix.
“Of course,” Mayor Marsha said and walked away.
“Having a good time?” Ethan asked, leading Simon out the French doors and onto the lawn.
There were fewer people here. The sun had set and the stars had come out, but he didn’t think they had left the ballroom to look at the view.
“How can I help you?”
Ethan and Kent exchanged a look.
“We want to talk about Montana. At the risk of sounding like a cowboy in an old Western, what are your intentions?”
Montana was in her late twenties, had lived on her own for years and would probably shriek if she knew what her brothers were asking. But Simon got the point. These men cared about her and wanted to make sure she was taken care of.
“I’m not discussing my personal life with you.”
“Sure you are. Montana says you’re one of the good guys. Don’t make her a liar.” The dramatic statement was tempered by Ethan’s obvious sincerity.
But there were no bad guys here. He was leaving. Simon’s stay had always been temporary. He was no threat, nor was he a permanent fixture in their sister’s life.
He’d made it clear that he was leaving, hadn’t he? Still, when she called herself his girlfriend, he’d let her. And he’d been pleased. He’d mentioned he might come back to visit. Was she thinking he meant more than that?
He’d screwed up, he realized. He’d misled her in the most fundamental of ways and never realized it until now.
“Excuse me,” he said, pushing past them and returning to the ballroom.
He wove his way through the crowd, searching for the gorgeous blonde in a short black dress. The woman he planned on making love with later that night. The woman who haunted his dreams and drove him crazy every time he saw her.
He found her talking to Charity Golden.
“Hello, Charity. Do you mind if I talk to Montana for a moment?”
“Of course not.”
“Thanks.”
He took Montana’s hand and led her out of the ballroom. Not outside where her brothers might still be waiting, but back toward the entrance. He found a quiet alcove and faced her.
“Is everything all right?” she asked.
He stared into her dark eyes, searching for the truth. “Do you love me?”
Her mouth parted slightly and she flushed. For a second she said nothing, then she raised her chin and spoke. “Yes, Simon, I love you.”
The words were like a kick to his gut. His muscles tensed and he found it hard to breathe.
He should’ve seen this coming, he thought as he turned his back on her. He swore under his breath. What the hell had he been thinking? She wasn’t anything like the women he was used to. Not cold, not calculating, not familiar with a man like him. He’d been nothing but selfish, thinking only of himself, of what he wanted.
He turned back to her. Her mouth curved up into a shaky smile.
“Your reaction tells me this isn’t the best of news.”
“Montana,” he began, then stopped. What was he supposed to say? How could he make this right?
His phone vibrated in his jacket pocket.
He pulled it out and flipped it open. There was a text message. Even as he began to read it, his phone rang.
“It’s Kalinda,” he said.
She gave him a push. “Go.”
He was already running, heading back to the hospital.