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Mae stands from the stool where she’s sat and holds out her hand as though she’s eager to shake mine. “Thank you for helping me tonight. I needed him to go away, and you made him go away. I also agreed to help you with the whole party thing, and I’ll hold up my end of the bargain. But tonight… it’s over, Luke. Have a safe drive home.”
“I respect your opinion, but I think I should stay. What if he’s watching the house? He was crazy enough to come up here this late already.”
Her eyes roll. “I have locks on my doors and the police are just a call away. Besides, you said it yourself, he won’t come back.”
“I did say that, didn’t I?” I blow out a heavy breath and stare at her. “You’re going to be okay. I’m only a call away as well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“In the morning?”
“Tomorrow is the Christmas Party. It’s Saturday.”
“Shit. Tomorrow is the Christmas party. I don’t know who I have to watch Joshy. I think my sister has to work and there’s no one else in my life. I—”
“He’s welcome to come.”
“No. I don’t want to confuse him. I’ll figure something out.”
“I have a guy at the lodge that owes me a favor. He can help out.”
She laughs. “No. Thanks, but no.”
I nod and walk toward the door. “If you change your mind, let me know. I can find someone for you. That or we can do this in a way that doesn’t have to confuse him.”
She leans against the door frame as I stand out on the porch. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll meet you at the bakery, at nine. It’s a good central location.”
She nods as I step off the porch and head for my truck. A good man would go home and respect her wishes. Trouble is, I’m not a good guy. I’ve known that all my life, and I don’t plan on leaving tonight. I’m staying right here on the edge of the woods, watching her until morning.
Chapter Three
Mae
“I’ll give you anything. Please!” There’s a pleading in my tone that I save for dire situations, but my sister isn’t picking up on it.
“I want to help, but I have to work. You know how Clyde can be. The rodeo is in town, and they’re doing all that Christmas stuff. I don’t think I could take Josh.” She lets out a sigh. “Why did you agree to do this, anyway? You should quit. That guy is the biggest scrooge in town. Well, almost. Clyde might want a shot at his title.”
I laugh. “Clyde is most definitely not grumpier than Luke. Clyde is all old-fashioned and rugged. Men like him have a soft center. Luke is hard all the way through.”
“You like hard men, don’t you?” I can almost see her smile through the phone. “Hard men turn you on. Is that what this is about?”
“What? No! He’s old and bossy and no… just no.”
“Whatever. He’s also sexy as hell. Don’t you ever wonder what he looks like without that suit jacket on? Or what he’d do to you in the bedroom? I imagine he’s into some shades of gray…” She laughs at her own joke.
“I think this is called transference. You have a thing for Clyde so you think I must have a thing for Luke.”
“Whatever! Clyde is a showboat, and that’s not my thing. Though, I don’t have a problem admitting he looks great in tight jeans and a pair of boots. You could take a page from my book if we’re being honest with each other.”
“Okay, that’s enough.” I try to think of something to bite back with but now all I’m imagining is Luke bending me over or telling me to get on my knees. I’d gladly do both, though I think I’d hate myself afterward. “I should go. I have to figure out what to do with Josh today.”
“Call me after this mess. I’m dying to know every detail of the train wreck. Oh, and Clyde and I are doing carriage rides up at the lodge until midnight, so if you guys get bored or just want to come introduce your sister… you’re welcome.”
I roll my eyes. “We’ll see. Love you!”
She replies with love, and I hang up the phone, staring out the window into the woods. It’s a bright winter morning, and the sun is bouncing off the snow, glistening against the window frame, casting light inside. There’s soft snow falling amidst the cedar and pine as the last remaining birds call from the distance.
I drag in a deep breath and stare out the window, studying the scene for a bit before turning around. Josh is standing in the doorway, holding the truck that he’s carried with him for years. He says it reminds him of his grandfather’s. He passed away two years ago, leaving behind an old Silverado that still needs fixing. Heck, that thing needed fixing even while he was driving it. Many of Josh’s first memories are hanging over the engine with him, trying to find the spark plug that was giving him trouble.
