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Because she sure as hell isn’t staying on my ranch.
* * *
Standing at the kitchen window in her tiny cabin, Grace looked at the mountains. It was breathtaking and vast and brutal and completely unknowable to her.
Everything here is different. The fresh, clean air, the adventure-seeking people, and the constant edge of danger. It wasn’t just a stream—it was a rushing, frothing river. It wasn’t just a mountain—it was a jagged block of granite that had been violently uplifted six million years ago.
She couldn’t even contain her excitement—I get to stay in Calamity and bake my pastries.One summer. Eight weeks.
The only other time she’d done something for herself was when she’d dropped out of college and gone to culinary school. She’d felt tremendous guilt because her family didn’t need her to learn anything fancy. They served what they served. That would never change.
We know our customers, honey.
That’s the key to success, knowing your customers and giving them what they want.
She’d done it for herself. But just like the switch to culinary school, something in her spirit called to take this opportunity, to stay here in Calamity. Sure, she’d make the churros and doughnuts, but the idea that she could spend an entire summer baking pastries—the gorgeous, creamy mousses, the crunchy pâte à choux, and the elegant curls of chocolate she used to decorate…well.I have to do it.
Where will I live, though?
She’d caught Jaime’s horrified expression of,Oh, no. My hookup’s going to be in my face every day?She’d wanted to tell him right there in front of everyone not to worry, she wouldn’t become some needy stalker. She’d rather eat a Twinkie than beg a man to want her.
Whatever. I’ll find a place. Between the four Bowie brothers, Brodie thought they’d be able to find a place for her.
So, okay. I’m doing this.
Time to call Mom.
This is going to suck. But before she could pick up her phone, someone knocked at the door. Expecting to see a little girl with blond hair, she reared back to find Jaime. His presence took up all the space in the doorway.
First, embarrassment hit. He’d come over to tell her she couldn’t stay. What else could it be when he wore that steely expression?
But underneath that, a tiny bud of hope sprang to life. It barely had a pulse, but it beat with a yearning to be with him. A whole summer with Jaime Dupree.
And that just pissed her off. She had to stop with these stupid, fanciful ideas. “Don’t worry. I’m leaving.” She had a smile on her face because screw him. She was not going to stand there and listen to him tell her he’d had a great time but that he wasn’t looking for something serious right now. “Brodie’s got a place for me.” At least, she hoped he did.
“No. He doesn’t.” He said it grimly, like it was the worst thing in the world. He motioned to get past her. “Can I come in?”
While she’d rather slam the door in his face, he did own the place, so she stepped aside. “Of course.”
He took in the suitcase, the dishes on the drying rack, and the vacuum cleaner she’d left out.
She wanted to say,See? I’m going. But he’d just dropped some pretty terrible news. “Did he tell you that? Because he said he was sure they’d have somewhere for me to stay. If this is about money, I’m willing to pay rent. Ian might’ve emptied my savings, but I do have money in my checking account.”
“It’s not that. Rosie’s family’s in town, and security won’t let them stay in hotels.”
“Security? Are they famous?”
“She’s a princess. Her parents are the king and queen of St. Christophe.”
“You’re kidding me. Rosie’s aprincess? That’s the wildest thing I’ve ever heard.” Although, now that she thought about it, the blond, slender beauty had a regal air about her.Yeah, I can see that. “Okay, well, I’ll get on my laptop and start looking for a place.”
“No, it’s fine. These cabins are just sitting here empty.” He let out a big exhale. “You can stay here. But—”
Oh, God. Here it comes.
“Look, I have to be honest with you.” He sounded so tortured.
I know, I know. You had a great time, but you’re not looking for a repeat of the other night.
